JP2024034925A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an unprecedented and highly entertaining game machine.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: section control means capable of performing control to an advantageous section, mode control means capable of performing control to any one of a plurality of modes including a low ball putout mode and a high ball putout mode that is more advantageous to a player than the low ball putout mode, in the advantageous section; and determination means capable of determining whether or not a numerical value related to a ball putout rate has reached a specific value in the low ball putout mode. When the determination means determines that the numerical value has reached the specific value, the mode control means can perform control to the high ball putout mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

As a gaming machine, for example, a slot machine is known, and in the slot machine, a game state advantageous to the player is called AT (assist time), which notifies the player that winnings of small winnings or replay winnings can be achieved. Some have a gaming state.
Additionally, slot machines have an advantageous section in which the player can activate an instruction function to enable the player to acquire gaming value (such as medals), and a normal section in which the instruction function cannot be activated. This allows the player to obtain a large amount of gaming value during the advantageous section.
In such a slot machine, there is a known slot machine in which the larger the number of game values acquired during AT or advantageous periods, the lower the expectation level of subsequent acquisition of game values (for example, Patent Document 1) ).

JP2021-62163A

However, such conventional gaming machines have room for improvement.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a section control means capable of controlling an advantageous section, and a first mode and a second mode more advantageous to the player than the first mode in the advantageous section. mode control means capable of controlling to any one of a plurality of modes including; and a determination means capable of determining whether a numerical value related to the ball output rate has reached a specific value in the first mode. The mode control means is configured to be able to control to the second mode when the determination means determines that the specific value has been reached.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing the appearance of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine. It is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a gaming machine. It is a chart showing a payout table and an internal lottery table. It is a state transition diagram of a gaming state. It is a flowchart which shows control processing at the time of game end. It is a flowchart which shows advantageous section related processing. 5 is a flowchart showing counter update processing 1. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing counter update processing 2. FIG. It is a flow chart which shows ball payout monitoring processing. It is a flow chart which shows ball payout monitoring processing. It is a figure for explaining the display screen according to the payout mode in the normal game state. It is a chart showing a CZ state lottery table. It is a chart showing an AT state lottery table. It is a chart showing an additional lottery table (specialized zone). It is a chart showing an additional lottery table (normal AT state). FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an additional notification mode (divided notification mode) in a normal AT state.

Preferred embodiments of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 1 will be explained.
The slot machine 1 is an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention, and is installed in a gaming hall or the like.
As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the slot machine 1 includes a front door 1a, a housing 1b, a medal slot 2, a bet button 2a, a medal selector 2b, a performance button 2c, a start lever 3, a drum unit 4, a reel 41, Stop button 5, display window 6, medal payout device 7, hopper 7a, medal payout port 7b, display 8, speaker 9, lamp 11, navigation lamp 12, advantageous section lamp 13, power supply device 14, probability setting device 15, main It includes a control section 10, a sub-control section 20, and the like.

The main control section 10 and the sub-control section 20 are each equipped with a storage section (storage means) and a control section (control means), and are devices capable of various calculation processes and various controls, and are not included in the concept of a computer. It can be done.
Each storage unit includes a ROM that stores game-related control programs, various lottery tables, and the like, and a RAM that has a storage area that temporarily stores various data, a CPU work area, and the like.
Each control unit includes a CPU and the like. Each control unit realizes various functions of this embodiment by appropriately reading and executing various control programs stored in each storage unit.

The slot machine 1 includes a housing 1b having an opening on the front surface, and a front door 1a that covers the opening in an openable and closable manner.
At the vertical center of the front door 1a, there is provided a flat front panel with decorations and various function displays on its surface, and a display window 6 that allows rear visibility is formed approximately at the center of the front panel. The symbols displayed on the reels 41 can be viewed from the front through the display window 6.
Further, a stepped portion protruding toward the front is formed below the display window 6, and on the top surface of this stepped portion, there is a medal slot 2 into which medals are inserted, and a bet that can be pressed by the player at the start of the game. It is provided with a bet button 2a for setting a number, and a performance button 2c for changing the performance etc. displayed on the display 8 by the player's operation.
Further, the front side of the stepped portion is provided with a start lever 3 that the player operates when starting a game, and a stop button 5 that the player presses when stopping the reels 41.

Further, above the display window 6, navigation lamps 12 (navigation lamps 12a, 12b, 12c) that can notify the player of the order in which the stop buttons 5 are operated are arranged corresponding to each reel 41a, 41b, 41c. Ru. Note that the navigation lamp 12 controls, for example, to light up the "dot" portion of a 7-segment display (also referred to as "7-seg") that constitutes a press order display section that displays the operation order of the stop button 5. You may.

An advantageous section lamp 13 composed of, for example, an LED is disposed below the display window 6. The advantageous section lamp 13 is controlled to be lit during an advantageous section (described later). Note that, instead of the advantageous section lamp 13, for example, a 7-segment "dot" portion constituting a payout number display section for displaying the number of medals paid out may be controlled to light up.
Further, the advantageous section lamp 13 may not be provided, and instead of the advantageous section lamp 13, an AT state lamp that is lit during the AT state, which will be described later, may be provided.

The upper part of the front door 1a is provided with a display 8 that operates as a notification means and a display means.
The display 8 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display capable of displaying a plurality of pieces of information, and displays various effects using images, various information in games, etc.
Note that, as shown in FIG. 1, one display device 8 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of display devices may be provided. For example, by providing two displays (a main display and a sub-display) and arranging them side by side, the main display and sub-display can function together as one display. Good too. Alternatively, the sub-display may be disposed closer to the reel 41 than the main display so that the displayed image can be easily viewed while viewing the rotation or stoppage of the reel 41.
Further, a display may be provided on a lower panel display which is a large display section disposed below the slot machine 1.

Above the display device 8 is a speaker 9 that performs sound effects and notifications and operates as a notification means, and a speaker 9 that emits light when winning each role and performs light effects and notifications corresponding to the effects displayed on the display device 8. A lamp 11 is provided.
Further, the lower part of the front door 1a is provided with a medal payout opening 7b through which medals are paid out.

The upper part of the casing 1b is equipped with a main control section 10 that controls the game in an integrated manner, and the upper part of the front door 1a is equipped with a sub-control section that controls the performance of the game etc. under the control of the main control section 10. 20.
Furthermore, a drum unit 4 for rotationally driving a reel 41 is provided in the center of the housing 1b. The drum unit 4 includes a reel 41a, a reel 41b, and a reel 41c arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction, and each of these reels 41a to 41c is configured to be rotatable by driving a stepping motor (not shown).

The reels 41a to 41c are an example of a variable display means, and on the circumferential surface of the reels 41a to 41c, a plurality of (for example, 20) symbols serving as identification information are displayed, such as "Replay", "Watermelon", "``Cherry'',``Bell'',``7'', etc. are displayed.
Note that the form of the reels 41a to 41c is not limited to this, and for example, the number of symbols on the circumferential surface may be other than 20.
Further, the lower part of the housing 1b is equipped with a medal dispensing device 7 for dispensing medals and a hopper 7a for storing medals, and the medals dispensed from the medal dispensing device 7 are passed through a medal dispensing port 7b. paid out to the player.

A power supply device 14 is provided at the bottom of the housing 1b.
The power supply device 14 is a device for supplying power to each device including the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20, and monitors the voltage or frequency of the power supply input from the outside of the slot machine 1, and Alternatively, a power cutoff signal indicating that the power supply to the slot machine 1 has been stopped due to a decrease in the frequency below a predetermined value is output to the main control section 10 and the sub-control section 20.
Furthermore, when the power supply device 14 detects the supply of power indicating a voltage or frequency exceeding a predetermined value due to power restoration, the power supply device 14 sends a power restoration signal to the main control unit 10 indicating that power supply to the slot machine 1 has started. and output to the sub-control unit 20.

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the control system of the slot machine 1. Note that the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those explained in FIGS. 1 and 2.
The main control section 10 performs lottery of winning combinations, game progress control, etc., and the sub-control section 20 performs various performance control etc. based on control information from the main control section 10.
The transmission of control information between the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20 is limited to only one direction from the main control unit 10 to the sub-control unit 20, and unauthorized signals from the sub-control unit 20 to the main control unit 10 input is prevented.
The main control section 10 communicates 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 probability setting device 15 (setting means), and a sub-control section 20. Each device can be controlled by connecting with a cable.

The probability setting device 15 allows the degree of advantage for the player to be changed in multiple stages, and the main control unit 10 stores any one setting value based on the probability setting operation in the probability setting device 15. The probability that a benefit will be awarded, etc. is controlled based on the stored setting value.
As for the setting values set by the probability setting device 15, setting 1 is the lowest probability value, the larger the number, the higher the probability value, and setting 6 is the highest probability value. Therefore, setting 1 is the most disadvantageous setting for the player, the larger the number, the more advantageous the player is, and setting 6 is the most advantageous setting for the player.

The procedure for changing the setting value in the probability setting device 15 is to insert a setting key (not shown) into the key insertion slot of the probability setting device 15, rotate the setting key in a predetermined direction, and turn off the power to the slot machine 1. By switching on the setting change mode, the setting value at that time will be displayed on the setting confirmation display (not shown), and the desired setting value can be changed by operating the setting change button. After performing the change operation to , for example, the start lever 3 is operated to change to the set value.

Furthermore, after the slot machine 1 is powered on with the setting key (not shown) inserted into the key insertion slot of the probability setting device 15 and the setting key rotated in a predetermined direction, the reset switch (not shown) is operated. Then, the main control section 10 is reset. As a result, the setting value in the probability setting device 15 is initialized (set to setting 1), and counters A and B, which will be described later, are also initialized (cleared to zero). In addition to operating the reset switch, the counters A and B are also initialized when the above-mentioned setting value changing operation is performed.

In addition, it is also possible to check the setting value of the probability setting device 15 at that point in time, and by inserting the setting key into the key insertion slot of the probability setting device 15 after turning on the power and rotating it in a predetermined direction, the setting value at that point can be checked. The set value is displayed on the setting confirmation display.

Note that by directly or indirectly changing the transition probability to the CZ state or the AT state using the setting value in the probability setting device 15, the degree of advantage of the player may be changed in multiple stages.
In addition to the gaming state, the probability of winning a predetermined small winning combination (for example, the Bell winning combination) may be changed to a plurality of stages (for example, six stages).
In addition, although the setting value can be set in 6 stages, the setting value is not limited to this, for example, it may be set in 4 stages (setting value 1, 2, 5, 6) or 3 stages (setting value 1, setting 3, setting 6). , may be a fixed probability value.

