JP2011041709A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine that can effectively enhance game amusement and do more things. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine changes figure patterns according to the variation pattern decided by the use of any variation pattern whenever winning or losing is decided. A variation pattern table memory means memorizes a normal variation pattern table that decides the variation pattern for a normal variation, a shortening variation pattern table that decides the variation pattern for a shortening variation, and a special variation pattern table that decides a special variation pattern. If a winning game starts when the normal variation pattern table is used, the special variation pattern table is used to decide the variation pattern during a predetermined period of time after the winning game finishes. If a jackpot game starts when the special variation pattern table is used, the shortening variation pattern table is used to decide the variation pattern and improves a figure pattern variation frequency after the finish of the jackpot game. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and is applied to a so-called seven machine, a ball-type gaming machine such as a winged article, a right thing, or an arrangement ball, and a revolving type gaming machine called a slot machine (or pachislot). be able to.

  Usually, a ball-type game machine (pachinko machine) includes an open / close-type start winning device, a variable display device, and a large winning device (variable winning device). In such a gaming machine, it is determined whether or not to generate a winning due to a game ball winning a start winning device (causing a start winning). In other words, “a gaming machine that determines whether or not to generate a big win due to a start winning prize” is determined as a big hit lottery, or “a game that determines whether or not to generate a big hit due to a start winning prize, A gaming machine that performs a lottery on whether or not to generate a small hit when the result of the big hit lottery is a loss is used as a lottery lottery.

  In addition, in the variable display device, after performing the symbol variation using the special symbol over a predetermined time, “the result of the determination of success / failure executed due to the start winning prize (the result of the big hit lottery or the result of the small hit lottery) The stop symbol indicating "is confirmed and displayed. Since the variation time (predetermined time) of the symbol variation is specified by the variation pattern, the content of the effect performed as the symbol variation depends on the variation pattern.

  When the “stop symbol for generating a big hit (big hit symbol)” is confirmed and displayed on the variable display device, the gaming machine starts a big hit game and opens and closes the opening and closing members that constitute the big winning device. The big winning device in the state is changed to the open state. As a result, it is possible or easy to win the game ball to the big winning opening constituting the big winning device. Thereafter, when a predetermined number of game balls are won in the grand prize winning opening or a predetermined time elapses, the opening / closing member is temporarily closed to close the grand winning device and applied to the opening / closing member. Complete one unit drive. When this “unit driving of the opening / closing member” is repeated a predetermined number of times (so-called “round number”), the gaming machine ends the big hit game. In a gaming machine that performs a lottery lottery, when the “stop symbol for generating a small hit (small hit symbol)” is stopped and displayed on the variable display device, the gaming machine starts a small hit game, Open and close the winning device a specific number of times. When the total opening time of the special winning opening reaches a specific time (for example, 1.8 seconds) by this specific number of times of opening and closing, the gaming machine ends the small hit game.

  In this type of gaming machine, the game state (game mode) after the big hit game is decided according to the “game state (high probability state, low probability state)” or “type of big hit symbol” when the big hit occurs It is common to do. For example, if the jackpot symbol that is confirmed and displayed on the variable display device is a probability variation symbol, after the jackpot game is finished, “the probability that the jackpot will occur is set to a high probability (the gaming state of the gaming machine is set to a high probability state). ) And the mode for extending the opening time of the start winning device, and when the jackpot symbol that is confirmed and displayed on the variable display device is a non-stochastic variation symbol, after the jackpot game is finished, the “probability that a jackpot will occur” Has a low probability (the gaming state of the gaming machine is set to a low probability state), and a gaming machine that shifts to a mode that extends the opening time of the start winning device is disclosed (see Patent Document 1, hereinafter “ Conventional example ").

JP 2004-33636 A

  However, this type of gaming machine of this conventional example is now widely used and is currently becoming rutted. In addition, with this type of gaming machine, the gaming state after the end of the big hit game is uniformly determined by the “gaming state” and “type of the big hit symbol” at the time of the big hit. There is no actual situation.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can create new game characteristics and can effectively enhance the gaming interest. It is.

The gaming machine according to claim 1,
Whether or not a winning game is to be executed due to the start winning is determined, and when a stop symbol indicating that the result of the determination is a winning is fixedly displayed on the variable display device, the variable winning in the closed state is determined. A gaming machine that executes a hit game that changes the device to an open state,
Variation pattern table storage means for storing a plurality of variation pattern tables storing variation patterns;
A variation pattern determination unit that determines a variation pattern using any one of the plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the variation pattern table storage unit each time the determination is made;
The variable display device starts symbol variation according to the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, and when the variation time specified by the variation pattern has elapsed, the variable display device indicates the result of the determination of success / failure Design variation control means for confirming and displaying the design,
A specific game control means for executing a specific game in which the execution frequency of the symbol variation is improved compared to a normal game;
With
The variation pattern table storage means includes a normal variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern for normal variation, and a variation variation table for shortening the variation time of the symbol variation compared to the variation pattern for normal variation. A shortened variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern, and a special variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern for normal variation and a variation pattern for variation that is different from the variation pattern for shortened variation are stored,
The variation pattern determining means determines the variation pattern using the special variation pattern table in a predetermined period after the corresponding game ends when the hit game is started when the normal variation pattern table is used. When the predetermined period elapses without the winning game being started when using the special variation pattern table, the variation pattern is determined using the normal variation pattern table,
When the big hit game as the winning game is started when the fluctuation pattern determining means uses the special fluctuation pattern table, the fluctuation pattern determining means uses the shortened fluctuation pattern table after the big hit game is finished. The variation pattern is determined, and the specific game control means starts the specific game.

  In the gaming machine of the first aspect of the invention, if a hit occurs when using the normal fluctuation pattern which is a fluctuation pattern for normal fluctuation, the gaming state (high probability state, low probability state) at the time of hit occurrence is ignored, The “variation pattern to be used after the winning game ends” is set as a “special variation pattern”. In other words, “a variation pattern that is neither a variation pattern for normal variation nor a variation pattern for shortening variation”. When a big hit is generated during the “use period of special variation pattern”, the game state is changed to the specific game state for the first time. That is, whether or not to execute the specific game after the big hit game is finished is determined according to the type of the variation pattern table used when the big hit occurs.

  In other words, according to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the invention, the special variation mode (the mode in which the symbol variation is performed using a special variation pattern) is not a simple production mode, but a mode that directly affects the change in the gaming state. Therefore, the mode on play (special variation mode) takes the lead, and the gaming state can be changed. In addition, according to the invention of claim 1, regardless of the gaming state and the type of jackpot symbol, “when a special symbol variation is performed (during the special variation mode), a specific gaming state for the first time New playability such as “Migrate to” can be realized. In other words, by clearing the “hurdle of generating a hit when using a normal variation pattern and generating a big hit within a predetermined period after the occurrence of this hit”, there is no transition to a specific gaming state for the first time. Achievable playability.

  Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to widen the range of game play and improve the game entertainment. According to the invention of claim 1, since the specific game can be executed only when the big hit is generated in the special variation mode, the player's sense of expectation is prevented while preventing the gambling ability from becoming extremely high. It is also possible to realize specs (game performance) that enhance the game. This point will be described later.

  Here, “the state in which the execution frequency of the symbol variation is improved” refers to, for example, “a state in which the frequency at which the start winning is generated is improved”. For example, when the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention includes the “opening / closing (variable) start winning device that can be changed from a closed state where it is difficult to win a game ball to an easily open state”, this start winning device Indicates a state in which the “time for opening state (opening time)” is extended.

  The “hit” of the invention of claim 1 may indicate only “big hit”, or may indicate both “big hit” and small hit (see invention of claim 6). In other words, the gaming machine according to the first aspect of the present invention is “a gaming machine that judges whether or not to generate a big hit due to a start winning prize by judging whether or not a big hit is to be made (of the big hit lottery and the small hit lottery, only the big hit lottery is performed. Game machine) "or lottery to determine whether or not to generate a big hit lottery due to the start winning prize and to generate a small hit (a smaller profit for the player than the big hit) May be a gaming machine that performs a lottery lottery (that is, a gaming machine that performs a lottery lottery and a small lottery by determining whether or not it is a winner). In the former case, only the big hit game is played as the hit game, and in the latter case, the big hit game or the small hit game is played as the win game. In the latter case, a random number for the big hit lottery may be used as the random number for the lottery lottery. Alternatively, a random number for the big hit lottery may be used. It is good also as selecting the winning value of a lottery lottery from the random value which becomes.

  Here, in this specification, the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine may be referred to as follows. First, (a) the game mode in which the probability changing means (means for changing the probability that the result of the jackpot lottery wins is changed from a low probability to a high probability) is called “high probability mode”, and the probability changing means operates. The game mode when it is stopped may be referred to as a “low probability mode (normal probability mode)”. Also, (b) a game mode in which the opening extension means (means for extending the opening time of the open-type start winning device) is in operation is referred to as “open extension mode”, and when the opening extension means stops operating. The game mode may be referred to as “normal release mode”. In addition, in the case of including the “opening / closing (variable) start winning device”, the “state of improving the execution frequency of symbol variation” can be generated by operating the opening extension means.

  Further, (c) a game mode in which a special symbol variation display (symbol variation) according to a variation pattern for normal variation is referred to as a “normal variation mode”, and (d) a special symbol variation display according to a variation pattern for shortened variation ( The game mode (game mode in which the execution time of the special symbol variation display is shortened) is referred to as “shortened variation mode (so-called short-time mode)”, and (e) special symbol variation according to a special variation pattern. A game mode in which display (symbol variation) is performed may be referred to as a “special variation mode”. When the gaming mode of the gaming machine becomes the “shortening variation mode”, the “opening extension mode” is accompanied.

  Further, in the present specification, the mode shown in the above (a) (mode indicating the probability state; hereinafter referred to as “probability mode”) and the mode shown in the above (b) (showing the extended extension state). A game mode realized by a combination of modes (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “open mode”) may be referred to as follows. That is, (f) a game mode realized by a combination of “high probability mode” and “open extension mode” is referred to as “high probability open extension mode”, and (g) “low probability mode” and “open extension mode”. The game mode realized by the combination with “low probability open extension mode”, and (h) the game mode realized by the combination of “high probability mode” and “normal release mode” is “high probability normal release mode” (I) A gaming mode realized by a combination of the “low probability mode” and the “normal opening mode” may be referred to as a “low probability normal opening mode”.

  Further, in this specification, the mode (probability mode) shown in (a) above and the mode (mode showing the state of symbol fluctuation) shown in (c) to (e) above are referred to as “variation mode”. The game mode realized by the combination of the above may be referred to as follows. That is, (j) a game mode realized by a combination of “high probability mode” and “normal variation mode” is referred to as “high probability normal variation mode”, and (k) “low probability mode” and “normal variation mode”. The game mode realized by the combination with the “low probability normal variation mode” is called (l) The game mode realized by the combination of the “high probability mode” and the “short variation mode” is the “high probability shortened variation mode” (M) A gaming mode realized by a combination of “low probability mode” and “shortened variation mode” is called “low probability shortened variation mode”, and (n) “high probability mode” and “special variation” The game mode realized by the combination with the “mode” is referred to as the “high probability special variation mode”, and (o) the game realized by the combination of the “normal probability mode” and the “special variation mode”. The mode may be referred to as "low-probability special change mode".

  The “special variation pattern table” is used uniformly for a predetermined period after the end of a hit game, regardless of the game state at the time of occurrence of the hit and the type of winning symbol when a hit game is generated when the normal variation pattern table is used. Is done. Further, when each “variation pattern table” is distinguished for hitting (for big hit / small hit) and for losing (however, it may be not distinguished in the invention of claim 1). In this invention, between the “outlier variation pattern tables”, “the variation time of the symbol variation specified by the variation pattern for shortening variation is shorter than the variation time of the symbol variation specified by the variation pattern for normal variation. It is only necessary to satisfy that “the special fluctuation pattern is a special fluctuation pattern different from the normal fluctuation and the shortening fluctuation”. Each “displacement variation pattern table” is used more frequently than the “win variation pattern table”. Moreover, even if the hit fluctuation is specified by the fluctuation pattern table for shortening fluctuation, the fluctuation time tends to be longer like normal fluctuation in order to perform sufficient reach production, and special fluctuation is also sufficient. This is because an opportunity to perform a reach production should not necessarily be excluded. A more detailed description of the “special variation pattern table” will be described later.

  The “predetermined period” of the invention of claim 1 includes, for example, a period until the number of times of execution of the symbol variation game executed when using the special variation pattern table reaches a predetermined number (see claim 4), a special period Examples include a period until the elapsed time after the start of use of the variation pattern table reaches a predetermined time.

The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The variation pattern determining means includes
When using the normal variation pattern table, a variation pattern to be used for the symbol variation is determined from among a plurality of variation patterns for normal variation stored in the normal variation pattern table,
Determining a variation pattern to be used for the symbol variation from a plurality of variation patterns for the shortening variation stored in the shortening variation pattern table when the shortening variation pattern table is used;
When the special variation pattern table is used, one special variation pattern stored in the special variation pattern table is determined as a variation pattern used for the symbol variation.

  According to the invention of claim 2, since the time of symbol variation can be fixed during the usage period of the special variation pattern table, an effective presentation can be executed over the entire usage period. For example, it is possible to execute an effective effect throughout the entire use period by repeatedly performing the effect of the special mode or performing an effect that continues throughout the entire use period. In other words, assuming that one type of variation pattern is stored in the special variation pattern table (a variation pattern table in which the hit and miss are independent or may be one variation pattern table). Since the variation time of the entire predetermined period can be calculated in advance, a more effective performance can be performed. Details will be described later.

The gaming machine of the invention of claim 3 is the gaming machine of claim 1 or 2,
The symbol variation mode executed when the special variation pattern table is used is the symbol variation mode executed when the normal variation pattern table is used and the symbol variation mode executed when the shortened variation pattern table is used. It is different from the pattern variation mode.

  In the third aspect of the invention, during the period of use of the special variation pattern table, an effect (symbol variation effect) that is different from that when the special variation pattern table is not used is executed. Can do.

The gaming machine according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The predetermined period ends by executing the symbol variation a predetermined number of times.

  In the invention of claim 4, since the usage period of the special variation pattern table is cut by the “number of times of symbol variation execution”, it is possible to give a sharpness to the game.

The gaming machine according to claim 5 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Before starting the predetermined period, the content of the predetermined period is determined by lottery.

  In the gaming machine according to the fifth aspect of the invention, the contents of the predetermined period (for example, the number of times of symbol variation execution, the usage duration of the special variation pattern table, etc.) are appropriately changed. It becomes difficult to determine the pattern table. Therefore, it is necessary for the player to play a game while using his imagination, so that the game interest can be enhanced more effectively.

The gaming machine according to claim 6 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
As the winning game, a big hit game that is performed when the determination result that the big hit is generated is obtained by the success / failure determination, and a small hit game that is performed when the determination result that the small hit is generated is obtained. , One of the
When the determination result that the jackpot is generated is obtained, the jackpot mode determining means for determining the mode of the jackpot to be generated using a random number lottery from a plurality of modes;
A prize ball payout means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls due to the winning of game balls to the variable prize winning device;
As a jackpot of the multiple aspects,
The first jackpot game with a high possibility of winning a prize ball by the prize ball paying means is performed by performing the opening operation for setting the variable winning device to the open state for a first opening time for the first time. And a normal jackpot with a normal probability that the determination result of the success / failure determination is a determination result that the jackpot is generated after the first jackpot game,
Executing the first jackpot game and, after the first jackpot game, a first probability variable jackpot having a high probability that the determination result of the success / failure determination is a determination result indicating that the jackpot is generated;
The opening operation for setting the variable winning device to the opening state for a second opening time shorter than the first opening time is the same as the first number or less than the first number. By performing the second number of times, a second jackpot game with a low possibility of winning a prize ball by the prize ball payout means is executed, and the determination result of the success / failure determination after the second jackpot game is the jackpot A second probability variation jackpot with a high probability of a determination result indicating that
Contains
The small hit game is the same as the first number of times or the second number of times, the opening operation of setting the variable prize-winning device to the released state over the second opening time, A game in which the possibility of award ball payout by the prize ball payout means is reduced, and before and after the execution of the small hit game, the probability that the determination result of the success / failure determination becomes a determination result that the big hit is generated, It is characterized by being the same.

  According to the invention of claim 6, the small hit can be meaningful (value) to the player. In other words, in the invention of each claim, when the special variation pattern table is used, the open extension means is not operated uniformly regardless of the gaming state at the time of hitting and the type of winning symbol. For this reason, if the variable winning device is used for the second opening time after being released the same number of times as the first number, or the second number of times, and the use of the special variation pattern table is started, the player It is uniformly difficult to determine whether the hit that triggered the use of the special variation pattern table is the second probability variation big hit or the small hit. In other words, since the variable winning device performs the same opening operation in the second big hit game that accompanies the occurrence of the second probability variation big hit and the small hit game that accompanies the occurrence of the small hit, the second big hit game for the player. It becomes difficult to distinguish between games and small hit games. For this reason, in the usage period of the special variation pattern table after passing through the second big hit game or the small hit game, the player uses an imagination to determine the probability mode (whether it is in a high probability state) of the gaming machine. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the game interest of the player.

