JP7842658B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a gaming machine.

Patent Document 1 discloses a pachinko game machine equipped with a so-called "hidden button" feature.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-87734

By the way, in the gaming machine sector, there is a demand for gaming machines that can offer a wide variety of gameplay options to meet the needs of players.

The present invention aims to provide a gaming machine capable of offering novel gameplay experiences.

A gaming machine according to one aspect of the present invention is
A gaming machine that allows players to set conditions during gameplay and to determine whether or not the set conditions are met based on the player's actions,
To manage information regarding the right to perform the aforementioned determination,
The information relating to the aforementioned rights may be changed in accordance with the results of the aforementioned determination.

According to the aforementioned embodiment of the gaming machine, it is possible to realize a gaming machine that can offer new gameplay experiences.

Front view of a slot machine, which is a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. Block diagram of the slot machine shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 shows the arrangement of the spinning reels of a slot machine. A schematic diagram showing the active paylines of a slot machine (Figure 1). This diagram illustrates the first game state of the slot machine shown in Figure 1. This diagram illustrates the second game state of the slot machine shown in Figure 1. This diagram illustrates the third game state of the slot machine shown in Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the gameplay section of a slot machine. Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the contents of the internal lottery table of the slot machine. A flowchart illustrating the judgment process of the slot machine shown in Figure 1.

A slot machine 1, an example of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises a roughly rectangular parallelepiped-shaped casing 10, as shown in Figure 1. This casing 10 has an opening (not shown) on its front surface (i.e., the front surface in the direction of the paper's penetration in Figure 1) and a plate-shaped front door 20 that can open and close this opening.

The front door 20 has a translucent display window 21 located approximately in its center and is lockably attached to the housing 10. The display window 21 is positioned so that multiple symbols arranged on the surfaces of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 (described later) can be viewed when the opening of the housing 10 is closed by the front door 20.

The cabinet 10 includes a liquid crystal display device 22, an illuminated display device 23, and a speaker 24, which are examples of display devices. Each of the liquid crystal display device 22, the illuminated display device 23, and the speaker 24 is located above the display window 21 of the front door 20. During gameplay, various effects are performed as the game progresses, for example, using the liquid crystal display device 22, the illuminated display device 23, and the speaker 24. For example, the liquid crystal display device 22 displays various effect images (effect videos) or predetermined information during gameplay. The illuminated display device 23 lights up or turns off in a predetermined pattern when predetermined conditions are met, and the speaker 24 outputs a predetermined sound when predetermined conditions are met.

The machine cabinet 10 has a payout slot 25 from which medals are dispensed, a lower tray 26 for storing the medals dispensed from the payout slot 25, and an operating unit 30. Each of the payout slot 25, the lower tray 26, and the operating unit 30 is located below the display window 21 of the front door 20.

The operation unit 30 includes a coin slot 31 for inserting coins (an example of a game medium), a bet switch 32 for placing coins, a start switch 33 operably mounted on the front door 20 to rotate the reels 41, 42, and 43, and stop switches 34, 35, and 36 operably mounted on the front door 20 to stop the reels 41, 42, and 43 while they are rotating. Each switch in the operation unit 30 outputs an operation signal based on the player's actions. Furthermore, a coin sensor (not shown) is provided in the coin slot 31 to detect when a player inserts coins into the slot 31 and output a detection signal.

The operation unit 30 also includes a settlement switch (not shown), a stored medal display unit (not shown) as an example of a display unit, and an operation switch 37. This stored medal display unit is configured to display not only the number of stored medals but also whether the game section described later is a favorable section. The operation switch 37 is configured to, for example, allow predetermined information to be retrieved and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 by being operated.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the slot machine 1 includes a control device 100 that controls the entire slot machine 1, a rotating reel unit 40, a rotating reel position detection sensor 44, and a hopper unit 50 that dispenses tokens. The control device 100, the rotating reel unit 40, the rotating reel position detection sensor 44, and the hopper unit 50 are located inside the casing 10, along with a power supply unit (not shown) that turns the main power of the slot machine 1 on and off, and a setting unit 45 operated by the administrator when changing the settings of the slot machine 1.

The rotary reel unit 40 is positioned approximately in the center of the housing 10 and consists of multiple rotary reels (in this embodiment, three rotary reels 41, 42, and 43) and stepping motors 61, 62, and 63 that drive these rotary reels 41, 42, and 43. Each rotary reel 41, 42, and 43 is approximately cylindrical, and its surface is provided with multiple symbols arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of each rotary reel 41, 42, and 43, as shown in Figure 3, and a reference point (not shown). The reference point is, for example, positioned at the center of the zero symbol (bell A) on each rotary reel 41, 42, and 43.

The rotating reel position detection sensor 44 detects the passage of the reference points of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 at the detection position after the rotation of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 has started. In this embodiment, for example, the detection position is set to a position on line L (see Figure 4) located midway in the vertical direction of the display window 21. The power switch is configured to switch the main power of the slot machine 1 on and off. The setting operation unit 45 is configured to allow setting values, which will be described later, to be set by operation. The setting operation unit 45 is mainly operated by the administrator of the slot machine 1.

Here, with reference to Figures 1 to 9, we will explain the general outline of the game played on slot machine 1.

As shown in Figure 1, when playing slot machine 1, first, tokens are inserted into the token slot 31, or the stored tokens (i.e., credits) are used to bet tokens by operating the bet switch 32. Once a predetermined number of tokens (for example, 1 to 3 tokens) have been bet, the active lines 70 are activated, and the start switch 33 becomes operational, meaning the game can begin. At this time, any tokens inserted in excess of the predetermined number set according to the game state are stored as credits.

As shown in Figure 4, the active payline 70 is a virtual payline for determining winning combinations. The active payline 70 connects each of the symbols on the spinning reels 41, 42, and 43 displayed in the display window 21, one symbol at a time. In the slot machine 1, the active payline 70 is, for example, a downward-sloping line and is activated when a predetermined number of tokens (for example, 3 tokens) are bet. As an example, the display window 21 of the slot machine 1 shows three symbols for each spinning reel.

