JP7650909B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to gaming machines.

The gaming machine is configured to be able to switch between a game (play) in a general game state and a game in a special game state (AT, ART, etc.) that is more advantageous to the player than the general game state. Patent Document 1 states that the number of games in the special game state is increased until the number of games in the special game state is consumed.

JP 2020-22600 A

This disclosure provides a gaming machine that allows players to experience the fun of playing the game.

The first aspect is a gaming machine that includes a game control unit capable of executing a process of multiple times executing a decision process for deciding whether or not to grant a multiplier that can be used to grant a benefit, and a process of determining the amount of benefit to be granted using the multiplier determined by executing the decision process multiple times, the decision process executed multiple times includes a first decision process and a second decision process executed after the first decision process, each of the decision processes has multiple candidates for the multiplier and determines whether or not to grant one multiplier selected from the multiple candidates, and the combination of the multiple candidates or the average multiplier of the multiple candidates in the first decision process is different from the combination of the multiple candidates or the average multiplier of the multiple candidates in the second decision process.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that allows players to experience the excitement of playing the game.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a slot machine and a card unit. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of symbols on a spinning reel. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating state transitions in the first game state. A figure explaining the state transition in the second game state. A diagram explaining the state transition of a game area. A diagram explaining the connection/communication relationship between the main control board, the game value control board, and the sub-control board. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a game flow of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment. A figure showing an example of a presentation executed in the add-on determination process. A diagram showing the flow of presentation of the multiplier determination process. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of multiple magnification candidates included in each of the first, second, and third magnification determination processes. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a pseudo table relating to a number of candidate multipliers and the probability of awarding each of the multipliers for each of the first, second, and third multiplier determination processes. This figure shows an example of a problem that occurs when there is an upper limit to the added difference in number of coins. A figure showing an example of a presentation in the add-on determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing the add-on determination process for the slot machine 1. 13 is a flowchart showing the add-on determination process for the slot machine 1.

[Embodiment]
A slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of a gaming machine of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "connection" includes a case where connection targets are directly connected to each other and a case where connection targets are indirectly connected to each other via another board, device, etc.

In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is an example of a reel-type gaming machine that does not use physically existing medals, but handles the quantity of gaming value (number of medals) as electronic data. Unlike conventional slot machines, the slot machine 1 does not require the insertion and payment of actual medals, and allows the game to proceed using pseudo gaming media that have been converted into electronic data as gaming value data. Such slot machines 1 are called medal-less machines, Smart Slot (registered trademark), sealed reel gaming machines, etc.

The pseudo game medium, i.e., the game value, increases or decreases as the game progresses. Therefore, the player can play without having to hold actual medals, and while playing, the player can also check the amount of game value he or she has by looking at the credit display on the slot machine 1.

Figure 1 is a front view of the slot machine 1 described above. As shown in Figure 2, this slot machine 1 is connected to a card unit 9 so that it can communicate with the card unit 9. Below, we will first explain the card unit 9.

<Card unit configuration>
The card unit 9 (corresponding to an external device) is a device capable of executing processes relating to lending of gaming value to the slot machine 1 and returning of gaming value from the slot machine 1 .

Although not shown, the outer surface of the card unit 9 is provided with an opening for inserting cash, an opening for inserting/removing a card, a display panel capable of displaying instructions for inputting a PIN number and a loan balance, a gaming value loan button, and a card ejection button. Inside the card unit 9, in addition to an I/F for communication with the slot machine 1, a cash management mechanism 91, a card management mechanism 92, and a card unit side control unit 93 are provided as shown in FIG. 2.

The cash management mechanism 91 introduces, detects, and accumulates bills inserted through the cash insertion opening inside the card unit 9.

The card management mechanism 92 introduces and stores a card inserted through the card insertion/ejection opening, and ejects the card from the insertion/ejection opening when the card ejection button is operated.

The card unit side control unit 93 is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The card unit side control unit 93 controls the operation of the cash management mechanism 91 and the card management mechanism 92, processes the lending of gaming value, authenticates cards, and reads and writes data from cards.

The operation process of the cash management mechanism 91 includes a process of operating the cash management mechanism 91 so that the inserted banknote is introduced into the card unit 9, a process of issuing an error notification if the inserted banknote becomes jammed inside the cash management mechanism 91, and a process of adding the game value corresponding to the inserted banknote to the current loan balance and temporarily storing the result in RAM.

The operation process of the card management mechanism 92 includes a process of operating the card management mechanism 92 so that the inserted card is introduced into the card unit 9, a process of operating the card management mechanism 92 so that the card is ejected in response to the operation of the card ejection button, and the like.

The game value lending process includes a process of transmitting data on the game value to be lent to the slot machine 1 in response to the operation of the lending button. During this transmission, the game value to be lent is also subtracted from the game value data of the remaining loan balance temporarily stored in the RAM of the card unit 9.

The card authentication process includes a process for determining whether or not the entered PIN matches the PIN written on the card when the PIN is entered via the display panel when the card is inserted into the insertion/ejection opening. If the card unit side control unit 93 determines that there is a match, it allows the authenticated card to be continued to be used, but if it determines that there is a mismatch, it may not allow the authenticated card to be continued to be used (restrict its use).

The process of reading data from the card includes reading the gaming value data if it is written on the card, and temporarily storing it in RAM as the loan balance.

The process of writing to the card includes a process of receiving the game value data transferred to the card unit 9 in response to the operation of the counting button 46 (described below) of the slot machine 1, temporarily storing the data in RAM, and then writing the data to the card in response to the operation of the card eject button. If game value data has already been written to the card when the card eject button is operated, the card unit side control unit 93 adds the game value received from the slot machine 1 to the data and writes it to the card (update process).

As a result, when the card ejection button on the card unit 9 is operated, a card on which at least one of the player's gaming value and loan balance data is written is ejected from the card insertion/ejection opening.

The card unit 9 is also connected to be able to communicate with devices other than the slot machine 1, such as a hall computer and a unit management computer (not shown). Various information related to the slot machine 1, such as information on advantageous game states including the number of games played in advantageous game states (AT, CZ, special role (bonus) implementation state, etc.), changes in the amount of game value, the number of games played, and the ratio of roles, is sent from the card unit 9 to the hall computer and the unit management computer.

<Configuration of Slot Machine>
As shown in Fig. 1, a slot machine 1, which is a medal-less machine, has a housing 10. A front door 100 is provided on the front side of the housing 10.

A keyhole is provided near the right end of the front door 100 when viewed from the front. A key for locking or unlocking the front door 100 and the housing 10 can be inserted into the keyhole. The front door 100 and the housing 10 are kept locked during play, so the player cannot access the inside of the housing 10. In addition, since the slot machine 1 is a medal-less machine, there is no need to provide a selector or hopper device inside the housing 10, and the operation of the store staff to replenish real medals during play is omitted. Therefore, during play, except when an error occurs in the slot machine 1, the store staff will not unlock the front door 100 and the housing 10 in principle. When the store staff performs setting change work, setting value confirmation work, maintenance work, etc., the front door 100 and the housing 10 are unlocked, and the front door 100 can be rotated relative to the housing 10. This allows the store staff to access the inside of the housing 10.

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

Above the reel window 200, there are provided an LCD screen 3, a speaker 102, and an illumination unit 103 for various effects during play. The LCD screen 3, the speaker 102, and the illumination unit 103 correspond to the notification unit.

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

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

The illumination unit 103 lights up or goes out in a predetermined pattern, for example, when a highly anticipated presentation screen is displayed or when a winning combination is achieved.

The operation unit 4 is provided below the reel window 200. The operation unit 4 is provided in a position where it can be seen and touched by the player. The operation unit 4 includes a number of stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, a bet switch 41, a lever 42, a medium display unit 43, a game information display unit 44, a cancel button 45, a counting button 46, and a performance button 47.

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

A lamp may be provided inside each stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c. The lamp may indicate, for example, by a color change, that the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c are in an inoperative state from the time the lever 42 is operated until each reel 20a, 20b, 20c reaches a steady rotation state. The lamp may also indicate, by a color change from the above, that the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c are in an operable state from the time each reel 20a, 20b, 20c reaches a steady rotation state until the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c are operated.

The bet switch 41 is used when betting game value. In this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which a predetermined number of game values that can be played once (e.g., three coins) is automatically bet by pressing the bet switch 41 once.

The lever 42 functions as a start switch that accepts operation to rotate each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. Note that for the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to start, a "wait condition" must be met that requires an interval of at least a minimum play time (approximately 4.1 seconds) between the start of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c in the previous game and the start of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c in the next game. Therefore, when the lever 42 is operated, each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c will start after this wait condition is met.

The medium display unit 43 displays the amount of gaming value (hereinafter also referred to as the number of credits) and the amount of gaming value paid out managed by the medium management unit 620 of the slot machine 1, and is composed of, for example, multiple seven segments.

In this embodiment, the "number of payouts of gaming value" does not mean that actual medals are paid out to the outside of the slot machine 1, but rather that the gaming value increases based on the winning combination established by the internal lottery. In other words, the number of payouts of gaming value means that the numerical value of the pseudo gaming medium converted into electronic data increases.

In this embodiment, the number of credits is set to a credit upper limit. This credit upper limit is not related to the operation process of the complete function described below, and is used in a notification process to prompt the player to transfer the game value to the card unit 9 when the amount of game value being managed is relatively large. This notification process will be described later in "- Medium Management Unit -".

The game information display unit 44 displays information related to the game other than the information displayed on the medium display unit 43, and is composed of LEDs, lamps, seven-segment displays, etc. The information displayed by the game information display unit 44 includes the number of game value bets in one game, whether or not a special role is being implemented, whether a replay (replay) has been won, and if an operation mode role is won during the AT or ART, the code corresponding to the correct operation mode of that operation mode role, etc.

The cancel button 45 can accept an operation to change a betted game value to a non-betted state. For example, when the cancel button 45 is operated when the betted game value is 1 or more, the media management unit 620 described below updates the betted game value to "0" and adds the game value bet just before it became "0" to the managed game value. As a result, the number of credits displayed by the media display unit 43 increases by the amount of the betted game value. In other words, the cancel button 45 can be said to be a button for causing the media management unit 620 to execute a bet release process that changes the bet state to a non-bet state and returns the betted game value to the number of credits.

