JP2011206315A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine facilitated to appropriately execute a symbol variable display.SOLUTION: This game machine includes: an operation-start winning means; a symbol variable display means that executes a symbol variable display; a winning game execution means; a number-of-retention storage means that stores the number of retentions expressing the number of symbol variable displays whose start is retained; a number-of-retention adding means that adds, when a game ball enters the operation-start winning means during the execution of the symbol variable display, the number of retentions of the number-of-retention storage means with a predetermined upper limit number defined as the limit; and a number-of-retention subtraction means that subtracts the number of retentions of the retention storage means, when starting the symbol variable display. This game machine further includes a retention transition storage means that stores a transition state of the number of retentions whenever the number of retentions of the number-of-retention storage means is changed; a standard number-of-retention calculation means that calculates, when a calculation execution condition is satisfied, the number of retentions whose occurrence frequency is highest, as the standard number of retentions based on the transition state stored by the retention transition storage means; and a variation time adjusting means that adjusts the variation time of the symbol variable display based on the standard number of retentions.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a so-called seven machine, a winged article, a right article, or a ball-type gaming machine such as an arrangement ball.

  As a ball-type game machine (pachinko machine), for example, (a) a start winning device (start winning device), (b) a variable display device (design variation display device) constituted by a liquid crystal display device, etc. c) An example in which a large winning device (variable winning means) and (d) an obstacle nail are arranged in the game area can be exemplified. In such a gaming machine, when a game ball wins a start winning device, a “random number for determination” is generated. Then, it is determined whether or not this random number value matches a predetermined value (winning value). If they match, the result of the determination is “hit”. Becomes “out”.

  The result of this determination is shown by using a special symbol stop display in the variable display device. That is, in the variable display device, after the symbol variation display (variable display of the special symbol) is performed for a predetermined variation time (variation time determined every time the determination is made), the result of the determination of the success / failure is shown. The stop symbol is stopped and displayed. Specifically, if the result of the determination is “out”, the “stop symbol indicating outage (that is, out symbol)” is displayed as a symbol variation display (hereinafter referred to as a variation display performed before the out symbol is displayed, If the result of the success / failure determination is “big hit”, the “stop symbol for winning (that is, the winning symbol)” is displayed as a symbol variation display (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol). The change display performed before displaying is sometimes referred to as “hit fluctuation”) and is stopped and displayed. However, when another game ball wins the start winning device during the symbol variation display, the determination random number value generated by the winning is stored in the “determination random number storage means” up to a specific upper limit number.

  In recent years, according to “the number of random numbers for determination stored in the random number storage means for determination”, that is, “the number of times the start of symbol variation display is suspended (that is, the number of suspensions)”. A gaming machine that changes the contents of a game has been proposed. For example, there is a gaming machine that shortens the “execution time of symbol dynamic display” when the number of holdings becomes “predetermined number (for example, the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the upper limit number)” (Patent Literature). 1). In other words, in this type of gaming machine, when the number of holdings is small (for example, zero or 1), the normal variation time (the variation variation without the reach effect, for example, 10 to 20) When there is a large number of holdings (for example, the upper limit number 4 or 3), for example, 30 to 120 seconds) is used (for example, “normal fluctuation”). , “Fluctuation (hereinafter, referred to as“ shortening variation ”) that is shortened (for example, less than 10 seconds) of the variation time of the symbol variation display (particularly, the variation time related to the deviation variation) is performed.

  In this type of gaming machine, when shortening variation is performed, the execution time of the effect cannot be secured because the variation time is short, and as a result, the appearance rate of the reach effect and the notice effect is lowered. For this reason, the frequency of execution of “false productions (which are ultimately reach productions and notice productions that are not connected to hits, hereinafter referred to as“ gase productions ”)” is low, and under such circumstances, it is variable. There is a tendency that the reliability of the reach effect or the notice effect executed in the display device is increased. On the other hand, in the case of performing normal fluctuation, the execution time of the production can be secured because the fluctuation time is relatively long, and as a result, the appearance rate of the reach production and the notice production is increased. For this reason, the execution frequency of the “gase effect” is increased, and the reliability of the reach effect and the notice effect that are executed in the variable display device tends to be lowered. That is, a game with an emphasis on reach production and notice production is executed.