When the start switch 33 is operated while the game is ready to begin, an electronic lottery (hereinafter referred to as "internal lottery") is conducted within the slot machine 1, and the rotation of each reel 41, 42, and 43 begins. In this state, if any of the stop switches 34, 35, or 36 are operated, the reels 41, 42, and 43 corresponding to the operated stop switch 34, 35, or 36 stop, and the result corresponding to the winning combination is displayed in the display window 21. Once all reels 41, 42, and 43 have stopped, a predetermined number of tokens are paid out according to the winning combination, and one game ends. In this embodiment, when all reels 41, 42, and 43 have stopped, and the combination of symbols set for each winning combination determined by the internal lottery is placed on the active line 70, it is determined that the combination of symbols on the active line 70 has been won. Note that even if the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination does not stop on the active line 70 (i.e., a "miss"), it is still considered a win.

Thus, the series of actions performed to obtain the game result by operating the bet switch 32, start switch 33, and stop switches 34, 35, and 36 is called a game. The unit of a game is a single game, and one game is called a unit game.

Furthermore, during gameplay, one game section is selected from multiple game sections, and one game state is selected from multiple game states. Based on the selected game section and game state, an internal lottery is conducted. The game states include the first game state, the second game state, and the third game state, as shown in Figures 5 to 7.

The first game state is a game state that determines the type of flag (see Figure 9) and the probability of winning a winning combination (hereinafter simply referred to as a winning combination) among the winning combinations determined by internal lottery. For example, as shown in Figure 5, it consists of RT0 and RT1.

RT0 is set when the second game state transitions from a special role execution state to a state where special roles are not carried over, or when the game state is initialized (reset) (for example, when the RAM is cleared) (i.e., the first game state transitions from RT1 to RT0). Furthermore, the first game state immediately after slot machine 1 is installed in a game arcade, etc., is also set to RT0. In other words, the first game state is always set to RT0, except when a Type 1 Big Bonus (BB) is being performed.

RT1 is set when the second game state transitions from a state where special roles are not carried over to a state where special roles are implemented (i.e., the first game state transitions from RT0 to RT1). In RT1, as shown in Figure 9, there is no possibility of winning a replay role or a Type 1 Big Bonus.

The second game state includes a state where a Type 1 BB (Big Bonus) won through internal drawing has not been carried over, a state where a Type 1 BB won through internal drawing has been carried over, and a state where a special role is being implemented to execute the Type 1 BB that has been won.

The "No Special Win Carryover" state is set when the number of medals dispensed since transitioning to the "Special Win Execution" state exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 180 or 2 medals), or when predetermined conditions such as the game state being reset are met.

The "Special Role Carryover" state is set when a Type 1 Big Bonus (BB) is won through internal lottery, and the won BB does not result in a payout in the game in which it was won. A Type 1 BB is a continuous activation device related to a Type 1 special role (a so-called Big Bonus), and is an example of a special role. If a Type 1 BB is carried over, no further lottery for a Type 1 BB is held. While the system is configured so that carried-over Type 1 BBs do not disappear even if the setting value is changed, it may be configured to disappear if desired.

The Special Prize Implementation State is set when a special prize is won and awarded through internal drawing, and includes the Type BB Implementation State (shown as BB General in Figure 6), the RB Carryover State (shown as JAC Internal in Figure 6), and the RB Implementation State (shown as JAC in Figure 6). BB General is set when a special prize is awarded. BB General is an example of a non-internal prize state, set when the RB (JAC in Figure 9), an example of a special prize, is not won through internal drawing. JAC Internal is an example of an internal prize state, set when the second game state is BB General, the RB (i.e., JAC in Figure 9) is won through internal drawing, and the RB is not awarded. JAC Internal is an example of a prize implementation state, set when the won RB is awarded. During JAC mode, you will return to the regular BB mode after 12 games have been played since entering JAC mode, or after achieving any combination 8 times during JAC mode.

The third game state is the state that determines the effects performed during gameplay. For example, as shown in Figure 7, it consists of a general game state and an AT (Automatic Trigger) state.

The general game state is a state in which no instruction functions are generated. For example, it is set after a setting value change, after a RAM clear, and after the AT ends, until an AT lottery is won. Slot machine 1 has two general game states: a normal state and a high-probability state (a so-called chance zone (CZ)) where the probability of winning an AT lottery is higher than in the normal state. The AT lottery is performed, for example, when the first game state is RT0 and the game section is in an advantageous section, according to the winning combination determined by an internal lottery. The transition from the normal state to the high-probability state occurs, for example, when the first game state is RT0 and the game section is in an advantageous section, an internal lottery is performed, and if the AT lottery is not won as a result, the player wins the high-probability state transition lottery. Furthermore, the transition from the normal state to the high-probability state occurs when the number of games played in the first game state is RT0 and the game section is in an advantageous section reaches a predetermined range.

AT (Automatic Trigger) is an example of a favorable state in which a command function is activated. It is set until the number of games played since the transition from the third game state to AT reaches the number of games playable in AT (i.e., AT game count). In AT, the order of button presses for payout-generating combinations is announced, and the expected value of medal acquisition is higher than in a normal game state (e.g., the normal state).

The game section is a state that determines whether or not processing related to the instruction function is performed. For example, as shown in Figure 8, it consists of a favorable section and a normal section. Processing related to the instruction function refers to direct processing related to instruction rights such as adding or continuing instruction functions, indirect processing such as the lottery state and transitions between states (e.g., reduction of the number of games played), and processing that ends the favorable section.

The advantageous period is a period in which processing related to the instruction function and lottery can be performed. It is set after the game period has won a period transition lottery based on the results of an internal lottery conducted in the normal period, and continues until the conditions for ending the advantageous period are met. The advantageous period includes an advantageous period where the third game state is in a general game state, and an advantageous period where the third game state is in an advantageous game state (e.g., AT). The advantageous game state can be any state (e.g., ART) that suggests a favorable operation mode when there are advantages or disadvantages depending on the operation mode, and is not limited to AT.

