JP7670997B2 - 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 when the number of added games, which is a type of parameter related to the play period of the special game state, is determined, the number of added games can be notified in installments.

Patent No. 6345197

This disclosure provides a new gaming machine that allows for new notification modes.

The first aspect is a gaming machine capable of executing a process of executing game progress in any one of game states including a general game state and a special game state that is a game state more advantageous to the player than the general game state, a process of determining a value of a parameter related to the period of game progress in the special game state, and a notification process of notifying the determined value of the parameter, in which there is an upper limit to the value of the parameter that can be notified at one time in the notification process, and when the determined value of the parameter exceeds the upper limit, the determined value of the parameter is divided into a plurality of divided values including a first value and a second value that do not exceed the upper limit, and the timing of notifying the first value and the timing of notifying the second value are made different.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide a new gaming machine that allows for new notification modes.

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 of the present embodiment. An explanatory diagram regarding the notification process of the determined number of added games. An explanatory diagram regarding the notification process of the determined number of added games. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a division value set table. 13 is a flowchart showing the add-on determination process for the slot machine 1. 13 is a flowchart showing the AT execution process after the add-on determination process of 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>
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 operated continuously.

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 the 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 by 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 a type 1 BB implementation state. If 12 games are played or a specific role is won 8 times in the RB implementation state, 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 can be used by the reel control unit 611, the game progress control unit 614, etc.

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 shifts the game zone from the advantageous zone to the normal zone when a forced termination condition is satisfied, including a case where the difference in game value during the advantageous zone based on the amount of game value at the time of entering the advantageous zone reaches 2400. The forced termination condition may include a case where the number of games played during the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number of games. In this embodiment, a limit value is set for the difference in game value obtained during the advantageous zone. The difference is a cumulative value obtained by subtracting the number of bets from the number of payouts of game value. As an example of the forced termination condition of the advantageous zone, the limit value for the difference in game value obtained during the advantageous zone is that the difference in game value during the advantageous zone based on the amount of game value at the time of entering the advantageous zone reaches 2400 (a predetermined limit value). Since the amount of game value at the time of entering the advantageous zone is used as a standard (for example, the difference is expressed as "0"), the predetermined limit value (2400) can also be said to be a limit value for the increase in game value that becomes positive for a player who has been playing continuously since entering the advantageous zone.
As a specific example, the first and second examples will be described. In the first example, assume that a losing state (a state in which the number of game values betted is greater than the number of payouts) continues from the time of entering the advantageous zone, the difference becomes a negative value, and the bottom price (for example, -1000) is reached. Then, assume that a winning state (a state in which the number of game values betted is smaller than the number of payouts) continues, and the difference in game values from the time of entering the advantageous zone returns to 0. Furthermore, if the winning state continues, the time when the difference in game values from the time of entering the advantageous zone reaches the above-mentioned predetermined limit value of 2400 and the advantageous zone is forcibly terminated is the time when the difference in game values from the time the bottom price is reached 3400. The balance of the player's game value is first -1000, then +3400, and the condition for forcibly terminating the advantageous zone is met when the balance is +2400 in total. On the other hand, in the second example, if the winning state continues from the time of entering the advantageous zone, the difference in the game value from the time of entering the advantageous zone reaches 2400 coins, and the advantageous zone is forcibly terminated. The condition for the forced termination of the advantageous zone is met when the player's game value balance reaches +2400 coins without ever becoming negative.

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 (special game 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 game number determination process that determines the initial value of the remaining number of games that can be played in the AT state, an AT execution process in which play proceeds in a game number management type while the remaining number of games is played, and an add-on determination process that determines the number of add-on games to be added to the remaining number of games in the AT execution process. The remaining number of games and the add-on number of games in the AT state of this embodiment are parameters related to the period of the special game state (AT state) because their values represent the period of the AT state.