  A designer of a gaming machine having such a characteristic intends to appropriately perform symbol variation display by performing appropriate symbol variation display control (symbol variation effect control). In other words, the designer of this type of gaming machine can execute a shortened variation under a situation in which the number of holdings is likely to increase, speed up the game, and increase the execution frequency of the success / failure determination. Think about maintaining interest. On the other hand, under circumstances where the number of holds is difficult to increase, it is considered to maintain the player's gaming interest by increasing the execution frequency of reach production and notice production by executing regular fluctuations and securing the execution time of the production. . That is, on the basis of the “execution frequency of the symbol variation display”, the balance between the “execution frequency of the success / failure determination” and the “frequency of appearance of the effect such as the reach effect or the notice effect” can be made to balance the game interest of the player. Intended to be maintained.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-242681

  In this type of gaming machine, since the “holding number” at that time is referred to only by pinpointing and the fluctuation time is adjusted (deciding whether or not to fluctuate), the number of holdings is predetermined throughout the game. It is impossible to distinguish whether the number is over. For this reason, it may be difficult to realize the symbol variation effect intended by the designer.

  In other words, this type of gaming machine will be installed and operated in the gaming hall, but the operating conditions of the gaming machine will differ depending on the gaming environment (such as the hall's sales style and the situation of obstacle nails). The frequency of on-hold occurrence during the progress of the game also varies depending on the gaming environment. For example, depending on the state of adjustment of the obstacle nail, “unevenness (for example, a time that is likely to cause a hold and a time that is difficult to occur)” may occur in the state of occurrence of the hold.

  For this reason, as shown in the conventional example above, when the fluctuation time (fluctuation pattern) is distributed based on the number of holdings (distribution between shortened fluctuation and normal fluctuation), there is a difference in the appearance rate of reach effect and notice effect depending on the gaming environment. Therefore, it becomes difficult to realize the symbol variation effect intended by the designer. In other words, depending on the gaming environment, the symbol variation effect is not appropriately performed, and this may cause a decrease in gaming interest.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can easily perform symbol variation display appropriately.

The gaming machine according to claim 1,
When the opening condition is satisfied, a variable starting winning means that changes over a predetermined opening time from a closed state in which the game ball is difficult to win to an easily opened state, or one or more variable starting winning means Including a plurality of start winning means,
Whether or not to determine whether or not to execute a winning game due to the winning of a game ball to the start winning means;
A symbol variation display means for performing symbol variation display according to a variation time determined each time the determination is made;
When the stop symbol indicating that the result of the determination of success / failure is a win is stopped and displayed on the symbol variation display means through the symbol variation display, the winning game for changing the variable winning means in the closed state to the open state is changed. Per game execution means to execute,
A holding number storage means for storing a holding number indicating the number of times the start of the symbol variation display is held;
When a game ball wins to the start winning means during execution of the symbol variation display, a hold number adding means for adding the hold number stored in the hold number storage means up to a specific upper limit number;
A holding number subtracting means for subtracting a holding number stored in the holding storage means when starting the symbol variation display;
A gaming machine comprising
Each time the number of holds stored by the number-of-holds storage means changes, the change history storage means for storing the change status of the number of holds,
When a predetermined calculation execution condition is established, a standard pending number calculation unit that calculates a pending number having a high occurrence frequency as a standard pending number based on the transition status stored by the pending transition storage unit;
Fluctuation time adjustment means for adjusting the fluctuation time of the symbol fluctuation display based on the standard hold number calculated by the standard hold number calculation means;
It is characterized by providing.

  The “variation time adjusting means” constituting the gaming machine of the first aspect of the invention adjusts the variation time of the symbol variation display in consideration of the history of changes in the number of holds (transition). In other words, when this “variable time adjustment means” is used, the “holding number” at that time is not referred to pinpointed, and the variable time is not adjusted (decision of whether or not to fluctuate). The fluctuation time of the symbol fluctuation display is adjusted based on the change history (change) of the number of held holds. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a gaming machine that can easily perform symbol variation display (design variation display intended by a game machine designer).

