JP2022119657A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine in which a setting suggestion presentation is performed when a game is performed in a specific time zone.SOLUTION: A game machine is provided, having a configuration including: game setting value setting means capable of setting one game setting value from among a plurality of game setting values including a first game setting value and a second game setting value; time determination means capable of determining whether a current time is a specific time; game performance determination means capable of determining whether a game has been performed in a state in which a specific time is determined by the time determination means; and, based on a determination by the game performance determination means that a game has been performed, notification means capable of making a notification of game setting value information that is information related to a game setting value set by the game setting value setting means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

A gaming machine is disclosed in which a setting suggesting effect is performed on the condition that the number of games in an advantageous section, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player, reaches 1200 times (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-189228

However, conventional gaming machines have room for improvement.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention includes game setting value setting means capable of setting one of a plurality of game setting values including a first game setting value and a second game setting value. , time determination means capable of determining whether the current time is a specific time; game execution determination means capable of determining whether a game has been executed in the state determined by the time determination means to be the specific time; a notifying means capable of notifying game setting value information, which is information relating to the game setting value set by the game setting value setting means, based on the fact that the game execution determining means has determined that the game has been executed. be.

It is a front view showing the appearance of the game machine. It is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of a game machine. It is a diagram showing an active line in the display window of the gaming machine. It is a diagram showing a winning combination and benefits corresponding to the winning combination. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal lottery table for each winning combination; It is a state transition diagram of RT state. It is a state transition diagram of a game state. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the production|presentation screen in each game state. It is a figure which shows a mode lottery table. It is a figure which shows the specification according to mode. It is a figure which shows a CZ lottery table. It is a figure which shows a Pt lottery table. It is a figure which shows a 1st specialized zone lottery table. It is a figure which shows a 2nd special zone lottery table. It is a figure which shows a number-of-pseudo-games lottery table. It is a figure which shows a normal AT ceiling game number lottery table. It is a figure which shows a 3rd special zone lottery table. It is a figure which shows a navigation right lottery table. It is a flowchart which shows the sub-control processing of a sub-control part. 11 is a flow chart showing a setting-suggestion effect pattern setting process; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a setting-suggestion character lottery table; It is a flow chart which shows specific time control processing. It is a flowchart which shows control processing at the time of game execution. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a setting suggestion effect screen; 9 is a flowchart showing wind effect control processing; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a wind effect lottery table; It is a figure which shows a production|presentation button. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a modification of the setting-suggestion effect pattern setting process; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of setting-suggested character scenarios;

Preferred embodiments of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
Game machines are installed in game halls and the like, and there are various types of them. As an example of the present embodiment, a case where the game machine is applied to a slot machine 1 will be described.

[Slot machine]
The slot machine 1, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, is a gaming machine comprising a housing 1b with an open front side and a front door 1a covering the front side of the housing 1b so as to be opened and closed.
At the top of the front door 1a, for example, it is composed of a liquid crystal display, which performs display effects and information displays according to the game, and a setting suggesting effect composed of a display 8 and a 7-segment display functioning as notification means. A display 14 is provided.
The information displayed by the display 8 includes information on the stop symbols aimed by the player and the order of operation of the stop button 5 (hereinafter referred to as the order of pressing).
On the left and right sides of the display 8, a speaker 9 for outputting sound and a lamp 11 having a light-emitting means such as an LED for effecting light are incorporated.
The player can also be notified of the pressing order of the stop buttons 5 by means of a navigation lamp 12 provided below the display device 8 .

A display window 6 is formed in the central portion of the front door 1a so that the rear side can be visually recognized.
Below the display window 6, a stepped portion projecting forward is formed, and on the upper surface of this stepped portion is a medal insertion slot 2 for inserting medals, and a medal slot 2 for inserting medals. A bet button 2a for setting a number and an effect button 15 for performing a suggestive effect of a set value set in the gaming machine when pressed by the player are provided.
A start lever 3 operated by the player when starting the game and a stop button 5 pressed by the player when stopping the reels 41 are provided on the front surface of the multi-layered portion.

Below the display window 6, there is provided an advantageous section lamp 13 for notifying the player of the advantageous section.
A medal payout port 7b through which medals are paid out is provided at the lower portion of the front door 1a.

A main control unit 10 for overall control of the game and a sub-control unit 20 for controlling game effects and the like under the control of the main control unit 10 are provided in the upper part of the housing 1b.
The main control unit 10 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processing, a ROM that stores control programs and control data, and a RAM that includes a storage area for temporarily storing various data and a work area for the CPU.
The main control unit 10 is connected with a bet button 2a, a medal selector 2b, a start lever 3, a stop button 5, a drum unit 4, a medal payout device 7, an advantageous section lamp 13, a setting suggestive effect display 14, and the like. It is configured to receive various signals from the built-in sensor.
Further, the main control unit 10 functions as a lottery means, performs a game start process, a process of sampling random numbers from a random number generator, etc., and performs an internal lottery for a winning combination based on the sampled random numbers.
The sub-control unit 20 includes a sub-ROM for storing various information such as programs related to effects, image data, and audio data, and a sub-RAM having a storage area for temporarily storing various data and a work area for the sub CPU. ing.
The sub control unit 20 is connected with the navigation lamp 12, the effect button 15, the display device 8, the speaker 9, the lamp 11, etc., and is configured to be able to transmit various signals to each device.
A drum unit 4 for rotating a reel 41 is provided in the central portion of the housing 1b.

The drum unit 4 includes horizontally arranged reels 41a, 41b, and 41c. These reels 41a to 41c are rotatable by driving a stepping motor (not shown).
A plurality of symbols are displayed in a predetermined arrangement on the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 41a to 41c, and when the reels 41 are stopped, a predetermined number (for example, three) of symbols are continuously displayed on each of the reels 41a to 41c. It is visible through the display window 6 .
A medal payout device 7 for paying out medals and a hopper 7a for storing medals are provided in the lower part of the housing 1b. be
In such a slot machine 1, the main control section 10 controls the following games.

First, after the player inserts medals as game media into the medal slot 2, the number of medals to be multiplied for one game is set at the start of the game.
At this time, the number of bets can be set by inserting medals directly from the medal slot 2 or by pressing the bet button 2a.
In the method of inserting medals directly from the medal slot 2 and setting them, the inserted medals are detected by the medal selector 2b provided on the rear surface of the front door 1a, and the number corresponding to the number of inserted medals is increased. It is set and ready to start the game.

On the other hand, in the method of setting by pressing the bet button 2a, by pressing the bet button 2a for specifying the acquisition destination of the medals to bet on one game from the credit medals, the number of bets is set and the game can be started. become.
That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, a maximum of three bets can be made for one game, and any of bets of one, two, or three bets can be made as long as the number of bets does not exceed the maximum of three. You can start the game even with the number of bets.
Also, credit medals are added by inserting medals from the medal slot 2 or winning prizes, and for example, up to 50 medals can be stored.
In this way, the number of bets to be set for medals can be set by inserting medals directly from the medal slot 2 or by pressing the bet button 2a. stored in the storage means.
When the start lever 3 is operated in such a state, the game is started and the reels 41a to 41c can be rotated.
At this time, the main control unit 10 performs an internal lottery process for each game out of a plurality of winning combinations including "lost" to be lottered when the start lever 3 is operated.
In the internal lottery process, a winning combination is determined by lottery based on a predetermined winning probability every time a game is played out of a plurality of combinations.
Therefore, the main control unit 10 functions as a lottery means for performing a lottery for a winning combination when the start lever 3 is operated while the number of bets is set.

Each of the reels 41a to 41c gradually increases its rotational speed from a stopped state, and then reaches steady rotation in which it rotates at a constant speed.
When such steady rotation is reached, each stop button 5a to 5c provided corresponding to each reel 41a to 41c can be pressed, and when each stop button 5a to 5c is pressed, the operation timing and internal The reels 41a to 41c are stopped and controlled so that the reels 41a to 41c are stopped at combinations of symbols permitted by the lottery result of the lottery process.

As a result of judging the combination of the symbols stopped on the effective line after the third reel stop operation, it is determined that the player wins when the predetermined combination of symbols is obtained, and a privilege corresponding to the combination of the symbols is awarded.
In this way, the main control unit 10 gives a privilege according to the game result based on the end of each game.
The first reel refers to the first reel to be stopped when the player performs the first stop operation when the stop operation of each of the three reels 41a to 41c is performed once for a total of three times. .

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of effective lines are set for combinations of symbols represented by stop symbols of the respective reels 41a to 41c viewed through the display window 6. FIG.
As for the effective lines, a total of five lines are provided: three horizontally arranged middle, upper and lower effective lines 1, 2 and 3, and two obliquely crossing effective lines 4 and 5. - 特許庁
The result of the game is determined by a combination of symbols displayed on the reels 41 stopped along the activated line.

