JP2010259667A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine further enhancing amusement of a game when a player plays a game. <P>SOLUTION: A hiding information mode processing is started (S1701), and when the player starts a game in the state where the background of an image display portion is dark (S1702), a lamp of a torch is lighted (S1703), the player plays the game while supported by the torch, and the game progress is controlled (S1704). With the progress of the game, the size of the lamp is controlled according to the participating status of the player (S1705). It is determined whether or not light-out of the torch is performed (S1706), and when light-out is not performed, it is determined whether or not the game is ended (S1707). When the game is to be ended, the game ending processing is performed (S1708), and the contents of presentation is set based on the game result (S1709). After that, presentation for the hiding information is performed (S1710). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that draws a jackpot by winning a game ball.

Conventionally, when a game ball wins at the starting gate, a jackpot lottery is performed, and when the jackpot is won, the jackpot gaming state is repeated where the jackpot opening and closing is continuously repeated, and an opportunity to obtain more prize balls Pachinko machines are known as giving machines.
Also known are pachinko machines that have different jackpot winning conditions in the jackpot lottery after the jackpot. That is, such a pachinko gaming machine has a probability variation (probability variation) state in which the winning probability of winning a jackpot varies from a low probability to a high probability after the jackpot gaming state of a predetermined number of rounds is completed. For this reason, by performing a probability change notification effect for notifying that the internal state is a probability change state, for example, on a liquid crystal screen, the player's expectation of winning the next jackpot by continuing the game is enhanced.

  There is also known a gaming machine that sets a period during which the probability variation notification effect is not performed even in the probability variation state, and performs the probability variation latent effect to notify that there is a possibility that the probability variation state is in that period. . In such a pachinko gaming machine, it is possible to prevent a game in a probable state, which should originally increase the player's expectation, from having a digestive game meaning, and to further enhance the interest in the probable state game.

  In addition, a gaming machine intended to maintain a willingness to continue the game even after the end condition for ending the special performance mode that suggests the possibility of being in a certain change state is established and the special performance mode is shifted to the normal performance mode. Has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). If the condition for resuming the special performance mode is satisfied during the predetermined number of symbol fluctuations after the end condition is satisfied, the gaming machine shifts from the normal performance mode to the special performance mode, and then again The production mode is started.

JP 2008-111954 A

Here, a probability change effect indicating that the internal state of the gaming machine is a state (probability change game state) in which the probability is changed is performed on, for example, a liquid crystal screen, thereby enhancing the player's expectation. In addition to the certainty effect, various game effects may be displayed on the liquid crystal screen. Such a game is not related to a game with a game ball, so that a player does not always participate actively. By the way, if the game with the game ball is continued for a long time, it becomes difficult to maintain the concentration of the player. Therefore, it is conceivable to use such a game in order to maintain the player's concentration and the like. However, it has been difficult to sufficiently maintain the player's concentration and the like in games that have been proposed in the past.
An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of further enhancing the interest of a game when a player plays a game.

A gaming machine to which the present invention is applied is a gaming machine 100 including an image display unit 114 that performs a jackpot lottery by a winning entry of a game ball and displays an effect associated with the jackpot lottery, and receives an instruction to start a game. The game is played via the image display unit 114, the progress control means 301 for controlling the progress of the game, and the degree of participation of the player in the gaming machine 100 after receiving the instruction to start the game is determined. A determination unit 301; and a display change unit 301 that changes a state of an image displayed on the image display unit 114 when the game progresses by the progress control unit 301 based on a determination result by the determination unit 301. It is characterized by this.
Here, after receiving the instruction to start the game, the determination unit 301 determines the participation degree based on an operation on an effect other than a game by a game ball or a game state by the game ball. be able to.
In addition, an operation button 161 for a player to operate on an effect other than a game by a game ball is further provided, and the determination unit 301 determines the participation degree based on the frequency of operation of the operation button 161. be able to. Further, the determination unit 301 may determine the participation degree based on the fact that a game with a game ball is continued after receiving an instruction to start the game. Furthermore, the determination means 301 may determine the participation degree based on the frequency of the start opening winning after receiving the game start instruction.
Further, the display changing unit 301 reduces the size of the image with time, and temporarily increases the size of the image based on the determination result by the determination unit 301, or the size of the image. Can be characterized in that it is not temporarily changed.
In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when a player plays, it becomes possible to improve the interest property of a game further.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment employs a so-called latent mode, and the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment employs a so-called reservation prefetching technique.
[First Embodiment]
First, the first embodiment will be described. After describing the basic configuration and control of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, control in the latent mode will be described.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in the figure is configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 that surrounds the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

The game board 110 has a game area 111 for playing with a game ball on the front surface, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game And a guide member 113 for guiding a game ball on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. As the game progresses by the player, for example, the image display unit 114 notifies the player of the symbol lottery result (symbol variation result) with a decorative symbol, or displays a notice effect by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item. Or As the image display unit 114, for example, a configuration example using a liquid crystal display device, an EL display device, an LED dot display device, a 7-segment display device, or the like can be considered.
In the present embodiment, the front of the game board 110 is provided with a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects. The movable accessory 115 is configured to be movable with respect to the game board 110 and performs various effects by movement, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by light by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

In the present embodiment, as various types of prizes and lotteries, the first start port 121 where a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) is started when a game ball enters and a position below the first start port 121 is placed. The game board 110 is provided with a second start port 122 where a special symbol lottery starts when a game ball enters and a gate 124 where a normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) starts when the game ball passes. ing. Here, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 operate either one predetermined special electric accessory (large winning port 125) or one predetermined special symbol display. It means a winning opening related to winning a game ball.
The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers opened and closed by an electric solenoid. When the blades of the electric tulip 123 are closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122. However, when the blades are opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 expands and the game ball moves to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) and a specified number of times (for example, 3 times) while lighting or flashing.

  In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a high probability state (for example, 1/30) from a low probability state (for example, 1/300) to a high probability state (for example, 1/30) when the jackpot probability that the jackpot is drawn in a special symbol lottery varies under a predetermined condition. ))). In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can reduce the special symbol variation time during the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning during the normal symbol lottery, or the normal symbol variation time during the normal symbol lottery. In some cases, the opening time of the blades of the electric tulip 123 may be shortened, or the number of times the blades of the electric tulip 123 may be opened (electric chew support).

Further, in the present embodiment, as various types of prizes and lotteries, a large winning opening 125 that is located below the second start opening 122 and opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery, and a game ball wins. However, the game board 110 is provided with a normal winning opening 126 where the lottery does not start. The big winning opening 125 is normally closed, but a round in which the special winning lottery is maintained in an open state is maintained in an open state until a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won). Repeat a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times or 2 times).
In the present embodiment, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are disposed in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which only one of them is disposed or another start port is disposed. A configuration example is also conceivable. In the present embodiment, one big prize opening 125 is arranged in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which a plurality of big prize openings 125 are arranged is also conceivable.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110. Details of the display 130 will be described later.

  The payout of prize balls will be described. When a game ball wins at the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, a predetermined number of award balls per game ball are paid out according to the place where the game ball has won. It is. For example, when a game ball wins the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when the game ball wins the big prize port 125, When a game ball wins the 13 prize balls and the normal prize opening 126, 10 prize balls are paid out respectively. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, there is no payout of the prize ball in conjunction with it.

Note that various boards and the like (not shown) are attached to the rear surface of the game board 110. In other words, the main board and the sub board are arranged on the rear surface of the game board 110. That is, on the rear surface of the game board 110, a game control board in which a later-described game control unit 200 that performs internal lottery, determination of winning, and the like is provided as a main board. The game control board is sealed in a main board case made of a transparent member so that a trace remains when opened.
Also, as a sub-board, an effect control board in which an after-mentioned effect control unit 300 for overall control of effects is configured, and an image control board in which an after-mentioned image / sound control unit 310 for controlling effects by images and sounds is configured. In addition, a lamp control board on which a later-described lamp control unit 320 that controls effects by various lamps and the movable accessory 115 is provided. In addition, a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the supplied 24V AC power supply into a DC power supply and outputs it to various boards and the like is disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110.
In other words, a payout control board 400, which will be described later, which controls payout of payout balls, and a supply control board controlled by the payout control board and temporarily replenished from the outside, The frame member 150 is provided with a payout unit (not shown) for paying out and paying out lending balls.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. A plate 153 (see FIG. 2) for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured as an integrated upper and lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

The frame member 150 also includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launch device, and a game ball stored in the tray 153. A take-out button 155 for dropping and taking out the box (not shown).
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects based on music, voice, and sound effects, and the frame lamp 157 performs various effects based on light depending on a pattern or light emission color caused by lighting and blinking. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate (not shown) for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. The second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to the above and the normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display 221 variably displays the special symbol resulting from winning of the first start port 121 and displays the lottery result. The second special symbol display 222 variably displays special symbols resulting from winning at the second start port 122 and displays the lottery results. The normal symbol display unit 223 displays the normal symbol variably and displays the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 124. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are configured by a 7-segment display device, and the normal symbol display 223 is configured by an LED display device. .

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. This hold will be described. If there is a prize by another game ball during the fluctuation display operation (while the fluctuation display for one win is being performed), the symbol fluctuation display operation for the prized game ball will be applied to the game ball which has been won first. Until the variable display operation is completed, a predetermined number (for example, four) is held as a limit. The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (the number of undrawn lots) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220. In the present embodiment, each of the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 is constituted by an LED display device arranged in a row, and the lighting thereof The number of holds is displayed according to the mode.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 composed of a plurality of keys adjacent to the effect button 161 and arranged in a substantially cross shape are provided. Are disposed on the frame member 150. The production key 162 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 player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating the four peripheral keys, and can select the selected image by operating the center key. Can be entered as information.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit. As shown in the figure, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that performs various controls relating to the number of prize balls to be paid out, such as internal lottery and determination of winning, as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A ramp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 400 for performing payout control of the payout ball. As described above, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 400 are each a game as a main board disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110. The control board, and further, the effect control board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board as sub boards are individually configured.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of paid-out prize balls, such as internal lottery and winning determination, and a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like. And a RAM 203 used as a working memory for the CPU 201.
The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, and sends a determination result as to whether or not it is a win in the special symbol lottery to the effect control unit 300. Also, fluctuation setting of winning probability at special symbol lottery (for example, fluctuation setting from 1/300 to 1/30), special symbol fluctuation time shortening at special symbol lottery, and normal symbol at normal symbol lottery The variable time is set to be shortened, and the setting content is sent to the effect control unit 300.
Further, the game control unit 200 controls the extension of the opening time of the blades of the electric tulip 123, the setting of the number of times the blades of the electric tulip 123 are opened, and the setting of the opening / closing operation interval when the blades are opened. In addition, when a game ball continuously wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the game ball is suspended until the limit number (for example, four) for the undrawn lots, or the game ball continuously passes through the gate 124. The suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) for the undrawn lots.
In addition, the game control unit 200 keeps an open state in a protruding manner until the special winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Is controlled to be repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times or 2 times). Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 400 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 400 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 400 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith.
When the payout control unit 400 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 400. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, and a second start. A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the mouth 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and a game ball to the gate 124 A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 that detects passage is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 displays the reserved number for the undrawn special symbol lottery (big win lottery) started by winning the game ball at the first start port 121 within the limit number (for example, four). A special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219 for displaying the number of unsold lots in the special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball in the second start port 122 within the limit number, A normal symbol hold indicator 220 is connected to the normal symbol lottery display (open / close lottery) started by the passage of the game ball to the gate 124 and displays the number of unsettled hold numbers within the limit number.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first start port 121, and a game ball to the second start port 122. A second special symbol display 222 that displays the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning and a normal symbol display 223 that displays the result of the normal symbol lottery are connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a prize winning opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, and the normal symbol display 223. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 250 that transmits various kinds of information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information regarding the number of paid-out winning balls acquired from the payout control unit 400, information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, and the like to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 250. .