  For example, in a gaming machine that is set so that the frequency of winning a game ball to the starting winning means (hereinafter referred to as “starting winning”) is increased (set by adjusting the obstacle nail, etc.), it is started at a specific time. If the occurrence frequency of winnings decreases and the calculation execution condition is met at this specific time, according to the “variable time adjustment means”, the “period before the specific time (period where the start winning frequency is high as planned)” In consideration of this, the fluctuation time of the symbol fluctuation display is adjusted to an appropriate time (for example, a short fluctuation time). Conversely, in a gaming machine that is set so that the frequency of occurrence of the “start prize” is low (set by adjusting the obstacle nail, etc.), the frequency of occurrence of the start prize increases at a specific point in time, and during this specific period When the calculation execution conditions are met, according to the “Variation time adjustment means”, the fluctuation time of the symbol fluctuation display is appropriately determined, taking into account the “period before the specific time point (period where the start winning frequency is low as planned)” To a long time (for example, a long fluctuation time). Therefore, in gaming machines that are set so that the frequency of occurrence of “start winning prizes” is high, it is possible to suppress the appearance of the symbol variation display according to the long fluctuation time, or the occurrence of “start winning prizes”. In gaming machines that are set to be low in frequency, it is possible to suppress “the appearance of the symbol variation display according to the short variation time”, so the “design variation display intended by the game machine designer” A gaming machine that is easy to perform appropriately can be obtained. As the “calculation execution condition” that triggers the standard hold count calculation means to calculate the standard hold count, “the number of executions of the hold count transition status storage process (hold count update count) by the hold transition storage means is a predetermined number of times. `` Reach '', `` the number of symbol change display execution times since the start of storage of the number of hold changes by the hold transition storage means reaches a predetermined number of times '', or `` the number of hold changes by the hold change storage means `` Elapsed time since the start of storage reaches a predetermined time '' or `` the number of game ball shots since the start of storage of the change status of the hold number by the hold transition storage means reaches a predetermined number '', etc. Can be illustrated.

  The “variable time adjusting means” of the invention of each claim may be activated each time the standard retention number calculating means calculates the standard retention number, but is activated when a predetermined condition (adjustment condition) is established. Also good. For example, (a) “predetermined condition (adjustment condition)” is satisfied only when the symbol variation display is “out-of-range variation (as described above, symbol variation display performed before displaying out-of-range symbol)”. (Refer to the invention of claim 5) (b) The "predetermined condition (adjustment condition)" may be satisfied only when the start winning means is not extended and extended (claim) (C) Refer to the invention of item 4), (c) The “predetermined condition (adjustment condition)” is satisfied only when the symbol variation display is “out-of-range variation” and the start winning means is not extended and extended. It is good also as a thing (refer the aspect of each Example mentioned later).

  Examples of the “standard number of reservations” of the invention of each claim include the following “average number of reservations (arithmetic average etc.)” and “number of frequent reservations (mode value)”. Here, as the former “average number of reservations”, the arithmetic average of “the number of reservations that occurs every time the number of reservations changes” (until the decimal point is rounded up, rounded up, The number of holds shown as (by truncation) can be illustrated. In addition, the latter “frequent hold number (mode value)” is the highest occurrence frequency among the “hold numbers generated each time the hold number changes” until the calculation execution condition is satisfied. Numbers can be exemplified.

  In the invention of each claim, examples of the “variation time adjustment” performed by the “variation time adjusting means” include the following distribution of variation times (variation patterns) (distribution of shortened variation and normal variation). For example, when the “standard number of holdings” is “the first predetermined number or more”, the possibility that the short fluctuation time (T) is specified as the fluctuation time is represented by the normal fluctuation time (the fluctuation time t). The fluctuation time is longer than the short fluctuation time T.) is adjusted so as to be higher than the possibility of being specified, and the “standard hold number” is “the first smaller than the first predetermined number”. 2 or less (including zero) ", the possibility that the short fluctuation time (T) is specified as the fluctuation time is greater than the possibility that the normal fluctuation time (t) is specified. “Fluctuation time adjusting means” whose content is to adjust so as to be low can also be exemplified.