The bet cancellation process based on the operation of the cancel button 45 is valid when a bet has been placed but the lever 42 has not yet been operated, and is invalid from when the lever 42 is operated until the game based on the operation of the lever 42 ends. In this embodiment, the cancel button 45 is located near the bet switch 41.

The counting button 46 can accept an operation to transfer the game value data managed by the media management unit 620 of the slot machine 1 from the media management unit 620 to the card unit 9. For example, when the counting button 46 is operated when the managed game value is 1 or more, the media management unit 620 subtracts the managed game value towards 0. The data of the subtracted game value is sent to the card unit 9.

The amount of subtraction from the managed game value when the count button 46 is operated once may be determined in advance, for example, to be "1" or "50." Also, the managed game value may continue to be subtracted while the count button 46 is continuously operated.

In this embodiment, the count button 46 is located on the side of the operation unit 4 that is closer to the card unit 9 when viewed from the front of the slot machine 1. This makes it easier for the player to understand that the count button 46 is a button related to the card unit 9, and also makes the flow of operations from pressing the count button 46 until the card is ejected from the card unit 9 smoother.

The counting button 46 may also be provided with a lamp inside or around the button 46 that changes its light color before and after operation.

The effect button 47 is a button that is used by the player when playing a game to set the volume, check game data, and set various other menu settings related to the game. The effect button 47 may also be pressed by the player during play depending on the effect. When the effect button 47 is pressed during play, a change occurs in the effect.

In addition, a lamp capable of emitting light in various colors and patterns may be provided inside the effect button 47. The lamp is lit when the effect button 47 is in an operable state, and is not lit when the effect button 47 is in an invalid state. In addition, when the operation of the effect button 47 is triggered to output a winning notification effect for a favorable game state such as a special role or AT, the lamp can also flash rapidly in a color different from when it is normally lit, such as red or rainbow colors.

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

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

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the reel unit 2 includes three reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and three stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c. The reel unit 2 is arranged inside the housing 10 in a manner corresponding to the position of the reel window 200. As shown in Fig. 3, each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c has a plurality of patterns (symbols) arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the reel 20a, 20b, and 20c. The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided in correspondence with the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and drive the corresponding reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

The stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c stop the rotation of the reels 20a, 20b, 20c corresponding to the operated stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c within 190 ms after the stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c is operated while the reels 20a, 20b, 20c are rotating. The stepping motors 21a, 21b, 21c rotate once in 504 steps. As a result, the reels 20a, 20b, 20c rotate at a speed of 80 rotations per minute. In other words, the number of steps that can be advanced within 190 ms is 127.

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

The reset button 71 is operated to clear various errors and initialize the RAM that constitutes the control unit 6. For example, when the power of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the reset button 71 is pressed, the amount of game value managed by the media management unit 620 of the slot machine 1 is cleared to "0", and the second game state of the slot machine 1 is set to the "general game state" and the game zone is set to the "normal zone".

The setting change button 72 is a button that is pressed by a store staff member when setting one of the multiple setting values for the slot machine 1. For example, when the power of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the slot machine 1 is set in the setting change mode, the setting change button 72 becomes operable, and the setting value can be set by operating the setting change button 72 in this state.

When a game is in progress or while the game is waiting to be played, the cabinet 10 and the front door 100 are locked, so the reset button 71 and the setting change button 72 can only be touched by someone with the right to unlock them (for example, a store staff member who has the key). In principle, they are only unlocked when an error occurs in the slot machine 1. Therefore, the player cannot touch the reset button 71 and the setting change button 72.

The set value is a value that represents the payout rate, which indicates the ratio of the total amount of paid-out game value to the total amount of game value inserted into the slot machine 1. The set value affects the internal lottery. This is because the probability of winning at least some of the winning combinations differs depending on the set value. The set value is set by the store staff before the store opens.

<The flow of play by the player>
The player presses the effect button 47 to adjust the volume output from the speaker 102 and the brightness of the liquid crystal screen 3 as necessary.

The player operates the loan button on the card unit 9 to transfer the game value data to the slot machine 1, and then operates the bet switch 41 to bet game value on the slot machine 1 using the game value managed by the media management unit 620. When a predetermined amount of game value is bet on the slot machine 1, the pay line L is activated. After that, the lever 42 can be operated, i.e., game play can begin.

In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the active line L is composed of a single line that slopes upward to the right. The active line L is a virtual line that determines the winning combination. In this embodiment, the active line L is activated when a MAX BET of three coins is placed.

In the following, "winning" refers not only to the alignment of symbols that pay out medals, such as bells or watermelons, along the winning line L, but also to the alignment of symbols that correspond to specific roles, such as special replays, chance symbols, and special roles (bonuses), along the winning line L.

In this embodiment, one game (one play) refers to a series of actions in which the player operates the bet switch 41, the lever 42, and the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c to obtain the results of the game, including the internal lottery, the winning determination process, and the increase/decrease process of the game value.

Specifically, when the lever 42 is operated (lever on) in a state in which play can begin, an internal lottery is held to determine the winning flag, and each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c begins to rotate. In this state, when any of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c is operated, the reel 20a, 20b, and 20c corresponding to the operated stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c stops. When all of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stop, a payout process of a predetermined amount of game value is performed according to the combination of symbols (winning combination) that has aligned (winning) on the pay line L. This ends one game.

The player repeats the above game. As the game is repeated, the game progresses, and the display on the liquid crystal screen 3, the sound output from the speaker 102, and the light emitted by the illumination unit 203 change according to the progress of the game.

<About game status>
During a game, a game section and a game state type are set, and an internal lottery is performed based on the set game section and game state type. The game state includes a first game state and a second game state, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Note that the first game state and the second game state are not game states that are established exclusively, but are merely states that are classified to be distinguished for the sake of convenience of explanation.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first game state includes a special role non-carryover state (not inside a bonus), a special role carryover state (inside a bonus), and a special role implementation state (during a bonus). The special role non-carryover state, the special role carryover state, and the special role implementation state are mutually exclusive.

The special role non-carryover state refers to a state in which no special roles (Type 1 BB and Type 2 BB) have been won by the internal lottery and the winning special role has not been carried over. The special role non-carryover state is set when condition A is met, such as when the setting value is changed, the RAM is initialized, or the payout of game value exceeds a specified amount after transitioning to the special role implementation state.

The special role carryover state refers to a state in which a special role has been won by the internal lottery, but the winning of that special role has been carried over. In other words, the special role carryover state refers to a state in which the flag for a special role has been won by the internal lottery, but the symbols representing that special role have not been aligned on the valid line L, and therefore the special role has not yet been won.

Here, Type 1 BB is a device that operates continuously for a Type 1 special feature, and Type 2 BB is a device that operates continuously for a Type 2 special feature. For example, Type 1 BB and Type 2 BB may have different numbers of bets on game value when they become candidates for winning, so that Type 1 BB becomes a candidate for winning when the number of bets is the maximum number of "3", and Type 2 BB becomes a candidate for winning when the number of bets is less than the maximum. Also, Type 1 BB may be the only special feature. Also, Type 1 BB cannot be won while Type 1 BB is carried over.

When a special role is won while the first gaming state is a special role non-carryover state, the first gaming state transitions from the special role non-carryover state to a state in which the winning special role is carried over (special role carryover state).

When a winning special role is won (Condition B), the first gaming state transitions from a special role carryover state to a special role implementation state. The special role implementation state refers to a state in which a special role (bonus) won by internal lottery has been won, and the payout of gaming value exceeding a predetermined number has not been completed. For example, when the first gaming state transitions to a special role implementation state due to the winning of a Type 1 BB or Type 2 BB, the special role implementation state is maintained until the number of payouts of gaming value due to the Type 1 BB or Type 2 BB exceeds the predetermined number.

In more detail, the special role implementation state includes a type 1 BB implementation state, a type 2 BB implementation state, and a type 1 BB implementation state. If an RB is won through an internal lottery during a type 1 BB implementation state in which a type 1 BB is being implemented, the special role implementation state transitions from a type 1 BB implementation state to an RB implementation state. If 12 games are played in the RB implementation state or a specific role is won 8 times, the special role implementation state transitions to a type 1 BB implementation state.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second gaming state includes a general gaming state, a chance zone (hereinafter sometimes referred to as CZ), and an AT state as a special gaming state. The special gaming state includes an AT state and a special role implementation state. The general gaming state, the chance zone, and the AT state (special gaming state) are in an exclusively established relationship.

The general gaming state is a state that is not a special gaming state such as an AT state or a special role implementation state, and is not a chance zone; in other words, a state in which the assist function (instruction function) does not occur (or is unlikely to occur). For example, after the RAM is cleared or the AT ends, until the AT lottery is won, the second gaming state is set to the general gaming state. As an example, when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone, the AT lottery is held according to the role (rare role, etc.) won by the internal lottery.

The AT state is a state in which the assist function (AT function) is working, which notifies the correct operation mode of the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c for roles other than the special role won by the internal lottery, via the liquid crystal screen 3, speaker 102, and illumination unit 103. If the AT is won by the AT lottery while the play area is an advantageous area, the second play state transitions from the general play state to the AT state. The second play state transitions from the AT state to the general play state when a predetermined number of games have passed since play started in the AT state, when the total number of payouts of play value since play started in the AT state reaches a predetermined number, when a decision is made not to continue the AT in the AT state continuation lottery, when a decision is made to transition to the general play state in the fall lottery from the AT state to the general play state, etc. This ends the AT state.

The chance zone is a second game state in which the probability of transition to the AT state (special game state) is higher than in the normal game state. A high probability of transition to the AT state includes direct, such as a high probability of transition from the CZ to the AT state, and indirect, such as increasing the probability of transition to the AT state thereafter. Therefore, the CZ can be said to be a state in which the game is more advantageous for the player than the normal game state. The CZ and the AT state are similar in that they are more advantageous for the player than the normal game state, but the AT state is even more advantageous than the CZ. The CZ can be entered when certain conditions are met, such as when the CZ lottery, which is based on the winning combination in the internal lottery, when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number of games, or when the points accumulated as the game progresses reach a predetermined value.

<About the game area>
The above-mentioned game section is a section for determining whether or not the processing related to the instruction function is performed. As shown in Fig. 6, the game section has a normal section and an advantageous section. The normal section and the advantageous section are in an exclusive relationship, and the game section can be either the normal section or the advantageous section.