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
Next, the effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301, various data, and the like, and a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 301 and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring the date and time.
The production control unit 300 sets the production content based on, for example, the determination result of whether or not the winning is a special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162, the effect content corresponding to the operation input may be set. In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, an instruction to set a screen display for waiting for a customer is given as one of the effects.
Furthermore, when the game control unit 200 changes the winning probability at the time of the special symbol lottery, shortens the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery, and shortens the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. In this case, the production control unit 300 sets the production content corresponding to the set content.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound that expresses the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like, and a work for the CPU 311. And a RAM 313 used as a memory or the like.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the ROM 312 of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored. Furthermore, various kinds of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles are stored. The CPU 311 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 312. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, and the like are performed using the read image data, and voice processing using the read acoustic data is performed.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data that has undergone image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.
More specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (light emission pattern data) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls light emission from the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 400 includes a CPU 401 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling payout of payout balls, a ROM 402 that stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and a RAM 403 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 401 and the like. And.
The payout control unit 400 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 400 acquires from the game control unit 200 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (such as the first start port 121). Then, the payout driving unit 411 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 411 includes a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the storage unit of the game ball.

The payout control unit 400 also includes a payout ball detection unit 412 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout drive unit 411, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Sphere detection unit 413 for detecting whether or not there is a storage, and whether or not the plate 153 in which a game ball used when a player plays a game or a prized ball to be held is full is detected. A full tank detection unit 414 is connected. Then, the payout control unit 400 receives detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, the ball presence detection unit 413, and the full tank detection unit 414, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 400 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 400, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 411, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, etc. Is transmitted to the host computer via the external information terminal board 450 outside the frame. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in the figure, the game control unit 200 is a special symbol lottery unit 231, a normal symbol lottery unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol lottery result determination as functional units for executing various lottery processes. A unit 234 and a normal symbol control unit 237. The special symbol lottery unit 231 and the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 function as a lottery means.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 and a game progress control unit 236 as functional units that execute processing associated with special symbol variation.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc., as a function unit for a prize winning operation operation unit 238, an electric tulip operation control unit 239, and a prize ball processing unit 240. And an output control unit 241 and a random number control unit 242.

The special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122.
The normal symbol lottery unit 232 performs the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124.
The special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 controls the fluctuation of the special symbol according to the lottery result when the special symbol lottery is performed.

The special symbol lottery result determination unit 234, when a special symbol lottery is performed, the lottery result is “whether it is a big hit”, “a type of jackpot when a big winner is won”, “not a big winner It is determined whether or not it is a small hit or not.
Here, the types of “big hit” include “long hit” in which a long jackpot game time can be expected to be paid out, and “short hit” in which a big hit game time is short. For example, in the “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the big winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) is repeated, for example, 15 times. In the “short win”, the round at the special winning opening 125 is repeated twice, for example.

Furthermore, the “long win” is a jackpot (“specific symbol A” in the subsequent stage), which is also called “15 round probability per change” that generates both a probability change (probability change) gaming state and a time reduction (time reduction) game state after the end of the jackpot game. And a jackpot called “ordinary jackpot” (a jackpot in the “normal symbol” in the subsequent stage) that generates only the short-time gaming state and does not generate the probability variation gaming state after the jackpot game ends. The “short win” is a so-called “two-round probable hit” (a big hit in the “specific symbol B” in the subsequent stage) that generates a probability variation gaming state after the jackpot game ends and does not generate a short-time gaming state.
In addition, the “small winning” in the case of not winning a big win, for example, a small winning game is performed in which the big winning opening 125 is opened and closed twice, and the gaming state at the time of winning the small win is continued even after the winning is completed. It is a win (winning with the “small hit symbol” in the latter part). That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the probability variation game state, the probability variation game state is continued even after the end of the small hit game, and the game state does not shift. Similarly, if the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is a normal gaming state (normal gaming state) in which neither probability fluctuation nor time reduction is made, the normal gaming state is continued even after the end of the small hitting game, The gaming state does not transition.
Further, in the “missing”, neither the “big hit” nor the “small winning” is set, and none of the above-described gaming states advantageous to the player is set (setting of the “missing symbol” in the subsequent stage).

The variation pattern selection unit 235 selects the variation pattern of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit”. Further, it is determined whether or not a reach effect is to be performed. The “reach effect” here is an effect performed by the image display unit 114 or the like for causing the player to expect a big hit.
The game progress control unit 236 controls the progress of the game in each game state.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or lost”. Further, the fluctuation of the normal symbol is controlled according to the lottery result.
When it is determined as “winning”, the electric tulip 123 is opened for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) and a specified number of times (for example, 3 times), and the winning probability of the game ball to the second start port 122 is increased. generate. In addition, when it is determined as “disengagement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated.

The special winning opening operation control unit 238 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
The electric tulip operation control unit 239 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123.
The prize ball processing unit 240 controls the management of the number of prizes received for various types of winnings and lotteries, and controls the payout of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 241 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400.
The random number control unit 242 controls updating of various random number values used in processing by the main control unit and the sub control unit.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above will be described.
The basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is performed by a game control unit 200 that is a main control means. Then, under the control of the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, controls the game effect, and the payout control unit 400 controls the payout of the prize ball.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main operations of the game control unit 200.
The game control unit 200 repeatedly executes each process shown in FIG. 5 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Referring to FIG. 5, random number update processing, start port switch (SW) processing, gate switch (SW) processing, special symbol processing, normal symbol processing, big prize opening processing, electric tulip (electric chew) processing, prize ball processing, Output processing is sequentially executed (steps 501 to 509).

In the random number update process (step 501), the random number control unit 242 of the game control unit 200 updates various random number values used in the process by the main control unit and the sub control unit. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.
In the start port switch process (step 502), the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. In this case, a special symbol lottery process is executed. Details of the start port switch process will be described later.
In the gate switch process (step 503), the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 3, and performs the process for the normal symbol lottery when the switch is turned on. Execute. Details of the gate switch processing will be described later.
In the special symbol processing (step 504), the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234, the variation pattern selection unit 235, and the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 perform the special symbol variation and the symbol variation. Processing associated with is performed. Details of the special symbol process will be described later.
In the normal symbol process (step 505), the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 performs the normal symbol variation and the process associated with the symbol variation. Details of the normal symbol processing will be described later.
In the special prize opening process (step 506), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 based on a predetermined condition. Detailed contents of the big prize opening process will be described later.
In the electric tulip process (step 507), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 based on a predetermined condition. Details of the electric tulip process will be described later.
In the prize ball processing (step 508), the prize ball processing unit 240 of the game control unit 200 controls the management of the number of winning prizes and the payout of prize balls according to the winning prize.
In the output process (step 509), the output control unit 241 of the game control unit 200 outputs a control command to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400. The control command is generated in each process up to step 508, set in the RAM 203, and output in this output process.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process (step 502 in FIG. 5).
In the start port switch process, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the start port switches 211 and 212 are turned ON by winning a game ball in the start ports 121 and 122 ( Step 601). If the start port switches 211 and 212 are turned ON, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U of unreserved reservations is less than the upper limit value (step 602). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U has reached the upper limit (No in step 602), the winning portion for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, and the start port switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations U is less than the upper limit (Yes in step 602), the special symbol lottery unit 231 next adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations U (step 603). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and held in the RAM 203 (step 604). Here, since the winning of the start ports 121 and 122 is won, random values for special symbol lottery (a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, etc.) are acquired. In addition, random numbers for production (random number for starting the latent notification mode, random number for determining the notification level, random number for pressing the button, random number for correct quiz, etc.) are acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery etc. is decided by this random number value. Note that it is conceivable that the random number for production is configured to be updated in the production control unit 300.

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process (step 503 in FIG. 5).
In this gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (step 701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, then the normal symbol lottery unit 232 determines whether or not the number of holds G for the undrawn lot is less than the upper limit value (step 702). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds G has reached the upper limit (No in Step 702), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any more, so the gate switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit (Yes in Step 702), the normal symbol lottery unit 232 next adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (Step 703). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is acquired and held in the RAM 203 (step 704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol process (step 504 in FIG. 5).
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a big hit (a special symbol lottery win) (step 801). If it is a big hit, since a special symbol representing some big hit has already been selected and stopped, the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation (Yes in step 801). On the other hand, if it is not a big hit (No in Step 801), the special symbol variation control unit 233 determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a special symbol variation (Step 802). If the special symbol is not changing (No in step 802), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines whether the number U of unreserved special symbols (see FIG. 6) is 1 or more (step 803). If the number of holdings U = 0 (No in step 803), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the number of holdings U is 1 or more (Yes in Step 803), the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the holding number U (Step 804), and then the big hit determination process by another routine Then, the variation pattern selection process is executed (steps 805 and 806). As will be described in detail later, setting information (design, game state, variation pattern, etc.) included in the variation start command sent to the effect control unit 300 is determined by the jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing.

  Thereafter, the special symbol variation control unit 233 generates a variation start command including the setting information determined by the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process, and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 807). Then, based on this setting information, the special symbols on the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 shown in FIG. 3 start to change (step 808), and the special symbols are set for the time set in the change pattern. In order to perform the fluctuation, measurement of the fluctuation time is started (step 809). The variation start command set in step 807 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 509 of FIG.

  Next, when it is determined in step 802 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in step 802), the special symbol variation control unit 233 determines whether or not the variation time has ended (step 810). That is, it is determined whether or not the variation time started in step 809 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process in step 806. If the variation time has not ended (No in step 810), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has ended (Yes in step 810), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first sets a variation stop command in the RAM 203 (step 811). Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 ends the variation of the special symbols in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 (step 812), and resets the measured variation time (step 812). 813). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (step 814). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The variable stop command set in step 811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 509 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (step 805 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number in the current special symbol lottery (step 901), and determines whether or not the jackpot has been won (step 902). ). Whether or not the jackpot has been won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the jackpot random number acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches the value set as the winning value of the jackpot.

If the determination in step 901 is a big win (Yes in step 902), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number (step 903). In this determination, it is first determined whether or not the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is changed (probability change or probability change) (step 904). Whether or not the probability fluctuates is determined by determining whether or not the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches a preset value.
When the probability changes (Yes in Step 904), the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 next determines whether or not to shorten the symbol change time (time reduction, time reduction) (Step 905). Whether or not the time is shortened is determined by determining whether or not the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches a preset value, similarly to the determination of the probability variation.

  After the above determination, when the time is shortened (Yes in step 905), the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 sets a symbol (hereinafter referred to as a specific symbol A) indicating a big hit with probability fluctuation and time reduction. Information is set in the RAM 203 (step 906). When the time is not shortened (No in step 905), a symbol (hereinafter, specific symbol B) representing a big hit with probability variation but not time reduction is set in the RAM 203 as setting information (step 907). If the probability does not fluctuate (No in step 904), a symbol (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol) indicating that the game is a big hit with time reduction but no probability variation is set in the RAM 203 as setting information (step 908).

When the big hit is not made (No in Step 902), the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 next judges whether or not the big hit is made (Step 909). Whether or not the jackpot is determined is determined by determining whether or not the value of the jackpot random number obtained in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches the value set as the winning value of the jackpot, as in the case of the jackpot determination. Is done.
If the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 is a small hit (Yes in Step 909), the symbol (henceforth, a small hit symbol) indicating that there is no probability variation or time reduction is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. Set (step 910). If it is not a small hit (No in step 909), a symbol indicating that the lottery is lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information (step 911).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (step 806 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1001). This determination is the same as step 901 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9) (the determination result of step 901 may be used). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1001), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1002).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in step 1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random number for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. (Step 1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in step 604 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value.
As a result of determination using random numbers, when a reach effect is performed (Yes in step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads a variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 acquires a random number (variation pattern random number) for determining the variation pattern, and stores it in the RAM 203 (step 1007). Then, the fluctuation pattern random number is determined using the fluctuation pattern table set in steps 1002, 1005, and 1006 (step 1008). That is, the variation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the variation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a variation pattern according to the random number value acquired in Step 1007. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern tables are different, the determined variation pattern may be different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in Step 1008 in the RAM 203 as setting information (Step 1009). The variation pattern setting information set in step 1009 is included in the variation start command set in step 807 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process shown in step 509 of FIG.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process (step 814 in FIG. 8).
In the suspension process, the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in the current special symbol lottery (step 1101). If it is a big hit (Yes in step 1101), the game progress control unit 236 next determines whether or not it involves a probability variation (step 1102), and further determines whether or not it involves a time reduction (step). 1103).
These determinations are the same as steps 902, 904, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9) (the determination results of steps 902, 904, and 905 may be used). Moreover, you may determine based on the kind of symbol set to setting information by the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). That is, if the specific symbol A is set, Yes is made in all steps 1101 to 1103. If the specific symbol B is set, Yes in Steps 1101 and 1102, and No in Step 1103. If a normal symbol is set, Yes in Step 1101 and No in Step 1102. If the off symbol or the small hit symbol is set, No in step 1101.