[Benefits corresponding to winning roles and winning roles]
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the winning combinations stopped along the activated line and displayed in the display window 6 and the benefits corresponding to the winning combinations will be described.
The winning combination is roughly classified into a small combination, a replay combination, a bonus combination, and the like.
Minor roles include, for example, a bell role, a chance role, a watermelon role, and a cherry role.
In the following description, the chance role, watermelon role and cherry role are collectively referred to as "rare role". will be done.
The following combinations of corresponding symbols will be described in the order of "left reel 41a, middle reel 41b, and right reel 41c".

For the bell combination, there are provided a bell combination with a different pressing order and a common bell combination, each having a different combination of corresponding symbols.
For the push order bell role, for example, there are six push orders for the three stop buttons (the left stop button 5a, the middle stop button 5b, and the right stop button 5c). By operating 5c, a combination of corresponding symbols (for example, "bell, bell, replay") is displayed on the active line, and six combinations of bells 1 to 6 are provided. there is

For example, if the player wins the bell 1 role in the pressing order and wins the navigation right lottery to be described later, the player presses the stop button 5a in the order of left stop button 5a→middle stop button 5b→right stop button 5c. By operating ~5c, the combination of patterns of "Bell Bell Replay" is arranged.

In such push order Bell 1 to 6 roles, when the stop buttons 5a to 5c are operated in accordance with the other five push orders, the corresponding symbol combination ("bell, bell, replay") is not stopped. Other symbol combinations such as "bell replay bell" (referred to as "bell dropout") will stop.
Further, when the pressing order bell 1 to 6 wins stop on the effective line, "15" medals are paid out.
In addition, the number of combinations of the push order bells is not limited to 6, but may be 3 types of push order bells 1 to 3, etc. Furthermore, the combination of the first stop symbol (red 7, blue 7) is also added, resulting in 12 combinations. It may be set to be more than that.

The common bell combination is a small combination in which a combination of corresponding symbols such as "bell, bell, bell" is stopped regardless of the order in which the stop buttons 5a to 5c are pressed.
When the common bell combination stops on the activated line, "15" medals are paid out in the same manner as the push-order bell combination.

The chance role is a small role (rare role) with a combination of corresponding symbols such as "bell, watermelon, replay", and the watermelon role is a combination of corresponding symbols such as "watermelon, watermelon, watermelon". It is a small role (rare role).
In both the chance game and the watermelon combination, "three" medals are paid out when the combination of the corresponding symbols stops.

The cherry combination includes a weak cherry combination and a strong cherry combination, both of which stop cherry symbols on the effective line of the left reel 41a.
For the weak cherry role, the combination of symbols such as "cherry-cherry-bell" stops on the effective line, and for the strong cherry role, the combination of symbols such as "cherry-cherry-cherry" stops on the effective line. It is a role (rare role).
When the combination of symbols corresponding to both the weak cherry combination and the strong cherry combination stops, the next game can be played without inserting medals in the same manner as the replay combination described below. playing a role.

The replay combination is a small combination in which the corresponding symbols are "replay, replay, replay." If this replay combination wins, the medals will not be inserted in the next game, that is, the medals will be spent. It will be in a state where you can play without it.

As long as the combination of corresponding symbols such as "Red 7, Red 7, Red 7" does not stop on the activated line, the winning right can be carried over.
For this reason, during the period until the bonus combination is won by stopping the combination of the corresponding symbols, the state of winning the bonus is maintained (hereinafter, this gaming state is referred to as the "bonus carry-over state"; A gaming state in which no role is won is referred to as a “non-bonus carry-over state”).
The bonus role can be won only in the winning game, and when the player wins, the game shifts to a bonus state in which only the watermelon role is won.
Also, during the bonus state, the game is played with 3 tokens, and the payout number of the watermelon role that always wins is set to "3". The amount obtained by subtracting the number of inserted medals (hereinafter referred to as net increase in number) is "0".
That is, in the bonus state, the player cannot expect an increase in medals to be obtained.
Winning of the small combination, replay combination, and bonus combination is determined based on the combination of symbols as described above, and winning is established when the corresponding combination of symbols stops on the active line as a result of the determination. Benefits will be given according to the establishment of each prize.

Next, setting values set in the slot machine 1 will be described.
The slot machine 1 can change a bonus, a winning probability of a lottery for shifting to the AT state, etc. by using a setting changing means provided in the power supply section of the slot machine 1. - 特許庁
For example, it is possible to set six levels of set values from 1 to 6 with different winning probabilities for specific winning combinations by means of the setting change means.

The setting of setting values is realized by the main control unit 10, a setting key (not shown) which is a dedicated key, and a setting key switch (not shown).
Specifically, a manager or the like of the gaming arcade can set the setting values of the slot machine 1 by inserting the setting key into the setting key switch provided in the power supply section of the slot machine 1 and rotating it. Become.
By operating a set value change switch (not shown) in this state, a desired set value can be set, and the main control unit 10 stores the set set value in a storage means such as a RAM. Then, the game is controlled based on the stored setting values.
That is, the main control unit 10 can set any game setting value from a plurality of game setting values including a first game setting value (for example, setting 1) and a second game setting value (for example, setting 6). It functions as game setting value setting means.
The set values are set in six steps from set values 1 to 6 (advantage=1<2<3 . . . <6), but may be set in five steps or in seven steps or more.

Next, the winning probability in the internal lottery for each winning combination will be described.
The slot machine 1 in this embodiment is controlled so that the game progresses more favorably for the player when the set value 6 is set than when the set value 1 is set.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an internal lottery table corresponding to each winning combination in a 3-coin game at setting 6 among six levels of setting values from 1 to 6. In FIG.
This internal lottery table is defined by associating each winning combination with a winning probability.
The probability of winning a rare role has a relationship of weak cherry < watermelon < chance eye < strong cherry. Some have different probabilities.

Therefore, the main control unit 10 stores the internal lottery table by classifying whether the bonus is carried over or not, and performs lottery for each winning combination during the game.
Although the bonus combination is configured to be won alone, it is not limited to this, and may be configured to be overlapped with another small combination (for example, cherry combination).

[Transition of game state]
Next, the game state transition controlled by the main control unit 10 will be described.
In addition to the configuration described above, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment has the following game states and characteristic game features based on the game states.
The game state is controlled to transition between RT0 state, RT1 state and bonus state, as shown in FIG.

[RT state]
First, the RT state provided in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 shows a transition diagram of the RT state.
RT is an abbreviation for replay time, and the RT state includes an RT0 state and an RT1 state in which the probability of winning a replay combination is determined by a predetermined probability.
In this RT state, the main control unit 10 can control to any RT state among a plurality of RT states including the RT0 state and the RT1 state.

The transition to the RT0 state is accomplished by turning on the power (RAM initialization) accompanying the termination of the bonus state, operation of the initialization switch or the like in the slot machine 1, or change of setting values (even if the same setting values are set again (retype)). including), it then shifts to the RT0 state (arrows (a) and (b) in FIG. 7).
The bonus state ends when a predetermined number of medals is paid out in the bonus state. and end.
The termination of the RT0 state ends with the transition to the RT1 state based on the winning of the bonus combination in the RT0 state (arrow (c) in FIG. 7).

The transition to the RT1 state is based on the winning of the bonus combination, and then the transition to the RT1 state (arrow (c) in FIG. 7).
Therefore, it can be said that the RT1 state is a bonus carry-over state.
The end of the RT1 state is ended by shifting from the RT1 state to the bonus state after that based on winning the bonus combination in the RT1 state (arrow (d) in FIG. 7).

Thus, in this embodiment, the RT0 state and the RT1 state having different transition conditions are provided, and both the RT0 state and the RT1 state are infinite game states (infinite RT) in which the game period is not predetermined. .
The RT1 state continues from the time the bonus combination is won until the prize is won, that is, the state in which the bonus is carried over is maintained.
A bonus combination is won only in a three-coin game, and is never won in a two-coin or one-coin game.
Therefore, basically, in the RT1 state and during the carry-over of the bonus, the game is played with a 3-coin wager. preferable.
Although there are two RT states in this embodiment, the number may be one or three or more.

Subsequently, transition processing between game states including the AT state and each game state generated along with the transition processing will be described.
FIG. 8 is a transition diagram of the game state, showing the normal state, chance zone (hereinafter referred to as CZ state), and AT state as game states.
Then, on the effect screen displayed on the display device 8, as shown in FIG. 9, different game information is displayed according to each game state.
The main control unit 10 can control a plurality of game states, and controls transition processing between game states, lottery processing that occurs along with the transition processing, and the like.
Also, the game state is divided into a normal section and an advantageous section that is more advantageous to the player than the normal section.
The main control unit 10 performs control so that each section is shifted based on the establishment of the following transition conditions.