The main control unit 10 performs processing for starting a game based on a signal from the start lever 3, processing for sampling random numbers from a random number generator (not shown), and the like. The main control unit 10 then performs an internal lottery process based on the sampled random numbers. Further, the main control unit 10 implements various functions of the embodiments described later by appropriately reading and executing control programs and the like stored in the storage unit.
That is, the main control unit 10 controls a lottery means for executing a lottery for a combination (winning combination) related to the identification information that is stopped and displayed on the variable display means (reels 41) and a transition of the game state in response to the execution of the game. It is equipped with means for determining whether or not to grant privileges such as rights.
In addition, the lottery pattern using random numbers may be other than the above-mentioned pattern, and the winning combination is drawn based on random numbers generated by software, and the transition lottery for AT state etc. is drawn based on random numbers generated by a random number generator. Alternatively, all lottery drawings may be performed using random numbers generated by software or random numbers generated by a random number generator.

Further, the main control unit 10 controls the rotation of the reel 41 based on a signal from the start lever 3. The main control unit 10 detects the rotational position of each reel 41a to 41c based on signals from sensors (not shown) provided on each reel 41a to 41c, and rotates the symbols on each reel 41a to 41c. The location can be determined. Then, based on the signal from the stop button 5, control is performed to stop the desired symbol within the display window 6.

The main control unit 10 also sends predetermined signals and commands (control information) to the sub-control unit 20 at predetermined game timings (for example, operation of the start lever, operation of the stop buttons 5a to 5c, transition of the game state, etc.). Output.
For example, when the start lever 3 is operated, the main control unit 10 outputs a signal indicating that the start lever has been operated to the sub-control unit 20, and when each of the stop buttons 5a to 5c is operated, the main control unit 10 outputs a signal indicating that the start lever has been operated. outputs a signal that can identify which stop button 5 was operated in which order, and when each reel 41a to 41c is stopped by operating the stop button 5, which reel 41 is stopped in which order. Information that allows identification of the upper, middle, and lower row symbols is output to the sub-control unit 20.
Therefore, the sub-control unit 20 can recognize the manner in which the symbols are stopped depending on the manner in which the stop buttons 5a to 5c are operated by the player.
In addition, when the gaming state changes, the main control section 10 outputs information that allows identification of which gaming state has been shifted to, to the sub-control section 20.

Further, the main control unit 10 is configured to be able to input a power-off signal and a power-return signal from the power supply device 14 .
When the main control unit 10 receives the power cutoff signal, it executes a power cutoff process that stores (saved) the gaming information at the time of the power cutoff signal. This gaming information includes, for example, information such as the gaming state at that time, the winning combination, the manner in which the reels 41 are stopped, and the number of bets.
Further, when the main control unit 10 receives a power return signal, it reads out the stored (saved) game information and executes a power return process to restart the game. That is, when the main control unit 10 receives the power return signal, it returns to the state immediately before the power was cut off based on the read game information.
Furthermore, the main control section 10 transmits gaming information to the sub-control section 20 in the power restoration process. Thereby, the sub-control unit 20 can restart the performance based on the gaming state immediately before the power was cut off.

The sub-control unit 20 is connected to the production button 2c, the speaker 9, the display 8, the lamp 11, and the navigation lamp 12 via a communication cable, and can communicate with them. The sub-control unit 20 controls these devices according to commands (control information) from the main control unit 10.

The sub-control unit 20 stores various information such as programs related to effects, effect image data, and audio data in a storage unit.
The sub-control unit 20 operates as a production control means to perform processing such as production in synchronization with the game of the slot machine 1 in response to commands (control information) from the main control unit 10. For example, the display 8, the lamp 11, the speaker 9, etc. are controlled to output an effect image, a sound effect, a lamp effect, etc. indicating the transition of the game state.

Further, the sub-control unit 20 is configured to be able to input a power-off signal and a power-return signal from the power supply device 14 . When the sub-control unit 20 receives the power interruption signal, it stores (saved) performance information that specifies the content of the performance being executed at the time of the input. This performance information includes, for example, various information displayed on the display 8.
Further, when the sub-control unit 20 receives the power return signal, it resumes the performance based on the performance information in which the game information received from the main control unit 10 is stored (saved).

(Slot machine gaming (game control))
Such a slot machine 1 is configured to be able to execute the following slot machine games (games) under the control of the main control unit 10.

At the start of the game, the number of bets is set using medals (including credit medals).
The number of bets can be set by directly inserting medals from the medal slot 2, or by pressing the bet button 2a.

In the method of setting the number of bets by inserting medals from the medal slot 2, the inserted medals are detected by the medal selector 2b provided on the back side of the front door 1a, and the bet corresponding to the number of medals inserted is detected. number (however, the upper limit is 3 bets corresponding to 3 medals). When medals exceeding 3 bets are inserted, they are stored and held internally as data as credit medals.
Note that the upper limit of the number of bets may be "1", "2", or "4" or more.

When the bet button 2a is pressed, a predetermined number (for example, 3) of medals is subtracted from the credit medals internally stored as data, and the number of medals used for one game is subtracted. The minutes are set as 3 bets.
Note that by providing a 2-bet button for setting the number of medals corresponding to 2 as a bet button, 2-bet may be set by pressing the 2-bet button once.
In addition, by providing a 1 bet button as a bet button to set the number of medals corresponding to 1 medal, you can set 2 bets by pressing the 1 bet button twice, or you can set 2 bets by pressing the 1 bet button 3 times. You may also place a 3 bet.
Further, credit medals are added by inserting medals from the medal slot 2 or winning a prize, and for example, up to 50 medals can be credited (memorized).

In this way, the number of bets set by direct insertion from the medal slot 2 or by pressing each bet button is stored in the storage section of the main control section 10, and the number of bets that can be executed for one game is stored. When this happens, you are ready to start the game.
In the state where the game can be started, the operation of the start lever 3 is enabled, and when the start lever 3 is tilted, the game starts, the reels 41 start to fluctuate, and the lottery result of the current game is determined. Internal lottery processing is executed. In the internal lottery process, a winning combination (including a losing one) for the current game is determined by lottery from among a plurality of winning combinations based on a predetermined probability of winning.
After the reel 41 gradually increases its rotational speed from a stopped state, it reaches steady rotation at a constant speed. When steady rotation is reached, the stop buttons 5a to 5c provided corresponding to the respective reels 41a to 41c become operable to press.

The stop buttons 5a to 5c are examples of operation means (stop operation means) for performing a stop operation of the reels 41, and when pressed in a state where they can be pressed, the operation timing and the lottery result of the internal lottery process are changed. Each reel 41a to 41c is controlled to stop so that it stops at a combination of symbols allowed by (stop control means).
In the stop control of each reel 41a to 41c, a pull-in range is set for each reel, and a predetermined number (for example, 4) of symbols in the reverse rotation direction (upward) from the symbol at the time when the stop operation is performed. It becomes possible to draw in, and only any of the symbols within this drawing range can be stopped on the active line (hereinafter also referred to as winning line).

Then, after the third reel stop operation, the combination of symbols that stopped on the winning line (hereinafter also referred to as "stopped display") as a result of the game is determined, and as a result, it is determined that a winning is achieved when the combination of symbols is a predetermined symbol combination. , game value (for example, medals) is awarded according to the combination of symbols.
Note that the third reel refers to the reel that is stopped at the third and final operation when the three reels 41a to 41c are stopped three times, once each. Further, the term "after the third reel stop operation" refers to the time after the player releases his/her finger or the like from the stop button 5 which was operated to stop the third reel.

In this embodiment, winning is determined by using only the middle line out of a total of five lines (top, middle, and bottom lines, downward-to-the-right lines, and upward-to-the-right lines) as an active line, and the symbols that stop on the middle line. Judgment is made based on the combination.
The number of winning lines for determining winning is not limited to one line, and can be changed as appropriate depending on the arrangement of symbols, the type of symbols, the combination of symbols corresponding to winning combinations, etc.
The control related to the derivation of symbols includes control to derive (stop) the symbols as a game result based on the lottery result of the internal lottery process, and control to derive (pseudo-stop) the symbols during the execution of the game in a pseudo game. There is.
As described above, the slot machine game (game control) is executed.

(Combination of winning combinations and corresponding symbols)
Next, each winning combination and the combination of symbols corresponding to each winning combination will be explained.
The winning combination includes, for example, a small winning combination, a replay winning combination, a bonus winning combination, and the like.
Examples of small roles include bell roles, cherry roles, watermelon roles, and one-piece roles.
Furthermore, there are two types of cherry roles: weak cherry roles and strong cherry roles.
In addition, in the following explanation, the cherry role and the watermelon role are also collectively referred to as "rare role."

Two bell roles are provided, each having a different combination of corresponding symbols. For example, a common bell combination in which the corresponding symbol combinations are "Bell, Replay, Bell" in the order of "Left reel 41a, Middle reel 41b, Right reel 41c" (the same applies hereinafter) on the winning line, and " There is a push-order bell role called "Bell-Bell-Bell."

The common bell combination is a small combination in which the corresponding combination of symbols stops regardless of the order in which the stop buttons 5a to 5c are operated (referred to as the pressing order). This is a small role in which the combination of is stopped.

For the push order bell role, when the stop buttons 5a to 5c are operated according to one of the six push orders (correct push order), the corresponding symbol combination ("Bell, Bell, There are six pressing order Bell combinations 1 to 6 in which "Bell") is stopped and displayed.
In such pressing order bell combinations 1 to 6, if the stop buttons 5a to 5c are operated in any of the other five pressing orders (incorrect pressing order), the corresponding symbol combinations will not be stopped and displayed, and other The combination of symbols (push order bell, missed or lost) is stopped and displayed.
When the stop buttons 5a to 5c are operated in an incorrect pressing order, if it is not possible to stop the combination of symbols corresponding to the missed button ("Bell-Bell Replay"), the missed order will occur. Loss items (such as "Replay Cherry Bell") are stopped and displayed.
Push order bell If the combination of symbols corresponding to a missed number stops, one medal will be awarded, and if the combination of symbols corresponding to a missed number stops, no medal will be awarded. .

Furthermore, when winning the push-order bell combination, regardless of whether the second or third stop button 5 is operated, if only the stop button 5 operated first follows a specific pressing order, it corresponds to the push-order bell combination. The reels 41 may be controlled to stop so that the symbol combinations are stopped. Further, the number of push order Bell combinations is not limited to six, but three push order Bell combinations 1 to 3 may be provided.
In the following explanation, the push order Bell combinations 1 to 6 are collectively referred to as the push order Bell combination.