The normal section is a section in which processing related to the instruction function and drawing are not possible, and is set when an advantageous section is not set as a game section. In other words, in the normal section, it is not possible to navigate (also called assist) information regarding the operation of stop switches 34, 35, and 36 (for example, the operation modes of stop switches 34, 35, and 36 set for operation mode roles), nor is it possible to draw a lottery for transitioning to an advantageous game state (AT in slot machine 1), nor is it possible to transition to an advantageous game state. In the normal section, the third game state proceeds as a general game state.

The instruction function is a function that informs the player of the operating procedure (for example, the order in which to press buttons for a winning combination) or operating method that affects the payout. For example, it could be a function that instructs the player of the order in which to press buttons for a winning combination by operating stop switches 34, 35, and 36 in a predetermined procedure, or a function that instructs the operating position for a winning combination if the positions of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 are predetermined when stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated. In other words, AT (Automatic Trigger) is set as the third game state only when the game section is in an advantageous section.

Next, the control device 100 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the control device 100 consists of a main control unit 110 and a sub-control unit 120.

Each of the main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 is equipped with a CPU for calculations, a memory device (e.g., ROM and RAM) for storing programs or data necessary for game progression, etc. The CPU and memory device constituting the main control unit 110 are mounted on an electronic circuit board, which is referred to as the "main board." This main board also includes a display unit for displaying game-related summary results (including the ratio of bonus item states, the ratio of advantageous periods, etc.) and a communication interface with the sub-board. The CPU and memory device constituting the sub-control unit 120 are mounted on a separate electronic circuit board, which is referred to as the "sub-board." The sub-board also includes a communication interface with the main board.

The main control unit 110 comprises an internal lottery unit 111, a rotating reel control unit 112, a game result determination unit 113, a section control unit 114, a game state control unit 115, a measurement unit 116, and a set value control unit 117, and performs control to advance the game. The sub-control unit 120 comprises a performance control unit 121, a condition setting unit 122, a determination unit 123, and a benefit granting unit 124, and performs control to perform various performances and effects.

The functions of the main control unit 110 and sub-control unit 120 described below are, for example, functions realized by the CPU executing a predetermined program.

The internal lottery unit 111 has multiple internal lottery tables and performs an internal lottery in response to the operation of the start switch 33. Specifically, the internal lottery unit 111 determines the first game state (in other words, the RT state) when the operation of the start switch 33 is received, and selects an internal lottery table based on the determined RT state. Then, the internal lottery unit 111 performs an internal lottery based on the selected internal lottery table and the random number obtained when the operation of the start switch 33 is received.

For example, the winning combination is determined based on the internal draw table shown in Figure 9. This internal draw table is provided for each RT (Replay Time) state and contains information about the winning regions where a win is possible through internal drawing. Each winning region has at least one combination associated with a specific symbol combination.

In Figure 9, for each RT state and second game state, the areas where a win is possible are indicated by "○", and the areas where a win is not possible are indicated by "×". That is, each internal lottery table has multiple areas (location areas) where the roles corresponding to the random numbers obtained when the start switch 33 is operated are stored, and each of these areas corresponds to the winning areas indicated by "○" in Figure 9.

The rotary reel control unit 112 controls the stepping motors 61, 62, and 63 of the rotary reel unit 40 in response to the operation of the start switch 33 or the respective stop switches 34, 35, and 36, thereby starting or stopping the rotation of each rotary reel 41, 42, and 43 (i.e., controlling the rotation of the rotary reels 41, 42, and 43).

For example, if the start switch 33 is operated while all rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 are stopped, the rotating reel control unit 112 will start rotating all rotating reels 41, 42, and 43. If any of the rotating reels 41, 42, or 43 are rotating and the stop switches 34, 35, or 36 corresponding to the rotating reel 41, 42, or 43 are operated, the rotating reel control unit 112 will stop the rotating reel 41, 42, or 43 corresponding to the operated stop switch 34, 35, or 36.

When stopping each of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43, the rotating reel control unit 112 performs either pull-in control or kick-out control depending on the winning combination determined by the internal draw and the timing of the operation of each stop switch 34, 35, and 36 (i.e., the position of the corresponding rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 when the operation of each stop switch 34, 35, and 36 is received). Pull-in control is a control that stops the rotation of each rotating reel 41, 42, and 43 so that the symbols corresponding to the winning combination are pulled onto the active line 70. Kick-out control is a control that stops the rotation of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 so that the symbols corresponding to non-winning combinations do not line up on the active line 70.

The game result determination unit 113 determines the game result based on the results of the internal lottery and the results of the stopping control of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43. The game result includes, for example, determining whether a winning combination was awarded based on the symbols aligned on the active line 70.

The game result determination unit 113 controls the hopper unit 50 and dispenses medals based on the determined game result or the operation of the settlement switch. The medals dispensed based on the game result (i.e., medals obtained through winning combinations or prizes) are first stored as credits. If the stored medals exceed the credit limit (for example, 50 medals), the excess medals are dispensed from the hopper unit 50. Furthermore, if the settlement switch is operated while there are one or more stored medals (i.e., 1 or more credits), the stored medals are dispensed from the hopper unit 50.

The game result determination unit 113, for example, if the third game state transitions to AT, outputs a signal to the hall computer indicating that the third game state has transitioned to AT, thereby notifying the administrator.

The section control unit 114 sets a game section from among multiple game sections (in the case of slot machine 1, the normal section and the advantageous section).

For example, the section control unit 114 sets the game section to a favorable section when the game section is a normal section and the section transition conditions are met (for example, when the section transition lottery is won). Whether or not the section transition lottery is won is determined, for example, by whether or not the player wins the lottery held when they win a role that triggers the section transition lottery (i.e., the target role) through an internal lottery. The section transition lottery may or may not have different winning probabilities depending on the settings of the slot machine 1. If there is a difference in the winning probability of the section transition lottery, this may be achieved, for example, by setting a difference in the winning probability in the internal lottery for the target role, or by setting a difference in the winning probability of the lottery held when the target role is won through an internal lottery.