Here, processing related to the instruction function includes processing to exercise the instruction function (provide assistance), lottery processing for a mode in which the AT winning probability is determined, processing to transition to that mode, CZ lottery processing, CZ processing, AT lottery processing, AT continuation processing, AT addition processing (including addition of the number of AT continuation games, addition of the difference in sheets, and addition of the number of sets), processing to fall from the AT state to the general game state, AT processing, and processing to transition from the advantageous zone to the normal zone, etc.

The normal zone is a zone in which processing related to the instruction function cannot be executed, but in which a lottery for zone transition to the advantageous zone is conducted. When any condition for transition to the advantageous zone is met in the normal zone, the game zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone. Note that while the second game state is the general game state, the game zone can adopt the normal zone.

The advantageous zone is a zone in which processing related to the instruction function can be executed. The advantageous zone includes an advantageous zone in which the second gaming state progresses in a general gaming state, an advantageous zone in which the second gaming state progresses in a chance zone, and an advantageous zone in which the second gaming state progresses in an AT state. The gaming zone remains an advantageous zone from the time the gaming zone transitions to the advantageous zone until a specified end condition is met. The specified end condition will be described later in "- Zone Control Unit - ".

As a summary of the above, possible combination patterns of game sections and second game states in the slot machine 1 will now be listed.
Pattern 1 in which the game zone is a normal zone and the second game state is a normal game state
Pattern 2: The gaming zone is a favorable zone, and the second gaming state is a general gaming state
・Pattern 3 where the game zone is a favorable zone and the second game state is a CZ
・Pattern 4: The game zone is a favorable zone, and the second game state is an AT state
As described above, when the game zone is a normal zone, no processing related to the instruction function can be performed, so it can be said that there is little advantage for the player. On the other hand, when the game zone is an advantageous zone, processing related to the instruction function can be performed, so the range of game progress is wider, and it can be said that there is an advantage for the player compared to the normal zone.

<Configuration of each control unit>
2, the control unit 6 mainly includes a main control unit 61, a game value number control unit 62, and a sub-control unit 63. The main control unit 61 performs control for progressing the game, such as interrupt processing such as timer interrupt, and control of the internal lottery and the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. The game value number control unit 62 manages and processes game values, and controls communication with the card unit 9. The sub-control unit 63 performs control related to presentation based on signals sent from the main control unit 61 and the pressing of the presentation button 47.

The main control unit 61, the game value number control unit 62, and the sub-control unit 63 each comprise a CPU, RAM, and ROM. The ROM of the main control unit 61 stores programs and the like necessary for game progress, and the RAM of the main control unit 61 stores game data necessary for game progress. The game data includes the current number of games, as well as data indicating which game state and game section each state or section is in, and setting values. The ROM of the game value number control unit 62 stores programs and the like necessary for game value management and communication with the card unit 9, and the RAM of the game value number control unit 62 stores the total number of game values being managed, and the like. The ROM of the sub-control unit 63 stores programs and the like necessary for controlling the presentation, and the RAM of the sub-control unit 63 stores various data and the like related to presentation control.

Here, the connection relationship and communication processing of the main control unit 61, the game value number control unit 62, and the sub-control unit 63 will be explained using FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the main control unit 61, the game value number control unit 62, and the sub-control unit 63 are each implemented on a different board.

The main control board P1 on which the main control unit 61 is mounted and the game value control board P2 on which the game value number control unit 62 is mounted are electrically connected by a harness, and two-way serial communication can be performed. Information and commands transmitted from the main control board P1 to the game value control board P2 include outer end information, whether or not the setting is being changed, commands related to various errors, a bet request signal for game value when the bet switch 41 is operated, a payout request signal for game value corresponding to a winning combination, a bet release processing request signal when the cancel button 45 is operated, and a game value transfer request when the count button 46 is operated. Information and commands transmitted from the game value control board P2 to the main control board P1 include information that the complete function has been activated, information that the number of credits has reached the upper limit, information on the presence or absence of a communication abnormality between the card unit 9 and the slot machine 1, and various responses to requests from the main control board 61.

The main control board P1 and the sub-control board P3 on which the sub-control unit 63 is mounted are electrically connected by a harness, but only one-way serial communication is performed from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3. Information and commands sent from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3 include information related to game value (e.g., game value bet/payout information, total game value acquired during the AT), information about the start/end of game play, information about the start/end of device operation, information about various errors, etc.

The game value control board P2 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but only one-way serial communication is performed from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3. Information and commands sent from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3 include the MY value described below, information indicating the operation of the complete function, commands related to advance notification before the complete function is activated, information related to the transfer of game value (e.g., transfer has started, transfer in progress, transfer completed, etc.), information indicating the number of credits and the number of coins acquired, information indicating that the number of credits has reached the upper limit, and error information if a credit number backup error has occurred.

<Main control unit>
Returning to Fig. 2, the CPU reads out and executes the programs in the ROM, whereby the main control unit 61 functions as an internal lottery unit 610, a reel control unit 611, a game result determination unit 612, a game progress control unit 614, a section control unit 615, a game status control unit 616, and an error determination unit 617.

- Internal lottery section -
The internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery based on the operation of the lever 42, and sets one of the flags of a plurality of roles as a winning flag. Specifically, when the lever 42 is operated, the internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery according to an internal lottery table (not shown) and a random number obtained when the lever 42 is operated. The internal lottery unit 610 generates an internal lottery result signal based on the result of the internal lottery. The internal lottery result signal is transmitted from the internal lottery unit 610 to the reel control unit 611, the game progress control unit 614, and the like.

The internal lottery table shows information on roles that may be won by an internal lottery. Based on the internal lottery table, the internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery according to the RT state (not shown) when the lever 42 is operated, and if a specific role is being implemented (during a bonus), the type of special role, and the set value. The role information shown in the internal lottery table includes one or more combinations of symbols associated with roles corresponding to the combinations. The roles include losing roles that do not result in the payout of game value, operation mode roles that result in the payout of game value when the operation mode of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c is the correct operation mode, rare roles, and the like.

The operation mode roles include a push order role in which the correct operation mode is determined only by the push order of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c, a push order role that requires a certain timing for pressing the buttons, which is determined not only by the push order but also by the timing at which a certain pattern stops, and a certain timing role in which the correct operation mode is determined only by the timing at which a certain pattern stops.

For example, if a push order role is won and the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are pressed in the correct push order, the push order role will win and multiple game values (e.g., 8 coins) according to the role will be paid out. If the push order role is won but the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are not pressed in the correct push order, the push order role will not win or another role (such as a 1 coin role) will win.

Note that operation mode roles such as push order roles can be won not only in the AT state, but also during the general game mode and CZ. If an operation mode role is formed during the general game mode, the correct operation mode is not announced, so the operation mode role may be missed or only one coin may be paid out. During the AT state, the correct operation mode is announced, so multiple (e.g., eight) coins of play value are paid out.

-Rotary reel control unit-
The spinning reel control unit 611 controls the driving of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c based on the operation of the lever 42 or each stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c, and performs rotation start control to start the rotation of each spinning reel 20a, 20b, and 20c, or rotation stop control to stop the rotation.

Specifically, when the lever 42 is operated while all of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are stopped, the reel control unit 611 starts the rotation of all of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. When the stop switch 40a, 40b, or 40c corresponding to the rotating reel 20a, 20b, or 20c is operated while at least one of the reels 20a, 20b, or 20c is rotating, the reel control unit 611 stops the rotation of the reel 20a, 20b, or 20c corresponding to the operated stop switch 40a, 40b, or 40c.

In the spin stop control, the spin reel control unit 611 can stop the spin of the spin reels 20a, 20b, and 20c based on the operation of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the role indicated by the winning flag is positioned on the pay line L of the spin reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, resulting in a winning role.

In addition, in the spin stop control, the spin reel control unit 611 performs pull-in control or kick-off control according to the winning combination and the position of the spin reels 20a, 20b, and 20c when each stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c is operated. Pull-in control is control that stops the spin of the spin reels 20a, 20b, and 20c by pulling the symbols corresponding to the winning combination onto the pay line L. Kick-off control is control that stops the spin of the spin reels 20a, 20b, and 20c so that the symbols corresponding to non-winning combinations do not line up on the pay line L.

In addition, while the special role is being carried over (within the bonus), the spinning reel control unit 611 stops the spinning reels 20a, 20b, and 20c based on the operation of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c, but if the conditions for allowing the special role to win are not met, it is possible to control the winning special role (bonus) so that it does not win.

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

-Game progress control unit-
The game progress control unit 614 controls the game progress based on the operation of the player. At that time, the game progress control unit 614 controls the game progress of the player based on the setting values set by the store staff.

When the reset button 71 is pressed, the game progress control unit 614 initializes the RAM of the main control unit 61, thereby clearing game data such as the first and second game states and game sections. When the setting change button 72 is pressed, the game progress control unit 614 changes the current setting value to another setting value.

-Section Control Unit-
The interval control unit 615 sets one of a number of play intervals (normal interval and advantageous interval) when the player is playing.

Specifically, when the gaming area is a normal area and the transition condition to the advantageous area is satisfied, the area control unit 615 sets (transitions) the gaming area from the normal area to the advantageous area.

In addition, when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone, the zone control unit 615 determines whether to maintain the advantageous zone state or transition to a normal zone. For example, when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone, if a predetermined condition is met, such as the second gaming state transitioning from an AT state to a general gaming state, the zone control unit 615 transitions the gaming zone from the advantageous zone to the normal zone even if the forced termination condition described below is not met.

In addition, the zone control unit 615 forcibly transitions the gaming zone from the advantageous zone to the normal zone when a forced termination condition is met, including when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches 4,000 games, or when the difference in the gaming value during the advantageous zone based on the amount of gaming value at the time of entering the advantageous zone reaches 2,400 coins.

In addition, when the setting value is changed or the game data is cleared, the interval control unit 615 sets the game interval to the normal interval regardless of the game interval immediately before the reset.

-Game status control unit-
The gaming state control unit 616 sets the first gaming state and the second gaming state.