The normal section is a section in which the pushing order for winning the "push order bell" is not notified when the "push order bell combination" is won.
The transition from the normal section to the advantageous section is made when all the winning combinations excluding "lost" (hereinafter referred to as "advantageous section transition combination") are won in the internal lottery process.
In the case of "losing", the normal section is maintained, and on the other hand, when the advantageous section transition hand is won, the normal section is shifted to the advantageous section.
Therefore, the vehicle stays in the normal section only during a part of the normal state (after the setting value is changed, after the AT state ends, etc.), and otherwise basically stays in the advantageous section.
Therefore, even in a normal state, there are cases where the passenger stays in both the normal section and the advantageous section, but the period of stay in the normal section is extremely short, and most of the time he stays in the advantageous section.
It should be noted that the game state in the normal section may be configured to add another game state (for example, a bonus state transitioned during the normal section).
Also, if you win a role other than "losing", you will move to the advantageous section, so you will stay in the advantageous section for the most part. It is good also as a structure which reduces the ratio which stays in an advantageous area.

On the other hand, the advantageous section is a section in which the pushing order for winning the "push order bell" is notified when the "push order bell role" is won, and the bonus carryover state, bonus state, CZ state, AT state (ART state ) is divided into this advantageous section.

Also, the advantageous section ends when the AT state ends or when at least one of the following conditions (a) and (b) is satisfied after transition to the advantageous section.
<Conditions for ending the advantageous section>
(a) The number of games played in the advantageous section has reached the specified number of "1500 games" (b) The number of acquired cards in the advantageous section has reached the specified number of "2400"

Here, conditions for ending the advantageous section shown in (a) and (b) will be described.
The main control unit 10 has an advantage interval counter that counts the number of games played during the advantage interval and the number of medals obtained during the advantage interval, and counts them.
Specifically, the advantageous interval counter stores a specific number of games played during the advantageous interval (e.g. 1,500 games) and a specific number of wins during the advantageous interval. (for example, 2400 sheets) are set respectively.
The advantageous interval counter counts each time a game is played (a game start operation is accepted) or a player wins a medal.
Then, when either of the conditions (a) and (b) is satisfied, it is not possible to stay in the advantageous section, and while shifting to the normal section, the number of games managed by the advantageous section counter, The acquired number is reset to "0".
It should be noted that the specific number of games played during the advantageous interval is preferably "1500 games or less", and may be changed to any desired number of games such as "500 games" or "1000 games", for example.
Furthermore, the specific number of the number obtained in the advantageous section is also preferably "2400 or less", and may be changed to any desired number such as 1000 or 1500, for example.
In addition, in the present embodiment, when it is in an advantageous section, unless the state is shifted to the AT state, an effect (hereinafter referred to as a navigation effect) for informing information about the pressing order is not performed. However, the configuration may be such that a navigation effect is performed.
In addition, the advantageous section lamp 13 is lit during the advantageous section, but in order to prevent deterioration of the game, it may be configured to be lit only during a state (for example, AT state, etc.) in which an increase in medals can actually be expected. .

The main control unit 10 controls to shift from one game state to another game state based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, and performs lottery processing accompanying the transition to the CZ state and AT state. .
The outline of each game state is as follows.

[Normal state]
The normal state is a gaming state that stays at the time of power-on with operation of a predetermined initialization switch or the like and is controlled to a non-AT state.
The normal state is a game state that is disadvantageous to the player because the number of medals held by the player gradually decreases as the game continues.
On the other hand, the specific state is controlled to the AT state, and by continuing the game, medals are likely to increase, which is advantageous for the player.
Therefore, the player plays the game with the aim of transitioning from the normal state to the specific state and aiming to stay in the specific state for a long time.

Modes will now be described.
The slot machine 1 in this embodiment is provided with a total of four modes of "mode A", "mode B", "mode C", and "mode D".
The main control unit 10 performs control so that the specifications are different in each of these four modes.

Hereinafter, the mode lottery process and specifications of each mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. FIG.
First, mode lottery processing will be described.
The mode lottery process is performed in the normal state, triggered by winning the advantageous section transition role in the internal lottery process that is performed while staying in the normal section, and selects which mode to transition to among the modes with different specifications. decide.

FIG. 10 shows a lottery table used for mode lottery processing.
A mode lottery is performed by determining a random number for a mode transition lottery to be obtained when an advantageous section transition role is won, and mode lottery processing is performed when the advantageous section transition role is won in a normal section.
The mode lottery table defines modes in which winning values are set in association with setting values set in the slot machine 1 .
In the mode lottery, different lottery tables are referred to depending on whether it is a rare hand or a non-rare hand, and if the player wins the rare hand, the probability of shifting to modes (mode B, mode D) advantageous to the player is high. The game structure is such that the player can have high expectations when shifting to an advantageous mode.
At this time, in the non-AT state, the main control unit 10 functions as mode control means capable of controlling any one of a plurality of modes.
In the mode lottery table, four modes with different winning probabilities are provided for each set value, but the number may be three or less, or five or more, and can be changed as appropriate.
In addition, control such as change of setting values is performed by the main control unit 10. By transmitting information on the setting values from the main control unit 10 to the sub-control unit 20, the sub-control unit 20 changes the mode according to the setting values. It may be configured to function as mode control means for managing .

Next, specifications of each mode determined by the mode lottery process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 11, the specifications of each mode are defined such that the number of CZ ceiling wins, the CZ winning rate, the number of AT ceiling games, and the expected value of the number of wins during AT are different for each mode.
The number of CZ ceiling wins indicates the number of times of CZ wins necessary to shift to the AT state during one advantageous section, that is, in the mode controlled after shifting to the advantageous section.
The CZ winning rate indicates the winning probability of the lottery for transition to the CZ state during the normal state.
The number of AT ceiling games indicates the number of games required to shift to the AT state in the normal state and the CZ state (see FIG. 9A).
The expected value of the number of medals obtained during AT indicates the expected value of the number of medals that can be obtained during the AT state.
In this embodiment, the number of ceiling wins and the number of ceiling games are different for each mode. For the player, it is preferable that the number of winning ceilings and the number of ceiling games are as small as possible.
For example, "Mode D" has fewer AT ceiling games and CZ ceiling winning times than "Mode C", so "Mode D" wins more medals than "Mode C". Since the possibility of being able to do so increases, the configuration is advantageous for the player.

Therefore, although there are a plurality of transitions from the normal state to the AT state, the basic transition is to satisfy one of the following three conditions.
・The number of games has reached the number of AT ceiling games (arrow (e) in FIG. 8)
・The number of winnings in the lottery to transition to the CZ state has reached the CZ ceiling winning number (after shifting to the CZ state, shifts to the AT state)
・Transition from normal state to CZ state, and then winning the AT lottery (hereinafter also referred to as special zone lottery) during CZ state

Therefore, when the number of AT ceiling games is reached, the normal state is directly shifted to the AT state. Especially, since it is easy to win the lottery for shifting to the AT state during the CZ state, the player While staying in the normal state, the game is played in anticipation of transition to the CZ state.
Even when the number of winnings in the lottery for transition to the CZ state reaches the CZ ceiling winning number of times, the normal state may be directly shifted to the AT state without shifting to the CZ state.
In the following, unless otherwise specified, the transition lottery relating to the transition from each game state to another game state is basically executed during the advantageous interval.

[CZ state]
In the normal state, the main control unit 10 performs the lottery process to shift to the CZ state, triggered by the winning of a rare combination as the lottery result of the internal lottery process.
The CZ state, like the normal state, is controlled to a non-AT state, and is a gaming state in which the transition to the AT state is easier than in the normal state.
Therefore, the CZ state is positioned as a chance zone that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state.

FIG. 12 shows a lottery table used for lottery processing for transition to the CZ state.
In the CZ lottery, a different lottery table is used for each mode, the number of random numbers assigned to each rare combination is different, and the winning value (won) and loss value (losing) are defined in association with each rare combination. be done.

Specifically, in the CZ lottery, it is determined whether or not to shift to the CZ state with the winning of a rare combination as a trigger while staying in the advantageous section in the normal state.
In the CZ lottery, a lottery table to be referred to differs according to the mode determined by the mode lottery process, and is divided into modes A and B and modes C and D, and is controlled so that winning probabilities of winning values are different. be.
As for the probability of winning the CZ lottery, it is easier to win in modes C and D than in modes A and B, and when winning in the CZ lottery, the main control unit 10 changes the game state from the normal state to the CZ state. Control to shift (arrow (f) in FIG. 8).
Note that the winning combination for the transition to the CZ state lottery may be other than the rare combination, and for example, winning the bell combination or the like may be used as a trigger to win the CZ state transition lottery with a predetermined probability.

