JP6681172B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a game using a gaming value and imparting a gaming value according to a result of the game.

  Conventionally, in a gaming machine (slot machine), information about credits, which are game media (medals) that have been inserted but have not yet been used for a game, is displayed not only in a dedicated display unit for the number of credits (reserved number display unit 16). There is a display device (liquid crystal panel 39d) that displays information other than credit information (see Patent Document 1, for example).

JP, 2007-289271, A

  However, since the number of credits is displayed on a dedicated display unit, depending on the game state, there is a state where it is not necessary to check the information regarding the credit (game value information) displayed on the display device. It is useless to display the gaming value information in a state where the need for confirmation is low.

  The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of avoiding waste such as displaying gaming value information in a state where confirmation is low. is there.

A gaming machine capable of playing a game using the gaming value and imparting the gaming value according to the result of the game,
A plurality of games including a normal state in which the expected value of the number of game values given per game is less than the number of game values used in the game, and an advantageous state in which the expected value is higher than the normal state Control means capable of controlling in any of the states,
A first display means capable of displaying gaming value information relating to the gaming value owned by the player;
Second display means capable of displaying the game value information,
When a period during which a game is not played reaches a predetermined period, a customer waiting state control means for controlling the customer waiting state is provided,
The second display means is installed at a position easier for a player to visually recognize than the first display means,
The first display means displays the game value information depending on whether the normal state is controlled or the advantageous state is controlled,
The second display means,
When it is controlled to the normal state, the game value information is displayed,
When controlled to the advantageous state, without displaying the game value information,
When it is controlled to the normal state and the customer waiting state, the game value information is not displayed.
Further, the gaming machine may have the following configuration.
(1) A gaming machine (eg, slot machine 1, pachinko gaming machine) capable of playing a game using a gaming value (for example, a medal, a gaming ball) and giving a gaming value in accordance with the result of the game. ), And
A normal state in which the expected value of the number of gaming values given per game is less than the number of gaming values used in the game (for example, a state in which the payout rate is less than 1. Low base state.The payout rate is the designed value of the payout rate, the payout rate of the actually measured value in the test firing test for a predetermined period, etc. The predetermined period is 100 during one minute during a predetermined number of games. A predetermined time when a game ball is shot, a period in which a predetermined number of game balls are shot, etc.), and an advantageous state in which the expected value is higher than the normal state (for example, the payout rate is higher than in the normal state). High state. Control means (for example, main control unit 41, sub control unit 91) capable of controlling to any of a plurality of game states including advantageous RT + AT state, bonus state, big hit game state, high base state),
A display means (for example, a liquid crystal display 51) capable of displaying game value information (for example, the number of credits, the number of bets, the number of remaining credits) relating to the game value owned by the player,
When the display means is controlled to the normal state, the display means may display the game value information (for example, step S103 in FIG. 15; see FIG. 16A). On the other hand, the display is controlled to the advantageous state. If so, the game value information is hidden (for example, step S105 in FIG. 15; see FIG. 16B).

  In a normal state where the gaming value given according to the result of the game is likely to be less than the gaming value used for the game, the gaming value owned by the player regarding the gaming value information that can be displayed on the display means. Since it tends to decrease, it is highly necessary to confirm the gaming value. On the other hand, in the advantageous state in which the possibility that the game value given according to the result of the game is less than the game value used for the game is not higher than the normal state, the game value information that can be displayed on the display means is displayed. Since the game value owned by the player is hard to decrease, the necessity of confirming the game value is lower than in the normal state.

  According to such a configuration, in the normal state where it is highly necessary to confirm the gaming value, the gaming value information may be displayed, while the need to confirm the gaming value is lower than in the normal state. In the advantageous state, the game value information is hidden. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of avoiding waste such as displaying gaming value information in a state where it is not necessary to confirm.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
Notifying means for notifying the game value information regardless of whether it is controlled to the normal state or the advantageous state (for example, credit indicator 11, 1BETLED 14, 2BETLED 15, 3BETLED 16, sub liquid crystal display). If the number of credits or the number of bets is 0, it may be notified by displaying 0 or may be notified by not displaying it.).

  According to such a configuration, the player who wants to confirm the game value information can confirm the game value information regardless of whether it is controlled to the normal state or the advantageous state. As a result, even when the gaming value information is hidden on the display means in the advantageous state, it is possible to prevent the player who wants to confirm the gaming value information from being dissatisfied.

(3) In the gaming machine of (2) above,
The display means is provided at a position (for example, a position directly facing the player, see FIG. 1) that is easily visible to the player who is playing the game, as compared with the notification means.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent unnecessary information from being displayed at a position where it is easy for the player who is playing the game to visually recognize it, in a state where it is less necessary to confirm the game value information. . As a result, it is possible to avoid waste of displaying unnecessary information at a position where the player playing the game can easily see it.

(4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above,
When the display means is controlled to the advantageous state, information corresponding to the advantageous state is replaced with the game value information (for example, the number of coins in the advantageous state, the number of games remaining in the advantageous state. See B)).

  According to such a configuration, information corresponding to the advantageous state is displayed in place of the game value information which is less necessary to be confirmed when it is controlled to the advantageous state. As a result, the interest of the game can be improved by the information according to the advantageous state.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4) above,
The display means hides the game value information even when it is controlled to the normal state when a predetermined period or more has passed without playing a game (for example, during demo display). (For example, step S104 in FIG. 15).

  When a predetermined time or more elapses without the game being played, it means that the player is not playing the game or the game is suspended, and it is not necessary to display the game value information. With such a configuration, the game value information is hidden when the predetermined time or more has elapsed without playing the game. As a result, it is possible to avoid the waste of displaying the game value information in a state where the necessity of confirmation is low.

(6) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above,
In the normal state, the occurrence of a re-game winning is set with a predetermined probability, and the winning is allowed to occur, which sets the number of bets with which the player can play the next game without using the gaming value. Including a state of reporting information according to (for example, a normal RT + AT state),
The advantageous state includes a state in which the occurrence of the re-game winning is allowed with a higher probability than the predetermined probability, and a state in which information corresponding to the winning in which the occurrence of the re-game winning is allowed is notified (for example, advantageous RT + AT state).

  According to such a configuration, the game value information can be displayed in the normal state where the need to confirm the game value information in which the probability of occurrence of the re-game winning is lower than that in the advantageous state is not low. , It is possible to avoid the waste of displaying the game value information in the game state in which it is less necessary to confirm the game value information such that the probability of the re-game winning is higher than in the normal state.

FIG. 31 is a front view of the slot machine of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement of a reel. It is a perspective view showing an internal structure of the slot machine. It is a block diagram showing a configuration of a slot machine. It is a figure for explaining the kind of small winning combination, the symbol combination of small winning combinations, and the technical matters related to the small winning combinations. It is a figure for explaining the kind of re-game combination, the symbol combination of the re-game combination, and the technical matters related to the re-game combination. It is a figure for demonstrating the symbol combination of a transition appearance, and the technical matter relevant to a transition appearance. It is a diagram for explaining the transition of the gaming state. It is a figure showing an outline of a game state. It is a diagram for explaining a combination of lottery target combination read as a lottery target combination for each gaming state. It is a diagram for explaining a combination of lottery target combination read as a lottery target combination for each gaming state. It is a figure for explaining a combination of winning combinations that are allowed to be won depending on a winning combination. It is a figure for explaining reel control at the time of winning a plurality of re-game combinations. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining reel control when a plurality of bells are won. It is a flow chart which shows the flow of the number display of medals performed by a sub control part. It is a display screen figure which shows the display of the number of medals displayed on a liquid crystal display.

  Modes for carrying out a slot machine according to the present invention will be described below based on Examples. In the following embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment. The slot machine 1 includes a housing 1a having an open front surface, and a front door 1b pivotally supported at a side end of the housing 1a. A liquid crystal display 51 is provided at the upper center of the front door 1b. The liquid crystal display 51 has a display area 51a, and a transmissive area 51b corresponding to the transparent window 3 can be transmitted. As a result, a predetermined effect can be executed in the display area 51a, and the transparent areas 51b of the display area 51a are transparent, so that the reels 2L, 2C arranged side by side inside the casing 1a through the see-through window 3 are provided. 2R (hereinafter, also referred to as a left reel, a center reel, and a right reel) can be visually recognized. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a symbol array of each reel. On the reels 2L to 2R, a plurality of types of symbols that can be identified are arranged in a predetermined order. The number of reels is not limited to three and may be one or two or more. Further, although the variable display section is shown as an example of being configured by a physical reel, it may be configured by an image display device such as a liquid crystal display.