Specifically, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to one of a special role non-carryover state, a special role carryover state, and a special role implementation state, and sets the second game state to one of a general game state, a CZ state, or an AT state.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, when a predetermined condition such as clearing the RAM of the main control unit 61 or changing the settings is met, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to a special role non-carryover state. Immediately after a special role is won by an internal lottery, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to a special role carryover state. When the special role is won, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to a special role implementation state.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the game state control unit 616 determines whether or not to set the second game state to the AT state (i.e., whether or not the AT has been won) based on the result of the AT lottery. If the AT lottery is won during the advantageous period, the game state control unit 616 sets the second game state to the AT state. Conversely, if the AT lottery is not won, the game state control unit 616 can set the second game state to the general game state or CZ. Also, when the AT ends, the game state control unit 616 can transition the second game state from the AT state to the general game state or CZ.

Although not shown, the game state control unit 616 can control the transition of the RT state. The RT state is an internal game state in which the probability of winning the replay flag is predetermined. The slot machine 1 is provided with multiple RT states with different winning probabilities for the replay flag, and when the RT transition conditions are met in any RT state, the RT state is transitioned to another RT state. For example, during a special role carryover state in which an AT may be executed, the RT state is not transitioned and one RT state is maintained. In states other than the special role carryover state, the RT state may be transitioned.

--Error Judgment Section--
The error determination unit 617 determines whether or not various errors have occurred. Examples of various errors include a backup abnormality, a communication abnormality between the main control board P1 and the game value control board P2, a connection abnormality between the slot machine 1 and the card unit 9, reaching the upper limit of the number of credits, and the like.

When the error determination unit 617 determines that at least one of these errors has occurred, a command indicating the error that has occurred is sent from the main control unit 61 to each of the game value number control unit 62 and the sub-control unit 63 as information regarding the error. This allows the game value number control unit 62 to perform processing according to the content of the error, such as backing up the game value being managed, and the sub-control unit 63 to perform processing to notify the LCD screen 3 and speaker 102 of the content of the error that has occurred.

<Game value number control unit>
The CPU reads out and executes the programs in the ROM, causing the game value number control unit 62 to function as a medium management unit 620 and a complete operation control unit 621 .

-Media Management Department-
The media management unit 620 performs increase/decrease processing and management processing of the gaming value (number of credits).
For example, the media management unit 620 increases the game value being managed in response to the game value being transferred from the card unit 9. When a betting request for game value is received from the main control unit 61, the media management unit 620 judges whether or not betting processing is possible based on the game value being managed and the betting request. When the game value being managed is equal to or greater than the number of bets, the media management unit 620 judges that "betting is possible" and subtracts the amount of the bet from the game value being managed. When the game value being managed is less than the number of bets, the media management unit 620 judges that "betting is not possible" and performs processing to transmit this fact to the main control unit 61. When betting is not possible, the amount of game value being managed is maintained.

When a combination with a payout is drawn by the internal lottery and the combination wins, the media management unit 620 performs processing to increase the game value being managed by an amount corresponding to the type of combination that won.

In addition, when the cancel button 45 is operated, the media management unit 620 increases the gaming value being managed by the amount that was bet. When the count button 46 is operated, the media management unit 620 transfers the data of the gaming value being managed to the card unit 9.

Furthermore, the media management unit 620 calculates a difference in gaming value, which is the cumulative value of the amount obtained by subtracting the number of bets from the amount of paid-out gaming value. Using this difference, the media management unit 620 calculates the following:
(A) The difference in game value during each advantageous period. (B) The range between the maximum and minimum difference numbers after the slot machine 1 is turned on (hereinafter, MY value).

The above (A) is used to determine whether the conditions for the forced termination of the advantageous zone are met. The above (A) is calculated continuously from when the gaming zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone until it transitions back to the normal zone. Therefore, the above (A) is cleared when the zone transitions to the normal zone, and calculation starts again when the zone transitions back to the advantageous zone.

The above (B) is used to control the operation of the complete function described below. The above (B) continues to be calculated as long as the power of the slot machine 1 is on, regardless of the play period or various play states. The above (B) is cleared when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off, and calculation starts again when the power is turned on again.

The media management unit 620 also determines whether the game value being managed, that is, the number of credits, has reached the credit upper limit. When the number of credits has reached the credit upper limit, this is output to the main control unit 61 and the sub-control unit 63. As a result, the sub-control unit 63 performs a notification process using the liquid crystal screen 3, speaker 102, and illumination unit 103 to prompt the transfer of credit number data to the card unit 9 by operating the counting button 46. While this notification process is being performed, the main control unit 61 performs a game stop process to stop the progress of the game, such as by making the bet switch 41 and lever 42 in an invalid state. The state in which this notification process and game stop process are being performed can be released when the number of credits falls below the credit upper limit by transferring credit number data by operating the counting button 46.

In addition, when the number of credits reaches a value that is lower than the credit upper limit and is close to the credit upper limit, a notification process may be performed to prompt the player to operate the counting button 46 without the game progress stopping process being performed.

-Complete operation control section-
The complete operation control section 621 controls the operation of the complete function when the above-mentioned MY value becomes equal to or greater than the MY upper limit value (for example, 19,000 or greater).

The complete function is a stop function that puts the slot machine 1 in a state where play is not possible. In a slot machine 1 where the complete function is active, the operation parts necessary to complete play, such as the bet switch 41, lever 42, and stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c, are in a state where they cannot accept operation. Therefore, for example, no matter how many times the bet switch 41 is operated in a slot machine 1 where the complete function is active, no bets will be processed. This operation of the complete function will be maintained unless the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on and then off by the store staff. After the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on again, the operation of the complete function is deactivated (the complete function is in an inactive state).

In addition, when the MY value is lower than the MY upper limit but is close to the MY value (e.g., 18,500 or more), the complete operation control unit 621 performs processing to send a pre-notification command to the sub-control unit 63 indicating that the complete function is about to be activated.

<Sub-control unit>
The CPU reads and executes the program in the ROM, causing the sub-control unit 63 to function as a performance control unit 630 (corresponding to an announcement control unit).

-Direction Control Department-
The performance control unit 630 displays a performance image selected from a plurality of types of performance images on the liquid crystal screen 3 based on the progress of the game, outputs sound effects and background music corresponding to the performance image from the speaker 102, and causes the illumination unit 103 to emit a light pattern corresponding to the performance image. For example, when an AT or a bonus is won, the performance control unit 630 selects a performance pattern for displaying that fact on the liquid crystal screen 3, and controls the display on the liquid crystal screen 3, the sound output control of the speaker 102, and the light emission control of the illumination unit 103 according to the performance pattern.

During the AT, the performance control unit 630 causes at least one of the liquid crystal screen 3 and the speaker 102 to notify the player of the correct operation mode for each successive winning operation mode role (assist function, i.e., instruction function).

In addition, when the notification conditions for an effect suggesting a setting value are met during play, the effect control unit 630 causes at least one of the LCD screen 3, the speaker 102, and the illumination unit 103 to notify the effect. This effect can be used by the player as one way of understanding the setting value of the slot machine 1 currently being played. Notification conditions include when a rare role is won, when the special role (bonus) implementation state ends, when the AT ends, etc.

- Game flow -
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a game flow of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the general game state in the normal zone, the general game state in the advantageous zone, the chance zone (CZ) in the advantageous zone, and the AT state in the advantageous zone are configured to be executable. If the transition condition to the advantageous zone is satisfied in the general game state in the normal zone, the game zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, and the slot machine 1 becomes the general game state in the advantageous zone. If the transition condition to the CZ is satisfied in the general game state in the advantageous zone, the slot machine 1 transitions to the CZ in the advantageous zone. If the transition condition to the AT state is satisfied in the CZ, the slot machine 1 transitions to the AT state. Also, if the transition condition to the AT state is satisfied in the general game state in the advantageous zone, the slot machine 1 may transition to the AT state without passing through the CZ.

The AT state of this embodiment includes an initial difference number determination process that determines the initial value of the remaining difference number of game value that can be acquired in the AT state, an AT execution process in which the game progresses with difference number management while the remaining difference number is consumed, and an add-on determination process that determines the added difference number to be added to the remaining difference number of game value in the AT execution process.

In this specification, the quantity of gaming value (for example, the number of medals) may be expressed as "number", and the difference between the quantity of gaming value bet and the quantity of gaming value obtained as a result of playing may be expressed as "difference in number of medals". However, these expressions are not limited to gaming machines that use gaming media such as medals, and for convenience of explanation, "number" is also used in gaming machines that use the quantity of pseudo gaming media converted into electronic data as the quantity of gaming value.

--Additional charge determination process--
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the presentation executed in the addition determination process. As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the addition determination process is a process for determining the addition difference number to be added to the remaining difference number of the AT execution process by multiplying the magnification by the reference number once or multiple times. In this embodiment, in one addition determination process, a magnification determination process (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a determination process) for determining the grant of the magnification is executed three times. The first magnification determination process is referred to as the first magnification determination process, the second magnification determination process is referred to as the second magnification determination process, and the third magnification determination process is referred to as the third magnification determination process. As shown in FIG. 9, in the magnification determination process of the addition determination process, a process related to the presentation of a battle between multiple ally characters (A to C) and multiple enemy characters (A to D) is executed by the presentation control unit 630. FIG. 9 shows an example of the presentation displayed on the liquid crystal screen 3. Whether or not one magnification is granted is determined in one magnification determination process. Therefore, as a result of three executions of the rate determination process, there may be cases where the reference number is determined as the added difference number without any rate being determined, or where one rate is determined, two rates are determined, or three rates are determined. One rate determination process corresponds to one match performance, and three match performances are executed in association with the execution of three rate determination processes. That is, one match performance is announced for each game, and one match performance is announced for each game, and this is performed continuously for three games. The overall result of the three match performances is announced after the match performance of the third game or in a game after the third game.

9, the reference number is 30, a 2x multiplier is awarded for winning the first match, no multiplier is awarded for losing the second match, and a 4x multiplier is awarded for winning the third match. As a result, 2x and 4x are determined in three multiplier determination processes, 30x2x4=240 is determined as the additional difference, and an effect is executed to show that 240 has been awarded as the additional difference.
As another example, if 2x, 5x, or 6x are determined as a result of three rounds of magnification determination processing, then 30x2x5x6=1800 is determined as the added difference number. As yet another example, if no magnification is awarded as a result of three rounds of magnification determination processing, then the base number of 30 is determined as the added difference number.
In order to realize the above processing, the add-on determination processing shown in Fig. 8 includes a reference number determination processing, a first magnification determination processing, a second magnification determination processing, a third magnification determination processing, and a given number display processing. Of the add-on determination processing, the reference number determination processing, the first magnification determination processing, the second magnification determination processing, and the third magnification determination processing are executed by the main control unit 61. Of the add-on determination processing, the given number display processing is executed by the sub-control unit 63.

