JP2010125060A - Game machine and game machine system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine preventing degradation in game performance when a game parlor is opened and saving power while a parlor is closed. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine played by a player includes: a game board; a control part for controlling operation of the game machine including the game board; and an energy saving switch for switching an operation mode of a second electronic component for controlling performance of the game among electronic components comprising the control part to an energy saving mode for a period when the game parlor is closed from a normal mode for a period when the game parlor is open while maintaining the operation mode of a first electronic component for controlling progress of the game at normal mode for a period when the game parlor is open. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a gaming machine system, and more particularly, a gaming machine and a gaming machine capable of saving power during the closing period while preventing a decrease in gaming performance when opening a hall in which the gaming machine is installed. About the system.

  Conventionally, a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine operates by supplying electric power to a control unit, an image display unit, and an electrical decoration that control the gaming machine. In order to reduce the power supply amount, a gaming machine in which a power saving mode is set has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

  In the power saving reduction system disclosed in Patent Document 1, a game machine is provided with a player power saving switch operated by a player, and the game machine is provided with a facility disconnecting switch operated by a store clerk. When the player operates the player's power saving switch, the power supply to the lamp provided in the gaming machine is cut off, and the power consumption of the gaming machine is suppressed. In addition, when the store clerk operates the facility power saving switch, the power supply to the lamp provided in the gaming machine is cut off, and the power consumption of the gaming machine is suppressed. Both the player power saving switch and the facility power saving switch in the system are operated during business hours, that is, during a store opening period.

  In general, in stores where gaming machines are installed, the opening period during which the player can play with the gaming machine (from the opening of the store to the closing time) and the closing period during which the player cannot play with the gaming machine ( From the time the store closes until the store opens). Recent pachinko machines have a variety of modes such as probability variation mode, so if they are not kept in operation even during the closing period, the gameability may drop when the store opens the next morning. It is increasing. Therefore, by setting the gaming machine to the operating state even during the closing period, the state of each gaming machine at the time of opening the store is maintained at the state at the time of the previous closing, and the gaming property of the gaming machine at the time of opening the store is prevented from being lowered. be able to.

  By the way, during the closing period when there are no players, it is desired from the viewpoint of energy saving to suppress power consumption. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain the gaming machine during the closing period while keeping the power consumption of the gaming machine low (hereinafter referred to as an energy saving mode).

However, the power saving reduction system disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a technique for power saving during the opening period, and is not a technique for saving power during the closing period. That is, in this power saving system, since the player's power saving switch operation and the facility power saving switch operation are both performed during the opening period, the gaming machine cannot be in a power saving state during the closing period.
JP 2003-135692 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine and a gaming machine system capable of saving power during the closing period while preventing a decrease in gaming performance at the time of opening the store.

The first invention is
A gaming machine that is played by a player,
Game board,
A control unit for controlling the operation of the gaming machine including the gaming board;
The operation mode of the second electronic component that controls the effect of the game is opened while the operation mode of the first electronic component that controls the progress of the game among the electronic components that constitute the control unit is maintained in the normal mode for the opening period. And an energy saving switch for switching from the normal mode for the period to the energy saving mode for the closing period for suppressing power consumption.

  According to the present invention, when the store clerk operates the energy saving switch when the store is closed, the first electronic component is maintained in the normal mode for the store opening period and the second electronic component is maintained in the energy saving mode for the store closing period. You can switch to The first electronic component controls the progress of the game. The second electronic component controls the effect of the game. According to the law, if an electronic component that controls the progress of a game is in a normal mode, that is, an operating state, even if the model has various modes such as a probability variation mode, the gameability does not deteriorate when the store is opened after the closing period. Further, by switching the second electronic component to the energy saving mode, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the gaming machine during the closing period.

According to a second invention, in the first invention,
In any of the normal mode and the energy saving mode, the second electronic component can receive a control signal for controlling the operation of the second electronic component from the first electronic component,
When the first electronic component transmits a return control signal for instructing the second electronic component to return to the normal mode, the second electronic component is switched from the energy saving mode to the normal mode.

  According to this configuration, the second electronic component can return to the normal mode from the energy saving mode by receiving the return control signal from the first electronic component when the store is opened after the closing period.

According to a third invention, in the second invention,
A detection unit for detecting that the game has started;
When the start of the game is detected by the detection unit, the first electronic component transmits the return control signal.

  According to this configuration, the first electronic component transmits a return control signal to the second electronic component based on the detection of the start of the game. The second electronic component can receive the return control signal and return from the energy saving mode to the normal mode.

According to a fourth invention, in the third invention,
The energy saving mode is a standby mode in which when the second electronic component receives the return control signal from the first electronic component, the second electronic component immediately returns to the normal mode.

  According to this configuration, when the second electronic component receives the return control signal from the first electronic component, the second electronic component can immediately return to the normal mode and start the game.

According to a fifth invention, in any one of the first to fourth inventions,
The second electronic component includes an effect control board for comprehensively controlling game effects, an image sound control board for controlling effects using images and sound, and a lamp control board for controlling effects using lamps and movable accessories. Is at least one of the control boards.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce power consumption of at least one of the effect control board, the image sound control board, and the lamp control board.

A sixth invention is any one of the second to fourth inventions,
The first electronic component includes a main control board that performs lottery and win determination and controls the number of prize balls to be paid out, a payout control board that controls the payout of prize balls, and a launch that controls the launch of game balls. And a control board, wherein the main control board transmits the control signal.

  According to this configuration, the first electronic component includes the main control board, the payout control board, and the launch control board, and these control boards are maintained in the operating state even during the closing period. Therefore, even if the gaming machine is a model having various modes such as a probability variation mode, the gameability does not deteriorate when the store is opened after the closing period. In addition, the main control board can transmit a return control signal to the second electronic component during the closing period to return the second electronic component from the energy saving mode to the normal mode.

According to a seventh invention, in the first invention,
The energy saving switch is provided at a position that can be operated by an administrator of the gaming machine and cannot be operated by the player.

  According to this configuration, only the administrator can operate the energy saving switch to switch the second electronic component from the normal mode to the energy saving mode.

In an eighth aspect based on the seventh aspect,
The energy saving switch is provided on a back surface of the game board.

  According to this configuration, since the energy saving switch is provided on the rear surface of the game board, it is possible to prevent the player from operating the energy saving switch.

In a ninth aspect based on the eighth aspect,
A frame member that supports the game board so as to be opened and closed;
The frame member further includes a lock portion that locks the game board with respect to the frame member when the game board is supported in the closed state.

  According to this configuration, when the frame member supports the game board in a closed state, the game board can be locked to the frame member. Therefore, only the store clerk who has the key can unlock and open the game board, and operate the energy saving switch on the rear surface of the game board.

The tenth invention is
A gaming machine system including a gaming machine played by a player,
A gaming machine and a host computer capable of transmitting control signals to the gaming machine;
The above gaming machine is
Game board,
A control unit for controlling the operation of the gaming machine including the gaming board,
The host computer
The operation mode of the second electronic component that controls the effect of the game is opened while the operation mode of the first electronic component that controls the progress of the game among the electronic components that constitute the control unit is maintained in the normal mode for the opening period. Equipped with an energy saving switch that switches from the normal mode for the period to the energy saving mode for the closing period that reduces power consumption,
A switching control signal output by operating the energy saving switch is transmitted to the gaming machine.

  According to the present invention, when the store clerk operates the energy saving switch at the time of closing, the second electronic component can be switched to the energy saving mode for the closing period while maintaining the first electronic part in the normal mode for the opening period. . The first electronic component controls the progress of the game. The second electronic component controls the effect of the game. According to the law, if an electronic component that controls the progress of a game is in a normal mode, that is, an operating state, even if the model has various modes such as a probability variation mode, the gameability does not deteriorate when the store is opened after the closing period. Further, by switching the second electronic component to the energy saving mode, it is possible to suppress the power consumption of the gaming machine during the closing period.

  According to the gaming machine and the gaming machine system according to the present invention, it is possible to save power during the closing period while preventing a decrease in gaming properties at the time of opening the store.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 3 provided in the gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is a partial plan view of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an example of a state in which the front door frame 70c and the inner frame 70b of the gaming machine 1 are opened.

  In FIG. 1, a gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins a prize, for example. The gaming machine 1 includes a game board 2 on which game balls are launched. A game area 20 for playing a game with a game ball is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. In the gaming area 20, a rail member (from which a game ball launched from below (the launching device 211; see FIG. 5) rises along the main surface of the game board 2 and forms a path toward the upper position of the gaming area 20 ( (Not shown) and a guide member (not shown) for guiding the raised game ball to the right side of the game area 20.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an image display unit 21 that displays images for various effects at positions that are easily visible to the player. The image display unit 21 notifies the player of the symbol lottery result (symbol variation result) by displaying, for example, a decorative symbol according to the progress of the game by the player, or notices by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item. Display the production. The image display unit 21 includes a liquid crystal display device, an EL (Electro Luminescence) display device, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) dot display device, a 7-segment display device, and the like. Any display device may be used. Further, a movable accessory 22 and a board lamp 23 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 2. The movable accessory 22 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 2 and performs various effects by moving it with a predetermined operation in accordance with the progress of the game by the player. The board lamp 23 emits light according to the progress of the game by the player, thereby performing various effects by light.

  The game area 20 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (both not shown) that change the direction in which the game ball falls downward. Further, in the game area 20, various bonuses related to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In FIG. 1, a start opening 25, a gate 27, a large winning opening 28, and a normal winning opening 29 are arranged on the game board 2 as examples of various prizes related to winning and lottery. Further, the game area 20 is provided with a discharge port 24 for discharging out of the game area 20 a game ball that has not been won in the winning area among the game balls launched into the game area 20.

  The start opening 25 wins when a game ball enters, and a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) is started. The starting opening 25 operates a predetermined special electric accessory (big winning opening 28) and / or a predetermined special symbol display (for example, a special symbol display 31 described later). It is a winning mouth related to the winning. When the game ball passes through the gate 27, a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is started.

  The start port 25 includes an electric tulip 26 in the vicinity of the entrance of the game ball as an example of a normal electric accessory. The electric tulip 26 has a pair of wings imitating tulip flowers, and the pair of wings opens and closes left and right by driving an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (for example, an electric solenoid), which will be described later. Lights up or blinks together. When the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 26 are closed, the opening width guided to the entrance of the start port 25 is relatively narrow, so that the game ball is difficult to enter the start port 25. On the other hand, the electric tulip 26 is configured so that the game ball can easily enter the starting port 25 because the opening width guided to the inlet of the starting port 25 increases when the pair of blade portions opens left and right. When the electric tulip 26 wins the normal symbol lottery by passing the game ball through the gate 27, the pair of blade portions open for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) while lighting or flashing, and the specified number of times (for example, 3) Open and close).

  The special winning opening 28 is located below the start opening 25 and is opened according to the result of the special symbol lottery. The special winning opening 28 is normally in a closed state so that no game balls can enter, but depending on the result of the special symbol lottery, it protrudes from the main surface of the game board 2 and is in an open state. The game ball is easy to enter. For example, the grand prize winning opening 28 is a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 30 seconds have elapsed or the game is open until the game ball is won or the accumulated cumulative time of 10 gaming balls is within 1.8 seconds). , 15 times or 2 times). Further, the lottery does not start at the normal winning opening 29 even if a game ball wins.

  In addition, a display 3 is provided at a predetermined position (for example, lower right) of the game board 2 to display the result of the above-described special symbol lottery or normal symbol lottery and the number of holds. Details of the display 3 will be described later.

  The gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with one start opening 25 in the game area 20, but is provided with a plurality of start openings for winning a special symbol lottery when a game ball enters. It doesn't matter. Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with one big winning opening 28 in the gaming area 20, but a plurality of big winning openings having the same function as the big winning opening 28 may be provided.