  In this example (example of “T <t”), the number obtained by subtracting “1” from the “first predetermined number” may be the “second predetermined number”. ”And“ second predetermined number ”include“ a third predetermined number (the third predetermined number may be one numerical value or a plurality of numerical values) ”. May be. In the latter case (when the third predetermined number exists), when the “standard hold number” is “the third predetermined number”, the short (short-time) variation time (T ) Can be specified, and the normal (long) variation time (t) can be specified to be equal to the possibility of being specified. Alternatively, as in the case of “the first predetermined number or more”, the possibility that the short fluctuation time (T) is specified as the fluctuation time is more than the possibility that the normal fluctuation time (t) is specified. Although it adjusts so that it may become high, the aspect adjusted so that the possibility may be made lower than the case where it is "1st predetermined number or more" can be illustrated. Further, as in the case of “the second predetermined number or less”, the possibility that the short fluctuation time (T) is specified as the fluctuation time is greater than the possibility that the normal fluctuation time (t) is specified. However, it is possible to exemplify a mode in which the possibility is adjusted to be lower than that in the case of “the second predetermined number or less”.

  In this example (example of “T <t”), the “first predetermined number” is changed from, for example, “specific upper limit number (the upper limit number of hold numbers stored in the hold number adding means)” to “1”. It can be a reduced number. That is, when the “specific upper limit number” is “4”, “3” can be exemplified. Further, in this case, “1” or “2” can be exemplified as the “second predetermined number”. When the “second predetermined number” is “2”, the “third predetermined number” is “first”. The number obtained by subtracting 1 from the predetermined number ”, that is,“ 3 ”. In the invention of each claim, “to shorten the variation time of the symbol variation display”, “perform a shortening variation”, or “to make the variation time of the symbol variation display a short time”, for example, “When shortening the fluctuation time of the symbol dynamic display” to “15 seconds or less (excluding zero seconds)”, “When shortening to 10 seconds or less (not including zero seconds)” or “5 seconds The following can be exemplified as “when shortened to (not including zero seconds)”. Further, in the invention of each claim, “normal fluctuation time”, “perform normal fluctuation”, “make the fluctuation time of the symbol fluctuation display longer time” means the fluctuation time as described above. It means to be longer than “shortened variation time”. In the following description, “normal fluctuation” having a particularly long fluctuation time (for example, more than 35 seconds) may be referred to as “long-time normal fluctuation”, that is, “long-time fluctuation”. .

Examples of the “design variation display means” of the invention of each claim include various display devices such as a liquid crystal display device (liquid crystal display), a plasma display, a CRT display, and a 7-segment LED display.
Here, the gaming machine of the invention of each claim is
“This symbol variation display that controls the basic progress of the game and is controlled by the main control means (main control unit described later) that constitutes the success / failure determination means, and the result of the determination of the success / failure is confirmed and displayed via the symbol variation display. Means,
Effect design change display means that is controlled by the effect control means (a sub-control unit described later) that receives the display control command transmitted from the main control means, and that displays the result of the determination as to whether the result is correct or not via the pattern change display. When,
Having
May be a feature.

  In this case, the present symbol display means and the effect symbol display means may be configured by separate display devices, or may be configured by the same display device. That is, the symbol display means may be constituted by a display device different from the “effect display device constituting the effect symbol display means”, or the symbol display means may be constituted by “a part of the display screen of the effect display device”. It may be configured. Further, in a gaming machine provided with the present symbol display means and the effect symbol display means, the display contents of the effect symbol display means are usually easier for the player to recognize than the display contents of the present symbol display means. For example, (a) the effect symbol display means displays a larger symbol than the symbol display means, (b) the effect symbol display means displays a symbol that is established as a character / number, and the symbol display means displays a character.・ Display a symbol that is not established as a number, (c) arrange the effect symbol display means closer to the center of the game board surface than the present symbol display means, or one of (a) to (c) By performing two or more, the display content of the effect symbol display means is easier to recognize than the display content of the present symbol display means. The display control commands include a variation pattern designation command for specifying the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, a special symbol stop information designation command (described later), a stop symbol designation command (described later), and the like. It can be illustrated.

The gaming machine according to claim 2 is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The variation time adjusting means adjusts the probability that the variation time shortened as the variation time is specified when the standard number of reservations is equal to or greater than a predetermined number.

  The invention of claim 2 shows a specific example of the “variable time adjusting means”. The “predetermined number” in the invention of claim 2 corresponds to the “first predetermined number” in the above-described example.