Also, the CZ state is a finite game period managed by the number of games, and continues until a predetermined prescribed number of games (for example, 13 games) are completed.
At this time, the display 8 displays a battle game in which friendly characters and enemy characters battle each other.
The battle game is an effect performed in the CZ state, and a Pt (point) lottery process is performed to draw a lottery for the number of points to be obtained for each game. 8 (see FIG. 9(b)).
For example, if the prescribed number of games is 13, games 1 to 10 will have friendly characters battling with enemy characters (miniature characters) and approaches the stage where the boss character is waiting. In the game, a boss character appears, and a continuous effect is performed in which allied characters battle with the boss character.
Furthermore, in the thirteenth game, a lottery for transition to the AT state (specialized zone lottery) is continuously performed, and in the case of shifting to the AT state, an effect is performed in which the ally character wins the boss character, and the AT state is performed. , an effect is performed in which the allied character is defeated by the boss character.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, lottery tables used for lottery processing performed during the CZ state will be described.
FIG. 13 shows a Pt lottery table common to all modes. In the CZ state, when a predetermined minor combination is won, a lottery process for points to be obtained is performed. A transfer lottery will be held.
Specifically, the winning probability of points to be acquired differs according to the winning combination of the minor combination, and an AT lottery with different winning probabilities depending on the number of points acquired is performed.
The Pt lottery is performed by judging the random number for the Pt lottery obtained when one of the replay role, the bell role, the weak cherry role, the watermelon role, the chance role, and the strong cherry role is won. is defined to be obtained.
In this Pt lottery, a winning combination is defined in association with each lottery result so that the number of random numbers assigned for each lottery result (1Pt, 10Pt, 20Pt, 30Pt, 100Pt) differs.
For example, when the replay role is won, "100 points" are not obtained, but when the strong cherry role is won, "100 points" can be obtained with 64 out of 256 (probability of about 25%).
In this way, in the Pt lottery, there is a possibility that high points can be obtained when winning the strong cherry role among the small roles, so that if the player wins the strong cherry role, the expectation of winning can be increased. It's like

FIG. 14 shows a specialized zone lottery table (hereinafter referred to as a first specialized zone lottery table) that is referenced when the CZ state ends.
The first special zone lottery table is a lottery table for determining the transition destination after the end of the CZ state, and the lottery result varies based on the cumulative value of points acquired in 13 battle games.
In the first special zone lottery table, "Loss" indicates non-winning in the AT state, so if the lottery result is "Loss", after the CZ state ends, the state shifts to the normal state (Fig. 8 arrow (g)).
On the other hand, since the "specialized zone" indicates the winning of the AT state, when the lottery result is "specialized zone", after the CZ state ends, the state is shifted to the AT state. 10G" indicates that the number of games in the specialized zone when shifting to the AT state (hereinafter also referred to as the number of specialized games) is 10 games (arrow (h) in FIG. 8).

In the first special zone lottery table, the lottery table to be referred to differs depending on whether the number of winnings in the transition lottery to the CZ state has reached the ceiling winning number of times or not. It is divided into a CZ state when the ceiling is not reached and a CZ state when the number of wins in the CZ state reaches the ceiling, and control is performed so that winning probabilities of winning values are different.
For example, in the CZ state when the CZ ceiling winning count is reached, there is of course no "losing", it can always shift to the AT state, and more special games in the special zone are acquired compared to when the CZ ceiling winning count has not been reached. it is more likely to be possible.

FIG. 15 shows a specialized zone lottery table (hereinafter referred to as a second specialized zone lottery table) referred to when the number of games reaches the AT ceiling number of games.
The second special zone lottery table is a table for determining the number of special games in the special zone to be shifted.
In this second special zone lottery table, the number of special games to be awarded and the number of special games to be awarded are defined in association with each staying mode.
In this embodiment, the number of games is continuously counted not only during the normal state but also during the CZ state, so the number of games may reach the AT ceiling number of games during the CZ state.
In this case, when the number of AT ceiling games is reached during the CZ state, there is no immediate transition to the specialized zone (AT state), and the first specialized zone lottery performed in the final game in the CZ state ends. It is configured to wait until the transition to the specialized zone (arrow (h) in FIG. 8).
Therefore, when the number of AT ceiling games is reached during the CZ state, the number of specialized games obtained by the first specialized zone lottery is added to the number of specialized games obtained by the second specialized zone lottery. It will be.
Therefore, since the maximum number of specialized games in the specialized zone that can be obtained in the first specialized zone lottery and the second specialized zone lottery are both 30 games, the player can obtain up to 60 specialized games. .

[AT state]
Next, the AT state provided in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described.
AT is an abbreviation for assist time, and is a game state in which, for example, when the winning order of the bell combination is won, the pressing order of the stop buttons 5a to 5c is notified to assist the player in winning the bell combination in the order of pressing.

For example, as an example of notification of the pressing order, when winning the 1st role of the pressing order bell, the pressing order is notified via the display 8, the speaker 9, the navigation lamp 12, and the like.
At this time, the pressing order bell 1 combination is notified by displaying the numbers "1 (left) → 2 (center) → 3 (right)" so that the pressing order corresponding to the stop button 5 can be specified on the display 8. be.
The speaker 9 outputs respective sounds in the order of "left", "middle", and "right".
When the navigation lamp 12 is used, the navigation lamp 12 is lit in the order of "12a→12b→12c".
The AT state is normally continued for a predetermined number of games, and when the notification is determined, the navigation effect of the three stop buttons (left stop button 5a, middle stop button 5b, right stop button 5c) is performed. Therefore, it can be said that even a beginner player can easily acquire medals.
Therefore, the AT state in which the pressing order is reported is a game state more advantageous to the player than the non-AT state in which the pressing order is not reported.
In this way, the main control unit 10 gives the player the privilege of assisting to stop the "push order bell" or to prevent the "bell spilling eyes" from stopping.
Note that the AT state in the present embodiment is, as an example, a game state in which the player is assisted by notifying the pressing order of the stop buttons 5a to 5c, but is not limited thereto. The present invention can also be applied to the AT state of the game state in which the symbols to be stopped on the reel 41a) are displayed on the display device 8 or the like to notify the symbols to be stopped to assist the player.

Here, the net increase state in the AT state will be explained.
The AT state in the present embodiment is a so-called "variable net increase number type" AT state in which the expected value of the net increase number to be obtained by the player fluctuates.
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the AT state is composed of three types of net increase states with different expected values of the net increase in the number of cards per game: specialized zone, pseudo-bonus, and normal AT.
In addition, the three types of AT states are managed by the main control unit 10 according to the number of games, displayed on the display 8, and 1 is subtracted each time the game is completed (FIGS. 9C to 9E). reference).
It should be noted that the number of remaining navigators at the time of pseudo bonus shown in FIG. 9(d) may not be displayed.

The specialized zone is an AT state with a relatively moderate expected value for the net increase in the number of cards per game. A navigation (hereinafter referred to as partial navigation) production is performed.
In this specialized zone, the number of pseudo-games lottery table shown in FIG. 16 is used to determine the number of games to be added to the pseudo-bonus.

A lottery process for determining the number of games to be played in the specialized zone (hereinafter, also referred to as the number of pseudo games) will be described below.
FIG. 16 is a pseudo game number lottery table for each mode used in the pseudo game number lottery process in the pseudo bonus. It is divided into D and controlled so that the winning probability of the winning value is different.
This pseudo game number lottery is performed in each game while staying in the specialized zone, and the number of pseudo games determined by this lottery (lottery result) is added (added) in each game.
Therefore, the number of games added up to the final game is the number of games during the pseudo bonus.

Specifically, the lottery for the number of simulated games is performed by the main control unit 10 in the special zone, where the player wins a bell prize (including navigation), a low cherry role, a watermelon role, a chance role, a strong cherry role, and others. This is done by judging a random number for the game number lottery to be obtained.
Winning a bell (including executing navigation) in the pseudo-game number lottery table means that at least one of winning the role of the bell and performing a navigation effect is satisfied, and the "bell spilling eyes" stop during the navigation effect. Even if it does, the lottery for the number of pseudo-games is performed assuming that the role of Bell has won.
Further, "others" in the number-of-pseudo-game lottery table refers to a combination other than the bell combination and the rare combination, and includes a "bell drop".
In the pseudo game number lottery, the number of random numbers assigned to each lottery result (5 games, 10 games, 30 games, 50 games, 100 games) is different, and the winning value corresponds to each winning combination and lottery result. specified with
In the pseudo-game number lottery table, the number of pseudo-games can be obtained for roles other than the bell role and the rare role, but regardless of the mode, the number of pseudo-games is as small as 5 games or 10 games. , control is performed so that 5 games are not awarded.
After the number of special games determined by the special zone lottery is completed, the main control unit 10 controls the AT state to shift from the special zone to the pseudo bonus (arrow (i) in FIG. 8). .

The pseudo-bonus is an AT state with a relatively high expected value for the net increase in the number of cards per game. ) is performed.
Therefore, if the player shifts to the pseudo-bonus, more information about the pressing order is provided, so the player plays the game with a sense of anticipation of winning more medals.
This pseudo-bonus continues until the number of pseudo-games determined in the specialized zone is consumed, and when the pseudo-bonus ends, the number of normal AT ceiling games that shift after the pseudo-bonus ends, that is, the game until the transition to the specialized zone again A lottery process is performed to determine the number.