  In addition, as will be apparent from the description below, the gaming machine 1 may vary in jackpot probability that a jackpot will be drawn in a special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition. For example, the gaming machine 1 has a state in which the jackpot probability is relatively low (low probability state; for example, the jackpot probability is 1/300) to a state in which the jackpot probability is relatively high (high probability state; for example, the jackpot probability is 30 May fluctuate to 1). In addition, the gaming machine 1 can reduce the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning at the time of the normal symbol lottery, or reduce the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. In some cases, the opening time of the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is extended, or the number of times the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is opened and closed increases (electric chew support).

  Here, the payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball enters the start opening 25, the big winning opening 28, and the normal winning opening 29 (winning), a predetermined number of winning balls per game ball are paid out according to the place where the game ball has won. For example, when a game ball is won at the start opening 25, four prize balls are awarded. When a game ball is won at the big prize opening 28, 13 prize balls are awarded. When a game ball is awarded at the ordinary prize opening 29, ten prize balls are obtained. To be paid out. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 27, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

  The front door frame 70c located on the front side of the gaming machine 1 includes a handle 51, a lever 52, a stop button 53, a takeout button 54, a speaker 55, a frame lamp 56, an effect button 57, an effect key 58, a dish 59, and a lock. A portion 43 and the like are provided.

  When the player touches the handle 51 and performs an operation to rotate the lever 52 in the clockwise direction, the launching device 211 (at 100 hits per minute) with a hitting force corresponding to the operation angle (for example, 100 per minute). FIG. 5) electrically fires a game ball. The tray 59 (see FIG. 2) is provided so as to protrude forward of the gaming machine 1, and temporarily stores game balls to be supplied to the launching device 211. In addition, the above-described prize ball is paid out to the plate 59. Then, the game balls stored in the tray 59 are supplied to the launching device 211 one by one by a supply device (not shown) at a timing linked with the operation by the player's lever 52. In addition, the plate 59 may be configured by integrating the upper and lower plates, or may be configured by separating the upper plate and the lower plate. The handle 51 may emit light under predetermined conditions.

  The stop button 53 is provided on the lower side surface of the handle 51, and even when the player touches the handle 51 and rotates the lever 52 in the clockwise direction, the game ball is released by being pressed by the player. Is temporarily stopped. The take-out button 54 is provided on the front surface in the vicinity of the position where the tray 59 is provided. When the player presses the game ball, the game ball stored on the tray 59 is dropped into a box (not shown).

  The speaker 55 and the frame lamp 56 respectively notify the gaming state and situation of the gaming machine 1 and perform various effects. The speaker 55 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. Further, the frame lamp 56 performs various effects by light depending on a pattern by lighting / flashing, a difference in emission color, or the like. Note that the frame lamp 56 may change the light irradiation direction and produce an effect by changing the irradiation direction.

  Next, the display 3 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the display 3 includes a special symbol display 31, a special symbol hold display 32, a normal symbol display 33, a normal symbol hold display 34, and a game state display 35.

  The special symbol display 31 is displayed with the display symbol varying in response to the game ball winning at the start opening 25. For example, the special symbol display 31 is composed of a 7-segment display device, and when a game ball wins at the start opening 25, the special symbol is variably displayed and the lottery result is displayed. In the normal symbol display 33, the display symbol is changed and displayed in response to the game ball passing through the gate 27. For example, the normal symbol display 33 is constituted by an LED display device, and when a game ball passes through the gate 27, the normal symbol is variably displayed and the lottery result is displayed.

  The special symbol hold indicator 32 displays the number of times the special symbol lottery is held. The normal symbol hold display 34 displays the number of times the normal symbol lottery is held. For example, if another game ball wins during the period when the display symbol is variably displayed by the special symbol display 31 or the normal symbol display 33 (while the variability display for one win is being performed) The variation display of the display pattern for the winning game ball is held for a predetermined number of times (for example, four times) until the variation display for the previously won gaming ball is completed. The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (the number of undrawn lots) are displayed on the special symbol hold indicator 32 and the normal symbol hold indicator 34. For example, the special symbol hold indicator 32 and the normal symbol hold indicator 34 are each configured by LED display devices arranged in a row, and the number of times of hold is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  The game status indicator 35 displays the game status at the time when the gaming machine 1 is powered on. As will be apparent from the description below, the gaming machine 1 has a plurality of gaming states (for example, a normal gaming state, a probability variation gaming state, a short-time gaming state, and a latent gaming state). When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the gaming state is notified by the gaming state indicator 35. For example, the gaming status indicator 35 is composed of a plurality of LED display devices, and the gaming status is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  Next, an input device provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an effect button 57 and an effect key 58 as an example of an input device.

  The effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are provided for the player to input the effect. The effect button 57 is provided on the upper side of the dish 59 protruding forward of the gaming machine 1. The production key 58 has a center key and a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape, and is provided on the upper side of the plate 59 adjacent to the production button 57. For example, the production key 58 is configured such that one central key is arranged at the center and four peripheral keys having substantially the same shape are arranged around the central key. The effect button 57 and the effect key 58 are each pressed by the player to perform a predetermined effect. For example, the player can select any of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 21 by operating four surrounding keys of the effect key 58. Further, the player can input the selected image as information by operating the center key of the effect key 58. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the energization of at least a part of the gaming machine 1 is suppressed by pressing the effect button 57 or the effect key 58 with the front door frame 70c of the gaming machine 1 being opened. The gaming machine 1 can be shifted to an operation mode (energy saving mode; hereinafter referred to as an energy saving mode).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the operation | movement which opens and closes the front door frame 70c and the component related to the said operation | movement are demonstrated. The gaming machine 1 is, for example, a pachinko gaming machine configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by a player's instruction operation wins a prize. The gaming machine 1 includes a game board holding frame 70 as a frame member that supports the game board 2 so as to be opened and closed. The game board holding frame 70 includes a rectangular outer frame 70a, an inner frame 70b to which the game board 2 is attached and detached, and a front door frame 70c having a transparent plate 50. One side of the inner frame 70b and the front door One side of the frame 70c is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the outer frame 70a.

  A lock 43 is provided on the other side of the front door frame 70c, and the inner frame 70b is closed to the outer frame 70a by rotating the key inserted into the lock 43 clockwise. The front door frame 70c can be opened and closed (direction B shown in FIG. 4) with respect to the frame 70b. Further, by rotating the key inserted into the lock 43 counterclockwise, the inner frame 70b and the front door frame 70c are moved relative to the outer frame 70a in a state where the front door frame 70c is closed by the inner frame 70b. Can be integrally opened and closed (direction C shown in FIG. 4). By opening the inner frame 70b, the rear surface of the game board 2 is opened to the outside, and an operation in which a store employee directly touches the rear surface of the game board 2 becomes possible.

  In addition, a ball tank for storing game balls for payout and a payout device (payout drive unit 311) for paying out game balls to the tray 59 are provided on the upper rear side of the game board 2, and various boards are attached. It has been. For example, a main board, a sub board, and the like are disposed on the rear surface of the game board 2. More specifically, the main board includes a main control board configured with a main control unit 100 that performs internal lottery and determination of winning, etc., and a launch control that controls a launch device 211 that launches a game ball to the upper part of the game area 20. A launch control board in which the unit 200 is configured, a payout control board in which a payout control unit 300 that controls the payout of prize balls, and the like are disposed. The main board is sealed by a main board case made of a transparent member so that a trace remains when opened. In addition, the sub-board includes an effect control board configured with an effect control unit 400 that comprehensively controls the effects of the game, an image control board configured with an image sound control unit 500 that controls effects based on images and sounds, and Various lamps (frame lamp 56, panel lamp 23) and a lamp control board on which a lamp control unit 600 for controlling effects by the movable accessory 22 is arranged. Further, on the rear surface of the gaming board 2, a switching power source is provided that converts 100V AC power supplied to the gaming machine 1 to DC power and outputs the DC power to the various boards described above.

  An energy saving switch 71 provided on the rear surface of the game board 2 is connected to the effect control unit 400. The energy saving switch 71 is configured so that the store clerk can operate from the rear side of the game board 2 and is, for example, a push button switch. The energy saving switch 71 is operated by a store clerk after the store is closed. The energy saving switch 71 maintains the operation mode of the first electronic component 72 for controlling the progress of the game in the normal mode for the store opening period, and sets the operation mode of the second electronic component 73 for controlling the game effect for the store opening period. Switch from the normal mode to the energy-saving mode for closing time to reduce power consumption.

  The first electronic component 72 is a main control board in which the main control unit 100 is configured, a launch control board in which the launch control unit 200 that controls the launch device 211 is configured, and a payout control board in which the payout control unit 300 is configured. is there.

  The second electronic component 73 includes at least one of an effect control board on which the effect control unit 400 is configured, an image control board on which the image sound control unit 500 is configured, and a lamp control board on which the lamp control unit 600 is configured. Control board.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a control device that performs operation control and signal processing in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a control device provided in the gaming machine 1.

  In FIG. 5, the control device of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, a launch control unit 200, a payout control unit 300, an effect control unit 400, an image sound control unit 500, and a lamp control unit 600.

  The main control unit 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103. The CPU 101 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of payout prize balls, such as internal lottery and determination of winning. The ROM 102 stores programs executed by the CPU 101, various data, and the like, and the RAM 103 is used as a work memory for the CPU 101. Hereinafter, main functions of the main control unit 100 will be described.

  The main control unit 100 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the start opening 25, and sends determination result data indicating whether or not the special symbol lottery is won to the effect control unit 400. In addition, the main control unit 100 includes data indicating a variation setting of the winning probability determined according to the special symbol lottery (for example, a variation setting from 1/300 to 1/30) and a special symbol variation time reduction setting, Data indicating the setting for shortening the normal symbol variation time determined according to the normal symbol lottery is sent to the effect control unit 400.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening time when the blade portion of the electric tulip 26 is opened, the number of times the blade portion is opened and closed, and the opening / closing time interval at which the blade portion is opened and closed. Further, the main control unit 100 manages the number of times when the game ball has won the start opening 25 and the number of times when the game ball has passed through the gate 27.

  The main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 28 according to the result of the special symbol lottery. For example, the main control unit 100 keeps the big winning opening 28 in a projecting and inclined state until a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds elapse or 10 game balls are won or the accumulated accumulated time is less than 1.8 seconds). Control is performed so that the maintained round is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times or 2 times). In addition, the main control unit 100 controls the opening / closing time interval at which the special winning opening 28 opens and closes.

  When a game ball wins the start opening 25, the big winning opening 28, and the normal winning opening 29, the main control unit 100 pays out a predetermined number of winning balls per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. In addition, the payout control unit 300 is instructed about the number of payouts. For example, the main control unit 100 determines that four game balls are awarded when the game ball is won at the start opening 25, 13 prize balls are awarded when the game ball is awarded at the big prize opening 28, and 10 when the game ball is awarded at the normal prize opening 29. An instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 300 so as to pay out each prize ball. Even if the main control unit 100 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 27, the main control unit 100 does not instruct the payout control unit 300 to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith. When the payout control unit 300 pays out a prize ball according to an instruction from the main control unit 100, information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 300 is sent to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 manages the number of paid-out prize balls based on the information acquired from the payout control unit 300.

  The main control unit 100 controls the launching device 211 that launches the game ball via the launch control unit 200. For example, the main control unit 100 transmits a signal permitting the operation of the launching device 211 to launch a game ball to the launch control unit 200 via the payout control unit 300 based on a predetermined condition.

  In order to realize the above-described functions, the main control unit 100 includes a start port switch 111, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 112, a gate switch 113, a big winning port switch 114, a big winning port opening / closing unit 115, a normal winning port switch 116, A special symbol display 31, a special symbol hold indicator 32, a normal symbol indicator 33, and a normal symbol hold indicator 34 are connected.

  The start port switch 111 detects that a game ball has won the start port 25 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 opens and closes the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 26 in response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The gate switch 113 detects that the game ball has passed through the gate 27 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The big prize opening switch 114 detects that a game ball has won the big prize opening 28 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100. The special prize opening / closing unit 115 opens and closes the special prize opening 28 in response to a control signal sent from the main control unit 100. The normal winning port switch 116 detects that a game ball has won the normal winning port 29 and sends a detection signal to the main control unit 100.