The gaming machine of the invention of claim 3 is the gaming machine of claim 1 or 2,
When the variation time is adjusted by the variation time adjustment unit, an erasing unit for erasing the stored contents of the pending transition storage unit is provided.

  In the invention of claim 3, every time the variation time is adjusted by the variation time adjustment means, the stored contents of the pending transition storage means are erased (reset), and the transition status of the number of pending changes is stored (holding) Every time the number of holds stored in the number storage means changes, the process of storing the transition status of the number of holds in the hold transition storage means is performed again. In other words, every time the variation time is adjusted, various processing based on the history of changes in the number of holds (transition) is performed again, so that it is possible to appropriately display the symbol variation display intended by the game machine designer. An easier game machine can be obtained.

The gaming machine according to claim 4 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Fluctuation time shortening means that increases the possibility of specifying the fluctuation time shortened as the fluctuation time;
An opening extension means that operates with the variable time shortening means to extend the opening time in the variable start winning device;
An adjustment prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the fluctuation time adjusting means when the opening extension means is operated;
It is characterized by providing.

  The invention of claim 4 has been made from the following viewpoints. That is, when the opening extension means is operated, the start winning frequency is increased, and the number of holdings is likely to increase. For this reason, if the adjustment of the variation time by the variation time adjusting unit is prohibited and the variation time shortening unit is operated, the player's gaming interest can be enhanced. In other words, if it is determined based on the standard number of holds, even if the variation time should be adjusted longer, the variation time shortening means is uniformly operated. That is, it is intended to actively execute the shortening variation, speed up the game, increase the execution frequency of the success / failure determination, and further improve the game interest of the player.

The gaming machine according to claim 5 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The fluctuation time includes a normal fluctuation time specifying means for increasing the possibility of specifying a normal fluctuation time that is not shortened,
In the case where the variation time is specified in the symbol variation display that is executed when the stop symbol indicating that the result of the determination of success / failure is winning is displayed, the operation of the variation time adjusting means is prohibited, and the normal time The variable time specifying means is operated.

  The invention of claim 5 has been made from the following viewpoints. In other words, in the case of the symbol variation display (that is, the variation of the hit) that is normally performed when the stop symbol indicating that the result of the determination of success / failure is a win is performed, the normal variation time is maintained and the reach effect is executed. This is necessary in order to enhance the player's gaming interest. For this reason, when the hit fluctuation is performed, the adjustment of the fluctuation time by the fluctuation time adjusting means is prohibited, and the normal fluctuation time specifying means is operated, on the contrary, the player's gaming interest can be enhanced. In other words, if it is determined based on the standard number of holds, even if the variation time should be adjusted to be short, the normal variation time specifying means is uniformly operated. That is, it is intended to further improve the player's gaming interest by actively performing normal fluctuations and performing effective “hit fluctuations”.

The gaming machine according to claim 6 is the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Game stop detection means for detecting a game stop;
Based on the detection information output from the game stop detection means, if it is determined that the game has been stopped for a certain period of time, the stop time erasure means for erasing the stored contents of the pending transition storage means,
It is characterized by providing.

  In the invention of claim 6, every time the game is stopped, the stored contents of the pending transition storage means are erased (reset). Then, when the game is resumed, a process for storing the transition status of the pending number (a process for storing the transition status of the pending number in the pending transition storage unit each time the pending number stored in the pending number storage unit changes) ) Will start again. In other words, each time a game is started, various processes based on the history of changes in the number of holds (changes) are performed again, making it easier to properly display the symbol variation intended by the game machine designer. Can be obtained.

In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A notification means for reporting at least one of the transition status of the number of holds stored in the hold transition storage means and the standard number of holds calculated by the standard number-of-holds calculation means may be provided ( Hereinafter referred to as “related invention”).

  According to this related invention, the player can play the game while knowing the transition status of the number of holds, etc., so that the gaming interest is further enhanced.

  In this specification, “hit” may refer only to “big hit”, or may refer to both “big hit” and small hit. In other words, the gaming machine of the invention of each claim 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 generated (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, “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 obtain a gaming machine that can easily perform symbol variation display appropriately.