  In addition, according to the sixth aspect of the invention, when the normal variation pattern table is used, the use of the special variation pattern table is started not only when the big hit but also when the small hit is generated. If a big hit is generated when the special variation pattern table is used, the specific game can be started. That is, since the occurrence of a small hit becomes a trigger for a “special game start privilege (transition to the open extension mode)”, the value (existence significance) of the small hit can be increased.

The gaming machine of the invention of claim 7 is the gaming machine of claim 6,
When the small hit game is started when the special variation pattern table is used, the predetermined period is started again after the small hit game ends.

  According to the invention of claim 7, the significance (value) of the small hit for the player can be further increased. This is because the predetermined period is substantially extended by covering and generating a small hit when using the special variation pattern table. In the invention of claim 7, the predetermined period that has been continued first is reset (forced termination) once, and the predetermined period (all periods of the predetermined period) is started again. The “predetermined period” may be the same content (for example, the symbol variation may be executed the same number of times) or may be changed. For example, the “predetermined period” that occurs later may be a longer period or a shorter period.

  Here, in this specification, “front” and “front” indicate “front with respect to the gaming machine (that is, a direction close to the player)”, and “rear” and “back” indicate gaming machines. "Rear (that is, a direction away from the player)". Further, “left” indicates “left” as viewed from the player, and “right” indicates “right as viewed from the player”. Further, in “a member that can be opened and closed like a door (hereinafter referred to as a“ door type member ”)” such as a main body frame, a front frame, an upper plate member, a lower plate member, etc., “left”, “right” “Front”, “Rear” and the like are based on the case where these door-type members are in use, that is, in the closed state.

  As described above, according to the invention of each claim, it is possible to create a gaming machine that can create new game characteristics and can effectively enhance the gaming interest.

It is a perspective view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a main body frame and the like in the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows a game board in the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) is a front view schematically showing a special symbol hold display device, (b) and (c) are front views schematically showing a variable start winning device. (A) is a front view schematically showing a lower display device, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a variation display mode of special symbols executed in the lower display device, and (c) is each embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic front view which shows the display screen of an effect display apparatus in an example. It is a back view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the probability etc. of jackpot lottery in normal probability mode, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the probability etc. of jackpot lottery in high probability mode, (c) is It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the probability etc. of a lottery lottery. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used in the 1st special figure big hit lottery (1st big hit lottery). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used in the 2nd special figure big hit lottery (2nd big hit lottery). (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a big hit symbol, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a small hit symbol, (c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a losing symbol. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used in a lottery lottery. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the characteristic of the gaming machine which concerns on each Example, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the characteristic of the gaming machine which concerns on a comparative example. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the characteristic of the symbol fluctuation display performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that a command was output from the main control part in the gaming machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a success / failure determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern table distribution process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a hit game process. It is a flowchart which shows a process at the time of a hit game end. It is a flowchart for explaining the effect control process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a production mode setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a design fluctuation effect relevant process. It is a flowchart which shows a hit game effect process. It is a flowchart which shows a hit game effect process. 3 is a time chart for explaining the features of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 3 is a time chart for explaining the features of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 3 is a time chart for explaining the features of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram (flow diagram) showing a changed part from the hit game end process (FIG. 40) of the first embodiment in the hit game end process of the second embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 1. FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 2, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 3. FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 4, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 5. FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment showing the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each example described below, each specific example in which the invention according to each claim is applied to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 referred to as a “seven machine” will be described.

(1) Mechanical structure a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H attached to the outer frame 2.

  The outer frame 2 is used to support the gaming machine main body H while being fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall. The outer frame 2 includes an outer frame main body 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) configured by a substantially rectangular frame-like body, and a front plate portion 22 that covers the lower front portion of the outer frame main body 21.

  The gaming machine main body H is rotatably attached to the left end side of the outer frame 2 using upper and lower hinges H1 and H2 (see FIG. 1) on the left end side of the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and as shown in FIG. 1, the main body frame 3, the front frame 4, the upper dish member 5, and the lower dish member 6. The game board 10 (see FIG. 4) and the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 6) are the main parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body frame 3 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. A locking device 7 is mounted on the right end side of the main body frame 3.

  The main body frame 3 is entirely made of plastic, and is constituted by a frame-like body as shown in FIG. The main body frame 3 includes a frame main body portion 3b including a window portion 3M in an upper half portion, and a protruding portion 3c protruding in a substantially rectangular frame shape from the back surface portion of the frame main body portion 3b. And the main body frame 3 comprises the holding | maintenance part for hold | maintaining the game board 10 using this protrusion part 3c.

  That is, the holding tool 3f is mounted on the protruding end surface of the projecting portion 3c in a state where the holding tool 3f can rotate on the left and right sides of the window 3M and the right and left sides of the window 3M. The game board 10 is held by the main body frame 3 by bringing the protruding end of the game board 10 into contact with the rear surface of the game board 10.

  When the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10, the “game area 11 configured on the front surface portion 10 a of the game board 10” can be viewed from the front of the main body frame 3 through the window 3 </ b> M. Further, a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 6) is mounted on the back surface portion of the game board 10 so as to cover the back surface portion.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 4 has a visual recognition window 41a at the center thereof. This viewing window 41a is provided in a state of penetrating the front and rear of the front frame 4, and is opened in a substantially circumferential shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the game area 11 (see FIG. 4) formed on the board surface of the game board 10. When the front frame 4 is closed, the game area 11 disposed behind the front frame 4 can be viewed from the front through the viewing window 41a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 includes a frame main body 41, a glass plate 43 attached to the frame main body 41, and a holder (not shown) for holding the glass plate 43 on the frame main body 41. Is provided. Speakers SP1 and SP2 (see FIG. 9) are built in on the left and right sides of the upper end portion of the front frame 4, respectively. In the gaming machine 1, speakers SP3 and SP4 (see FIG. 9) are also incorporated in the left and right ends of the front plate portion 22. In the gaming machine 1, sound effects and other sounds (sounds) corresponding to the gaming state are generated using the speakers SP1 to SP4.

  An upper plate member 5 and a lower plate member 6 are provided in a portion below the front frame 4 in the front portion of the gaming machine main body H. In other words, the upper plate member 5 is disposed below the front frame 4 and includes a receiving port 5b for receiving a game ball discharged from the gaming machine 1 inside the container. A ball rental display board 410 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 8) are provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and an “effect button” is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5. SW ”is arranged (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower plate member 6 is disposed below the upper plate member 5. At the approximate center of the lower plate member 6, a receiving port 6 a for receiving a game ball discharged from the upper plate member 5 is provided in the inside of the substantially container shape. An ashtray 6 b is provided at the left end of the lower plate member 6, and a firing handle 9 is provided at the right end of the lower plate member 6. Furthermore, the launching handle 9 is connected to a launching device unit (not shown) behind it. The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch 9a for detecting that the player is touching the handle, and in the vicinity thereof, a launch stop switch 9b for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball. Is installed.

b. Next, the configuration of the game board 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 10 includes a game board main body 10A configured using a substantially rectangular plywood in front view, and various board components (the outer rail 12, the inner rail 13, and the main accessory attached to the game board main body 10A. Device 20 etc.) is mounted. Note that a sheet-like object on which a cell image is printed is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A, but the illustration is omitted.

  The game board main body 10A includes a region forming portion 10B that is substantially circular in a front view, and a region outside 10C that is positioned around the region forming portion 10B. In addition, an outer rail 12 and an inner rail 13 that are both configured using a band-shaped metal plate are disposed on the front surface of the game board main body 10A. And the front surface part of the area | region formation part 10B comprises the game area | region 11, being enclosed by the substantially circular surrounding wall which this outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 form. In this area forming part 10B (that is, the part located in the game area 11 in the game board 10), the main accessory device 20, the normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, and the first start winning device 17a, second start winning device 17b, large winning device 31, lower display device 60, three general winning devices 40, 41, 43, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), and windmill 19 Etc. are arranged.

  The main accessory device 20 includes an attachment member (decorative plate) 21, an effect display device 27, and a special symbol hold display device 25. Among these, the attachment member 21 is comprised by the plate-shaped body with which the front part of the area | region formation part 10B is mounted | worn, and comprises the upper half center part of the game area | region 11 as shown in FIG. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a window portion forming hole 21d, and the window portion forming hole 21d constitutes a display window 21e. The display window 21e is substantially rectangular when viewed from the front.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the stage member 21 p is attached to the lower edge portion of the attachment member 21 so as to protrude forward, and the decorative member 21 </ b> A is attached to the other part of the peripheral portion of the attachment member 21. It is mounted in a state of protruding. The decorative member 21A includes a flange portion 21H protruding from the upper edge portion of the mounting member 21, a left decorative portion 21L protruding from the left edge portion of the mounting member 21, and a right decorative portion protruding from the right edge portion of the mounting member 21. 21R.

  A game ball passage (a so-called “warp passage”) 21w is formed inside the left decorative portion 21L. That is, in the left side surface portion of the left decorative portion 21L, the entrance (not shown) of the passage 21w opens obliquely upward to the left, and the game ball flowing down the game area 11 is received at this entrance, and the stage It makes it approach on the part 21p (inside the main accessory apparatus 20). Moreover, the stage part 21p comprises the rolling surface of a game ball by the upper surface part. The rolling surface is configured as an inclined surface that descends from the left and right end portions toward the central portion, and is a raised portion that slightly protrudes upward at the central portion of the rolling surface.

  In the gaming machine 1, the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and reached the left end of the rolling surface through the passage 21w rolls right on the rolling surface, and further rolls leftward. . Then, when the momentum of the game ball has declined, this game ball is discharged out of the main accessory device 20, but most of the game balls discharged from the center of the rolling surface have the first probability with a certain probability. The start winning device 17a is won. Among the game balls that flow down the game area 11 and win the first start winning device 17a, those that win the first start winning device 17a without entering the main accessory device 20, There is one that enters the accessory device 20 and rolls on the stage portion 21p and then wins the first start winning device 17a.

  The effect display device 27 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device, and constitutes a specific example of a variable display device, similarly to the lower display device 60 described later. However, this effect display device 27 functions as an effect display device that executes effect display (variation display and stop display) linked to the special symbol variation display and stop display in the lower display device 60. In the present embodiment, the lower display device 60 constitutes a “variable display device” for displaying the present symbol (specific example of a special symbol), and the effect display device 27 is a pseudo symbol (special symbol). Another specific example is shown.) Is configured to display a “variable display device”.

  The display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 can display various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. On this display screen 27a, as shown in FIG.6 (c), three pseudo | simulation symbol display parts 27b-27d and the background screen display part 27h comprised by another part may appear. In this case, the three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction on the display screen 27a. In each of the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d that appear in this manner, an effect display (fluctuation display) using “pseudo symbols”, a stop display, and the like are performed. Further, when the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are displayed on the display screen 27a, the background screen display portion 27h is displayed by the other part of the display screen 27a. The background screen display unit 27h can display a symbol indicating a background (hereinafter referred to as a background symbol) or a symbol indicating a character (hereinafter referred to as a character symbol) together with the background symbol. . These “pseudo symbols”, “background symbols”, and “character symbols” indicate specific examples of “effect symbols” displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. These “pseudo symbols” and “ The “design variation display (design variation)” is realized by the “background design” and the “character design”.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol hold display device 25 is disposed below the display screen 27a. As shown in FIG. 5A, the special symbol hold display device 25 includes a “first special symbol hold display portion 25a” disposed on the left side and a “second special symbol hold portion 25a” disposed on the right side. Hold display unit 25b ". In addition, any of the special symbol hold display portions 25a and 25b is configured using four LEDs. Then, the first special symbol hold display unit 25a has an upper limit of “the number of holds regarding the special symbol (that is, the first special symbol)” caused by winning the first start winning device 17a. It is displayed as a number. In addition, the second special symbol hold display unit 25b has an upper limit of “the number of holds regarding a special symbol (that is, the second special symbol)” caused by winning a prize to the second start winning device 17b. It is displayed as a number.

  In other words, any of the special symbol hold display units 25a and 25b displays “the number of game balls that have won the corresponding start winning devices 17a and 17b but have not yet been digested (ie, the number of held balls)”. In addition to displaying by “number”, every time an undigested game ball is digested, “the number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves)” is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game balls (that is, holding balls)” related to each special symbol were won in the start winning devices 17a and 17b, but in the lower display device 60 or the like, “the result of the big hit lottery accompanying the winning” ”Indicates a game ball in which neither the display of the change nor the change display preceding it is made.

  The first start winning device 17a has a pocket shape with an opening (first start port) opened upward. And since this 1st starting port is located in the vertical part of the center part of the stage part 21p (rolling surface), the game ball which falls from the center part passes through this 1st starting port, and is 1st. The probability of winning the start winning device 17 is increased. In addition, a start winning detection switch 17s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the first start winning device 17.

  The second start winning device 17b is a “variable (open / close) start winning device”, and is disposed immediately below the first start winning device 17a. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the second start winning device 17b is mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 17c and the mounting plate 17c fixed to the game board main body 10A by screws. A normal electric accessory 17d constituting an inlet side portion of the device 17b and an obstruction member 17k attached to the front surface of the mounting plate 17c are provided.

  The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip-shaped pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e and a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c for operating the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e (see FIG. 8). ). Among these, the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e can be opened to the left and right so that the upper end sides are separated from each other around the lower support shaft. When the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are in the closed state where the wing pieces 17e and 17e are erected, the distance between the upper ends of the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e is reduced. Further, when the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c is driven and the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are tilted so that the upper end sides are separated from each other with respect to the lower end side axis, the upper end portions of the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e. The space between them is enlarged, and an open state is established.

  The obstruction member 17k is disposed vertically above the ordinary electric accessory 17d. In addition, a start winning detection switch 17t (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of a game ball is disposed inside the second start winning device 17b.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (b), when the second start winning device 17b is in a closed state, a space that allows one game ball to pass between the upper ends of the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e. Although K1 is formed, the obstacle member 17k is disposed vertically above the space K1. For this reason, it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17b. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), when the second start winning device 17b is opened and the pair of movable blade pieces 17e, 17e are opened to the left and right, between the upper ends of the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e. The interval K1 is larger than the full left and right width of the obstacle member 17k. For this reason, it is possible for the game balls that have passed through the left and right of the obstacle member 17K to win the second start winning device 17b.

  In the gaming machine 1, when the second start winning device 17b is opened, the probability that a game ball flowing down the game area 11 wins the second start winning device 17b is a game ball flowing down the game area 11. Is higher than the probability of winning the first start winning device 17a. Then, if the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes an open extension mode (described later) and the time for the second start winning device 17b to be in an open state becomes long, the probability that the game ball will win the second start winning device 17b Is much higher than the probability of winning the first start winning device 17a.

  On the other hand, as described above, when the second start winning device 17b is closed, it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17b, so that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is extended and extended. When not in the mode, the probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b is much lower than the probability that the game ball wins the first start winning device 17a. That is, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode, the case where the gaming ball wins the first start winning device 17a becomes a rare case, and when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is not the opening extension mode, The case that wins the second start winning device 17b is a rare case.

  Here, the “probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b in the open state” is much higher than the “probability that the game ball wins the first start winning device 17a”. For this reason, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is in the open extension mode, the probability that a start winning will be generated is higher than in the non-open extension mode (normal release mode), and the lower display device 60 and the effect display device. 27, the frequency of executing the symbol variation of the special symbol (that is, the frequency of symbol variation execution) is improved. That is, in this gaming machine 1, when the open extension mode is entered, a game (specific game) is performed in which the frequency of symbol variation execution is improved as compared to normal (when in the non-open extension mode).

  The big winning device 31 constitutes a specific example of a variable winning device, and is arranged below the second start winning device 17b. The special winning device 31 includes a mounting plate portion 31k attached to the front surface portion 10a of the game board 10. The mounting plate portion 31k is provided with an opening having a substantially band shape in a substantially central portion in a state of passing through the front and back, and the opening constitutes a big prize opening 31a. The rear end portion of the grand prize winning port 31a is in communication with “a grand prize winning prize winning passage (a passage through which a game ball to be won from the big prize winning opening 31a passes, not shown)”. .

  The prize winning device 31 includes an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the prize winning opening 31a, a prize winning solenoid 31c (see FIG. 11) for driving the opening / closing plate 31b, and a prize winning prize winning. A winning ball detection switch 31s (see FIG. 8) provided in the middle of the path of the passage or in the path terminal section. When the opening / closing plate 31b is in the standing posture, the opening / closing plate 31b closes the large winning opening 31a in the large winning device 31, so that it is impossible to win a game ball in the large winning device 31. On the other hand, when the opening / closing plate 31b is tilted forward with its lower end portion as a fulcrum and assumes a forward leaning posture, the special winning opening 31a is opened and the rear surface portion (back surface portion) of the opening / closing plate 31b flows down the game area 11. And the guidance part which guides the game ball which reached | attained the variable winning apparatus (large winning apparatus) 31 to the large winning opening 31a is comprised.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lower display device 60 is arranged on the left side of the big winning device 31. As shown in FIG. 6A, the lower display device 60 includes a mounting plate 61 that is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A. The mounting plate 61 is provided with a first special symbol display portion 62a, a second special symbol display portion 62b, a normal symbol display portion 63, a normal symbol hold display portion 65, and the like.