  The main control unit 100 also displays on the special symbol display 31 the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning the game ball in the starting port 25. The main control unit 100 displays on the special symbol hold indicator 32 the number of times the lottery is put on hold in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the start opening 25. The main control unit 100 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 27 on the normal symbol display 33. Then, the main control unit 100 displays the number of holdings on which the lottery is put on hold according to the passing of the game ball to the gate 27 on the normal symbol holding display 34.

  Further, the main control unit 100 transmits various types of information to a host computer (hall computer) provided in a store (hall) where the gaming machine 1 is installed. Then, the main control unit 100 transmits information regarding the number of paid-out prize balls acquired from the payout control unit 300, information indicating the state of the main control unit 100, and the like to the host computer.

  The launch control unit 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, and a RAM 203. The CPU 201 performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the launching device 211. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data, and the RAM 203 is used as a work memory for the CPU 201.

  When the position of the lever 52 is in the neutral position, the lever 52 is in a firing stop state without outputting a signal. When the lever 52 is rotated in the clockwise direction, the lever 52 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the launch control unit 200 as a hitting ball firing command signal. The launch control unit 200 controls the launch operation of the launch device 211 based on the hit ball launch command signal. For example, the launch control unit 200 controls the operation of the launch device 211 such that the speed at which the game ball is launched increases as the rotation angle of the lever 52 increases. Further, the launch control unit 200 can perform the launch operation of the launch device 211 by receiving a signal permitting launch from the main control unit 100. On the other hand, when the signal indicating that the stop button 53 is pressed is output or the control signal for stopping the emission is output from the main control unit 100, the launch control unit 200 performs the operation of launching the game ball by the launch device 211. Stop.

  The payout control unit 300 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, and a RAM 303. The CPU 301 performs a calculation process when controlling the payout of the payout ball. The ROM 302 stores programs executed by the CPU 301, various data, and the like, and the RAM 303 is used as a working memory for the CPU 301 and the like. Then, the payout control unit 300 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the main control unit 100.

  Specifically, the payout control unit 300 acquires from the main control unit 100 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won. Then, the payout driving unit 311 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 311 is configured by a drive motor or the like that sends out a game ball from a game ball storage unit (ball tank).

  Further, a door opening switch 41 (see FIG. 4) for detecting the opening of the front door frame 70c is connected to the dispensing control unit 300. When the door opening switch 41 is energized (that is, the front door frame 70c is opened), the payout control unit 300 transmits information indicating that to the main control unit 100. Then, the main control unit 100 generates door opening information indicating that the front door frame 70c is opened based on the information regarding the door opening switch 41 transmitted from the payout control unit 300. Send to.

  Further, various information is transmitted to the payout control unit 300 to the host computer. For example, the payout control unit 300 transmits information on the number of prize balls instructed to be paid out to the payout driving unit 311, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out, and the like to the host computer. Also, the payout control unit 300 transmits similar information to the main control unit 100.

  The effect control unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 403, and an RTC (real time clock) 404. The CPU 401 performs a calculation process when controlling the effect. The ROM 402 stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and the RAM 403 is used as a working memory for the CPU 401. The RTC 404 measures the current date and time.

  The production control unit 400 sets production contents based on data indicating the special symbol lottery result and the like sent from the main control unit 100. At that time, when the player presses the effect button 57 or the effect key 58, the effect control unit 400 may set the effect content according to the operation input. In addition, when the game for the gaming machine 1 is interrupted for a predetermined period or longer, the effect control unit 400 sets an effect for waiting for a customer as one of the effects. Furthermore, when the main control unit 100 outputs data indicating that the winning probability at the time of the special symbol lottery is changed, or when outputting data indicating that the special symbol change time at the time of the special symbol lottery is shortened, When the data indicating that the normal symbol variation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery is shortened is output, the effect control unit 400 sets the effect contents corresponding to the contents indicated by the output data. Then, the effect control unit 400 sends commands for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600, respectively.

  In addition, the effect control unit 400 performs control for operating the gaming machine 1 in a plurality of operation modes (normal mode, energy saving mode). For example, when the door opening switch 41 is in an energized state (that is, the front door frame 70c is opened) and either the effect button 57 or the effect key 58 is pressed, the effect control unit 400 Move 1 from normal mode to energy saving mode. In addition, when the gaming machine 1 is started in the energy saving mode (for example, when a game ball is launched in the energy saving mode state), the effect control unit 400 operates by moving the gaming machine 1 from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. Let

  The image sound control unit 500 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, and a RAM 503. The CPU 501 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound expressing the content of the effect. The ROM 502 stores programs executed by the CPU 501 and various data, and the RAM 503 is used as a working memory for the CPU 501.

  The image sound control unit 500 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 21 and the sound output from the speaker 55 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, in the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 21, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player. Image data such as characters and items to be displayed is stored. Further, the ROM 502 of the image sound control unit 500 synchronizes with the image displayed on the image display unit 21 or independently of the displayed image, such as music and sound output from the speaker 55, and further, a jingle or the like. Various acoustic data such as sound effects are stored. The CPU 501 of the image sound control unit 500 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400 from the image data and sound data stored in the ROM 502. Then, the CPU 501 performs image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, and the like using the read image data. Further, the CPU 501 performs voice processing using the read acoustic data. Then, the CPU 501 displays the image indicated by the image processed image data on the image display unit 21. Further, the CPU 501 outputs the sound indicated by the sound data subjected to the sound processing from the speaker 55.

  The lamp control unit 600 includes a CPU 601, a ROM 602, and a RAM 603. The CPU 601 performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 and the operation of the movable accessory 22. The ROM 602 stores programs executed by the CPU 601 and various data, and the RAM 603 is used as a working memory for the CPU 601.

  The lamp control unit 600 controls the lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 and the emission color based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. In addition, the lamp control unit 600 controls the operation of the movable accessory 22 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Specifically, the ROM 602 of the lamp control unit 600 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (light emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. Data) is stored. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 23 and the frame lamp 56 based on the read light emission pattern data. In addition, the ROM 602 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 22 corresponding to the production contents set by the production control unit 400. The CPU 601 selects and reads out the operation pattern data stored in the ROM 602 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 400. Then, the CPU 601 controls the operation of the movable accessory 22 based on the read operation pattern data.

  Next, details of processing performed in the gaming machine 1 (specifically, processing performed in the main control unit 100) will be described. First, main data and programs used in the processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7A to 7D, and 8A to 8D. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of data and programs stored in the RAM 103 of the main control unit 100. FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating an example of jackpot random number data D <b> 2 stored in the RAM 103. FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating an example of jackpot symbol random number data D3 stored in the RAM 103. FIG. 7C is a diagram illustrating an example of the reach random number data D4 stored in the RAM 103. FIG. 7D is a diagram illustrating an example of the hit random number data D <b> 5 stored in the RAM 103. FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an example of the jackpot table of the table data D10 stored in the RAM 103. FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an example of a latent table of table data D10 stored in the RAM 103. FIG. 8C is a diagram illustrating an example of a reach table of the table data D10 stored in the RAM 103. FIG. 8D is a diagram illustrating an example of a table for losing the table data D10 stored in the RAM 103.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the RAM 103 has a data storage area 103D and a program storage area 103P. In the data storage area 103D, random number data D1, jackpot random number data D2, jackpot symbol random number data D3, reach random number data D4, hit random number data D5, hold count data D6, lottery result random number data D7, variation command data D8, variation time Data D9, table data D10, variation pattern data D11, gaming state data D12, symbol setting data D13, symbol data D14, release number data D15, release round number data D16, winning command data D17, winning number data D18, and release time Data D19 and the like are stored. Further, various programs for operating the gaming machine 1 are stored in the program storage area 103P.

  The random number data D1 includes various random numbers updated by the main control unit 100 (big hit random numbers (for example, 0 to 299), big hit symbol random numbers (for example, 0 to 9), reach random numbers (for example, 0 to 249), random numbers ( For example, data indicating 0 to 9), fluctuation pattern random numbers (for example, 0 to 249), and initial value random numbers (for example, 0 to 299) are stored.

  The jackpot random number data D2 stores data for determining whether the acquired jackpot random number is a big hit, a small hit, or not. For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the jackpot random number data D2 includes a random number value that is a jackpot when the gaming machine 1 is in the normal gaming state and the short-time gaming state, and the gaming machine 1 is in the probability changing gaming state and the latent gaming state. Random values that are sometimes big hits and random numbers that are big hits are described. Specifically, the range of the value of the jackpot random number is 0 to 299. In the jackpot random number data D2, in the normal gaming state and the short-time gaming state, one random number value for winning the jackpot is set, and the jackpot winning probability is 1/300. In the jackpot random number data D2, in the probability variation gaming state and the latent gaming state, ten random number values to win the jackpot are set, and the jackpot winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the example of FIG. 7A, when the special symbol lottery is performed in the normal gaming state and the short-time gaming state when the winning symbol 25 is won and the special symbol lottery is performed in the probability variation gaming state and the latent gaming state, the big hit Will win 10 times. Further, in the jackpot random number data D2, regardless of the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, six random numbers for winning a small hit are set, and the winning probability for the jackpot is 6/300 (= 1/50). .

  The jackpot symbol random number data D3 stores data for determining whether the acquired jackpot symbol random number is a jackpot indicating a normal symbol, a jackpot indicating a probability variation symbol A, or a jackpot indicating a probability variation symbol B. . For example, as shown in FIG. 7B, the jackpot symbol random number data D3 includes a random number that is a jackpot that indicates a normal symbol, a random number that is a jackpot that indicates a probability variation symbol A, and a random value that is a jackpot that indicates a probability variation symbol B. , Respectively. Specifically, the range of the value of the jackpot symbol random number is 0-9. In the jackpot symbol random number data D3, four random numbers representing the jackpot indicating the normal symbol are set, and the winning probability of the jackpot indicating the normal symbol is 4/10 (= 2/5). The jackpot symbol random number data D3 has four jackpot random numbers indicating the probability variation symbol A, and the jackpot probability indicating the probability variation symbol A is 4/10 (= 2/5). In the jackpot symbol random number data D3, two random numbers that are jackpots indicating the probability variation symbol B are set, and the winning probability of the jackpot symbol indicating the probability variation symbol B is 2/10 (= 1/5).

  The reach random number data D4 stores data for determining whether the acquired reach random number is an effect indicating the presence of reach or an effect indicating no reach. Here, the “reach effect” indicates an effect performed on the image display unit 21 or the like in order to make the player expect a big hit. For example, as shown in FIG. 7C, the reach random number data D4 describes a random number value that represents the presence of reach and a random number value that represents the effect of no reach. Specifically, the range of reach random numbers is 0 to 249. In the reach random number data D4, 22 random number values indicating the presence of reach are set, and the rate of the effect indicating reach is 22/250 (= 11/125). Further, in the reach random number data D4, 228 random number values representing the effect of no reach are set, and the rate of the effect indicating reach is 228/250 (= 114/125).

  The winning random number data D5 stores data for determining whether or not the acquired winning random number is a hit in the normal symbol lottery. For example, as shown in FIG. 7D, the random number data D5 describes a random value that is a hit in the normal symbol lottery. Specifically, the range of the value of the hit random number is 0-9. The winning random number data D5 has nine winning random numbers set in the normal symbol lottery, and the winning rate is 9/10.

  The number-of-holds data D6 stores data indicating the number of times that the special symbol lottery is on hold (special symbol lottery hold number U) and the number of times that the normal symbol lottery is on hold (normal symbol lottery hold number G). Has been.

  In the lottery result random number data D7, data indicating each random number determined by the special symbol lottery, the normal symbol lottery, or the like is stored in the time series of the lottery.

  The fluctuation command data D8 stores data indicating a fluctuation start command and a fluctuation stop command including setting information set by the jackpot determination process and the fluctuation pattern selection process.

  The variation time data D9 stores data indicating a special symbol variation time for performing a special symbol lottery and a normal symbol variation time for performing a normal symbol lottery.