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 schematic front view which shows a special symbol display part in each Example of this invention, (b) is a schematic front view which shows the display screen of an effect display apparatus in each Example of this invention. is there. (A) is a schematic front view of a lower left display apparatus, (b) is a schematic front view of a lower right display apparatus. 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. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the aspect of the stop symbol of this symbol, and the stop symbol of a pseudo symbol in the gaming machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display performed by the game machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display performed with the game machine which concerns on the 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 in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of power-on in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a normal electric accessory game process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a success / failure determination process in the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol change start process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the big hit variation setting process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation | variation setting process for the removal of the game machine which concerns on each Example. (A) is a flow chart showing “probability change deviation pattern table distribution process”, and (b) is a flow chart showing “short time deviation fluctuation pattern table distribution process”. It is a flowchart which shows "the normal time deviation variation pattern table distribution process" of the game machine which concerns on each Example (except Example 3). 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 | variation pattern table which concerns on each Example (except Example 3). It is a flowchart which shows the variation time adjustment process which concerns on each Example. (A) is an explanatory view showing representative examples of various memories stored in the built-in RAM of the main control unit in the gaming machine according to each embodiment, and (b) is a determination in the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the random number memory for use, (c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the pending | holding transition storage memory in the game machine which concerns on each Example (except Example 2). It is a flowchart which shows an effect control process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol fluctuation | variation display process in the gaming machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the characteristic of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the characteristic of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the characteristic of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the characteristic of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the problem of the game machine which concerns on the comparative example 3 and the comparative example 4. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the problem of the game machine which concerns on the comparative example 3 and the comparative example 4. FIG. In the gaming machine according to the second embodiment, it is an explanatory diagram for explaining a pending transition storage memory. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the characteristic of the gaming machine which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the characteristic of the gaming machine which concerns on Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows "the normal time deviation variation pattern table distribution process" of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on Example 3. FIG. (A) is a flowchart showing “processing at the time of launch stop” in the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment, and (b) is a flowchart showing “process after launch stop” in the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment. In the gaming machine according to Modifications 1 to 3, it is a flowchart showing the variation time adjustment processing. In the gaming machine according to the first to third modifications, it is an explanatory diagram for explaining “standard reservation count calculation conditions”.

  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 fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall and supports the gaming machine main body H. 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 a 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), the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 7), and the like 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. 7) is mounted on the back surface portion of the game board 10 so as to cover the back surface portion. A game ball payout device 109 for paying out game balls to the upper plate member 5 is provided on the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 7).

  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 FIG. 8) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 9) are provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and an “effect button SW” is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5. 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.

  The firing handle 9 is connected to a launching device unit (not shown) behind it. Here, the launcher unit is for launching a game ball sent out from a ball feeder (not shown) to the game area 11. A striking rod that reciprocates around the rotating shaft to strike the game ball, a stopper that restricts the rotation of the striking rod, a spring member that imparts striking force to the striking rod, and a rotating shaft that can rotate integrally. A firing motor (a stepping motor, see the firing motor 8m in FIG. 10) that continuously generates a striking force on the striking rod through a cam mounted in a state.

  In this launching device unit, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the launching handle 9 to change the urging force applied from the spring member to the striking ball, and the striking force that the striking rod applies to the game ball changes (rotation operation). When the amount is increased, the urging force applied to the hitting ball from the spring member increases, and the hitting force applied to the game ball by the hitting ball increases). The launcher unit is provided with an origin sensor (not shown) for detecting that the launch motor rotation shaft is at the origin position (origin angle).

  The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch (touch sensor) 9a for detecting that the player is touching, and in the vicinity thereof, a launch stop switch 9b for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball. Is installed. The touch switch 9a outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal) when the player is in contact with the launching handle 9, and the contact non-detection signal (OFF) when the player is not in contact with the launching handle 8. Signal). The firing stop switch 9b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal) when the player is not operating (not pressed), and a firing stop signal (ON) when the player is operating (pressed). Off signal).

  In this gaming machine 1, the player is touching the launch handle 9 (the touch switch 9a outputs a contact detection signal), and the player is not operating the launch stop switch 9b (the launch stop switch 9b is launched). When the launch handle 9 is rotated by a necessary amount, a game ball is launched into the game area 11. That is, although illustration is omitted, a handle switch 9c is provided inside the firing handle 9 (see FIG. 10), and when the firing handle 9 is "turned more than necessary", the handle The switch 9c outputs an “ON signal”. The game ball is fired when the firing stop switch 8b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal) and the handle switch 9c outputs an “ON signal”.