Furthermore, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment is capable of generating AT (assist time) as a gaming state related to the push order bell combinations 1 to 6.
When the AT wins the push order bell combinations 1 to 6 through internal lottery processing, the sub-control unit 20 controls the display 8, etc. to notify the push order for the stop button 5 and the symbols that serve as a guide for the eye press. It is a state of
That is, the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20 execute control to notify information regarding a stop operation for deriving a symbol combination (Bell-Bell-Bell) of the push order Bell combination as a result of the game. .
Therefore, the player can easily acquire medals due to the occurrence of AT, and the speed at which the balls are put out is faster during AT than during non-AT. A gaming state in which AT is continuously executed becomes an AT state.

For example, when the push order bell combination 1 is won, the push order is displayed on the display 8 in order from the left, consisting of character information of "1", "2", and "3". By outputting "left", "middle", and "right" voices from the speaker 9 and lighting the navigation lamp 12 in the order of 12a (left), 12b (middle), and 12c (right), the stop button 5 Notify the pressing order.
Note that in this embodiment, navigating the push order by means of notification means such as the display 8, the navigation lamp 12, the speaker 9, etc. is also referred to as "push order navigation."
In the non-AT state, even if the winning result of the internal lottery process is Bell combinations 1 to 6 in the pressing order, the pressing order of the stop button 5 is not notified. Therefore, unless the order of operation of the stop buttons 5 that the player operated matches the pressing order corresponding to the winning push order bell combinations 1 to 6, basically, the player will The combination of symbols corresponding to 6 cannot be stopped and displayed.
Therefore, the gameplay of the slot machine 1 is such that the player can increase the number of balls paid by playing a game in which the player stays in the AT state for a long period of time.

The Cherry win is a small win with the corresponding symbol combination "Cherry-ANY-ANY", and is a weak Cherry win (2 There is a strong cherry combination (three consecutive cherries) in which the "cherry" symbols line up and stop on the winning lines of the left reel 41a, middle reel 41b, and right reel 41c.
The watermelon role is a small role in which the combination of corresponding symbols is ``watermelon, watermelon, watermelon.''
In the watermelon win, the combination of symbols ``watermelon, watermelon, watermelon'' can be stopped on the winning line.

The one-card winning combination is a combination of corresponding symbols that is "Replay Cherry Watermelon."
Furthermore, for a one-card combination, the reel 41 is controlled to stop so that the combination of symbols is changed depending on which reel 41 is stopped first.
Specifically, when the 1-card winning combination is won, when the middle reel 41b is stopped first (the stop button 5b is operated to stop), "Replay Cherry Watermelon" is stopped, and first the middle reels other than the middle reel 41b are stopped ( When the stop buttons 5a, 5c are pressed (stop operation), symbol combinations other than "Replay Cherry Watermelon" are stopped.

In the replay combination, the combination of symbols is aligned regardless of the order of pressing, and the combination of symbols "Replay, Replay, Replay" is stopped and displayed on the winning line.

The bonus combination is a combination of corresponding symbols "7, 7, 7", and is a combination that causes the gaming state to shift to the bonus state upon winning.
The right to win a bonus combination can be carried over as long as the corresponding combination of symbols does not stop (the bonus combination wins) in the winning game and in subsequent games. Therefore, the bonus winning state is maintained during the period until the bonus winning combination is won by the stop of the corresponding symbol combination (hereinafter, this state is referred to as the "bonus winning state").
On the other hand, if you win a bonus role and the combination of symbols corresponding to the bonus role stops being displayed (the bonus role is won), you will enter a bonus state and the right to win the bonus role will be carried over after the bonus state ends. There will be a non-carryover state (hereinafter, this state will be referred to as a "bonus non-winning state").

In addition to being won individually, the bonus winning combination may be won in duplicate at a predetermined ratio when winning the rare winning combination.
If a bonus role overlaps with a rare role and is won, the main control unit 10 performs reel control to preferentially stop and display the combination of symbols corresponding to the minor role, and the combination of symbols corresponding to the bonus role is Perform reel control with the lowest priority.
Therefore, in a game where bonus roles are won over and over again, the combination of symbols that correspond to the bonus role cannot be stopped, and the combination of symbols that correspond to the rare role will be stopped, resulting in a bonus winning state. This will continue in subsequent games.

Based on the combinations of symbols as described above, it is determined whether or not the minor winning combination, replay winning combination, and bonus winning combination have been won. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the player has won, a gaming value is awarded (medals are paid out) as shown in FIG. 4(a). That is, the main control unit 10 is equipped with a game value giving means that gives a game value (medal) depending on the stopping mode of the symbols.
For example, in a bell combination (common bell combination, push order bell combination), when the corresponding combination of symbols is stopped and displayed, 15 medals are paid out. On the other hand, when the push order bell combination is won, if the stop buttons 5a to 5c are operated in an incorrect push order and the push order bell is stopped, one medal is paid out.
In addition, when the combination of symbols corresponding to the watermelon role stops, three medals are paid out, and the combinations of symbols corresponding to the winning combinations of the weak cherry role, strong cherry role, and 1-card role stop. In this case, one medal is paid out.
Further, by stopping and displaying the combination of symbols corresponding to the replay combination, it becomes possible to play the game again without inserting medals in the next game.
Further, when the combination of symbols corresponding to the bonus combination stops, no medals are paid out.

Note that the number of medals paid out when the combination of symbols corresponding to each winning combination is displayed in a stopped manner may be other than the above-mentioned number.
Further, the combination of symbols corresponding to each winning combination may be other than the above and can be set as appropriate.
Further, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the number of medals paid out is the same regardless of the number of bets, but the number of medals paid out may be varied depending on the number of bets.

(Probability of winning each winning role)
Next, the probability of winning each winning combination will be explained with reference to FIG. 4(b).
FIG. 4(b) shows an internal lottery table used for the lottery of each winning combination in each state related to the bonus (bonus non-winning state, bonus winning state, bonus state).
The internal lottery table sets the acquisition range (number) of random numbers acquired in the internal lottery process by the main control unit 10 to 65,536, and shows the number of winning values (winnings) among them.
Further, the internal lottery table shown in FIG. 4(b) shows the winning probability of each winning combination in the 3 bet game, and the setting value set by the probability setting device 15 is common to all settings 1 to 6. The case is shown below.

As shown in FIG. 4(b), the winning probability of each winning combination except the bonus winning combination is, for example, in the non-bonus winning state, push order Bell role>Replay role>1 piece role>Common Bell role>Weak cherry role> The relationship of watermelon role > strong cherry role, that is, the push order bell role is set to be the easiest to win, and the strong cherry role is set to be the most difficult to win.
For example, each of the push-order bell combinations 1 to 6 is set to win with a probability of 6400/65536, and the strong cherry combination is set to be won with a probability of 80/65536.
Furthermore, if a random number other than the winning combination is extracted, the lottery result is set to be a loss, and the probability of loss is 5280/65536.
Further, although a detailed explanation will be omitted, even during the bonus winning state and the bonus state, winning combinations are drawn at the respective probabilities shown.

Note that the relationship between the winning probabilities of each winning combination may be other than that shown in FIG. 4(b).
In addition, the winning probability is assumed to be the same for all setting values, but it is not limited to this.There are winning combinations whose winning probability changes according to the setting value, and winning combinations whose winning probability does not change according to the setting value. may be provided.
Further, the higher the setting of some rare combinations, the higher the winning probability, or the lower the setting, the higher the winning probability of the rare combination.
Also, for winning combinations other than rare winning combinations, the higher the setting, the higher the probability of winning may be, or the winning probability may be set to be lower.

(Normal section, advantageous section)
The main control unit 10 according to the present embodiment includes a section control means that can control the game section to be either a normal section or an advantageous section, in addition to the gaming state described later.
The normal section is a game section in which the push order navigation related to the push order bell combination is not executed, starts when the advantageous section end condition is met, and ends when the advantageous section shift condition is met.
In this embodiment, the condition for transitioning to an advantageous section is established when a predetermined winning combination (for example, a bell winning combination) is won in an internal lottery process, and after the third reel of the winning game is stopped, the transition from the normal section to the advantageous section occurs. (See Figure 7).
Further, in the initial state (at the time of reset) of the main control unit 10, the control is performed in the normal section, and in the normal section, the advantageous section lamp 13 is controlled to be in the off state.

In addition, the conditions for transitioning to an advantageous section may also be satisfied when a rare combination is won. In this case, if the conditions for transitioning to an AT state are satisfied with the winning of a rare combination, then the conditions for transitioning to an advantageous section are established. It is preferable to transition to the state. Therefore, since the push order navigation will be executed after the advantageous section transition condition is established, the push order navigation will not be performed in the normal section.
Also, for example, the transition may be made by stopping displaying a symbol combination that corresponds to a predetermined winning combination or stopping displaying a symbol combination that does not correspond to a predetermined winning combination (for example, a losing number or a missed push order bell). It's okay.
Alternatively, the player may be allowed to transition to an advantageous section on the condition that the player has transitioned to an advantageous gaming state where the number of medals increases, and the advantageous section may be continued if the advantageous gaming state continues.

The advantageous section is a game section in which the push order navigation related to the push order bell combination can be executed, and is a game section that is advantageous for the player compared to the normal section by executing the push order navigation.
Further, the advantageous section is terminated when a predetermined advantageous section termination condition is satisfied after the advantageous section transition condition is satisfied in the normal section.
The conditions for ending the advantageous section include, for example, when the slot machine 1 (main control unit 10) is reset (including when changing settings).
In this embodiment, the details will be described later, but basically the advantageous section continues when the AT state ends, but depending on the value of counter B (described later) at the end of the AT state. You may end the advantageous section. In addition, the conditions for ending the advantageous section may be satisfied in a part of the time when the AT state ends.
Furthermore, if the player continues to play a predetermined number of games in the normal gaming state, the advantageous period may end and the transition to the normal period may occur.

Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is provided with a limiter function (hereinafter also referred to as an advantageous section limiter) as a limiting function to limit the number of medals that a player can obtain, and is advantageous even when the advantageous section limiter is activated. The end condition for the section is now satisfied.
The advantageous section limiter is a condition that "the number of medals acquired during one advantageous section (difference number (number of medals inserted - number of medals paid out)) has reached the upper limit number (for example, +2400 medals)" It is to satisfy the following.
Further, the condition for the upper limit number of tickets may be set as "the number of tickets acquired during one advantageous period (net increase number (so-called MY)) reaches the upper limit number (for example, 2400 tickets)".

In addition, the above-mentioned conditions for ending the advantageous section are just examples; for example, "the number of games in one advantageous section (the number of games in the advantageous section) has reached the upper limit number of games (for example, 4000 games)"; Alternatively, it may include "that the push order bell has been notified at least once", "that the combination of symbols corresponding to the bonus combination has been stopped and displayed", etc.
Further, the advantageous section may be ended and the game may be shifted to the normal section upon winning a predetermined winning combination (normal section transfer combination) during the advantageous section.