  The table data D10 stores data for determining in what symbol variation pattern the acquired variation pattern random number produces. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8D, the table data D10 includes a random number value that produces a design change in the variation pattern A (10 seconds), and a randomness that produces a design change in the variation pattern B (30 seconds). A numerical value, a random number that produces an effect that varies in design with a variation pattern C (60 seconds), a random value that produces an effect that varies in design with a variation pattern D (90 seconds), and an effect that varies in design with a variation pattern E (120 seconds) Each random value to be performed is described. Specifically, the range of the value of the fluctuation pattern random number is 0 to 249. Then, as shown in FIG. 8A, in the table data D10, when the gaming machine 1 is a big hit, 25 random numbers that are produced by changing the pattern with the change pattern B are set, and the probability of the change pattern B being 25/250 It has become. In the table data D10, 60 random numbers that are produced by changing the pattern with the change pattern C when the gaming machine 1 is a big hit are set, and the probability of the change pattern C being 60/250. In the table data D10, 110 random numbers that are produced by changing the pattern in the variation pattern D when the gaming machine 1 is a big hit are set, and the probability of the variation pattern D being 110/250. In the table data D10, 55 random numbers that are produced by changing the pattern with the change pattern E when the gaming machine 1 is a big hit are set, and the probability of the change pattern E being 55/250.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the table data D10 is set with 250 random values that are produced by varying the design with the variation pattern C when the gaming machine 1 hits the jackpot and enters the latent gaming state. Is 250/250 (= 100%).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8C, the table data D10 has 110 random number values that are produced by changing the design with the change pattern B when the gaming machine 1 performs the reach effect, and the probability of the change pattern B being 110 / 250. In the table data D10, when the gaming machine 1 performs a reach effect, 60 random numbers that are generated by changing the pattern with the change patterns C and D are set, and the probability of the change patterns C and D being 60/250 respectively. ing. In the table data D10, 20 random numbers that are produced by changing the design with the change pattern E when the gaming machine 1 performs the reach effect are set, and the probability of the change pattern E being 20/250.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 8D, the table data D10 has 250 random numbers that are produced by changing the design with the change pattern A when the gaming machine 1 is disconnected, and the probability of the change pattern A being 250 / 250 (= 100%).

  In the variation pattern data D11, data indicating variation pattern random numbers determined in the process of setting the symbol variation pattern to be produced is stored in order of the setting time series.

  The game state data D12 stores data indicating the game state (the normal game state, the probability variation game state, the short-time game state, the latent game state, etc.) currently set in the gaming machine 1.

  The symbol setting data D13 stores data indicating each symbol (special symbol, normal symbol) which is determined by special symbol lottery, normal symbol lottery, or the like, and is displayed after being variably displayed. In the symbol data D14, data indicating each symbol displayed on the special symbol display 31 is stored.

  The number-of-opening data D15 stores data indicating the number of times that the special winning opening 28 is in an open state (opening number J). The open round number data D16 stores data indicating the number of rounds (open round number R) at which the special winning opening 28 is opened.

  The hit command data D17 is a jackpot command indicating setting information related to the jackpot operation control for controlling the opening operation or the like of the jackpot 28, or setting information related to the jackpot operation control for controlling the opening / closing operation of the blade portion of the electric tulip 26. The data indicating the small hit command indicating is stored respectively.

  The winning number data D18 stores data indicating the number of game balls (winning number C) won in the big winning opening 28.

  The opening time data D19 stores data indicating the opening time of the special winning opening 28.

  Next, details of processing performed in the main control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed in the main control unit 100. FIG. 10 is a subroutine showing the detailed operation of the start port switch process in step S702 of FIG. FIG. 11 is a subroutine showing the detailed operation of the gate switch process in step S703 of FIG. FIG. 12 is a subroutine showing the detailed operation of the special symbol process in step S704 of FIG. FIG. 13 is a subroutine showing the detailed operation of the jackpot determination process in step S745 of FIG. FIG. 14 is a subroutine showing the detailed operation of the variation pattern selection process in step S746 of FIG. FIG. 15 is a subroutine showing the detailed operation of the stop process in step S754 of FIG. FIG. 16 is a subroutine showing the detailed operation of the probability-changing gaming state setting process in step S807 of FIG. FIG. 17 is a subroutine showing the detailed operation of the normal symbol processing in step S705 of FIG. FIG. 18 is a subroutine showing a detailed operation of a part of the big prize opening process in step S706 of FIG. FIG. 19 is a subroutine showing the detailed operation of the remaining portion of the big winning opening process in step S706 of FIG. FIG. 20 is a subroutine showing the detailed operation of the small hit process in step S865 of FIG. FIG. 21 is a subroutine showing the detailed operation of the electric tulip process in step S707 of FIG. In addition, in the flowchart shown in FIGS. 9-21, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted about the other process which is not directly related to this invention. 9 to 21 and the following description, each step executed by the main control unit 100 is abbreviated as “S”.

  When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on, each CPU of the gaming machine 1 executes a startup program stored in a boot ROM (not shown), thereby initializing each unit such as a memory. Then, the program stored in each ROM is read into the RAM, and the execution of the program is started by each CPU. For example, the CPU 101 of the main control unit 100 executes a startup program stored in a boot ROM (not shown), and thereby each unit such as the RAM 103 is initialized. Then, the program stored in the ROM 102 is read into the RAM 103, and the CPU 101 starts executing the program. The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a process performed after the above process is completed.

  In FIG. 9, the main control unit 100 updates various random numbers used in the subsequent processes (S701), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the main control unit 100 determines the jackpot random number (for example, 0 to 299), the jackpot symbol random number (for example, 0 to 9), the reach random number (for example, 0 to 249), and the winning random number that are stored in the random number data D1. 1 is added to each (for example, 0 to 9) and updated, and the random number data D1 is updated using the updated random number. The main control unit 100 returns the random number to 0 and updates it when each random number is the maximum value. In addition, when the big hit random number makes a round (for example, when the big hit random number starts from 100 and goes to 99), the main control unit 100 uses the initial value random number (for example, 0 to 299) stored in the random number data D1. Referring to the initial value random number, the jackpot random number is updated.

  Next, the main control unit 100 monitors the state of the start port switch 111 and executes processing for special symbol lottery when the start port switch 111 is turned on (S702). Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10, the detailed operation of the start port switch process performed in S702 will be described.

  In FIG. 10, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not a game ball has won the start opening 25 and the start opening switch 111 is turned on (S721). When the start port switch 111 is turned on, the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S722. On the other hand, when the start port switch 111 is off, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In S722, the main control unit 100 refers to the hold count data D6 and determines whether or not the special symbol lottery hold count U is less than the upper limit value Umax. For example, the main control unit 100 sets the upper limit value Umax to 4 times. And the main control part 100 advances a process to following S723, when the special symbol lottery reservation frequency | count U is less than the upper limit Umax. On the other hand, when the special symbol lottery suspension count U is equal to or greater than the upper limit value Umax, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In S723, the main control unit 100 adds 1 to the special symbol lottery holding number U and updates it, and proceeds to the next step. For example, the main control unit 100 adds 1 to the special symbol lottery hold count U stored in the hold count data D6, and updates the hold count data D6 using the added special symbol lottery hold count U.

  Next, the main control unit 100 acquires the random numbers for the lottery by the current winning, stores them in the lottery result random number data D7 in chronological order (S724), and ends the processing by the subroutine. Here, the main control unit 100 refers to the random number data D1 and acquires a random number for the special symbol lottery (big hit random number, big hit symbol random number, reach random number) among the random numbers updated in the above S701, and lottery The result is stored in random number data D7. If random numbers for the special symbol lottery are already stored in the lottery result random number data D7 in accordance with the past winnings, the random numbers are stored in the lottery result random number data D7 in the order of winning. As will be described later, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by each random number acquired in S724.

  Returning to FIG. 9, after the start port switch process in S <b> 702, the main control unit 100 monitors the state of the gate switch 113 and executes the process for the normal symbol lottery when the gate switch 113 is turned on. (S703). Hereinafter, the detailed operation of the gate switch process performed in S703 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 27 and the gate switch 113 is turned on (S731). Then, when the gate switch 113 is turned on, the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S732. On the other hand, when the gate switch 113 is off, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In S732, the main control unit 100 refers to the number-of-holds data D6 and determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery number of times G is less than the upper limit value Gmax. For example, the main control unit 100 sets the upper limit value Gmax to 4 times. Then, when the normal symbol lottery holding number G is less than the upper limit Gmax, the main control unit 100 advances the processing to the next S733. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery holding number G is equal to or greater than the upper limit Gmax, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In S733, the main control unit 100 updates the normal symbol lottery holding number G by adding 1 and advances the processing to the next step. For example, the main control unit 100 adds 1 to the normal symbol lottery hold count G stored in the hold count data D6, and updates the hold count data D6 using the added normal symbol lottery hold count G.

  Next, the main control unit 100 acquires a random number for the lottery by the current winning, stores it in the lottery result random number data D7 (S734), and ends the processing by the subroutine. Here, the main control unit 100 refers to the random number data D1, obtains a random number (per random number) for the normal symbol lottery among the random numbers updated in S701, and stores it in the lottery result random number data D7. . As will be described later, the result of the normal symbol lottery is determined by the random number acquired in S734.

  Returning to FIG. 9, after the gate switch process in S703, the main control unit 100 performs a special symbol process (S704). Hereinafter, the detailed operation of the special symbol process performed in S704 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 12, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit (a special symbol lottery win) (S741). For example, in the case of a jackpot, a special symbol representing some kind of jackpot has already been selected, and the special symbol is displayed on the special symbol display 31 and stopped. If the main control unit 100 is not in the big hit, the process proceeds to the next S742. On the other hand, if the main control unit 100 is in a big hit, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine. Hereinafter, an example of “win” set in the gaming machine 1 will be described.

  “Big hit” includes “long win” in which a long hit time is expected to be paid out and a large amount of game balls can be paid out, and “short hit” in which a big hit game time is relatively short. For example, in the “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the big winning opening 28 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) is repeated, for example, 15 times. For “short win”, the above round at the special winning opening 28 is repeated twice, for example.

  Furthermore, “long win” includes both a jackpot called “15 round probability change per change”, which generates both a probability variation (probability change) gaming state and a time reduction (short time) game state after the end of the jackpot game, There is a jackpot called “ordinary jackpot”, in which only the short-time gaming state is generated after the end and the probability variation gaming state is not generated. The “short win” is a big hit called “two-round probable hit”, in which a probabilistic gaming state is generated after the jackpot game ends and a short-time gaming state is not generated.

  In addition, there are “small hit” and “out of place” as states when the big hit is not won. “Small win” is a “hit” in which the above round at the big winning opening 28 is repeated, for example, twice, as in “2 round probability change win”, but neither the probability change gaming state nor the short-time gaming state occurs. Further, the “outage” is a so-called “outage” that does not cause any of the above-described gaming states advantageous to the player.

  In S742, the main control unit 100 refers to the change command data D8 and determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is changing the special symbol. For example, when the fluctuation command data D8 indicates that the special symbol is changing, the main control unit 100 determines that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is changing the special symbol. And the main control part 100 advances a process to following S743, when the present state of the gaming machine 1 is not changing the special symbol. On the other hand, when the current state of the gaming machine 1 is changing the special symbol, the main control unit 100 advances the processing to the next S750.

  In S743, the main control unit 100 refers to the number-of-holds data D6 and determines whether or not the special symbol lottery number of times U is 1 or more. And the main control part 100 advances a process to following S744, when the special symbol lottery holding | maintenance count U is 1 or more. On the other hand, when the special symbol lottery suspension count U is 0, the main control unit 100 means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, and thus the processing by the subroutine is terminated.

  In S744, the main control unit 100 updates the special symbol lottery holding number U by subtracting 1 and advances the processing to the next step. For example, the main control unit 100 subtracts 1 from the special symbol lottery hold count U stored in the hold count data D6, and updates the hold count data D6 using the subtracted special symbol lottery hold count U.