  At the lower right of the liquid crystal display 51, a medal insertion portion 4 into which medals can be inserted is provided, and below the front door 1b are provided a medal payout opening 9 and speakers 53 and 54 for paying out medals.

  Further, on the front door 1b, as an example of the operating means, a bet number of a predetermined number determined according to a gaming state is set within a range of credits stored as a gaming value (number of medals) owned by a player. MAXBET switch 6 operated when playing, a settlement switch 10 operated when settlement and returning the number of credits and set bets, a start switch 7 operated when starting a game, and reels 2L to 2R There are provided stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R that are operated when stopping the rotation, and a production switch 56 for use in production.

  The front door 1b is provided with a game display unit 13 as an example of notification means for notifying information about a game. On the game display unit 13, a credit display unit 11 that displays the number of medals stored as credits, a game auxiliary display unit 12 that displays the number of medals paid out, an error code when an error occurs, and a set bet. 1BETLED 14 for informing the number, 2BETLED 15, 3BETLED 16, insertion request LED 17 for informing that medals can be inserted, start valid LED 18 and start switch for informing that a game start operation can be performed by operating the start switch 7. After the operation of 7, the wait LED (not waiting for the start of rotation of the reels 2L, 2C, 2R because a certain period of time has not elapsed since the start of the previous game) is in-wait LED 19, after replay winning Replay to inform that the replay game is in progress LED20 is provided in.

  When playing a game in the slot machine 1, first, a specified number of bets (for example, 3) is set by inserting a medal into the medal inserting section 4 or operating the MAXBET switch 6. As a result, the pay line LN becomes valid, the operation of the start switch 7 becomes valid, and the game can be started. When a medal is inserted in a state where the bet number has been set, that amount is added to the credit.

  The winning line is a line for determining whether the combination of symbols displayed on the transparent windows 3 of the reels 2L to 2R is a combination of winning symbols. In the present embodiment, an example in which only one pay line LN is provided will be described, but a plurality of pay lines may be provided. In addition, invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are provided to make it easy to recognize that the combinations of symbols forming the winning are aligned on the winning line LN. The invalid lines LM1 to LM4 are not lines for which the winning determination is made, but when a combination of specific winning symbols (so-called gaps) is aligned on the winning line LN, the invalid symbols LM1 to LM4 have a predetermined symbol. By arranging the combinations (for example, bell-bell-bell), it is easy to recognize that the winning line LN has a combination of symbols constituting a specific winning.

  When the start switch 7 is operated in a state in which the game can be started, the reels 2L to 2R are rotated and the symbols are variably displayed, and when the stop switches 8L to 8R are operated, the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped. , Three symbols are derived and displayed as display results in the upper, middle and lower stages of the transparent window 3. When a combination of winning symbols is stopped on the winning line LN and a winning occurs, a predetermined number of medals are awarded to the player according to the winning, and the credit is added or the credit reaches the upper limit number (50). In this case, medals are paid out from the medal payout exit 9.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal structure of the slot machine 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a functional configuration example of the slot machine 1. In the example of FIG. 4, while controlling the progress of the game, the game control board 40 that outputs various commands in accordance with the progress of the game, the effect control board 90 that controls a predetermined effect in accordance with the command, the drive power supply of the electric components. There are provided a power supply substrate 101 for generating, an external output substrate 1000 for outputting a signal according to the progress of the game to the outside, and the like.

  The game control board 40 advances the game based on detection signals from switches such as various operating means and detecting means (illustrated on the left side of the game control board 40 in FIG. 4), and informing means (game control in FIG. 4). A display device such as (on the left side of the substrate 40) is drive-controlled. Further, the game control board 40 drives and controls the reel motors 32L to 32R based on the signals from the reel sensors 33L to 33R.

  On the game control board 40, the circuit configuration of the main control section 41 and the like (illustrated in the game control board 40 of FIG. 4) is mounted. The main control unit 41 performs processing relating to the progress of the game, and directly or indirectly controls the configuration mounted or connected to the game control board 40. The main control unit 41 is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O port and the like.

  The effect control board 90 is connected to the effect switch 56, and drives and controls an effect device such as the liquid crystal display 51 (illustrated on the left side of the effect control board 90 in FIG. 4). On the effect control board 90, a circuit configuration such as the sub control unit 91 (illustrated in the effect control board 90 in FIG. 4) is mounted. The sub-control unit 91 receives a command transmitted from the game control board 40, performs a process of performing an effect, and directly or indirectly controls a configuration mounted or connected to the effect control board 90. The sub control unit 91 is a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O port, and the like. The circuit configuration of the sub-control unit 91 includes, for example, a clock device 97 (hereinafter, also referred to as RTC) for clocking at least one of day and time. The sub-control unit 91 can perform effect control according to, for example, at least one of the value of the day and time measured by the RTC 97, the detection signal from the effect switch 56, and the like. The hopper motor 34b, various operating means and detecting means (illustrated on the right side of the power supply board 101 in FIG. 4), etc. are connected to the power supply board 101.

  FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams for explaining types of winning combinations, symbol combinations of winning combinations, and technical matters related to winning combinations. The name column shows the name of the winning combination, and the symbol combination column shows the combination of symbols in which the winning combination is won. Further, in the symbol combination column aligned with the ineffective line, the symbol combination which is stopped by the ineffective line when the winning symbol combination is stopped by the winning line and which is easy for the player to recognize is shown. There is. In the payout number column, the value (medal payout, replaying grant) given at the time of winning is shown. BB1 and BB2 are winning combinations accompanied by a transition to an advantageous state of bonus. In the payout amount column of BB1 and BB2, the ending condition of the bonus transferred by the winning is shown. Each of the bonuses ends when a predetermined number of medals or more are paid out. For example, for a bonus controlled by winning / winning BB1, the game ends when the number of medals paid out in the bonus is 351 or more.

  Further, the game state column of FIG. 6 shows the game state to be shifted at the time of winning. Further, “/” indicates “or”. For example, for the fall replay of FIG. 6, the combination of symbols is “bell-replay-bell”, which is controlled to RT1 at the time of winning, and the value to be given is replaying. Further, when the combination of the symbols of the falling replay is stopped on the winning line, "Replay / Plum-Replay-Replay / Plum" is stopped on the ineffective line. When the special replay symbol combination stops on the winning line, "black BAR / white BAR-black BAR / white BAR-black BAR / white BAR" stops on the ineffective line. "Black BAR / White BAR-Black BAR / White BAR-Black BAR / White BAR" can be stopped on an invalid line only when a special replay is won, and can be stopped when no special replay is won. It is a combination of symbols that is not stopped on the line.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a symbol combination of a transition appearance. As for the transition result, the left bells 1 to 4, the middle bells 1 to 4, and the right bells 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 14 are elected, and the reels other than the reels which are the winning conditions of the right downward bell or the middle bell are the first stop, and If the upper bell that has been won is dropped, it will be on the winning line LN. When the transition result stops on the pay line LN during RT0, 2, 3, the process proceeds to RT1.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the game state controlled by the main control unit 41, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of the game state and RT. In the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the replay is RT0 to RT4 which is won with a predetermined winning probability (see the numerical value in the re-game combination column in the upper diagram of FIG. 9) and the winning probability of the small combination is RT0 to RT4. Of a plurality of types of game states including a bonus that is improved over time, it is controlled to one of the corresponding game states from when the start condition is satisfied to when the end condition is satisfied (shown along the arrow in FIG. 8). Refer to the winning combination or the winning result, and refer to the start condition / end condition column in the upper diagram of FIG. 9).