Hereinafter, a lottery table used when determining the number of normal AT ceiling games (hereinafter also referred to as the normal AT ceiling game number) will be described with reference to FIG.
The normal AT ceiling game number lottery is performed using a random number for the normal AT ceiling game number lottery that is determined based on the number of remaining games in the advantageous section.
The number of remaining games in the advantageous interval is a value obtained by subtracting the number of completed games from the specific number of games to be played during the advantageous interval, which is the predetermined upper limit value.
In the normal AT ceiling game number lottery table, winning values are defined in association with lottery results (30 games, 50 games, 100 games, 150 games, and 200 games) and the number of remaining games in the advantageous section.

In the normal AT ceiling game number lottery, the table to be referred to differs depending on the mode of stay, and the main control unit 10 wins a lottery result with a large number of normal AT ceiling games as the number of remaining games in the advantageous section increases. control to
As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility of reaching a specific number of times, which is the upper limit of the number of games in the advantageous section, before reaching the number of normal AT ceiling games, and to adjust the number of normal AT ceiling games and the specific number of times in the advantageous section. ing.
Then, the main control unit 10 completes the number of pseudo games determined by the pseudo game number lottery, determines the number of normal AT ceiling games by the normal AT ceiling game number lottery, and then shifts the AT state from the pseudo bonus to the normal AT. (arrow (j) in FIG. 8).
Although the normal AT ceiling game number lottery is performed using random numbers for the normal AT ceiling game number lottery determined based on the "number of remaining games in the advantageous interval", the number of games completed in the advantageous interval has been explained. A random number for the lottery for the number of normal AT ceiling games may be determined based on the "number of games played in the advantageous section".

The normal AT is an AT state in which the expected value of the net increase in the number of coins per game is relatively low, and along with shifting from the pseudo-bonus, a part of the navigation effect is performed when the bells 1 to 6 in the order of pushing are won.
This normal AT continues until the number of normal AT ceiling games determined at the end of the pseudo bonus is reached, and when the normal AT ceiling game number is reached, lottery processing for determining the number of specialized games in the specialized zone is performed.

A special zone lottery table (hereinafter referred to as a third special zone lottery table) referred to when the number of games reaches the normal AT ceiling number of games will be described below with reference to FIG.
The third specialization zone lottery table is a table for determining the number of specialization games in the specialization zone to which the normal AT is transferred again.
The third special zone lottery is performed by determining a random number for the lottery of the number of special games to be obtained when the normal AT ceiling game number is reached, based on the staying mode.
The third special zone lottery table defines winning values in association with the number of special games to be awarded and each staying mode.

In this way, the AT state is composed of three types of AT states with different net increase states, and in terms of the player's advantage, there is a relationship of pseudo bonus>specialized zone>normal AT.
Therefore, when the AT state is the pseudo-bonus, the player can acquire the largest number of medals within the same period.
Then, after the normal AT ends, it will move to the specialized zone again (arrow (k) in FIG. 8), and the flow is specialized zone → pseudo bonus → normal AT → specialized zone … and the advantageous section The AT state continues until the end condition of is satisfied (arrow (l) in FIG. 8).

In addition, in the above-described three types of AT states, the winning probability (hereinafter referred to as navigation rate) of the navigation lottery, which is performed when winning the bell role in the pressing order and determines whether or not to perform the navigation effect, is made different.
For example, in the specialized zone, the navigation rate is 30%, in the pseudo bonus, the navigation rate is 100%, and in the normal AT, the navigation rate is 10%.
Thus, by increasing the navigation rate as the expected value of the net increase in the number of cards per game increases, the change in the expected value of the net increase in the number of cards for each AT state is realized.
Therefore, although the navigation rate has a relationship of specialized zone > normal AT, if you win the navigation right lottery and hold the navigation right separately, some of the navigation performance special Even in the normalized zone and normal AT, navigation effects are performed with a probability of 100% by digesting the navigation rights that are possessed.
In other words, there is a possibility that the normal AT's navigation rate may exceed the specialized zone's navigation rate, depending on the status of possession of the navigation right.
As a result, even in the normal AT, the opportunity to obtain more medals than in the specialized zone may increase, so that the sense of loss given to the player can be reduced and the loss of interest in the game can be prevented.

The navigation right lottery table will be described below with reference to FIG.
The navigation right lottery table is referenced during the AT state (specialized zone, pseudo-bonus, normal AT), and determines whether to acquire the digestible navigation right (navi number) during the specialized zone and normal AT. A lottery table.
The navigation right lottery table contains random numbers for the navigation right lottery obtained when the main control unit 10 wins a bell prize (including navigation execution), a weak cherry role, a watermelon role, a chance game, a strong cherry role, and others. It is done by judgment.
Winning a bell (including navigation execution) in the navigation right lottery table means, as in the case of the pseudo-game number lottery table described above, satisfying at least one of winning the bell role and performing a navigation effect. Even if the "Bell drop eyes" stop during the navigation performance, the navigation right lottery will be held as if the role of the bell has won.
In addition, "others" in the navigation right lottery table refers to roles other than bell roles and rare roles, and includes "bell spilled eyes".

Specifically, in the navigation right lottery table, the winning value differs depending on whether the number of remaining games in the advantageous section is "400 games or less". Since the acquisition rate of the navigation right becomes higher than "401 games or more", it is controlled so as to easily provide a satisfying ball even if the AT state is won in the latter half of the advantageous section.

Depending on the status of possession of the navigation right obtained from such a navigation right lottery table, the navigation rate of the normal AT may exceed the navigation rate of the specialized zone. It is possible to continue playing the game until the end without lowering the game machine's operating rate.
The main control unit 10 controls to shift from the specialized zone to the pseudo-bonus, from the pseudo-bonus to the normal AT, and from the normal AT to the specialized zone in the AT state, thereby diversifying the game and improving expectations. I am letting
In addition, when a lottery for shifting to the AT state is won, the player is not immediately shifted to the special zone (AT state), and a premonitory effect is given in a predetermined game to increase the player's sense of expectation for the shift to the AT state. After a number of games (for example, 25 to 30 games) have been executed, the AT state may be entered.
In addition, although there are three types of AT states with different expected values of the net increase in number per game, the number may be two or less, or four or more, and can be changed as appropriate.
Also, the number of AT games is determined by lottery using a lottery table.
For example, any one of the three types of AT states may be uniformly set to a predetermined number of games (for example, 50 games) as a fixed value.
The three types of AT states are managed by the main control unit 10 according to the number of games, but this is not the only option. The number of winnings (for example, the number of winnings in the order of pushing the bell), the number of medals inserted by the player, the number of medals paid out to the player, the difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of payouts paid out, etc. The AT state may be managed based on other numerical values.

Thus, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to control a plurality of RT states, bonus states, CZ states and AT states by the main control section 10 functioning as gaming state control means.
In addition to such a configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the sub-control section 20 functions as a time determination means, a game execution determination means, and an operation execution determination means, so that the following effects can be realized. there is

Next, each process associated with an effect suggesting a setting value set by the manager of the game hall (hereinafter referred to as a setting suggesting effect) will be described using a flowchart.
In this embodiment, the setting suggesting character itself, the combination of the setting suggesting characters, and the wind effect triggered by pressing the effect button 15 are used to perform the setting suggesting effect.
The setting suggestion effect is realized by functioning as effect control means while the sub CPU provided in the sub control unit 20 refers to the program, the above-described lottery table, and the like.
Each of the following processes is a flowchart of a program that can be executed by the sub-controller 20, and this program and lottery table are stored in storage means such as a sub-ROM provided in the sub-controller 20.

[Secondary control processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the sub-control processing performed by the sub-controller 20. As shown in FIG.
Based on the control signal from the main control unit 10, the sub-control unit 20 uses the display device 8, the speaker 9, the lamp 11, the effect button 15, etc., and controls to perform the setting suggestion effect.
In the sub-control process, a setting suggestion effect pattern setting process, a specific time control process, a game execution time control process, and a wind effect control process are sequentially executed (S100 to S400).

[Setting Suggestion Effect Pattern Setting Process]
The setting suggestion effect pattern setting process (S100) will be described with reference to FIG.
The setting-suggestion effect pattern setting process performs a process of determining a specific effect pattern of the setting-suggestion effect.
First, in the setting suggestion effect pattern setting process, it is determined whether or not the power of the slot machine 1 is ON (S101).
When the sub-controller 20 determines that the slot machine 1 is powered on and receives a power-on command from the main controller 10 and determines that the power is on (S101: Yes), the process proceeds to S102, On the other hand, when it is determined that the power is off (S101: No), the process is returned.
Note that the sub-control unit 20 does not determine whether or not the power of the slot machine 1 is ON, but rather determines whether or not the current time is before the opening time of the amusement arcade. Alternatively, the control may be such that the process proceeds to S102.