  Next, the main control unit 100 performs jackpot determination processing (S745), and proceeds to the next step. Hereinafter, the jackpot determination process performed in S745 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 13, the main control unit 100 refers to the jackpot random number acquired in S724 and stored in the lottery result random number data D7, with reference to the jackpot random number with the oldest winning, whether or not the bonus has been won in the special symbol lottery Is determined (S761). For example, the main control unit 100 refers to the random value described in the jackpot random number data D2 (see FIG. 7A) to determine which random number value corresponds to the jackpot random number with the oldest winning prize. Then, the main control unit 100 deletes the data indicating the determined jackpot random number from the lottery result random number data D7. Next, when the determination in S761 is a big hit (Yes in S762), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S763. In addition, when the determination in S761 is a small hit (Yes in S769), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S770. On the other hand, when the determination in S761 is neither big win nor small win (that is, missed) (both S762 and S769 are No), the main control unit 100 advances the processing to the next S771.

  In S763, the main control unit 100 refers to the jackpot symbol random number acquired in S724 and stored in the lottery result random number data D7 with reference to the jackpot symbol random number with the oldest winning, and determines the type that was jackpoted in the special symbol lottery. judge. For example, the main control unit 100 refers to the random value described in the jackpot symbol random number data D3 (see FIG. 7B) and determines which one of the random numbers corresponds to the jackpot symbol random number with the oldest winning prize. Then, the main control unit 100 deletes the data indicating the determined jackpot symbol random number from the lottery result random number data D7. Next, when the determination in S763 is the probability variation symbol A (Yes in S764), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S765. Further, when the determination in S763 is the probability variation symbol B (Yes in S766), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S767. On the other hand, if the determination in S763 is neither the probability variation symbol A nor the probability variation symbol B (ie, normal symbol) (both S764 and S766 are No), the main control unit 100 proceeds to the next S768.

  After the above processing, the main control unit 100 stores (sets) the symbol corresponding to the determination result in the symbol setting data D13 as setting information, and ends the processing by the subroutine. For example, in S765, the main control unit 100 stores the probability variation symbol A indicating that it is a jackpot with probability variation in the symbol setting data D13 as setting information. In S767, the main control unit 100 stores the probability variation symbol B representing the jackpot with probability variation in the symbol setting data D13 as setting information. In S768, the main control unit 100 stores, as setting information, the normal symbol representing the jackpot without the probability fluctuation in the symbol setting data D13. In S770, the main control unit 100 stores, in the symbol setting data D13, as a setting information, a small hit symbol indicating that the winning is not accompanied by a probability change or time reduction. In step S771, the main control unit 100 stores, in the symbol setting data D13, the off symbol indicating that the symbol has been shifted to the special symbol lottery as setting information.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the above-described symbols have different shapes, and are stopped after the variable display and displayed on the special symbol display 31. For example, the normal symbol is a symbol indicating that the game is a big hit with no probability variation, and indicates that the gaming machine 1 is in a short-time gaming state. The probability variation symbol A is a symbol representing a jackpot with a probability variation, and indicates that the gaming machine 1 is in a probability variation gaming state. The probability variation symbol B is a symbol representing a jackpot with probability variation, and indicates that the gaming machine 1 is in a probability variation gaming state or a latent gaming state. The small hit symbol is a symbol indicating that the winning is not accompanied by a probability change or time reduction, and indicates that the gaming machine 1 is in the small hit state described above. The lost symbol is a symbol indicating that the player has lost the special symbol lottery, and indicates that the gaming machine 1 is not in a gaming state advantageous to the player.

  Returning to FIG. 12, after the jackpot determination process in S745, the main control unit 100 performs a variation pattern selection process (S746), and proceeds to the next step. Hereinafter, the variation pattern determination process performed in S746 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 14, the main control unit 100 refers to the random number data D1 and acquires the fluctuation pattern random number updated in S711 (see FIG. 9) described later (S781). Next, the main control unit 100 determines in the jackpot determination process in S745 whether or not it is determined that the jackpot is determined (S782), whether or not it is determined that the jackpot is determined (S787), and whether or not the probability variation symbol B is set. (S783) is determined respectively. In the jackpot determination process in S745, the main control unit 100 determines that the jackpot symbol B is not set and the probability variation symbol B is not set (that is, the probability variation symbol A or the normal symbol is set) (Yes in S782, No in S783). ), The process proceeds to the next S784. Further, the main control unit 100 determines in the jackpot determination process in S745 that the jackpot symbol B is set and the probability variation symbol B is set (both S782 and S783 are Yes), or the jackpot determination process is determined to be a jackpot (S787). Yes), the process proceeds to the next S788. On the other hand, when it is determined in the jackpot determination process in S745 that neither the big hit nor the small hit is made (both S782 and S787 are No), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S789.

  In S789, the main control unit 100 refers to the reach random number with the oldest winning among the reach random numbers acquired in S724 and stored in the lottery result random number data D7, and determines whether or not it is in the reach state (S789). ). For example, the main control unit 100 refers to the random number value (see FIG. 7C) described in the reach random number data D4 to determine which random number value corresponds to the reach random number with the oldest winning prize. Then, the main control unit 100 erases the data indicating the determined reach random number from the lottery result random number data D7. Next, when the determination in S789 is that there is a reach (Yes in S790), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S791. If the determination in S789 is that there is no reach (No in S790), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S792.

  After the above processing, the main control unit 100 selects a table to be used for variation pattern random number determination from the table data D10 according to the determination result, and advances the processing to the next S785. For example, in S784, the main control unit 100 selects a jackpot table (see FIG. 8A) and performs a variation pattern random number determination (S785). In S788, the main control unit 100 selects a latent table (see FIG. 8B) and performs variation pattern random number determination (S785). In S791, the main control unit 100 selects a reach table (see FIG. 8C) and performs a variation pattern random number determination (S785). Then, in S792, the main control unit 100 selects the loss table (see FIG. 8D) and performs the variation pattern random number determination (S785).

  In S785, the main control unit 100 determines the variation pattern using the variation pattern random number acquired in S781. For example, the main control unit 100 refers to the random number values described in the currently selected table (see FIGS. 8A to 8D) and determines which random number value the variation pattern random number corresponds to. Next, the main control unit 100 stores (sets) the setting information indicating the variation pattern associated with the variation pattern random number in the variation pattern data D11 (S786), and ends the processing by the subroutine.

  Returning to FIG. 12, after the variation pattern selection process in S746, the main control unit 100 generates a variation start command including the setting information set by the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process, and the variation start command Is used to update (set) the variable command data D8 (S747). For example, the variation start command includes a variation pattern (variation time) determined by other processing, a symbol (normal symbol, probability variation symbol A, probability variation symbol B, small hit symbol, off symbol), and a gaming state (normal gaming state). , Probability variation gaming state, short-time gaming state, latent gaming state) and the like are included as setting information. Next, the main control unit 100 starts display control processing for changing the special symbol and displaying it on the special symbol display 31 (FIG. 2) based on the setting information set in the variable command data D8 (S748). . The main control unit 100 displays the special symbol variation time stored in the variation time data D9 at the variation time indicated by the variation pattern in order to perform the special symbol variation display for the variation time indicated by the variation pattern set in the setting information. Is updated, the measurement of the variation time is started (S749), and the processing by the subroutine is terminated. The change start command set in S747 is also transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in the output process in S709 described later.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S742 that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is in the special symbol variation, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the special symbol variation time has ended (S750). For example, the main control unit 100 advances the processing to the next S751 when the variation time that has been counted from S749 has reached the special symbol variation time stored in the variation time data D9. On the other hand, when the variation time has not reached the special symbol variation time stored in the variation time data D9, the special control variation display is continued, and the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In S751, the main control unit 100 generates a change stop command and updates (sets) the change command data D8 using the change stop command. Next, the main control unit 100 ends the special symbol variation display, displays the special symbol stored in the symbol setting data D13 on the special symbol display 31, and stops it (S752). Then, the main control unit 100 initializes and resets the fluctuation time that has been started from S749 (S753), and proceeds to the next step. The change stop command set in S751 is also transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in the output process of S709 described later.

  Next, the main control unit 100 performs a stop process (S754), and ends the process by the subroutine. Hereinafter, the stop process performed in S754 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 15, the main control unit 100 determines the special symbol lottery result in the special symbol variation display process in which the variation is stopped in S752. And the main control part 100 advances a process to following S802, when the said special symbol lottery result is neither big hit nor small hit (No in S801). Moreover, the main control part 100 advances a process to following S807, when the said special symbol lottery result is a big hit (both S801 and S806 are No). Further, when the special symbol lottery result is a small hit (No in S801, Yes in S806), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S810.

  In step S802, the main control unit 100 refers to the number-of-releases data D15 to determine whether the number of times J is zero. Then, when the number of times of opening is not 0, the main control unit 100 advances the processing to the next S803. On the other hand, when the number of times of opening is 0, the main control unit 100 ends the process by the subroutine.

  In step S803, the main control unit 100 updates the release count J by subtracting 1 from the release count J stored in the release count data D15, and updates the release count data D15 using the updated release count J. . Then, the main control unit 100 refers to the number-of-releases data D15 and determines again whether the number of times J is released (S804). Then, when the number of times of opening is 0, the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S805. On the other hand, when the number of times of opening is not 0, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In S805, the main control unit 100 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 to the normal gaming state (the normal gaming state in which neither the probability fluctuation nor the time is shortened), and updates the gaming state data D12 to the data indicating the normal gaming state. Then, the process by the subroutine is finished.

  When the special symbol lottery result is a big hit (Yes in S801, No in S806), the main control unit 100 performs a probability change gaming state setting process (S807), and proceeds to the next step. Hereinafter, the probability variation gaming state setting process performed in S807 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 16, the main control unit 100 refers to the symbol setting data D13, and when the probability variation symbol A is set in the symbol setting data D13 (Yes in S821), the main control unit 100 proceeds to the next step S822. In addition, when the symbol that is neither the probability variation symbol A nor the probability variation symbol B (that is, the normal symbol) is set in the symbol setting data D13 (S821 and S823 are both No), the main control unit 100 performs processing in the next S826. To proceed. Further, when the probability variation symbol B is set in the symbol setting data D13 (No in S821, Yes in S823), the main control unit 100 refers to the gaming state data D12 and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the normal gaming state. Whether or not (S824). Then, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the normal gaming state, the main control unit 100 advances the processing to the next S825. On the other hand, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is not the normal gaming state, the main control unit 100 advances the processing to the next S822.

  After the above processing, the main control unit 100 sets the gaming machine 1 to the gaming state according to the determination result, and updates the gaming state data D12 with data indicating the gaming state. For example, in S822, the main control unit 100 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 to the probability-changing gaming state, updates the gaming state data D12 to data indicating the probability-changing gaming state, and ends the processing by the subroutine. Here, the probability variation gaming state is a gaming state in which the winning probability is shifted with a high probability (the probability is changed) in the special symbol lottery.

  In S826, the main control unit 100 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 to the short-time gaming state, and updates the gaming state data D12 to data indicating the short-time gaming state. Then, the main control unit 100 sets the number of times of opening J to an initial value Js (for example, Js = 100), updates the number of times of opening data D15 using the initial value Js (S827), and ends the processing by the subroutine. . Here, the short-time gaming state is a gaming state in which the variation time of the special symbol is shortened (hereinafter, the time is shortened). In the short-time gaming state, the number J of opening times is set to the initial value Js, so that the short-time gaming state is ended when the special winning opening 28 is opened Js times.

  In S825, the main control unit 100 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 to the latent gaming state, updates the gaming state data D12 with data indicating the latent gaming state, and ends the processing by the subroutine. Here, the latent game state is a game state in which the winning probability is shifted to a high probability (probability is changed) in the special symbol lottery as in the probability variation game state. However, the mode of informing that the latent gaming state is a latent gaming state cannot be easily distinguished by the player.