  On the other hand, when the player does not touch the launch handle 9 (the touch switch 9a outputs a contact non-detection signal) or when the player operates the launch stop switch 9b (the launch stop switch 9b is When the firing stop signal is output), the game ball is not launched into the game area 11. That is, when the “turning more than the necessary amount” is not performed on the launching handle 9, the handle switch 9c outputs an “OFF signal”, so that the game ball is not launched. Even when the firing handle 9 has been rotated more than necessary, when the firing stop switch 9b is pressed, the handle switch 9c outputs an “OFF signal”. Launch is stopped.

  Here, in each embodiment, the “stop firing” is a case where the touch switch 9a outputs a contact non-detection signal (off signal) and the handle switch 9c outputs an “OFF signal”. In other words, if the player does not touch the firing handle 9 and the firing handle 9 is not rotated, the firing is stopped. Then, when this “fired stop” state continues for “a fixed period (eg, 300 seconds)”, it is determined as “game stop”. Note that the game ball launched from the launcher unit is detected by the launch ball count switch 8s (see FIGS. 8 and 10) and fired from the launcher unit, but does not reach the game area 10 and The game ball (foul ball) returned to the dish unit 6 is detected by the foul ball detection switch 8x (see FIG. 10).

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.

  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, a part located in the game area 11 in the game board 10), a main accessory device 20, a normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, a start winning device 17, A lower device 60, a lower left display device 70, a lower right display device 80, four general winning devices 40, 41, 43 and 44, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), a windmill 19 and the like are arranged. Has been.

  The main accessory device 20 includes an attachment member (decorative plate) 21 and an effect display device 27. 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 site | part except the left end side among the upper half parts of the game area | region 11. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a window portion forming hole 21d, and the window portion forming hole 21d constitutes a substantially rectangular display window 21e in front view.

  The part extending from the top of the mounting member 21 to the lower end of the right edge is close to the outer rail 12, and the part extending from the top to the upper end of the left edge is mounted so that the upper decorative member 21n protrudes forward. Yes. Further, the left decorative member 21q is mounted on the left edge of the mounting member 21 so as to protrude forward, and the stage member 21p is mounted on the lower edge of the mounting member 21 so as to protrude forward. . Furthermore, the left decorative member 21q includes a model 21r in which a game ball passage (not shown) is formed. The entrance of the game ball passage is opened obliquely upward to the left, and the game ball flowing down the game area 11 is received at the entrance and enters the main accessory device 20.

  The stage member 21p constitutes a rolling surface of the game ball by its upper surface portion, and this rolling surface is an inclined surface that descends from the left and right end portions toward the central portion. However, the central portion of the rolling surface is a raised portion that slightly rises upward. The stage member 21p is provided with a discharge passage for discharging the game ball on the rolling surface to the outside of the main accessory device 20. The outlet 21u of the discharge passage opens at a position continuous with the central portion behind the central portion of the rolling surface, and the outlet 21v of the discharge passage opens at a position below the central portion. ing.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and entered the main accessory device 20 reaches the left end of the rolling surface, rolls right on the rolling surface, Roll in the direction. When the momentum of the game ball has declined, the game ball passes through the discharge passage and is discharged out of the main accessory device 20 or from the front edge portion of the rolling surface. To be discharged. Note that a start winning device 17 described later is located immediately below the exit portion 21v.

  The effect display device 27 is configured by a liquid crystal display device, and performs a special symbol variation display and a stop display as in the lower right display device 60 described later. However, in this effect display device 27, effect display (symbol variation display) linked to the special symbol variation display and stop display in the lower right display device 60 is executed. In this embodiment, the lower right display device 60 constitutes a display device for displaying the present symbol (a specific example of a special symbol), and the effect display device 27 is a pseudo symbol (other than the special symbol). A specific example is shown.) Is displayed. The effect display device 27 constitutes a specific example of “symbol variation display means” together with the lower right display device 60 described later.

  The display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 can display various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d and a background screen display portion 27h composed of other portions 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” is realized by the “background design” and the “character design”.