  In the case of a jackpot (specific symbol A) with probability fluctuation and time reduction (Yes in all of Steps 1101 to 1103), the game progress control unit 236 sets the game state setting in the RAM 203 to a probability change game state (Step 1104), A jackpot start command is set in the RAM 203 (step 1106), and the jackpot operation control is started (step 1107). In the case of a jackpot (specific symbol B) with only a probability variation (Yes in steps 1101 and 1102 and No in step 1103), the game progress control unit 236 sets the gaming state setting in the RAM 203 to the latent gaming state (step 1105). The jackpot start command is set in the RAM 203 (step 1106), and the jackpot operation control is started (step 1107). The probability variation gaming state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is shifted to a high probability (probability variation) and the symbol variation time is shortened (time is shortened). The latent game state is a game state in which the probability is changed but the time is not shortened. The jackpot operation control is control of the opening operation of the big prize opening 125. Several types can be set for the probabilistic gaming state and the jackpot operation control based thereon. Which probability variation game state is applied depends on the type of the specific symbol set in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9).

  When the jackpot is not accompanied by a probability change (Yes in Step 1101, No in Step 1102), the game progress control unit 236 sets the gaming state setting in the RAM 203 to the short-time gaming state as an example of the first gaming state (Step 1108), the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the short-time gaming state is set (step 1109), a jackpot start command is set in the RAM 203 (step 1106), and the jackpot operation control is started (step 1107). Here, the short-time gaming state is a gaming state in which the probability is not changed and the time is shortened. Since the lottery count J is designated in the stoppage process in the jackpot without the probability variation (100 times in the illustrated example), if the lottery is performed 100 times in the short-time gaming state, the short-time gaming state ends. .

  If it is not a big win (No in Step 1101), the game progress control unit 236 next checks whether or not the lottery number J is 0 (Step 1110). If the number of lotteries J is 0 (Yes in step 1110), the stopped process is terminated. If the lottery number J is not 0 (No in step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 next subtracts 1 from the value of the lottery number J (step 1111), and checks whether the lottery number J is 0 again. (Step 1112). If the number of lotteries J is not 0 (No in step 1112), the stop process is terminated. If the number of times of lottery J is 0 (Yes in Step 1112), the game progress control unit 236 sets the gaming state of the RAM 203 to the normal gaming state (the normal gaming state in which neither the probability variation nor the time is shortened) (Step 1113). ), And terminate the process during stoppage.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of normal symbol processing (step 505 in FIG. 5).
In this normal symbol processing, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in an auxiliary game (a winning of normal symbol lottery) (step 1201). If it is during the auxiliary game, since the normal symbol is already selected and stopped, the normal symbol process is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in step 1201). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game is not being performed (No in Step 1201), the normal symbol control unit 237 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is changing the normal symbol (Step 1202). If the normal symbol is not changing (No in Step 1202), then the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the number G of reserved symbols for the undrawn normal symbol (see FIG. 7) is 1 or more (Step 1203). If the number of holds G = 0 (No in step 1203), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in step 1203), the normal symbol control unit 237 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G (step 1204), and the normal random number lottery in this normal symbol lottery A determination is made (step 1205), and it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (step 1206). Whether or not the game is won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in step 704 in FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value. When the normal symbol lottery is won (Yes in Step 1206), the normal symbol control unit 237 sets a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) in the RAM 203 as setting information (Step 1207). On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won (No in step 1206), the normal symbol control unit 237 sets a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) in the RAM 203 as setting information (step 1208). ).

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the current operation state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 corresponds to either the probability variation gaming state or the short-time gaming state (step 1209). When it corresponds to one of the gaming states (Yes in Step 1209), the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the fluctuation time of the normal symbol variation to a short time (Step 1210). In the example shown in FIG. 12, it is set to 3 seconds. On the other hand, when the current operation state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 does not correspond to either the probability variation gaming state or the short-time gaming state (No in step 1209), the normal symbol control unit 237 increases the variation time of the normal symbol variation. Time is set (step 1211). In the example shown in FIG. 12, it is set to 29 seconds.

  Thereafter, the normal symbol control unit 237 starts normal symbol fluctuations in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIG. 3 based on the setting contents of step 1207 or step 1208 (step 1212). Further, in order to perform normal symbol variation for the time set in step 1210 or step 1211, measurement of the variation time is started (step 1213).

  Next, when it is determined in step 1202 that the normal symbol is changing (Yes in step 1202), the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has ended (step 1214). That is, it is determined whether or not the variation time started in step 1213 has reached the variation time set in step 1210 or step 1211. If the fluctuation time has not ended (No in step 1214), the normal symbol variation is continued, so that the normal symbol processing is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation time is over (Yes in step 1214), the normal symbol control unit 237 first ends the fluctuation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display unit 223 (step 1215), and resets the measured fluctuation time. (Step 1216). Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the winning is based on the normal symbol that has been stopped after the change (step 1217). If the winning is made (Yes in Step 1217), the auxiliary game operation control is started (Step 1218). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in step 1217), the normal symbol processing is terminated while maintaining the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special prize opening process (step 506 in FIG. 5).
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a big hit (step 1301). If it is not a big hit, there is no winning in the big winning opening 125, so the big winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1301). On the other hand, if it is a big hit (Yes in step 1301), then the big prize opening operation control unit 238 performs the opening operation in the operation control at the big hit started in the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not it is in progress (step 1302).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in Step 1302), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next determines whether or not a predetermined time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed. Judgment is made (step 1303). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1303). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1303), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 then adds 1 to the value of the open round number R of the special winning opening 125 from the current value (step 1304). Then, the special winning opening 125 is opened (step 1305).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the open state at the special winning opening 125 has passed a preset time (opening time) (step 1306). If the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in step 1306), then the big prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 is 9 or more. Is determined (step 1307). When the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time and the winning number C is less than 9, the open state of the big prize opening 125 is continued, so the big prize opening process is terminated. (No in step 1307). On the other hand, if the open state of the special winning opening 125 has passed the opening time (Yes in Step 1306) or the winning number C has reached nine (Yes in Step 1307), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 The big prize opening 125 is closed (step 1308).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the number of open rounds R of the special winning opening 125 has reached a preset maximum value (step 1309). If the maximum value has not been reached, since the operation control at the time of the big hit is continued, the big winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1309). The maximum value is set according to the type of jackpot specified by the specific symbol set in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). For example, the maximum value is set to 15 rounds for the jackpot of the specific symbol A and the normal symbol, and the maximum value is set to two rounds for the jackpot of the specific symbol B.

  If the number R of open rounds of the big prize opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in step 1309), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 then resets the number of open rounds R to 0 (step 1310), The ending operation in the operation control is started (step 1311). Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not an elapsed time from the start of the ending operation has passed a predetermined time (ending time) for performing the ending operation (step 1312). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1312). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1312), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 then ends the big winning operation and ends the special winning opening process (step 1313).

  If it is determined in step 1302 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not open (No in step 1302), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the special winning opening 125 is open (step). 1314). If it is being opened, the operations after step 1306 are executed (Yes in step 1314).

  If the big prize opening 125 is not open (No in step 1314), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 next determines whether or not the pachinko gaming machine 100 is ending (step 1315). If the ending is in progress, the operation after step 1312 is executed (Yes in step 1315).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not in the ending (No in step 1315), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next performs an open round execution interval (interval) in which the elapsed time after closing the special winning opening 125 is set in advance. It is determined whether or not (time) has elapsed (step 1316). If the interval time has not elapsed, the next open round is not yet performed, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1316). On the other hand, if the elapsed time after closing the special winning opening 125 has passed the interval time, the operation after step 1304 is executed in order to perform the next open round (Yes in step 1316).

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process (step 507 in FIG. 5).
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in an auxiliary game (step 1401). When the auxiliary game is not being performed, the electric tulip 123 is not opened, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1401). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game is being performed (Yes in step 1401), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 determines whether the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the middle of the opening operation in the operation control during the auxiliary game (step). 1402).

  If the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in Step 1402), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 then determines whether or not a predetermined time (opening time) for performing the opening operation has elapsed. (Step 1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation is continued, and the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1403), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 then determines whether the current operation state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 corresponds to either the probability variation gaming state or the short-time gaming state. It is determined whether or not (step 1404). If one of the gaming states is applicable (Yes in Step 1404), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the opening time of the electric tulip 123 to a long time (Step 1405). In the example shown in FIG. 14, it is set to 3.5 seconds. On the other hand, when the current operation state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 does not correspond to either the probability variation gaming state or the short-time gaming state (No in step 1404), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the opening time of the electric tulip 123. A short time is set (step 1406). In the example shown in FIG. 14, it is set to 0.2 seconds.

  Thereafter, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 opens the electric tulip 123 (step 1407), measures the elapsed time after release, and determines whether or not the opening time set in step 1405 or step 1406 has elapsed. Judgment is made (step 1408). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening of the electric tulip 123 is continued, and the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1408).

  On the other hand, if the elapsed time after the release of the electric tulip 123 has passed the opening time (Yes in step 1408), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 then closes the electric tulip 123 (step 1409), and during auxiliary games The operation control is finished and the electric tulip process is finished (step 1410).

[Random number judgment method]
Here, the determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 10), the normal symbol process (FIG. 12), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of random numbers used in the present embodiment.
15A shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number, FIG. 15B shows a configuration example of a jackpot design random number, FIG. 15C shows a configuration example of a reach random number, and FIG. Configuration examples are shown respectively.

  Referring to FIG. 15A, two types of jackpot random numbers are set: a jackpot when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the normal gaming state and a jackpot when the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the probability variation gaming state. The range of random numbers is 300 from 0 to 299. In the normal gaming state, only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of a probable gaming state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the example shown in the figure, if the winning symbols 121 and 122 are won and the special symbol lottery is performed in the probability variation gaming state, the winning probability is 10 times that in the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the normal gaming state.

  Referring to FIG. 15B, three types of jackpot symbols are prepared: a normal symbol, a specific symbol A, and a specific symbol B. Here, as described in the explanation of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the normal symbol is a symbol indicating that it is a jackpot without probability variation, and the specific symbol A is a jackpot with probability variation and time reduction. The specific symbol B is a symbol indicating that it is a big hit with a probability variation but not with a time reduction. The range of random number values is 10 from 0 to 9. Four values are assigned to each of the normal symbol and the specific symbol A. Two values are assigned to the specific symbol B. That is, in the example shown in the figure, the probability of probability variation is 6/10 (= 4/10 + 2/10 = 3/5) and the probability of probability variation is 4/10 (= 2/5) in the case of a big hit. In the example shown in the figure, the jackpot symbol is a total of three types including the normal symbol and the two specific symbols. However, the jackpot symbol may be classified into four or more types and assigned a random value.

  Referring to FIG. 15C, the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the lottery without the reach effect is performed. 228 random numbers are assigned to the result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/228 (= 11/114).

  Referring to FIG. 15D, the range of random number values is 10 from 0 to 9, and 9 winning values are set. That is, in the example shown in the figure, when a game ball passes through the gate 124 and a normal symbol lottery is performed, the winning is performed with a probability of 9/10.

  These random number values start from a predetermined initial value and are incremented by one each time the random number update process (step 501) shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 12). The This counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.

Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300 when a command is received from the game control unit 200.
When receiving the command, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not some effect is being executed (step 1601). If the effect is not being executed (No in step 1601), it is next determined whether or not the received command is a change start command (step 1602). If it is not a change start command (No in step 1602), the effect display process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the received command is a change start command (Yes in step 1602), the effect control unit 300 analyzes the acquired change start command (step 1603), and the effect pattern included in this change start command An effect pattern is determined based on the random number (step 1604). Then, according to the determined effect pattern, an effect by image display, sound output, lamp lighting, or the like is executed (step 1605).

  If any effect has been executed when the command is received (Yes in Step 1601), the effect control unit 300 next determines whether or not the received command is a change end command (Step 1606). If it is not a change end command (No in step 1606), the effect display process is ended as it is. On the other hand, if the received command is a change end command (Yes in Step 1606), the effect control unit 300 ends the effect being executed (Step 1607).

Next, the latent mode in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.
[Hidden mode]
When a special symbol lottery is performed in response to a winning of a game ball at the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 and the lottery result is not notified through the image display unit 114, for example, the internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 The player may not be able to distinguish whether or not is a probable change. Such a gaming state is referred to as a “latent mode”.