The value of the remaining number of games suggests the expected value of the game value obtained by playing in the AT state. For example, if the number of remaining games is 50, and the net increase per game is 2.5, the expected value of the game value obtained by playing 50 games in the AT state is 2.5 x 50 = 125. In other words, by notifying the initial value of the remaining number of games determined in the initial number of games determination process, the player can know the expected value of the game value (the minimum expected value, which can also be said to be the minimum guaranteed number) obtained by playing in the AT state during the period represented by the initial value of the remaining number of games. In addition, by notifying the number of added games determined in the add-on determination process, the player can know the expected value of the game value obtained by playing in the AT state during the period represented by the number of added games. This can also be said to know the expected value of the game value corresponding to the number of added games that will be obtained if the AT state is played for the number of added games.

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--
The add-on determination process shown in FIG. 8 includes an add-on number determination process for determining the number of add-on games to be added to the remaining number of games in the AT execution process, and an add-on number notification process for notifying the player of the number of add-on games determined in the add-on number determination process. In the add-on number notification process, when the number of add-on games determined in the add-on number determination process is notified, if the number of add-on games newly added to the remaining number of games is large, it may stimulate the player's gambling spirit. Therefore, an upper limit of the number of add-on games that can be notified at one time (sometimes referred to as the "upper limit of the number of add-on games"). The upper limit of the number of add-on games that can be notified at one time can be determined according to the upper limit of the expected value of the game value that can be notified at one time (sometimes referred to as the "upper limit of the game value"). When the number of add-on games determined in the add-on number determination process exceeds the upper limit of the number of add-on games, the determined number of add-on games is divided into a plurality of divided values, and each divided value is notified at different times via a notification unit such as the liquid crystal screen 3. If the number of added games determined in the process of determining the number of added games does not exceed the upper limit of the number of added games to be notified, the determined number of added games is notified via a notification section such as the liquid crystal screen 3. This makes it possible to reduce the risk of inciting the player's gambling greed, since the number of added games notified at one time does not exceed the upper limit of the number of added games to be notified. "Notification at one time" means notification in the same game.

As a specific example, in this embodiment, the upper limit of the game value to be notified is 3600 coins, and the upper limit of the number of added games to be notified is 1440 games (3600 coins ÷ 2.5). Figures 9 and 10 are explanatory diagrams regarding the notification process of the determined number of added games. As shown in Figure 9, when the determined number of added games (2000 games) exceeds the upper limit of the number of added games to be notified (1440 games), the determined number of added games (2000 games) is divided into multiple divided values (e.g., 1000 games, 500 games, 500 games), and the timing of notification of each divided value is made different so as not to exceed the upper limit of the number of added games that can be notified at one time. In the example of FIG. 9, first, it is notified that the number of added games is 1000 games, and then, when one or more games have been played, it is notified that the number of added games is 500 games, and then, when one or more games have been played, it is notified that the number of added games is 500 games. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, if the determined number of added games (1000 games) does not exceed the upper limit (1440 games) for the number of added games to be notified, it is notified that the number of added games is 1000 games.

The expected value of the game value obtained by the progress of play in the AT state represented by the upper limit of the number of added games (1,440 games) is greater than the limit of the difference in the game value obtained in the advantageous zone (2,400).

The expected value of the game value (upper limit of game value notification: 3,600 coins) obtained by the progress of play in the AT state, represented by the upper limit of the number of added games (1,440 games), is smaller than the upper limit of the count value of the game value, which is one of the conditions for the completion process to be activated. In this embodiment, the count value of the game value, which is one of the conditions for the completion process to be activated, is the MY value, and the upper limit of the MY value is 19,000 coins, but the upper limit of the MY value can be changed as appropriate.

To achieve the above processing, the add-on determination process shown in FIG. 8 includes an add-on number determination process, a split notification determination process, a split value combination determination process, and an add-on number notification process. Furthermore, in the AT state, it includes an add-on number split notification process. Of the add-on determination process, the add-on number determination process is executed by the main control unit 61. Of the add-on determination process, the split notification determination process, the split value set determination process, and the add-on number notification process are executed by the sub-control unit 63. The add-on number split notification process is executed by the sub-control unit 63.