  The first special symbol display unit 62a, the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the normal symbol display unit 63 are all configured using a “7-segment display”. Among these, in the first special symbol display section 62a, the result of the success / failure determination executed as a result of winning the game ball in the first start winning device 17a {result of the big hit lottery (first big hit lottery) And the first special symbol indicating the result of the lottery lottery (the result of the first small lottery lottery)} is stopped and displayed after the symbol variation (variable display). Further, in the second special symbol display unit 62b, the result of the success / failure determination executed as a result of winning the game ball in the second start winning device 17b {result of the big hit lottery (second big hit lottery) The second special symbol indicating the result of the lottery lottery (the result of the second small lottery lottery) is stopped and displayed through the variable display. The contents of the display results of the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b will be described later. In addition, a game result (result of determination of success / failure) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b and a result of game (result of determination of success / failure) displayed on the effect display device 27. ) Are considered to match.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the normal symbol display unit 63 is configured by a “7-segment display”, and the game ball passes through any of the normal symbol operation gates (normal symbol operation ports) 16. When the symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol variation display is started. In this normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display section 63 displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” in this order, and then again displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9”. It consists of “circular display” that repeats the display in order. When the execution time of these variable displays elapses, the normal symbol stop symbol is executed for a certain period of time. At this time, when the stop symbol is “odd number”, it is a winning symbol, and when the stop symbol is “even number”, it is a missed symbol. The lottery means for performing the lottery to determine whether or not the ordinary electric accessory 17d should be opened is constituted by a main control unit 200A described later.

  The normal symbol hold display unit 65 is also configured using four LEDs, and “the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate (normal symbol operation port) 16 but have not yet been digested (ie, the number of holds). ”As the upper limit number of four, and every time an undigested game ball is digested,“ the number of undigested game balls (ie, the number of holds) ”is sequentially decremented and displayed. is there. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, holding ball)” relating to the normal symbol has passed through the normal symbol operation gate (normal symbol operation port) 16, but in the normal symbol display unit 63, lottery associated with the passage The game ball in which the display of the result (determined display of the lottery result symbol) and the change display preceding this (display using a 7-segment display in this embodiment) are not made.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the three general winning devices 40, 41, 43 are arranged on the left and right of the main accessory device 20. In each of the general winning devices 40, 41, 43, winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the winning of the game ball are arranged. A number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area 11 so as to be suitable for a pachinko game in consideration of the positional balance with each board component described above. 18 is provided. Further, a back ball preventing member (not shown) is provided below the out port 18. And the game ball which returned without reaching the game area 11 is prevented from returning to the launch position again.

c. Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 is a structure in which various devices are mounted on the large back pack 102, and the back pack 102 is pivotally supported by the pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. Yes.

  The back pack 102 stores a game ball tank 105 in which game balls are stored, a game ball payout device 109 for paying out game balls as prize balls or rental balls, and a main control board 200 constituting the main control unit 200A. A main control board case, a launcher control board case 130 storing a launch control board 260 for controlling the launcher unit, and a payout control board case storing a payout control board 240 for controlling the game ball payout device 109. 118, a relay terminal board for relaying the main control board 200 and various switches, and the like are mounted. The game ball payout device 109 constitutes a specific example of prize ball payout means.

  In addition, the game ball tank 105 is provided with a tank switch at the bottom, and can detect a broken ball. The game ball tank 105 and the game ball payout device 109 are connected by a tank rail 106. Further, in FIG. 6, a ball removal lever is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106, and a refilling ball breakage detection switch is provided on the downstream side of the tank rail 106.

(2) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The control circuit of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 200A and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 222A, 240A, 260A). That is, the main control unit 200A is configured by using the main control board 200 and controls the basic progress of the game and whether or not the prize ball is involved, and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 222A, 240A, 260A). And.

  The sub-control unit is composed of (a) the sub-control board 220 and “sub control that controls various effects of the game using symbol display, lamp emission, sound effects, movement of moving objects, etc.” The control unit 220A and the (b) effect display control board 222 are used, and “the effect of controlling various effects of the game using the symbol display, the light emission of the lamp, the sound effect, the operation of the movable object, etc. It is configured using a control unit 222A, (c) a payout control unit 240A that controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, and (d) a launch control board 260. And a launch control unit 260A for controlling the launch of the game ball, which includes a primary sub-control unit (220A, 240A) directly connected to the main control unit 140, Main control via primary sub-control section Second sub-control unit (222A, 260A) connected to the 200A and exists.

  The control boards (200, 220, 222, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 222A, 240A, 260A) are executed by a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and the CPU. ROM in which various programs and data are stored, RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, a peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, and the CPU performs calculations Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus, such as an oscillator that outputs a clock, a watchdog timer that monitors CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates interrupt signals. Yes. Note that the directions of the arrows in FIGS. 8 and 9 indicate the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 7, only the CPU 201, the RAM 202, and the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown. The PIO mounted on the main control board 200 and further the CPU mounted on another control board. Further, illustration of RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

  The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) receives game ball detection signals from the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, the start winning detection switch 17s, the winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, 44s, etc. Sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220), payout control part 240A (payout control board 240), launch control part 260A (launch control board 260), etc. Toward this, various signals (commands) described later are output. The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is also connected to a count switch 8s that detects a game ball fired from the launcher unit.

  Further, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) performs these operations by outputting signals to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c, the special winning opening solenoid 31c, the lower left display device 50, and the lower right display device 60. Direct control. That is, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) functions as a success / failure determination means (big hit lottery means, small hit lottery means) and big hit game execution means. Further, predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240, respectively. The main control unit 200A constitutes specific examples of a variation pattern table storage unit (ROM 203), a specific game control unit, and a variation pattern determination unit. Further, it functions as “symbol fluctuation control means” for realizing symbol fluctuations in the lower display device 60 (special symbol fluctuations in the special symbol display portions 62a and 62b).

  When the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) receives various signals (commands) from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), it analyzes the contents of the signals (commands) and plays games according to the results. The production of. That is, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) controls the game effects based on the control signal from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). The sub-control unit 220A functions as “symbol variation control means” for realizing symbol variation (pseudo symbol variation) in the effect display device 27.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) includes an effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), an amplifier board 224, a decoration drive board 226, and an effect button board 228. And are electrically connected to each other. The sub control board 220 includes a CPU 220a, a ROM 220b, and a RAM 220c.

  The CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 receives each control signal from the main control board 200 and controls each board such as the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. The ROM 220c stores data (especially information related to game decoration) necessary for controlling each board. The CPU 220a receives a display control command (that is, a display control signal) sent from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), and analyzes the received display control command according to a program stored in the ROM 220c. Then, the CPU 220a configuring the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220), a newly generated command based on the display control command transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) The display control command transmitted from the control board 200) is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222) as a symbol control command.

  Speakers SP1 to SP4 that output predetermined sound effects are electrically connected to the amplifier board 224. Also, to the decoration driving board 226, various LED boards on which various decoration LEDs (lamps) provided on the front frame 4 and the game board 10 are mounted. The decoration drive board 226 receives signals from the sub-control board 220A and controls the game decoration.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a relay terminal plate, a launch control unit 260A, a lower pan full tank switch 6s, and the like are connected to the payout control unit 240A. The payout control unit 240A is connected to a payout motor 109m, a front payout switch 109a, and a rear payout switch 109b constituting a game ball payout device (payout device) 109 via a relay terminal plate. Further, the main control unit 200A is connected to the payout control unit 240A so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

  The payout control unit 240A is responsible for various types of control related to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the lending button 5c or the return button 5q, the operation signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 410 to the payout control board 240 via the relay terminal board, and the payout motor 109m is based on the operation signal. A drive signal for driving the game ball is transmitted to the game ball payout device (payout device) 109 (the payout motor 109m).

  When the main control unit 200A outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control part 240A receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m, whereby the prize ball is paid out. The game balls to be paid out are detected by two payout switches (the front payout switch 109a and the rear payout switch 109b) and are input to the payout control unit 240A. Further, the number of prize balls that have been paid out is also detected by the count switch 109c and counted by the main controller 200A.

  Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) will be described. As described above, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) is connected to the effect display control board 222 and various boards such as the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. Further, as described above, when the sub-control unit 220A receives various effect commands (display control commands, etc.) from the main control unit 200A, the sub-control unit 220A interprets the content of the command and (a) the effect display device 27 Specific display contents, (b) sound effects output from the speakers SP1 to SP4, and (c) specific modes of lighting or blinking of various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f are determined. Next, drive signals (various symbol control commands) of the effect display device 27 are output to the effect display control unit 222A, and effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.) are varied and stopped. At this time, display data (still image data, moving image data, etc.) of the displayed effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.) is built in the effect display device 27 or the effect display control board 222. The data stored in the display ROM (not shown) is used.

  Sound effects are output from the speakers SP <b> 1 to SP <b> 4 by outputting sound signals to the amplifier substrate 224 in accordance with the pseudo symbol variation display and stop display. In addition, by supplying a signal to the decorative driving board 226 and outputting driving signals of various LED lamps 4b to 4h and 4G from the decorative driving board 226, various lamps (LEDs 4b to 4h, 4G, etc.) are turned on.・ Control blinking operation. Further, when the player operates the effect button SW provided on the front side of the upper plate member 5, this operation signal is supplied to the sub-control unit 220A. The sub-control unit 220 </ b> A is configured to reflect the operation result on various effects including the effect display device 27 based on the supplied operation signal.

(3) Aspects of symbol display game As described above, in this gaming machine 1, stop display (determined display) of a stop symbol indicating the result of the success / failure determination (big win lottery, small win lottery) performed based on the start winning prize and The symbol variation (variation display) performed in the previous stage of the stop display is simultaneously executed in the two types of symbol display devices (the lower display device 60 and the effect display device 27). Here, the special symbols displayed on the lower display device 60 (that is, the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b) (special symbols that are changed and displayed one after another on the 7-segment display body) are In “main control unit 200A (described later)” which is “main symbol” and governs the basic progression of the game, “stop symbol” and “variation time (variation pattern)” are determined.

  On the other hand, the special symbol displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is a “pseudo symbol”, and “a sub-control unit 220A that controls a game effect under the control of the main control unit 200A (described later). ) ”Is a special symbol in which the variation mode and the stop symbol are determined. Usually, these “pseudo symbols” symbol variations are executed for the same time as “main symbols”, and the “display contents (big hit, small hit, miss, etc.)” of these “pseudo symbols” stop symbols ” Is not inconsistent with the “display contents (big hit, small hit, miss, etc.)” of “main symbol” in the first special symbol display part 62a or the second special symbol display part 62b. In the present embodiment, when symbol variation effect display such as reach display using a special symbol is performed, the symbol variation effect display is performed on the effect display device 27 (pseudo symbol). Hereinafter, the display content of this symbol and the pseudo symbol will be briefly described.

c-1. The special symbol variation display (symbol variation) and stop display resulting from the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a are performed on the first special symbol display unit 62a, and the second starting winning device 17b. The special symbol change display (symbol change) and stop display due to the winning of the game ball to the game are performed in the second special symbol display unit 62b. That is, in the first special symbol display unit 62a, the special symbol variation display (symbol variation) is started due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a. As shown in FIG. 6 (b), this variation display (symbol variation) is made possible by the 7-segment display body constituting the first special symbol display section 62a. The content is to perform “circular display” of “incomplete design”. In other words, the content is to “circulate and display” imperfect symbols that are not familiar to the player compared to arithmetic numbers and are difficult to identify and store. In the following description, the symbol (special symbol) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a may be referred to as “first special symbol”.

  In the low probability mode (normal probability mode), when a winning / failing determination (first big hit lottery) is performed due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a, as shown in FIG. 10 (a). The probability that the determination result indicating the big hit is derived is about “1/400”. When the determination result indicating the big hit is derived, the big hit game execution means starts to operate, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is changed to the big hit gaming state (special gaming state). As a result, the main control unit 200A drives the big winning opening solenoid 31c, changes the open / close plate 31b in the standing posture to the forward leaning posture, changes the closed big winning opening 31a to the open state, and the big hit game is performed. Be started. The open winning opening 31a in the open state has a predetermined time even if a predetermined number (for example, 10) of gaming balls enter the winning opening 31a or a predetermined number of gaming balls do not enter. When the time has elapsed, the closed state is restored and one round is completed. When the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is repeated a plurality of times with a predetermined interval in between, the big hit game is ended.

  When a winning / failing determination (first jackpot lottery) is performed due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a, and the determination result indicating the jackpot is derived, the main control unit 200A determines that the type of jackpot (Type of jackpot symbol) "is determined by random number lottery (hereinafter referred to as" distribution lottery "). Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the random winning lottery determines the mode of jackpot as one of “normal jackpot”, “first probability variation jackpot”, or “second probability variation jackpot”. When the result of the first big hit lottery is a loss, as shown in FIGS. 10C and 14, the main control unit 200A determines whether or not to generate a small hit by random number lottery (small win lottery). To do. This random number lottery constitutes a specific example of “small lottery”. In the present embodiment, the determination of success or failure is made up of a big hit lottery and a small hit lottery. In addition, the random number (big hit symbol determination random number) for performing the “lottery lottery” is acquired at the timing when the start winning is generated, in the same manner as the random number for the determination of success / failure (random number for big hit lottery, etc.).

  Here, when the “ordinary big hit” occurs, as shown in FIG. 11, the first big hit game in which the possibility of winning a prize ball is extremely high is executed, and the success / failure determination is made after the end of the first big hit game. The probability that the result of (2) will be a big hit (the probability that the result of the first jackpot lottery will be won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery will be won) is a low probability (normal probability). The first jackpot game is a type of jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “15R jackpot”) in which the opening / closing operation of the prize winning device 31 is repeated 15 times (15 rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween. It is called "game".) At this time, the time (first opening time) for which the grand prize winning device 31 is open in each round is set to “25 seconds”. In this way, the gaming state in which the probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit is a low probability (normal probability) is the “low probability mode (low probability state)”.

  When “first probable big hit” occurs, as shown in FIG. 11, the first big hit game is executed, and the probability that the determination result is a big hit after the end of the first big hit game (first big hit) The probability that the result of the lottery will be won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery will be won) is a high probability. In this embodiment, the “15R big hit game” is performed as the first big hit game resulting from the “first probability variation big hit”. In this way, a gaming state in which the probability that the result of the determination of success or failure is a big hit is a high probability is a “high probability mode (high probability state)”. In the present embodiment, “15R jackpot game” is exemplified as the first jackpot game resulting from “normal jackpot” and “first probability variable jackpot”. As for the first jackpot game resulting from the “big jackpot”, the time when the big winning device 31 is open in each round is set as the “first opening time” and the number of rounds is Different types of jackpot games (for example, “15R jackpot game”) and “opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 are repeated 7 times (7 rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds). A “hit game” may be scheduled.

  When the “second probability variation big hit” occurs, as shown in FIG. 11, the second big hit game is executed, and after the second big hit game ends, the probability of the success / failure determination result being a big win (first The probability that the result of the jackpot lottery will be won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery will be won) are high. However, as the second jackpot game resulting from the “second probability variation jackpot”, the opening / closing operation of the winning device 31 is repeated twice (two rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween. It is. In this second jackpot game, the time (second opening time) for which the winning device 31 is open in each round is set to “0.2 seconds”.

  When the “small hit” occurs, as shown in FIG. 11, the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is repeated twice with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween. In this small hit game, the time for which the winning device 31 is opened every time the big winning device 31 performs the opening operation is referred to as “second opening time (0.2 seconds)”.

  On the other hand, in the second special symbol display section 62b, the special symbol variation display is started due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b. This variable display is also performed in the same manner as the first special symbol display unit 62a. In the normal probability mode, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), when the winning / failing determination (second big hit lottery) is performed due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b. The probability that the determination result indicating the big hit is derived is about “1/400”. Also in this case, when the determination result indicating the big hit is derived, the big hit game is started.

  When a winning / incoming determination (second big hit lottery, second small lottery lottery) is performed due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b, and the determination result indicating the big hit is derived, the main control The unit 200A determines “big hit type (type of big hit symbol)” by random lottery. This random number lottery constitutes a specific example of the “random lottery performed by the second jackpot mode determining means”, and as shown in FIG. It is determined as either “first probability variation big hit” or “second probability variation big hit”. The contents of these jackpots are the same as the respective jackpots (corresponding jackpot contents) generated as a result of the first jackpot lottery. Even when the result of the second big hit lottery is a loss, the main control unit 200A determines whether or not to generate a small hit by random number lottery. In the determination of whether or not the game ball has won the second start winning device 17b, it is not determined whether or not to generate a small hit (small winning lottery), but whether or not to generate a big win. It is also possible to perform only (big hit lottery).