A specific example of such a latent mode will be described with the configuration of the present embodiment described above. One specific example is the case where the special symbol selected is the specific symbol A and the case where the special symbol is a normal symbol. The case of the specific symbol A and the case of the normal symbol are the same in that the number of open rounds of the special winning opening 125 is 15 rounds. However, the difference is that the internal state has a high probability in the case of the specific symbol A, while the low probability remains in the case of the normal symbol.
As another specific example, there are a case where the special symbol selected by the lottery is a specific symbol B and a case where a small hit symbol is selected. In the case of the specific symbol B and the small winning symbol, the number of open rounds of the special winning opening 125 is two, and the same is true in that there is no electric Chu support. However, the difference is that if the probability is low when the jackpot is reached, the internal state has a high probability in the case of the specific symbol B, while the low probability remains in the case of the small bonus symbol.

  The game control unit 200 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment uses the same number of times the big winning opening 125 is opened in the case of a big win in which the jackpot winning probability becomes a low probability state and in the case of a big hit in a high probability state. It is controlled to approximate. In addition, the production control unit 300 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs a low-probability state production in a low-probability state by functioning as a normal production means, and enters a high-probability state by functioning as a high-probability production means. To produce a high probability state. Further, the effect control unit 300 functions as a latent state control unit, thereby controlling a latent state in which a high-probability effect is omitted in a high-probability state under a predetermined condition. In this way, the “latency notification mode” is executed in the latent mode, which is a scene in which the player does not know whether there is a high probability if there is no effect of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In this latent notification mode, a latent notification mode process described later is performed. When a predetermined condition is established, the gaming state is notified to the player.

  The relationship between the latent mode and the latent notification mode is added. When the latent notification mode is always executed in the latent mode, the start condition for starting the latent notification mode is set in advance in the latent mode, and the latent notification mode is executed when the start condition is satisfied. Is also possible. As a start condition of such a latent notification mode, for example, a control example in which it is determined whether to execute the latent notification mode by acquiring a random number for starting the latent notification mode can be considered. In this case, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the start condition of the latent notification mode is satisfied.

  The CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 receives a game start instruction, plays a game via the image display unit 114, functions as a progress control unit that controls the progress of the game, and receives the game start instruction. It functions as a determination means for determining the degree of participation of the player in the gaming machine later. Further, the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 functions as a display change unit that changes the state of the image displayed on the image display unit 114 when the game progresses by the progress control unit based on the determination result by the determination unit.

[Hidden notification mode processing]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of the latent notification mode process according to the present embodiment. In the latent notification mode process, a game process and a latent notification effect (effect including a latent state effect) process are mainly performed. The game in the game processing here is a participation type game that progresses when the player operates, for example, the effect button 161 or the effect key 162. Specifically, such a game is, for example, a collection game or a treasure hunt game for collecting predetermined items. In addition, a battle game that fights against enemies living in the cave is also conceivable.

To explain further, this game moves in the cave by the player's operation, and since the game is performed in the dark, the player moves by relying on the torch light. That is, the game progresses when the player operates while illuminating the darkness with torches.
In such a game, the size of torches as an image used for production and the timing of extinction are controlled. The size of the torch light can be determined based on the amount of energy that the torch has. Further, it is conceivable that the timing of turning off the light is when the energy of the torch is exhausted. The amount of torch energy can be controlled using numerical values, and decreases or increases as will be described later.
Examples of images displayed as effects on the image display unit 114 include an image displayed when the player is in the dark with a torch, or a torch that illuminates the darkness of a person impersonating the player I can give you what is in the state. The display content on the image display unit 114 in this case changes according to the operation of the effect button 161 or the effect key 162 performed by the player. Note that the player can move in the dark while illuminating with torches by operating the production key 162, and can increase the score of the game.

In the latent notification mode process, the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 detects the occurrence of the process start condition based on the control command acquired from the game control unit 200. Thereby, the latent notification mode process is started (step 1701).
Here, the occurrence of the start condition of the latent notification mode process is that an instruction to execute the latent notification mode is acquired from the game control unit 200 as a control command. The effect control unit 300 starts the latent notification mode process when this condition is satisfied.
To explain further, as a timing when the game control unit 200 instructs execution of the latent notification mode, the special symbol variation control unit 233 determines that the special symbol lottery is a big hit and the winning probability of the special symbol lottery varies. (See steps 901 and 902). For example, the random number control unit 242 acquires the value of the latent notification mode start random number, determines whether the acquired random number value matches a preset value, and executes the latent notification mode when the values match. It is possible to give instructions. Then, when instructing execution of the latent notification mode, it may be determined whether or not the gaming state is a big hit. That is, in order to secure the game time from the start to the end of the game process, the execution of the latent notification mode is instructed after the end of the jackpot.

Thus, the production control unit 300 starts the latent notification mode process at the timing when the execution instruction of the latent notification mode is acquired from the game control unit 200. In addition, even if the production control unit 300 acquires the execution instruction of the latent notification mode, it is conceivable to perform control so as not to execute the latent notification mode because of the relationship with other processes.
In other words, there may be a control example in which the game control unit 200 grants a player the right to play a game once every time there is a symbol variation of a predetermined number of rotations (for example, 100 times). That is, whether to participate in the game is determined according to the number of rotations of the symbol fluctuation.

Next, the CPU 301 as an example of the game execution means starts the game by outputting a game start command to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (step 1702). In addition to the case where one game to be executed is set in advance, there may be a case where a plurality of games to be executed are set in advance and one of them is selected.
The image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 that have received an instruction from the effect control unit 300 display a predetermined image on the image display unit 114 and start the game with the predetermined sound or lamp. To inform. The image / sound control unit 310 receives an operation input from the player using the effect button 161 and the effect key 162, and outputs information corresponding to the operation input to the effect control unit 300.

In addition, as a timing to start the game, the case after the jackpot end is conceivable in order to secure the game time, but the case of the jackpot is also conceivable. Also, when playing a game during a big hit, when the game control unit 200 instructs an effect time of a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) or less, the game is not started, and when an effect time of a predetermined time or more is instructed A control example for starting a game is also conceivable.
A control example is also conceivable in which the game is started after the special symbol variation and / or the normal symbol variation is performed for a predetermined number of revolutions (for example, 100 times) or more. A control example in which a game is started when the player presses the effect button 161 is also conceivable.

  After the game is started, the CPU 301 instructs the image / sound control unit 310 to turn on the torches held by the person displayed on the image display unit 114, thereby turning on the torches (step 1703). The display unit 114 displays an image illuminated by darkness with torches.

  Then, the CPU 301 advances the game (step 1704). That is, when the CPU 301 acquires information corresponding to the operation input of the effect key 162 from the image / sound control unit 310, the CPU 301 calculates an image displayed on the image display unit 114 based on the information, and according to the calculation result. The instruction is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320. Further, the CPU 301 calculates the item or score obtained by the player based on the information acquired from the image / sound control unit 310, and the instructions according to the calculation result also include the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320. Send to. In accordance with these instructions, the image / sound control unit 310 performs an effect using the image display unit 114 and the speaker 156, and the lamp control unit 320 performs an effect using the frame lamp 157 or the like.

In addition to the progress of the game, the CPU 301 as an example of the game progress control means is configured so that the game development is advantageous for the player or disadvantageous for the player based on the predetermined information. A control example for controlling the above can be considered. As the predetermined information mentioned here, for example, information related to the jackpot lottery can be considered. Specifically, it is information related to the number of times that the big hit lottery is performed in the game control unit 200 (for example, information about the number of times per unit time, information about the number of times per unit game ball, etc.). Moreover, the information regarding the number of jackpots made by the jackpot lottery, the information regarding the number of jackpots continuously, or the information regarding the number of jackpots can also be mentioned.
In this way, by using information on winning or jackpot lottery, if you have been playing for a long time but have not been jackpot lottery for some time, When it is, the progress of the game is controlled so that the game development is advantageous for the player.

  In addition, as the predetermined information mentioned here, information on the number of reserved balls won can also be considered. Specifically, it is information on the number of holds sent from the game control unit 200 to the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220. For example, when the number of holdings is the limit number, the progress of the game is controlled so that the game is advantageous for the player.

The CPU 301 controls the torch light size as the game progresses (step 1705). In a game to search for a predetermined item in the dark, if the torch light is large, the player can easily find the predetermined item, and if the torch light becomes small, the player searches for the predetermined item. Becomes difficult.
More specifically, the CPU 301 performs control so that the energy of the torches decreases as the time elapses after the game starts and the light becomes smaller. That is, the CPU 301 performs control so that the background or the like displayed on the image display unit 114 gradually becomes darker as time elapses, and the item to be searched for becomes less visible to the player.
On the other hand, when the CPU 301 acquires information that a predetermined operation or game has been performed, the CPU 301 increases the torch energy and controls the torch light to increase. That is, the CPU 301 performs control so that the background displayed on the image display unit 114 is temporarily bright, and the player can easily find the item.
More specifically, when the CPU 301 acquires information that a predetermined operation or game has been performed, the amount of energy that is substantially the same as the amount of energy consumed by the torch light is supplied, and the size of the light is maintained. It is also conceivable to control as described above.

Examples of the predetermined operation or game mentioned here include, for example, the number of consecutive hits of the effect button 161 within the time limit during the progress of the game, and the continuous game during the game (the continuous launch of the game ball by operating the lever 152). It is possible to increase the start opening prize while the game is in progress, the number of holds over a predetermined value, and the like. In addition, for example, it is conceivable to operate the production key 162 or a trackball (not shown).
In other words, information on the number of consecutive hits of the effect button 161 is acquired from the image / sound control unit 310. In addition, information on the start opening prize and the number of holds is acquired from the game control unit 200. That is, when a detection signal is detected by the first start port switch 211 or the second start port switch 212, the game control unit 200 outputs to the effect control unit 300, so that the effect control unit 300 has the torch energy. Get timing information to increase.

  Further, the magnitude of the torch fire that decreases with the elapsed time and the time until the torch burns out and disappears are displayed on, for example, the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220. It may be determined according to the number of holds displayed. That is, the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 acquires information on the number of reserved balls from the game control unit 200, and sets the magnitude of energy and the degree of energy decrease for burning the torches based on the information. For example, when the maximum number of holds is 4, the torch fire at the start of the game is the largest and / or the time until the torch disappears is increased. The larger the torch fire, the wider the bright area and the easier it is to search for items.

Then, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the torches are turned off based on the information on the remaining amount of torches energy (step 1706). When the CPU 301 determines that there is a remaining amount of energy (Yes in step 1706), the CPU 301 determines whether or not to end the game (step 1707). More specifically, the CPU 301 determines whether or not a predetermined game end condition is satisfied. As a condition for ending the game, for example, a case where the player arrives at a goal point by an operation of the player, a case where a predetermined number of items have been found, or a case where a predetermined time has elapsed can be considered.
To explain further, the condition for ending the game here can be said to be a condition for continuing the game, which is a condition for allowing the game to continue. As a condition for continuing the game, for example, there may be a case where there is a number of holds. In such a case, the probability of continuing the game and reaching the goal increases if the hold is not given. On the other hand, if the hold is lost, the game cannot be continued and ends.

If the CPU 301 determines that the game end condition is satisfied (Yes in step 1707), the game ends by ending the game process (step 1708). If the CPU 301 determines that the game end condition is not satisfied (No in step 1707), the process returns to step 1704.
If the CPU 301 determines that there is no remaining energy (No in step 1706), the process proceeds to step 1708, and the game process ends by ending the game process as it is (step 1708).

The CPU 301 performs the next effect process after the game process is completed. That is, the CPU 301 as an example of a determination unit is in a high probability state or a low probability state by selecting from a plurality of stages stored in the ROM 302 in advance based on game result information such as a score, for example. The notification level for notifying the player of this fact is determined. The CPU 301 stores the determined notification degree in the RAM 303.
Then, the CPU 301 as an example of the latent notification effect means selects from the contents of the latent notification effect stored in advance in the ROM 302 on the basis of the notification level, and stores the selected effect content in the RAM 303. The contents are set (step 1709).

The degree of notification here refers to a case in which a high probability state (probability expectation 100%) or a low probability state (probability expectation 0%) is definitely reported, or for example, the probability change expectation is There may be cases where the possibility of a high probability state is suggested, such as 50% or 20%. Also, a gold key 21 (see FIG. 23A), which will be described later, is included in the notification level here.
The determination of the notification level is performed based on the result of the game in which the player has participated and information included in the control command acquired from the game control unit 200 (for example, whether or not the internal state is definitely changed). It is also conceivable to determine the notification level in consideration of other information (past jackpot information).