The reference number determination process selects and determines one of a plurality of predetermined numbers according to the internal mode in the AT execution process. The plurality of predetermined numbers may be different numbers such as 20, 30, and 50. These numbers are examples and are not limited. There are a plurality of types of internal modes, and as an example, the first internal mode is a mode in which 20 coins are won with a 60% probability, 30 coins are won with a 30% probability, and 50 coins are won with a 10% probability. The second internal mode is a mode that is more advantageous to the player than the first internal mode, and is set so that the reference number is relatively larger than that of the first internal mode. For example, the second internal mode may be a mode in which 30 coins are won with a 60% probability, 50 coins are won with a 30% probability, and 20 coins are won with a 10% probability.
The internal mode is determined when there is a transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone. The internal mode is appropriately changed from multiple types of internal modes to one internal mode when a predetermined condition is met, such as hitting a rare role in the AT execution process. The internal mode is reset when there is a transition from the advantageous zone to the normal zone. Note that the probabilities and numbers described here are examples to facilitate understanding, and are not limiting.

As shown in FIG. 9, the award number display process is a process for notifying the added difference number determined based on the reference number and the awarded multiplier, and is executed by the performance control unit 630. The added difference number notification process, for example, is notified while generating a freeze process triggered by the operation of the bet switch 41 to start the next game after the third multiplier determination process is executed, so that the added difference number can be accurately notified to the player. Examples of the freeze process include a process in which the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c do not rotate even though the lever 42 is operated after the bet switch 41 is operated, or a process in which the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate by the operation of the lever 42 after the operation of the bet switch 41, but the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c do not stop by the operation of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the flow of the presentation of the multiplier determination process. The first, second, and third multiplier determination processes are executed in order, but the basic flow of the presentation of each multiplier determination process is the same. Each multiplier determination process has multiple candidates for multipliers, and is a process for determining whether or not to grant one multiplier selected from the multiple candidates. The presentation control unit 630 notifies the multiplier determination process in a battle presentation. In the multiplier determination process, as shown in Figure 10, first, a process for notifying multiple candidates for multipliers is performed, then a process for notifying one multiplier selected from the multiple candidates is performed, and a process for notifying the result of the decision on whether or not the selected one multiplier is granted is performed. In the example of Figure 10, multiple candidates for multipliers (2x for enemy character A, 3x for enemy character B, 5x for enemy character C, and 3x for enemy character D) are notified. Next, one multiplier is selected from the multiple candidates for multipliers, and the selected multiplier is notified. In the example of Figure 10, it is notified that enemy character C (5x) has been selected. Next, it is determined whether or not to award the selected multiplier (5x), and if it is determined that the multiplier (5x) should be awarded, a victory effect is performed to indicate that 5x has been awarded. On the other hand, if it is determined that the multiplier (5x) should not be awarded, a defeat effect is performed to indicate that 5x has not been awarded.

An example of the processing of the main control unit 61 and the sub-control unit 63 for realizing the effects in the above-mentioned magnification determination processing will be described. The main control unit 61 determines multiple candidates for magnification and transmits the result to the sub-control unit 63. The main control unit 61 selects one of the multiple candidates for magnification determined and transmits the result to the sub-control unit 63. The main control unit 61 determines whether to grant the selected one magnification and transmits the result to the sub-control unit 63. The sub-control unit 63 stores images of each of the multiple candidates for magnification that the main control unit 61 can determine. When the sub-control unit 63 receives information on multiple candidates for magnification from the main control unit 61, it displays an image corresponding to each candidate for magnification on the liquid crystal screen 3. When the sub-control unit 63 receives information on one selected magnification from the main control unit 61, it displays an image indicating that the magnification has been selected on the liquid crystal screen 3. When the sub-control unit 63 receives a result of the determination of whether to grant the selected magnification from the main control unit 61, it displays an image according to the determination result (for example, it displays an image of a victory effect or an image of a defeat effect of an enemy character linked to the selected magnification).

11 is an explanatory diagram of multiple multiplier candidates in each of the first, second, and third multiplier determination processes. A battle (match) in the first, second, and third multiplier determination processes is a one-on-one fight between one ally character and one enemy character, and one battle combination (one pair) consisting of one ally character and one enemy character is linked to one multiplier candidate.
The first rate determination process (first match) has multiple (four) matchups selected from ally character A and multiple enemy characters (A to D). Each of the multiple (four) matchups (ally character A and enemy character A, ally character A and enemy character B, ally character A and enemy character C, and ally character A and enemy character D) is a candidate for multiple (four) rate.
The second rate determination process (second match) has multiple (four) matchups selected from ally character B and multiple enemy characters (A to D). Each of the multiple (four) matchups (ally character B and enemy character A, ally character B and enemy character B, ally character B and enemy character C, and ally character B and enemy character D) is a candidate for multiple (four) rate.
The third rate determination process (third match) has multiple (three) battle combinations selected from ally character C and multiple enemy characters (B to D). Each of the multiple (three) battle combinations (ally character C and enemy character B, ally character C and enemy character C, and ally character C and enemy character D) is a candidate for multiple (three) rates.
That is, the determination process (ratio determination process) executed multiple times includes a first determination process and a second determination process executed after the first determination process. The number of candidates for the ratio in the first determination process and the number of candidates for the ratio in the second determination process may be the same as in the first game and the second game, or may be different as in the second game and the third game.
In the first to third rate determination processes, the order of the ally characters in a battle is fixed as ally characters A, B, and C. In this embodiment, there is one ally character per battle, and the ally character in the battle changes every three times the rate determination process is performed.
An enemy character may be common in at least two of the first to third magnification determination processes. For example, enemy character B appears in the first to third magnification determination processes. In this case, the magnification associated with the battle combination with the enemy character that appears in common may be different. In FIG. 11, for example, enemy character B appears as a candidate in all magnification determination processes, but when focusing on the magnification of this enemy character B in each magnification determination process, it is "3 times" in the first magnification determination process, but is "5 times" in the second magnification determination process and the third magnification determination process. This represents the strengths and weaknesses of the ally characters against the common enemy character, since the combination of the ally characters that fight against the enemy character that appears in common changes.

The multiple candidates for multipliers in one multiplier determination process may include at least two candidates with different multipliers. In the first multiplier determination process (first match) shown in FIG. 11, the multiplier (2x) associated with the match against enemy character A is different from the multiplier (3x) associated with the match against enemy character B. In addition, the multiple candidates for multipliers in one multiplier determination process may include at least two candidates with the same multiplier. In the first multiplier determination process (first match) shown in FIG. 11, the multiplier (3x) associated with the match against enemy character B is the same as the multiplier (3x) associated with the match against enemy character D.

As shown in FIG. 11, the combination of multiple multiplier candidates (2x, 3x, 3x, 5x) in the first multiplier determination process (first game) is different from the combination of multiple multiplier candidates (3x, 4x, 4x, 5x) in the second multiplier determination process (second game). The combination of multiple multiplier candidates (5x, 5x, 6x) in the third multiplier determination process (third game) is different from the combination of multiple multiplier candidates in the first and second multiplier determination processes. As a result, the combination of multiple multiplier candidates is different for each multiplier determination process, and the expectation of how much can be added changes as the multiplier determination process proceeds in succession, making the game more interesting, compared to when the combination of multiple multiplier candidates does not change.
11, the number of candidates in the first rate determination process (first game) and the second rate determination process (second game) is the same, at 4, whereas the number of candidates in the third rate determination process (third game) is different, at 3. In other words, the multiple rate determination processes may include at least two rate determination processes with the same number of candidates, or may include at least two rate determination processes with different numbers of candidates.
As shown in the example in Figure 11, the number of candidates decreases and the average multiplier increases as the number of times the multiplier determination process is executed increases, so it is possible to increase the sense of anticipation of winning the match (having a multiplier awarded) as the multiplier determination process (match; competition) progresses.

As shown in FIG. 11, the average multiplier of the multiple multiplier candidates in the first multiplier determination process (first game) is (2+3+3+5)/4=3.25 times. The average multiplier of the multiple multiplier candidates in the second multiplier determination process (second game) is (3+4+4+5)/4=4 times. The average multiplier of the multiple multiplier candidates in the third multiplier determination process (third game) is (5+5+6)/3=5.33 times. That is, the average multiplier of the multiple candidates in the first multiplier determination process (first game) is different from the average multiplier of the multiple candidates in the subsequent second multiplier determination process (second game) and third multiplier determination process (third game). As a result, the average multiplier of the multiple candidates differs depending on the timing of executing the multiplier determination process, so that the expectation of winning the game and receiving the multiplier is changed compared to when the average multiplier of the multiple candidates does not change, making the game more interesting.
In the example of Fig. 11, there is a first determination process executed at a first time point and a second determination process executed after the first time point, and the average multiplier of the multiple candidates in the second determination process is higher than the average multiplier of the multiple candidates in the first determination process. This makes it possible to increase the average multiplier as the determination process is executed, thereby improving the expectation of progressing with the game (specifically, the expectation of obtaining a larger added difference number if the game is won and the expectation of obtaining a larger game value in the AT state).

12 is a diagram showing a pseudo table relating to a plurality of candidates for the multiplier and the probability of granting the multiplier for each of the first, second, and third multiplier determination processes. This pseudo table is a pseudo table that integrates the table used by the main control unit 61 in the multiplier determination process and the table used by the sub-control unit 63 in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. Therefore, in order for the main control unit 61 to determine whether or not to grant a multiplier, the table used by the main control unit 61 has a column for "multiplier determination process", a column for "multiplier", and a column for "probability of granting" shown in FIG. 12. The table used by the sub-control unit 63 has a column for "multiplier determination process", a column for "ally character", and a column for "enemy character" shown in FIG. 12.
The first multiplier determination process has candidates for the multiplier: 2x, 3x, 5x, and 3x. When any of the multiple multipliers is selected, the enemy character associated with the selected multiplier becomes the opponent. Each candidate is set with a probability of being granted the multiplier when the multiplier is selected. Whether or not the multiplier selected in the multiplier determination process is granted is notified in the battle performance, so the probability of being granted can also be considered as the winning rate of the battle. As a specific example, a multiplier (2x) is associated with a battle combination between ally character A and enemy character A, and the probability of granting the multiplier (2x) when the multiplier (2x) is selected is 80%. A multiplier (3x) is associated with a battle combination between ally character A and enemy character B, and the probability of granting the multiplier (3x) when the multiplier (3x) is selected is 70%. A multiplier (5x) is associated with the battle combination between ally character A and enemy character C, and when that multiplier (5x) is selected, the probability of the multiplier (5x) being awarded is 60%. Similarly, in the second multiplier determination process and the third multiplier determination process, multiple multiplier candidates are associated with their respective award probabilities.
As a general rule, the higher the multiplier awarded, the lower the probability of that multiplier being awarded, and conversely, the lower the multiplier awarded, the higher the probability of that multiplier being awarded, so that game balance is maintained.