The process of determining the number of added games selects one candidate value from a plurality of candidate values according to the internal mode in the AT execution process to determine the number of added games. Examples of the plurality of candidate values include different numbers such as 3000 games, 2000 games, 1000 games, 500 games, and 100 games. The expected value of the game value obtained by the progress of the game in the AT state is 7500 coins for 3000 games, 5000 coins for 2000 games, 2500 coins for 1000 games, 1250 coins for 500 games, and 250 coins for 100 games. These numbers are examples and are not limited. There are several types of internal modes, and as an example, the first internal mode is a mode in which a player wins 3000 games with a probability of 0.5%, 2000 games with a probability of 1%, 1000 games with a probability of 2%, 500 games with a probability of 3%, and 100 games with a probability of 93.5%. 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 number of added games is relatively larger than that of the first internal mode. For example, the second internal mode is a mode in which a player wins 3000 games with a probability of 1%, 2000 games with a probability of 2%, 1000 games with a probability of 3%, 500 games with a probability of 4%, and 100 games with a probability of 90%.
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.

The split notification determination process determines whether or not to notify the number of added games in a split manner based on the number of added games determined in the add-on number determination process. Specifically, if the number of added games determined in the add-on number determination process exceeds the "upper limit for notifying the number of added games (1,440 games)," it is determined that a split notification will be made. Conversely, if the number of added games determined in the add-on number determination process does not exceed the "upper limit for notifying the number of added games (1,440 games)," it is determined that no split notification will be made.

The split value set determination process determines a split value set when it is determined in the split notification determination process that a split notification is to be performed. The split value set is a collection (combination) of multiple split values obtained by dividing the number of added games determined in the add-on number determination process. The sum of the split values constituting the split value set is equal to the number of added games. In addition, each split value constituting the split value set is equal to or less than the "upper limit value for the number of added games (1,440 games)". The multiple split values constituting the split value set may include two or more identical values. All the split values constituting the split value set may be the same, or all the split values constituting the split value set may be different. In this embodiment, the split value set determination process selects and determines one split value set that matches the number of added games determined in the add-on number determination process from the multiple split value sets shown in FIG. 11. If there are multiple split value sets that match the number of added games, they can be selected by a lottery process.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a split value set table. As shown in FIG. 11, the split value set table is data related to split value sets, and is data associating the number of added games with split value sets. The split value set is made up of multiple split values that do not exceed the upper limit value of the number of added games. There may be one or multiple split value sets associated with one type of added game number. If there are multiple split value sets associated with one type of added game number, it is possible to diversify the presentation. In this embodiment, three split value sets are provided for the number of added games of 3000 games. Specifically, the first set of split value sets is composed of [three 1000 games]. The second set of split value sets is composed of [one 1000 game, four 500 games]. The third set of split value sets is composed of [one 1000 game, three 500 games, and five 100 games]. In addition, three sets of split value sets are provided for the additional game count of 2000 games. Specifically, the first set of split value sets consists of [two 1000 games]. The second set of split value sets consists of [one 1000 game, two 500 games]. The second set of split value sets consists of [one 1000 game, one 500 game, and five 100 games]. The order of announcement of the multiple split values that make up the split value set is specified in the split value set table. Specifically, the multiple split values are announced one by one from left to right in the split value set table.