  When either BB1 or BB2 is won, it is controlled by RT4. The winning flag that is set when either BB1 or BB2 is won is carried over until the winning of the winning BB occurs. The RT4 is also continuously controlled from the BB winning to the BB winning. During RT4, the replay is won with a higher probability than during RT1 and RT3 and a lower probability than during RT0 and RT2 (see the numerical value in the re-game combination column in the upper diagram of FIG. 9). The replay probability at RT4 is set to a probability that the payout rate does not exceed 1 even if the winning small winning combination can be won. In other words, the replay probability in RT4 is the total number of medals paid out when the winning small win is won in RT4 without missing, the total number of medals used in RT4 being the medals or credits used for setting the bet number. It is set to the probability that the total number will not exceed and the number of medals will not increase. When a BB prize is generated during RT4, the bonus is controlled and the bonus is finished by paying out more than the number of medals described in FIG. 5, and the control is continued to RT3. The type of replay that is internally selected is determined for each type of RT (the circle in the lower part of FIG. 9 indicates the replay that is selected).

  10 and 11 are diagrams showing combinations of lottery target combinations read as lottery target combinations (hereinafter also referred to as winning combinations) for each game state. In the lottery target combination column, its name is shown, in the game state column, for each RT type, a circle indicates that the lottery target combination is a lottery target, and the numerical value below the circle indicates the winning probability. The number of judgment values involved is shown. For example, Bell is a lottery target winning combination that is won at 360/65536 in any state of RT0 to RT3. During RT4, the bonus lottery is not drawn, but the winning combination of the winning combination (hereinafter also referred to as simultaneous winning combination) that can be won simultaneously with the bonus has the same probability as during other RTs. For weak watermelons, internal lottery is performed with the number of judgment values shown in parentheses.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the special replay is set so as to be a lottery target combination only when controlled by RT2. In addition, in the bonus, for example, the middle bell is set as the lottery target winning combination, and it is determined that the winning is performed with an extremely high probability (64000/65536). The middle bell is a part that can generate a prize regardless of the operation timing. Therefore, during the bonus, regardless of the operation timing and the operation procedure, it is possible to generate a middle-stage bell prize with an extremely high probability and efficiently increase the number of medals. Therefore, the bonus is advantageous for the player.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing combinations of winning combinations included in the lottery target combinations. For example, a weak cherry is a lower cherry. Weak watermelons include right-downward watermelons, upper watermelons, and middle watermelons. Therefore, when the weak watermelon is won in the internal lottery, it means that the rightward descending watermelon, the upper watermelon, and the middle watermelon are won.

  Of the lottery target combinations, bonus 1 to bonus 12 are combinations that can be won by simultaneously reading out a predetermined winning combination such as BB1 or BB2 and weak cherry or bell. Further, as shown in FIG. 10, different determination value numbers are set for the bonus 1 to the bonus 12. For this reason, the bonus 6 or 12 includes the degree of advantage for the player, and the percentage (hereinafter, also referred to as reliability) in which BB1 or BB2 actually wins when the simultaneous winning combination is won. The number of determination values is determined such that the middle-tiered cherries are the highest, followed by the strong cherries, the strong watermelons, the weak cherries, and the weak watermelons in that order, and the bells (hereinafter also referred to as the middle-level bells) are the lowest.

  13 and 14 are diagrams for explaining reel control when a plurality of winning combinations are simultaneously won. For each winning lottery winning combination, when the stop operation is performed in the pushing order shown in the pushing order column, reel control is performed to stop the symbol combination of the winning combinations shown in the stopped symbol combination on the right on the pay line LN. For example, when the replay GR1 is elected, the promotion replay 1 is derived when the pushing order is left-center-right, and the normal replay is derived when the pushing order is other than left-center-right. Further, for example, when the left bell is elected, when the pushing order is the left first stop, the right downward bell is derived, and if the pushing order is other than the left first stop, the upper bell or the transition result is displayed. Is derived.

  Further, when a simultaneous winning combination is won, a reel control different from that when the simultaneous winning combination is not won may be performed. For example, when you are winning a weak watermelon, the reel control that pulls the watermelon or upper watermelon preferentially over the middle watermelon to the pay line is performed, while when you are winning the strong watermelon, the Reel control is performed in which the middle-stage watermelon is prioritized over both the watermelon and the upper-stage watermelon and is drawn into the winning line. Further, when the weak cherry or the strong cherry is won, the reel control for pulling the lower cherry onto the winning line is performed, and when the middle cherry is won, the reel control for pulling the middle cherry onto the winning line is performed. . This makes it possible to estimate from the combination of symbols when the reels 2L to 2R are stopped, whether it is cherry or watermelon, weak or strong, or middle-tier cherry, and if the expectation for bonus or AT win is different. Can be made.

  The "game" in the slot machine 1 is, in a narrow sense, from the time when the start switch 7 is operated to the time when the reels 2L to 2R are stopped. However, when playing a game, the bet number setting before the operation of the start switch 7 or After the reels 2L to 2R are stopped, the payout of medals and the transition of the game state are also performed, so that these incidental processes are also broadly included in the "game".

[Game processing]
The main control unit 41 performs a game control process to control one game. In the game control process, first, a BET process for setting the bet number, credit settlement, and bet number settlement is performed.

  When the start switch 7 is operated after the bet number is set, a random number value is extracted from a predetermined random number circuit, and based on the extracted random number value, it is determined whether or not the generation of a prize is allowed (internal lottery). The internal lottery process (see FIGS. 10 to 12, etc.) is performed. The random number circuit updates a numerical value within a predetermined numerical value range (0 to 65535) according to a predetermined update rule. The main controller 41 extracts the numerical value updated by the random number circuit when the start switch 7 is operated, as a random number value. When the lottery target combination is won in the internal lottery, the winning flag of the winning combination included in the lottery target combination is set in a predetermined area of the RAM. For example, when BB1 is won, the BB1 winning flag is set, and when strong cherry is won, the lower cherry winning flag and the single-winning winning flag are set. The winning flags of BB1 and BB2 are carried over until the winning BB is won, while the winning flags corresponding to winning combinations other than BB1 and BB2 are when the winning game ends, regardless of whether or not winning occurs. Erased to.

  When the internal lottery process is completed, the reel rotation process is performed. In the reel rotation processing, the stop switches 8L to 8R are activated after the reels 2L to 2R are started to rotate on condition that a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed from the start of reel rotation of the previous game. And the rotation of the reel is stopped according to the stop operation (see FIGS. 13 and 14). In the reel rotation processing, in order to execute a freeze effect in which the progress of the game is delayed for a predetermined period (the activation of the stop operation of each of the stop switches 8L to 8R is delayed) when a predetermined freeze condition is satisfied. After executing the freeze effect process of, the stop switches 8L to 8R are activated to shift to the normal game.

  When the reels 2L to 2R are stopped and the reel rotation process is completed, a winning determination process (see FIGS. 5 to 7) is performed based on the symbol combination on the winning line to determine whether or not a winning has occurred. . In addition, the state shown in FIG. 8 is controlled according to the symbol combination on the pay line.

  When the winning determination process ends, a payout process is performed. In the payout process, payout of a medal or credit addition according to the occurrence of a prize, various processes not related to the prize (for example, a process related to the bonus end control by counting the number of payout medal in the bonus, a win without carry-over) Flags (such as winning flags for small wins and re-game wins) are deleted. Further, when it is determined that one of BB1 and BB2 has won, the winning flag of the winning BB is erased. In the game end process, a process of setting a game state in preparation for the next game (see FIG. 8, FIG. 9, etc.) is executed. As a result, the game control process for one game ends, and the game control process for the next one game starts.

[About processing regarding AT]
The main control unit 41 can control AT (assist time) in addition to advantageous states such as bonus and RT2. The main control unit 41 executes AT lottery as to whether or not to control the AT. In addition, the main control unit 41, when it is determined to control the AT in the AT lottery, controls the AT, and can specify an operation procedure (pushing order) for stopping the symbol combination advantageous to the player on the pay line LN. Performs a process for executing a simple navigation effect.