In addition, the multiple candidates of the multiplier in one multiplier determination process may include a confirmed candidate that is selected to be given a multiplier of 100%. In the first (first match) multiplier determination process shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, there is a confirmed candidate of the multiplier (3x) for the match combination of the ally character A and the enemy character D, and the grant probability (win rate) of this confirmed candidate is 100%. In other words, the confirmed candidate is a character for which, at the time of selection, the grant of the multiplier linked to the combination of the candidate and the ally character is confirmed by the internal processing in the main control unit 61, and the sub-control unit 63 performs notification control of the presentation of the match in which the ally character is sure to win. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, information indicating that the confirmed candidate is a confirmed candidate is notified (the word "confirmed" is displayed in the figure). As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, in the second multiplier determination process, there is a confirmed candidate of the multiplier (3x) for the match combination of the ally character B and the enemy character A, and the grant probability of the multiplier in this confirmed candidate is 100%. In the third rate determination process, there is a confirmed candidate with a rate (5x) for the match combination between ally character C and enemy character C, and the probability of granting the rate for this confirmed candidate is 100%. The rate (5x) of the confirmed candidate (enemy character C) in the second determination process (third rate determination process) is higher than the rate (3x) of the confirmed candidates (enemy character D, enemy character A) in the first determination process (first rate process or second determination process). As a result, the rate of the confirmed candidates increases as the game progresses, making it possible to increase the expectation of progressing with the game (specifically, the expectation of obtaining a larger added difference number if the game is won, and the expectation of obtaining a larger game value in the AT).
The multiplier candidates in one multiplier determination process may include other candidates with the same multiplier as the confirmed candidate. For example, in the first multiplier determination process (first match), the multiplier (3x) of enemy character B is the same as the confirmed candidate multiplier (3x) of enemy character D. Of course, there may not be other candidates with the same multiplier as the confirmed candidate, that is, the multiplier of the confirmed candidate may be different from the multiplier of the other candidates.

As shown in FIG. 12, the average value of the award probability associated with the multiple candidates in the first multiplier determination process is (80+70+60+100)/4=77.5%. The average value of the award probability associated with the multiple candidates in the second multiplier determination process is (100+50+70+60)/4=70%. The average value of the award probability associated with the multiple candidates in the third multiplier determination process is (20+100+30)/3=50%. The average value of the award probability associated with the multiple candidates in the second determination process is lower than the average value of the award probability associated with the multiple candidates in the first determination process. In other words, as the match progresses, the average multiplier of the multiple candidates increases and the expectation value of winning a large amount of the added difference number increases, but conversely, the average value of the award probability decreases, making it difficult to win. This makes it possible to maintain the balance of the game.

Figure 13 is a diagram showing an example of a problem when there is an upper limit for the number of added differences. Figure 14 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation in the addition determination process. In this embodiment, the upper limit for the number of added differences in one AT is set in advance, and it is not possible to award an amount of added differences that exceeds the upper limit. For example, if the upper limit is 2000 sheets, and as shown in Figure 13, the reference number is 100 sheets, 3 times is awarded in the first multiplier determination process (first game), and 5 times is awarded in the second multiplier determination process (second game), then at the time the execution of the second multiplier determination process is completed, the award of 100 sheets x 3 x 5 = 1500 sheets is confirmed. In this state, if 5 times or 6 times is awarded in the third multiplier determination process, the upper limit of 2000 sheets will be exceeded, and the number of sheets actually awarded will be the upper limit of 2000 sheets. This could result in a discrepancy between the number of coins expected to be awarded in the presentation (7,500 coins, 9,000 coins) and the number of coins actually awarded, which could lead to distrust among players.

As shown in FIG. 14, when the added difference number obtained by the multiplier given by the execution of the multiplier determination process exceeds the upper limit of 2000 (7500, 9000), the multiplier of the third multiplier determination process (third game) is notified in the second mode in which the numerical value cannot be recognized. In the example of FIG. 14, the multiplier is not notified in the first mode in which the numerical values of "5 times" and "6 times" can be recognized, but in the second mode in which the numerical value "Max times" cannot be recognized. Then, when any of the multipliers is given in the third multiplier determination process (third game), the added difference number is notified as "100 sheets x 3 times x 5 times x Max times = 2000 sheets". On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, when the added difference number obtained by the multiplier given by the execution of the multiplier determination process does not exceed the upper limit of 2000, the multiplier of each multiplier determination process is notified in the first mode in which the numerical value can be recognized.

<Flow of Operation Processing of Slot Machine 1>
The flow of the add-on determination process of the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Figures 15 and 16 are flowcharts showing the add-on determination process of the slot machine 1.

The add-on determination process mainly consists of three games. When moving to the add-on determination process, in step ST1, the game control unit (general term for the main control unit 61) determines the reference number. When the bet switch 41 is operated to place a bet and start the first game, in the next step ST2, the performance control unit 630 notifies multiple candidates for the first rate determination process. When the lever 42 is operated, in the next step ST3, the game control unit selects one rate from the multiple candidates for the first rate determination process, and the performance control unit 630 notifies the selected rate. The selection of the candidate is determined randomly. In the next step ST4, the game control unit executes a determination process of whether to award the selected rate. In the determination process, the table shown in FIG. 12 is used to determine whether or not to award a rate in the lottery process. In the next step ST5, the performance control unit 630 announces a battle performance each time one of the three stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c is pressed, and announces the decision result of whether or not the selected multiplier will be awarded when the third stop switch is pressed. If it is decided that a multiplier will be awarded, a victory performance is announced and the selected multiplier is awarded. On the other hand, if it is decided that a multiplier will not be awarded, a defeat performance is announced.

In the next step ST6, the game control unit (main control unit 61) calculates all patterns of the base number of coins, the multiplier obtained in the first multiplier determination process, and the possible number of coins obtained in the second multiplier determination process and the third multiplier determination process. If the calculated number of coins exceeds the upper limit value of the add-on determination process, the game control unit (main control unit 61) decides that the multiplier for that pattern will be notified in the second manner in which the numerical value cannot be recognized, and transmits the result of this decision to the sub-control unit 63. If the calculated number of coins does not exceed the upper limit value of the add-on determination process, the game control unit decides to continue notifying in the first manner in which the numerical value can be recognized, and transmits the result of this decision to the sub-control unit 63.

When the bet switch 41 is operated to place a bet and start the second game, in the next step ST7, the performance control unit 630 notifies multiple candidates for the second rate determination process. The rate is notified in the manner determined in step ST6. When the lever 42 is operated, in the next step ST8, the game control unit selects one rate from the multiple candidates for the second rate determination process, and the performance control unit 630 notifies the selected rate. The selection of the candidate is determined randomly. In the next step ST9, the game control unit executes a decision process for whether to grant the selected rate. In the next step ST10, the performance control unit 630 notifies the performance of a match each time the three stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are pressed, and notifies the decision result of whether or not the selected rate is granted by pressing the third stop switch. Here, if it is determined that a rate is granted, a victory performance is notified and the selected rate is granted. On the other hand, if it is determined that a rate is not granted, a defeat performance is notified.

In the next step ST11, the game control unit (main control unit 61) calculates all patterns of the base number of coins, the multipliers obtained in the first multiplier determination process and the second multiplier determination process, and the possible number of coins obtained in the third multiplier determination process. If the calculated number of coins exceeds the upper limit value of the add-on determination process, the game control unit (main control unit 61) decides that the multiplier for that pattern will be notified in the second manner in which the numerical value cannot be recognized, and transmits the result of this decision to the sub-control unit 63. If the calculated number of coins does not exceed the upper limit value of the add-on determination process, the game control unit decides to continue notifying in the first manner in which the numerical value can be recognized, and transmits the result of this decision to the sub-control unit 63.

When the bet switch 41 is operated to place a bet and start the third game, in the next step ST12, the performance control unit 630 notifies multiple candidates for the third rate determination process. The rate is notified in the manner determined in step ST11. When the lever 42 is operated, in the next step ST13, the game control unit selects one rate from the multiple candidates for the third rate determination process, and the performance control unit 630 notifies the selected rate. The selection of the candidate is determined randomly. In the next step ST14, the game control unit executes a decision process to grant the selected rate. In the next step ST15, the performance control unit 630 notifies the performance of a match each time the three stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are pressed, and notifies the decision result of whether the selected rate is granted or not when the third stop switch is pressed. Here, if it is determined that a rate is granted, a victory performance is notified and the selected rate is granted. On the other hand, if it is decided not to award a multiplier, a defeat animation will be displayed.

In step ST16, the game control unit calculates the additional difference in number of coins based on the base number and the multipliers obtained in the first to third multiplier determination processes, and awards the additional difference in number of coins. The presentation control unit 630 presents the effect that the calculated additional difference in number of coins will be awarded. However, as described above, the additional difference in number of coins is calculated so as not to exceed the upper limit.

[1]
To sum up, as in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 (gaming machine) includes a game control unit (main control unit 61) capable of executing a process (first to third multiplier determination process) for executing a determination process (multiplier determination process) for determining whether or not to grant a multiplier that can be used to grant a benefit (add-on difference in number of coins) multiple times, and a process (add-on determination process) for determining the amount of benefit to be granted using the multiplier determined by executing the determination process multiple times. The determination process (multiplier determination process) executed multiple times includes a first determination process (second multiplier determination process) and a second determination process (second multiplier determination process). and a second determination process (third magnification determination process) that is executed after the first determination process, each of which is a process in which there are multiple magnification candidates and it is determined whether or not to grant one magnification selected from the multiple candidates, and the combination of multiple candidates in the first determination process (second magnification determination process) (3x, 4x, 4x, 5x) or the average magnification of the multiple candidates (4.00x) in the second determination process (third magnification determination process) may be different from the combination of multiple candidates in the second determination process (5x, 5x, 6x) or the average magnification of the multiple candidates (5.33x).