The multiple split value sets included in the split value set table shown in FIG. 11 include three types of split values: 1000 games, 500 games, and 100 games. The candidate values for the number of added games determined in the add-on number determination process are five types: 3000 games, 2000 games, 1000 games, 500 games, and 100 games. The split value set table shown in FIG. 11 only has candidate values that require split (3000 games, 2000 games). The candidate value (3000 games) can be expressed by the three split value sets shown in FIG. 11. The candidate value (2000) game can be expressed by the three split value sets shown in FIG. 11. The candidate value (1000 games) can be expressed by the split value (1000 games) included in the split value set. The candidate value (500 games) can be expressed only by the split value (500 games) included in the split value set. The candidate value (100 games) can be expressed only by the split value (100 games) included in the split value set. Therefore, the multiple split value sets included in the split value set table shown in FIG. 11 can each express multiple candidate values for the number of added games determined in the add-on number determination process. As a result, it is only necessary to prepare one presentation image for one split value, and in the example of this embodiment, it is necessary to prepare three types of presentation images, a presentation image for 1000 games, a presentation image for 500 games, and a presentation image for 100 games, and this may suppress an increase in presentation data used when notifying the number of added games. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 11, it can be said that multiple candidate values for the number of added games can be expressed by multiple split value sets, but it can also be said that multiple candidate values for the number of added games can be expressed by only one split value set, such as the third or sixth split value set from the top of the split value set table.

The add-on number notification process notifies the number of add-on games or a part of the multiple divided values corresponding to the number of add-on games. If it is determined in the division notification determination process that no division notification will be made, the add-on number notification process notifies the number of add-on games determined in the add-on number determination process, as shown in FIG. 10. On the other hand, if it is determined in the division notification determination process that a division notification will be made, as shown in FIG. 9, a part of the multiple divided values included in the divided value set is notified using the divided value set determined in the division value set determination process. The example in FIG. 9 uses a divided value set consisting of 1000 games, 500 games, and 500 games, the fifth from the top shown in FIG. 11, and the first 1000 games are notified in the add-on number notification process (first division notification).

The additional number split notification process is a process in which a split notification is determined in the split notification decision process, and the second and subsequent split notifications are executed when the split notification condition is met in the AT execution process. In this embodiment, the split notification condition is to progress (consume) a predetermined number of games in the AT execution process, and a split notification is executed each time the predetermined number of games is consumed. In the example of FIG. 9, the additional number of games (2000 games) is divided into multiple split values (1000 games, 500 games, 500 games) including a first value (1000 games) and a second value (500 games). Then, in the additional number notification process, the first value (1000 games) is notified as the first split notification, and then, when the predetermined number of games have been played, the second value (500 games) is notified as the second split notification in the additional number notification process. In this way, it is sufficient that the timing of the notification of the first value (1000 games) and the timing of the notification of the second value are different. Different timing means different games. In this embodiment, the notification order of the multiple divided values follows the order in which they are included in the divided value set.

<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 FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the add-on determination process of the slot machine 1. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the AT execution process shown in FIG. 8, the process proceeds to the add-on determination process. When the process proceeds to the add-on determination process, in step ST1 shown in FIG. 12, the main control unit 61 determines the number of add-on games (add-on number determination process). In the next step ST2, the performance control unit 630 determines whether or not to report the number of add-on games in a divided manner based on the number of add-on games determined in the add-on number determination process (divided notification determination process). If it is determined not to report in a divided manner in step ST2 (ST3: NO), in step ST4, the performance control unit 630 reports a performance corresponding to the number of add-on games determined in the add-on number determination process as it is, as shown in FIG. 10, for example (add-on number notification process). When the add-on number notification process ends, the add-on determination process ends and the process proceeds to the AT execution process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST2 that a split notification is to be made (ST3: YES), in step ST5, the performance control unit 630 determines a split value set consisting of multiple split values obtained by dividing the number of added games (split value set determination process). In the example of FIG. 9, the number of added games is divided into three split values of 1000 games, 500 games, and 500 games. Each of these multiple split values does not exceed the upper limit of the number of added games to be notified (1440 games). In the next step ST6, the performance control unit 630 notifies a performance corresponding to a part of the multiple split values constituting the split set as the first split notification (addition number notification process). The notification order of the multiple split values is performed in the order specified in the split value set. The performance control unit 630 stores the notification history so that the split value set can be distinguished between the notified split value and the unnotified split value. When the addition number notification process is completed, the addition determination process is completed and the process proceeds to the AT execution process.