  Also, a jackpot mode that arises through the determination of success / failure resulting from winning a game ball to the first start winning device 17a and a jackpot that results from determination of success / failure resulting from winning the game ball to the second start winning device 17b. A second normal jackpot may be added to at least one or both of the above aspects. The second normal jackpot is “by opening the variable winning device (big winning device 31) for a predetermined opening time (for example, 6 seconds) shorter than the first opening time and longer than the second opening time. The third big hit game in which the execution possibility of the prize ball payout by the prize ball payout means (game ball payout device 109) is lower than the first big hit game and higher than the second big hit game is executed, and the third After the jackpot game ends, the probability that the result of the success / failure judgment will be a jackpot (the probability that the result of the first jackpot lottery will be won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery will be won) is a low probability (normal probability) To do. In addition, when “second normal big hit” is added as a big hit mode, “the above-mentioned third big hit game is executed and the probability of the success / failure determination result being a big hit after the third big hit game ends (first It is also preferable to add a third probability variation big hit having a high probability of the probability that the result of the big hit lottery will be won and the probability that the result of the second big hit lottery will be won). As a result, for the player, the game state (probability mode) after the occurrence of “second normal jackpot” or “third probability variation jackpot” (after the completion of the third jackpot game) is in a high probability state (high probability) Mode), it is difficult for the player to use imagination to determine the probability mode (high probability state) of the gaming machine, Amusement entertainment can be further enhanced. In the case of providing the “second normal big hit” and the “third probability variable big hit” which are the triggers for executing the “third big hit game”, the “second normal big hit” and the “third positive probability big hit” are provided. The determination whether or not to generate a small hit may not include the determination whether or not to generate a small hit (small winning lottery) (there is no need to provide a small hit).

c-2. On the display screen 27a of the pseudo-design effect display device 27, if the symbol variation start condition is satisfied due to winning (start winning) in the first start winning device 17a or the second starting winning device 17b, Start the variable display. Then, when the execution times of these variable displays have elapsed, the pseudo symbol stop display (determined display) is executed for a certain time (about 0.6 seconds). At this time, the stop display (definite display) of the pseudo symbol, and the stop display (definite symbol of the present symbol) by the lower display device 60 (the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b) described above, Similarly, the result of the judgment is displayed.

  In addition, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, three pseudo symbol display units appear when the pseudo symbol variable display is started. In each pseudo symbol display unit, the variable display using the “pseudo symbol” is displayed. (Display of pseudo symbols to be changed sequentially), stop display (display of stopped pseudo symbols), and the like are performed. This pseudo-pattern variation display shows that the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed in this order, and then the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed again in this order. Consists of repeated “circular display”. Further, the confirmed symbols that are confirmed and displayed on the pseudo-symbol display section include “a stop symbol that indicates a loss” and “a stop symbol that indicates a big hit”.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 13A, the “stop symbol indicating a big hit” includes “a stop symbol indicating the occurrence of a normal big hit (hereinafter referred to as a normal big hit symbol)” and “first winning symbol”. “Stop symbol indicating occurrence of probability variation big hit (hereinafter referred to as first probability variation big hit symbol)” and “Stop symbol indicating occurrence of second probability variation big hit (hereinafter referred to as second probability variation big hit symbol)”. Exists. In addition, as shown in FIG. 13B, the “stop symbol indicating that the result of the big hit lottery is out of place” includes “the small hit symbol indicating the occurrence of a small hit” and “small hit lottery” There is a stop symbol (hereinafter referred to as a “off symbol”) indicating that it has fallen off. In the present embodiment, not only the big hit lottery but also the small hit lottery is simply referred to as “out”.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (a), the “normal jackpot symbol” is configured by arranging three “even identical numbers” on the display screen 27a, and the “first probability variation jackpot symbol” is “odd identical symbols” on the display screen 27a. Three numbers are arranged side by side. The “second probability variation big hit symbol” is configured by arranging “different odd numbers” in ascending order from left to right.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, the “small hit symbol” is configured by arranging “different odd numbers” in ascending order from left to right in the same manner as the “second probability variation big hit symbol”. Among the stop symbols configured by displaying different numbers on at least one of the three pseudo symbol display portions, the “small hit symbol and the second probability variation big hit symbol” are excluded. By the way, in the present embodiment, the “small winning symbol” and the “second probability variation big winning symbol” are the same symbol, and even if any symbol is stopped and displayed, the big winning device 31 is the same. The opening / closing operation is performed in the manner described above. For this reason, for a player who focuses his / her eyes on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 and the big prize device 31, whether “small hit” has occurred or “second probability variation big hit” has occurred. It becomes difficult to distinguish. Therefore, according to this gaming machine 1, the player's imagination can be stimulated, and the gaming interest can be further enhanced.

  In addition, when displaying the “normal jackpot symbol” or the “first probability variation jackpot symbol” on the effect display device 27, the reach display is performed in the middle of the fluctuation display which is the premise thereof. In addition, when displaying the “stop symbol to show off” on the effect display device 27, the reach display is not performed in the middle of the fluctuation display (that is, the deviation fluctuation) that is the premise (hereinafter referred to as “simple off”). In some cases, reach display is performed (hereinafter referred to as “reach out”). In addition, the reach display of the present embodiment is such that two of the pseudo symbols displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 are stopped at the same symbol and the other one of the pseudo symbols is changing. It is a display as content. However, even when the “stop symbol indicating the 2R probability variation big hit” is stopped and displayed, the reach display may be performed during the change.

  Further, when the above-mentioned “second normal big hit” and “third probability variable big hit” are provided as the big hit mode, “second normal big hit symbol” and “third positive probability big hit symbol” displayed on the effect display device 27. May be the same as the “second probability big hit symbol” or “small hit symbol” shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, for example, “second normal big hit” and “third probability big”. If it is not possible to distinguish which of the “big hit” has occurred according to the pseudo symbol that is stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27, the type of “second normal big hit symbol” and “third probability variable big hit symbol” (symbol combination) Does not matter.

c-3. Presence / absence of release extension The main control unit 200A constitutes a hit / fail judgment execution means (big hit lottery execution means, small hit lottery execution means) for making a pass / fail judgment, and plays a winning game (first big hit game, second big hit). The hit game execution means (big hit game execution means, small hit execution means) to be executed is configured. When a specific limited condition is established, after the jackpot game is executed (after the operation of the jackpot game execution means is completed), the opening time of the second start winning device 17b is extended. That is, the main control unit 200A constitutes an opening extension means for extending the opening time in the variable start winning device (second start winning device 17b). Hereinafter, this point will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  In the gaming machine according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 15B, whether or not to operate the opening extension means is determined according to the type of jackpot symbol. For example, if the jackpot symbol is “a jackpot symbol indicating a probable big hit and causing an extension of opening”, the game mode is shifted to a “high probability opening extension mode” after the jackpot game ends, and the jackpot symbol is In the case of “a jackpot symbol that indicates a promising big hit and does not cause an opening extension”, the game mode after the jackpot game is shifted to a “high probability normal opening mode”. In addition, when the jackpot symbol is “a jackpot symbol indicating normal jackpot and causing an open extension”, the game mode after the jackpot game is shifted to the “low probability open extension mode” and the jackpot symbol is changed. In the case of “a jackpot symbol indicating a normal jackpot and not causing an open extension”, the game mode after the jackpot game is shifted to the “low probability normal extension mode”.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, whether or not to operate the opening extension means is not determined only by the type of jackpot symbol. In other words, as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 14 and 15 (a), when the “normal variation pattern table (described later)” is used when a hit (big hit, small hit) occurs, after the hit game ends. In the above, the opening extension means does not operate uniformly. That is, regardless of the type of jackpot symbol, the opening extension means is not activated. For this reason, when the jackpot symbol is a probability variation symbol (the first probability variation jackpot symbol or the second probability variation jackpot symbol), after the jackpot game ends, there is a uniform “high probability normal release mode (hereinafter, latent probability variation mode”). .)

  On the other hand, if a hit (big hit or small hit) occurs when the “normal fluctuation pattern table” is used, the fluctuation pattern table used in the fluctuation of the special symbol (the main symbol and the pseudo symbol) is a special fluctuation pattern table (described later). Changed to This special variation pattern table is used for a limited use period (until the special symbol is changed 10 times or until a big hit occurs, but when a small hit occurs within the use period, it starts again). The period during which this special variation pattern table is used corresponds to the “special variation mode”. When a big hit occurs within the period of use of this special variation pattern table (during the special variation mode), as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 14 and 15 (a), the opening extension means starts operating.

  In other words, if a probable big hit occurs within the period of use of the special variation pattern table (during the special variation mode), after the big hit game ends, the mode shifts to the “high probability open extension mode” and within the same period of use (in the special variation mode) ), When a big hit is generated, the game shifts to the “low probability open extension mode” after the big hit game ends. In these cases, the variation pattern table to be used is changed to a shortened variation pattern table (described later) until a predetermined condition is satisfied. If the special variation pattern table does not occur (big hit / small hit) within the usage period of the special variation pattern table (in the special variation mode), the variation pattern table to be used is returned to the “normal variation pattern table”.

  The “low probability open extension mode” is continued until the total number of executions of the success / failure determination to be performed thereafter is 100 times or until the next big hit occurs. Further, the “high probability open extension mode” is continued until the total number of executions of success / failure determinations to be performed subsequently reaches 10,000 times or until the next big hit occurs. However, since the number of “hit lottery” executed per day in the gaming machine 1 is usually less than 10,000 times, the “high probability open extension mode” is continued until the next big hit occurs substantially. The

(4) Outline of symbol variation effect The symbol variation effect includes “effects performed when using the normal variation pattern table and the shortened variation pattern table (hereinafter referred to as general effects)” and “when using the special variation pattern table (special effects). There is an effect (hereinafter referred to as a special effect) ”performed in the variation mode). Hereinafter, after describing the outline of the general effects, the special effects will be described.

a. In the case of a general effect When a game ball wins (start winning) to the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b when the normal variation pattern table or the shortened variation pattern table is used, the special symbol changes. A start condition (actuality determination execution condition) is satisfied. As a result, the symbol change of the main symbol is started in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b, and the display screen 27a (pseudo symbol display unit) of the effect display device 27 as shown in FIGS. 16 (a) to (c). 27b to 27d), the symbol variation effect display using the pseudo symbol is started.

  The execution time of the symbol variation effect display differs depending on the variation pattern (normal variation pattern, shortened variation pattern) determined at the start of symbol variation in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b (to be described later). When the time elapses, the stop symbol of the main symbol is fixedly displayed on one of the special symbol display portions 62a and 62b, and the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol is fixedly displayed on the display screen 27a.

  Note that “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. 16A is “out-of-range display without a reach effect (so-called“ normal out ””), and “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. 16B is “reach”. This is an out-of-direction display (so-called “out-going reach”). Here, the reach display (reach effect) refers to, for example, a symbol other than a symbol that finally stops (hereinafter referred to as “final stop symbol”) in the middle of the variation display (effect display) as a predetermined symbol. This is a stunning display indicating that there is a possibility that a jackpot display may be made depending on the type of the final stop symbol. For example, if the stop symbol of multiple symbols is the same symbol, when the jackpot display is completed, the symbols other than the final stop symbol are stopped at the same symbol, and the game machine executes “special game execution (occurrence of big hit) ) Indicates an indication that there is a possibility.

  As shown in FIG. 16 (c), using the “special symbol (pseudo symbol) stop symbol”, a stop display (confirmation display, jackpot display) to the effect that “the result of determination of success / failure is a winning (big hit)” is displayed. In the case where it is performed, after the “reach display” is performed in the middle of the symbol variation effect display (variation display) of the special symbol (pseudo symbol), this fixed display is performed. When this “big hit display” is made, after executing “shift display for shifting to big hit” or the like, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the big hit state, and the big hit game is started. In addition, when using the “Special symbol (pseudo symbol) stop symbol” and the stop indication (confirmation display, big hit display) that “the result of the lottery lottery is winning (small hit)” is performed, After executing “transition display for shifting to small hit” or the like, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the small hit state, and the small hit game is started.

b. In the case of special effects Next, the special effects will be described with reference to FIGS. That is, when the special variation pattern table is used (during the special variation mode), a special symbol is also given when a game ball winning (start winning) is given to the first starting winning device 17a or the second starting winning device 17b. Variation start condition (whether or not determination execution condition) is established, and the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b start the symbol variation of this symbol, and as shown in FIGS. 17 to 20, the display screen of the effect display device 27 In 27a (pseudo symbol display parts 27b-27d), the symbol change effect display using a pseudo symbol is started.

  However, in this special effect, an image that is not displayed in the above-described general effect is displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. Specifically, the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d (see FIG. 6) are reduced, and a so-called “battle effect” is executed in substantially the entire area of the display screen 27a. That is, the “squid character design” indicating the player's ally and the “octopus character design” indicating the player's enemy appear, and a duel (battle) is started.

  “Execution time of special effects executed corresponding to each start winning prize” is uniformly “first variation time (10 seconds in this embodiment)” when the results of the big win lottery and the small win lottery are lost. In the case where the result of the big hit lottery or the result of the small hit lottery is a win, it is uniformly set to “second variation time (in this embodiment, 20 seconds)”. Therefore, when using the special variation pattern table (during the special variation mode), as long as the result of the big hit lottery and the small hit lottery is a loss, the “special production with a constant presentation time (variation time)” Is repeated each time. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, regardless of the gaming state (high probability mode, normal probability mode) of this gaming machine 1, every time a start prize is generated, a “special effect with a constant effect time (variation time) (T1)”. "Is repeated across the pseudo symbol stop display time (T2).

  In this case, as long as the results of the big hit lottery and the small hit lottery are lost, the “octopus character” wins the “squid character” (the effect indicating that the player's thoughts were not fulfilled), It is repeated up to 10 times while changing the color of the display screen 27a. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the special variation pattern table is used (special variation mode), the “execution time of special effects executed corresponding to each start prize” is the same as that of the gaming machine 1. Regardless of the gaming state (high probability mode, normal probability mode), since it is set as the same time, an effective production can be executed. For example, it is possible to give a “strong impact” to the player by repeating the production of substantially the same content as “drilling”. Further, in this embodiment, since the variation pattern stored in the special variation pattern table (for winning / missing) is one type, the variation time of the entire use period of the special variation pattern table can be calculated in advance. Effective production can be performed. For example, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, an effect can be performed in which a predetermined movie (moving image) is continuously reproduced from the start to the end of the period of use (special variation mode) of the special variation pattern table.

  In this embodiment, when the “special effect indicating that the result of the big hit lottery and the small hit lottery is a loss” is repeated 10 times, an effect according to the normal variation pattern is performed as shown in FIG. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 21 (b), if the result of the big hit lottery wins before the special effect is performed 10 times, the “special effect indicating the result of the win” is displayed in the second variation time (20 seconds). After being performed, the effect during the big hit game is executed. Thereafter, an effect according to the variation pattern for shortening variation is executed corresponding to each start winning prize.

  As shown in FIG. 21 (c), if the result of the small lottery is won before the special effect is performed 10 times, the “special effect indicating the result of the win” is applied for the second predetermined time (20 seconds). After being performed, the effect during the small hit game is executed. Thereafter, the use period (special variation mode) of the special variation pattern table is started again in correspondence with each start winning. In other words, as long as the results of the big hit lottery and the small hit lottery are lost, the effect that the “octopus character” wins the “squid character” (the effect indicating that the player's feelings were not fulfilled) is displayed. It is repeated up to 10 times while changing the color of the screen 27a.

(5) Command transmission The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment performs various controls in order to realize the above-described “variation effect display (symbol variation effect display)” and the like. When executing this control, various commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220). Next, how this command is transmitted will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

  The main control unit 200A and the sub control unit 220A are connected by a 9-bit width parallel signal cable. One of these bits is allocated for outputting a strobe signal, and the remaining 8 bits are allocated for command output. When a command is output from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A, first, 8-bit command data is output to an 8-bit width signal cable assigned for command output, and then A 1-bit strobe signal is output. Further, the sub control unit 220A can reliably read the command transmitted from the main control unit 200A by reading the command data at the rising timing of the strobe signal.

  Here, examples of commands output from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) include those illustrated in FIG. 22B. In other words, there are (A) a change pattern designation command (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “CHP”), (B) a special symbol stop information designation command (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “CJS”), and the like. . The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern. Depending on the variation pattern table used at the time of starting winning, a variation pattern for normal variation, a variation pattern for shortened variation, and a special variation pattern are selected. Is specified. The variation pattern designation command is a command for starting the variation of the pseudo symbol and designating the variation time of the pseudo symbol.

(6) Outline of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, each process such as a prize ball payout process (S10), a normal symbol game process (S100), a normal electric game game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), a winning game process (S600), etc. Is executed repeatedly. Since the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 23 is about 4 msec, these processes are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec.

  The above-mentioned CTC (counter / timer circuit) is set to generate an interrupt every about 2 msec. When an interrupt is generated by CTC, various random numbers are updated and various game balls are detected. The process of detecting the state of the switches (normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, start winning detection switches 17s, 17t, winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, etc.) is performed. Then, in the game control shown in FIG. 23, the normal symbol game process (S120), the normal electric drive, while generating various interrupts and detecting the game state by generating interrupts almost twice during the round of control. An accessory game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S400), a winning game process (S600), and the like are performed. During these processes, various signals are transmitted to various control boards including the sub-control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. Hereinafter, the game control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

A. Prize ball payout processing (S10)
The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process of paying out game balls as prize balls (prize ball payout process) (S10). That is, the state of the start winning detection switches 17s, 17t or the winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s is detected to determine whether or not a game ball has entered. If a game ball has entered, this information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. Based on the information stored on the RAM 202, a prize ball payout signal is output toward the payout control board 240. If the winning information for the start winning detection switch 17s or the like has already been stored on the RAM 202, an appropriate payout number including the previously stored information is specified and a payout signal is output. To do. The “processing for outputting a payout signal based on winning information to the start winning detection switch 17s” constitutes a specific example of “processing as a winning ball payout means performed by the CPU 201”.

  When outputting a payout signal from the main control unit 200A to the payout control unit 240A, first, a strobe signal is output toward the payout control unit 240A (payout control board 240), and then signal data is output. On the other hand, when the CPU mounted on the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A receives the payout signal, the CPU interprets the content of the signal and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the prize ball payout device 109. Is output and award balls are paid out. The prize ball payout device 109 is provided with two payout switches (front payout switch 109a and rear payout switch 109b) for detecting the payout game balls. While detecting each one, a process of paying out the number of prize balls designated by the payout signal is performed.