<Effects of the Invention>
According to this embodiment, the expectation of winning a match and being awarded a multiplier is changed, making the game more interesting, compared to when the combination of multiple multiplier candidates or the average multiplier of multiple multiplier candidates remains unchanged.

[2]
In the gaming machine described in [1] above, in each determination process (multiple determination process), it may be possible to execute a process of notifying multiple candidates, a process of notifying one multiplier selected from the multiple candidates, and a process of notifying the result of the determination as to whether or not the selected one multiplier will be awarded.
With this configuration, rather than suddenly deciding on one multiplier to be awarded from a number of candidate multipliers, it is possible to provide game play that involves a first expectation of which multiplier will be selected from a number of candidate multipliers, and a second expectation of whether the selected multiplier will be awarded, making the game more interesting.

[3]
In the gaming machine described in [1] or [2] above, the multiple candidates may include a confirmed candidate that, when selected, will be awarded a multiplier of 100%.
This configuration can provide a gaming experience in which the player hopes that a confirmed candidate will be selected, making the game more interesting.

[4]
In the gaming machine described in [3] above, the multiplier (5x) of the confirmed candidate in the second determination process (third multiplier determination process) may be higher than the multiplier (4x) of the confirmed candidate in the first determination process (second multiplier determination process).
According to this configuration, the multiplier of the confirmed candidates increases as the game progresses, making it possible to increase the expectation of progressing with the game (specifically, the expectation of obtaining a larger added difference in number of coins if the game is won, and the expectation of obtaining more game value in the AT).

[5]
In the gaming machine described in any of [1] to [4] above, each of the multiple candidates is associated with a probability of awarding a multiplier, and the average multiplier (5.33x) of the multiple candidates in the second determination process (third multiplier determination process) is higher than the average multiplier (4.00x) of the multiple candidates in the first determination process (second multiplier determination process), and the average value (50%) of the award probabilities associated with the multiple candidates in the second determination process (third multiplier determination process) is lower than the average value (70%) of the award probabilities associated with the multiple candidates in the first determination process (second multiplier determination process).
According to this configuration, as the game progresses, the average multiplier of the multiple options increases, and the expectation of winning a large amount of the added difference increases, but the average probability of winning decreases, making it difficult to win. This makes it possible to maintain the game balance.

[6]
In the gaming machine described in any of [1] to [5] above, the gaming machine may be provided with an alarm unit (such as a liquid crystal screen 3) capable of alarming the multiplier in either a first manner in which a numerical value can be recognized or a second manner in which a numerical value cannot be recognized, and the amount of benefit to be awarded may have an upper limit, and the alarm unit may be configured to alarm the multiplier in the second manner when the value of the benefit obtained from the multiplier awarded by executing a determination process (multiplier determination process) exceeds the upper limit, and to alarm the multiplier in the first manner when the value of the benefit obtained from the multiplier awarded by executing the determination process (multiplier determination process) does not exceed the upper limit.
This configuration makes it possible to avoid discrepancies between the number of coins expected to be awarded in the performance (7,500 coins, 9,000 coins) and the number of coins actually awarded, thereby creating an appropriate sense of expectation for the player while avoiding causing distrust among the player.

[7]
In the gaming machine described in any of [1] to [6] above, the determination process (multiplier determination process) may be processing related to a battle between a first type character (ally character) and a second type character (enemy character) fighting against the first type character (ally character).
According to this configuration, the decision process can be announced through the battle presentation, making the game more interesting.

[8]
In the gaming machine described in [7] above, each of the multiple candidates may be linked to a battle combination selected from a plurality of first type characters (ally characters) and a plurality of second type characters (enemy characters).
According to this configuration, a wide variety of battle combinations can be generated, and the strengths and weaknesses of ally characters depending on the battle combination can be expressed by varying the multiplier depending on the battle combination.

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

(A) In the above embodiment, the AT execution process is of the difference number management type, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be of the number of games management type, in which case the add-on determination process determines the number of games to be added. It may also be of the instruction function management type, which manages the number of times an instruction function can be executed, in which case the add-on determination process determines the amount of add-on to the number of times an instruction function can be executed. Of course, it can also be applied to an AT execution process (special game state) that combines at least two of the number of games management type, difference number management type, and instruction function management type, depending on the state (scene) of the AT in the AT execution process.

(B) In the above embodiment, the multiplier can be used to provide a benefit in the form of an added difference in number of coins, which is one of the parameters related to the length of play in the special play state, but the benefit is not limited to the parameter related to the length of play in the special play state. For example, the multiplier may be used to determine the amount by which the transition expectation to the special play state is increased (parameter related to the transition expectation to the special play state). The multiplier may also be used to provide a benefit in the form of the amount of a parameter related to the transition expectation from the general play state to the CZ, or may be used to determine the amount of a game parameter such as points related to play. An example of the use of points (game parameters) related to play is when the amount of points (game parameters) accumulates to a certain amount, the main control unit 61 executes a process to transition to the CZ. Also, when the amount of points (game parameters) accumulates to a certain amount, the main control unit 61 executes a process to provide an icon or item (game medium) that increases the expectation of winning the AT. That is, in the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a process for adding a parameter (amount difference) related to the period of play, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to various processes that determine the amount of benefit related to play. For example, the present invention may be applied to a process for determining the initial play period (initial number of games, initial amount difference, etc.) in the AT state, or to a point granting process for acquiring more points in a game in which points are accumulated in the general play state, CZ, and AT state.

(C) In the above embodiment, the magnification determination process is executed three times, but the number of times the magnification determination process is executed can be changed as appropriate to one or multiple times.

(D) In the above embodiment, the battle order of the ally characters in the first to third multiplier determination processes is fixed to ally characters A, B, and C in that order, but is not limited to this. For example, the battle order of the ally characters may be determined by drawing lots.
In addition, the order of the friendly characters may also serve as a performance suggesting the set value. For example, although the battles are usually performed in the order of friendly character A → friendly character B → friendly character C, if the battles are performed in the order of friendly character C → friendly character B → friendly character A, it is possible to suggest that the set value is a relatively high value (high setting) of ball payout expectation.
Also, the same ally character may appear two or more times in a series (three times) of multiplier determination processes. In this case, when the same ally character appears two or more times, it may be determined that a multiplier is given in the multiplier determination process when the same ally character appears two or more times. In this case, although different ally characters usually appear, it is possible to provide a game that can give hope for winning the match (a multiplier is given) by the sense of incongruity that the same ally character appears two or more times. Also, the probability that the same ally character appears multiple times may differ depending on the setting value. When the setting value is a relatively high value (high setting) of the ball expectation, the same ally character is likely to appear multiple times. This makes it possible to suggest that the setting value is a relatively high value (high setting) of the ball expectation.
The ally characters may also include rare ally characters that appear less frequently than normally appearing ally characters. When a rare ally character appears, the multiplier determination process may determine whether the rare ally character wins a match against any enemy character (a multiplier is awarded), or if the rare ally character wins a match, the rare ally character may be awarded the highest multiplier among multiple candidates.

(E) In the above embodiment, the determination of the multiplier for each multiplier determination process in the add-on determination process is executed at the start of each game, but is not limited to this. For example, the selection of the multiplier and the determination of the multiplier for all multiplier determination processes may be executed at once at the start of the add-on determination process.
Before the sub-controller 63 notifies the multiple magnification candidates, the main controller 61 may execute a process of selecting one magnification from the multiple magnification candidates and a process of determining whether to grant the selected one magnification. In this way, it becomes possible to eliminate the need to calculate all patterns including all candidates for whether the notification mode of each of the multiple magnification candidates is the first mode or the second mode. In other words, when the number of magnification candidates is four, four patterns of calculation are required, but only one pattern of calculation is required, and the calculation cost can be reduced.

(F) In the above embodiment, the grant of a multiplier is determined in each multiplier determination process, and the added difference number is determined based on the reference number and the granted multiplier, but this is not limited to this. For example, when moving to the add-on determination process, the added difference number may be determined first, and the reference number and the granted multiplier may be determined so that the determined added difference number is consistent.

(G) In the above embodiment, the enemy characters for the confirmed candidate battle combinations are all different in the first, second, and third multiplier determination processes (enemy characters D, A, and C, respectively), but are not limited to this. For example, the enemy characters for the confirmed candidate battle combinations may be the same in all multiplier determination processes, or may be the same in at least two of the multiplier determination processes.
If a battle combination involving the same enemy character is a confirmed candidate in at least two of the multiple multiplier determination processes, the multiplier of the confirmed candidate may be set each time in each multiplier determination process, or the multiplier of the confirmed candidate may be the same in each multiplier determination process.

(H) In the above embodiment, the candidates for the multipliers in each multiplier determination process include, but are not limited to, a confirmed candidate and a normal candidate with a non-100% probability of being awarded. For example, candidates having meanings other than the confirmed candidates, such as a strong enemy character, a revenge character, a double character, etc., may be included.
Candidates related to strong enemy characters are candidates to which benefits other than the multiplier are given along with the grant of the multiplier. Examples of benefits other than the multiplier include the benefit of determining that the process will move to the add-on determination process again after the add-on determination process is completed, the benefit of changing the internal mode in the AT execution process used to determine the reference number when moving to the add-on determination process to a more advantageous internal mode, the benefit of moving to another add-on determination process other than the add-on determination process using the multiplier described in this case, the benefit of setting multiple types of advantage degrees in the add-on determination process described in this case, and the benefit of moving to or changing to an add-on determination process with a more advantageous advantage degree.
The candidates for the revenge character are the enemy characters who were defeated in the previous magnification determination process, and are candidates that inherit the magnification from the previous magnification determination process. For example, if the character is defeated by enemy character A (2x) in the first magnification determination process, enemy character A will appear in the second magnification determination process and its magnification will be the same (2x).
A candidate related to a double character has a lower probability of being awarded than other enemy characters (candidates) with the same multiplier as that candidate, but when the multiplier of a candidate related to a double character is awarded, a lottery process is carried out to determine whether the multiplier will be doubled, and if the lottery process is won, the multiplier will increase further, and if the lottery process is not won, the multiplier will be awarded as is. For example, if the multiplier of a double character is 3 times, and there is a normal character other than the double character that is 3 times, the award probability of the double character is lower than the award probability of the normal character. If a player defeats a double character and is awarded 3 times, if the lottery process is won, 6 times will be awarded, while if the lottery process is not won, 3 times will be awarded.