  During non-AT, the main control unit 41 wins a specific lottery target winning combination (bell, weak watermelon, strong watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, middle cherry, BB1, BB2 shown in FIG. 12 in this embodiment). In that case, an AT lottery process is performed to determine whether to control the AT. The AT lottery process may be executed after the internal lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, for example, and may be executed at a predetermined timing in the progress of one game. In addition, although the specific lottery target combination will be described as an example in which the internal lottery is BB1, BB2, and the simultaneous winning combination, the present invention is not limited to this, and may include a part of the simultaneous winning combination. It may include a winning combination that cannot be simultaneously won with BB2.

  In the AT lottery process, it is determined whether or not the AT is controlled, and when it is determined that the AT is controlled, the AT game number is determined from a plurality of types of games (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300). . The number of AT games is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 41. The main control unit 41 also randomly selects the timing to start the AT. For example, the main control unit 41 determines to start AT (timing to start AT) by a random number lottery when 0 to 32 games have elapsed from the AT winning game.

  The expected value of the number of AT games (average number of games to be acquired) determined when controlling to AT in AT lottery, which is the degree of advantage for the player, and which is determined to be controlled to AT in the AT lottery, is a specific lottery target. It is set differently depending on the type of role, for example, middle tier cherry is the highest, followed by strong cherry, strong watermelon, weak cherry, weak watermelon in order, and bell is the lowest, so the AT lottery Done. Further, the reliability determined to be controlled by the AT in the AT lottery and the expected value of the number of AT games determined when the AT is controlled are determined even when the same specific lottery target combination is won. , When the specific lottery target combination is simultaneously elected with BB1 or BB2 (for example, when BB1 + BB2 is won) than when the specific lottery target is not simultaneously won with BB1 or BB2 (for example, when cherished cherry is won) AT lottery is conducted so that

  When the AT lottery is performed by winning the simultaneous winning combination in the internal lottery, the sub-control unit 91 performs a process for executing a winning suggestion effect that suggests whether or not the BB win and the AT win are performed at a predetermined timing. . As the winning suggestion effect, for example, an effect of displaying a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display 51 is provided. The effects for displaying the predetermined image include, for example, a character A effect, a character B effect, a button effect, a continuous hit effect, and the like. The effect of displaying such a predetermined image is performed together with the control of outputting a predetermined effect sound from the speakers 53 and 54 and the control of turning on the effect effect LED 52, the reel LED 55, and the like. Note that either control may be performed independently, or may be performed in a combination of two or more (for example, a predetermined image and sound are executed, LED lighting is not executed, etc.). Good.

  The character A effect is an effect for displaying the character A. The character B effect is an effect of displaying the character B. The button effect is an effect in which a button image is displayed to prompt the operation of the effect switch 56, and a predetermined image indicating the reliability of the BB win or the AT win is displayed according to the operation of the effect switch 56. . The continuous hitting effect is to prompt a continuous hitting operation to the effecting switch 56, increase a predetermined meter image according to the consecutive hitting operation to the effecting switch 56 within a predetermined operation period, and reach MAX by reaching MAX. Alternatively, it is an effect that suggests that the AT is won.

  The sub-control unit 91 has a different proportion depending on whether BB or AT has been won, only BB or AT has been won, or whether BB or AT has not been won. The winning suggestion effect lottery process for determining whether or not to execute and the type of the winning suggestion effect to be executed is executed.

  In the winning suggestion effect lottery process, it is determined that the winning suggestion effect is executed at least when the BB win or the AT win is performed, and the winning suggestion effect is executed at a predetermined ratio even when neither the BB win nor the AT win is performed. decide. The predetermined ratio is set to a higher ratio when the winning combination is a small winning combination having a higher reliability of the BB winning, for example. As a result, the winning suggestion effect is executed not only when the BB or AT is won but also when neither the BB nor the AT is won.

  Further, in the winning suggestion effect lottery process, when it is determined that the winning suggestion effect is to be executed, the type of the winning suggestion effect is determined at a different ratio depending on at least whether the player has won BB or AT. Specifically, the degree of reliability that is advantageous to the player and that wins BB or AT when executed is in the order of continuous hit effect, button effect, character B effect, and character A effect is the lowest. Therefore, the ratio is set so that the type of the suggestive winning effect is determined. The effect to be executed is not limited to the one in which the winning suggestion effect is determined, and a plurality of winning suggestion effects may be determined.

  The sub-control unit 91 specifies the winning of a specific lottery target, the winning of the AT, the winning or non-winning of the AT, the number of AT games, and the AT start timing by an internal winning command and an AT lottery command described later. . The predetermined timing of executing the winning suggestion effect is the previous game of the AT start timing determined by the lottery of the timing of starting the AT (the lottery of starting the AT at the time of 0 to 32 games from the AT winning game). For example, if the AT start timing is determined to be after 0 game, the winning suggestion effect is executed in the relevant game (AT winning is notified in the AT winning game). Further, if it is determined that the AT start timing is after 32 games have passed, during 31 games, a precursor effect (an effect that fuels the AT winning) is executed, and a winning suggestion effect is executed in the 32nd game to notify the AT winning.

  Here, the sub-control unit 91 also executes a winning suggestion effect (an effect that informs that the AT is not won) as an effect of Gase even when the AT lottery command specifies that the AT is not won. For example, the sub-control unit 91 can win a specific lottery target combination by an internal winning command and specify that the AT is not winning by an AT lottery command, but the timing of starting the AT is the main control. Not determined by part 41. In such a case, the sub-control unit 91 performs a lottery for the number of games to execute the winning suggestion effect of Gase from the games 0 to 32, and determines the number of games of the suggestion effect of Gase.

  The main control unit 41 sets the AT flag and controls the AT at the AT start timing when the AT is won without the BB. On the other hand, the main control unit 41 sets the AT flag when the BB is won and the bonus ends, and controls the AT from the next game after the bonus when the BB is won and the AT is won. Here, for example, when the AT start timing is determined to be 10 games, the AT may be controlled at the timing when the 10 games have become 0 games, or the AT games have become 0 games. It may be controlled at the timing of the next game.

  The AT flag is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 41 and is cleared when the AT game count reaches 0. The main control unit 41 identifies whether or not the vehicle is in AT based on the AT flag. During AT, as a result of the navigation effect being executed as described later, it becomes possible to control to RT2. The subtraction of the number of AT games after the AT starts is started, for example, from the next game in which the special replay is won (the subtraction start timing is established) at RT0. The same applies to the AT started after the BB ends. As a result, the main controller 41 can control AT + RT2 over the determined number of AT games.

  The main control unit 41 performs an additional lottery that determines whether or not to increase the number of AT games when a special lottery target combination (special replay in this embodiment) is won during AT. The additional lottery may be executed after the internal lottery is performed in the internal lottery process, for example, and may be executed at a predetermined timing in the progress of one game.

  In the add-on lottery, it is determined whether or not the AT game number is added, and when it is determined to be added, the AT game number is added from a plurality of types of games (50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300). Determine the number of games. The determined additional game number is added to the AT game number stored in the predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 41. Thereby, the main control unit 41 adds the number of games to be controlled to the AT.

  When the additional lottery is performed, the sub control unit 91 performs a process for executing an additional suggestion effect that indicates whether or not the additional lottery has been won at a predetermined timing. The additional suggestion effect may be any effect such as an effect of displaying a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display 51.

[About various commands]
The main control unit 41 transmits to the sub control unit 91 a command capable of specifying the progress status of the game and the processing result according to the execution of the above-exemplified processing. The sub control unit 91 performs various processes based on the command from the main control unit 41.

  In the present embodiment, the main control unit 41 sends to the sub control unit 91 an internal winning command, a stop switch or start switch operation command, a game status command, an AT lottery command, an AT command, an AT game number command, and the like. Send multiple types of commands including.

  The internal winning command is a command that can specify the winning status of the internal winning flag, the type of the internal winning flag that has been established, and the presence / absence of carry-over of the special role, and is transmitted when the game is started by operating the start switch 7. It Based on the internal winning command, the sub-control unit 91 can notify information (information different from the navigation effect) that can specify the winning combination when a predetermined winning combination is won. For example, when an internal winning flag indicating a simultaneous winning combination or a specific lottery target winning combination is received, it is possible to inform which of the simultaneous winning combination and the specific lottery target winning combination has been won. As a result, it is possible to inform the player which one of the simultaneous winning combination and the specific lottery target winning combination is won, and it is possible to improve the player's expectation.