  For example, an accessory that operates when shifting to a gaming state in which the probability is changed easily collects the player's line of sight. Increased interest in moving objects. However, if the mode of notifying the gaming state for which the probability is changed is easily distinguishable for the player, the interest of the player in finding the difference is reduced, and the player's concentration and interest in the game are prolonged. It becomes difficult to continue. On the other hand, when the notification mode regarding the gaming state with different winning conditions has the same content and the player cannot determine which of the gaming states is set, the player can use the game as a criterion for predicting the gaming state. Cannot be obtained from machine 1. Therefore, there is less pleasure for the player to predict which gaming state with different winning conditions is set. Therefore, the latent game state is directed to find out the difference by making the player indistinguishable from distinguishing the mode in which the latent game state is a latent game state. Can be continued for a long time.

  Returning to FIG. 15, after the probability change gaming state setting process of S807, the main control unit 100 generates a jackpot command including setting information related to the jackpot process and updates the hit command data D17 using the jackpot command. (Set) (S808). Then, the main control unit 100 starts jackpot operation control (S809), and ends the processing by the subroutine. Here, the jackpot operation control refers to control such as opening operation of the big prize opening 28 and opening / closing operation (electric Chu support) of the blade portion of the electric tulip 26. The jackpot operation control based on the probability variation gaming state, the latent gaming state, and the short-time gaming state described above is controlled by different operations. The jackpot command set in S808 is also transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in the output process of S709 described later.

  When the special symbol lottery result is a small hit (both Yes in S801 and S806), the main control unit 100 generates a small hit command including setting information related to the small hit processing and the like, The hit command data D17 is updated (set) by using (S810). Then, the main control unit 100 starts small hitting operation control (S811), and ends the processing by the subroutine. Here, the small hitting operation control indicates control such as opening operation of the big prize opening 28 and opening / closing operation (electrical chew support) of the blade portion of the electric tulip 26. The small hitting operation control is performed by an operation different from the above-described big hitting operation control. The small hit command set in S810 is also transmitted to the effect control unit 400 in the output process of S709 described later.

  Returning to FIG. 9, after the special symbol process in S704, the main control unit 100 performs a normal symbol process (S705). Hereinafter, the detailed operation of the normal symbol processing performed in S705 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 17, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is in an auxiliary game (operation according to the normal symbol lottery win) (S831). Then, when the current state of the gaming machine 1 is not in the auxiliary game, the main control unit 100 advances the processing to the next S832. On the other hand, when the current state of the gaming machine 1 is in an auxiliary game, the main control unit 100 has already selected some normal symbols, and the normal symbols are displayed on the normal symbol display 33 and stopped. Therefore, the processing by the subroutine is finished.

  In S832, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is changing the normal symbol. If the current state of the gaming machine 1 is not normally changing, the main control unit 100 proceeds to the next step S833. On the other hand, when the current state of the gaming machine 1 is normally changing, the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S844.

  In S833, the main control unit 100 refers to the number-of-holds data D6 and determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery number of times G is 1 or more. And the main control part 100 advances a process to following S834, when the normal symbol lottery reservation frequency | count G is 1 or more. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery holding number G is 0, the main control unit 100 means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and thus the processing by the subroutine is finished.

  In S834, the main control unit 100 updates the normal symbol lottery holding number G by subtracting 1 and advances the processing to the next step. For example, the main control unit 100 subtracts 1 from the normal symbol lottery hold count G stored in the hold count data D6, and updates the hold count data D6 using the subtracted normal symbol lottery hold count G.

  Next, the main control unit 100 wins the normal symbol lottery with reference to the winning random number which is acquired in S734 (see FIG. 11) and stored in the lottery result random number data D7, with the oldest winning random number. It is determined whether or not (S835). For example, the main control unit 100 refers to a random value described in the winning random number data D5 (see FIG. 7D) and determines whether or not the winning random number with the oldest winning corresponds to the random value. Then, the main control unit 100 deletes the data indicating the determined winning random number from the lottery result random number data D7. Next, when the determination in S835 is successful (Yes in S836), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S837. Further, when the determination in S835 is out of order (No in S836), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S838.

  After the above processing, the main control unit 100 stores (sets) the symbol corresponding to the determination result in the symbol setting data D13 as setting information, and advances the processing to the next S839. For example, in S837, the main control unit 100 stores a winning symbol representing that the normal symbol lottery is won in the symbol setting data D13 as setting information. Further, in S838, the main control unit 100 stores, in the symbol setting data D13, as a setting information, a missing symbol indicating that the symbol has been shifted to the normal symbol lottery.

  In S839, the main control unit 100 refers to the game state data D12 to determine whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 corresponds to a probability change game state or a short-time game state. When the current state of the gaming machine 1 corresponds to the probability variation gaming state or the short-time gaming state, the main control unit 100 sets the normal symbol variation time stored in the variation time data D9 as the variation time T1 (for example, T1 = 3). Second) (S840), and the process proceeds to the next S842. On the other hand, when the current state of the gaming machine 1 does not correspond to the probability variation gaming state or the short-time gaming state, the main control unit 100 sets the normal symbol variation time stored in the variation time data D9 as the variation time T2 (T1 <T2; for example, , T2 = 29 seconds) (S841), and the process proceeds to the next S842.

  In S842, the main control unit 100 starts display control processing for changing the normal symbol based on the symbol set in the symbol setting data D13 and displaying it on the normal symbol display 33 (FIG. 2). Then, the main control unit 100 starts measuring the variation time in order to perform the normal symbol variation display for the normal symbol variation time stored in the variation time data D9 (S843), and ends the processing by the subroutine.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S832 that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is changing the normal symbol, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the normal symbol changing time has ended (S844). For example, the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S845 when the variation time that has been counted from S843 has reached the normal symbol variation time stored in the variation time data D9. On the other hand, when the variation time has not reached the normal symbol variation time stored in the variation time data D9, the normal symbol variation display is continued, and the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In S845, the main control unit 100 ends the normal symbol variation display, displays the normal symbol stored in the symbol setting data D13 on the normal symbol display 33, and stops it. Then, the main control unit 100 initializes and resets the fluctuation time for which counting has been started from S843 (S846), and proceeds to the next step.

  Next, the main control unit 100 determines the normal symbol lottery result in the normal symbol variation display process in which the variation is stopped in S845 (S847). Then, if the normal symbol lottery result is a win, the main control unit 100 starts operation control of the auxiliary game (S848), and ends the processing by the subroutine. On the other hand, if the normal symbol lottery result is out of place, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  Returning to FIG. 9, after the normal symbol process in S705, the main control unit 100 performs a big prize opening process (S706). Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the detailed operation of the special winning opening process performed in S706 will be described.

  18 and 19, the main control unit 100 refers to the hit command data D17 and determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit (that is, during a big hit operation control) (S851). Then, it is determined whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a small hit (that is, during the small hit operation control) (S864). When the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit (Yes in S851), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S852. In addition, when the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a small hit (No in S851, Yes in S864), the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S865. On the other hand, when the current state of the gaming machine 1 is neither big hit nor small hit (both S851 and S864 are No), the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In S852, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is during the opening effect in the jackpot operation control started in S809. Here, the opening effect is an effect that is performed using image display on the image display unit 21 of the gaming machine 1 immediately before the start of the jackpot game, and the player receives a prize for the game ball at the big prize opening 28. It is a thing to encourage. By this opening effect, the player can know the start timing of the jackpot gaming state. When the main control unit 100 is in the opening stage, the main control unit 100 proceeds to the next step S853. On the other hand, the main control unit 100 proceeds to the next step S866 (FIG. 19) when the opening effect is not being performed.

  In S853, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not a preset time for a jackpot opening effect (a jackpot opening effect time) has elapsed. And the main control part 100 advances a process to following S854, when jackpot opening production time passes. On the other hand, when the jackpot opening presentation time has not elapsed, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine because the jackpot opening presentation is continued.

  In S854, 1 is added to the open round count R stored in the open round count data D16 to update the open round count R, and the open round count data D16 is updated using the updated open round count R. Then, the main control unit 100 drives the special prize opening / closing part 115 to open the special prize opening 28 (S855), and proceeds to the next step.

  Next, the main control unit 100 sets the opening state of the special winning opening 28 in advance (opening time; for example, 30 seconds for the jackpot with the probability variation symbol A or the normal symbol, and two times for the jackpot with the probability variation symbol B) In step S856, it is determined whether or not the accumulated release time has elapsed within 1.8 seconds. Next, the main control unit 100 refers to the winning number data D18 when the open state of the big winning opening 28 has not passed the opening time, and the winning number C is the maximum winning number Cmax (for example, Cmax = 9). ) It is determined whether or not this is the case (S857). Then, when the winning number C is equal to or greater than the winning number maximum value Cmax, the main control unit 100 advances the processing to the next S858. On the other hand, when the winning number C is less than the winning number maximum value Cmax, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine. Further, when the open state of the special winning opening 28 has passed the opening time, the main control unit 100 proceeds to the next S858 as it is.

  In S858, the main control unit 100 drives the special prize opening / closing part 115 to close the special prize opening 28, initializes the winning number C indicated by the winning quantity data D18 to 0, and performs the processing in the next step. Proceed.

  In S859, the main control unit 100 refers to the release round number data D16, and the release round number R is the maximum number of open rounds Rmax (for example, Rmax = 15 in the jackpot due to the probability variation symbol A or the normal symbol, the jackpot due to the probability variation symbol B) Then, it is determined whether or not Rmax = 2) has been reached. Then, when the number of open rounds R reaches the maximum number of open rounds Rmax, the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S860. On the other hand, when the number R of open rounds has not reached the maximum number Rmax of open rounds, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In S860, the main control unit 100 sets the open round number R to 0, and updates the open round number data D16 using the open round number R set to 0. Then, the main control unit 100 starts a jackpot ending effect in the jackpot operation control (S862), and proceeds to the next step. Here, the jackpot ending effect is an effect performed using an image display on the image display unit 21 of the gaming machine 1 at the end of the jackpot game, and notifies the player that the jackpot game state is ended. Is. With this jackpot ending effect, the player can know the end timing of the jackpot gaming state.

  Next, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not a preset time for a jackpot ending effect (a jackpot ending effect time) has elapsed (S862). And main control part 100 advances processing to the following S863, when jackpot ending production time passes. On the other hand, when the jackpot ending effect time has not elapsed, the main control unit 100 ends the process according to the subroutine because the jackpot ending effect is continued.

  In S863, the main control unit 100 ends the jackpot operation control, updates the hit command data D17 using data indicating that the jackpot operation control has ended, and ends the processing by the subroutine.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S852 that the opening effect is not being performed, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 28 is in an open state (S866; FIG. 19). And the main control part 100 advances a process to said S856 (FIG. 18), when the special winning opening 28 is an open state. On the other hand, the main control part 100 advances a process to said S857, when the special winning opening 28 is a closed state.

  In S857, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is during the ending effect in the jackpot operation control started in S861. When the ending effect is being produced, the main control unit 100 advances the process to S862 (FIG. 18). On the other hand, when the ending effect is not being performed, the main control unit 100 proceeds to the next S868.

  In S858, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is an interval time in the jackpot operation control. Here, the interval time is the time from when the special winning opening 28 is closed to the next open state (that is, the round implementation interval). If the main control unit 100 is in the interval time, the main control unit 100 advances the process to S854 (FIG. 18). On the other hand, when the main control unit 100 is not in the interval time, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine.

  In S864, if it is determined that the current state of the gaming machine 1 is a small hit, the main control unit 100 performs a small hit process (S865), and ends the process of the subroutine. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 20, the small hit process performed in S865 will be described.

  In FIG. 20, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is during the opening effect in the small hitting operation control started in S811. Here, the opening effect is an effect performed using an image display on the image display unit 21 of the gaming machine 1 immediately before the start of the small hit game, and the player receives a prize for the game ball at the big winning opening 28. Is to encourage. By this opening effect, the player can know the start timing of the small hit gaming state. When the main control unit 100 is in the opening stage, the process proceeds to the next S872. On the other hand, if the main control unit 100 is not in the opening stage, the process proceeds to the next S880.