Using FIG. 13, the flow of the AT execution process after the add-on determination process will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the AT execution process after the add-on determination process of the slot machine 1. When the AT execution process is started after the add-on determination process, in step ST11 shown in FIG. 13, the main control unit 61 proceeds with playing one game in the AT state. In the next step ST12, the performance control unit 630 determines whether the split notification condition is met. The split notification condition in this embodiment is that all split values of the split value set have not been notified, and a predetermined number of games have passed since the notification timing of the previous split value. If it is determined in step ST12 that the split notification condition is not met (ST12: NO), the process proceeds to step ST11 and proceeds to the next game. On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST12 that the split notification condition is met (ST12: YES), in the next step ST13, the performance control unit 630 notifies the performance corresponding to the next unnotified split value based on the split set (second or subsequent split notification process). Once the split value has been announced, the process moves to step ST11 and proceeds to the next game. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the second split announcement process announces that the number of added games is 500, and the third split announcement process announces that the number of added games is 500.

[1]
To sum up, as in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 (gaming machine) is capable of executing a process of executing game progress in any one of game states including a general game state and a special game state (AT state) which is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the general game state, a process of determining a parameter value (number of added games) related to the period of game progress in the special game state (AT state), and a notification process (addition number notification process, addition number division notification process) of notifying the determined parameter value (number of added games), and the notification process (addition number notification process, addition number division notification process) is capable of notifying the parameter value that can be notified at one time. It may be possible that when there is an upper limit (upper limit for notifying the number of added games: 1,440 games) and the value of the determined parameter (number of added games) exceeds the upper limit (upper limit for notifying the number of added games: 1,440 games), the value of the determined parameter (number of added games) is divided into multiple divided values (1,000 games, 500 games, 500 games) including a first value (1,000 games) and a second value (500 games) that do not exceed the upper limit (upper limit for notifying the number of added games: 1,440 games), and a process is executed to make the timing of notifying the first value (1,000 games) different from the timing of notifying the second value (500 games).

<Effects of the Invention>
According to this embodiment, even if the determined parameter value exceeds the upper limit of the parameter value that can be notified at one time, the determined parameter value is divided into a plurality of divided values including the first value and the second value, and the first value and the second value are notified at different timings. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the parameter value notified at one time from exceeding the upper limit of the parameter value that can be notified at one time, and therefore it is possible to provide a new notification mode that can reduce the risk of inciting the gambling spirit of the player.

[2]
In the gaming machine described in [1] above, a process may be executed to notify the determined parameter value (number of added games) when the determined parameter value (number of added games) does not exceed an upper limit (upper notification limit value).
According to this configuration, the number of added games is reported as is, making it possible to provide an easy-to-understand report.

[3]
In the gaming machine described in [1] or [2] above, it may have at least one divided value set consisting of multiple divided values including a first value (1,000 games) and a second value (500 games) that do not exceed an upper limit (upper limit value for notifying the number of added games), and the notification process may be capable of notifying using at least one divided value set.
According to this configuration, since at least one pre-owned divided value set is used, the degree of freedom of the notification mode can be secured by the multiple divided values constituting the divided value set. For example, the divided value set can be configured with relatively uniform divided values to provide a notification mode that extremely suppresses the arousal of gambling, or the divided value set can be configured with large divided values and small divided values to provide a notification mode that mixes a presentation that gives a high sense of expectation and a presentation that gives a low sense of expectation.

[4]
In the gaming machine described in [3] above, the parameter value (number of added games) is determined from among a plurality of candidate values (3000, 2000, 1000, 500, 100 games), at least one divided value set is capable of expressing each of the plurality of candidate values (3000, 2000, 1000, 500, 100 games), and the notification process is capable of notifying using at least one divided value set.
According to this configuration, the multiple split values that make up the split value set can be used to express not only the number of added games that are notified in a split manner (3000, 2000 games), but also the number of added games that are not notified in a split manner (1000, 500, 100 games), making it possible to reproduce memory capacity by sharing data related to the split values.