  The operation command of the stop switch or the start switch is a command indicating that the stop switch or the start switch has been operated, and is transmitted at each operation. The gaming state command is transmitted when the gaming state is changed. Specifically, it is transmitted when RT shifts or is controlled by a bonus.

  The AT lottery command is transmitted when the AT lottery is carried out, whether or not the AT lottery is won, how many AT games have been won, and what game the AT start timing is (AT winning). It is a command that can specify, for example, from what game).

  The AT command is a command that is transmitted when the game starts and can specify whether or not the game is an AT game. For example, if the AT flag is not set and the AT is not started even though the AT game number is given, a command that can specify a non-AT is transmitted, the AT game number is given, and the AT flag is set. When it is set and the AT is started, a command capable of specifying the AT is transmitted.

  The AT game number command is a command capable of specifying the AT game number managed by the main control unit 41, and is transmitted when the game starts. For example, when the AT game number is 0, a command that can specify 0 is transmitted, and when the AT game number is 100, a command that can specify 100 is transmitted.

  When the sub control unit 91 determines that the winning suggestion effect is to be executed and the type thereof by the winning suggestion effect lottery, after executing the winning suggestion effect corresponding to the result of the BB lottery / AT lottery at the start of the next game, The results of the BB lottery and AT lottery will be announced.

  As a result of the BB lottery and the AT lottery, an effect of displaying a message such as "sorry!" On the liquid crystal display 51 is executed when both are non-winning, and a message such as "BB confirmed!" When it is BB winning. Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, and when the AT is won, a message such as “AT confirmed!” And a message that can specify the number of AT games acquired such as “100 games acquired!” Are displayed on the liquid crystal display. When the effect displayed on 51 is executed and both BB and AT wins, it is possible to specify the number of AT games that have been acquired such as "AT AT 100 games after BB!" Along with a message such as "BB / AT confirmed!" The effect of displaying such a message on the liquid crystal display 51 is executed. When the BB winning is won in the game in which the BB is won, the sub control unit 91 does not execute the winning suggestion effect for notifying the BB winning.

  In addition, the sub-control unit 91 determines whether or not AT is being performed based on the AT command, causes the liquid crystal display 51 to perform an effect by the background image according to the state, and when AT is being performed, the internal winning is performed. The navigation effect is executed based on the command. Further, the sub-control unit 91 calculates not only the number of AT games but also the number of AT games received last time by calculating the difference number with the number of AT games received last time based on the AT game number command. Identify and execute the additional suggestion effect.

  In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the sub-control unit 91 controls a predetermined notifying unit to perform an effect based on the state of the background image, a navigation effect, a suggested suggestion effect, a suggested addition effect, and the like. However, in place of or in addition to the control of these sub-control units 91, regarding the effect by the background image according to the state, the navigation effect, the suggested suggestion effect, the suggested suggestion effect, etc., the notification connected to the main control unit 41 is given. The means may be executed under the control of the main control unit 41. For example, the effect by the background image according to the state may be executed by displaying the information corresponding to the state using the game auxiliary display 12 shown in FIG. Further, the navigation effect may be executed by using the left / middle / right stop valid LEDs 22L to 22R shown in FIG. 4 and turning on only the LED corresponding to the stop switch to be stopped. The left / middle / right stop valid LEDs 22L to 22R are provided inside the stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and in normal times, the reel stop operation by the corresponding stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R is effective. It is an LED that notifies the effect by lighting. Further, regarding the winning suggestion effect and the additional suggestion effect, the game auxiliary display 12 shown in FIG. 4 is used to display information according to the lottery result, and the AT game obtained when the AT win or the additional win is achieved. The number may be displayed.

[Game flow]
Here, the flow of the game will be collectively described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 again. First, the game flow in RT0 to RT3 other than RT4 and bonus will be described. In RT0 to RT3, the game flow will be as described below depending on whether or not AT is in progress. First, the flow of the game during non-AT will be described.

  After the setting change state is completed, the control is controlled by RT3. Since the non-AT is achieved by controlling the setting change state, the RT 3 does not control the AT and the navigation effect is not executed. In this way, since the navigation effect is not executed in RT3, if one of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won in RT3, the transition result depends on the timing of the second stop and the third stop. Is derived (see FIG. 14). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the transition result is not derived and the transition is not made to the RT1.

  At RT1, by winning the promotion replay, the process moves to RT0. In order to win the promotion replay, as shown in FIG. 13, it is necessary to stop the operation procedure to win any of the replays GR1 to GR6 and to give the promotion replay a prize.

  Further, even when the control is performed to RT0, it is difficult to maintain the control to the RT0. That is, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, in RT0, there is a possibility of winning the replays GR11 to GR13, and at this time, the falling replay wins with a probability of 2/3 and falls to RT1.

  Further, when any one of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won at RT0, the first reels other than the predetermined reels (the reel for winning the right-downward bell or the middle bell shown in FIG. 14) are first stopped. Occasionally, depending on the timing of the second stop and the third stop, a transition result is derived and the engine falls to RT1. Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 13, in RT0, there is a possibility of winning the replay GR21 to 23, and at this time, a predetermined reel (reel for winning the special replay shown in FIG. 13) is selected. There is a possibility that a special replay will be won and controlled by RT2 after the first stop. However, even when controlled by RT2, when any one of the bells such as the left bells 1 to 4 is won, the reels other than the predetermined reel (the reel for descending the rightward bell or the middle bell shown in FIG. 14) are won. When the first stop is made, depending on the timings of the second stop and the third stop, a transition item is derived and falls to RT1. As a result, most of the game when not in AT will be digested at RT1.

  Next, the flow of the game during AT will be described. At RT1, when any one of the replays GR1 to 6 is won, the navigation effect for specifying the operation procedure for winning the promotion replay can be executed. Therefore, by performing a stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to shift to RT0 by winning the promotion replay. At RT0, when any one of the replays GR11 to 13 is won, the navigation effect for specifying the operation procedure for winning the normal replay can be executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation in accordance with the navigation effect, it is possible to maintain RT0 due to the normal replay prize. In addition, at RT0, in order to identify the operation procedure for winning the downward bell to the right or the middle bell when one of the left bells 1 to 4, the middle bells 1 to 4, and the right bells 1 to 4 is won. Navigation effect is executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation in accordance with the navigation effect, it is possible to avoid deriving the transition result and maintain RT0. Furthermore, at RT0, when any one of the replays GR21 to 23 is won, a navigation effect for specifying the operation procedure for winning the special replay can be executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation according to the navigation effect, it is possible to shift to RT2 by the special replay prize.

  In RT2, when one of the left bells 1-4, the middle bells 1-4, and the right bells 1-4 is won, the navigation for specifying the operation procedure for winning the right-lowering bell or the middle bell The performance is executed. Therefore, by performing the stop operation in accordance with the navigation effect, it is possible to avoid deriving the transition result and maintain RT2.

  As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the AT is in progress, the navigation effect is executed so as to be controlled by RT2 and maintained at RT2. Most of the game will be digested at RT2. The AT ends when the number of AT games becomes zero. The number of AT games can be controlled to RT2 + AT (in the present embodiment, a state in which the AT is controlled by RT2, which is advantageous to the player, is particularly referred to as assist replay time (hereinafter referred to as ART)). Counting is started from the next game after the enabled game, that is, the game next to the game in which the special replay can be won by winning one of the replays GR21 to 23 at RT0. As a result, the AT ends when the number of AT games is substantially consumed by ART. Then, when the AT ends, the ART ends.

  After the ART is finished, the navigation effect is not executed, but the control to RT2 is maintained until the transition result is derived. However, during the RT2 after the ART is finished, since it is not in the AT, as described above, the first reels other than the predetermined reels (the reel for winning the downward-right bell or the middle bell shown in FIG. 14) are first stopped. It As a result, during RT2 after the ART is finished, the transition is stopped at an extremely early stage after the ART is finished, and thus the routine is shifted to RT1.