The section control unit 114 decides whether to keep the game section in an advantageous section or set it to a normal section, if the game section is currently an advantageous section. For example, the section control unit 114 determines whether the third game state has transitioned from AT to a normal state (general game state), and if it determines that it has transitioned to a normal state, it sets the game section from an advantageous section to a normal section.

For example, slot machine 1 has multiple termination conditions for the advantageous period. The period control unit 114 terminates the advantageous period by transitioning the game period from the advantageous period to the normal period when one of the multiple termination conditions is met. An example of a termination condition is shown below.
- If, after the game period is set to the advantageous period, the difference in the number of medals reaches a predetermined value of zero or more (for example, 2400 medals). The difference in the number of medals may be the difference between the number of medals paid out and the number of medals inserted, based on the transition to the advantageous period, or it may be the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the difference in the number of medals in the advantageous period (= the difference between the number of medals paid out and the number of medals inserted).
- When the number of games played since the game period was set to the advantageous period (i.e., the number of games played during the advantageous period) reaches a predetermined value (for example, 4000 games).

Furthermore, the predetermined values for the difference in the number of medals and the predetermined values for the number of games can be set as appropriate based on the payout specifications of slot machine 1.

When the game transitions to a favorable period, the section control unit 114 may, only if the instruction function is activated during the favorable period and the average payout rate when the game is played in a way that maximizes the number of payouts for small wins (excluding special features such as RB or CT) and special feature continuous activation devices (e.g., Type 1 BB), exceeds 100%, then indicate that it is a favorable period via the display unit provided on the operation unit 30.

The game state control unit 115 has a favorable game state lottery unit 1151 and controls the transition between the first game state, the second game state, and the third game state.

For example, the game state control unit 115 sets one RT state in which an internal draw is performed from among multiple RT states (RT0 and RT1 in this embodiment). Specifically, as described above, the game state control unit 115 sets the first game state to RT0 when the second game state transitions to the state where no special role is carried over, and sets the first game state to RT1 when the second game state transitions to the state where a special role is performed. Furthermore, the game state control unit 115 transitions the second game state to one of the following game states: BB general, JAC internal, or JAC during, when predetermined conditions are met.

The advantageous game state lottery unit 1151 performs an advantageous game state lottery to determine whether or not to transition the game state to an advantageous game state, which is more favorable to the player than the normal state, when the pre-set lottery conditions (hereinafter simply referred to as "lottery conditions") are met.

The advantageous game state lottery includes the AT lottery and the AT extension lottery. For example, the AT lottery is conducted when the first game state is RT0, the third game state is a general game state, and the game section is an advantageous section, and a predetermined role (e.g., a so-called rare role such as a cherry or watermelon) is hit through internal lottery. Similarly, the AT extension lottery is conducted when the first game state is RT0, the third game state is AT, and a predetermined role (e.g., a so-called rare role such as a cherry or watermelon) is hit through internal lottery.

The measurement unit 116 measures the following parameters, for example, based on the game result determined by the game result determination unit 113.
• Parameters related to the payout. Parameters related to the payout include, for example, the difference between the maximum and minimum number of tokens from the start of the game to the present (the so-called MY value).
- The number of games played after the game period has been set to the advantageous period (i.e., the number of games played during the advantageous period). The number of games played during the advantageous period is reset when the advantageous period is reset.
- The difference in the number of medals based on the transition to the advantageous period (i.e., the difference between "number of medals paid out" and "number of medals inserted"), and/or the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the difference in the number of medals during the advantageous period. The difference in the number of medals based on the transition to the advantageous period is reset when the advantageous period is reset.
- The time elapsed from the set starting point after all rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 have reached a steady rotation.

The setting value control unit 117 allows the administrator to set one setting value from a plurality of setting values (six in this embodiment) that have different degrees of advantage to the game (e.g., payout rate) by operating the setting unit 45. The difference in the degree of advantage is achieved, for example, by creating a difference in the probability of winning the internal lottery for a predetermined role. Furthermore, the setting value control unit 117 sets the degree of advantage related to payouts, such as the transition rate to the advantageous section, AT lottery, and AT bonus lottery, according to the set setting value.

An example of how to set the values is shown below. This method is performed in the order of (1) to (7).
(1) Open the front door 20.
(2) Turn off the main power to slot machine 1. Turning off the main power to slot machine 1 will stop all of the spinning reels 41, 42, and 43, but no winning combination will be determined by the stopping of these reels.
(3) Insert the setting change key into the designated location of the setting unit 45 to change the setting change mode from off to on.
(4) Turn on the main power of slot machine 1.
(5) The current setting value is displayed, for example, on the stored token display unit of the operation unit 30. By operating a predetermined button, the setting value displayed on the stored token display unit is adjusted to the desired setting value.
(6) Operate the start switch 33. By operating the start switch 33, the setting value of the slot machine 1 is changed to the setting value displayed on the stored tokens display unit.
(7) Change the setting change mode from on to off and remove the setting change key.

The performance control unit 121 determines, for each game, the performance to be executed as the game progresses, based on the game state after the internal lottery and the result of the internal lottery. The determined performance is executed, for example, using the liquid crystal display device 22, the lighting device 23, and the speaker 24, and notified to the player. That is, the notification includes visual notification using the liquid crystal display device 22 and/or the lighting device 23, and auditory notification using the speaker 24. Information regarding the performance to be executed is stored as data in the storage device of the sub-control unit 120, for example. This information includes, for example, information regarding the type of performance and control information for executing the performance.

The playable effects may include at least one of the following: instructional effects, suggestive effects, and effects that create the expectation of a favorable game state or a special win. Instructional effects are effects that instruct the player to perform a judgment as described later, and suggestive effects are effects that suggest that the judgment described later can be performed. Instructional effects may not be performed even if the player is capable of performing the judgment. Suggestive effects may be performed when the player is capable of performing the judgment. Effects that create the expectation of a favorable game state or a special win include, for example, the display on the liquid crystal display device 22 of a combination of characters that creates the expectation of a favorable game state or a special win, such as "AT drawing in progress" or "AT drawing high probability."