B. Normal symbol game processing (S100)
24 and 25 are flowcharts showing the outline of the normal symbol game process. When the normal symbol game process is activated, the CPU 201 detects the state of the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s and operates the normal symbol operation. It is determined whether or not a game ball has passed through the gate 16 (S105). If an affirmative determination is made in the process of S105 (S105; YES), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol is less than a predetermined number (four in the present embodiment) (S110). If it is determined (S110; YES), the number of holdings for the normal symbol is incremented by "+1", and a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is appropriate is obtained and stored (S115), and then the processing of S120 Migrate to On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in the process of S105 (S105; NO) and when it is determined that the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (S110; NO), the process of S115 is not performed. , The process proceeds to S120.

  In the process of S120, it is determined whether or not the ordinary electric accessory 17d is in operation (whether or not the second start winning device 17b is in an open state) (S120), and is in operation (S120; YES). Then, the normal symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When not operating (S120; NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol display unit 63 is executing the normal symbol variation display (S125). If it is determined that the display is not variably displayed in the process of S125 (S125; NO), whether or not the normal symbol is stopped on the normal symbol display unit 63 (whether or not it is during the stop display time). Is determined (S130). If it is determined that the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (S130; YES), it is determined whether or not the “normal symbol stop display time (for example, 0.5 seconds)” has elapsed (FIG. 16). S180). If an affirmative determination is made in S180 (S180; YES), the process proceeds to S185. If a negative determination is made in S180 (S180; NO), the normal symbol game process is terminated and the game control of FIG. Return to processing.

  Further, the normal electric accessory 17d is not in operation (S120 in FIG. 24; NO), the normal symbol change display is not being executed in the normal symbol display unit 63 (S125; NO), and the normal symbol is stopped. Is determined not to be executed (S130; NO), it is determined whether or not the number of holds for the normal symbol is “0” (S135). When it is determined that the number of holds is “0” (S135; YES), the normal symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reserved number is not “0” (S135; NO), the random number stored in the process of S115 is used to determine whether or not the normal symbol is appropriate, -1 "(S145), the process proceeds to S150 and subsequent steps.

  In the process of S150, it is determined whether or not a function for shortening the “normal symbol variation display time” (hereinafter referred to as “variable time shortening function”) is activated, and is determined to be activated. And (S150; YES), after setting the fluctuation display time of the normal symbol of “for changing time reduction function operation” (S155), the normal symbol fluctuation display is started (S160). On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time shortening function is not activated (S150; NO), after setting the fluctuation display time of the normal symbol for “when the fluctuation time shortening function is not activated” (S156), Fluctuation display is started (S160). Then, in both cases where an affirmative determination is made in the process of S150 and a negative determination is made, the normal symbol game process is terminated after the process of S160, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  If the normal electric accessory 17d is not in operation (S120; NO) and the normal symbol display unit 63 is executing the normal symbol variation display (S125; YES), whether or not the normal symbol variation time has elapsed. Is determined (S165 in FIG. 16), and if it has not elapsed (S165; NO), the normal symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process in FIG. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time of the normal symbol elapses (S165; YES), after the normal symbol fluctuation display is stopped (S170), the display time (stop display time) of the normal symbol stop symbol is set (S5). . Thereafter, when the “ordinary symbol stop display time” has elapsed (S180; YES), the process proceeds to S185.

  In the process of S185, it is determined whether or not the symbol stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 63 is a symbol that activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d (a symbol that is a normal symbol) and is not an actuated symbol (S185). NO), the normal symbol game process is terminated, and the game control process of FIG. 14 is resumed. On the other hand, if the symbol is to be actuated (S185; YES), it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory opening extension function is operating, that is, whether or not the opening extension means is operating (S188).

  When the opening extension means is operating (S188; YES), after setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to “opening time when the opening extension function is activated (for example, the above-mentioned 3 seconds)” (S190), The ordinary electric accessory 17d is operated (S194), and the second start winning device 17b is opened. Then, the normal symbol game process is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the opening extension means is not in operation (S188; NO), after setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to "opening time when the opening extension function is not operated (for example, 0.5 seconds as described above)" (S192), the ordinary electric accessory 17d is operated (S194), and the second start winning device 17b is opened. Then, the normal symbol game process is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

C. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric accessory game process. When the normal symbol game process is activated while the CPU 201 performs the game control process of FIG. 23, the ordinary electric accessory 17d is in operation. Is determined (whether the second start winning device 17b is in the open state). When it is determined that the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (S201; YES), the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (the second start winning device 17b is maintained in an open state). It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (3 seconds in the open extension mode and 0.5 seconds in the normal release mode) (S202). If it is determined that the operating time has passed the predetermined time (S202; YES), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped to bring the second start winning device 17b in the open state into a closed state (S206). The ordinary electric game game process is terminated. However, when the CPU 201 determines that a prescribed number (for example, eight) of game balls have entered the second start winning device 17b while the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning device 17b) is opened. Even when the aforementioned operating time (opening time) has not reached the predetermined time, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated.

D. Special Symbol Game Processing Next, an outline of the special symbol game processing will be described with reference to FIGS. When the special symbol game process is activated, as shown in FIG. 27, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has won the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b (S302a). , S302b). Then, when a negative determination (determination that the game ball has not won) is made in the processing of S302a and S302b (S302a; NO, S302b; NO), the processing after S308 shown in FIG. Transition.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has won the first start winning device 17a (S302a; YES), the “reserved number of special symbols corresponding to the first start winning device 17” is less than a predetermined number (this implementation) It is determined whether or not the number is less than four (S304a). In the process of S304a, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304a; YES), a random number for determination (lottery random number) related to winning in the first start winning device 17a is acquired, and this random number for determination ( The random number for lottery) is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, and “the number of reserved special symbols corresponding to the first start winning device 17a” is incremented by “+1” (S306a).

  Here, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a first start winning device 17a and a second start winning device 17b as start winning devices, and a special symbol corresponding to the first start winning device 17a. (A first special symbol; hereinafter also referred to as “special diagram 1”) and a special symbol corresponding to the second start winning device 17b (second special symbol; hereinafter also referred to as “special diagram 2”). With. Then, in the situation where the determination random number based on the start winning to the first start winning device 17a and the determination random number based on the start winning to the second start winning device 17b are stored, the latter is preferential. (To be described later).

  Among the processes performed by the CPU 201, “each process executed due to a game ball winning in the first start winning device 17a (hereinafter referred to as a process related to the special figure 1)”, “ 27-32 regarding the same processing among the “executed processing (hereinafter referred to as processing related to the special figure 2)” among the processing executed due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b (hereinafter referred to as processing related to the special figure 2). The same number of steps (numerical numbers) is attached. Since the process with the same number of steps is basically the same process, one of “process related to special figure 1” and “process related to special figure 2” will be described in the following description. However, the description of the other may be omitted. In addition, the alphabet “a” is added to “number of steps” for “processing related to special figure 1”, and “b” is added to “number of steps” for “processing related to special figure 2”. There is.

  The determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306a includes (a) a jackpot lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1”) that is executed due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a. A random number for lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 1 big hit lottery random number”), (b) a small amount executed due to winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a. A lottery random number (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1 small lottery random number”) used in the winning lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1 small lottery lottery”), and (c) the first special symbol display portion 62a A random number for determination (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol 1 symbol determination random number”) for determining a symbol to be stopped, and (d) reach in pseudo symbol variation display executed on the display surface 27a of the effect display device 27 Decide whether to display Because of Reach random number, and the like.

  If it is determined that the game ball has won the second start winning device 17b (S302b; YES), the “number of special symbols held corresponding to the second start winning device 17d” is less than a predetermined number (this implementation) It is determined whether or not the number of examples is less than four (S304b). In the process of S304b, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304b; YES), a determination random number (lottery random number) related to the second start winning device 17b is acquired, and this determination random number (lottery random number) is acquired. ) Is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, and “the number of reserved special symbols corresponding to the second start winning device 17b (the value of the special figure 2 reserved number memory 202o shown in FIG. 27). ) ”Is incremented by“ +1 ”(S306b). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S308 and subsequent steps.

  The determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306b includes (a) a jackpot lottery executed (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 2”) due to the winning of a game ball to the second start winning device 17b. A random number for lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 big hit lottery random number”), (b) a small amount executed due to winning of a game ball to the second start winning device 17b. A random number for lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 small lottery random number”) used in the winning lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 small lottery lottery”), and (c) the second special symbol display section 62b. A random number for determination (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol 2 symbol determination random number”) for determining a symbol to be stopped, and (d) reach in pseudo symbol variation display executed on the display surface 27a of the effect display device 27 Decide whether to display Because of Reach random number, and the like.

  In the process of S308, as shown in FIG. 28, it is determined whether or not a winning game is being executed, that is, whether or not a big hit game or a small hit game is being executed (S308). Specifically, the big hit game flag (see the process of S378 in FIG. 30) is set (set to ON) or the small hit game flag (see the process of S360 in FIG. 29) is set (ON). If set, a positive determination is made in the processing of S308. The big hit game flag indicates that “big hit game execution means (a control program, which is stored in the ROM 203)” is in operation, and the small hit game flag indicates “small hit game execution means”. (It is a control program and is stored in the ROM 203) "indicates that it is in operation.

  When the CPU 201 determines that a winning game is being executed (S308; YES), the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of S308 that the winning game is not being executed (S308; NO), whether or not the special symbol is changing, that is, one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is determined. It is determined whether or not it is changing (S310). If the special symbol is not changing (S310; NO), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet changed, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the change display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (in this embodiment, this stop display time is set to 0.6 seconds) (S312). If the special symbol is not variably displayed (S310; NO), and is not within the stop display time during which the special symbol is stopped (S312; NO), whether or not the variable display can be started. Is determined (S314a, S314b).

  The “condition for starting the variable display of the special symbol” is that either “the number of holds for the first special symbol” or “the number of holds for the second special symbol” is not “zero”. The CPU 201 of this embodiment preferentially determines whether or not “the number of holds regarding the second special symbol” is “zero” (S314b). In other words, when “the number of holds regarding the second special symbol” is not “zero”, the oldest determination random number (obtained in S306b from the predetermined address in the RAM 202, the special figure 2 big hit lottery random number and the special figure 2 small win) A lottery random number) is read out (S316b), and a determination process for the second special symbol (special figure 2 determination process) is performed (S320b).

  In this success / failure determination process (S320b), as shown in FIG. 31, first, a process related to a big hit lottery (a process related to a second big hit lottery) is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high probability mode (S322). When the gaming mode is the high probability mode (S322; YES), the “high probability data table” and “S316b processing” are performed. This “big hit lottery” is performed using the read special figure 2 big hit lottery random number (S324), and when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the low probability mode (normal probability mode) (S322; NO), The big hit lottery is performed using the “low probability data table” and the “special figure 2 big hit lottery random number read out in the process of S316b” (S326). In the high probability mode, the fluctuation shortening function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol as compared with the normal operation is activated, and the opening extension function of the second start winning device 17b (ordinary electric accessory) is activated. In some cases, the fluctuation shortening function and the opening extension function are not activated (described later).

  If the result of the jackpot lottery performed in the process of S324 or S326 is a jackpot (S330; YES), after setting the jackpot flag (set to ON) (S332), the success / failure determination process (S320b) is terminated, The process proceeds to “variation start process related to special symbol 2 (hereinafter referred to as second special figure change start process)” (S500b in FIG. 28). Further, when the result of the big hit lottery is out (S330; NO), the lottery lottery is performed using the special figure 2 small lottery random number read out in the process of S316b (S334), and in the case of winning (S336; (YES), after setting the “small hit flag” (set to ON) (S338), the success / failure determination process (S320b) is terminated, and the process proceeds to the second special figure variation start process (S500b). Further, when the lottery is lost (S336; NO), “after setting a set off flag (a flag indicating that neither big hit nor small hit has been generated) (set to ON) (S339), the determination processing (S320b ) Is ended, and the process proceeds to the second special figure variation start process (S500b).

  In the second special figure variation start process (S500b), as shown in FIG. 32, first, the process of allocating the variation pattern table based on the result of the success / failure determination process (S320b) is performed (S504, S506, 510A, 510B, 510C). That is, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S320b) is “big hit” (S504; YES), that is, when the big hit flag (S332) is set (set to ON), “the change pattern table at the time of big hit” is set. A distribution process (hereinafter referred to as a big hit time variation pattern table distribution process) ”is performed (S510A). Further, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S320b) is “small hit” (S504; NO, S506; YES), that is, when the small hit flag (S338) is set (set to ON), A process of distributing the variation pattern table at the time of hitting (hereinafter referred to as a small hitting time variation pattern table distribution process) ”is performed (S510B). Further, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S320b) is “disengagement (when neither big hit nor small hit)” (S504; NO, S506; NO), that is, the out flag (S339) is set (ON). If it is set, “a process of allocating a variation pattern table at the time of detachment (hereinafter referred to as a variation pattern table distribution process at the time of detachment)” is performed (S510C).

  Here, the contents of the big hit fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510A), the small hit fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510B), and the loss fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510C) are the same, and FIG. Done according to That is, when these distribution processes (S510A, S510B, S510C) are started, it is first determined whether or not the value of the special variation counter is greater than zero (S512). This special fluctuation counter indicates whether or not the special fluctuation pattern table is currently in use (that is, within a predetermined period shown in the invention of each claim), that is, whether or not it is in the special fluctuation mode. If it is within this period (in the special variation mode), it is set to “positive number (1 to 10 in this embodiment)”. When it is determined that the special variation pattern table is not within the period (predetermined period) in which it is to be used (not in the special variation mode) (S512; NO), the variation pattern table is changed according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. Sort. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

  When the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) and the variation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S516; YES, S520; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “high probability. This is a state in which shortening variation is performed (high probability shortening variation mode). Therefore, after setting a variation pattern table (hereinafter referred to as a high probability shortened variation pattern table) for a high probability state and a state in which a shortened variation is performed (S522), a variation pattern table distribution process ( S510A, S510B, and 510C) are terminated, however, in the process of S522, the high probability shortening variation pattern table corresponding to the result of the determination of success (big lottery / small lottery) is set. When the determination result is a big hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 34 (a) is set. When the determination result is a small hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 35 (a) is set. In addition, when the result of the determination is neither big hit nor small hit (in the case of losing), the variation pattern table shown in FIG. It is set.

  When the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) and the variation shortening flag is not set (set to OFF) (S516; YES, S520; NO), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “high probability. In addition, it is a state in which normal fluctuation is performed (high probability normal fluctuation mode). Therefore, “after setting a variation pattern table (hereinafter referred to as a high probability normal variation pattern table) for a high probability state and a state where normal variation is performed (S524), a variation pattern table distribution process ( S510A, S510B, and 510C) are also completed, and in the processing of S524, the high probability normal variation pattern table corresponding to the result of the determination of success / failure (big hit lottery / small win lottery) is set. When the determination result is a big hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 34B is set. When the determination result is a small hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 35B is set. In addition, when the result of the determination is neither big hit nor small hit (in the case of a loss), the variation pattern table shown in FIG. It is theft.

  When the probability variation flag is not set (set to OFF) and the variation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S516; NO, S530; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “Low probability and a state in which shortening variation is performed (low probability shortening variation mode)”. Therefore, after setting a variation pattern table (hereinafter referred to as a low probability shortening variation pattern table) for a low probability state and a state in which shortening variation is performed (S532), a variation pattern table distribution process ( In this embodiment, however, the high probability shortening variation pattern table is also used as the low probability shortening variation pattern table. 34A is set in the case of a big hit, and the variation pattern table shown in FIG. If the result is neither big hit nor small hit (in the case of a loss), the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 36 is set.

  When the probability variation flag and the variation shortening flag are not set (set to OFF) (S516; NO, S530; NO), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state with low probability and normal variation (low). Probability normal variation mode). Therefore, after setting a variation pattern table (hereinafter referred to as a low probability normal variation pattern table) for a low probability state and a state where normal variation is performed (S536), a variation pattern table distribution process ( In this embodiment, however, the high probability normal variation pattern table is also used as the low probability normal variation pattern table. 34 (b) is set in the case of a big hit, and the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. When the result is neither big hit nor small hit (in the case of losing), the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 37 is set.

  Unlike this embodiment, the high probability reduced variation pattern table and the low probability reduced variation pattern table may be distinguished, or the high probability normal variation pattern table and the low probability normal variation pattern table may be distinguished. For example, in the variation pattern table selected in the case of a deviation, the variation pattern table selected in the high probability state has a selection ratio of reach effect compared to the variation pattern table selected in the low probability state. May be high. Further, in this embodiment, the “shortening variation mode (short time mode)” refers to a state in which the variable time shortening function (short time function) is in operation, and is a game mode in which the opening extension means operates, that is, “ In the “high probability open extension mode” and the “normal probability open extension mode”, the variable time reduction function (time reduction function) operates. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, “shortening variation mode (short time mode)” can be read as “open extension mode”.

  In the variation pattern tables shown in FIGS. 34 to 37, variation patterns are set in association with “random number values”. The “variation pattern used for symbol variation” is determined in the process of S562 described later. 34 to 37, for convenience of explanation, a variation pattern table storing a small number of variation patterns is described. Actually, these variation pattern tables include a large number of variation patterns (for example, 20 variation patterns). Seeds, 50 species, 100 species).