  Next, the flow of the game after winning BB1 or BB2 will be described. Regardless of which RT is controlled, when the player wins BB1 or BB2, it is controlled to RT4 as shown in FIG. In addition, after the BB winning game is over, the winning suggestion effect is executed and the fact that the BB is won is notified, so that the player can know that BB1 or BB2 has been won. When a BB winning occurs, the bonus is transferred to the corresponding bonus, and when the predetermined number of finished coins are paid out, the game ends. Then, the game proceeds to RT3.

[Display of credits and bets on the LCD]
In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the display of the number of medals such as the number of credits and the number of bets on each of the credit display 11 and the 1BETLED 14, 2BETLED 15, 3BETLED 16, the liquid crystal display 51 also changes according to the state. , The number of medals such as the number of credits and the number of bets can be displayed. The display of the number of credits and the number of bets on the liquid crystal display 51 will be described below.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the medal number display process executed by the sub control unit 91. The medal number display process is executed at a very short predetermined cycle as a subroutine of the process executed by the sub control unit 91. Referring to FIG. 15, the sub CPU 91a of the sub control unit 91 of the effect control board 90 determines whether or not it is controlled to the AT state in addition to the advantageous RT (RT0, RT2 in the present embodiment) (step). S101). Whether or not the gaming state is advantageous RT is specified by the gaming state command. Whether it is in the AT state or not is specified by the AT command.

  When it is determined that at least one of the advantageous RT and the AT state is not controlled (NO in step S101) (for example, in addition to the normal RT (RT1, RT3 in the present embodiment), the AT state is controlled), The sub CPU 91a determines whether or not the demo display is being performed (step S102).

  If it is determined by the main control unit 41 of the game control board 40 that a predetermined period (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed without a game being played (without inserting a medal or performing any operation), the effect A demo display command for designating display of a demonstration (referred to as “demo display”) on the liquid crystal display 51 is transmitted to the control board 90. Upon receiving the demo display command, the sub CPU 91a displays a demo on the liquid crystal display 51.

  When a predetermined time or more elapses without the game being played, it means that the player is not playing the game or the game is interrupted. Therefore, it is possible to perform a demo display on the liquid crystal display 51, to prompt a nearby player to play a game, and to introduce the effects of the slot machine 1 and the contents of the game. This can contribute to improving the operation of the slot machine 1.

  When it is determined that the demo display is not in progress (NO in step S102), the sub CPU 91a displays information about the gaming value owned by the player (here, in a predetermined area (here, lower left) on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 51). , The number of credits, the number of medals of the number of bets) are displayed (step S103). After that, the sub CPU 91a returns the process to be executed to the calling source of this process.

  FIG. 16 is a display screen diagram showing a display of the number of medals displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Referring to FIG. 16 (A), when at least one of the advantageous RT and AT states is not controlled and the demo display is not being performed, it means that the region other than the predetermined region of the liquid crystal display 51 is not in the advantageous state. The effect display of the game (here, the effect display by the character) is performed, and information indicating the credit amount and the bet amount is displayed in the predetermined area. Specifically, the information “CRE40” is displayed as the information indicating the number of credits (here, the information indicating that the number of credits is 40), and the information indicating the number of bets (here, the number of bets is 3). Information "BET3" is displayed as (information indicating that there is).

  Returning to FIG. 15, when it is determined that the demo display is in progress (YES in step S102), the sub CPU 91a outputs the information (the number of credits, the number of bets) regarding the gaming value owned by the player to the predetermined value on the liquid crystal display 51. It is hidden in the area (step S104). That is, in this case, the liquid crystal display 51 displays the demo, but the information indicating the credit amount and the bet amount as shown in FIG. 16A is not displayed in the predetermined area. After that, the sub CPU 91a returns the process to be executed to the calling source of this process.

  When it is determined that the AT state is controlled in addition to the advantageous RT (YES in step S101), the sub CPU 91a displays the information (the number of credits, the number of bets) of the gaming value owned by the player on the liquid crystal display 51. It is hidden in a predetermined area (step S105). Next, the sub CPU 91a displays information regarding the AT state (information indicating that the AT state is controlled, information indicating the number of games remaining in the AT state) in a predetermined area of the liquid crystal display 51 (step S106). . After that, the sub CPU 91a returns the process to be executed to the calling source of this process.

  With reference to FIG. 16 (B), when the AT state is controlled in addition to the advantageous RT, in a region other than the predetermined region of the liquid crystal display 51, a game effect display indicating that it is in the advantageous state (here In addition to the effect display in which a plurality of characters move around, information indicating “AT in progress” indicating that the AT state is controlled and information indicating the number of remaining games in the AT state (here AT Information "remaining 100G" is displayed as information indicating that the number of remaining games in the state is 100 games).

Next, main effects obtained by the above-described embodiment will be described.
(1) The state controlled in the AT state in addition to the normal RT described in step S101 in FIG. 15 described above is a state in which the payout rate is less than 1, that is, per game (one game) This is an example of a normal state in which the expected value of the number of game values (the number of medals) to be played is less than the number of game values used in the game. Further, the state in which the AT state is controlled in addition to the advantageous RT is an example of the advantageous state in which the expected value is higher than that in the normal state.

  The slot machine 1 of the above-described embodiment is configured as follows. The main controller 41 and the sub controller 91 can control the gaming state of the slot machine 1 to any of a plurality of gaming states including such a normal state and an advantageous state. The liquid crystal display 51 can display gaming value information regarding the gaming value owned by the player, such as the number of credits and the number of bets. As shown in step S103 of FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 (A), the game value information may be displayed when the normal state is controlled. On the other hand, as shown in step S105 of FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 (B), when it is controlled to the advantageous state, the game value information is hidden.

  In a normal state in which the game value given according to the result of the game is likely to be lower than the game value used for the game, the game owned by the player regarding the game value information that can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Since the utility value is likely to decrease, it is highly necessary to confirm the game value. On the other hand, in an advantageous state in which the possibility that the game value given according to the result of the game is less than the game value used for the game is higher than the normal state, the game value that can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 is displayed. Since it is difficult to reduce the gaming value owned by the player regarding the information, it is less necessary to confirm the gaming value than in the normal state.

  With such a slot machine 1, in the normal state where it is highly necessary to confirm the gaming value, the gaming value information may be displayed, while the need to confirm the gaming value is lower than in the normal state. In the advantageous state, the game value information is hidden. As a result, it is possible to avoid waste such as displaying the game value information in a state where it is not necessary to confirm.

  (2) The slot machine 1 of the above-described embodiment further includes the credit indicator 11, 1BETLED14, 2BETLED15, 3BETLED16 for notifying the gaming value information regardless of whether it is controlled to the normal state or the advantageous state. Be prepared.

  With the slot machine 1 as described above, a player who wants to confirm the game value information can confirm the game value information regardless of whether it is controlled to the normal state or the advantageous state. As a result, even when the gaming value information is hidden on the display means in the advantageous state, it is possible to prevent the player who wants to confirm the gaming value information from being dissatisfied.

  (3) In the slot machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the liquid crystal display 51 has a position, which is more easily recognized by the player playing the game, than the credit display 11, 1BETLED14, 2BETLED15, 3BETLED16. Is provided at a position facing the player as shown in FIG. 1 (a substantially vertical plane in the player's direction). The credit indicators 11, 1BETLED 14, 2BETLED 15, and 3BETLED 16 are provided at positions that do not face the player (substantially horizontal plane below the liquid crystal display 51 that is visible when the player lowers his line of sight).

  With such a slot machine 1, it is possible to prevent unnecessary information from being displayed at a position where it is easy for the player who is playing the game to visually recognize it, in a state where it is not necessary to confirm the game value information. . As a result, it is possible to avoid waste of displaying unnecessary information at a position where the player playing the game can easily see it.

  (4) In the slot machine 1 according to the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16B, when the liquid crystal display 51 is controlled in the advantageous state, the liquid crystal display 51 is in the advantageous state instead of the game value information. Information according to an advantageous state such as the number of remaining games is displayed.

  With such a slot machine 1, instead of the game value information which is less necessary to be confirmed when it is controlled in the advantageous state, information according to the advantageous state is displayed. As a result, the interest of the game can be improved by the information according to the advantageous state.