(I) In the above embodiment, the reference number is selected from a plurality of predetermined values, but is not limited thereto and may be a fixed value. In addition, the reference number may be determined and notified before the rate determination process, or after all rate determination processes are completed.
The tendency to select the reference number may also differ depending on the setting value. For example, if the setting value is an even number, which is any one of 1 to 6, then 20 sheets are likely to be selected as the reference number, and if the setting value is an odd number, then 30 sheets are likely to be selected as the reference number.
The numerical value determined as the reference number may itself suggest a set value. For example, if the reference number is 33, it suggests that the set value is not a specific set value such as "3", and if the reference number is 66, it suggests that the set value is a specific set value such as "6".

(J) In the above embodiment, the average magnification is, but is not limited to, the average magnification of the multiple candidates in the first magnification determination process < the average magnification of the multiple candidates in the second magnification determination process < the average magnification of the multiple candidates in the third magnification determination process. For example, the average magnification of the multiple candidates in the first magnification determination process > the average magnification of the multiple candidates in the second magnification determination process > the average magnification of the multiple candidates in the third magnification determination process may be used.
In the above embodiment, the average value of the award probability is, but not limited to, the average value of the award probability of the multiple multiplier candidates in the first multiplier determination process > the average value of the award probability of the multiple multiplier candidates in the second multiplier determination process > the average value of the award probability of the multiple multiplier candidates in the third multiplier determination process. For example, the average value of the award probability of the multiple multiplier candidates in the first multiplier determination process < the average value of the award probability of the multiple multiplier candidates in the second multiplier determination process < the average value of the award probability of the multiple multiplier candidates in the third multiplier determination process may be used.

(K) In the above embodiment, multiple matches are played across multiple games, with one match per game, but this is not limited to the above. One match (one rate determination process) may also span multiple games.
In addition, one match (one multiplier determination process) is one game in principle, but one match (one multiplier determination process) may be executed across multiple games when a predetermined condition is met. For example, a defeat effect may be executed in a certain match (a certain multiplier determination process) in a certain game, and the operation of the bet switch 41 to start the next game may trigger an effect in which the defeated ally character stands up, revives, and wins. In this case, the multiplier awarded may be increased from the original multiplier. Specifically, in the case of a match combination with a multiplier of 3, 3x may be awarded in the case of a normal win, but 3x + 1x = 4x may be awarded in the case of a revived win.

(L) In the above embodiment, the multiple candidate multipliers and payout probabilities in each multiplier determination process are fixed as shown in FIG. 12, but are not limited to this and may be variable. For example, they may be changed by an internal win on a rare role or an internal mode triggered by the operation of the operation unit 4 such as the bet switch 41. When the multiplier or payout expectation is changed, the fact that it has been changed may or may not be notified.

(M) In the above embodiment, the reference number determination process is determined according to the internal mode in the AT execution process, but is not limited to this. For example, the reference number determination process may determine the reference number according to the internal mode in the AT execution process and the role or winning role internally won in the game in which the reference number determination process is executed. For example, in the process of executing the reference number determination process, if the first role such as a push order bell is won, there is a 60% probability of winning 20 coins and a 40% probability of winning 30 coins, and if the second role different from the first role such as watermelon is won, there is a 30% probability of winning 20 coins, a 40% probability of winning 30 coins, and a 30% probability of winning 50 coins. Depending on the role or winning role internally won in the game in which the reference number determination process is executed, the multiple candidate combinations of the reference number or the winning probability of each candidate may be made different.

(N) In the above embodiment, the main control unit 61 transmits information regarding the determined multiple multiplier candidates, the selected multiplier, and whether or not to grant the selected multiplier to the sub-control unit 63, but is not limited to this. For example, the main control unit 61 may determine by lottery whether or not to grant a multiplier, and if so, which multiplier to grant, and transmit the result of the determination to the sub-control unit 63.
In this case, as a first example, the sub-control unit 63 may determine whether to announce a combination of multiple candidate multipliers as an effect, based on the result received from the main control unit 61. For example, when the sub-control unit 63 receives information indicating that a multiplier (5x) is to be applied, the sub-control unit 63 may determine a combination of multiple candidate multipliers including the multiplier (5x) and display it on the liquid crystal screen 3.
As another second example, the sub-control unit 63 may store various (plural) combination patterns consisting of multiple multiplier candidates in data such as a table, and may select from that data a combination corresponding to the result of the decision received from the main control unit 61 (e.g., a decision to grant a multiplier (3x)), and display multiple multiplier candidates. When a result indicating that a multiplier (3x) has been granted is received from the main control unit 61, an effect may be announced in which an enemy character associated with the multiplier (3x) is selected.
As another third example, the sub-control unit 63 may not have data relating to combination patterns consisting of multiple magnification candidates, but may store individual image data for each of the multiple magnification candidates, and from that data, select an image relating to the magnification to be applied (3x) received from the main control unit 61 and an image relating to a magnification other than the applied magnification (magnification other than 3x), and display them on the LCD screen 3.

The bet switch 41 may be provided with a MAX bet switch for automatically betting the predetermined number of coins (e.g., 3 coins) of gaming value, and a bet switch for betting a gaming value less than the predetermined number of coins (e.g., 1 coin or 2 coins), separately.

In the above embodiment, the bet switch 41 and the lever 42 are provided separately, but the lever 42 may also function as the bet switch 41.

In the above embodiment, the AT and bonus are given as examples of advantageous gaming states, but the advantageous gaming state may also include the ART. The CZ is a gaming state in which the probability of entering the AT and the probability of replaying are higher than in non-CZ. The ART is a gaming state in which the probability of replaying is higher than in the general gaming state and which notifies the correct operation mode of the operation mode role. The probability of entering at least one of the AT, CZ, and ART may change depending on the setting value. The performance of the AT, CZ, and ART may change depending on the setting value.

In addition to images, effects suggesting the setting value may also include special patterns that can be seen through the reel window 200 when the rotation of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stops.

In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is an AT type slot machine. However, the gaming machine may be an ART type slot machine or other type of gaming machine other than the AT type. In addition, the gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a pachinko machine.
For example, in the case of a game in which the amount of points for the performance is accumulated and new performances are unlocked using the accumulated points, there are normal and special performances in which more points can be acquired than in the normal performances, and the present invention can be applied to these special performances. In this case, since the points are only used for the performances, all the processes related to the present application (for example, the process of determining the reference number of coins, the process of determining the multipliers for the first to third times, and the process of displaying the number of coins awarded) can be executed by the performance control unit 630.

In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is a medal-less machine. However, the gaming machine is not limited to a medal-less machine, and may be a conventional slot machine that is played using actual medals.

In the above embodiment, the card unit 9 and the slot machine 1 are separate. However, at least some of the functions of the card unit 9 may be included in the slot machine 1.

Even when these other embodiments are adopted, the effects of this embodiment are achieved. In addition, this embodiment can be combined with other embodiments, and other embodiments can be combined with each other as appropriate.

1. Slot machine (amusement machine)
612 Game result determination unit (game control unit)
614 Game progress control unit (game control unit)
630 Production control unit

Claims (3)

a game control unit capable of executing a process of determining whether or not to grant a multiplier that can be used for granting a benefit a plurality of times, and a process of determining an amount of the benefit to be granted using the multiplier that has been determined to be granted by executing the process a plurality of times,
the determination process executed a plurality of times includes a first determination process and a second determination process executed after the first determination process,
Each of the determination processes is a process in which there are a plurality of candidates for the magnification, and a process is determined as to whether or not to grant one magnification selected from the plurality of candidates,
a combination of the plurality of candidates in the first determination process is different from a combination of the plurality of candidates in the second determination process, or an average magnification of the plurality of candidates in the first determination process is different from an average magnification of the plurality of candidates in the second determination process,
A gaming machine capable of executing, in each of the decision processes, a process of notifying the multiple candidates, a process of notifying one multiplier selected from the multiple candidates, and a process of notifying the result of a decision as to whether or not the selected one multiplier will be awarded. a game control unit capable of executing a process of determining whether or not to grant a multiplier that can be used for granting a benefit a plurality of times, and a process of determining an amount of the benefit to be granted using the multiplier that has been determined to be granted by executing the process a plurality of times,
the determination process executed a plurality of times includes a first determination process and a second determination process executed after the first determination process,
Each of the determination processes is a process in which there are a plurality of candidates for the magnification, and a process is determined as to whether or not to grant one magnification selected from the plurality of candidates,
a combination of the plurality of candidates in the first determination process is different from a combination of the plurality of candidates in the second determination process, or an average magnification of the plurality of candidates in the first determination process is different from an average magnification of the plurality of candidates in the second determination process,
Each of the plurality of candidates is associated with a probability of being awarded a multiplier,
an average magnification of the plurality of candidates in the second determination process is higher than an average magnification of the plurality of candidates in the first determination process;
A gaming machine, wherein the average value of the award probability associated with the multiple candidates in the second determination process is lower than the average value of the award probability associated with the multiple candidates in the first determination process. a game control unit capable of executing a process of determining whether or not to grant a multiplier that can be used for granting a benefit a plurality of times, and a process of determining an amount of the benefit to be granted using the multiplier that has been determined to be granted by executing the process a plurality of times,
the determination process executed a plurality of times includes a first determination process and a second determination process executed after the first determination process,
Each of the determination processes is a process in which there are a plurality of candidates for the magnification, and a process is determined as to whether or not to grant one magnification selected from the plurality of candidates,
a combination of the plurality of candidates in the first determination process is different from a combination of the plurality of candidates in the second determination process, or an average magnification of the plurality of candidates in the first determination process is different from an average magnification of the plurality of candidates in the second determination process,
a notification unit capable of notifying the magnification in either a first manner in which a numerical value is recognizable or a second manner in which the numerical value is not recognizable;
There is an upper limit to the amount of the benefit that is granted,
The gaming machine is configured so that the notification unit is capable of notifying the multiplier in the second manner when the value of the benefit obtained by the multiplier granted by executing the determination process exceeds the upper limit value, and of notifying the multiplier in the first manner when the value of the benefit obtained by the multiplier granted by executing the determination process does not exceed the upper limit value.

Images