[5]
In the gaming machine described in [4] above, it may be possible to have a plurality of divided value sets corresponding to a plurality of candidate values (3000, 2000 games) that exceed the upper limit of the parameter value that can be reported at one time (upper limit of the number of added games that can be reported), and to select one divided value set from the plurality of divided value sets that matches the determined parameter value, and to report using the selected divided value set.
According to this configuration, there is a divided value set for each of the multiple candidate values, and the divided value set corresponding to the determined parameter value (number of added games) is selected, so that appropriate divided notification is possible. If there are multiple divided value sets corresponding to one candidate value, a variety of divided notifications are possible.

[6]
In the gaming machine described in any of [1] to [5] above, it may be possible to determine multiple division values based on the determined parameter value (number of added games) and to notify using the determined multiple division values.
According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the memory capacity required to store the divided value sets.
Specifically, the following example can be mentioned:
In a first example, in the split value set determination process shown in Figure 8, multiple split values obtained by dividing the determined number of added games are calculated and determined all at once without using the split value set table shown in Figure 11.
In the second example, the divided value set determination process shown in FIG. 8 is not executed, and the divided values obtained by dividing the determined number of added games are not all determined at once, but the divided values for notification are determined each time. That is, the timing of determining the divided values constituting the number of added games may be different. This means that the timing of determining the divided values constituting the number of added games may be the same for two or more of the divided values, as long as the timing of determining all the divided values constituting the number of added games is not the same.

[7]
In the gaming machines described in [1] to [6] above, a process can be executed to set one of the gaming zones including a favorable zone in which processing related to the instruction function can be performed and a normal zone in which processing related to the instruction function cannot be performed, and the expected value (3,600 coins) of the gaming value obtained by the progress of the game in the special gaming state (AT state) represented by the upper limit of the parameter (upper limit of the number of added games notified: 1,440 games) is greater than the limit value (2,400 coins) of the difference in the gaming value obtained in the favorable zone.
If the loss state continues from the time of transition to the advantageous zone, and the parameter value is determined in a state where the game value has decreased to, for example, -1000, the game value will be +3400 until the limit value of the difference in the game value obtained in the advantageous zone including the decrease in the game value is reached. Therefore, by making the expected value (3600 pieces) of the game value obtained by the progress of the game in the special game state (AT state) represented by the upper limit of the parameter (upper limit value of the number of games added: 1440 games) larger than the limit value (2400 pieces) of the difference in the game value obtained in the advantageous zone, it is possible to reduce the discouragement of the player's motivation due to the divided display of the parameter value (number of games added) in a situation where the player wants to make a quick recovery from a state where the game value has decreased.

[8]
In the gaming machines described in [1] to [7] above, a completion process can be executed to make the machine unplayable, and the expected value (3,600 coins) of gaming value obtained by playing in a special gaming state (AT state) represented by the upper limit of a parameter (upper limit value of the notification of the number of added games) may be smaller than the count value of the gaming value (19,000 coins in MY value), which is one of the conditions for activating the completion process.
According to this configuration, even if a parameter value (number of added games) that satisfies the condition for activating the complete process is determined, the number of added games is notified in installments, thereby preventing unnecessary gambling.

[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 this embodiment, the special gaming state (AT state) is a game number management type, and the notification method when the number of added games is determined as a parameter related to the period of the special gaming state is, but is not limited to this. It can be applied to the notification method when the number of remaining games is determined in the initial game number determination process as a parameter related to the period of the special gaming state.

(B) In this embodiment, the special gaming state (AT state) is a game number management type, and the parameter related to the period of the special gaming state is the number of games remaining in the AT state or the number of added games added to the remaining number of games, but is not limited to this. The parameter related to the period of the special gaming state may be, for example, a value based on the difference in the number of coins in a difference-in-number-managed AT state, or a value based on the number of times that an instruction function can be executed in the AT state.