In the advantageous section, the advantageous section lamp 13 is controlled to be lit.
Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the advantageous section lamp 13 may start lighting up after the transition to the advantageous section and when the game state becomes advantageous for the player in which the number of medals increases.
Furthermore, the advantageous section lamp 13 may not be turned on even when the vehicle has moved to the advantageous section, or may be turned on only when the AT state has been entered even when the vehicle has moved to the advantageous section.
Further, although it is not necessary to provide the advantageous section lamp 13, it is preferable to provide an AT state lamp controlled by the main control unit 10 instead and to turn on the AT state lamp during the AT state.

(Game related counter)
During the advantageous section, the main control section 10 operates as a counting means and stores the counting results of the counter shown below in the storage section.
- Counter A: Count value of the number of games played during the advantageous section - Counter B: Count value of the number of coins acquired (difference number) during the advantageous section Counter A and counter B are counters related to the advantageous section limiter.
When the main control unit 10 shifts from the normal section to the advantageous section, it starts counting the number of games played during the advantageous section (counter A) and counts the number of medals acquired during the advantageous section (counter B), and starts counting the number of games played during the advantageous section (counter B). When the value indicated by B reaches the limiter value (+2400 sheets), the advantageous section is forcibly terminated.
Note that the values of counter A and counter B are initialized (cleared to zero) when the advantageous period ends.

Counter B is a counter for the main control unit 10 to monitor the difference between the number of medals consumed by the player (inputted as the number of bets) and the number of medals paid out (granted) during one advantageous period. Yes, during one advantageous period, the number of medals consumed when playing the game is subtracted, and the number of medals paid out according to the result of the game is added, so it can be increased or decreased depending on the playing of the game. This is a counter that can count the difference between the number of consumed medals and the number of paid out medals.
Furthermore, unless the counter B is initialized, it will be counted even if the total number of medals consumed during the execution of the game becomes greater than the total number of medals paid out as a result of the game.

As a result, even if there are no medals actually won by the player during one advantageous period and the medals are only consumed, the number of consumed medals at that time (the number of medals lost by the player) is counted. It is possible.
That is, the main control unit 10 can count the value of the counter B even when the number of gaming values consumed in the advantageous section is greater than the number of gaming values (medals) awarded in the advantageous section.
Therefore, even if there are no medals actually won by the player during one advantageous period and only medals are consumed, the limiter function can be activated to reflect the content of the medal consumption. Therefore, as the number of consumed medals increases, the number of medals that can be acquired by the player before the limiter function is activated increases, and it is possible to improve the player's sense of expectation.
Although the main control unit 10 is capable of counting the negative value of the counter B, by setting a large value (for example, +20000, etc.) as the initial value, it is possible to count the negative amount of the counter B, but by setting a large value (for example, +20000, etc.) Even when only consumption is performed, the possibility that the value of counter B becomes a negative value may be reduced.

In addition to such a configuration, the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment has the following gaming states and characteristic game characteristics based on these gaming states.
Each gaming state is controlled (hereinafter also referred to as transition) to the respective gaming state by the main control unit 10 operating as a gaming state control means.

(Details of each gaming state)
Next, with reference to FIG. 5, each gaming state of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the transition of each gaming state, and the game nature based on each gaming state will be explained.
In addition, the main control unit 10 can independently control the transition between the normal section and the advantageous section and the transition control between the gaming states.
Below, unless there is a particular explanation, the timing of transition from each gaming state to another gaming state is basically after the third reel stop operation of the game where the transition conditions are met (or after the end of the payout of medals) It is. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the transition may be made from the next game after the transition conditions are satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 5, the game of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a normal gaming state (first gaming state), a CZ state (first gaming state or second gaming state), and an AT state (second gaming state). ) is executed in multiple gaming states. Further, the AT state includes a specialized zone and a normal AT state.
By operating as a gaming state control means, the main control section 10 can control the transition from one gaming state to another based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition.
The normal gaming state and CZ state are controlled non-AT. Therefore, while staying in the normal gaming state and the CZ state, the longer the player stays, the longer the period during which it is difficult for the player's medals to increase, which is disadvantageous for the player. Therefore, the player plays the game with the aim of transitioning to the AT state, and especially with the aim of staying in the AT state for a long time after the transition.
Note that a part of the normal gaming state and the CZ state may be controlled to be AT (for example, 50% is AT).

(Normal gaming state)
The normal gaming state remains when the slot machine 1 is reset, when the set value is changed (including resetting the set value), or when the advantageous period ends.
Furthermore, the state may enter after the CZ state or normal AT state ends.
In the normal gaming state in which the slot machine 1 (main control unit 10) remains when it is reset, it is controlled to the normal section. In the normal gaming state during the normal section, if the advantageous section transition condition is satisfied, the main control section 10 controls from the normal section to the advantageous section.
That is, during the normal gaming state, the period of stay in the normal section is extremely short, and the player stays almost in the advantageous section.
In addition, in the normal gaming state, it may be made so that it cannot be visually discerned that the control is in the normal section. For example, on the display screen displayed on the display 8, the same background image may be used during the normal section and during the advantageous section. In this way, by sharing the display screen, it is possible to make it difficult to recognize that the vehicle has shifted from the normal section to the advantageous section.

In the normal game state, based on winning a predetermined rare combination, a lottery for transition to the CZ state is performed. For example, the main control unit 10 performs a lottery for transition to the CZ state based on winning the watermelon winning combination, the weak cherry winning combination, and the strong cherry winning combination.
Specifically, the main control unit 10 refers to the "CZ state lottery table" (FIG. 13), and determines the probability based on the setting value set in the probability setting device 15 and the current ball payout mode (described later). A transition lottery will be held.
If the transition lottery is won, the main control unit 10 controls the game to transition from the normal gaming state to the CZ state (arrow a in FIG. 5).
Incidentally, regardless of the type of winning combination, a lottery for transition to the CZ state may be performed every game, or a transition to the CZ state may be performed when the number of games played during the normal gaming state (advantageous section) reaches a predetermined number. You may also do so.
The details of the CZ state transition lottery will be described later.

In addition, in the normal gaming state, in order to increase the player's expectations for the transition to the CZ state, even if it is decided to transition to the CZ state, the game does not immediately transition to the CZ state, but instead is changed to the CZ state eventually. A continuous presentation (main continuous presentation) of the CZ state for a predetermined number of games (for example, 3 games) may be performed on the display 8 to notify the transition.

In addition, in the normal game state, by providing a normal probability state where the probability of transition to the CZ state is relatively low and a high probability state where the probability of transition to the CZ state is relatively high, the probability of transition to the CZ state can be increased. It may also be changeable.
The transition of the probability state is controlled such that, for example, the normal probability state is shifted (promoted) to a high probability state with a predetermined probability when a rare winning combination is won. Control may be performed to shift (demotion) from a high probability state to a normal probability state with a predetermined probability at the time of winning.
Note that the transition of the probability state is not limited to the transition depending on the winning combination, and the probability state may be changed every predetermined number of games.

In addition, in the normal gaming state, when the number of times the game is executed in the normal gaming state (advantageous section) reaches a predetermined number, the state may be shifted to the CZ state.
Furthermore, when the number of winnings of a predetermined combination (for example, the Bell combination) reaches a predetermined number, the state may be shifted to the CZ state.
Furthermore, in the game in the normal gaming state (advantageous section), a predetermined point is added according to the lottery result of the winning combination, and when the added value of the points reaches a predetermined number, the game is shifted to the CZ state. Alternatively, when the added value of points reaches a predetermined number, a lottery for transition to the CZ state may be performed, and if the transition lottery is won, the transition to the CZ state may be performed.

Further, in the normal gaming state, based on winning a predetermined rare combination, a lottery for transitioning to the AT state may be performed so that it is possible to directly transition from the normal gaming state to the AT state. For example, the process of transitioning to the AT state may be performed with a predetermined probability (for example, 1%) when a strong cherry combination is won.

(CZ state)
Although the CZ state is non-AT, it is a gaming state in which a lottery to transition to the AT state is performed, so it is positioned as a chance zone in the flow of a series of games.
Note that it may be AT, or it may be partially AT, that is, the push order navigation may be executed with a predetermined probability (for example, 40%) when the push order bell combination is won.

The number of games that can be played in the CZ state is determined by assuming that the minimum number of games is 10 games, and after the 10th game, an end lottery during the CZ state is held by the main control unit 10, and if the end lottery is won, the CZ state is entered in that game. will end.
That is, in the CZ state, the player plays a game during "10 games + α" with the aim of acquiring the right to transition to the AT state.

In the CZ state, based on winning a predetermined winning combination, a lottery for transition to the AT state is performed. For example, the main control unit 10 performs a lottery for transition to the AT state based on winning a replay role, a common bell role, a watermelon role, a weak cherry role, and a strong cherry role.
Specifically, the main control unit 10 performs a transition lottery based on the type of winning combination and the current ball payout mode (described later) by referring to the "AT state lottery table" (FIG. 14).
If you win the transition lottery, the main control unit 10 controls the transition from the CZ state to the AT state (specialized zone) (arrow c in FIG. 5), and if you do not win the transition lottery while in the CZ state. In this case, the main control unit 10 controls to shift to the normal gaming state (arrow b in FIG. 5).
Furthermore, when transitioning from the CZ state to the AT state or the normal gaming state, the gaming section continues as the advantageous section, but the gaming section may be shifted from the advantageous section to the normal section.
Note that details of the AT state transition lottery will be described later.

In addition, at the time of transition from the CZ state to the normal gaming state, under the control of the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20, setting related information (setting suggestion information) that can suggest the setting value set in the probability setting device 15 is notified. The notification may be made by means (display device 8, speaker 9).
For example, on the display 8, a predetermined character from among a plurality of characters is displayed. Since the character to be displayed is selected according to the selection probability that is preset according to each setting value of the probability setting device 15, it is possible to predict the setting value to some extent based on the displayed character.

(AT state)
The AT state is a gaming state in which it is extremely easy to obtain medals because it is controlled by AT.
During the AT state, the game section is controlled to be an advantageous section.
The AT state is roughly divided into a normal AT state mainly for acquiring medals and a specialized zone for determining or increasing the number of remaining games that defines the duration of the normal AT state.

(Specialized zone)
At the time of transition from the CZ state to the AT state, or when a specific condition is satisfied in the normal AT state, the state enters the specialization zone.
The specialization zone continues for 10 games, and for each game, an additional lottery is held to add the number of games to the remaining number of games in the normal AT state, and the total value of the number of additional games won during the 10 games is the specialization zone. This is set as the initial number of games (number of remaining games) at the start of the normal AT state after the end of the zone.
Then, when 10 games have been played in the specialized zone, the state shifts to the normal AT state (arrow d in FIG. 5).