  (5) In the slot machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, as described in step S104 of FIG. 15, the liquid crystal display 51 displays during the demo display, which is when a predetermined period or more has passed without playing a game. Hides the gaming value information even when it is controlled to the normal state.

  When a predetermined time or more elapses without the game being played, it means that the player is not playing the game or the game is suspended, and it is not necessary to display the game value information. With such a slot machine 1, the game value information is hidden when a predetermined time or more has passed without playing a game. As a result, it is possible to avoid the waste of displaying the game value information in a state where the necessity of confirmation is low.

  (6) In the slot machine 1 of the above-described embodiment, the normal state is the state of AT in addition to the normal RT, that is, the bet in which the player can play the next game without using the game value. The number of replays for which the number is set is allowed to occur with a predetermined probability, and the state of notifying information according to the winning that is allowed to occur is included. The advantageous state includes the state of AT in addition to the advantageous RT, that is, the state in which the occurrence of replay is permitted with a probability higher than a predetermined probability, and the state of notifying information according to the winning that is permitted to occur. .

  With such a slot machine 1, it is possible to display the gaming value information in a normal state in which there is not a small need to confirm the gaming value information in which the probability of replay is lower than in the advantageous state, while the replay is performed. It is possible to avoid the waste of displaying the game value information in the game state in which it is less necessary to check the game value information such that the probability of occurrence is higher than in the normal state.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modified examples of the above embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

  (1) The display of the game value information in the above-described embodiment can be applied not only to the slot machine 1 but also to a pachinko gaming machine.

  (2) In the embodiment described above, an example of the normal state in which the expected value of the number of game values given per game is less than the number of game values used for the game is in addition to the normal RT. Although the state is controlled to be the AT state, the state is not limited to this as long as the payout rate is less than 1 (100%), and another state may be used. For example, in addition to the normal RT, the AT state may not be controlled. Further, in a slot machine having no AT, the normal state may be a non-bonus state. In a pachinko gaming machine, it may be in a low accurate low base state.

  The payout rate is the ratio of the game value given as a result of the game to the game value used for the game. The payout rate may be a designed value of the payout rate or may be a measured value of the payout rate in a predetermined period in the test shooting test. The predetermined period may be a period in which a predetermined number of games (for example, 400 times, 6000 times, 17500 times) are played, or a predetermined number (for example, 100) of game balls during a predetermined period (for example, 1 minute). May be a predetermined time when the game is shot, or may be a period when a predetermined number (for example, 100) of game balls are shot.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, an example of an advantageous state in which the expected value of the number of gaming values given per game is higher than the normal state is controlled in the AT state in addition to the advantageous RT. However, the present invention is not limited to this and may be another state as long as the payout rate is higher than the normal state.

  For example, it may be in a bonus state, or in a pachinko gaming machine, it may be in a big hit gaming state or a high base state. Further, if the payout rate is higher than in the normal state, the payout rate in the advantageous state may be less than 1 (100%). For example, the payout rate may be less than 100% in the normal state and 100% or more in the advantageous state.

  The payout rate may be 80% in the normal state and 95% in the advantageous state. As described above, the normal state is a state where the coin holding (ball holding) is relatively poor (coin, the state where the game balls are easily reduced), and the advantageous state is a state where the coin holding (ball holding) is relatively good (the coin, It may be a state where it is difficult to reduce the number of game balls).

  (4) In the above-described embodiment, the game value information about the game value owned by the player, which can be displayed on the display means such as the liquid crystal display 51, is the information indicating the number of credits and the number of bets. . However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a slot machine or a pachinko gaming machine, the money paid in advance by the player (prepaid balance) for use in a game that can be identified by a gaming card such as a membership card or a visitor card. It may be the residual frequency of.

  (5) In the above-described embodiment, the notifying means for notifying the gaming value information regardless of whether it is controlled to the normal state or the advantageous state is a credit display formed by a 7-segment or lamp type LED. It is decided to be the device 11, 1 BETLED 14, 2 BETLED 15, and 3 BETLED 16.

  However, the notification means is not limited to this, and may be a display such as a liquid crystal display or a dot matrix type LED. When the number of credits and the number of bets are 0 in the notification means, 0 may be displayed or the information may be hidden.

  (6) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16B, in the advantageous state, the number of games remaining in the advantageous state is displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as it is displayed instead of the game value information in the advantageous state, and the number of game media such as medals and game balls obtained in the advantageous state may be displayed.

  (7) In the above-described embodiment, the liquid crystal display 51, which is an example of the display means, is provided on a substantially vertical plane facing the player. Further, the credit indicators 11, 1 BETLED 14, 2 BETLED 15, and 3 BETLED 16, which are examples of the notification means, are provided on a substantially horizontal plane below the liquid crystal display 51 which can be visually recognized by the player by lowering his line of sight.

  However, the display means is not limited to this as long as the display means is provided at a position that is easily visible to the player who is playing the game, as compared with the notification means. For example, the notification means lowers the line of sight of the player. It may be provided on a substantially vertical plane below the visible liquid crystal display 51, or may be provided on a substantially vertical plane above the liquid crystal display 51 which is visible when the player raises his line of sight. You may

[About benefits]
In the above-described example, as the privilege, the value that directly affects the payout rate of medals and pachinko balls, such as BB winning, AT winning, and the number of AT games that can be controlled by AT is illustrated. However, the privilege may be a value that improves the degree of advantage for the player, and may be a value that does not directly affect the medal payout rate, for example. Specifically, in the AT lottery, when a high-probability state that AT is won with a higher probability than in the normal time is provided, execution of probability suggestion production for suggesting whether or not the current state is a high-probability state , Execution of a premiere effect with a voice on the liquid crystal display 51 (especial character appearance, execution of special bonus effect during a bonus that occurs next time, etc.), execution of a set value suggesting effect for suggesting a set value being set, Liquid crystal display of a two-dimensional code that allows points to be exchanged for services established at the gaming machine where the slot machine 1 is installed by collecting a certain number of points, and special videos and special information can be downloaded on a predetermined website It may be displayed on the device 51.

  Further, although the number of AT games has been illustrated as an example of the privilege, the privilege relating to the AT is not limited to this, and the right (navistock) that allows the AT to control a predetermined number of games (for example, 50 games) may also be used as the privilege. Good. In addition, when the number of times that the navigation effect can be executed is determined and the AT is controlled until the navigation effect is executed for the determined number of times that the navigation effect can be executed, the number of times that the navigation effect can be executed can be used as a privilege. Good. Further, for example, when the upper limit grant amount is determined and the AT is controlled until the granted gaming value (medal payout number) reaches the determined upper limit grant amount, the upper limit grant amount may be used as a privilege. In addition, when the AT is controlled until the predetermined AT end condition is satisfied after the predetermined AT start condition is satisfied, and when the continuous lottery is performed to determine whether or not to continue the AT when the AT end condition is satisfied, the continuation is performed. The continuation probability determined to continue in the lottery may be used as a privilege.

[About advantageous state]
In the above-mentioned example, as an advantageous state, for the slot machine, the big bonus (BB) and the AT, which have a higher probability of winning the small winning combination than in the predetermined state, have been exemplified, but it may be advantageous for the player. However, the slot machine is not limited to this, and an example of a slot machine will be described below.

  The advantageous state is, for example, a regular bonus (RB) or a replay time (RT) in which a predetermined winning combination has a high probability of winning, a concentrated state of a small winning combination, or a retractable range of at least one reel is narrower than usual. In addition, it does not change the challenge time (CT) in which all small wins are allowed to occur in each game, the winning probability of winning prizes, etc., but the operation procedure for winning the winning small wins It may be a pseudo bonus or the like that is notified over (for example, until 50 games are exhausted). Further, it may be a state in which the probability of being controlled to these advantageous states has a high probability, and a state of having a high probability of being controlled to a freeze state, or a high number of games such as AT games. Advantageous states that are different from the above-described embodiment may be set, such as a state in which the game is added to the AT, a state in which the number of games to be added to the AT is easily increased, and the like. In addition, it is indirectly advantageous for the player, such as a condition that the probability of establishing a condition for obtaining a privilege on the communication network or a condition for executing an effect (freeze effect, premium effect, etc.) with a premium feeling is high. It may be a privilege or a state of improving the interest of the game. Further, the permission determining means for determining whether or not to allow the shift to the advantageous state is not limited to the internal lottery process, and may be a means for determining regardless of the winning combination.