The condition setting unit 122 is configured to allow conditions to be set during gameplay. An example of a condition that can be set is shown below.
- The premonition animation that occurs must be either a genuine premonition animation or a false premonition animation. Premonition animations have a higher probability of transitioning to a favorable game state (e.g., AT) or winning a special role (e.g., a type BB) than normal animations. For example, an animation that transitions to a special stage may be performed, or an animation in which a special scenario unfolds over multiple games may be performed. A genuine premonition animation is a premonition animation that ends with a winning notification animation and is performed when the transition to a favorable game state or the winning of a special role is internally confirmed. False premonition selection is a premonition animation that ends with a losing notification animation and is performed when the transition to a favorable game state or the winning of a special role is not internally confirmed. If the transition to a favorable game state or the winning of a special role is confirmed during a false premonition, the system may be configured to rewrite the false premonition into a genuine premonition.
- The answer to the YES/NO quiz presented via the liquid crystal display device 22 is either "YES" or "NO".

The conditions may be set to be just one, or multiple conditions may be set. The conditions to be set may be determined by lottery from among multiple conditions stored in the memory device, or they may be determined by the player via the operation switch 37. In other words, the conditions may be set by the player's operation. For example, if the condition is set to "the premonition effect that occurred is either a genuine premonition effect or a false premonition effect," the player's operation will determine whether the premonition effect that occurred is a genuine premonition effect or a false premonition effect. If the condition is set to "the premonition effect that occurred is either a genuine premonition effect or a false premonition effect" while a premonition effect is being performed, it may be possible to set whether or not to include the premonition effect being performed in the judgment. The conditions to be set may include a mix of conditions set manually by the player and conditions set automatically. In that case, for example, the benefits given by the benefit granting unit 124 may differ depending on whether the setting is manual or automatic. For example, if a setting value is suggested or notified as a benefit, the suggestion or notification of the setting value may be more accurate when it is determined that manually set conditions are met than when it is determined that automatically set conditions are met. The set conditions may be made visible to the player via a liquid crystal display device 22 or the like. The set conditions may, for example, be cleared after the judgment is executed regardless of the result, or only after the judgment is executed if the judgment is successful, or cleared at the time the challenge right (described later) is reset, regardless of whether the judgment is executed or not.

The determination unit 123 is configured to perform a determination (also called a challenge) based on the player's actions to determine whether or not the set conditions are met. The determination unit 123 manages information regarding the right to perform a determination (hereinafter referred to as the challenge right), and performs a determination based on the challenge right information when a predetermined operation is performed by the player. The result of the determination is communicated in a manner other than game result notifications (e.g., winning a prize) via a display device unrelated to payout notifications (e.g., liquid crystal display device 22, lighting device 23, speaker 24, and combinations thereof).

An example of how the judgment result is notified is shown below.
- Notification through a visual effect that directly displays the result of the judgment. For example, if the judgment is successful, "○" is displayed on the LCD display device 22, and if the judgment is unsuccessful, "×" is displayed on the LCD display device 22. In this case, the result of the judgment may be notified separately from other game results (for example, benefits granted by the benefit granting unit 124).
- Notification using a visual effect to indicate the benefit granted by the benefit granting unit 124. For example, the notification of benefit granting may also serve as notification of the result of the judgment, and the granting of a benefit (e.g., an item or points) may indicate the success of the judgment.

Information regarding challenge rights includes, for example, the conditions set when the judgment was executed, the result of the judgment, and the number of challenge rights. As an example, the judgment unit 123 executes a judgment if the number of judgment rights is one or more and the player performs a predetermined operation. In other words, judgments can be executed as many times as the number of judgment rights held.

The prescribed operations include, for example, the operation of controls related to the progress of the game (e.g., the bet switch 32, the start switch 33, and the stop switches 34, 35, and 36), and the operation of controls not related to the progress of the game (e.g., the operation switch 37, and, if the liquid crystal display device 22 includes a touch panel or touch sensor, the touch panel or touch sensor). If the player operates the operation switch 37 when the number of challenge rights is zero, a visual effect may be performed to suggest or inform that the number of challenge rights is zero.

The determination unit 123 is configured to modify information regarding challenge rights according to the determination result. For example, the determination unit 123 may be configured to increase or decrease the number of challenge rights held. In this case, if the determination unit 123 succeeds in the determination, it increases the number of challenge rights held by a predetermined number (e.g., 1), and if the determination fails, it decreases the number of challenge rights held by a predetermined number (e.g., 1). For example, if the determination is successful or unsuccessful, the number of challenge rights held may be increased or decreased by lottery, or the number of challenge rights increased or decreased may be changed.

For example, the determination unit 123 grants the right to challenge at at least one of the following timings. For example, the right to challenge may be granted at all of the following timings, or at any other timing.
- After the number of challenge attempts has been reset.
- When the game period is set to a favorable period.
- When a premonition sequence is performed. The number of challenge rights granted may differ depending on the content of the premonition sequence. The number of challenge rights granted may be determined by lottery. In this case, the probability of the lottery determining the number of challenge rights may be tied to the content of the premonition sequence (for example, so that the number of challenge rights granted is preferential depending on the content of the premonition sequence). There may be a period of "high probability of granting" in which the number of challenge rights is more likely to be granted. During the high probability of granting period, for example, a combination of characters such as "High probability of granting!" may be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 to inform the player that it is a high probability of granting challenge rights.
- When transitioning to a favorable game state (for example, AT).
- When transitioning to a special role implementation state.
- When transitioning to a high-probability state.

The number of challenge rights granted can be set arbitrarily. For example, the same number of challenge rights may be granted each time (= fixed number), or the number may be determined each time by lottery, etc. (=
Challenge rights (with a variable number of attempts) may be granted, or challenge rights (with a variable number of attempts) may be granted only if certain conditions are met, and a fixed number of challenge rights may be granted if those conditions are not met. Points may be awarded at the above timing, and when the awarded points reach a predetermined value, a predetermined number of challenge rights may be granted.

The number of challenge rights granted may be used to suggest or indicate the set value. For example, while the number of challenge rights granted is usually "1," if "6" challenge rights are granted, it may be confirmed that the set value is "6." If "2" challenge rights are granted, it may be made more likely that the set value is an even number.