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 34 to 37, the variation time specified by the shortened variation pattern is made shorter than the variation time specified by the normal variation pattern. In the present embodiment, if the result of the determination is “out”, the reach random number acquired in the process of S306b in FIG. 27 in the process of S562 {S306a in the first special figure variation start process (S500a)] In the reach random number acquired in the process of No. 2 and the number of special symbols held for the ongoing special figure fluctuation start process (S500b or S500a) {the special special figure 2 fluctuation start process (S500b), the second special symbol In the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (S500a) to be described later, the number of reservations related to the first special symbol} is further considered.

  That is, when it is determined that the reach display is not performed based on the reach random number, it is determined that the variation pattern is determined from the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 36 or FIG. 37 and the reach display is performed. In this case, the variation pattern is determined from the variation pattern table shown in the lower list of FIG. 36 or the lower list of FIG. In this case, the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when it is determined that the reach display is not performed is compared with the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the reach display is determined. Tend to be shortened. In addition, when the number of reserved special symbols targeted by the ongoing special figure change start process (S500b or S500a) is further considered, and the number of reserved numbers is small (for example, “zero” or “1”), When a variation pattern that specifies a longer variation time is selected and the number of holdings is large (for example, “2” to “4”), a variation pattern that identifies a shorter variation time tends to be selected. .

  Returning to FIG. 33, if an affirmative determination is made in the processing of S512, it is within the “current period (predetermined period) during which the special variation pattern table should be used”, that is, in the “special variation mode”. (S514), the variation pattern table distribution process (S510A, S510B, 510C) is terminated. Here, the “special variation pattern table” is a pattern table for determining a special variation pattern different from “normal variation performed according to the normal variation pattern table” and “shortened variation performed according to the variation pattern for shortening variation”. It is. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 38, in the “special variation pattern table” in the case where the result of the determination is “big hit” or “small hit”, the variation time is uniformly specified as “20 seconds”. The “special variation pattern table” is a pattern table in which the determination result is “out”, and the variation time is uniformly specified as “10 seconds”. That is, when the “special variation pattern table” shown in the present embodiment is used, the “constant variation time” is specified without considering the gaming state (high probability state or the like) of the gaming machine 1.

  Each “variation pattern table” described in the present embodiment is preset in a ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, and this ROM 203 constitutes a specific example of “variation pattern table storage means”.

  As shown in FIG. 32, when the variation pattern table distribution process (S510A, S510B, 510C) is completed, a variation pattern determination random number (random number for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol) is acquired (S560), and the variation pattern is obtained. A fluctuation pattern is determined using the fluctuation pattern table set in the table distribution process (S510A, S510B, 510C) and the random value acquired in the process of S560 (S562). In the process of S562, as described above, when it is necessary to consider “reach random number” and “the number of reserved special symbols”, the variation pattern is determined in consideration of these. The process of S562 constitutes a specific example of the process as “variation pattern determining means”. However, in this embodiment, when the “special variation pattern table” is used (during the special variation mode), the variation pattern is determined without considering the “reach random number” or the “number of special symbols held”.

  Following the process of S562, the special figure 2 symbol determination random number acquired in the process of S306b of FIG. 27 {in the first special figure variation start process (S500a), the special figure 1 symbol determination acquired in the process of S306a of FIG. Random number} is read (S564), and in the second special symbol display unit 62b {first special symbol variation start processing (S500a), the symbol to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a} is determined ( S566). When the result of the determination is “big hit”, the big win mode is determined by the processing of S566. That is, the processing of S566 constitutes “big hit mode determining means”.

  As described above, when the CPU 201 performs the process of determining the variation pattern and the stop symbol of the special symbol, the second special symbol display unit 62b {the first special symbol variation start process (S500a), the first special symbol In the symbol display unit 62a}, in the second special symbol {first special symbol variation start process (S500a), first special symbol} is started to vary (S570) and the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220). ), A predetermined command (symbol variation start command) indicating the start of symbol variation is transmitted (S572). That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a “variation pattern designation command (command for designating a fluctuation pattern)”, a “special symbol stop information designation command” and the like to the sub control board 220.

  After the process of S572, the CPU 201 performs a process of subtracting “1” from “the number of second special symbols held {the number of first special symbols held in the first special figure change start process (S500a)}”. Then, after performing the process of transmitting a command for specifying the number of hold after the subtraction to the sub-control board 220 (S575), the second special figure variation start process (S500b) is terminated, and the special symbol game The process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Here, the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command are output toward the sub-control board 220 together with the strobe signal as shown in FIG. This strobe signal is connected to the interrupt terminal of the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220, and the CPU 220a on the sub-control board 220 side immediately receives each designation signal when the strobe signal is inputted, Analyze the contents. Although detailed explanation is omitted, the fluctuation pattern considers various conditions such as whether to perform reach production or whether the symbol that stops and displays the special symbol is a winning symbol (big hit symbol or small hit symbol) If the variation pattern is known, the time for the special symbol to be variably displayed can be determined. Also, if the special symbol stop information designation command is analyzed, if the special symbol stops at the winning symbol (big hit symbol or small hit symbol), stops at the off symbol, or even stops at the big hit symbol, the big hit symbol is It is possible to know which one is “normal jackpot symbol”, “first probability variation jackpot symbol” or “second probability variation jackpot symbol”.

  The CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 determines an effect mode on the effect display device 27 based on these pieces of information, and then outputs a pseudo-design display control signal to the effect display control board 222. Performs symbol change / stop display. Further, based on the variation time (variation pattern designation command) of the special symbol, it is also determined whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect on the effect display device 27, and what kind of reach effect is to be used. Then, the sub-control board 220 controls the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the like according to the contents of the effect thus determined, thereby performing the effect of the determined contents.

  Returning to FIG. 28, when “the number of holdings regarding the second special symbol” is “zero” (S314b; YES), and “the number of holdings regarding the first special symbol” is not “zero” (S314a; NO). Reads out the oldest determination random number (obtained in S306a, the special figure 1 big lottery random number and the special figure 1 small lottery random number) from the predetermined address of the RAM 202 (S316a), and performs a pass / fail judgment process (S320a) After the first special figure variation start process (S500a), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the success / failure determination process performed as the process of S320a is also performed according to the success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 31 similarly to S320b, and the first special figure variation start process performed as the process of S500a is also performed as shown in FIG. The process is performed in accordance with the second special figure variation start process shown in FIG.

  Next, when it is determined that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing in the process of S310 (see FIG. 28) of the special symbol game process (S300) (S310; YES), Thus, the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol are determined, and the variation of the special symbol is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S341). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting a timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S341; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S341; YES), the fluctuating first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped (S344), and the stop symbol is displayed. The symbol stop command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S346). The symbol stop command is transferred to the effect display control board 222 via the sub control board 220. Then, after setting the stop display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (S348), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has elapsed (S350).

  If it is determined in the process of S350 that the special symbol stop display time has not elapsed (S350; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. . On the other hand, when the stop display time of the special symbol has elapsed (S350; YES), it is determined whether or not the stop display mode is a mode indicating winning (that is, a big hit symbol or a small hit symbol) (S352 in FIG. 29). .

  If a positive determination is made in the process of S352, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets (stores) information indicating the current game progress in a buffer to be referred to at the end of “winning game” described later. (S354). Specifically, “type of hit (whether it is big hit, small hit, or if it is big hit, whether it is a probable big hit, etc.)”, “value of special fluctuation counter”, “game state flag” Is set (stored) (S354). Here, the “game state flag” is a flag (probability change flag, fluctuation shortening flag, release extension flag, etc.) indicating “the game state of the gaming machine 1”. In the process of S354, these flags are set to “ON”. Whether “set” or “set to OFF” is set. Further, the specific area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 functions as a buffer used in the process of S354.

  After the process of S354, the process of initializing the special variation counter (the process of setting it to zero) is performed (S355), and then the process proceeds to S356 and subsequent steps. That is, when a hit occurs, the special variation counter is uniformly initialized regardless of the value of the special variation counter (for example, zero or 8). Since the special variation counter at the time of occurrence of the hit is stored in the process of S354, it can be referred to at the end of the “hit game”. In other words, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the special variation pattern table was used at the time of occurrence of hit (whether or not it was in the special variation mode), and at the end of the “win game”, the “buffer” described above is used. Judgment can be made by reference.

  In the processing after S356, the “winning game” mode is distributed according to the generated winning mode. First, it is determined whether or not the generated hit is a small hit (S356), and if it is a small hit (S356; YES), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines that “the big winning opening 31a is released in the small hit game”. After the “pattern” is set (S358), the small hit game flag is set (set to ON) (S360). Here, the release pattern set in the process of S358 is a pattern in which “0.2 second” release is performed twice with a predetermined interval time (for example, 2 seconds) interposed therebetween.

  Following the process of S360, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S362). If not set (S362; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited. Returning to the game control process of FIG. If the fluctuation shortening flag is set (S362; YES), the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is decremented by “1” (S364), and then the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is not “zero” (S366; NO). Then, the process leaves the special symbol game process (S300) and returns to the game control process of FIG. 23. If the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S366; YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is canceled (set to OFF). After performing the process (S368) to perform and the process (S370) for releasing the release extension flag (set to OFF), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In any case, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 23, a hit game process (FIG. 39) described later is started, and a small hit game is executed.

  Here, the “probability change flag” is a flag indicating that the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is in the high probability mode (high probability state), and the “variation shortening flag” is the gaming mode (game) of the gaming machine 1. Is a flag indicating that the state is in the variation shortening mode (variation shortening state). The “release extension flag” is a flag indicating that the game mode (game state) of the gaming machine 1 is in the release extension mode (open extension state). Furthermore, the “variation shortening counter” indicates the upper limit number of “the number of times of variation of special symbol executed while shortening variation”. When the value becomes “zero”, the shortening variation is performed in the next symbol variation. Absent.

  If it is determined in the process of S356 that it is “not a big hit”, that is, “a big hit” (S356; NO), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the big winning opening 31a according to the generated big hit mode. Processing to set the release pattern. That is, when the generated big hit is “second big hit (2R big hit)” (S372; YES), after setting “opening pattern of big winning opening 31a in the second big hit game” (S374), S378 When the process proceeds to the process and the generated jackpot is not the “second jackpot (2R jackpot)”, in other words, the case of the “first jackpot (15R jackpot)” (S372; NO), “in the first jackpot game After the “open pattern of the big prize opening 31a” is set (S376), the process proceeds to S378.

  Here, the “opening pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the second big hit game” is the same as the “opening pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the small hit game”, so that the big winning device 31 for the player. It is difficult to determine whether the second big hit game is being executed or whether the small hit game is being executed only by looking at the above operation. The “opening pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the first big hit game” is a pattern in which “25 seconds” is released 15 times with a predetermined interval time (for example, 2 seconds) interposed therebetween.

  In the process of S378, a process of setting a big hit game flag (set to ON) is performed. The game state of the gaming machine 1 is shifted to the “hit game state” by setting the “hit game flag” (the jackpot game execution means starts operating). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, While the “big hit game flag” is set (that is, when the big hit game execution means is in operation), the probability changing function, the time shortening function, and the open extension function are not activated. For this reason, after the process of S378, the special symbol game process (S300) is completed through a series of processes after S380.

  That is, in the process of S378, if the “hit game flag” is set, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S380), and if not set (S380; NO), it remains as it is. When the process proceeds to S384 and is set (S380; YES), the probability variation flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S382), and then the process proceeds to S384. Then, in the process of S384, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S384; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited. Returning to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S384 that the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S384; YES), after the fluctuation shortening flag and the open extension flag are canceled (set to OFF) ( S386, S388), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In any case, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 23, a hit game process (FIG. 39) described later is started and a big hit game is executed.

  If a positive determination is made in the process of S380 and a process in S382 and a negative determination is made in the process of S384, the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1 before the “big hit” is “high”. “Probability normal release mode”, that is, “latency probability change mode”.

  Next, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 29 will be described. That is, when the special symbol stopped and displayed in the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b is “out-of-sequence symbol” (S352; NO), “whether the value of the special variation counter is greater than zero or not? It is determined whether or not (S390). That is, it is determined whether or not it is “out” that occurred during the period of use of the special variation pattern table (that is, within the predetermined period shown in the invention of each claim), in other words, during the “special variation mode” (S390). ), If a negative determination is made (S390; NO), the process proceeds to S398 and subsequent steps.

  On the other hand, when a positive determination is made in the process of S390 (S390; YES), after the value of the special variation counter is set to “−1” (S392), whether or not the value of the special variation counter has become “zero”. (S394), if it is not “zero” (that is, if it is a positive number) (S394; NO), the process proceeds to S398 and subsequent steps, and if it is “zero” (S394; YES) ), A process of transmitting a mode designation command to the sub-control board 220 (S396), and then the process proceeds to S398 and subsequent processes. Here, the “mode designation command” means that the current gaming mode is “low probability normal variation mode”, “high probability” based on the special variation counter and the gaming state flag (probability variation flag, variation shortening flag, release extension flag). This is a command for designating any one of “normal variation mode”, “low probability shortening variation mode”, “high probability shortening variation mode”, “special variation mode”, and the like.

  The value of the special variation counter being “zero” after the affirmative determination of the processing of S390 and the processing of S392 indicates that the game mode is switched from the “special variation mode” to the “normal variation mode”. Therefore, in the process of S396, a “mode designation command” for designating “low probability normal variation mode” or “high probability normal variation mode” is transmitted.

  In the process of S398, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). However, if an affirmative determination is made in the process of S390 (if the special variation pattern table is being used when a deviation occurs, that is, in the special variation mode), the variation shortening flag is necessarily set (set to ON). In this case, the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the game control process of FIG. 23 is resumed. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in the process of S390, the game mode at the time of occurrence of the deviation is “low probability normal variation mode”, “high probability normal variation mode”, “low probability shortened variation mode” or “high probability shortening”. Since it is “variation mode”, there are cases where the fluctuation shortening flag is not set (set to ON) and when it is set. When the fluctuation shortening flag is not set (S398; NO), that is, when the game mode at the time of occurrence of the deviation is “low probability normal fluctuation mode” or “high probability normal fluctuation mode”, the special symbol game is used as it is. After exiting the process (S300), the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398; YES), that is, when the game mode at the time of occurrence of the deviation is “low probability shortening variation mode” or “high probability shortening variation mode” After the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is set to “−1” (S400), it is determined whether or not the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S404). If it is not “zero” (S404; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited as it is and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S404 that the value of the variation shortening counter has become “zero” (S404; YES), the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the low probability shortening variation mode to the low probability normal variation mode. Or switching from the high probability shortening variation mode to the high probability normal variation mode. For this reason, the process of canceling the fluctuation shortening flag (set to OFF) (S410), the process of canceling the release extension flag (set to OFF) (S416), and the process of transmitting the mode designation command to the sub control board 220 (S416). After performing S430), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In the process of S430, a “mode designation command” for designating the low probability normal variation mode or the high probability normal variation mode is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. However, if a “probable big hit (first probable big hit or second probable big hit)” occurs in any of the game modes of “low probability shortened variation mode”, “high probability shortened variation mode”, and “special variation mode” Since the initial value of the fluctuation shortening counter is set to “10,000”, in this case, since a positive determination in S404 cannot occur, the “high probability normal fluctuation mode” Will not occur.

E. Win game processing (S600)
When the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines that the “hit flag” is set (the big hit flag or the small hit flag is set to ON) while the game control process of FIG. 23 is repeatedly performed. (S602; YES), a hit game process is started (S600), and a "hit game (big hit game or small hit game)" is realized.

  FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the flow of the hit game process (S600). When the special winning opening 31a is opened, as described above, a predetermined opening time (set in the process of S358, S374 or S376 in FIG. 29) elapses, or a predetermined number of game balls are received in the special winning opening 31a. Once a prize is won, it is closed once, but after a predetermined closing time has elapsed, it is again opened. Here, the game (the game from the opening of the big prize opening 31a to the closing of the game) having the content that the closed prize-winning device 31 is in the opened state and opened again is “unit action (in the big hit game) Is round). When this unit operation is repeated a predetermined number of times (2 times or 15 times), the winning game is terminated. Hereinafter, detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIGS. 39 and 40.

  When a winning game (small winning game, first big winning game or second big winning game) is started, it is first determined whether or not the big winning opening 31a is open (S604). Here, the special winning opening 31a is closed in the “normal gaming state that is not the winning gaming state”, and therefore, the winning prize port 31a is closed immediately after the winning game is started. For this reason, immediately after the start of the winning game, it is determined that the special winning opening 31a is not being opened (S604; NO), and then it is determined whether or not the winning game end condition is satisfied (S612). That is, whether the “number of unit actions executed after the start of winning game” has reached the corresponding number of hit games set (2 or 15 times, set in the process of S358, S374 or S376 in FIG. 29) It is determined whether or not (S612).

  However, immediately after the winning game is started, the winning game end condition is not satisfied. Therefore, in the process of S612, a negative determination is necessarily made (S612; NO). Therefore, the process proceeds to S614, and it is determined whether or not an interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (S614). That is, it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S614). Here, the closing time (interval time) of the special winning opening 31a is the time during which the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state between the unit actions. Immediately after the winning game is started, the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state. Therefore, it is inevitably determined that the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed (S614; YES), and the special winning prize is received. After the opening 31a is opened (S616), the hit game process shown in FIG. 39 is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, after performing a series of various processes shown in FIG. 23, the winning game process (S600) is started again. At this time, as described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 23 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the winning game process (S600) shown in FIG. 39 is also repeatedly executed about every 4 msec.