Specifically, in the case of the latent state, if the player's score is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (for example, 60% of the total score), the notification degree that the latent state is always displayed is determined. On the other hand, if it is less than the predetermined value, it is actually displayed with a probability of 20%, while it is falsely displayed with a probability of 80%.
In the case of the non-latent state, if the player's score is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the notification degree that the non-latent state is always displayed is determined, and if it is less than the predetermined value, 20% While the actual display is performed with the probability, the false display is performed with the probability of 80%.

  Such determination of real display or false display is performed using, for example, a random value for determining the notification level. The random number value for determining the notification degree is controlled to be updated by the random number control unit 242. In addition, for the random value for determining the notification degree, in addition to the configuration example in which the random number is set and updated in the effect control unit 300, the configuration example in which the random number is set and updated in the game control unit 200 is also conceivable. .

After setting the content of the latent notification effect, the effect control unit 300 performs the effect of the latent notification by instructing the content of the effect to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (step 1710), and a series of processes End the procedure.
In other words, this latent notification effect suggests the possibility of a latent state (state suggestion), and specifically, the latent probability change effect is performed based on the set content of the effect. As the content of the effect of the latent notification, in addition to determining that the internal state is probabilistic or not probable and informing the user, it is conceivable to display the probable change expectation in a predetermined percentage or a predetermined image. .
Hereinafter, the effect by the latent notification mode process will be described separately for an image example of the game process and an image example of the latent notification effect process.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image displayed on the image display unit 114 during the game processing according to the present embodiment.
In the image example shown in the figure, a person 81 as a character that is operated by a player's operation is displayed, and the person 81 has a torch 82 on the right hand. That is, when the player operates the effect button 161 or the effect key 162, the person 81 in the image display unit 114 moves forward along the road or in the direction instructed at the branch point, for example. Move your arm to change the location of the torch 82.

As shown in the figure, only the surroundings of the torches are visible in the dark by the torches 82. As described above, the light of the torch 82 becomes brighter or darker according to the remaining amount of energy of the torch 82. For this reason, the image display unit 114 is controlled so that an area (display area) where an image such as a passage appears is increased or decreased depending on the size (brightness) of the torch 82. Accordingly, when the torch 82 is bright, the player can see a wide range on the image display unit 114 and can be looked up to a relatively long distance. Disappears and it becomes difficult to continue the game.
Further, as described above, the light of the torches 82 becomes darker as time elapses, but may temporarily become brighter when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are diagrams showing examples of images displayed on the image display unit 114 during the game process according to the present embodiment.
The image example shown in FIG. 5A is displayed when the collection game is started. In this collection game, items 62 and 63 are found and collected by operating the production key 162 and changing the place illuminated by the light of the torches 82 (see FIG. 18), and the items 62 and 63 collected within a predetermined time. Points according to the number are given to the player. In the present embodiment, the game progress control is performed so as to collect a plurality of types of items 62 and 63. In this case, the number of points can be changed depending on the types of items 62 and 63. That is, a point corresponding to the type of the collected items 62 and 63 is given to the player.
In this image example, a virtual space in which the passages are arranged in a maze shape is shown in a plan view, and the player can advance the passage by selecting the traveling direction by operating the effect key 162. The player's position and direction of travel are indicated by arrows 61. A plurality of items 62 and 63 are placed in the passage.
In FIGS. 6A and 6B, an arrow 61 is displayed for convenience of explanation, but it is also conceivable to display a person 81 shown in FIG. Further, in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the fact that the inside of the passage is dark is omitted and displayed, and therefore items 62 and 63 are also illustrated. Further, the items 62 collected by the player are no longer displayed on the passage, and only the items 62 that are not collected (shown by broken lines in FIG. 5A) are displayed as they are.

The image example shown in FIG. 5B is displayed when the collection game is in progress. In this image example, by operating the effect key 162, the passage is advanced and an attempt is made to enter the square 64 that is not displayed in FIG. Since the two items 62 and 63 are placed on the square 64, the player can efficiently collect the items 62 and 63.
In this collection game, the passage that was not displayed until then is newly displayed by proceeding through the passage.

For such a collection game, an image example other than the image example of FIG. 19 is also conceivable.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating another image example displayed on the image display unit 114 during the game processing according to the present embodiment.
The image example shown in the figure is displayed when the collection game is started, and corresponds to (a) of FIG. This image example is a perspective view of the virtual space where the passages are arranged in a maze shape as viewed from the height of the line of sight, and the direction in which the vehicle can proceed is indicated by an arrow 71. Then, the player can move by opening the door 73 of another room by operating the effect key 162. An item 72 to be collected is placed in the illustrated room. The item 72 may be placed in another room, or the item 72 may not be placed. When entering the room where the item 72 is placed, the item 72 can be collected, and points corresponding to the number of the collected items 72 are given to the player.
Even in this collected game, the CPU 301 can perform game progress control so as to obtain a predetermined game result by adjusting the presence / absence of the item 72 placed in the room and the increase / decrease of the number of items.

(A)-(d) of FIG. 21 is a figure which shows the example of an image displayed on the image display part 114 in the case of the latency alerting | reporting effect process which concerns on this Embodiment. In addition, the figure has shown the effect of the latent notification performed based on the content of the effect set in step 1709 of FIG.
The image examples shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C are determined based on information indicating whether or not the internal state is definitely changed and information on the result of the quiz game. For example, as shown in (a) of the figure, the character “probable change confirmed!” Is displayed together with the decorative design (“123” in this example). Thereby, since the player can know that it is a certain change, the player's sense of expectation can be enhanced as compared with the conventional case. Also, as shown in (b) of the figure, there is a case where a character “expected probability of 50%” is displayed without directly displaying whether the internal state is probabilistic or not. As shown in (c) of the figure, there may be a case where the characters “probability expected 20%” are displayed.
In addition, if a big win is won by 100 special symbol lotteries, a so-called premium round may be started. The premium round is notified to the player by video, sound, or the like. This premium round does not reflect quiz results.
After such an image is displayed, an image example shown in (d) of the figure in which a decorative design is displayed with a predetermined background image is displayed. That is, when the image example shown in (a) of the figure is displayed, the mode shifts to the internal probability change mode, and when the image example shown in (b) or (c) of the figure is displayed. Transition to normal mode. Note that the predetermined background screen is different between the internal probability change mode and the normal mode.

FIG. 22 is a table showing an example of a selection ratio of images displayed on the image display unit 114 during the latent notification effect processing according to the present embodiment, (a) is a case of a latent state, (b) Is in the non-latent state.
According to the example of (a) of the figure, in the case of the latent state, if the game result is a high score, the image example of “probability change confirmation” (see (a) of FIG. 21) has an 80% probability. Is displayed. Also, an image example (see (b) in the figure) with “expected probability of 50%” is displayed with a probability of 20%, and an image example (see (c) in the figure) with “expected probability of 20%” is shown. Do not show.
Also, if the game result is a medium score, the image example of “Confirmed change probability” is 30%, the image example of “Probability change expectation 50%” is 50%, and the image example of “Probability change expectation 20%” is 20%. It is displayed in the ratio of each. If the game result is a low score, the image example of “Confirmed change probability” is 10%, the image example of “Expected probability of change 50%” is 40%, and the image example of “Expected probability of change 20%” is 50%. It is displayed in the ratio of each.

Further, according to the example of FIG. 5B, in the non-latent state, if the game result is a high score, the image example of “certain change confirmation” is not displayed. Further, an image example with “expected probability of 50%” is displayed with a probability of 20%, and an image example with “expected probability of change of 20%” is displayed with a probability of 80%.
Also, if the game result is a medium score, the image example of “Confirmed change probability” is 20%, the image example of “Expected probability change of 50%” is 50%, and the image example of “Probability change expectation degree of 20%” is 30%. It is displayed in the ratio of each. Further, if the game result is a low score, the image example of “Probability Change Confirmation” is 50%, the image example of “Probability Change Expectation 50%” is 40%, and the image example of “Probability Change Expectation 20%” is 10%. It is displayed in the ratio of each. In this way, the mode in which the image example is displayed on the image display unit 114 is clearly marked.

(A)-(d) of FIG. 23 is a figure which shows the other example of an image displayed on the image display part 114 in the case of the latent notification production | presentation process which concerns on this Embodiment.
The image example shown in FIG. 6A is displayed when the game result is excellent, and a gold key (gold key) 21 is shown. That is, the player obtains the gold key 21 as a tool used to open a treasure box 31 to be described later.
This gold key 21 has a treasure chest release expectation of 100% accuracy. That is, if the gold key 21 is used, the player can always open the treasure box 31.

The image example shown in FIG. 6B is displayed when the game result is good, and a silver key (silver key) 22 is shown. That is, the player obtains the silver key 22 used to open the treasure chest 31.
The silver key 22 has a treasure box release expectation of 50% accuracy. That is, when the silver key 22 is used, the player can open the treasure chest 31 with a probability of 50%. In other words, even if the silver key 22 is used, the treasure chest 31 may not be opened.

The image example shown in FIG. 6C is displayed when the game result is not so good, and a copper key (copper key) 23 is shown. That is, the player obtains the copper key 23 used to open the treasure chest 31.
The copper key 23 has a treasure chest release expectation of 20% accuracy. That is, if the copper key 23 is used, the player can open the treasure chest 31 with a probability of 20%. In other words, even if the copper key 23 is used, the treasure chest 31 may not be opened. By obtaining a higher-accuracy key, the player is more likely to open the treasure chest 31 and can know whether or not the internal state has changed.

  The image example shown in FIG. 6D is displayed when the result of the game is bad due to, for example, not participating in the game, and the key used to open the treasure chest 31 cannot be obtained. Therefore, the player cannot open the treasure chest 31. In the quiz game, the game progress is controlled regardless of whether or not the internal state is probabilistic, so even in the case of this image example, the internal state may or may not be probable.

(A)-(e) of FIG. 24 is a figure which shows the example of an image displayed on the image display part 114 in the case of the latency alerting | reporting effect process which concerns on this Embodiment. That is, the image example shown in the figure is displayed next to the image example in FIG. Specifically, the image example in FIG. 24 shows the gold key 21 in FIG. 23A, the silver key 22 in FIG. 23B, or the copper key 23 in FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of an image displayed when using and opening the treasure chest 31.
The image example shown in (a) of FIG. 24 is displayed after any of the image examples of (a) to (c) of FIG. 23, and a treasure chest 31 having a keyhole is displayed. The treasure box 31 contains either a paper 32 marked as being probable or a paper 33 marked as not being probable.

The image example shown in FIG. 24B shows a state in which the treasure chest 31 could not be opened as a result of an attempt to open the treasure chest 31 using the player's key obtained by the quiz game. For this reason, the player cannot know whether or not the internal state is certain.
The example of the image shown in (c) of the figure shows a state in which the treasure chest 31 can be opened as a result of an attempt to open the treasure chest 31 using the player's key obtained by the quiz game.
The image examples shown in (d) and (e) of the same figure show papers 32 and 33 contained in a treasure chest 31 opened using a key. In the image example of (d), since “◯” is attached to the paper 32, it can be suggested that the internal state is probable. Further, in the image example (e), since “x” is added to the paper 33, it can be suggested that the internal state is not probable.

FIG. 25 is a table showing an example of a selection ratio of images displayed on the image display unit 114 during the latent notification effect processing according to the present embodiment, (a) is a case of a latent state, (b) Is the case of non-latent state.
According to the example of (a) of the figure, in the latent state, when the treasure box 31 is opened using the gold key 21, “◯” (see (d) of FIG. 24) is displayed on the paper 32. The probability of being displayed is 100%, and the probability that “x” (see (e) of FIG. 6) is displayed is 0%. Further, when the treasure box 31 is opened using the silver key 22, the probability of “◯” and the probability of “x” are 50% each. When the treasure chest 31 is opened using the copper key 23, the probability of “◯” is 20%, and the probability of “x” is 80%.

  Further, according to the example of (b) in the figure, in the non-latent state, when the treasure box 31 is opened using the gold key 21, the probability of “◯” is 0%, and “×” The probability of is 100%. When the treasure box 31 is opened using the silver key 22, the probability of “◯” and the probability of “x” are 50% each. When the treasure chest 31 is opened using the copper key 23, the probability of “◯” is 80%, and the probability of “x” is 20%. In this way, the manner in which the image example is displayed on the image display unit 114 is clearly marked.