<Timing of division notification>
(C) In this embodiment, the timing of the split notification is triggered by the fact that a split notification condition has been met, that is, a predetermined number of games have elapsed, but is not limited to this.
For example, as one example, a split notification may be executed in response to an internal win or winning of a role that determines a split notification, such as a rare role.
As one example, in a process of determining whether or not to execute a split notification, which is executed in response to an internal win or award for a split notification lottery role such as a replay or bell, a split notification may be executed in response to a decision to execute the split notification.
As one example, a split notification may be executed according to the number of times a predetermined combination such as a bell has been internally won or won. Also, a process may be executed to determine whether or not to execute a split notification according to the number of times a predetermined combination such as a bell has been internally won or won, and the split notification may be executed when it is determined that a split notification is to be executed. The number of times the above-mentioned predetermined combination has been internally won or won may be varied according to a set value. In this way, for example, the selection probability of the timing of split notification when a predetermined combination has been won five times and the selection probability of the timing of split notification when a predetermined combination has been won ten times are determined for each set value, and the player can guess the set value through the number of times the predetermined combination has been won at the time of split notification.
As one example, regardless of the internal winning role, a process may be executed to determine whether or not to execute a split notification, and the split notification may be executed when it is determined that a split notification should be executed.
As one example, a split notification may be performed according to a division of a performance. For example, when a performance is divided into a plurality of scenes each having a series of flows, a split notification may be performed at a division where a performance advances to the next scene, or a process for determining whether or not to perform a split notification at a division where a performance advances to the next scene may be performed, and a split notification may be performed when it is determined that a split notification should be performed.
As one example, points may be accumulated, and a divided notification may be executed when the points reach a predetermined value.Alternatively, a process for determining whether or not to execute a divided notification may be executed when the points reach a predetermined value, and a divided notification may be executed when it is determined that a divided notification should be executed.
As one example, a split notification may be executed when the value of a parameter related to the period of the AT state exceeds or falls below a predetermined value. For example, a split display may be performed when the number of remaining games falls below 50 games, a split notification may be performed when the number of remaining games falls below 10 games, and a split notification may be performed when the number of remaining games becomes 0. Also, a process for determining whether or not to execute a split notification may be executed when the value of a parameter related to the period of the AT state exceeds or falls below a predetermined value, and a split notification may be executed when it is determined that a split notification should be executed.
As one example, game play may progress until the number of remaining games in the AT state becomes 0, then a presentation is given as to whether or not to continue the AT state, a presentation is given confirming the continuation of the AT state, the number of remaining games in the AT state is determined, and the determined number of remaining games in the AT state (which exceeds the upper notification limit value) may be notified in parts.

<Order of Reporting Divided Values>
(D) In this embodiment, the order of reporting the multiple divided values constituting the divided value set is a pre-specified order shown in the table in Fig. 11, but is not limited to this. For example, as one example, the multiple divided values may be reported in descending order of value, or in descending order of value, or in a random order.
As one example, when the split value is notified according to the condition device (a winning or winning combination), the split value to be notified may be selected from among a plurality of split values based on the winning condition device (a winning or winning combination). For example, when a bell is won or won, the split value (100 games) is notified, when a weak cherry is won or won, the split value (500 games) is notified, and when a strong cherry is won or won, the split value (1000 games) is notified.
As one example, a division value corresponding to a preset importance of a division value among a plurality of division values may be notified at a division of a performance. For example, at an important division value, a relatively large division value (e.g., 1000 games) among a plurality of division values may be notified.
As one example, the notification order of the multiple divided values may have a tendency according to the set value. For example, if the set value is an odd number, the notification may be made in descending order of the divided values. As a specific example, the notification may be made in ascending order of the divided values with a probability of 60% and in descending order of the divided values with a probability of 40%. Furthermore, if the set value is an even number, the notification may be made in descending order of the divided values. As a specific example, the notification may be made in descending order of the divided values with a probability of 40% and in descending order of the divided values with a probability of 60%. In this way, if the notification order of the multiple divided values has a tendency according to the set value, it becomes possible to suggest the set value by the notification order of the divided values.