  If a positive determination is made in the process of S604, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606). In other words, when the winning game being executed is “first jackpot game”, it is determined whether or not the first opening time (25 seconds) has elapsed, and the running jackpot game is “second jackpot game”. , It is determined whether or not the second opening time (0.2 seconds) has elapsed. When the hit game being executed is “small game”, it is determined whether or not the second opening time (0.2 seconds) has elapsed. Here, the first opening time (25 seconds) is a sufficient time for winning a lot of game balls (8 to 10 balls, for example, when the nail adjustment is severe, for example, 6). The opening time is a time when it is difficult for a game ball to win a prize.

  If the opening time (first opening time or second opening time) of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606; YES), after closing the special winning opening 31a (S610), the hit shown in FIG. After exiting the game process (S600), the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has not elapsed (606; NO), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls won in the special winning opening 31a has reached a prescribed number (S608). Even when the number of winning game balls reaches the specified number (S608; YES), the special winning opening 31a is closed (S610). That is, when the number of winning game balls reaches the specified number, the special winning opening 31a is closed without waiting for the opening time to elapse.

  If the opening time (first opening time or second opening time) of the special winning opening 31a has not elapsed (S606; NO) and the number of winnings has not reached the specified number (S608; NO), the special winning opening While leaving 31a open, the game process of FIG. 39 is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “hit game state” (when the big hit game flag or the small hit game flag is set), while the game control process of FIG. 23 is repeatedly executed, Whether the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606; YES), or a predetermined number of game balls have won a prize (S608; YES), and the special winning opening 31a is closed (S610). . Thus, one unit operation is completed.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the “winning gaming state”, the winning game process (S600) is executed again, and if it is determined in S604 that the special winning opening 31a is closed (S604; NO), It is determined whether or not the “winning game” end condition is satisfied (S612). That is, when the “hit game” is “hit game related to the first jackpot”, it is determined whether or not the number of unit actions (number of rounds) executed during the “hit game” has reached “15”. In the case of “a big hit game related to the second big hit”, it is determined whether or not “2” has been reached. If the number of unit operations (number of rounds) has not reached the set number (S612; NO), it is confirmed that the interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has passed (S614; YES), and then again a big prize. A new unit operation for opening the mouth 31a is executed (S616). When the “winning game” is “small winning game”, it is determined whether or not the opening operation for opening the big winning opening 31a for 0.2 seconds is performed twice. After confirming that the interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (S614; YES), the special winning opening 31a is again opened (S616).

  On the other hand, in the process of S612, when it is determined that the “winning game” end condition is satisfied (S612; YES), after performing the “winning game end process (S700)” shown below, (S600) is ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 40, the winning game end process (S700) will be described.

  When the winning game end process (S700) is activated, the CPU 201 cancels (sets OFF) the winning game flag (the big hit game flag in S378 in FIG. 30 or the small hit game flag in S360 in FIG. 29), and then the winning symbol. It is determined whether or not the value of the special variation counter at the time of stop display is larger than “zero” (S704). Here, the processing of S704 is performed by referring to the above-mentioned “hit end reference buffer (see S354 of FIG. 29)”, and at the time of winning symbol stop display (S344 of FIG. 28, S352 of FIG. 29). When the “special fluctuation pattern table” is used for the reference (when in the special fluctuation mode), the value of the special fluctuation counter when the hit symbol stop display is “1” or more, and when the hit symbol stop display (FIG. 28). When the “special variation pattern table” is not used (when not in the special variation mode), the value of the special variation counter at the time of the symbol stop display becomes “zero” (see S344 of FIG. 29 and S352 of FIG. 29).

  When the value of the special fluctuation counter at the time of winning symbol stop display is “zero” (S704: NO), referring to “reference buffer at the time of winning end (see S354 of FIG. 29)” It is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag has been set (set to ON) (S706). That is, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol is stopped when the shortened variation pattern table is used (S706). If a negative determination is made in the processes of S704 and S706 (S704; NO, S706; NO), the symbol is stopped and displayed when the normal variation pattern table is used. A process of setting an initial value (“10” in this embodiment) to the variation counter is performed (S708).

  Subsequently, referring to the “hit end reference buffer (refer to S354 in FIG. 29)”, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol is a probability variation big winning symbol (first probability varying big winning symbol or second probability varying big winning symbol). If it is determined (S710) and it is determined that the symbol is not a probable big hit symbol (S710; NO), a mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is “special variation mode”; After transmitting to the sub-control board 220 a mode designation command for designating the “low probability normal release mode” (S714), the winning game end process (S700) is terminated.

  In the process of S710, when it is determined that the symbol is a probable big hit symbol (S710; YES), a so-called “latent probability change state” is entered after the winning game is over. For this reason, a process (S712) for setting a probability variation flag (set to ON), a mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is “special variation mode”, and “high After transmitting a mode designation command for designating “probability normal release mode” to the sub-control board 220 (S714), the winning game end process (S700) is terminated.

  When the negative determination of the processing of S704 and the positive determination of the processing of S706 are obtained, that is, when the symbol display is stopped when the shortened variation pattern table is used (S704; NO, S706; YES), The process proceeds to S718. In S718, with reference to the “reference buffer at the end of hitting (see S354 of FIG. 29)”, whether or not the winning symbol is a probability variation big winning symbol (first probability varying big winning symbol or second probability varying big winning symbol) Is determined (S718), and when it is determined that the probability variation big winning symbol is determined (S718; YES), after the winning game is ended, the state becomes "probability variation state (probability variation state in which the opening extension means operates)". For this reason, a process of setting “10,000” to the fluctuation shortening counter (S720), a process of setting the probability variation flag (set to ON) (S722), and a process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (set to ON) ( S724) and a process of setting (set to ON) the release extension flag (S726). Further, after the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is “high probability open extension mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S714), the winning game end processing (S700). ) Ends.

  When the negative determination of the process of S704, the positive determination of the process of S706, and the negative determination of the process of S718 are obtained, that is, when the shortened variation pattern table is used, When the stop display is made, the process proceeds to S728. In the process of S728, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol is a normal big hit symbol with reference to the “reference buffer at the end of hitting (see S354 of FIG. 29)” (S728). If a positive determination is made in the process of S728 (S728; YES), after the winning game is over, the release extension means is activated in the “low probability state”. For this reason, a process for setting “100” in the fluctuation shortening counter (S730), a process for setting the fluctuation shortening flag (set to ON) (S724), and a process for setting the opening extension flag (set to ON) (S726). ) And do. Further, after the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is “low probability open extension mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S714), the winning game end process (S700). ) Ends.

  When the negative determination of the process of S704, the positive determination of the process of S706, the negative determination of the process of S718, and the negative determination of the process of S728 are obtained, that is, the shortening variation pattern table When the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed at the time of use, the processing of S714 is performed as it is, and then the winning game end processing (S700) is ended. In this case, after the winning game is ended, the release extension means operates in the “low probability state” or “high probability state”. For this reason, in the process of S714, the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is “low probability shortening variation mode (low probability open extension mode)” or “high probability shortening variation”. A mode designation command that designates “mode (high probability open extension mode)” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220.

  Next, when an affirmative determination of the processing of S704 is obtained, that is, when the value of the special fluctuation counter at the time of winning symbol stop display is “1” or more (S704; YES), “the reference buffer at the end of hitting ( Referring to S354 in FIG. 29), it is determined whether or not the winning symbol is a small winning symbol (S716). If the winning symbol is a small winning symbol (S716; YES), an initial value (10 ) Is set (S732). That is, a process of once resetting the value of the special variation counter and starting again from the initial value (10) is performed. In this case, the game mode of the gaming machine 1 after the end of the hit game is not changed from that before the start of the hit game. Then, in the process of S714, the mode designation for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is “low probability normal release mode” together with the mode designation command for designating “special variation mode” Any one of a command, a mode designation command for designating “low probability open extension mode” and a mode designation command for designating “high probability open extension mode” (mode before hitting a game) is input to the sub-control board 220. After the transmission (S714), the winning game end process (S700) is terminated.

  Further, when the value of the special variation counter at the time of winning symbol stop display is “1” or more (S704; YES), and when the winning symbol is not a small symbol (S716; NO), the process proceeds to S718. Then, it is determined that the winning symbol is the probability variation big winning symbol (the first probability varying big winning symbol or the second probability varying big winning symbol) with reference to the “hit end reference buffer (see S354 in FIG. 29)”. If this is the case (S718; YES), the process of setting “10,000” to the fluctuation shortening counter (S720), the process of setting the probability variation flag (set to ON) (S722), and the setting of the fluctuation shortening flag (set to ON) ) (S724) and a process of setting (set to ON) the release extension flag (S726). Further, a mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is “high probability shortening variation mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220, and the winning game end processing (S700) is finished. .

  Further, when the value of the special variation counter at the time of winning symbol stop display is “1” or more (S704; YES), it is determined that the winning symbol is a normal big hit symbol (S716; NO, S718; NO, S728). YES), processing for setting “100” in the variation shortening counter (S720), processing for setting the variation shortening flag (set to ON) (S724), and processing for setting the opening extension flag (set to ON) ( S726). Further, a mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is “low probability shortening variation mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220, and the winning game end processing (S700) is finished. .

(7) Production control process (S900)
Referring to FIG. 41, “effect control processing” performed by sub control unit 220A (CPU 220a of sub control board 220 constituting sub control unit 220A) in cooperation with effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222). The outline of will be described. Note that FIG. 41 shows only main processes among the processes constituting the effect control process. In this effect control process, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on or the reset switch is pressed (950; YES), first, an initialization process is performed (S980). Thereafter, until the power is turned off (until an affirmative determination is made in S2300), main operations such as effect mode setting processing (S1000), symbol variation effect related processing (S1100), winning game effect processing (S1200), etc. Processing is repeatedly executed. Note that since the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 41 is about 2 msec, these processes are repeatedly executed every about 2 msec. Hereinafter, the sub-control processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

a. Production mode setting process (S1000)
As shown in FIG. 42, in the effect mode setting process (S1000), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 first monitors whether or not a mode designation command is output from the main control unit 140 (S1005). When the CPU 220a receives the mode designation command (S1005; YES), the CPU 220a analyzes the content of the received mode designation command. If it is determined that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the special variation mode (S1010; YES), the production mode is set to the special variation mode (S1015), and the processing of S1020 is further performed. The setting process (S1000) is terminated.

  If the CPU 220a determines that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is not the special variation mode based on the received mode designation command (S1010; NO), the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the shortened variation mode (low probability variation shortening mode or high probability variation). It is determined whether or not the mode is a shortened mode (S1025). If it is determined that the mode is a shortened variation mode (S1025; YES), the production mode is set to the shortened variation mode (S1030), and the processing of S1020 is further performed. Then, the effect mode setting process (S1000) is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is not the shortened variation mode, that is, it is determined that the variation mode is normal (S1025; YES), the rendering mode is set to the regular variation mode (S1035), and the processing of S1020 is performed. S1000) is terminated.

  In the process of S1020, a mode effect is performed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 based on the set effect mode. That is, according to the gaming mode (special variation mode, shortened variation mode, normal variation mode) of the gaming machine 1, the background display of the display screen 27a is changed, and each game mode (special variation mode, shortened variation mode, normal variation). A special character is displayed for each mode). In particular, in the case of the special variation mode, an effect greatly different from the shortened variation mode and the normal variation mode is executed.

b. Symbol variation effect related processing (S1100)
In the symbol variation effect related processing (S1100), as shown in FIG. 43, when the sub control unit 220A (the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 constituting the sub control unit 220A) receives a command at the time of symbol variation start (S1105). YES), the processing after S1110 is executed. Here, the commands received in the processing of S1105 are a variation pattern designation command (CHP) and a special symbol stop information designation command (CJS).

  Here, based on the received “special symbol stop information designation command”, the sub-control unit 220A can determine the result of the determination as to whether or not the main control unit 200A has executed. If the result of the determination is a big hit (S1110; YES), based on the received variation pattern designation command, the big hit effect production pattern (the execution mode of the effect display executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, (Reach display mode, etc.) "and" hit stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode in which the jackpot is confirmed and displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27) "are performed (S1115), and then the process proceeds to S1120. To do. Here, when the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command is a special variation pattern, the effect pattern of the big hit effect is for executing the aforementioned “battle effect performed over 20 seconds (see FIG. 20)”. It becomes a production pattern.

  If the result of the determination is a small hit (S1110; NO, S1135; YES), an effect pattern for the small hit effect (executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27) is executed based on the received variation pattern designation command. After performing the process of determining the “actual display execution mode, etc.” ”and“ small hit stop symbol (a pseudo symbol mode in which the small hit is confirmed and displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27) ”(S1140) Transition to processing. Here, when the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command is a special variation pattern, the effect pattern of the small hit effect is an effect pattern for executing the aforementioned “battle effect performed over 20 seconds”.

  Furthermore, when the result of the determination is wrong (S1110; NO, S1135; NO), based on the received variation pattern designation command, the effect pattern of the effect that is lost (the effect display executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27) Execution mode, presence / absence of reach display, reach display mode when reach display, etc.) ”and“ outage stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode in which outage is fixedly displayed on display screen 27a of effect display device 27) ”are determined. (S1145), the process proceeds to S1120. Here, when the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command is a special variation pattern, the effect pattern of the small hit effect is the aforementioned “battle effect performed over 10 seconds (see FIGS. 17 to 19)”. This is an effect pattern for execution.

  In the processing of S1120, the sub-control unit 220A determines the “effect pattern” and “pseudo symbol” determined in S1115, S1140, or S1145 based on the received variation pattern designation command (CHP) and special symbol stop information designation command (CJS). A command (effect display detail command) for designating “stop symbol” is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), and the effect display device 27 displays a variation display of effect symbols such as pseudo symbols and background symbols. Start (S1120). That is, the symbol variation effect display on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is started (S1120).

  Then, when the sub control unit 220A receives the effect stop designation command (CZE) transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) (S1125; YES), the sub control unit 220A receives the effect stop designation command received. Is transferred to the effect display control unit 222A, and the effect display device 27 stops the effect display of the pseudo symbol and the background symbol (S1130).

c. Winning game effect processing (S1200)
The winning game effect process (S1200) is performed when the gaming machine 1 plays a winning game. In the winning game effect process (S1200), as shown in FIG. 44, the sub-control unit 220A (the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 constituting the sub-control unit 220A) performs a “hit game start specifying command (big hit game start specifying). When a command or a small hit game start designation command) is received (S1205; YES), the processing after S1210 is executed. Here, in the gaming machine 1, when a big hit occurs, the main control unit 200A transmits a big hit game start designation command (COR) to the sub-control unit 220A, and when a big hit occurs, the main control unit 200A performs sub-control. The small hit game start designation command (COT) is transmitted to the unit 220A (see FIG. 22). That is, the main control unit 200A transmits a big hit game start designation command (COR) to the sub-control unit 220A at the timing when the “big hit game flag (see S378 in FIG. 30)” is set (set to ON). A small hit game start designation command (COT) is transmitted to the sub-control unit 220A at the timing when the “game flag (see S360 of FIG. 29)” is set (set to ON).

  The sub-control unit 220A that has received the hit game start designation command (big hit game start designation command or small hit game start designation command) analyzes the received hit game start designation command and determines the type of the current win (usually big hit, 15R The probability variation big hit, 2R probability variation big hit or small hit) is specified, and the effect display device 27 or the like executes a hit start effect (fanfare effect) corresponding to the type of the current hit (S1210). In this embodiment, the hit start effect when the 2R probability variation big hit is generated and the hit start effect when the small hit is generated may be shared. If a “2R probability variation big hit” is generated when the normal variation pattern table is used, the latent probability variation state (the operation of the open extension means is stopped) for a predetermined period after the second big hit game based on the 2R probability variation big hit. State). And since the game contents of the second big hit game and the small hit game are the same, if the hit start effect (fanfare effect) is the same, after the second big hit game and after the small hit game end, the gaming machine It becomes difficult to determine whether or not one gaming state is a probable change state. Therefore, since the player plays the game while using his imagination, the player's interest can be further enhanced.

  Next, the CPU 220a performs a process of setting a “winning game effect pattern” corresponding to the current winning type. That is, when the current hit is a normal big hit (15R normal big hit) (S1215; YES), after setting the “15R normal big hit effect pattern” (S1220), the process proceeds to S1225 and subsequent steps shown in FIG. To do. If the current hit is a 15R probability variable big hit (S1215; NO, S1245; YES), after setting the “15R probability variable big hit effect pattern” (S1250), the process proceeds to S1225 and subsequent steps. Further, when the current hit is a 2R probability variable big hit (S1215; NO, S1245; NO, S1255; YES), after setting the “2R probability variable big hit effect pattern” (S1260), the process proceeds to S1225 and subsequent steps. To do. Further, when the current hit is a small hit (S1215; NO, S1245; NO, S1255; NO), after setting the “effect pattern for small hits” (S1265), the processing after S1270 shown in FIG. Migrate to

  When a big hit occurs, the main control unit 200A transmits a big hit game start designation command (COR), and then at the “timing to open the big prize opening 31a (see S616 in FIG. 39)”, the “round number designation command ( CRS) ”is transmitted to the sub-control unit 220A (see FIG. 22). That is, since the sub-control unit 220A receives the “first round number designation command (command for specifying the start of the first round)” (S1225), the “set round effect” is displayed on the effect display device 27 and the like. Based on the pattern, a “round effect (effect indicating that it is one round)” is started (S1230).