In the specialized zone, the main control unit 10 refers to the "Additional Lottery Table (Specialized Zone)" (FIG. 15) and selects an additional lottery based on the type of winning combination and the current ball payout mode (described later). A lottery will be held.
In the additional lottery, it is assumed that any number of games will be won with a probability of 100%, and the number of games will be added (added) to the remaining number of games in the normal AT state.
The details of the additional lottery in the specialized zone will be described later.

In addition, during the specialized zone, the effects corresponding to the specialized zone are executed on the display 8, etc., and the number of additional games for each game is announced, and finally the number of games added to the specialized zone is announced. The total value of the numbers is announced.

When transitioning to the AT state by the first hit, the number of remaining games that defines the duration of the normal AT state will be awarded, but this remaining number of games will be subtracted by 1 each time a game is executed during the normal AT state. , the AT state continues until there are no more games remaining.

(Normal AT state)
The normal AT state begins after the specialized zone ends.
In the initial transition to the AT state, the normal AT state is started based on the initial number of games (remaining number of games) determined during the specialized zone.
Furthermore, if the transition is made to the specialized zone during the AT state (during the normal AT state), the number of additional games determined during the specialized zone is added to the remaining number of games, and the normal AT state is returned.

In the normal AT state, when the number of remaining games becomes zero, the normal gaming state is entered after the end of the normal AT state (arrow f in FIG. 5). Further, when the normal AT state ends and the normal gaming state is entered, the gaming section continues as the advantageous section, but the gaming section may be shifted from the advantageous section to the normal section.
Note that the end condition for the AT state is that if the number of times the common bell winning combination is won (the number of times the push order navigation is executed) reaches a predetermined number, the number of winnings (difference number) of the player in the AT state becomes a predetermined number. In this case, it may be established that the number of medals acquired by the player during the AT state (net increase number) reaches a predetermined number, or the number of medals paid out reaches a predetermined number. It may be made to hold true in some cases.

In the normal AT state, the main control unit 10 operates as a privilege granting means, so that it is possible to provide a privilege for continuing the AT state.
For example, the main control unit 10 conducts a lottery for granting predetermined benefits (increasing the number of remaining games, granting the right to move to a specialized zone, etc.) based on the winning of the weak cherry prize or the strong cherry prize.
If you win the lottery, the duration of the AT state will be extended according to the granted benefit.
Specifically, the main control unit 10 refers to the "additional lottery table (normal AT state)" (FIG. 16) to determine the setting value set in the probability setting device 15 and the current ball payout mode (described later). A lottery will be held based on
In the lottery, if the conditions for transition to the specialized zone are met (the right to transition to the specialized zone is granted), the main control unit 10 controls the transition to the specialized zone (Fig. 5 arrow e).
Further, in the case where the number of games is won in the lottery, the main control unit 10 adds (adds) the number of games to the remaining number of games in the normal AT state.
At the time of transition from the normal AT state to the specialized zone, the subtraction of the number of remaining games during the normal AT state is interrupted, and the subtraction of the number of remaining games is restarted when the normal AT state returns. Therefore, in games in the specialized zone, the number of remaining games will not be subtracted.
Note that details of the additional lottery during the normal AT state will be described later.

Next, game state transition control related to the occurrence of a bonus state will be explained.
As described above, when a bonus combination is won, the main control unit 10 temporarily interrupts the gaming state at that time and shifts the gaming state to the bonus state.

(Bonus state)
The bonus state is an advantageous gaming state for the player in which the probability of winning the push order Bell combination is increased and the push order navigation is executed when the push order Bell combination is won.
The bonus state ends when either condition (bonus state end condition) is satisfied, for example, 12 games are played or any winning combination is won 8 times.
During the bonus state, the game section is controlled to be an advantageous section.

If you win a bonus combination in a non-bonus winning state, you will enter a bonus winning state, and in the bonus winning state, the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination is allowed to stop, and the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination is displayed on the reel 41. When the game stops (a bonus combination is won), the game state shifts from a game state other than the bonus state to the bonus state (arrow g in FIG. 5).
At this time, each gaming state is temporarily interrupted due to transition to the bonus state. For example, when transitioning to the bonus state during the AT state, each piece of information related to the AT state at the time of winning the bonus state (for example, the number of remaining games) is stored and the AT state is interrupted.

In the bonus state, if the conditions for ending the bonus state are satisfied, the game enters a gaming state other than the bonus state (arrow h in FIG. 5).
The gaming state to be transitioned to at this time is the gaming state before shifting to the bonus state. For example, when the bonus state that transitioned to the AT state ends, the AT state will be restarted based on various information related to the AT state that was stored and held at the time of winning the bonus combination.
Note that if the bonus state is entered during the AT state, a benefit such as, for example, adding a predetermined number of games to the remaining number of games in the AT state may be provided at the end of the bonus state.

(Processing when the game ends)
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, a description will be given of the processing executed when the slot machine game is executed and the game ends.
The flowchart in FIG. 6 shows the game end control process executed by the main control unit 10.

(Game end control process)
The main control unit 10 executes the following various processes when the game ends, that is, after the third reel is stopped.
First, advantageous section related processing is executed (S1). Note that details of the advantageous section related processing will be described later.
Next, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in an advantageous section (S2).
If it is determined that the vehicle is not in an advantageous section (in the normal zone), the process is terminated (S2: No), and if it is determined that it is in an advantageous zone (S2: Yes), the NG flag is turned OFF. It is determined whether or not (S3). That is, it is determined whether the ball output mode (described later) is controlled to be the low ball output mode.
In S3, if it is determined that the NG flag is ON (the ball output mode is the high ball output mode) (S3: No), the process is terminated and the NG flag is OFF (the ball output mode is the low ball output mode). mode) (S3: Yes), counter update process 1, counter update process 2, and ball output monitoring process (S4-S6) are executed in sequence, and the process ends. Note that details of the counter update process 1, counter update process 2, and ball output monitoring process will be described later.

(Ball output mode)
The slot machine 1 of this embodiment includes a payout mode that affects the number of medals that a player can acquire.
The ball payout mode includes a plurality of modes including a low ball payout mode (first mode) and a high ball payout mode (second mode) that is more advantageous to the player than the low ball payout mode.
The high ball payout mode is a mode in which the ball payout performance is higher than the low ball payout mode, and is a state in which you can expect to gain gaming value. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the high ball payout mode may have the same ball payout performance as the low ball payout mode, and may also be a mode in which the waves of the ball payout are rough.
By operating as a mode control means, the main control unit 10 can control the ball to any one of the ball dispensing modes during the advantageous section, and switches the ball dispensing mode based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. There is.

The ball output mode is controlled to a low ball output mode at the start of the advantageous section.
During the low ball output mode, as described above, counter update processing 1, counter update processing 2, and ball output monitoring processing are executed, and processing related to transition of the ball output mode is performed. Although details will be described later, in the ball output monitoring process, when the numerical value regarding the ball output rate during the advantageous section reaches a specific value, the low ball output mode is controlled from the high ball output mode.
The high ball payout mode is continuously controlled until the advantageous section ends.
In addition, when controlled to the high payout ball mode, the NG flag stored and managed in the RAM of the main control unit 10 is set (ON), and when the advantageous section ends and the high payout ball mode ends. , processing to clear (turn off) the NG flag is performed.
That is, the main control unit 10 stores and manages the current state of the ball dispensing mode by turning the NG flag ON/OFF.

It should be noted that the duration of the high payout ball mode is not limited to the above, and the duration may be determined by lottery.
For example, a lottery may be executed when controlled to the high payout mode, and a longer number of games (duration period) may be selected in the case of a high setting than in the case of a low setting.
In addition, at the start of the advantageous section, a lottery will be executed to enter the high payout mode where you will win with a predetermined probability (1/256), and if you win the lottery, the lottery will continue from that point until the end of the advantageous section. It is also possible to control the ball to a high payout mode.

"Numerical value related to ball payout rate" is a value indicating the ratio of the number of gaming values (medals, etc.) paid out to the number of gaming values (medals, etc.) input.
For example, it can be calculated using the formula "safe number (number of payouts)/number of outs (number of inputs)".
In the following explanation, the "numerical value related to the ball output rate" will be explained using, as an example, a value calculated by the above formula (hereinafter referred to as the ball output rate).
Note that the numerical value related to the ball payout rate is not limited to the value calculated by the above formula, but any numerical value can be used. For example, it may be a value obtained by multiplying "safe number (number of payouts)/number of outs (number of inputs)" by a predetermined value (for example, 100).
When this ball output ratio deviates from a specific range, the ball output mode is controlled from a low ball output mode to a high ball output mode. The details of the determination of the ball output ratio (ball output monitoring process) will be described later.
In this way, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment can control the mode related to ball dispensing according to the amount of balls dispensed during the advantageous section, and can control the ball dispensing performance according to the controlled ball dispensing mode. It has characteristics.

Furthermore, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to inform the player of the current payout mode in a recognizable manner.
FIG. 12 shows an example of a performance performed on the display 8 during the normal gaming state.
In the normal gaming state, when the ball payout mode is the low ball payout mode or the high payout ball mode, the sub-control unit 20 generates an image (video) in which the character is stationary as shown in FIG. 12(a), for example. ) can be executed.
On the other hand, when the ball payout mode is the high ball payout mode, for example, an image (video) of a stationary character running around as shown in FIG. 12(b) or a comparison with FIG. 12(a) is displayed. It is possible to perform special effects including the display of lively images (videos).

Further, the special performance is executed for a predetermined period of time when a predetermined condition is met.
Specifically, when the ball output mode is controlled to the high ball output mode (NG flag = ON), the sub-control unit 20 performs a lottery for executing a special effect every 100 games, and if the lottery is won. A special performance will be performed.
For example, the lottery has a predetermined probability (for example, 5%) of winning, and a special effect is executed for a predetermined period (for example, the period of 1 to 3 games or the period of 5 seconds to 60 seconds) after the winning game. be done. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the execution returns to normal performance.
In this way, the player can guess that the game is in the high payout mode by executing the special effect. Furthermore, since the special effect is executed only for a predetermined period, only the player who is playing the game can recognize it without being noticed by other players.
This allows the player to determine whether or not to continue playing the game.
Note that the period during which the special performance is executed is not limited to the predetermined period as described above, but may be executed continuously until the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off.

(Control during high ball mode)
When the ball payout mode is controlled to be the high ball payout mode, it is easy for the player to proceed with the game advantageously.
The control during the high ball payout mode will be explained below.