Next, the sub control unit 20 initializes a setting suggestion effect counter (S102).
The setting-suggestion effect counter is a counter that counts the appearance order of setting-suggesting effect patterns (setting-suggesting characters) determined in association with a specific time.
This setting suggestion effect counter is referred to when determining a setting suggestion effect pattern and when performing a setting suggestion effect in accordance with the determined setting suggestion pattern.
Then, the sub control unit 20 adds "13" to the initialized setting suggestion effect counter (S103).
Here, a process of setting a value (for example, "13") indicating the number of appearances of the setting-suggesting characters constituting the setting-suggesting effect is performed.
In the present embodiment, since the setting suggesting character is displayed once an hour between 10:00 and 22:00, the setting suggesting character is displayed a maximum of "13 times."
Therefore, "13" is set in the setting suggestion effect counter, but the value to be set in the setting suggestion effect counter can be arbitrarily changed according to the number of times to appear on the display device 8. - 特許庁

Next, lottery processing for setting suggestion effect is performed (S104).
In the setting-suggestion effect lottery process, a setting-suggesting character to be displayed on the display 8 is determined using a setting-suggesting character lottery table shown in FIG.
The sub control unit 20 determines a setting-suggesting character based on the winning probability specified in the setting-suggesting character lottery table.
At this time, the sub-control section 20 receives a setting value command from the main control section 20 at a predetermined timing, and determines the setting value set in the slot machine 1 based on this setting value command. .
The setting suggested characters have different winning probabilities depending on the setting value set in the slot machine 1. Low settings (for example, settings 1 to 3) make it easy for "characters I to K" to win, and high settings (for example, Settings 4 to 6) make it easy for "characters A to C" to win.
Therefore, the display device 8 is set to the specific time between 10:00 and 10:00 more when setting 1 (first game setting value) is set than when setting 6 (second game setting value) is set. At (the first specific time), "Character I" (third game set value information) is displayed with a high probability, and 10 is higher when setting 6 is set than when setting is 1. At a specific time on the clock, "Character A" (first game set value information) will be displayed with a high probability.
Therefore, if many "characters A to C" are displayed on the display device 8, the player can have a sense of expectation that the setting is high, and the setting suggesting character itself can perform the setting suggesting effect. can be done.

Next, the sub-control unit 20 determines whether or not the setting-suggesting character determined in the process of S104 is a positive combination of patterns (S105).
FIG. 22(b) shows a pattern in which the combination of setting-suggesting characters is denied by indicating with "o" combinations of setting-suggesting characters that are not displayed simultaneously for each set value.
For example, if slot machine 1 is set to setting 1, the combination of "character A" and "character B" is set, and if setting 6 is set, the combination of "characters H to K" is denied. pattern.
Therefore, when setting 1 is set on the display device 8, when "Character A" (first game set value information) is displayed at a specific time (first specific time) between 10:00 and 11:00 If "Character B" (second game set value information) is not displayed at the specific time (second specific time) of the machine and setting 6 is set, "Character A" will be displayed at the specific time of 10 o'clock. Even if it is set, "Character B" will be displayed at a specific time between 11:00 and 11:00.
As a result, the player can guess the setting value set in the slot machine 1, and the degree of expectation for the game is heightened.

Then, in the process of S105, when the sub control unit 20 determines that the setting-suggesting character is a combination of patterns that affirms the setting-suggesting character (S105: Yes), it sets the setting-suggesting character (S106). If it is determined that the suggestive character is not a combination of patterns that affirms, the process returns to S104.
At this time, for example, if the setting value set in the slot machine 1 is 1 and "Character A" is determined in the first time, and "Character B" is determined in the second and subsequent setting suggestion character lotteries, , the sub control unit 20 repeats the setting-suggestion character lottery again until a setting-suggestion character other than "character B" is determined, so that both "character A" and "character B" are displayed on the display device in setting 1. Control so that it is not displayed on 8.

Next, the sub control unit 20 performs a process of subtracting "1" from the setting suggestion effect counter (S107), and determines whether or not the subtracted setting suggestion effect counter is "0" (S108).
When the sub control unit 20 determines that the setting suggestion effect counter is "0" (S108: Yes), the process proceeds to S109. returns the process to S104.
Therefore, since the setting suggestion effect lottery process of S104 is performed until the setting suggestion effect counter reaches "0", if the value of the setting suggestion effect counter is "13", it is the first time, and if it is "12", , 2nd time... In the case of "1", it is counted in association with the determination of setting suggesting characters in the form of the 13th time, and all setting suggesting characters that appear within one business day are determined.

Next, the sub control unit 20 turns off the specific time flag and the setting suggestion effect preparation flag (S109, S110), and then initializes the number-of-games counter (S111).
The specific time flag is a flag indicating that it is a specific time (for example, HH: 00 to 15 (HH takes a value of 10 to 22 in hours)). This is a flag indicating that the player has the right to execute a game and display a setting suggestion effect.
The number-of-games counter is a counter that counts the number of games until the setting-suggestion effect is executed.

[Specific time control process]
Next, the specific time control process (S200) will be described with reference to FIG.
The specific time control process performs a process of determining whether or not the current time is the time when the execution right of the setting suggestion effect can be obtained.
First, in the specific time control process, it is determined whether or not a time command has been received (S201).
If the sub control unit 20 determines that it has received a time command, which is a combination of the current year, month, day and hour, minute, and second, from the RTC (Real-Time Clock) (S201: Yes), the process proceeds to S202. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time command has not been received, the process is returned (S201: No).
The RTC is composed of a crystal oscillator, an oscillator circuit, etc., and has a real-time clock function.
This RTC is connected to the sub-controller 20 and functions as timekeeping means for keeping the current time.

Next, the sub control unit 20 determines whether the current time is the specific time (S202).
When the sub control unit 20 determines that the current time is a specific time (eg, HH: 00 to 15) based on the time command received from the RTC (S202: Yes), the specific time flag is turned ON. After that (S203), the process is returned.
On the other hand, when the sub control unit 20 determines that the current time is not the specific time (S202: No), it returns the process.
At this time, the sub control unit 20 functions as a time determination means capable of determining that the current time is the specific time.

[Game execution time control processing]
Next, the game execution control process (S300) will be described with reference to FIG.
The game execution time control process performs a process of executing a setting suggestion effect.
First, in the game execution time control process, it is determined whether or not the player has executed a game (S301).
Here, the sub control unit 20 functions as game execution determination means, and determines whether or not the player is to execute a game based on a start command or the like transmitted from the main control unit 10 when the start lever 3 is operated.
If the sub-control unit 20 determines that the player has played the game (S301: Yes), the process proceeds to S302. : No), return the process.
It should be noted that the method of judging execution of a game by a player may be a method of providing a camera or sensor capable of recognizing the game of a player and judging by the camera or sensor.

Next, the sub-controller 20 determines whether or not the button flag is ON (S302).
The button flag is a flag indicating that the effect button 15 is valid.
When the button flag is ON, that is, when it is determined that the effect button 15 is valid (S302: Yes), the sub control unit 20 turns the button flag OFF (S303). In the case of , that is, when it is determined that the effect button 15 is not effective (S302: No), the process proceeds to S304.
Since the button flag is valid only for one game, if the next game is played without pressing the effect button 15 when the button flag is ON, the later-described wind effect will not be performed.

Next, the sub control unit 20 determines whether or not the specific time flag is ON (S304).
When the specific time flag is ON, that is, when it is determined that the current time is the specific time (for example, HH: 00 to 15) (S304: Yes), the sub control unit 20 turns the specific time flag OFF ( In S305), on the other hand, if the specific time flag is OFF, that is, if it is determined that the current time is not the specific time (S304: No), the process proceeds to S309.
Further, the sub control unit 20 turns off the specific time flag and turns on the setting suggestion effect preparation flag (S305, S306), and then adds "1" to the setting suggestion effect counter (S307).
The setting suggestion effect preparation flag is a flag for activating the number-of-games counter, and is turned ON in order to carry out the processing of S307.
Then, the sub control unit 20 adds "99" to the number-of-games counter (S308), and then returns the process.
Here, when the number of games reaches 100, the setting suggestion effect is performed, so the remaining number of games after subtracting the current game is set to "99".

Next, the sub control unit 20 determines whether or not the setting suggestion effect preparation flag is ON (S309).
When the setting suggestion effect preparation flag is ON, that is, when it is determined that the number-of-games counter is in operation (S309: Yes), the sub-control unit 20 subtracts "1" from the number-of-games counter (S310). ).
On the other hand, if the setting suggestion effect preparation flag is OFF, that is, if it is determined that the number-of-games counter is not operating (S309: No), the process is returned.
Next, the sub-control unit 20 determines whether or not the number-of-games counter is "0" (S311).
When the number-of-games counter is "0", that is, when it determines that the game has been played "100 times" since the specific time (S311: Yes), the sub-control unit 20 advances the process to S312. If the number-of-games counter is not "0", that is, if it is determined that the game has not been played "100 times" since the specific time (S311: No), the process is returned.