(A)-(c) of FIG. 26 is a figure which shows the other example of an image displayed on an image display part in the case of the latency alerting | reporting effect process which concerns on this Embodiment.
The image example shown in FIG. 6A is displayed when the game result is excellent. The image display unit 114 displays a code image 41 made of a QR code (registered trademark) conforming to JISX0510. The code image 41 is a so-called two-dimensional code, in which a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is recorded. For this reason, the player can acquire a predetermined URL by reading the code image 41 of the image display unit 114 with the mobile phone 42 with a camera. The player can then access the corresponding website.
The image examples shown in (b) and (c) of the same figure are displayed on the screen 43 of the mobile phone 42 when the corresponding website is accessed. In the image example (b), the characters “celebration” and “probability!” Are displayed on the screen 43. For this reason, in the case of the image example of (b), the player can know that the internal state is definitely changed. In the image example (c), the word “sorry” is displayed on the screen 43. For this reason, in the case of the image example of (c), the player can receive a suggestion that the internal state is not certain.

  The image displayed by the corresponding website is not fixed, and can be changed afterwards by changing the data of the website. That is, the pachinko gaming machine 100 cannot update the internal data once released (product shipment), but by updating the data on the website, for example, the numerical values displayed in (b) to (c) of FIG. It is possible to change. It is also possible to set a limited time period so that data is displayed only for a predetermined period by using data from the RTC 304 of the effect control unit 300. Moreover, by displaying on the screen 43 of the mobile phone 42 of the player, it can be prevented from being seen by other players.

(A)-(c) of FIG. 27 is a figure which shows the operation example in which the movable accessory 115 operate | moves when the latent information production | presentation process of a latent information mode process is performed.
(A) of the figure shows an example of operation when the game result is excellent. That is, in this operation example, the movable accessory 115 as a gimmick slides upward with respect to the game board 110, and the alarm 51 that has been hidden by the movable accessory 115 until then appears. The alarm 51 is usually located behind the movable accessory 115. The notification device 51 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display device.

  The image examples shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. The image example of (b) in the same figure is the same as (b) of FIG. In addition, the image example in FIG. 27C is the same as that in FIG. As described above, in this operation example, it is suggested whether or not the internal state is probable due to the movement of the movable accessory 115 or the difference in performance.

Note that the alarm 51 is configured to display only the image of FIG. 27 (b), and even if the result is a game result with excellent results, it is suggested that the internal state is probable. It is also conceivable that the movable accessory 115 moves only, and otherwise the movable accessory 115 does not move.
Moreover, although the case where the movement and production of the movable accessory 115 are performed when the game result is excellent in the results has been described, the movement and production of the movable accessory 115 are performed when the production button 161 is pressed at a predetermined timing. It is also conceivable to configure so that When the player presses the effect button 161 after the game is over, for example, the movable probability 115 moves, rotates in a different direction, or shines in a different color, so that the internal probability change is determined. . In addition, a configuration example in which a probability change expectation degree is notified by a difference in the movement and production of the movable accessory 115 is also conceivable. A configuration example in which a treasure box (not shown) is employed as the movable accessory 115 is also conceivable.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described. The configuration and control of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment have the same contents as in the case of the first embodiment described above, and the description and illustration thereof may be omitted.
First, reservation prefetching employed in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment will be described.
[Read ahead]
The pre-reading here refers to determining a symbol variation pattern and a symbol variation time (variation time) not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize. That is, when a game ball enters the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, various random numbers for performing jackpot determination processing and the like are acquired (see step 604 in FIG. 6). In addition, when a game ball enters the start opening during the special symbol change display (notification of the lottery result) (start opening winning), the random number acquired by using this start is stored in the RAM 203, and the reserved ball is stored. Will be reserved. The reserved balls thus reserved are processed (variable display of special symbols) in the order in which they are reserved. Then, the random number stored in the RAM 203 is determined (preliminary determination) when the random number is stored. As described above, in the case of holding prefetching, based on the random number stored in the RAM 203, the symbol variation pattern and symbol variation time are determined not at the time of symbol variation start but at the start opening prize.
The result of prior determination is used for various effects. For example, the result is transmitted to the effect control unit 300, and the effect control unit 300 provides a player with a sense of expectation that, for example, the reserved ball may have won the jackpot based on the received result. Produce signs.
In this embodiment, as will be described later, in the sign effect process, control is performed so that the pre-determined pre-determined result is transmitted to the player by a predetermined effect (predictive effect) according to the game results.

Next, regarding the configuration and control of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment, contents different from the case of the first embodiment will be mainly described.
[RAM of game control unit]
FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) of the game control unit 200 according to the second embodiment. (A) of the same figure is a block diagram which shows the structure of the storage area 204, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a).
As shown to (a) of the figure, RAM203 is provided with the memory area 204 as a special symbol holding | maintenance memory area which memorize | stores the jackpot random number acquired by the jackpot random number lottery. This storage area 204 has eight storage units. Specifically, the storage area 204 includes a first storage unit 204a, a second storage unit 204b, a third storage unit 204c, a fourth storage unit 204d, a fifth storage unit 204e, a sixth storage unit 204f, and a seventh storage. Part 204g and eighth storage part 204h.

Moreover, as shown in (b) of the figure, each of these storage units 204a to 204h includes a portion for storing the number of fluctuations N when winning the jackpot, and a first start port 121 (see FIG. 1). And a portion for storing information on whether a random number has been acquired by entering a game ball or whether a random number has been acquired by entering the second start port 122 (see the same figure). .
In addition, each of the storage units 204a to 204h includes a part for storing the acquired jackpot random number, a part for storing a design random number, and a part for storing a reach random number. That is, the jackpot random number, the design random number, and the reach random number are stored in each of the storage units 204a to 204h. These jackpot random numbers, symbol random numbers and reach random numbers can be referred to as game data, and details thereof will be described later.
In addition, each of the storage units 204a to 204h has a portion in which the advance determination information is stored. The pre-determination information here is information obtained by a pre-determination process (see step 3006 in FIG. 30) described later. Specifically, pre-determined information is either a big hit, a small win, or a loss, and if it is a big win, what is the type of the big win, and the content of the production has reach This is information for indicating whether it is a production or a non-reach production.

  Here, each random number is stored in order from the first storage unit 204a. More specifically, for example, when no random number is stored in any of the first storage unit 204a to the eighth storage unit 204h, the acquired random number is stored in the first storage unit 204a. Further, for example, when random numbers are already stored in the first storage unit 204a to the fourth storage unit 204d, the acquired random number is stored in the fifth storage unit 204e.

[RAM of production control unit]
FIG. 29 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) of the effect control unit 300 according to the present embodiment. (A) of the same figure is a block diagram which shows the structure of RAM303, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a).
As shown to (a) of the figure, RAM303 is equipped with the 1st reservation storage area 305 and the 2nd reservation storage area 306 as a reservation status storage area which memorize | stores the condition where the reservation ball | bowl is reserved. Each of the first reserved storage area 305 and the second reserved storage area 306 has four storage units. That is, the first reserved storage area 305 includes a first storage unit 305a, a second storage unit 305b, a third storage unit 305c, and a fourth storage unit 305d. The second reserved storage area 306 includes a first storage unit 306a, a second storage unit 306b, a third storage unit 306c, and a fourth storage unit 306d.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, each of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d includes a hold flag storage area for turning on / off the hold flag and a sign flag for turning on / off the sign flag. And a storage area.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process (step 502 in FIG. 5) according to the present embodiment. The contents of the start port switch process shown in FIG. 30 are common to the process contents shown in FIG. Specifically, steps 3001, 3002, 3003, and 3005 in FIG. 30 correspond to steps 601, 602, 603, and 604 in FIG. 6, respectively. Therefore, description of these may be omitted. Hereinafter, steps 3004 and 3006 will be mainly described.
In this start port switch process, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 turns on the start port switches 211 and 212 (Yes in Step 3001), and the number of reservations U is less than the upper limit (Yes in Step 3002). ), 1 is added to the value of the holding number U (step 3003). Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 adds 1 to the value of the number of fluctuations N stored in the RAM 203 (step 3004). The number N of fluctuations referred to here is the total number of jackpot lottery rights acquired by the game balls entering the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. In addition, hereinafter, the number of holds due to the first start opening prize may be referred to as a first hold U1, and the number of holds due to the second start opening prize may be referred to as a second hold U2.
To explain further, the number of fluctuations N indicates how many jackpot lottery rights have been obtained by counting from the initial state, and does not indicate the number of special symbol variations displayed so far. No. For example, after the power is turned on, a game ball has entered the first start port 121, and the right to win a jackpot has been acquired 100 times, and the game ball has entered the second start port 122. Suppose that the right to win a jackpot is acquired 10 times. In this state, data “110” is stored in the RAM 203. Then, when a game ball enters the first starting port 121 from this state and wins the jackpot lottery right, the special symbol lottery unit 231 adds 1 to the value “110” stored in the RAM 203. Then, data “111” is stored. If the number U of reserves has reached the upper limit reserve number and the right to win a jackpot lottery cannot be obtained by this entry, a game ball enters the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Even if the ball is struck, the number N of changes is not counted.
Then, the special symbol lottery unit 231 acquires a random number value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in the storage area 204 of the RAM 203 (step 3005). Random values here include jackpot random numbers that determine jackpot, jackpot or loss, and jackpot type (long hit, short hit, presence / absence of transition to high probability gaming state, presence / absence of transition to short-time gaming state ) Are determined, and a reach random number value is determined for determining whether or not to perform an effect with reach. In the present embodiment, the probability variation gaming state may be referred to as a high probability gaming state, and the normal gaming state may be referred to as a low probability gaming state.
The CPU 201 of the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process using various stored random number values (step 3006). The details of the prior determination process will be described later.

[Method of judgment using random numbers in the pre-judgment process]
Here, a determination method using random numbers in the prior determination process will be described in detail.
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a configuration example of random numbers used in the prior determination process according to the present embodiment.
(A) of the figure shows a configuration example of jackpot random numbers, (b) shows a configuration example of symbol random numbers, and (c) shows a configuration example of reach random numbers.

Referring to (a) in the figure, two types of jackpot random numbers are set: a low probability gaming state (normal gaming state) and a high probability gaming state (probability varying gaming state). The range of random number values is 601 from 0 to 600. Furthermore, two types of jackpot random numbers are set for the jackpot and the jackpot for the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state, respectively. That is, as a random number determination table used in the prior determination process, a low probability random number determination table used for determination of a big hit random number in a low probability gaming state and a high number used for determination of a big hit random number in a high probability gaming state And a random number determination table for probability.
In the case of the low probability gaming state, both the big win winning value and the small win winning value are set, the big win winning probability is 2/601, and the small win winning probability is also 2/601. In the case of a high-probability gaming state, 20 jackpot winning values are set, the jackpot winning probability is 20/601, two small hit winning values are set, and the small win winning probability is 2/601. . In other words, in the example shown in the figure, when the special symbols lottery is performed by winning the starting holes 121 and 122 in the probability variation gaming state, the jackpot winning probability is 10 times as compared with the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability gaming state. .
In the present embodiment, the low-winning random number determination table and the high-probability random number determination table have small winning winning values of 50 and 100, respectively. Therefore, regardless of whether the game state is a low-probability gaming state or a high-probability gaming state, a jackpot random number is determined to be a small hit when it is 50 or 100.

FIG. 31 (b) shows a symbol random number at the time of jackpot due to the first starting opening prize, a symbol random number at the time of jackpot due to the second starting slot winning, and a symbol random number at the time of small hitting.
Referring to (b) of the figure, the types of jackpots for the first starting entrance prize are as follows: per length with high probability short-time, long per length with normal time, short per short with high probability time, short per short with normal time, high probability short-time There are six types available, one per no short and the other per normal time. The range of the random number value is 251 from 0 to 250. And since the value of 0-100 is allocated per length with high probability shortening, the probability of being per length with high probability shortening is 101/251 when performing pre-reading preserving of the first start opening prize. Moreover, since the value of 101-150 is normally assigned per length with a short time, the probability that it is per length with a normal time is 50/251 when the pre-reading reservation of the first start opening prize is performed. In addition, per value with a short time with a high probability, a short value with a short time with a normal time, a short value with a short time without a high probability, and a value with a short time without a short time with a normal probability, values of 151 to 175, 176 to 200, 201 to 225, 226 to 250, respectively. Is assigned, the probability is 25/251 for both.