  In step S872, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not a preset time for performing a small hitting opening effect (small hitting opening effect time) has elapsed. And the main control part 100 advances a process to following S873, when the small hit opening effect time passes. On the other hand, when the small hit opening effect time has not elapsed, the main control unit 100 ends the processing of the subroutine because the small hit opening effect is continued.

  In S873, the main control unit 100 starts the operation with the operation control for driving the special winning opening / closing unit 115 to open / close the special winning opening 28 with the small hitting opening / closing pattern, and proceeds to the next step. Here, the number of times of opening when the big winning opening 28 is operated in the small hitting opening / closing pattern is the number of opening rounds R (the number of opening rounds in which the big winning opening 28 is continuously operated corresponding to the big win of the probability variation symbol B processed in S851 to S863. That is, it is set to coincide with 2 times. Then, when the winning pattern 28 is continuously operated for two rounds corresponding to the jackpot of the probable variation B, when the winning pattern 28 is won in the small win, It operates to resemble the opening pattern of the winning opening 28.

  More specifically, the law stipulates that the jackpot of the probability variation symbol B must be operated continuously for two or more rounds. In addition, it is stipulated by law that the cumulative winning time of the big winning opening 28 must be set within 1.8 seconds for the small winning of the small winning symbol. Therefore, the number of open rounds in jackpot of probability variation B is set to 2 rounds (maximum number of open rounds Rmax = 2), and the cumulative release time in 2 rounds of release is within 1.8 seconds. "Win". Further, the small hitting opening / closing pattern is set to an operation pattern in which the special winning opening 28 is opened twice within a range where the accumulated opening time in one operation is within 1.8 seconds, and the two are made similar.

  Next, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not one operation time (operation time; for example, a time during which the accumulated release time is within 1.8 seconds in two rounds) set in the small hit opening / closing pattern has elapsed. Is determined (S874). Next, when the operation time has not elapsed, the main control unit 100 refers to the winning number data D18 and determines whether or not the winning number C is equal to or greater than the winning number maximum value Cmax (for example, Cmax = 9). (S875). When the winning number C is equal to or greater than the winning number maximum value Cmax, the main control unit 100 advances the processing to the next S876. On the other hand, when the winning number C is less than the winning number maximum value Cmax, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine. Further, when the operation time has elapsed, the main control unit 100 proceeds to the next S876 as it is.

  In S876, the main control unit 100 ends the operation control by the small hit opening / closing pattern, closes the large winning opening 28, initializes the winning number C indicated by the winning number data D18 to 0, and performs the next step. To proceed.

  Next, the main control unit 100 starts a small hitting ending effect in the small hitting operation control (S877), and proceeds to the next step. Here, the small hitting ending effect is an effect that is performed using an image display on the image display unit 21 of the gaming machine 1 at the end of the small hit game, and that the small hit game state is ended for the player. Is notified. By this small hitting ending effect, the player can know the end timing of the small hit gaming state.

  Next, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not a preset time for a small hitting ending effect (small hitting ending effect time) has elapsed (S878). And the main control part 100 advances a process to following S879, when the small hit ending effect time passes. On the other hand, when the small hitting ending effect time has not elapsed, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine because the small hitting ending effect is continued.

  In step S879, the main control unit 100 ends the small hit operation control, updates the hit command data D17 with data indicating that the small hit operation control has ended, and ends the processing by the subroutine.

  Returning to FIG. 9, after the big prize opening process in S706, the main control unit 100 performs the electric tulip process (S707). Hereinafter, the detailed operation of the electric tulip process performed in S707 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 21, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 is in an auxiliary game started in S848 (FIG. 17) (S891). Then, when the current state of the gaming machine 1 is in an auxiliary game, the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S892. On the other hand, when the current state of the gaming machine 1 is not in an auxiliary game, the main control unit 100 ends the processing by the subroutine because the electric tulip 26 is not opened.

  In S892, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 26 is in an open state (open state). And the main control part 100 advances a process to following S897, when the electric tulip 26 is an open state. On the other hand, when the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 26 is in a closed state, the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S893.

  In S893, the main control unit 100 refers to the game state data D12 to determine whether or not the current state of the gaming machine 1 corresponds to a probability-change game state or a short-time game state. When the current state of the gaming machine 1 corresponds to the probability variation gaming state or the short-time gaming state, the main control unit 100 sets the opening time stored in the opening time data D19 to the opening time T3 (for example, T3 = 3.5). (Second)) (set) (S896), and the process proceeds to the next S896. On the other hand, when the current state of the gaming machine 1 does not correspond to the probability change gaming state or the short-time gaming state, the main control unit 100 sets the opening time stored in the opening time data D19 to the opening time T4 (T3> T4; for example, T4 = 0.2 seconds) (set) (S895), and the process proceeds to the next S896.

  In S896, the main control unit 100 drives the electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 (see FIG. 5) to open the electric tulip 26, and proceeds to the next step.

  Next, the main control unit 100 refers to the opening time data D19 and determines whether or not the opening time of the electric tulip 26 has ended (S897). For example, when the elapsed time from the opening state in S896 reaches the opening time stored in the opening time data D19, the main control unit 100 advances the process to the next S898. On the other hand, when the elapsed time has not reached the opening time stored in the opening time data D19, the main control unit 100 ends the process of the subroutine because the open state of the electric tulip 26 is continued.

  In step S898, the main control unit 100 drives the electric tulip opening / closing unit 112 so that the pair of blade portions of the electric tulip 26 is closed. And the main control part 100 complete | finishes an auxiliary | assistant game (S899), and complete | finishes the process by the said subroutine.

  Returning to FIG. 9, after the electric tulip process in S707, the main control unit 100 performs a prize ball process (S708), and proceeds to the next step. For example, in the winning ball process, the main control unit 100 manages the number of game balls won in the starting port 25, the big winning port 28, and the normal winning port 29, respectively. For example, when the main control unit 100 obtains a detection signal indicating that a game ball has won from the big prize opening switch 114 to the big prize opening 28, the main control unit 100 wins a prize stored in the winning number data D18. The number of game balls in which a winning is detected is added to the number C, and the winning number data D18 is updated using the winning number C after the addition. Then, the main control unit 100 sets the number of prize balls to be paid out according to the number of game balls won in each of the start opening 25, the big winning opening 28, and the normal winning opening 29.

  Next, the main control unit 100 outputs control commands to the firing control unit 200, the payout control unit 300, and the effect control unit 400 (S709), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the main control unit 100 outputs a control command indicating the number of payouts to the payout control unit 300 to instruct the payout control unit 300 about the number of payouts. In addition, the main control unit 100 outputs a command related to the production (for example, a variation start command, a variation stop command, a big hit command, a small hit command, etc.) to the production control unit 400, thereby determining the production contents in the gaming machine 1. . Hereinafter, an operation example of the effect control unit 400 that has acquired a command related to the effect will be described.

  For example, when the effect control unit 400 acquires a change start command from the main control unit 100, the effect control unit 400 determines the effect content based on the change pattern indicated by the change start command. Then, the production control unit 400 sends commands for instructing execution of the decided production contents to the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600 in order to produce an image display, audio output, lamp lighting, and the like. . In addition, when the effect control unit 400 acquires a variation end command from the main control unit 100, the effect control unit 400 sends a command for instructing the effect end to the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600 in order to end the effect being executed. .

  Next, the main control unit 100 updates the initial value random number (S710), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the main control unit 100 updates 1 by adding 1 to an initial value random number (for example, 0 to 299) stored in the random number data D1, and updates the random number data D1 by using the updated initial value random number. .

  Next, the main control unit 100 updates the fluctuation pattern random number (S711), and proceeds to the next step. For example, the main control unit 100 updates 1 by adding 1 to the fluctuation pattern random number (for example, 0 to 249) stored in the random number data D1, and updates the random number data D1 using the updated fluctuation pattern random number. .

  Next, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the front door frame 70c of the gaming machine 1 is open (door open state) (S712). And the main control part 100 advances a process to following S714, when it is a door open state. On the other hand, if the door is not in the open state, the main control unit 100 proceeds to the next step S713.

  As described above, when the door opening switch 41 is energized, the payout control unit 300 transmits information indicating that to the main control unit 100. Therefore, the main control unit 100 can detect that the front door frame 70c is opened by referring to the information regarding the door opening switch 41 sent from the payout control unit 300.

  In S713, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 4 ms (milliseconds)) has elapsed since the execution of S701. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the main control unit 100 returns to S701 and repeats the process. On the other hand, when the predetermined time has not elapsed, the main control unit 100 returns to S710 and repeats the process. That is, the processing of S701 to S709 is repeated every predetermined time, and the processing of S710 to S712 is repeated for the remaining time (that is, the time obtained by subtracting the processing time of S701 to S709 from the predetermined time). It becomes. Therefore, since the processing cycle of the random number update process performed in S701 and S710 and S711 is different, each random number is updated at random, and the player predicts when a big hit or the like will occur. It becomes difficult.

  In S714, the main control unit 100 outputs information (door opening information) indicating that the front door frame 70c of the gaming machine 1 is opened to the effect control unit 400, and advances the process to S713.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, the operation of the effect control unit 400 for switching the operation mode (normal mode, energy saving mode) of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation in which the effect control unit 400 switches the operation mode of the gaming machine 1. FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a screen example displayed on the image display unit 21 when the gaming machine 1 is shifted to the energy saving mode. For example, the operation shown in FIG. 24 is realized by the CPU 401 of the effect control unit 400 executing the energy saving mode transition program stored in the ROM 402. Specifically, the energy saving mode transition program is appropriately stored in the RAM 403 from the ROM 402. It is read and executed by the CPU 401. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 24, detailed description of other processes not directly related to the present invention is omitted. In FIG. 24 and the following description, each step executed by the effect control unit 400 is abbreviated as “S”.

  In FIG. 24, the effect control unit 400 waits to receive door opening information from the main control unit 100 while operating the gaming machine 1 in a normal mode (a mode in which a game including the above-described effects is possible) (S901). (S902). Next, when the energy saving switch 71 is operated (Yes in S902), the process proceeds to S903. On the other hand, when the energy saving switch 71 is not operated, the process returns to S901 and the process is repeated.

  In step S <b> 903, the effect control unit 400 outputs an instruction to display the energy saving mode transition selection screen on the image display unit 21 to the image sound control unit 500. Then, the production control unit 400 waits for the production button 57 and / or the production key 58 to be pressed (S904).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 25, the image display unit 21 is configured to switch the gaming machine 1 to the energy saving mode for a person operating the gaming machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as a gaming machine manager). An image prompting an operation for selecting whether or not is displayed. For example, the gaming machine administrator performs an operation of selecting a desired option by pressing the left and right keys of the effect key 58, and determines the option selected by pressing the center key of the effect key 58 or the effect button 57. Can be performed.

  Returning to FIG. 24, when the effect button 57 and / or the effect key 58 is pressed (Yes in S904), the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not to shift the gaming machine 1 to the energy saving mode (S905). . For example, the effect control unit 400 determines whether or not to shift the gaming machine 1 to the energy saving mode according to the option determined by the gaming machine administrator described above. And the production | generation control part 400 advances a process to following S906, when making the game machine 1 transfer to an energy saving mode. On the other hand, when the game machine 1 is not shifted to the energy saving mode, the effect control unit 400 returns to the above S901, operates the game machine 1 in the normal mode, and repeats the process.

  In S906, the production control unit 400 causes the gaming machine 1 to move to the energy saving mode and operates, and proceeds to the next S907. As the energy-saving mode of the gaming machine 1, various energy-saving modes are possible depending on the purpose. Although the present invention is not limited to any one of the energy saving modes, an example of the energy saving mode will be described for the sake of specific explanation.