For example, the determination unit 123 resets the information regarding the challenge right when a predetermined condition is met. The information regarding the challenge right is reset at at least one of the timings shown below. For example, the challenge right may be reset at all of the timings shown below.

- When power is restored after an outage.
- When changing the setting value.
- When the first predetermined period has elapsed. The first predetermined period includes, for example, any period during the advantageous section, any period during the high probability state or AT, any period during the special role execution state, and any period during the execution of a premonition effect or continuous effect.
- After the first prescribed period has elapsed, the second prescribed period has also elapsed.

An example of the second prescribed period is shown below.
- If the first prescribed period is any period within the advantageous period excluding games in which the advantageous period ends, the second prescribed period includes the period from the end of the first prescribed period until the end of the advantageous period including the first prescribed period.
- If the first predetermined period is any period during AT, the second predetermined period includes the period from the end of the first predetermined period until the end of AT including the first predetermined period, or the period from the end of the first predetermined period until the end of AT including the first predetermined period and the end of the AT pullback section (for example, 30 games after the end of AT).
- If the first prescribed period is any period during the special prize implementation state, the second prescribed period includes the period after the first prescribed period has elapsed until the special prize implementation state including the first prescribed period ends, or the period after the first prescribed period has elapsed until the special prize implementation including the first prescribed period ends and a special prize is won again.

The timing of granting and resetting challenge rights, as described above, can be combined in any way. Furthermore, challenge rights may be reset at the time of granting, or challenge rights may be granted at the time of resetting.

As an example, the judgment is configured to be executable within the period associated with the set conditions. The period associated with the set conditions ends when the termination condition is met. The termination condition can include any condition, such as "the number of games played is two or more, and the predetermined number of games have been played," "a notification animation has been performed during a pre-announcement animation," or "the AT has ended." However, it is effective to define the period associated with the set conditions as a period that is visible to the player. If the termination condition is "the number of games played is two or more, and the predetermined number of games have been played," the set conditions include a predetermined win/loss result that may be announced as the game progresses within the period associated with the set conditions. For example, if the condition is "winning the AT via a pre-announcement animation," the period associated with the set conditions is "the period during which the pre-announcement animation is performed," and the predetermined win/loss result is "the win/loss of the AT."

The benefit granting unit 124 grants a benefit if it determines, based on the judgment, that the set conditions are met. The granted benefit may include, for example, notification or suggestion of a set value. In this case, the system may be configured to provide the suggestion or notification of the set value simultaneously with the notification of the judgment result. Furthermore, the granted benefit may also be a benefit related to payouts, such as an extension of the advantageous game state.

Referring to Figure 10, an example of the judgment process will be explained. In the judgment process shown in Figure 10, the set conditions are cleared after the judgment is executed, regardless of the result of the judgment. If the set conditions are met as a result of the judgment, the benefit is granted, and the judgment is executed only once during the "period associated with the conditions." As an example, the judgment process in Figure 10 is carried out by the CPU of the control device 100 executing a predetermined program.

As shown in Figure 10, the condition setting unit 122 sets the conditions (step S1), and the determination unit 123 determines whether the predetermined operation has been performed by the player (step S2). If it is determined that the predetermined operation has not been performed by the player, the determination unit 123 determines whether the "period associated with the condition" has ended (step S8). If it is determined that the "period associated with the condition" has ended, the determination process ends. If it is not determined that the "period associated with the condition" has ended, the process returns to step S2, and it is determined whether the predetermined operation has been performed by the player.

When it is determined that the player has performed a predetermined operation, the determination unit 123 determines whether the player possesses one or more challenge rights (step S3). If it is not determined that the player possesses one or more challenge rights (i.e., zero challenge rights), the performance control unit 121 executes a performance that suggests or notifies that the player has zero challenge rights (step S7), and the determination process ends.

If it is determined that there is one or more challenge rights, the determination unit 123 determines whether the set conditions are met (step S4). If it is determined that the set conditions are met (i.e., the determination is successful), the determination unit 123 increases the number of challenge rights (for example, by +1), the benefit granting unit 124 grants the benefit (step S5), and the determination process ends.

If the set conditions are not determined to be met (i.e., the determination fails), the determination unit 123 reduces the number of challenge attempts (for example, to minus 1), and the determination process ends.

According to slot machine 1, the following effects can be achieved:

This slot machine 1 allows players to set conditions during gameplay and to determine whether those conditions are met based on the player's actions. It manages information regarding the right to perform the determination, and this information can be modified according to the determination result. This configuration enables the creation of a slot machine 1 that offers a new level of gameplay. Players may enjoy making predictions during gameplay, such as whether a premonition indicates a win or loss, what the settings are, or what winning combination was achieved in that game. If such predictions were unlimited, the sense of tension would diminish; therefore, controlling whether or not to perform the determination based on the right to do so increases the enjoyment.

Slot machine 1 can optionally adopt one or more of the following configurations. That is, if one or more of the following configurations were included in the above embodiment, they can be optionally deleted, and if they were not included in the above embodiment, they can be optionally added. By adopting such configurations, a slot machine 1 capable of providing new gameplay features can be realized.

Slot machine 1 has an instruction animation that directs the player to perform a judgment. The instruction animation may not be performed even if the player is capable of performing the judgment. Since the player is not forced to perform a judgment and can choose their preferred gameplay style, the gameplay experience is enhanced.

Slot machine 1 has a suggestive animation that indicates the ability to perform a judgment. This suggestive animation may be displayed when the player is able to perform the judgment. It clearly indicates that the judgment is possible.

The judgment can be performed during the period associated with the set conditions. This period ends when the number of games played is two or more and a predetermined number of games have been played. Knowing that the judgment can be performed within the period allows players to choose when to perform the judgment, increasing the gameplay experience. The system may also be configured to notify players when they are in the period associated with the set conditions, i.e., when they are in a period where the judgment can be performed.