Next, the sub control unit 20 performs a setting suggestion effect according to the setting suggestion effect counter (S312).
Here, for example, in the setting-suggestion effect pattern setting process described above, if the value of the setting-suggestion effect counter is "1", the setting-suggesting character determined for the 13th time is displayed on the display device 8, and the setting-suggesting character is displayed. When the value of the effect counter is "3", the setting-suggesting character determined for the 11th time is displayed.
Then, the sub control unit 20 turns ON the button flag and turns OFF the setting suggestion effect preparation flag (S313, S314), and then returns the process.
Therefore, when a game is played at a specific time and after the game is played a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times), a setting suggestion effect is performed by the setting suggestion character. If the game is not played at the specific time, the setting suggesting effect by the setting suggesting character is not performed even if the game is played a predetermined number of times.

Here, an example of the setting suggestion effect screen displayed on the display 8 when the series of flowcharts described above is executed will be described.
FIG. 25 shows a setting suggestion effect screen, and for convenience of explanation, in addition to the display 8, a setting suggestion effect display 14 is displayed in the upper part of the display 8, and the current time is displayed in the lower part of the display 8. there is
FIG. 25(a) is an example of a menu screen, in which suggested characters for "Character A" and "Character C" are displayed.
This is displayed at a specific time of 10:00 (10:00 to 10:15 (1st time)) and 11:00 (11:00 to 11:15 (2nd time)) before the specific time of 12:00 It shows the setting suggested character.
FIG. 25(b) shows that the current time is before a specific time, and FIG. It shows what happened.
Since the player starts the game within this specific time, the setting suggesting characters are likely to be displayed, the setting suggesting effect counter is activated, and the setting suggesting effect display 14 is displayed as shown in FIG. 25(d). "99" is displayed in
The setting suggestion display 14 displays a value obtained by counting down the number of games played at a specific time, that is, the value of the number-of-games counter.
FIG. 25(e) shows that the number of games including the current game has reached a predetermined number of games remaining, and the player continues to play the game after that, and at the time point of 12:08. Since the value of the number-of-games counter has reached a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times) at , "Character B", which is a setting-suggestion character corresponding to the setting-suggestion effect counter, is displayed (FIG. 25(f) ).
FIG. 25(g) shows a normal game screen, and FIG. 25(h) shows that the player selects the menu screen, so that the characters suggesting settings displayed on the menu screen of FIG. 25(a) are displayed. It shows that "character B" displayed at a specific time of 12:00 is added and displayed.
In this way, the previously displayed setting-suggesting character can be checked at any time by the player through the menu screen (FIGS. 25(a) and (h)).
It should be noted that the setting-suggesting character displayed in each time period may be configured to be displayed on the display 8 at all times, such as a mummy, an alien, a hermit, or the like.

With such a setting suggesting effect, the player plays the game with a heightened sense of expectation that the setting will be high because "characters A to C" are displayed on the display 8 (FIG. 22). (a)).
Also, the player can select a combination of "character A" and "character B" which are not displayed when setting 1 is set on the display 8, and "character B" and "character C" which are not displayed when setting 2 is set. ” is displayed, it can be inferred that the current set value is not 1 or 2 (see FIG. 22(b)).
Therefore, the player who has played the game for a long time can easily predict the set value since he/she can check many setting-suggesting characters, and is motivated to continue playing the game.
At this time, the display device 8 functions as an informing means capable of informing game setting value information, which is information about setting values set in the slot machine 1, by the setting suggesting character itself and/or a combination of setting suggesting characters.
Although not shown, during the period from the start of the game in which "Character B" is displayed until the start of the next game, the effect button 15 is enabled (the button flag is ON). If the effect button 15 is pressed during, there is a possibility that the wind effect described below will be performed.

[Wind effect control process]
Next, the wind effect control processing (S400) will be described with reference to FIG.
In the wind effect control process, a process of executing a wind effect of sending out wind is performed.

First, in the wind effect control process, it is determined whether or not the button flag is ON (S401).
If the sub-control unit 20 determines that the button flag is ON (S401: Yes), the process proceeds to S402. return.

Next, the sub control unit 20 determines whether or not a button (for example, production button 15) operation has been detected (S402).
By functioning as operation execution determination means, the sub-control unit 20 determines that the effect button 15 is pressed, receives the effect button command, and determines that the effect button 15 is pressed (S402: Yes), the wind effect is performed. Lottery processing is performed (S403).
On the other hand, since the sub control unit 20 has not received the effect button command, if it determines that the effect button 15 has not been pressed (S402: No), the process returns.

Here, the effect button 15 used for the wind effect lottery process and the wind effect will be described.
First, the wind effect lottery process performed in the process of S403 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 27 shows a wind effect lottery table used in the wind effect lottery process. In the wind effect lottery process, the contents of the effect are determined according to the set values on the condition that the player operates the effect button 15 at a specific time. A lottery will be held.
The contents of the wind effect are "no wind", "1 second ventilation", "3 seconds ventilation", "5 seconds ventilation", "7 seconds ventilation", "2 seconds ventilation → 2 seconds stop → 2 seconds ventilation", "1 There are 7 types consisting of "seconds stop → 2 seconds air blow (wind delay)".
In the wind effect lottery table, different winning probabilities are defined for each set value of the contents of these wind effects.
For example, "2 seconds blow → 2 seconds stop → 2 seconds blow" will not be won with low settings (for example, settings 1 to 3), and "1 second stop → 2 seconds blow (wind delay)" will not win. is set to win only in setting 6.
Therefore, the player can guess the set value by feeling the difference in the air blowing mode such as air blowing time and air blowing pattern with a sense of touch, and the degree of expectation for the game is heightened. .

The wind effect determined by such a wind effect lottery process is executed by the effect button 15 described below.
FIG. 28 shows a production button 15 capable of blowing air, FIG. 28(a) is an external view of the production button 15 having a wind generating part 151 around it, and FIG. 3 is an external view including a generator 151. FIG.
The effect button 15 (15A) is an example of operation means arranged adjacent to the bet button 2a, and is a so-called hidden button that does not prompt the player to operate on the display 8 or the like. The wind effect is performed only for those who know the pressing operation in .
The effect button 15 can blow wind when the player operates it at a specific time, and is composed of an operation section 150 , a wind generation section 151 and a storage section 152 .

The operation unit 150 is made of transparent acrylic resin or the like and is formed in a disk shape capable of receiving operations by the player.
As a result, when the light-emitting means emits light, the characters or the like provided on the operation unit 150 are illuminated with light and are displayed in a light-emitting manner, thereby enhancing the interest of the player.
The wind generator 151 is a blower port for blowing air from a blower (not shown), and can be provided, for example, between the operation unit 150 and the storage unit 152 or in the center of the operation unit 150 .
When the player depresses the effect button 15, the player receives wind pressure from the air blowing port according to the blowing time and the blowing pattern determined by the wind effect lottery process.
The blower incorporates a blower fan and a motor for rotating the blower fan, and the number of revolutions of the motor is controlled by an electronic circuit.
The housing portion 152 is formed in a hollow cylindrical shape, and exposes the operation surface of the operation portion 150 .
The inner diameter of the housing portion 152 is formed slightly larger than the outer diameter of the operating portion 150 when the wind generating portion 151 is provided between the operating portion 150 and the housing portion 152, and the wind generating portion 151 is positioned at the center of the operating portion 150. If provided, it is formed to have substantially the same outer diameter as the operating portion 150 .

Returning to the wind effect control process shown in FIG. 26 again, after the wind effect is performed by the effect button 15 (S404), the button flag is turned OFF and the process returns (S405).
In addition, in the wind effect, the set value is suggested by the blowing time and the blowing pattern, but in addition to this, the wind temperature and air volume can be changed for each set value by adjusting the rotation speed of the motor. , and may be configured to suggest a set value.
In addition, a device for changing the temperature of the production button 15 is provided, for example, when the cold production button 15, an odd set value (setting 1, 3, 5) is suggested, and when the warm production button 15, setting A setting value may be suggested according to the temperature of the effect button 15, such as suggesting an even number of values (installation 2, 4, 6).
In addition, by using the performance button 15 as a so-called hidden button, wind performance is performed, but a display prompting the operation of the performance button 15 is displayed on the display 8, so that even a beginner who does not know the existence of the hidden button can do so. It may be configured to be enjoyable.
Furthermore, a wind generation section 151 having a blower may be provided in the speaker 9 or the like, and wind may be blown from the blower port of the wind generation section 151 to perform a wind effect.

[Modification]
Next, a modification of the setting suggestion effect pattern setting process (S100) will be described with reference to FIG.
In this modified example, the difference from the setting-suggestion effect pattern setting process described above is the processes of S503 to S507, and the description of the other processes will be omitted.
In the setting-suggesting production pattern setting process (S100), the set value can be guessed from the combination of the setting-suggesting characters displayed on the display 8. 8, the setting value can be narrowed down to two.