As described above, in the normal game state, a lottery for transition to the CZ state is performed based on the current ball payout mode.
In the lottery, as shown in the "CZ state lottery table" in FIG. , the probability of winning is 32/256, and when the high payout mode is controlled, the probability of winning is 128/256. In addition, when the setting value in the probability setting device 15 is 4 to 6 (high setting), the probability of winning is 64/256 when the low ball payout mode is controlled, and the high ball payout mode is controlled. If there is, the probability of winning is 192/256.
In this way, in the normal gaming state, the control is made such that it is easier to shift to the CZ state when the game is controlled to the high ball payout mode than when it is controlled to the low ball payout mode.

In addition, in the said lottery, the set value to be referred to may be different depending on whether the lottery is controlled in the low ball payout mode or the high ball payout mode. For example, when controlled to be in the high payout mode, the lottery may be executed with a probability common to all set values. Alternatively, a lottery table may be referred to in which the probability of winning is 128/256 for the set values 1 to 4, and the probability of winning is 192/256 for the set values 5 and 6.
In addition, in this lottery, it is set so that it is easier to win when the setting is high than when the setting is low, but this is not limited to this. You may set it so that it is easy to win.

Furthermore, as described above, in the CZ state, a lottery for transition to the AT state is performed based on the current ball dispensing mode.
In this lottery, as shown in the "AT state lottery table" in FIG. When controlled to be in the ball dispensing mode, the winning probability is set to 128/256.
Also, although a detailed explanation will be omitted, even if a role other than the replay role is won, a lottery will be held to transition to the AT state with each winning probability as shown in the figure, and a role with a relatively low winning probability will be won. The setting is such that it is easier to win if you do so.
In this way, in the CZ state, the control is made so that the transition to the AT state is easier when the ball is controlled to be in the high ball payout mode than when it is controlled to be in the low ball payout mode.

Furthermore, as described above, in the AT state (specialized zone), an additional lottery for the number of remaining games in the normal AT state is performed based on the current ball output mode.
In this lottery, as shown in the "Additional Lottery Table (Specialized Zone)" in Figure 15, for example, if you win the watermelon winning combination, if the low ball payout mode is controlled, you will win with a probability of 224/256. 30 games will be added, 50 games will be added with a probability of 16/256, and 100 games will be added with a probability of 16/256. On the other hand, if the control is set to high ball payout mode, 10 games will be added with a probability of 176/256, 100 games will be added with a probability of 64/256, and 300 games will be added with a probability of 16/256. is set to
Also, although a detailed explanation will be omitted, even if you win a role other than the watermelon role, an additional lottery will be held with each probability as shown in the diagram, and if you win a role with a relatively low probability of winning, it will be better. , a larger number of games is set to be added.
In this way, in the AT state (specialized zone), it is controlled so that a large number of games is more likely to be added when the game is controlled to the high ball output mode than when it is controlled to the low ball output mode. be done.

Further, as described above, in the AT state (normal AT state), a bonus award lottery is performed based on the current ball payout mode.
In the lottery, as shown in the "additional lottery table (normal AT state)" in FIG. There is a probability of /256 of losing (not winning) and no additional games, a probability of 80/256 of winning and adding 10 games, a probability of 16/256 of winning and adding 30 games, and a probability of 80/256 of winning and adding 30 games. The right to move to the specialized zone will be granted with a probability of 256. On the other hand, if the control is set to high ball payout mode, there is a probability of 96/256 of losing (not winning) and no addition is made, and a probability of 80/256 is winning and 10 games are added, and 16/256. It is set so that there is a probability of 256 to win, 30 additional games will be played, and the right to move to the specialized zone will be granted with a probability of 64/256.
Further, although a detailed explanation will be omitted, even when the setting value in the probability setting device 15 is 2 to 6, a lottery for awarding benefits is performed with each winning probability as shown in the figure.
In this way, in the AT state (normal AT state), the benefits (the right to move to the specialized zone) are greater when the ball is controlled to the high ball play mode than when it is controlled to the low ball play mode. is controlled so that it is easily given.

In addition, in the lottery, as shown in Figure 16, even number settings (setting 2, setting 4, setting 6) are relatively more popular than odd number settings (setting 1, setting 3, setting 5). , the winning probability (probability of not winning) is set to be high. Further, the right to move to the specialized zone is more easily granted when the number is set to an odd number than when the number is set to an even number. In this way, the characteristics change depending on whether the set values are even or odd. Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and settings may be made such that the odds of winning are opposite for odd number settings and even number settings.
In addition, in this lottery, it is set so that the privilege (the right to move to a specialized zone) is more easily awarded when the game is controlled in high ball payout mode than when it is controlled in low ball payout mode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a bonus (additional number of games) can be easily awarded.

In the bonus award lottery during the AT state (normal AT state), if you win an additional number of games, an effect corresponding to the number of additional games won (increased number) will be executed on the display 8, etc. ing.
FIG. 17 shows an example of the effect executed on the display 8 in the normal AT state.
The example shown in FIG. 17 is a case where an additional "30 games" is won in the bonus lottery, where (a) is an example in which the number of additional games is announced in a non-divided manner, and (b) to (d) This is an example of notifying the number of additional games in a divided manner.
FIG. 17(b) shows a mode in which the largest number of games among the number of games displayed in a divided manner is emphasized, and FIG. 17(c) shows a mode in which the smallest number of games among the number of games in a divided display is emphasized. Yes, and FIG. 17(d) shows a mode in which the number of games is the same.
Note that the number of games to be divided and displayed can be any number of games, for example, +1, +5, etc., and the number of divisions is not limited.

The manner in which the number of additional games is notified is determined by a lottery performed by the sub-control unit 20.
Specifically, when the ball payout mode is the low ball payout mode, there is a 70% probability that the non-split mode (Figure 17(a)) will be won, and a 15% probability that the split mode (Figure 17(b)) will be won. is set to win, the split mode (FIG. 17(c)) will win with a 10% probability, and the split mode (FIG. 17(d)) will win with a 5% probability.
On the other hand, when the ball output mode is the high ball output mode, the non-split mode (Figure 17(a)) has a 55% probability of winning, and the split mode (Figure 17(b)) has a 20% probability of winning. , the split mode (FIG. 17(c)) has a 15% probability of winning, and the split mode (FIG. 17(d)) has a 10% probability of winning.
In this way, in the AT state (normal AT state), the division mode of the number of additional games is notified more when the ball is controlled in the high ball output mode than when it is controlled in the low ball play mode. easily controlled.
Thereby, the player can infer that the game is in the high payout mode, and can determine whether or not to continue playing the game.

Note that the present invention is not limited to this, and the notification in the non-divided mode may be made easier when the high ball payout mode is controlled than when the low ball payout mode is controlled.
Further, the notification mode having a larger number of divisions may be determined more easily when the ball output mode is controlled to be high than when the ball output mode is controlled to be low.
Further, a specific numerical value (for example, +7) may be notified more easily when the high ball payout mode is controlled than when the low ball payout mode is controlled.
Further, the notification based on the division mode of the number of add-on games may be performed in accordance with the number of add-on games won in the add-on lottery performed during the AT state (specialized zone).

In this way, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment allows players to play the game more advantageously when the ball output mode is controlled to the high ball output mode than when the ball output mode is controlled to the low ball output mode. will proceed.
As a result, players can expect to get a large amount of balls during the high ball mode, and the game can be more interesting.

In addition, in the above various lotteries, the case where the lottery tables referred to are different when controlled in low ball payout mode and when controlled in high ball payout mode was explained, but this is not limited to some cases. Only the lottery table to be referred to may be different. For example, only in the case of a lottery to transition to the CZ state or a lottery to transition to the AT state, the lottery table to be referred to for each ball output mode may be different, and for other lotteries, the lottery table to be referred to in the low ball output mode may be different. You may also refer to it.
In addition, in the above-mentioned various lotteries, the same lottery table is used when the lottery is controlled in the low ball payout mode and in the high ball payout mode, and when the lottery is controlled in the low ball payout mode. In the case where the high payout ball mode is controlled, the number of times the lottery table is referred to may be varied. In this case, it is preferable to increase the number of times of reference when the high ball payout mode is controlled.
In addition, in the above various lotteries, we have explained the case where the winning combination that triggers the lottery is the same whether the lottery is controlled in low ball mode or high ball mode. However, the types of winning combinations that trigger the lottery may be increased when the game is controlled in the high ball play mode than when it is controlled in the low ball play mode. For example, in the lottery for transition to the CZ state, if the high payout mode is controlled, the lottery may be executed even if the common bell combination is won.

(Advantageous section related processing)
Next, advantageous section related processing will be explained with reference to FIG.
First, the main control unit 10 determines whether or not the vehicle is in an advantageous section (S11).
If it is determined that the vehicle is not in the advantageous section (in the normal zone) (S11: No), it is determined whether the conditions for shifting to the advantageous section are satisfied (S12).
If it is determined that the conditions for transitioning to an advantageous section are not satisfied (S12: No), the process is terminated, and if it is determined that the conditions for transition to an advantageous zone are satisfied (S12: Yes), the process is shifted to an advantageous zone. (S13), and the process ends.

If it is determined in S11 that the vehicle is in an advantageous section (S11: Yes), the advantageous section counter is updated (S14). That is, the values of counter A and counter B are updated according to the result of the current game.
Next, it is determined whether the advantageous section end condition is satisfied (S15). That is, it is determined whether the advantageous section limiter has been reached.
If it is determined that the advantageous section end condition is not met (S15: No), the process is terminated, and if it is determined that the advantageous section end condition is satisfied (S15: Yes), the process proceeds to the normal section. (S16).
Further, various counters related to the game section are initialized (S17). For example, counter A, counter B, out number counter for each game (described later), safe number counter for each game (described later), cumulative out number counter (described later), cumulative safe number counter (described later), and for determination. A counter A (described later), a determination counter B (described later), and a monitoring counter (described later) are initialized (zero cleared).

Next, it is determined whether the NG flag is ON or not (S18). That is, it is determined whether the ball output mode is controlled to be the high ball output mode.
If it is determined that the NG flag is not ON (the ball output mode is the low ball output mode) (S18: No), the process is terminated and it is determined that the NG flag is ON (the ball output mode is the high ball output mode). If it is determined (S18: Yes), the NG flag is turned OFF (S19) and the process ends.