  In addition, referring to (b) of the figure, there are two types of jackpots for the second start opening winning, one per length with high probability and the other with a length with normal time. The range of random number values is 251 from 0 to 250. And since the value of 0-150 is allocated per length with high probability time shortening, the probability per length with high probability time shortening will be 151/251 when performing pre-reading reservation of the 2nd start opening prize. In addition, since the values of 151 to 250 are assigned per length with a normal time, the probability of being with the time length with a normal time is 100/251 when preserving the second start opening prize preemption.

Here, the reason why the control is performed so as to win only the high probability short-time length or the normal time-short length per win at the big hit by the second start opening winning prize will be described below.
That is, in the non-short game state, almost no game ball enters the second start port 122. In other words, in the non-time-saving gaming state, most of the jackpot lottery is performed when a gaming ball enters the first start port 121. Therefore, in the non-time-saving gaming state, any one of the six types of jackpots is won to enhance the fun of the game.
On the other hand, even if a game ball enters the second starting port 122, if 6 types of jackpots are won, the time will be reduced due to the player's willingness to play the game. There is a risk of letting it. For example, if you win a short chance with a high probability of short time and become short-time gaming state, if you win a short win with a normal time or a short per hour without a normal time, you win a short chance with a high probability of short time It is impossible to enjoy the game value by the player, and the player's willingness to play is reduced at once. Also, for example, if a player wins a short chance with a short time with high probability and enters a short-time game state, if the player wins one of the “short wins” again, the player will win a large number of prize balls. It may be difficult to achieve the maximum goal of the game, and the willingness to play may decline at once. Such a situation frequently occurs in the short-time gaming state.
Therefore, in order to prevent such a situation from occurring frequently, the second start opening prize is won only for either the high probability per short length or the normal short length.

In addition, referring to (b) of the figure, two types of small hits A and small hits B are prepared as the types of small hits at the time of the small hit. The range of the random number value is 251 from 0 to 250. Since a value of 0 to 120 is assigned to the small hit A, the probability of the small hit A is 121/251 when performing pre-holding preemption in the first starting opening prize or the second starting opening winning. . In addition, since the value of 121 to 250 is assigned to the small hit B, the probability is 130/251.
It should be noted that the small hit A and the small hit B are exactly the same in the contents of the small hit game executed thereafter, and the difference is that in the case of the small hit A, the special symbol displays 221 and 222 are stopped and displayed. In the case of the special symbol and the small hit B, the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol indicators 221 and 222 is different.

Also, referring to (c) in the figure, the reach random value range is 251 from 0 to 250. A reach random number determination table is prepared for the case with reach and the case without reach. That is, a value of 0 to 24 is assigned with reach, and a value of 25 to 250 is assigned without reach. Accordingly, the probability of having a reach when performing a pre-reading preemption in the first start opening prize or the second start opening winning is 25/251, and the probability of having no reach is 226/251.
More specifically, the reach random number is determined based on the reach random number determination table only when the jackpot random number is determined to be lost. As described above, at the time of losing, the probability that the non-reach effect is executed increases, while the so-called gas reasure effect that gives the player a sense of expectation is executed with a probability of about 10%. On the other hand, since the reach presence effect is always executed at the time of big hit and small hit, in the present embodiment, the reach random number is acquired, but the reach random number is not determined.

It should be noted that the effect with reach and the effect without reach determined by the reach random number indicate the aspect of the decorative design effect performed in the image display unit 114. That is, during the variation display of the special symbol, for example, three columns of symbols consisting of a number sequence in which numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction are displayed, and the variation display of the special symbol is started. At the same time, these symbols start to scroll.
Then, in the effect with reach, when the scrolling is stopped and the symbols are stopped and displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the scrolling, any two symbols (sequences) are stopped first. At this time, the same numbers stop and display on a straight line that extends horizontally or diagonally, and the last line gradually decreases the scrolling speed, and there is a sense of expectation that three identical numbers will be aligned on the straight line. Give to the player. Such an effect with reach includes a so-called super reach effect in which various characters appear or a story develops before the last line of scrolling stops. On the other hand, unlike the effect with reach, the effect without reach does not produce an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation, and the symbols stop and display in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. Is.
As described above, the reach random number is used to determine whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach in the image display unit 114 when the determination result of the jackpot random number is a loss. A reachable effect appears with a probability, so that a player has a reasonable expectation.
In addition, when a big win is won, a reachable effect is always performed, and finally the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. On the other hand, in the case of winning with a small win or loss, the decorative design is displayed in a stopped state with the same numbers not aligned on the straight line.

[Preliminary judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the contents of the preliminary determination processing (step 3006 in FIG. 30) according to the present embodiment.
In the flowchart shown in the figure, the CPU 201 of the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the internal state is a high-probability gaming state (step 3201), and determines that the internal state is a high-probability state (Yes in step 3201). It is determined how many times the jackpot lottery right acquired in the switch process (see FIG. 30) corresponds to the right of the jackpot lottery after the current high-probability gaming state is shifted.
In other words, if the winning of the jackpot (perpendicular with high probability short time, short per short with high probability short, short per short without high probability) that the gaming state after that becomes a high probability gaming state is confirmed, the number of changes when winning the jackpot N is set to the reference number M. For example, if “Long per long with high probability” is selected by the 200th jackpot lottery (special symbol fluctuation display) after turning on the power, data “200” is stored in the RAM 203, and Along with this, the internal state becomes a high probability gaming state. Therefore, the jackpot lottery performed for the 201st time after turning on the power corresponds to the first jackpot lottery after shifting to the high probability gaming state, and similarly, the jackpot lottery performed for the 210th time Corresponds to the tenth jackpot lottery after the transition to the high probability gaming state. In this way, it is calculated how many jackpot lotteries the right of the jackpot lottery acquired by the start opening switch processing corresponds to after shifting to the high probability gaming state. Specifically, the CPU 201 obtains the calculated value L by subtracting the reference number M from the variation number N (step 3202).

Then, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the calculated value L is equal to or less than the predetermined number X (step 3203). The predetermined number X here is an upper limit number of times that a big hit random number is determined based on the high probability hourly determination table.
Here, in the present embodiment, if the subsequent game state is won with a big win that becomes a high probability gaming state, then the big hit random number is determined based on the high probability hourly determination table with the upper limit being 100 times. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, the predetermined number X is set to 100, and it is determined whether or not the calculated value L is 100 or less.
That is, whether the jackpot random number acquired by the start switch processing (see FIG. 30) is determined based on the high probability hourly determination table, or the high probability gaming state ends and the low probability hourly determination table It is determined here whether the determination is made based on.
For example, suppose that a winning hit with a short time with a high probability is won by the 200th jackpot lottery (the number of fluctuations N = 200) after turning on the power. Thereafter, 98 jackpot lotteries have been performed since entering the high probability gaming state, and in a situation where the jackpot has not yet been won, the variation number N = 299 hold A, the variation number N = 300 hold B, the variation number It is assumed that N = 301 hold C is stored in the RAM 203. At this time, since the reference number M = 200 is set, the hold A is the calculated value L = 99, the hold B is the calculated value L = 100, and the hold C is the calculated value L = 101. Therefore, hold A and hold B are determined as “YES” in step 3203, and hold C is determined as “NO” in step 3203.
In this way, the processing of step 3202 and step 3203 makes it possible to make a jackpot determination based not on the current internal state but on the internal state at the time of special symbol processing. Therefore, an accurate determination result can be derived even when the gaming state changes from the high probability gaming state to the low probability gaming state.

When the CPU 201 determines that the calculated value L is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times X (Yes in step 3203), the pre-determination information related to the “big hit” for changing the subsequent internal state to the low-probability gaming state is the start-up switch process It is determined whether it is stored before starting (see FIG. 30) (step 3204). For example, when a random number is stored in the fifth storage unit 204e of the storage area 204 in step 3005 of the start port switch process (see FIG. 30), the first storage unit 204a to the fourth storage unit 204d are usually time-shortened. It is determined whether or not pre-determination information related to any one of long hits, short hits with normal times and short hits with normal times is stored. That is, it is determined whether there is a reserve ball that is digested prior to the reserve ball that is reserved in the start-up switch process to change the gaming state to the low probability gaming state. This is because if such a reserved ball is reserved first, the gaming state becomes a low-probability gaming state when digesting the reserved ball reserved in the start port switch process.
Therefore, if it is determined No in step 3204, the high probability random number determination table is selected (step 3206), and if it is determined Yes in step 3204, the low probability random number determination table is selected (step 3206). Step 3207).

Here, when the current gaming state is a low-probability gaming state (No in step 3201), or even if the current gaming state is a high-probability gaming state, it is determined that the calculated value L exceeds the predetermined number of times X. In the case (No in step 3203), the following processing is performed. That is, the CPU 201 stores in the storage area 204 of the RAM 203 whether or not prior determination information related to the jackpot for changing the subsequent gaming state to the high probability gaming state is stored before the start port switch process (see FIG. 30) is started. (Step 3205). For example, when random numbers are stored in the sixth storage unit 204f of the storage area 204 in step 3005 of the start port switch process (see FIG. 30), the first storage unit 204a to the fifth storage unit 204e are provided with a high probability time reduction. It is determined whether or not pre-determination information related to one of long hits, short hits with high probabilities and short wins, and short hits with high probabilities with no short cuts is stored. That is, it is determined whether there is a reserve ball that is digested prior to the reserve ball retained in the start port switch process (see FIG. 30), which changes the internal state to the high probability gaming state. This is because if such a reserved ball is retained first, the internal state becomes a high-probability gaming state when digesting the retained ball retained in the start port switch process.
Therefore, if it is determined No in step 3205, the low probability random number determination table is selected (step 3207). If it is determined Yes, the high probability random number determination table is selected (step 3206).

  Although not shown in detail, in step 3204 and step 3205, the storage area 204 includes a jackpot for changing the subsequent gaming state to the high probability gaming state and a jackpot for changing the subsequent gaming state to the low probability gaming state. Is stored based on the pre-determination information related to the reserved ball to be digested later. For example, it is assumed that pre-determination information related to per-length with high probability is stored in the first storage unit 204a and pre-determination information related to per-length with normal probability is stored in the third storage unit 204c. In this case, in order to make a determination based on the prior determination information stored in the third storage unit 204c, it is determined Yes in step 3204, and No in step 3205.

  As described above, the processing of step 3204 and step 3205 makes it possible to determine the jackpot based on the internal state during the special symbol processing. Therefore, when the internal state changes from a high probability gaming state to a low probability gaming state, or when the internal state changes from a low probability gaming state to a high probability gaming state, an accurate prejudgment result is derived. Can do.

Then, each random number is determined based on a table selected from the low probability random number determination table and the high probability random number determination table (step 3208), and the determination result is stored in the storage area 204 as prior determination information. (Step 3209). Then, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a big hit or a small win (step 3210). If it is a big win or a small win (Yes in step 3210), a predictive command is set (step 3211), or If it is lost (No in step 3210), a normal command is set (step 3212). Thereby, the preliminary determination process is completed.
The set prior determination command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (see step 509 in FIG. 5). In addition, these prior determination commands transmit information that the first hold U1 or the second hold U2 is newly reserved to the effect control unit 300, and whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or a loss. Have information.

[Pre-judgment command reception processing by production control unit]
Next, the prior determination command reception process in the effect control unit 300 when each prior determination command is transmitted from the game control unit 200 will be described. Each prior determination command transmitted from the game control unit 200 is temporarily stored in a prior determination command storage unit (not shown) provided in the RAM 303 of the effect control unit 300.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the contents of the advance determination command reception process in the effect control unit 300.
In the flowchart shown in the figure, the CPU 301 determines whether or not a prior determination command is stored in a command storage unit (not shown) (step 3301). If it is determined that a prior determination command is stored (Yes in step 3301), the CPU 301 holds the hold flag in the hold flag storage area (see FIG. 29) of the first hold storage area 305 to the second hold storage area 306 of the RAM 303. Is turned on (step 3302).
Note that if the advance determination command is not stored (No in step 3301), the advance determination command reception process ends.