In the setting suggestion effect pattern setting process (S500) in the modified example, after performing the processes of S501 and S502, it is determined whether the current set value is 1 or 2 (S503).
When the sub-control unit 20 determines that the current setting value set in the slot machine 1 is 1 or 2 (S503: Yes), after setting "scenario A" in the setting-suggesting character scenario data, (S504), the process proceeds to S508.
On the other hand, when the sub control unit 20 determines that the current set value is not 1 or 2 (S503: No), the process proceeds to S505.
As the setting-suggested character scenario data, the setting-suggested character scenario list shown in FIG.
The setting suggested character scenario list is managed as scenarios in which the 1st to 13th occurrences are grouped, and one of the scenarios is determined based on the set values.
In addition, FIG. 30(b) shows the combinations of setting-suggesting characters that are not displayed at the same time for each set value with "o", and shows a pattern in which the setting-suggesting character combination is denied.
For example, if setting 1 is set for slot machine 1, a combination of "character C" and "character D" is set, and if setting 2 is set, a combination of "character D" and "character E" is set. Each is a negated pattern.
Therefore, in both setting 1 and setting 2, "Character D" is a setting-suggesting character whose combination is denied. , it can be inferred that the setting value being set is 1 or 2.
Therefore, “scenario A” is defined so that “character D” does not appear “once” between 1 and 13 appearances.

Next, it is determined whether the current set value is 3 or 4 (S505).
When the sub-control unit 20 determines that the current setting value set in the slot machine 1 is 3 or 4 (S505: Yes), after setting the "scenario B" of the setting-suggesting character scenario data, (S506), the process proceeds to S508.
On the other hand, when the sub control unit 20 determines that the current set value is not 3 or 4 (S505: No), the process proceeds to S507.
"Scenario B" is defined so that "Character G", whose combination is denied, is not displayed in either setting 3 or setting 4. Therefore, it can be inferred that the set value is 3 or 4.

Next, in the process of S507, the sub-control unit 20 can determine that the current setting value is 5 or 6 because the setting value is neither 1 to 4. Therefore, in this case, setting suggestion character scenario data After setting the "scenario C" of , the process proceeds to S508.
In "scenario C", it is specified that "character J" whose combination is denied is not displayed in either setting 5 or setting 6, and the player can display "character J" on the display 8 Therefore, it can be inferred that the set value is 5 or 6.

In this way, in the modified example, by selecting any scenario from among "scenarios A to C", if setting 1 or setting 2 is set, setting 3 to 6 are denied "character G and "Character J" are displayed, and when setting 3 or setting 4 is set, "character D" and "character J" that negate setting 1, setting 2, setting 5, and setting 6 are displayed, If setting 5 or setting 6 is set, "character D" and "character G" that negate settings 1 to 4 are displayed.
As a result, the player can narrow down the set values by repeatedly checking the setting-suggesting character displayed on the display 8, that is, by playing the game for a long time.
As a result, the player can be interested in which setting the current set value is, and will continue to play the game, so an improvement in the operation rate of the gaming machine can be expected.
In the modified example, a scenario created in advance according to the setting value is used to narrow down the two setting values (for example, setting 1 or setting 2). ), by determining the setting-suggesting character for each number of times, a scenario may be created, and the setting-suggesting character may be displayed according to the created scenario to narrow down the settings.

As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, if the game is played during a specific time period, the setting suggestion effect can be confirmed. The player can also confirm the setting suggestion effect.
In addition, since there are multiple types of setting suggestion effects, including setting suggestion effects that do not appear according to the settings, it is possible to narrow down the settings, so that players who want to know more accurate settings can play the game for a long time. can be held back.
As a result, not only players who can play for a long period of time but also players who cannot play for a long period of time can be made to guess information about the current set values by suggesting them, so that the setting suggesting performance can make them interested. becomes possible, contributing to the enhancement of the interest in the game.

On the other hand, as disclosed in Patent Literature 1, the conventional game machine does not have a configuration in which the setting suggestion effect can be confirmed in a specific time period as in the present invention, but the number of games in the advantageous section is "1200 times". By reaching , the setting suggesting effect is performed, so if you play all day long, you can definitely check the setting suggesting effect, but you can not afford to play for a long time or you play in a situation where the remaining time until closing is extremely short. Since the player cannot confirm the setting suggestion effect, the player's interest in the game may decrease.
According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to solve all or part of such problems that conventional gaming machines should improve.

Although the preferred embodiments of the gaming machine of the present invention have been described above, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the slot machine 1 and explained, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko machines.
The present invention can also be applied to a so-called enclosed game machine in which a game is played using pseudo game media in a data format without using actual game media such as medals and game balls.
Also, the winning values and the classification of the winning values in the various lottery tables described above are examples, and other winning values and the classification of the winning values may be used.
Furthermore, the winning values and the classification of the winning values in various lottery tables can be changed for each set value set in the gaming machine.
Also, the gaming machine is not limited to an AT machine, but may be an ART machine or a so-called A-type machine equipped with only a bonus.
Also, the specific time is set to HH:00 to 15, but other times may be used, and the next specific time may be determined by lottery each time the specific time ends.
Also, if the game is played even once within the specified time, the right to execute the setting suggestion effect can be obtained. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the right to execute is not obtained.
In addition, the setting suggestion effect is executed by uniformly playing the game "100 times" regardless of the game state, but in the CZ state and AT state, the setting suggestion effect is executed with a small number of games. It is good also as a structure to carry out.
Further, when the number of remaining games in the advantageous section reaches a predetermined number (for example, 400 games), all navigation effects may be performed regardless of the number of navigation rights held.
In addition, when the number of games played in the advantageous section reaches "1480 games" or the number of winning cards in the advantageous section reaches "2350", the ending AT (all navigation effect) is controlled until the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied. It may be configured.
Also, the number of normal AT ceiling games of normal AT may be uniform (for example, 200 games).
Also, as described with reference to FIG. 21, the configuration in which the setting-suggestion character is set "every number of times" using the setting-suggestion effect counter has been described, but the configuration may be such that the setting-suggestion character is set "at each time".
Also, the AT state in which all the navigation effects are performed only partially when the bells 1 to 6 in the pressing order are won has been described as a partial navigation effect, but the navigation effect is performed only by the stop button 5 that stops first. The AT state that is displayed may be partly used as a navigation effect.
In addition, the configuration may be such that the information of the setting-suggesting character can be stored in memory when the power is cut off due to a power failure or the like, so that the information of the setting-suggesting character can be reproduced when the power is restored. It is also possible to specify how many times the specific time occurs from the determined current time, determine the setting suggesting character for the specified number of times, and display the setting suggesting character after the power is turned on.
In this case, for example, if the current time is 20:50, setting suggestion characters are determined for a total of two times from 21:00 to 21:15 and from 22:00 to 22:15.
In addition, when the specific time occurs more times than "13 times" described above, such as an all-night business, the setting suggesting character is decided "13 times" and then the setting suggesting character is decided again "13 times". to control.
Therefore, every time the setting-suggesting character is displayed on the display 8 "13 times", the lottery process for determining the "13th" setting-suggesting character is repeated.

1 slot machine (gaming machine)
8 indicator (notification means)
10 main control unit (game setting value setting means)
15 production button (operation means)
20 sub control unit (time determination means, game execution determination means, operation execution determination means)

Claims (7)

game set value setting means capable of setting any game set value from a plurality of game set values including a first game set value and a second game set value;
a time determination means capable of determining whether the current time is a specific time;
game execution determination means capable of determining whether a game has been executed in the state determined by the time determination means to be the specific time;
a notifying means capable of notifying game setting value information, which is information relating to the game setting value set by the game setting value setting means, based on the fact that the game execution determining means has determined that the game has been executed;
A game machine characterized by comprising: The notification means is
When the game execution determination means determines that the game has been executed, and the game is executed a predetermined number of times after the game execution determination means determines that the game has been executed, the game set value information can be notified. The game machine according to claim 1, characterized by: The notification means is
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein when the game execution determination means does not determine that the game has been executed, the game set value information is not notified even if the game is executed the predetermined number of times. The game set value information is
including first game setting value information and second game setting value information,
The specific time is
including a first specific time and a second specific time that is later than the first specific time,
The notification means is
When the first game set value is set, when the first game set value information is notified at the first specific time, the second game set value information is not notified at the second specific time,
When the second game setting value is set and the first game setting value information is notified at the first specific time, the second game setting value information can be notified at the second specific time. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by: The game set value information is
including third game set value information,
The notification means is
The third game set value information can be reported at a higher probability at the first specific time when the first game set value is set than when the second game set value is set. can be,
The first game set value information can be reported at a higher probability at the first specific time when the second game set value is set than when the first game set value is set. 5. The game machine according to claim 4, characterized by: an operating means capable of blowing air when operated by a player;
an operation execution determination means capable of determining whether the operation means has been operated in a state determined by the time determination means to be the specific time;
The operating means are
Based on the fact that the operation execution judging means has judged that the operation has been executed, a wind effect with a different air blowing mode can be executed according to the set game setting value. The game machine according to any one of. 7. The gaming machine according to claim 6, comprising the wind effect that can be executed only when the second game set value is set.

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