  As a first example, an energy saving mode is considered in which the gaming machine 1 is authorized when the power is on. For example, the energy saving mode of the first example reduces the power supply to the rendering function while making the gaming machine 1 in a playable state. Specifically, the effect control unit 400, the image sound control unit 500, the lamp control unit 600, and the image display unit 21 are set in a standby state, and other elements controlled by them (the frame lamp 56, the panel lamp 23, the movable role). The power supply to the object 22 and the speaker 55) is stopped. Here, the standby state is a state in which a signal output from another device can be received, and a state in which a normal operation mode can be restored only by the own device according to the received signal. For example, when the standby state production control unit 400 receives a command (for example, a change start command) output from the main control unit 100, the production control unit 400 that is in the standby state, the image sound, in response to the reception The control unit 500, the lamp control unit 600, and the image display unit 21 each return to the normal operation state. That is, when the gaming machine 1 starts a game in the energy saving mode (for example, a game ball is launched in the energy saving mode state), the gaming machine 1 returns from the energy saving mode to the normal mode. Note that the operation example shown in FIG. 24 assumes the energy saving mode of the first example.

  Furthermore, the energy saving mode of the first example described above will be described in detail. When the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned on again after the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off, it is stipulated by law that the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 at the time of turning on the power is displayed on the gaming state display 35. That is, when the power is turned on again after the gaming machine 1 is turned off, the gaming state is displayed on the gaming state display 35, so that the player can easily know the gaming state. The gaming state mentioned here means, for example, a probability variation latency state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is set to a high probability (probability variation state), but the variation time of the decorative symbol displayed on the image display 21 is not shortened (time shortening). Is mentioned. However, in the energy-saving mode in the first example, the gaming machine 1 does not enter a state in which the power is turned off, so it is necessary to display the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 on the gaming state display 35 even immediately after returning to the normal mode. There is no. That is, if the gaming machine 1 is returned from the energy saving mode to the normal mode before the opening time of the store where the gaming machine 1 is installed, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is not known to the player who visits the store. When the store is opened, the playability of the gaming machine 1 can be improved.

  As a second example, an energy saving mode in which only the main control unit 100 is operated can be considered. In this case, the energy-saving mode in which the main functions of the gaming machine 1 are operated while suppressing the power consumption of the gaming machine 1 as much as possible. The main control unit 100 turns off the switches provided on the power supply lines that supply power to the control units other than the main control unit 100, the payout control unit 300, and the launch control unit 200. It is also possible to stop the power supply to the unit. For example, when an unauthorized modification to the gaming machine 1 is performed during the energy saving mode, the main control unit 100 detects the modification and the detection information is transmitted to the host computer. That is, by operating the crime prevention function of the gaming machine 1 during the energy saving mode, unauthorized modification to the gaming machine 1 can be prevented. Needless to say, the same crime prevention function is also in operation in the energy saving mode of the first example described above.

  As a third example, the main control unit 100, the payout control unit 300, and the launch control unit 200 are operated to at least one control unit among the effect control unit 400, the image sound control unit 500, and the lamp control unit 600. An energy-saving mode that stops the power supply is considered. For example, an energy saving mode is realized in which the power supply to the at least one control unit 400, 500, 600 is stopped according to the request of the store where the gaming machine 1 is installed. For example, when it is desired to suppress the generation or emission of sound in the store where the gaming machine 1 is installed during a period such as midnight, the power supply to the speaker 55, the frame lamp 56, and the panel lamp 23 may be stopped in the energy saving mode. Conceivable.

In S907, the effect control unit 400 waits for an instruction to return to the normal mode from the main control unit 100 in the energy saving mode state. For example, when receiving a command (for example, a change start command) from the main control unit 100, the effect control unit 400 determines that an instruction to return to the normal mode has been received (Yes in S908). That is, the command from the main control unit 100 functions as a return control signal in addition to the original function. Then, the effect control unit 400 returns the own device to a normal operation state, and outputs an instruction to the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600 to perform an operation according to the received command. Return and repeat the process. When the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600 receive the instruction from the effect control unit 400, the image sound control unit 500 and the lamp control unit 600 return the own apparatus to a normal operation state and the instruction. The operation according to is started. In this way, each device that is in the standby state or stopped state in the energy saving mode sequentially returns to the normal operation state. In this case, the gaming machine 1 can return to the normal mode from the energy saving mode by starting the game in the energy saving mode (for example, a game ball is launched in the energy saving mode state).
In S908, when the touch sensor provided on the handle 51 detects the player's contact, or when the launch control unit 200 detects the launch of the game ball, the effect control unit 400 returns to the normal mode. It may be determined that the instruction is received.

  As described above, in the energy saving mode, there may be a state in which no power is supplied to the effect control unit 400 itself. In this case, another device (for example, the main control unit 100) detects the start of the game, and switches on the power supply line that has been turned off to supply power from the power source to the effect control unit 400. Let it resume. Therefore, when the power is not supplied to the effect control unit 400 itself in the energy saving mode, the effect control unit 400 returns from the energy saving mode to the normal mode by restarting the power supply to the effect control unit 400. The other devices return to the normal mode as well.

  Thus, according to the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the energy saving switch 71 is operated to shift from the normal operation mode to the energy saving mode in which the power consumption is suppressed. Here, since the player does not have a key for unlocking the lock portion 43, the player cannot open the game board 2 and operate the energy saving switch 71. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 can easily shift to a state in which power consumption is suppressed by the operation of the store clerk while preventing the shift to the energy saving mode by the operation of the player.

  In the example shown in FIG. 24, after the energy saving switch 71 is operated (Yes in S902), the energy saving mode transition selection screen is displayed (S903), and after there is a production operation (Yes in S904), the energy saving mode is entered. Although it has shifted (S905), it may be shifted to the energy saving mode immediately after the energy saving switch 71 is operated (Yes in S902) (S905).

  In the above description, the example in which the energy saving switch 71 is provided on the rear surface of the game board 2 is shown, but the position of the energy saving switch is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, an energy saving switch 76 may be provided in the host computer 75 connected to the gaming machine 74. The host computer 75 is a gaming machine management device that can be operated only by a store clerk. When the store clerk operates the energy saving switch 76, the gaming machine 74 can be shifted to the energy saving mode as in the gaming machine 1 described above.

Schematic front view showing an example of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention The enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator 3 provided in the gaming machine 1 of FIG. Partial plan view of the gaming machine 1 of FIG. The perspective view which shows an example of the state which opened the front door frame 70c and the inner frame 70b of the gaming machine 1 of FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device provided in the gaming machine 1 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the data and program which are memorize | stored in RAM103 of the main-control part 100 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the jackpot random number data D2 memorize | stored in RAM103 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the jackpot symbol random number data D3 memorize | stored in RAM103 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the reach random number data D4 memorize | stored in RAM103 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the hit random number data D5 memorize | stored in RAM103 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the table for jackpots of the table data D10 memorize | stored in RAM103 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the table for latency of the table data D10 memorize | stored in RAM103 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the table for reach of the table data D10 memorize | stored in RAM103 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the table for loss of the table data D10 memorize | stored in RAM103 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the process performed in the main control part 100 of FIG. Subroutine showing the detailed operation of the start port switch process in S702 of FIG. Subroutine showing the detailed operation of the gate switch process in S703 of FIG. Subroutine showing the detailed operation of the special symbol process in S704 of FIG. Subroutine showing the detailed operation of the jackpot determination process in S745 of FIG. Subroutine showing the detailed operation of the variation pattern selection process in S746 of FIG. Subroutine showing the detailed operation of the stop process in S754 in FIG. The subroutine which shows the detailed operation of probability change game state setting processing in S807 of FIG. Subroutine showing the detailed operation of the normal symbol processing in S705 of FIG. Subroutine showing the detailed operation of a part of the big prize opening process in S706 of FIG. Subroutine showing the detailed operation of the remaining portion of the big prize opening process in S706 of FIG. Subroutine showing the detailed operation of the small hit processing in S865 of FIG. The subroutine which shows the detailed operation | movement of the electric tulip process in S707 of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the symbol displayed on the special symbol indicator 31 of FIG. The figure for demonstrating an example of the transition from which the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 changes A flowchart illustrating an example of an operation in which the effect control unit 400 in FIG. 5 switches the operation mode of the gaming machine 1. The figure which shows the example of a screen displayed on the image display part 21 when shifting the gaming machine 1 to energy saving mode. The block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the gaming machine system which concerns on this invention

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,74 ... Game machine 2 ... Game board 20 ... Game area 21 ... Image display part 22 ... Movable accessory 23 ... Board lamp 24 ... Discharge port 25 ... Start-up port 26 ... Electric tulip 27 ... Gate 28 ... Grand prize opening 29 ... Normal winning opening 3 ... Display 31 ... Special symbol display 32 ... Special symbol hold indicator 33 ... Normal symbol display 34 ... Normal symbol hold indicator 35 ... Game state indicator 41 ... Door open switch 43 ... Lock 50 ... Transparent plate 51 ... handle 52 ... lever 53 ... stop button 54 ... take-out button 55 ... speaker 56 ... frame lamp 57 ... effect button 58 ... effect key 59 ... dish 70 ... game board holding frame 70a ... outer frame 70b ... inner frame 70c ... Front door frames 71, 76 ... energy saving switch 72 ... first electronic component 73 ... second electronic component 75 ... host computer 100 ... main control unit 101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 60 ... CPU
102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 ... ROM
103, 203, 303, 403, 503, 603 ... RAM
111 ... Start port switch 112 ... Electric tulip opening / closing part 113 ... Gate switch 114 ... Grand prize opening switch 115 ... Grand prize opening / closing part 116 ... Normal prize opening switch 200 ... Launch control unit 211 ... Launching device 300 ... Dispensing control unit 311 ... Dispensing drive unit 400 ... production control unit 404 ... RTC
500: Image sound control unit 600: Lamp control unit

Claims (10)

A gaming machine that is played by a player,
Game board,
A control unit for controlling the operation of the gaming machine including the gaming board;
The operation mode of the second electronic component that controls the game effect is opened while the operation mode of the first electronic component that controls the progress of the game among the electronic components that constitute the control unit is maintained in the normal mode for the opening period. An amusement machine comprising an energy saving switch for switching from a normal mode for a period to an energy saving mode for a closing period that reduces power consumption. In any of the normal mode and the energy saving mode, the second electronic component can receive a control signal for controlling the operation of the second electronic component from the first electronic component,
The second electronic component is switched from the energy saving mode to the normal mode when the first electronic component transmits a return control signal instructing the second electronic component to return to the normal mode. Item 1. A gaming machine according to Item 1. A detection unit for detecting that the game has started;
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein when the start of the game is detected by the detection unit, the first electronic component transmits the return control signal.   4. The energy saving mode is a standby mode in which when the second electronic component receives the return control signal from the first electronic component, the second electronic component immediately returns to the normal mode. The gaming machine described in 1.   The second electronic component includes an effect control board for comprehensively controlling game effects, an image sound control board for controlling effects using images and sound, and a lamp control board for controlling effects using lamps and movable accessories. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is at least one of the control boards.   The first electronic component performs a lottery and winning determination and controls a number of prize balls to be paid out, a payout control board for controlling the payout of prize balls, and a launch for controlling the launch of game balls 5. The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising a control board, wherein the main control board transmits the control signal. 6.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the energy saving switch is provided at a position that can be operated by a manager of the gaming machine but cannot be operated by the player.   The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein the energy saving switch is provided on a rear surface of the gaming board. A frame member that supports the game board so as to be opened and closed;
The gaming machine according to claim 8, further comprising: a lock portion that locks the game board with respect to the frame member when the frame member supports the game board in a closed state. A gaming machine system including a gaming machine played by a player,
A gaming machine and a host computer capable of transmitting control signals to the gaming machine;
The gaming machine is
Game board,
A control unit for controlling the operation of the gaming machine including the gaming board,
The host computer
The operation mode of the second electronic component that controls the game effect is opened while the operation mode of the first electronic component that controls the progress of the game among the electronic components that constitute the control unit is maintained in the normal mode for the opening period. Equipped with an energy saving switch that switches from the normal mode for the period to the energy saving mode for the closing period that reduces power consumption,
A gaming machine system that transmits a switching control signal output by operating the energy saving switch to the gaming machine.

Images