Next, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the predictor flag is turned on in any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d in the first reserved storage area 305 to the second reserved storage area 306 of the RAM 303 (step 3303). ). As a result, when the CPU 301 determines that the predictor flag is turned on in any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d (Yes in step 3303), the CPU 301 sets a hold number predictor display command (step 3304). ) If it is determined that any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d is not turned on (No in step 3303), a hold number normal display command is set (step 3305). These commands are for informing the player of the number of holds in the effect control process, and have information relating to the number of holds of the first hold U1 and the number of holds of the second hold U2. The hold number predictor command also includes information indicating in which storage unit the predictor flag is turned on.
When the command is set in this way, the prior determination command reception process is terminated.

[Predictive effect processing]
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the contents of the sign effect process according to the present embodiment. It should be noted that the processing content in the figure is common to the processing content in the case of the first embodiment shown in FIG. That is, steps 3401 to 3408 in FIG. 34 correspond to steps 1701 to 1708 in FIG. Hereinafter, steps 3409 to 3410 will be mainly described.
If the CPU 301 determines that the game end condition is satisfied after the game starts (Yes in step 3407), the CPU 301 ends the game (step 3408). Then, the CPU 301 determines whether or not to execute the indication effect based on the game result information (step 3409). For example, if the game result is a high score, the CPU 301 determines that the sign effect is to be executed, and if the game result is not a high score, the CPU 301 determines not to execute the sign effect.
When the CPU 301 determines that the indication effect is to be performed (Yes in step 3409), the CPU 301 performs the indication effect using the result of the prior determination acquired from the game control unit 200 (step 3410). Details of the indication effect will be described later.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the contents of the sign effect according to the present embodiment.
The effect control unit 300 receives the effect execution command from the game control unit 200 by the output process (see step 509 in FIG. 5). The effect execution command mentioned here refers to a command generated by special symbol processing (see step 504 in FIG. 5). Information related to at least jackpot, jackpot, and loser jackpot determination results and special It has information related to the symbol variation time and the aspect of the effect (the effect with reach or the effect without reach). More specifically, the effect execution command has information on the contents of the special symbol from which the variable display will be started, that is, whether the special symbol variable display related to the big hit, the small hit, or the loss is started. . In addition, the effect execution command includes information on whether the effect to be performed in the special symbol variation display is an effect with reach or an effect without reach, and further, the effect time.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 35, the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 selects one effect table from a plurality of effect tables stored in the ROM 302 based on the effect execution command (step 3501).

  More specifically, the ROM 302 of the effect control unit 300 stores a long hit effect table, a short hit and small hit effect table, an effect table with loss reach, and an effect table without lose reach. Each of these tables is provided with a plurality of tables corresponding to the variation times determined by the game control unit 200. For example, there is a table for 4 seconds, 8 seconds, and 12 seconds in the effect table without los-reach, and a table for 1 minute, 1 minute 30 seconds, and 2 minutes is provided in the long hit effect table. It has been. And CPU301 selects one production | presentation table based on the information which the received production execution command has among these several tables. For example, if the received effect execution command has information of “lost”, “no reach”, and “variable time 4 seconds”, the no-reach effect table for 4 seconds is selected.

  Thereafter, the CPU 301 randomly acquires one random number from 0 to 250 (step 3502), and determines the random number based on the selected effect table. In this effect table, a random number and an effect pattern are associated with each other, and one effect pattern is determined from a number of effect patterns according to the random number. Thereby, CPU301 determines the production content (step 3503). More specifically, the decorative design pattern in the image display unit 114, the operation pattern of the movable accessory 115, the irradiation pattern of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, and the sound pattern output from the speaker 156 are determined.

  Thus, after the effect pattern performed during the special symbol variation display is determined, the CPU 301 sets an effect determination command related to the determined effect pattern (step 3504). Then, the CPU 301 performs a shift process for the reserved storage areas 305 and 306 in the RAM 303 (step 3505). For example, when the received effect execution command relates to the first hold U1, the flag stored in the fourth storage unit 305d is shifted to the third storage unit 305c and stored. Then, the flag stored in the third storage unit 305c is shifted and stored in the second storage unit 305b, and the flag stored in the second storage unit 305b is shifted and stored in the first storage unit 305a. In this case, the flag stored in the first storage unit 305a is deleted.

  The CPU 301 determines whether or not the predictor flag is turned on in any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d in the holding storage areas 305 and 306 (step 3506). If it is determined that any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d has the predictor flag turned on (Yes in step 3506), the CPU 301 sets a hold number predictor display command (step 3507), otherwise. If it is determined (No in step 3506), the hold number normal display command is set (step 3508). These commands are for informing the player of the number of holds in the effect control process, and have information relating to the number of holds of the first hold U1 and the number of holds of the second hold U2. The hold number predictor command also includes information indicating which storage unit 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d stores the predictor flag.

Although not specifically illustrated, when the CPU 301 of the effect control unit 300 executes a routine process, a prior determination command and an effect execution command may be received simultaneously. In this case, the hold number sign display command or the hold number normal display command is already set in step 3304 or step S3305 of the prior determination command reception process shown in FIG. On the other hand, in the indication effect shown in FIG. 35, separately from the prior determination command reception processing, the hold number predictor display command or the hold number normal display command is set based on the information after the shift processing in step 3505. Therefore, the command set in step 3304 or step 3305 is different from the command set in step 3507 or step 3508.
As described above, when the advance determination command and the effect execution command are received simultaneously, the command set in the advance determination command reception process is deleted, and then a new command is set in the effect execution command reception process. It becomes.

  If it is determined that the predictor flag is ON (Yes in step 3506), the CPU 301 performs a lottery determination of a special character under a predetermined condition (step 3509). Note that the special character determined here is superimposed on the image display unit 114 for the first two seconds, for example, when the special symbol variation display starts. That is, in this embodiment, the sign effect by the display of the number of holds and the sign effect by the decorative design are performed. For example, if four reserved balls are reserved in the first hold U1 and it is determined in advance that the fourth held ball to be processed will win a “big hit” or “small win”, the held ball At the start of the special symbol variation display based on the first to third reserved balls that are processed before the special character, the special character is superimposed and displayed for 2 seconds. In this way, by making the special character appear at the start of the special symbol variation display, the player is continuously given a sense of expectation that he may win a big hit in the subsequent holding ball.

In this embodiment, a plurality of special characters appearing are prepared, and a plurality of appearance patterns (for example, walking, running, sleeping, etc.) of each special character are also prepared. One pattern is determined from the plurality of patterns. However, it is desirable that each of these appearance patterns does not appear depending on the normal performance, but only appears when the reserved ball relating to the big hit or the small hit is reserved.
Also, in the holding ball, the probability that the appearance pattern of each special character is determined is different between the case where the advance determination information related to the big hit is stored and the case where the advance determination information related to the small hit is stored. It is desirable to do. For example, the pattern “Character A is sleeping” is selected with a probability of 50% when the big hit pre-determined information is stored, but the big hit pre-determined information is stored. In this case, it is set so that it is selected with a probability of 5%. In this way, when the effect of “Character A is sleeping” is performed at the start of the special symbol variation display, the player has a high expectation for the “big hit” win. That is, the effect of the presentation can be further enhanced by notifying the reliability of the jackpot by the appearance pattern of the special character.

  When the display pattern of the special character is determined in this way, the CPU 301 sets a special character display command (step 3510) and ends a series of processes. Thereafter, the CPU 301 controls the image display on the image display unit 114 via the image / sound control unit 310. For example, when the hold number normal display command (see step 3305 in FIG. 33) is set, the CPU 301 performs the hold number normal display control on the image / sound control unit 310.

FIG. 36 is a diagram for describing an example of an image displayed on the image display unit 114 at the time of the indication effect according to the present embodiment. (A) of the figure shows a state before the sign effect is performed, and (b) and (c) show a state after the sign effect is performed.
Before the indication effect is performed, for example, as shown in (a) of the figure, a first hold number display 91 for displaying the reserved number of the first hold U1 below the display screen of the image display unit 114, A second hold number display 92 that displays the reserved number of 2 hold U2 is displayed. This image example shows a state in which one first hold U1 is reserved and two second holds U2 are reserved.

From this state, it is assumed that the production control unit 300 receives the advance determination command related to the first hold U1, and the hold number normal display command is set in step 3305 of the advance determination command reception process shown in FIG. In this case, as shown in FIG. 36 (b), the CPU 301 displays that there are two first hold U1s and two second hold U2.
On the other hand, from the state shown in (a) of the figure, the production control unit 300 receives the advance determination command related to the first hold U1, and holds in step 3304 of the advance determination command reception process shown in FIG. Suppose that the number indication display command is set. In this case, as shown in (c) of FIG. 36, the CPU 301 displays that there are two first reservations U1, and displays the second first reservation U1 with characters.

As described above, when a game ball enters the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 and the hold balls (first hold U1, second hold U2) are reserved, the number of holds is displayed on the image display unit 114. And the player is notified of the reserved number of the first hold U1 and the reserved number of the second hold U2. Then, based on the game result, it is determined whether or not to perform the indication effect, and when it is determined that the indication effect is to be performed, when the prior determination information related to these holding balls is related to the big hit or the small hit, The reserved ball is displayed by the character, and an indication effect is performed. The display of the reserved ball by such a character is continued until the reserved ball is digested by the special symbol process (see step 504 in FIG. 5).
Therefore, when a quiz is performed with the number of holds displayed, a player who wants to produce an indication is more motivated to participate in the quiz, and the interest in displaying the hold is further enhanced. Then, as a result of executing the quiz, when the number of holds by the character is displayed on the image display unit 114, the player has a high expectation for the jackpot, and can exhibit a high performance effect. In the present embodiment, the sign effect is performed in the case of big hit or small hit, but it is conceivable that the hold display by the character is performed with a predetermined probability even in the case of a loss.

  As described above, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, when the game is executed, the torch light size is changed according to the participation state of the player. And based on the result of the game, a latent announcement that informs whether it is latent or non-latent, or a predictive effect that produces whether or not the reserved ball that is reserved contains jackpots, etc. Increase the willingness to participate in the game.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the first embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a figure explaining the pachinko game machine concerning this Embodiment, (a) is an enlarged view which shows an example of the indicator arrange | positioned at the lower right of a game board, (b) is a pachinko game machine FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of a control unit. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the production | presentation control part at the time of receiving a command from a game control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the latent information mode process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an image displayed on an image display part in the case of the game process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an image displayed on an image display part in the case of the game process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of an image displayed on an image display part in the case of the game process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an image displayed on an image display part in the case of the latency alerting | reporting effect process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a table | surface which shows the selection ratio example of the image displayed on an image display part in the case of the latency alerting | reporting effect process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of an image displayed on the image display part in the case of the latency alerting | reporting effect process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of an image displayed on an image display part in the case of the latency alerting | reporting effect process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a table | surface which shows the selection ratio example of the image displayed on an image display part in the case of the latency alerting | reporting effect process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of an image displayed on the image display part in the case of the latency alerting | reporting effect process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation example in which a movable accessory operate | moves when the latent information production | presentation process of a latent information mode process is performed. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of the game control part which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the structural example of RAM of the production control part which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the start port switch process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by the prior determination process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the prior determination process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the prior determination command reception process in an effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the indication effect process which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the sign effect which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the example of an image displayed on an image display part in the case of the indication effect which concerns on this Embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 81 ... Person, 82 ... Torches, 100 ... Pachinko gaming machine, 114 ... Image display part, 200 ... Game control part, 201, 301 ... CPU, 211 ... 1st starting opening | mouth detection part, 212 ... 2nd starting opening | mouth detection part, 300 ... Production control unit

Claims (6)

A gaming machine including an image display unit that performs a jackpot lottery by a winning prize of a game ball and displays an effect associated with the jackpot lottery,
A progress control means for receiving a game start instruction and playing a game via the image display unit, and controlling the progress of the game
A determination means for determining a degree of participation of the player in the gaming machine after receiving the instruction to start the game;
Display changing means for changing a state of an image displayed on the image display unit when the game progresses by the progress control means based on a determination result by the determination means;
A gaming machine comprising:   2. The determination means according to claim 1, wherein, after receiving the instruction to start the game, the degree of participation is determined based on an operation for an effect other than a game by a game ball or a game state by the game ball. The gaming machine described. The player further includes an operation button for operating a presentation other than the game by the game ball,
The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines the participation degree based on a frequency of operation of the operation buttons.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines the participation degree based on the fact that a game with a game ball is continued after receiving an instruction to start the game.   The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the determination unit determines the participation degree based on a frequency of the start opening winning after receiving an instruction to start the game.   The display change means reduces the image size over time, and temporarily increases the image size based on the determination result by the determination means, or temporarily increases the image size. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gaming machine is not changed.

Images