  Thereafter, the main control unit 200A transmits a “round end command (CRE)” to the sub-control unit 220A at “timing to close the special winning opening 31a (see S610 in FIG. 39)” (see FIG. 22). ). Thereby, in order to detect the end of the “first round” of the sub-control unit 220A, the “round effect” is once ended and “interval display (effect display between each round)” is started on the effect display device 27 and the like. To do. Further, every time the sub-control unit 220A receives a subsequent “round number designation command (CRS)”, the sub-control unit 220A ends the “interval display” and starts the “round effect”, and the subsequent “round end command (CRE)”. "Interval display" is started every time.

  In this manner, the “round effect” is repeated while displaying the “interval display” until the final round is displayed. Then, at the timing of ending the final round (the timing at which the 15th or 2nd big winning opening 31a is closed), the “big hit end designation command (COE)” is directed from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A. Is sent. Then, the sub-control unit 220A that has received the “hit end designation command (COE)” executes “hit end effect (hit ending effect)” in the effect display device 27 and the like (S1235; YES, S1240). Then, after executing the “hit end effect (big hit ending effect)”, the big hit game effect is ended.

  When a small hit occurs, the main control unit 200A transmits a small hit game start designation command (COR), and then “small timing” (see S616 of FIG. 39) “ A “winning game effect start command (CRT)” is transmitted to the sub-control unit 220A. Thereby, the sub-control unit 220A executes the “small hit game effect” based on the effect pattern set in the process of S1245. Here, the “small hit game effect” is the same content as the “round effect performed based on the 2R probability change hit”. Thereafter, the main control unit 200A proceeds to the “small hit end designation command (COD) toward the sub-control unit 220A at the second“ timing to perform the operation of closing the big prize opening 31a (see S610 in FIG. 39) ”. ) "Is sent. Then, the sub-control unit 220A that has received the “small hit end designation command (COD)” executes the “small hit end effect (small hit ending effect)” in the effect display device 27 or the like (S1235; YES, S1240), End the small hit game production. The “small hit end effect (small hit ending effect)” has the same content as the “big hit end effect related to 2R probability variation”.

(8) Effects of the embodiment In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special variation mode is not a simple production mode, but a mode that directly affects the change in the game state. The mode can be led and the gaming state can be changed. That is, as shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, if a hit (big hit or small hit) occurs during use of the normal variation pattern table, the use of the special variation pattern table ( Special variation mode) is started. If a big hit does not occur during this special fluctuation (during the special fluctuation mode), the normal fluctuation pattern table starts to be used as shown in FIG. When this occurs, as shown in FIG. 47, the use of the shortening variation pattern table is started and the operation of the opening extension means is started.

  Thus, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game state can be changed mainly by the special variation mode. In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, regardless of the gaming state or the type of jackpot symbol, a new gaming property such as “shifting to a specific gaming state for the first time by generating a jackpot during the special variation mode” is provided. Can be realized. In other words, “the transition to a specific gaming state for the first time by clearing the hurdle of generating a big hit within a predetermined period (during special fluctuation mode) after generating a hit when using the normal fluctuation pattern table” There is no playability. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to create “a new game characteristic in which the game state is changed under the direction of the production mode”, and to widen the range of game characteristics and to improve the game entertainment. it can.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is ignored only within a predetermined period and the symbol variation which is neither normal variation nor shortening variation is performed, it is effective over this predetermined period. Can be performed. In other words, if the reduction variation is uniformly performed after the occurrence of the big hit, the content of the effect after the occurrence of the big hit is limited. This is because it is necessary to produce effects during short-time fluctuations such as “2 seconds”, “3 seconds”, “5 seconds”, etc., which are covered and shortened. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the execution time of the symbol variation effect is a fixed time (10 seconds) as long as the result of the determination of validity is not in the “use period” of the special variation pattern table. Is done.

  In other words, even in the case where the shortening variation starts immediately in the conventional gaming machine, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is not constrained by it and creates a special pattern (special variation mode). Then, when the effect mode of the gaming machine 1 is the normal variation mode and the variation shortening mode, an effect that is not executed (for example, a battle effect) is repeated up to 10 times. Is executed. In the present embodiment, there is only one type of variation pattern stored in the special variation pattern table (for winning / losing), and the variation time for the entire predetermined period can be calculated in advance, so that more effective effects can be performed. Can do. For example, if no hit occurs within a predetermined period, the total time of symbol variation is about “100 seconds”. Therefore, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, about “100 seconds” from the start to the end of the predetermined period. In the meantime, it is possible to perform an effect such that a predetermined movie is continuously reproduced.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, since a specific game can be executed only when a big hit is generated in the special variation mode, the player's expectation is prevented while increasing the gambling ability. It is also possible to realize specs (game performance) that enhance the feeling. That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a specific game (game in the open extension mode) is possible only when a big hit is generated in the “special variation mode”. It is limited to have an opportunity to generate a big hit quickly (smoothly without decreasing) (an opportunity to aim for a large amount of prize balls). That is, it is limited to obtain a so-called “electric chew support”. For this reason, even if the probability variation rush rate is set high (for example, set to 80 to 90%) as in the present embodiment, the possibility that big hits occur continuously in a short period is low. Therefore, according to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a “spec that increases the player's expectation for acquiring a large amount of prize balls without significantly increasing gambling”.

  Furthermore, according to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the small hit can be meaningful (value) for the player. That is, in the period of use of the special variation pattern table after passing through the second big hit game or the small hit game, the player can use imagination to determine the probability mode (whether it is in a high probability state) of the gaming machine. It is required and can further enhance the player's gaming interest.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the normal variation pattern table is used, the use of the special variation pattern table is started even when a small hit is generated as well as a big hit. In other words, the conventional small hit is merely a “2R probability variable big hit” fake, and even if a small hit occurs, there is no merit for the player. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the occurrence of the small hits triggers the “special game start privilege (shift to the open extension mode)”, so the value of the small hits (presence of existence) Can be increased. Furthermore, according to the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 48, the use period (predetermined period) of the special variation pattern table is substantially extended by generating a small hit when using the special variation pattern table. Is done. For this reason, the small hit can be made more meaningful (value) for the player.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the second embodiment is the same as the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment except that a part of the content of the process at the time of completion of the hit game (S700) in FIG. 40 is changed. In the winning game end processing (S700) of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 49, instead of “the processing of S708 of FIG. 40”, “the processing of S707 and S709” is performed, and “the processing of FIG. Except for the point that “process of S731 and S733” is performed instead of “process of S732”, it is the same as the process at the time of game end (S700) of the first embodiment.

  That is, in the winning game end process (S700) of the second embodiment, after the negative determination of the process of S706 is performed, a process of selecting the set value of the special variation counter is performed (S706). Then, after setting the selected set value in the special variation counter (S709), the process proceeds to S710 and subsequent steps. Further, even after the positive determination of the process of S716, the process of selecting the setting value of the special fluctuation counter (S731) and the process of setting the selected setting value in the special fluctuation counter (S733) After the execution, the process proceeds to S714. The processing in S707 and S731 can be performed by, for example, selecting at random from a plurality of predetermined setting values using a lottery or the like. More specifically, a mode in which one set value is selected from among “10”, “20”, “30”, “40”, and “50” by random number lottery or the like can be exemplified. The plurality of setting values can be stored at predetermined addresses in the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200.

  According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. That is, in the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the contents of the predetermined period (for example, the number of symbol fluctuation executions based on the special fluctuation pattern, the use duration of the special fluctuation pattern table, etc.) are appropriately changed. It becomes difficult to determine the variation pattern table currently in use. Therefore, it is necessary for the player to play a game while using his imagination, so that the game interest can be enhanced more effectively.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim. Can be easily replaced by these, and improvements based on knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate.

  That is, the aspect of the special variation pattern table is not limited to that shown in each embodiment. That is, in each embodiment, a special variation pattern table storing one special variation pattern is used, but a special variation pattern storing a plurality of special variation patterns as in Modification 1 shown in FIG. A variation pattern table can also be used. Here, in the following description, among the variation patterns stored in each variation pattern table, the predetermined variation pattern specifies the “longest variation time” and the other variation patterns are “the shortest variation time”. , The value obtained by subtracting the “shortest variation time” from the “longest variation time” is referred to as “range”.

  As shown in FIG. 50A, the “difference” in the special variation pattern table of the first modification is set to “0.9 seconds”. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 50 (b), the “difference” in the normal variation pattern table is “96.5”, and as shown in FIG. 50 (c), the “difference” in the shortened variation pattern table is “28”. .5 ". That is, the “range” in the special variation pattern table is smaller than the “range” in the normal variation pattern table and the “range” in the shortened variation pattern table. In this way, if the “range” in the special variation pattern table is reduced, the symbol variation time will be shortened during the period of use of the special variation pattern table (during the special variation mode) (to reduce variation). Therefore, it is possible to enhance the effect by repeatedly performing the same or similar effect content every time the symbol is changed. In the first modification, the “range” in the special variation pattern table is equal to or less than “1/15” (excluding zero) of the “range” in the normal variation pattern table and the “range” in the shortened variation pattern table. It is desirable to set it to “1/100” or less (excluding zero). In addition, the “difference” in the special variation pattern table is preferably set to “5” seconds or less (not including zero), more preferably set to “2” seconds or less (not including zero). It is even more preferable to set it to 1 "seconds or less (excluding zero).

  Further, as shown in Modification 2 shown in FIG. 51A, Modification 3 shown in FIG. 51B, and Modification 4 shown in FIG. 52A, “a plurality of special variation patterns are stored. A special variation pattern table in which a variation pattern is selected corresponding to the value of the special variation counter can also be used. In other words, a special variation pattern table in which the variation pattern to be used is determined by the value of the special variation counter can be exemplified. Here, in the second modification shown in FIG. 51A, a change pattern in which the change time becomes longer as the value of the special change counter becomes smaller is selected. In the third modification shown in FIG. As the counter value becomes smaller, a variation pattern whose variation time becomes shorter is selected. In Modification 4 shown in FIG. 52 (a), a variation pattern with a long variation time and a variation pattern with a short variation time are alternately selected as the value of the special variation counter decreases.

  When the special variation pattern table of Modification 2 is used, the variation time of the symbol variation gradually increases during the period of use of the special variation pattern table (in the special variation mode). For example, according to the decrease in the special variation counter Productions richer in content can gradually appear. In addition, when the special variation pattern table of Modification 3 is used, the variation time of the symbol variation gradually decreases within the period of use of the special variation pattern table (in the special variation mode). In response, a more impactful production can be made to appear. That is, in the third modification, while displaying the same content in each symbol variation (for example, playing a movie showing the battle content having the same content), the display is performed according to the decrease in the special variation counter. By increasing the speed (playing forward fast), it is possible to perform more effective effects (effects with impact).

  When the special variation pattern table of Modification 4 is used, a variation pattern with a long variation time and a variation pattern with a short variation time are alternately selected within the period of use of the special variation pattern table (in the special variation mode). As the period of use of the special variation pattern table (game in the special variation mode) progresses, a more impactful effect can appear. That is, in the modification 4, while displaying the same content in each symbol variation (for example, playing a movie showing the battle content of the same content), By alternately performing display at a display speed (normal playback) and playback at a fast display speed (fast-forward playback), a more effective effect (effect with impact) can be performed.

  The special variation pattern table of Modification 5 in FIG. 52B stores a plurality of variation patterns. The variation time specified by each variation pattern is 20.9 to 38.5 seconds. It is between. This variation time is sufficient for reach production, and even if this variation time production is repeated for a predetermined period (during the special variation mode), it does not give the player a terrible impression. This is the time during which the operating rate of the machine 1 is not reduced. That is, when the special variation pattern table of the modification 5 is used, even if the reach effect is repeatedly performed in the special variation mode, no adverse effect is caused. In this case, it is desirable that the variation time specified by each variation pattern is stored within 20 to 40 seconds.

  In the “special variation pattern table” of each embodiment, since the number of variation patterns stored is one, the variation pattern is determined without considering the “reach random number” or the “number of special symbols held”. In the invention of each claim, the variation pattern is determined without considering the “reach random number” and “the number of reserved special symbols” while having a plurality of variation patterns stored in the “special variation pattern table”. It is good.

  Further, in each embodiment, the gaming machine 1 including one variable start winning device and one fixed start winning device is illustrated, but a gaming machine having only one variable start winning device, A gaming machine having only a plurality of variable start prize devices, a plurality of variable start prize devices and a game machine having one or a plurality of fixed start prize devices, and one variable start prize device The invention of each claim can be applied to a gaming machine provided with a plurality of fixed start winning devices.

  The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing and selling gaming machines.

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
2; outer frame,
17a; first start winning device,
17b; second start winning device,
27; production display device;
27a; display screen,
31; Grand prize device (variable prize device),
109; game ball payout device (prize ball payout means),
200; main control unit (variation pattern table storage means, variation pattern determination means, symbol variation control means, specific game control means),
203; ROM (variation pattern table storage means)
220A; sub-control unit (design variation control means),
222A; effect display control unit.

Claims (7)

Whether or not a winning game is to be executed due to the start winning is determined, and when a stop symbol indicating that the result of the determination is a winning is fixedly displayed on the variable display device, the variable winning in the closed state is determined. A gaming machine that executes a hit game that changes the device to an open state,
Variation pattern table storage means for storing a plurality of variation pattern tables storing variation patterns;
A variation pattern determination unit that determines a variation pattern using any one of the plurality of variation pattern tables stored in the variation pattern table storage unit each time the determination is made;
The variable display device starts symbol variation according to the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, and when the variation time specified by the variation pattern has elapsed, the variable display device indicates the result of the determination of success / failure Design variation control means for confirming and displaying the design,
A specific game control means for executing a specific game in which the execution frequency of the symbol variation is improved compared to a normal game;
With
The variation pattern table storage means includes a normal variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern for normal variation, and a variation variation table for shortening the variation time of the symbol variation compared to the variation pattern for normal variation. A shortened variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern, and a special variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern for normal variation and a variation pattern for variation that is different from the variation pattern for shortened variation are stored,
The variation pattern determining means determines the variation pattern using the special variation pattern table in a predetermined period after the corresponding game ends when the hit game is started when the normal variation pattern table is used. When the predetermined period elapses without the winning game being started when using the special variation pattern table, the variation pattern is determined using the normal variation pattern table,
When the big hit game as the winning game is started when the fluctuation pattern determining means uses the special fluctuation pattern table, the fluctuation pattern determining means uses the shortened fluctuation pattern table after the big hit game is finished. A game machine, wherein the specific pattern is determined and the specific game control means starts the specific game. The variation pattern determining means includes
When using the normal variation pattern table, a variation pattern to be used for the symbol variation is determined from among a plurality of variation patterns for normal variation stored in the normal variation pattern table,
Determining a variation pattern to be used for the symbol variation from a plurality of variation patterns for the shortening variation stored in the shortening variation pattern table when the shortening variation pattern table is used;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when the special variation pattern table is used, the one special variation pattern stored in the special variation pattern table is determined as a variation pattern used for the symbol variation.   The symbol variation mode executed when the special variation pattern table is used is the symbol variation mode executed when the normal variation pattern table is used and the symbol variation mode executed when the shortened variation pattern table is used. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is different from a pattern variation mode.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined period ends by executing the symbol variation a predetermined number of times.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the content of the predetermined period is determined by lottery before the predetermined period starts. As the winning game, a big hit game that is performed when the determination result that the big hit is generated is obtained by the success / failure determination, and a small hit game that is performed when the determination result that the small hit is generated is obtained. , One of the
When the determination result that the jackpot is generated is obtained, the jackpot mode determining means for determining the mode of the jackpot to be generated using a random number lottery from a plurality of modes;
A prize ball payout means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls due to the winning of game balls to the variable prize winning device;
As a jackpot of the multiple aspects,
The first jackpot game with a high possibility of winning a prize ball by the prize ball paying means is performed by performing the opening operation for setting the variable winning device to the open state for a first opening time for the first time. And a normal jackpot with a normal probability that the determination result of the success / failure determination is a determination result that the jackpot is generated after the first jackpot game,
Executing the first jackpot game and, after the first jackpot game, a first probability variable jackpot having a high probability that the determination result of the success / failure determination is a determination result that the jackpot is generated;
The opening operation for setting the variable winning device to the opening state for a second opening time shorter than the first opening time is the same as the first number or less than the first number. By performing the second number of times, a second jackpot game with a low possibility of winning a prize ball by the prize ball payout means is executed, and the determination result of the success / failure determination after the second jackpot game is the jackpot A second probability variation jackpot with a high probability of a determination result indicating that
Contains
The small hit game is the same as the first number of times or the second number of times, the opening operation of setting the variable prize-winning device to the released state over the second opening time, A game in which the possibility of award ball payout by the prize ball payout means is reduced, and before and after the execution of the small hit game, the probability that the determination result of the success / failure determination becomes a determination result that the big hit is generated, The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the gaming machines are the same.   The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein when the small hit game is started when the special variation pattern table is used, the predetermined period is started again after the small hit game is ended.

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