The conditions include predetermined win/loss outcomes that may be announced as the game progresses during the period associated with the set conditions. During the pre-announcement sequence, the player enjoys predicting whether the sequence being performed is a true pre-announcement or not. If, for example, a confirmed sequence (including confirmed sequence patterns) or a sequence pattern with a high probability of success (e.g., a pre-announcement immediately after a rare role is exciting, or a pre-announcement developing on the 8th game after a rare role is confirmed) occurs during the pre-announcement sequence, the probability of the sequence being a true pre-announcement increases, making it easier to determine whether the prediction was correct or not. Therefore, by using predetermined win/loss outcomes that may be announced as the game progresses during the period associated with the set conditions as conditions, the execution of the judgment can be made more distinct and impactful.

If the judgment determines that the set conditions are met, a reward is granted. The reward itself motivates players to succeed in the judgment, thus increasing the game's appeal.

Slot machine 1 has multiple setting values that offer different levels of advantage to the player. The benefits include notification or suggestion of the set setting value. Since the setting value, which is core useful information that players want to know, is given as a benefit, the game becomes more engaging.

Information regarding the right to perform a judgment is reset when certain conditions are met. Too many judgment rights can reduce the sense of tension. Conversely, too few judgment rights can prevent players from performing judgments and thus diminish the enjoyment. By resetting the information regarding the right to perform a judgment, it is possible to make judgments available at appropriate times and frequencies.

The information regarding the right to perform a judgment includes the number of judgment rights held, and judgments can be performed as many times as the number of judgment rights held. The fact that the number of judgment rights is not limited to one adds to the enjoyment. Furthermore, if the player is not informed whether they have two or more judgment rights, it leads to a gameplay element where they must predict the number of judgment rights.

The number of rights you possess to execute judgments can be increased or decreased depending on the outcome of the judgment. This allows you to find even more enjoyment in the judgment process.

Slot machine 1 can also be configured as follows:

The direction does not necessarily have to include directive and/or suggestive direction.

The determination unit 123 may be capable of performing determinations other than those described above. These other determinations may include, for example, those that can be performed only a predetermined number of times (e.g., once) during a predetermined period (e.g., during a pre-announcement sequence), regardless of the number of challenge rights held, and where the number of possible executions does not change based on the determination result.

The judgment process may be structured so that even if a player possesses the right to challenge, they can only perform the challenge a limited number of times (for example, once) within a specified period.

The benefit-granting unit 124 may be omitted.

The benefit granting unit 124 may be configured to grant a benefit related to payouts instead of notifying or suggesting a set value. When a benefit related to payouts is granted, the benefit may change depending on the number of times the set condition is determined to be met during the associated period. Since increasing payouts is the primary objective for players, this makes it easier for them to focus on the determination process. The "benefit related to payouts" can be any benefit that is advantageous in terms of payout rate, and may include, for example, "extension of advantageous game states such as AT or ART," "increase in the number of navigation prompts for push-button combinations in advantageous game states, or cessation of the decrease in the number of navigation prompts," "cessation of the decrease in the number of games in advantageous game states," or "the same effect as winning a certain combination (for example, AT lottery based on the number of rare combinations)."

Information regarding challenge rights does not need to be reset.

If a player possesses two or more challenge rights, the number of challenge rights they possess may or may not be notified or suggested to the player.

In step S7, the animation suggesting or informing that the challenge rights are zero is not required. In other words, if the challenge rights are zero, no reaction may be displayed for any predetermined actions taken by the player.

The same process (for example, no reaction, or outputting an animation indicating a failed judgment) may be performed whether there are zero challenge attempts or one or more challenge attempts but the judgment fails. In this case, for example, when an animation indicating a failed judgment is output, it can lead to a game where players predict whether the judgment failed or whether there were no challenge attempts.

The components constituting the control device 100 are not limited to the above embodiment and can be arbitrarily modified. For example, the game state control unit 115 may also function as the section control unit 114, the reel rotation control unit 112 may also function as the measurement unit 116, and some of the processing performed by the reel rotation control unit 112 may be performed by the game state control unit 115. Furthermore, if possible, the configuration of the main control unit 110 may be provided in the sub-control unit 120, or the configuration of the sub-control unit 120 may be provided in the main control unit 110.

The conditions for ending the advantageous period can be set arbitrarily. In other words, the game period may be forcibly set from the advantageous period to the normal period under conditions different from those mentioned above, or it may be not necessary to set any conditions for forcibly setting the advantageous period to the normal period. For example, the game period may be forcibly set from the advantageous period to the normal period when the number of games played in the advantageous period reaches 3000, but the game period may not be forcibly set from the advantageous period to the normal period when the difference in the advantageous period reaches 2400 coins. Furthermore, except in cases where the game period is forcibly set from the advantageous period to the normal period, once the game period is set to the advantageous period, it may be configured so that the game period cannot be set from the advantageous period to the normal period until a so-called bonus (e.g., a type BB) is won once, or until the operation pattern that maximizes the payout of coins is announced once.

If the settings of slot machine 1 are changed, the game period may be configured to either retain the state immediately before the change in the settings of slot machine 1, or it may be configured to reset to a pre-set initial state (i.e., be initialized).

In the above embodiment, the display unit is configured to show that it is in an advantageous period only when the instruction function is activated during the advantageous period and the game is played in a way that maximizes the number of payouts for small wins (excluding the special features and continuous special feature operation device), and the average payout rate exceeds 100%. However, the system is not limited to this configuration. For example, the system may be configured to always display that it is in an advantageous period when the game period transitions to an advantageous period, or it may not be configured to display that it is in an advantageous period.

In the above embodiment, when the game section transitions to a favorable section, the section control unit 114 is configured to display that the game section is a favorable section via a display unit provided on the operation unit 30, but this is not limited to this configuration. For example, the liquid crystal display device 22 may be configured to also function as a display unit, or the display unit may be omitted and the system may be configured not to display that the game section is a favorable section. After the display unit indicates that the game section is a favorable section, it may continue to display that until the favorable section ends, or it may not continue to display that until the favorable section ends.

The control device 100 may include an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) specifically designed to implement predetermined functions using only hardware, instead of a CPU that performs predetermined functions in cooperation with software.