(Counter update processing 1)
Next, counter update processing 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.
Counter update process 1 is a process that is executed every game during the advantageous period.
First, the main control unit 10 determines whether or not a winning combination (including a loss) other than the replay winning combination has been won in the current game (S21).
If it is determined that a role other than the replay role has not been won (the replay role has been won) (S21: No), the process moves to S24, and if it is determined that a role other than the replay role has been won (S21: Yes) adds the number of inputs in the current game to the out number counter for each game (S22). For example, when a 3-bet game is played, "3" is added. Note that if the game is played with 2 bets or less, a value corresponding to the number of bets is added.
Further, the number of payouts for the current game is added to the safe number counter for each game (S23). For example, when 15 coins are paid out, "15" is added. Note that if there is no payout (if there is a loss or a bonus combination is won), "0" may be added, or no addition may be made.
Finally, the monitoring counter is incremented by 1 (S24), and the process ends.
The monitoring counter is a counter for counting the number of games that triggers the execution of the counter update process 2 and the ball output monitoring process, and starts counting from 0 at the start of the advantageous section until a predetermined number (for example, 100). Count. Note that if the replay combination is won, the monitoring counter may not be incremented.
Note that in the above process, S21 may be omitted. In this case, if the replay combination is won, "0" may be added to each in S22 and S23, or a value corresponding to the number of bets may be added to each.

In this way, in the counter update process 1, for each game, the number of inputs in the current game is added to the out number counter for each game, and the number of payouts according to the winning combination is added to the safe number counter for each game.
As will be described later, the out number counter for each game and the safe number counter for each game are accumulated and stored without being initialized during 100 games (until the monitoring counter reaches 100).
That is, the number of outs for each game is cumulatively stored with the number of inputs for 100 games, and the number of safes for each game is cumulatively stored with the number of payouts for 100 games. There is.

(Counter update process 2)
Next, counter update processing 2 will be explained with reference to FIG.
Counter update process 2 is a process that is executed every predetermined game (100 games) during the advantageous period.
First, the main control unit 10 determines whether the value of the monitoring counter has reached "100" (S31). That is, it is determined whether 100 games have passed since the previous update process.
If it is determined that the value of the monitoring counter has not reached "100" (S31: No), the process is terminated, and if it is determined that the value of the monitoring counter has reached "100" (S31: Yes), the cumulative out number counter is updated (S32) and the cumulative safe number counter is updated (S33).
Finally, the out number counter for each game and the safe number counter for each game are initialized (zero cleared) (S34), and the process ends.

The cumulative out number counter is a counter for cumulatively storing and managing the number of inputs in the most recent 6000 games, and the cumulative safe number counter is a counter for cumulatively storing and managing the number of payouts in the most recent 6000 games. be.
The cumulative out number counter and the cumulative safe number counter have an array type data structure.
For example, the first data is stored in the cumulative out number counter [1], the second data is stored in the cumulative out number counter [2], etc., the 60th data is stored in the cumulative out number counter [2], etc. [60]. The same applies to the cumulative safe number counter.
In addition, the cumulative out number counters [1] to [60] store the number of inputs for 100 games, and the cumulative out number counter [1] stores the number of inputs for the oldest 100 games out of the most recent 6000 games. The cumulative out number counter [60] stores the number of inputs for the latest 100 games out of the most recent 6000 games. The same applies to the cumulative safe number counters [1] to [60].

In the "update of cumulative out number counter" in S32, updating processing is performed by moving (shifting) the data stored in the cumulative out number counters [1] to [60].
Specifically, the update process is performed in the following manner.
First, the data stored in the cumulative out number counter [2] is moved (shifted) to the cumulative out number counter [1], and then the data stored in the cumulative out number counter [3] is shifted to the cumulative out number counter [3]. Then, the data stored in the cumulative out number counter [4] is moved (shifted) to the cumulative out number counter [3].
In this way, the data stored in the cumulative out number counters [2] to [60] are moved (shifted) to the cumulative out number counters [1] to [59], respectively. Finally, the numerical value of the out number counter for each game is stored in the cumulative out number counter [60].
The update processing of "cumulative safe number counter update" in S33 is performed in the same manner.

In this way, in the counter update process 2, the cumulative out number counters [1] to [60] are updated and stored with the cumulative number of outs of the most recent 6000 games (excluding winning games for replay roles) every 100 games. The cumulative number of safes for the most recent 6000 games (excluding winning games for replay combinations) is updated and stored in cumulative safe number counters [1] to [60].

(Ball output monitoring process)
Next, the ball payout monitoring process will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11.
The ball payout monitoring process is a process that is executed every predetermined game (100 games) during the advantageous period.

In the ball output monitoring process, the ball output ratio (value related to the ball output rate) is calculated according to the number of games in the current advantageous section, and if the calculated ball output ratio deviates from a certain range, the ball output mode is set to low. A process of controlling from the ball mode to the high ball mode is performed.
The fixed range has an upper limit value (a specific upper limit value) and a lower limit value (a specific lower limit value). That is, the main control unit 10 operates as a determining means to determine whether the calculated ball payout ratio is within a certain range, and if it exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit. , it is determined that the transition conditions for the ball dispensing mode are satisfied.

The ball payout ratio is calculated based on the game results (the number of outs and the number of safes) in a predetermined game period by the main control unit 10 operating as a calculation means. For example, it is calculated for each short-term gaming period, medium-term gaming period, and long-term gaming period.
The short-term gaming period (first gaming period) is a gaming period of the most recent 400 games when the current number of games in the advantageous section is 400 to 1599 games (first number of games).
The medium-term gaming period (first gaming period or second gaming period) is when the current number of games in the advantageous section is between 1,600 and 5,999 games (first number of games or second number of games), and the most recent 1,600 games are It's the gaming period.
The long-term gaming period (second gaming period) is a gaming period for the most recent 6,000 games when the current number of games in the advantageous section is 6,000 or more (second number of games).
Note that the numerical value regarding each gaming period is not limited to this, and can be changed as appropriate, and may be set in advance by an employee of the gaming hall or the like.

First, the main control unit 10 determines whether the value of the monitoring counter has reached "100" (S41).
If it is determined that the value of the monitoring counter has not reached "100" (S41: No), the process is terminated, and if it is determined that the value of the monitoring counter has reached "100" (S41: Yes), the value (quotient and remainder) calculated by the formula "current number of advantageous zone games/100" is stored in the determination counter (S42).
The determination counter is a counter that stores a value that triggers the process of determining the ball output ratio for each gaming period, and includes a determination counter A and a determination counter B.
The determination counter A stores the quotient of the above equation, and the determination counter B stores the remainder of the above equation.

Next, it is determined whether or not it is an opportunity to determine the ball payout ratio in the short-term gaming period.
Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the determination counter A is 4 or more and the value of the determination counter B is 0 (zero) (S43). That is, it is determined whether the number of games in the advantageous period is 400 or more and the games have a period of 100 games (400 games, 500 games, 600 games, etc.).
If it is determined that the condition is not satisfied (S43: No), the process moves to S56, and if it is determined that the condition is satisfied (S43: Yes), the short-term ball payout ratio is calculated (S44).
The short-term ball output ratio is the ball output ratio during the playing period of the most recent 400 games, and is calculated as the sum of the cumulative safe number counters [60] to [57]/the total value of the cumulative out number counters [60] to [57]. It can be calculated using the formula:

Next, it is determined whether the calculated short-term ball payout ratio is within a certain range.
Specifically, it is determined whether the short-term ball payout ratio is less than or equal to the upper limit value 1 (for example, 2.2) (S45).
If it is determined that the short-term ball output ratio is not lower than the upper limit value 1 (S45: No), the process moves to S55, and if it is determined that the short-term ball output ratio is lower than the upper limit value 1 (S45: Yes) , it is determined whether the short-term ball payout ratio is equal to or higher than the lower limit value 1 (for example, 0.33) (S46).
If it is determined that the short-term ball output ratio is not the lower limit value 1 or more (S46: No), the process moves to S55, and if it is determined that the short-term ball output ratio is the lower limit value 1 or more (S46: Yes). Then, it is determined whether or not it is an opportunity to determine the ball payout ratio in the medium-term game period.

Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the determination counter A is 16 or more and the value of the determination counter B is 0 (zero) (S47). That is, it is determined whether the number of games in the advantageous period is 1600 games or more and the games have a period of 100 games (1600 games, 1700 games, 1800 games, etc.).
If it is determined that the condition is not satisfied (S47: No), the process moves to S51, and if it is determined that the condition is satisfied (S47: Yes), the medium period ball payout ratio is calculated (S48).
The ball output ratio during the medium period is the ball output ratio during the playing period of the most recent 1600 games, and is calculated as "total value of cumulative safe number counters [60] to [45]/total value of cumulative out number counters [60] to [45]" It can be calculated using the formula:

Next, it is determined whether the calculated medium-term ball payout ratio is within a certain range.
Specifically, it is determined whether or not the medium period ball payout ratio is equal to or lower than the upper limit value 2 (for example, 1.5) (S49).
If it is determined that the medium period ball output ratio is not less than the upper limit value 2 (S49: No), the process moves to S55, and if it is determined that the medium period ball output ratio is less than the upper limit value 2 (S49: Yes) , it is determined whether the medium period ball payout ratio is equal to or higher than the lower limit value 2 (for example, 0.4) (S50).
If it is determined that the medium period ball output ratio is not the lower limit value 2 or more (S50: No), the process moves to S55, and if it is determined that the medium period ball output ratio is not less than the lower limit value 2 (S50: Yes). Next, it is determined whether or not it is an opportunity to determine the ball payout ratio during the long-term gaming period.

Specifically, it is determined whether the value of the determination counter A is 60 or more and the value of the determination counter B is 0 (zero) (S51). That is, it is determined whether the number of games in the advantageous period is 6000 games or more and the games have a period of 100 games (6000 games, 6100 games, 6200 games, etc.).
If it is determined that the condition is not satisfied (S51: No), the process moves to S56, and if it is determined that the condition is satisfied (S51: Yes), the long-term ball payout ratio is calculated (S52).
The long-term ball output ratio is the ball output ratio during the playing period of the most recent 6000 games, and is calculated as the sum of the cumulative safe number counters [60] to [1]/the total value of the cumulative out number counters [60] to [1]. It can be calculated using the formula:

Next, it is determined whether the calculated long-term ball payout ratio is within a certain range.
Specifically, it is determined whether the long-term ball payout ratio is equal to or lower than the upper limit value 3 (for example, 1.26) (S53).
If it is determined that the long-term ball output ratio is not lower than the upper limit value 3 (S53: No), the process moves to S55, and if it is determined that the long-term ball output ratio is lower than the upper limit value 3 (S53: Yes) , it is determined whether the long-term ball payout ratio is equal to or higher than the lower limit value 3 (for example, 0.5) (S54).
If it is determined that the long-term ball output ratio is not the lower limit value 3 or more (S54: No), the process moves to S55, and if it is determined that the long-term ball output ratio is the lower limit value 3 or more (S54: Yes). , the process moves to S56.
In S55, the NG flag is turned ON. That is, the ball payout mode is controlled from the low ball payout mode to the high ball payout mode.
In S56, the monitoring counter is initialized (cleared to zero) and the process ends.