[About production and notification]
In the above-mentioned example, an example in which the liquid crystal display 51 is used to give an effect or notification is given. However, for example, the speakers 53 and 54 and the back lamp (reel LED 55 of the above embodiment) arranged on the back side (inner side) of the reel. ), A transparent liquid crystal display arranged on the front side of the reel (a liquid crystal display configured so that the reel can be seen), a lamp or LED mounted on the front door 1b, vibration of the stop switch, surroundings of the stop switch The effect may be performed by a means different from the above-described embodiment, such as blowing air from, or changing the temperature of the stop switch.

[About suggested production for winning]
In the above-described embodiment, the sub control unit 91 may not determine the winning suggestion effect, but the main control unit 41 may determine the winning suggestion effect. For example, in the internal lottery, the main control unit 41 executes a winning suggestion effect that suggests whether or not the BB win and the AT win have occurred at a predetermined timing when the simultaneous lottery is won and the AT lottery is performed. May be performed. As the winning suggestion effect, for example, a freeze effect that delays the progress of the game for a predetermined period when the start switch 7 is operated may be provided. During the freeze effect, the reels 2L to 2R are rotated in a predetermined manner to execute a pseudo game in which a specific symbol combination is temporarily stopped. The pseudo game can be executed multiple times during the freeze production. The freeze effect is not limited to that executed when the start switch 7 is operated, but when the first stop operation is performed or the third stop operation is performed, the display result is derived and one game ends. It may be executed at any time.

  In addition, the reliability of BB winning or AT winning is the highest in the freeze effect, followed by the continuous hit effect, the button effect, the character B effect, and the character A effect is the lowest. The ratio may be set so that the type is determined. The effect to be executed is not limited to the one in which the winning suggestion effect is determined, and a plurality of winning suggestion effects may be determined. Further, the predetermined timing for executing the winning suggestion effect is not limited to this, and is determined by the main control unit 41 from a plurality of timings (more specifically, the main control unit 41 notifies the result by the AT winning suggestion effect. The timing may be the number of games (for example, one of the 0 to 32 games) from the games won by the specific lottery target combination, which is determined by random number lottery or the like. The main control unit 41 outputs a command for specifying the type of winning suggestion effect to the sub control unit 91 at a predetermined timing of executing the winning suggestion effect, and when the winning suggestion effect is a freeze effect, the main control unit 41 outputs the command. You may make it perform the process for freeze production. It should be noted that the winning suggestion effects other than the freeze effect may be determined by the sub-control unit 91 as described in the above-described embodiment.

[About AT]
In the example of the slot machine described above, the example in which the main control unit 41 executes the control related to the AT has been described, but the AT control executed by the main control unit 41 includes the execution of the AT lottery. The AT lottery may include determination of winning or non-winning of the AT lottery, determination of whether to stock the AT game number, determination of the AT game number, additional lottery of the AT game number, and the like. Further, as the control related to the AT, control of the high probability state of the AT lottery can be mentioned. The control of the high probability state of the AT lottery is such that the probability of winning the AT lottery is high, the control of shortening the period until the AT is controlled according to the result of the internal lottery, the probability of winning the additional lottery and the game. Includes controls that favor numbers. Further, as the control related to the AT, it is possible to control to the AT when the specified number of games are exhausted. The time when the number of games of the prescribed number of games is exhausted includes the time of reaching the number of ceiling games and the time of reaching the number of games determined by lottery. Further, as the control related to the AT, there is a control for setting a precursory period. The control for setting the aura period includes control for executing effects of, for example, 0 to 32 games during the aura period before the start of AT. Further, as the control related to the AT, there is a control for giving a penalty. The control for giving a penalty includes the determination of the content of the penalty and the determination or setting of the penalty period. Further, as the control related to the AT, the main control unit 41 may perform the lighting control of the lamp and the LED indicating that the AT is in progress.

  Further, as the control related to the AT, the main control unit 41 performs lighting control of a lamp and an LED for executing a navigation effect. Further, the sub control unit 91 may execute the navigation effect in conjunction with the main control unit 41 executing the navigation effect.

  In addition, when the main control unit 41 executes the control related to the AT, it is preferable that the processing of the main control unit 41 is executed by a control unit that is subordinate to the main control unit 41 and is a subordinate of the main control unit 41. . For example, the reel stop control may be executed by a controller provided on a board other than the game control board, and the main controller 41 may transfer an operation signal of the stop switch to the controller. As described above, by causing the lower-level control unit to control the main control unit 41, it is possible to prevent the capacity shortage of the ROM 41b and the RAM 41c and the shortage of the processing capacity of the main CPU 41a when the control related to the AT is performed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the main control unit 41 executes the above-mentioned control related to the AT, but the sub-control unit 91 may execute it. The sub-control unit 91 performs, for example, AT lottery processing or additional lottery processing based on an internal winning command from the main control unit 41, and executes processing for controlling AT or navigation performance according to the result. You may make it process.

[Setting change status and setting confirmation status]
Regarding the setting change state, it may be possible to shift to the setting change state on condition that “power supply ON” + “setting key switch ON” + “front door open detection”. As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized setting changes while the front door is not open. In addition, once the setting change status is entered, the setting change status is maintained regardless of whether the front door is open or closed until the end condition for ending the setting change status (the setting key switch is turned off after the set value is confirmed) is satisfied. You may do it. As a result, even if the front door is closed during the setting change state, the setting change state is not terminated, so that it is possible to prevent the trouble of shifting to the setting change state again.

  Further, regarding the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state may be shifted to the setting confirmation state on condition that “setting key switch ON” + “front door open detection”. As a result, it is possible to prevent unauthorized setting confirmation when the front door is not opened. Also, once the setting confirmation state has been entered, the setting confirmation state is maintained regardless of the open / closed state of the front door until the end condition (setting key switch OFF operation) for ending the setting confirmation state is satisfied. Good. As a result, even if the front door is closed during the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state is not ended, so that it is possible to prevent the trouble of shifting to the setting confirmation state again.

[Regarding modification of slot machine]
As the above embodiment, the slot machine for paying out the game medium to the player in accordance with the occurrence of the prize has been described, but the game medium is enclosed and the game medium is paid out to the player in accordance with the occurrence of the prize. Alternatively, an enclosed slot machine that adds game points (scores) may be adopted. The base and the drum can be distributed, and the housing is common, and only the base or the base and the drum are called gaming machines. Further, it is a slot machine that includes a game area in which a game ball can be shot to play a game, and the bet number can be set when the game ball passes through a predetermined area provided in the game area. May be.

  The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

  1 slot machine, 2L, 2C, 2R reel, 8L, 8C, 8R stop switch, 40 game control board, 41 main controller, 41a main CPU, 41b ROM, 41c RAM, 42 random number circuit, 43 pulse oscillator, 51 liquid crystal display 56, production switch, 90 production control board, 91 sub control unit, 91a sub CPU, 91b ROM, 91c RAM.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game using the gaming value and imparting the gaming value according to the result of the game,
A plurality of games including a normal state in which the expected value of the number of game values given per game is less than the number of game values used in the game, and an advantageous state in which the expected value is higher than the normal state Control means capable of controlling in any of the states,
A first display means capable of displaying gaming value information relating to the gaming value owned by the player;
Second display means capable of displaying the game value information,
When a period during which a game is not played reaches a predetermined period, a customer waiting state control means for controlling the customer waiting state is provided,
The second display means is installed at a position easier for a player to visually recognize than the first display means,
The first display means displays the game value information depending on whether the normal state is controlled or the advantageous state is controlled,
The second display means,
When it is controlled to the normal state, the game value information is displayed ,
When controlled to the advantageous state, without displaying the game value information ,
A gaming machine that does not display the gaming value information when being controlled to the normal state and the customer waiting state .

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