The main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 may be mounted on different circuit boards, or they may be mounted on the same circuit board. That is, the main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 may each have their own CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., or they may share the CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

The "press-sequence" prize is not limited to cases where a prize is won by operating stop switches 34, 35, and 36 in a predetermined sequence. For example, the "press-sequence" prize may be won by operating stop switches 34, 35, and 36 at predetermined positions, or by operating stop switches 34, 35, and 36 in a predetermined sequence in addition to predetermined positions.

The internal draw table may include any other information, depending on the slot machine design, not just the information shown in Figure 9.

At least one active line 70 is required, but two or more lines are acceptable.

This disclosure can also be applied to coinless machines. Coinless machines do not use physical tokens for gameplay; instead, they use information (similar to credit data) that holds the number of tokens. When a bet is placed, the information is subtracted, and when a payout is received, the information is added. In other words, the "number of tokens dispensed" as used in this application, in the case of coinless machines, does not refer to the number of tokens physically dispensed, but rather includes data assigned to and added to the player. Coinless machines do not require a hopper.

This disclosure applies not only to slot machines but also to pachinko gaming machines.

Having described in detail various embodiments of this disclosure with reference to the drawings, we will now conclude by describing various aspects of this disclosure.

The gaming machine of the first aspect of this disclosure is
A gaming machine that allows players to set conditions during gameplay and to determine whether or not the set conditions are met based on the player's actions,
To manage information regarding the right to perform the aforementioned determination,
The information relating to the aforementioned rights may be changed in accordance with the results of the aforementioned determination.

The gaming machine of the second aspect of this disclosure is, in the gaming machine of the first aspect,
The system includes an instruction display that instructs the player to perform the aforementioned determination,
The aforementioned instruction and presentation may not be executed even if the player is capable of making the aforementioned determination.

A gaming machine of the third aspect of this disclosure is a gaming machine of the first or second aspect,
The system includes a suggestive presentation that indicates the ability to perform the aforementioned determination.
The aforementioned suggestive presentation may be executed when the player is able to perform the aforementioned determination.

The fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a gaming machine that, in any of the gaming machines of the first to third aspects,
The aforementioned determination is executable during the period associated with the aforementioned conditions,
The aforementioned period ends when the number of games played is two or more and a predetermined number of games have been played.

The gaming machine of the fifth aspect of this disclosure is, in the gaming machine of the fourth aspect,
The aforementioned conditions include predetermined validity statuses that may be announced in accordance with the progress of the game during the aforementioned period.

The sixth aspect of this disclosure is a gaming machine that, in any of the gaming machines of the first to fifth aspects,
If the above determination determines that the above conditions are met, the benefit will be granted.

The seventh aspect of this disclosure is a gaming machine in which, in the sixth aspect of the gaming machine,
It has multiple setting values that offer different degrees of advantage to the game.
The aforementioned benefit includes notification or suggestion of the set value.

The eighth aspect of this disclosure is a gaming machine that, in the sixth or seventh aspect,
The aforementioned benefits include benefits in the form of winnings.

The gaming machine of the ninth aspect of this disclosure is a gaming machine of any of the sixth to eighth aspects,
The benefit changes depending on the number of times, as a result of the determination, the condition is found to be met during the period to which the condition is associated.

The tenth aspect of this disclosure is a gaming machine that, in any of the gaming machines of the first to ninth aspects,
The information regarding the aforementioned rights will be reset when certain conditions are met.

The eleventh aspect of this disclosure is a gaming machine that, in any of the gaming machines of the first to tenth aspects,
The information relating to the right to perform the said determination includes the number of the right to perform the said determination that is held,
The aforementioned determination can be performed as many times as the number of rights to perform the aforementioned determination held.

The gaming machine of the twelfth aspect of this disclosure is a gaming machine of the eleventh aspect,
The number of rights to perform the aforementioned determination that one possesses may increase or decrease depending on the result of the determination.

By appropriately combining any of the various embodiments or modifications described above, the effects of each can be achieved. Furthermore, combinations of embodiments, examples, or embodiments are possible, as well as combinations of features from different embodiments or examples.

1 Slot machine 10 Cabinet 20 Front door 22 Liquid crystal display 33 Start switches 34, 35, 36 Stop switches 37 Operating devices 41, 42, 43 Rotating reels 100 Control device 121 Performance control unit 122 Condition setting unit 123 Judgment unit 124 Benefit granting unit

Claims (12)

A gaming machine that allows the player to set one condition from among multiple conditions related to performances that can be achieved during gameplay, and that can determine whether or not to execute a check to see if the set condition is met based on the player's actions,
To manage information regarding the right to perform the aforementioned determination,
The information relating to the aforementioned rights may be changed in accordance with the results of the aforementioned determination .
A gaming machine in which the feasibility of performing the aforementioned determination can be determined by the operation of an operator unrelated to the progress of the game . The system includes an instruction display that instructs the player to perform the aforementioned determination,
The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the instruction and performance may not be performed even if the player is capable of performing the determination. The system includes a suggestive presentation that indicates the ability to perform the aforementioned determination.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the suggestive presentation may be performed when the player is able to perform the determination. The aforementioned determination is executable during the period associated with the aforementioned conditions,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned period is two or more games and ends when a predetermined number of games are played. The gaming machine according to claim 4 , wherein the conditions include a predetermined correctness or incorrectness that may be notified in accordance with the progress of the game during the aforementioned period. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, if the above determination determines that the above conditions are met, a benefit is granted. It has multiple setting values that offer different degrees of advantage to the game.
The gaming machine according to claim 6 , wherein the benefit includes notification or suggestion of the set value. The gaming machine according to claim 6 , wherein the aforementioned benefit includes a benefit in the form of payouts. The gaming machine according to claim 6 , wherein the benefit changes depending on the number of times the condition is determined to be met as a result of the determination during the period associated with the condition. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the information relating to the aforementioned rights is reset when a predetermined condition is met. The information relating to the right to perform the said determination includes the number of the right to perform the said determination that is held,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the determination can be performed as many times as the number of rights to perform the determination that the machine possesses. The gaming machine according to claim 11 , wherein the number of rights to perform the aforementioned determination can be increased or decreased depending on the result of the determination.