(E) In this embodiment, one divided value is reported at a time, but this is not limited to this. For example, two or more divided values may be reported at a time. In this case, however, the total value of the two or more divided values must be less than or equal to the upper reporting limit value for the parameter value.

(F) The upper limit of the number of added games to be reported (the upper limit of the parameters related to the period of the special game state that can be reported at one time) is not limited to 1,440 coins, and can be changed as appropriate. In addition, the expected value of the game value obtained by the progress of play in the AT state represented by the upper limit of the number of added games to be reported (upper limit of the game value to be reported) may be set to less than the limit of the difference in the game value obtained in the advantageous zone (2,400 coins).

(G) The internal mode in the AT execution process may be determined when transitioning to the add-on determination process. The internal mode in the AT execution process may be determined according to the winning combination, or may be determined by executing a lottery process when the lever 42 is operated. The internal mode in the AT execution process may also be determined according to a set value.

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 can be an ART type slot machine or other type of gaming machine other than an AT machine. In addition, the gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine, and can be a pachinko machine.

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.

61: Main control unit 630: Production control unit

Claims (2)

A process of executing a game progress in any one of game states including a normal game state and a special game state which is a game state more advantageous to a player than the normal game state;
A process of determining a value of a parameter related to a period of game progress in the special game state;
and a notification process of notifying the determined parameter value.
There is an upper limit to the value of the parameter that can be notified at one time in the notification process,
a process is executable in which, when the determined value of the parameter exceeds the upper limit, the determined value of the parameter is divided into a plurality of divided values including a first value and a second value that do not exceed the upper limit, and a timing for notifying the second value is set to a timing at which one or more games have progressed since the timing for notifying the first value, thereby making the timing for notifying the first value and the timing for notifying the second value different from each other;
a divided value set table that associates a value of the parameter that exceeds the upper limit with a divided value set corresponding to the value of the parameter that exceeds the upper limit, the divided value set being made up of a plurality of divided values including the first value and the second value that do not exceed the upper limit, and a total value of the plurality of divided values constituting the divided value set is equal to the value of the corresponding parameter,
a notification order of the plurality of divided values constituting the divided value set is defined in the divided value set table,
The notification process is capable of notifying the multiple divided values in the notification order based on the divided value set table. A process of executing a game progress in any one of game states including a normal game state and a special game state which is a game state more advantageous to a player than the normal game state;
A process of determining a value of a parameter related to a period of game progress in the special game state;
and a notification process of notifying the determined parameter value.
There is an upper limit to the value of the parameter that can be notified at one time in the notification process,
a process is executable in which, when the determined value of the parameter exceeds the upper limit, the determined value of the parameter is divided into a plurality of divided values including a first value not exceeding the upper limit and a second value different from the first value, and a timing for notifying the second value is set to a timing at which one or more games have progressed since the timing for notifying the first value, thereby making the timing for notifying the first value and the timing for notifying the second value different from each other;
the value of the parameter is determined from among a plurality of candidate values including a first candidate value and a second candidate value, the first candidate value and the second candidate value exceeding the upper limit;
At least one divided value set including a plurality of divided values not exceeding the upper limit is associated with the first candidate value;
At least one divided value set including a plurality of divided values not exceeding the upper limit is associated with the second candidate value;
a sum of the divided values constituting the divided value set is equal to the value of the corresponding parameter;
A gaming machine in which the first value and the second value as divided values are included in at least one divided value set corresponding to the first candidate value and are also included in at least one divided value set corresponding to the second candidate value, and the first value and the second value are shared by a plurality of divided value sets.

Images