In this way, in the ball output monitoring process, when the numerical value regarding the ball output rate (ball output ratio) calculated for each gaming period reaches the upper limit, the control is performed from the low ball output mode to the high ball output mode. Even when a certain amount of balls have been acquired, it is possible to shift to a state where further balls can be expected to be acquired.
In addition, if the numerical value related to the ball output rate (ball output ratio) calculated for each gaming period is less than the lower limit value, by controlling from low ball output mode to high ball output mode, the acquisition of balls will be extremely In a state where the number of balls is small, it is possible to shift to a state in which it is possible to expect to get more balls.

Note that the ball release monitoring process can also be modified as shown below.
In the above explanation, the case where the ball output ratio is calculated using the most recent game result has been explained, but the invention is not limited to this, and the ball output ratio may be calculated using the game result of any gaming period.
For example, in the case of a short gaming period, the payout ratio was calculated using the cumulative out number counters [60] to [57] and the cumulative safe number counters [60] to [57]. ] to [53], cumulative safe number counters [56] to [53], etc., the playing period of any 400 games may be used.
In addition, in the above explanation, the condition of whether the value (remainder) of the determination counter B is 0 (zero) is used in the process of monitoring the trigger for determining the ball output ratio, but this condition may be omitted. .
In addition, in the above explanation, the case where the ball payout ratio is monitored using three gaming periods, short-term gaming period, medium-term gaming period, and long-term gaming period, is not limited to this. The above game period may also be used. In this case, monitoring may be performed during at least one gaming period to transition to the high payout mode.

(Modified example)
The slot machine 1 according to this embodiment can also be modified as shown below.
In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the ball payout monitoring process is not executed during the high payout ball mode, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the ball payout monitoring process may be executed during the high payout ball mode as well. In this case, if a predetermined condition is satisfied during the high ball payout mode, control may be performed to a super high ball payout mode (third mode) in which the ball payout performance is even higher than the high ball payout mode.
Specifically, the main control unit 10 determines whether the ball payout ratio has reached a special value (for example, 0.25) from when the high ball payout mode is controlled until a predetermined gaming period has elapsed. However, if it is determined that the ball has not reached the target, control may be performed to a super high ball output mode.
As a result, if the number of balls that come out does not increase even though the player has moved to the high ball mode, it is possible to move to a state where you can expect to get more balls than the high ball mode, so that the game can be improved. It can improve your interest.
Further, the transition to the super high ball payout mode may be triggered by the ball payout ratio reaching a predetermined upper limit value during the high ball payout mode. As a result, it is possible to move to a state in which a large amount of balls have been obtained during the high-paying ball mode and to a state in which the player can expect to obtain further gaming value, thereby improving the interest of the game.
The trigger for switching to the super high ball payout mode is not limited to the size of the ball payout ratio, but may also be the difference in the number of coins (counter B) during the advantageous section, the number of winnings of small winning combinations, etc. For example, if the value of counter B is less than or equal to a predetermined value during a predetermined gaming period after being controlled to the high ball payout mode, the mode may be shifted to the super high ball payout mode, and the value of counter B is set to the predetermined value. When the upper limit of is reached, you may shift to super high ball payout mode.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the case was explained in which the game is more advantageous for the player and easier to proceed when the game is controlled in the high ball payout mode than when it is controlled in the low ball payout mode. The present invention is not limited to this, and the game may be made easier to proceed when the game is controlled to be in the low ball payout mode, which is more advantageous for the player. For example, a lottery table that is more advantageous when controlled in a low ball mode may be referred to, or a part of the lottery table (for example, when controlled in a high ball mode) may be referred to. , AT state transition lottery) may not be executed.

Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the counter update process 1 (S23), it is assumed that when a winning combination other than the replay winning combination is won, the number of payouts is added to the safe number counter for each game. However, the number of payouts may be added to the safe number counter for each game, for example, even if a small winning combination is missed (not won) in the AT state.
Thereby, even if a game is played in which the ball payout ratio is intentionally extremely low during the AT state, it is possible to make it difficult to shift to the high ball payout mode.

Further, in the above embodiment, in the counter update process 2 and the ball output monitoring process, the monitoring counter is used to monitor the execution trigger of the counter update process 2 and the ball output monitoring process, but the monitoring is not limited to this. By creating a data structure with a cumulative out number counter [6000] to [1] and a cumulative safe number counter [6000] to [1] without using a counter for each game, counter update processing 2 and ball payout can be performed every game. Monitoring processing may also be executed.

As explained above, in the present invention, the section control means (main control unit 10) that can control the advantageous section, the first mode (low ball payout mode), and the player's A second mode (high ball output mode) which is advantageous for determination means (main control unit 10) capable of determining whether or not the determination means has reached a specific value; The configuration is such that it can be controlled.

The slot machine 1 according to the present invention having such a configuration changes to a high ball payout mode in which the ball payout performance increases when the numerical value related to the ball payout rate (ball payout ratio) exceeds a specific value during the low ball payout mode. can be controlled.
As a result, even when a certain amount of gaming value has been acquired, it is possible to shift to a state in which further gaming value can be expected to be acquired, so that the interest in the game can be improved.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that is controlled to a mode in which the higher the number of game values acquired in an AT or advantageous section, the lower the expectation of acquiring game values thereafter.
However, in this gaming machine, even after a certain amount of gaming value has been acquired, there is a low possibility that the player will be able to expect to acquire any additional gaming value, which may lead to a decrease in interest.
In this way, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment can solve all or some of the 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. Needless to say.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, two modes (low ball mode, high ball mode) are provided as the ball output mode, but the present invention is not limited to this, and three or more ball output modes may be provided. good.
Further, the high ball payout mode may be shifted to the low ball payout mode during the advantageous section.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the number of games is used as a value that can manage AT, but the number of games is not limited to this. The management may be based on at least one of the number of medals paid out, etc.
In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the number of games subtraction method is applied during the AT state has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and when the number of games added for each game reaches the upper limit number, the AT state is applied. It is also possible to add the number of games until the end of the game.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the description has been made on the assumption that the normal game state is controlled to the normal section or the advantageous section, and the CZ state, AT state, and bonus state are controlled to the advantageous section; however, the present invention is not limited to this. First, each gaming state may be controlled to either or both of the normal section and the advantageous section.

Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the tables referred to in various processes are merely examples, and are not limited to the above-mentioned tables. Furthermore, the winning probabilities related to various tables are not limited to the values described above, and can be changed as appropriate.

In addition, the front door 1a is provided with a vibration means that vibrates the front door 1a by the operation of a motor, a speaker, etc., and when a relatively highly anticipated performance is performed, the vibration means is activated. It is also possible to increase the expectations of the users.
In addition, the front door 1a is provided with an air blower that blows wind toward the players, and when a performance with relatively high expectations is performed, the air blower is activated, thereby increasing the expectations of the players. You can do it like this.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main control section 10 performs operations as various means such as a gaming state control means, but the sub-control section 20 performs some or all of the operations, and the sub-control section 20 acts as various means. It can also work.
In addition, on the contrary, although the sub-control unit 20 operates as a means for executing effects on the display 8 etc., the main control unit 10 performs some or all of the operations, and the main control unit 10 operates as various means. You can also do that.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the gaming machine is a slot machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. The gaming machine may be, for example, a pachinko machine, a ball slot machine, or other gaming machine.
Further, the gaming machine may be a so-called smart gaming machine that can execute a game using pseudo gaming media in data format without using real gaming media such as medals. Furthermore, the game machine may be a so-called enclosed type game machine that can play games by circulating game media such as game balls internally without dispensing them to the outside.
Note that in such a smart gaming machine, the upper limit of the number of differential coins and the number of games in an advantageous section may be different from the upper limit of a gaming machine that uses real objects such as medals.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the reels 41 driven and controlled by a motor are used as the variable display means, but instead of or in addition to this, the symbols of the reels etc. can be displayed on the display 8 such as a liquid crystal display. By displaying an image, the display device can also be used as a variable display means for identification information.

1 Slot machine (gaming machine)
8 Display 10 Main control section 20 Sub-control section

Claims (6)

section control means capable of controlling the advantageous section;
a mode control means capable of controlling to any one of a plurality of modes in the advantageous section, including a first mode and a second mode that is more advantageous to the player than the first mode;
determining means capable of determining whether a numerical value related to the ball payout rate has reached a specific value in the first mode;
Equipped with
The mode control means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that when the determining means determines that the specific value has been reached, the gaming machine can be controlled to the second mode. a counting means capable of counting the number of games played in the advantageous section;
Calculation means capable of calculating a numerical value related to the ball payout rate based on the counting result by the counting means;
Equipped with
The calculation means is
When the counting result by the counting means is the first number of games, it is possible to calculate a numerical value regarding the ball payout rate during the first game period until the first number of games is reached;
If the counting result by the counting means is a second number of games that is greater than the first number of games, it is possible to calculate a numerical value regarding the ball payout rate in a second gaming period until the second number of games is reached;
The determining means is
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the determination can be made based on a numerical value regarding the ball payout rate for each gaming period calculated by the calculation means. comprising a game state control means capable of controlling any one of a plurality of game states including a first game state and a second game state that is more advantageous to the player than the first game state;
The gaming state control means includes:
In the first gaming state, control is performed so that the probability of transitioning to the second gaming state is higher when the game is controlled to the second mode than when it is controlled to the first mode. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A game state control means capable of controlling any one of a plurality of game states including a first game state and a second game state that is more advantageous to the player than the first game state;
a benefit granting means capable of granting a benefit for continuing the second gaming state;
Equipped with
The benefit granting means is
In the second gaming state, the probability of awarding the privilege is higher when the game is controlled to the second mode than when it is controlled to the first mode. Or the gaming machine described in 2. comprising a notification means capable of performing notification regarding the privilege granted by the privilege granting means,
The benefit granting means is
In the second gaming state, an increase number can be given to increase the gaming value that changes according to the progress of the game,
The notification means is
In the second gaming state, the increased number awarded by the bonus awarding means is notified in a divided manner when the game is controlled in the second mode than when it is controlled in the first mode. The gaming machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the probability is high. The determining means is
It is possible to determine whether the numerical value related to the ball payout rate has reached a special value during a period from when the second mode is controlled until a predetermined gaming period has elapsed;
The mode control means includes:
The game according to claim 1, characterized in that when the determining means determines that the special value is not reached, control can be performed to a third mode that is more advantageous to the player than the second mode. Machine.

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