  The normal symbol operating gate (ordinary symbol operating port) 16 is disposed in a portion located on the left side of the main accessory device 20 in the game area 11. Further, a normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s (see FIG. 8) is disposed in the normal symbol operation gate 16. When the “normal symbol variation start condition (normal symbol lottery execution condition)” is established on the assumption that the game ball is detected by the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, the lower left display device 50 (described later). The normal symbol variation display (specifically, the blinking display of the lamp device for the normal symbol) is started. Then, when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed after the start of normal symbol fluctuation, the normal symbol is confirmed (lit or extinguished). When the normal symbol hit display (lighted display) is performed, the normal electric accessory 17d (described later) is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

  The start winning device 17 constitutes a specific example of “start winning means”, and is arranged at a position located directly below the discharge path of the stage portion 21d. The first start winning portion 17a and the second start winning portion 17b are arranged vertically. Among these, the 1st start winning part 17a is provided with the pocket shape which opened the opening part, ie, the 1st start opening, upwards. Since the first start port is located directly below the outlet portion 21v of the discharge passage, the probability that the game ball that has passed through the discharge passage will win the start winning device 17 through the first start port is increased. Yes.

  The second start winning portion 17b is located substantially directly below the first start winning portion 17a, and includes an ordinary electric accessory 17d at the entrance side portion. The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip type and is formed so that a pair of wing pieces are opened and closed on the left and right. That is, the second start winning portion 17b includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c (see FIG. 8) for operating the pair of blade pieces. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the open state, and the pair of wing pieces are erected so that the game ball is less likely to enter. It becomes.

  Inside the start winning device 17, a start winning detection switch 17s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of the game ball through the first start winning portion 17a or the second start winning portion 17b is arranged. . That is, the game ball won in the first start winning portion 17a and the game ball won in the second start winning portion 17b pass through the same passage (not shown) in the start winning device 17, and this passage This is detected by the start winning detection switch 17s arranged in the middle of the route.

  The lower device 30 is arranged below the start winning device 17 and is constituted by a variable winning device (large winning device) 31. The variable winning device 31 includes an attachment plate portion 31k attached to the front surface portion 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 variable winning device 31 includes an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the large winning opening 31a, a large winning opening solenoid 31c (see FIG. 8) for driving the opening / closing plate 31b, and a large winning opening 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. In the variable winning device 31, when the opening / closing plate 31b is in the standing posture, the opening / closing plate 31b closes the large winning opening 31a, so that it is impossible to win a game ball in the variable 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 31 to the big winning opening 31a is comprised.

  The lower left display device 50 is arranged on the left side of the variable winning device (large winning device) 31. As shown in FIG. 6A, the lower left display device 50 is configured in a substantially arc shape and includes a mounting plate 51 that is attached to the front portion of the game board 10. The mounting plate 51 is provided with a normal symbol hold display unit 52, a special symbol hold display unit 53, a game state display unit 55, and a normal symbol display unit 56.

  The normal symbol hold display unit 52 is configured by using two LEDs, and displays a so-called “normal symbol hold number” with an upper limit of four. In other words, “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 reserved balls)” is displayed as the upper limit number of four and undigested games. Each time a ball is digested, the “number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves)” is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, the holding ball)” relating to the normal symbol has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 16, but the normal symbol display unit 56, which will be described later, shows the result of the lottery result associated with the passage. This indicates a game ball in which neither display nor change display preceding this (in this embodiment, blinking display using an LED) is made.

  The special symbol hold display section 53 is also configured by using two LEDs, and displays the so-called “special symbol hold number” with an upper limit of four. That is, “the number of game balls that have been won in the start winning device 17 but are still undigested (ie, the number of reserves)” is displayed as the upper limit number of 4 and 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 ball (that is, the holding ball)” related to the special symbol wins the start winning device 17, but in the special symbol display unit 62 described later, whether or not the lottery is determined (whether or not) This indicates a game ball in which the result display and the change display preceding the result are not made.

  In the normal symbol hold display unit 52 and the special symbol hold display unit 53, the number of holds is displayed in the same manner. That is, (a) two LEDs are turned off and “holding number” is “zero”, (b) one LED is turned on, one LED is turned off and “holding number” is It is “1”, (c) two LEDs are turned on and “holding number” is “2”, (d) one LED is blinked and one LED is turned on. The “hold number” is “3”, and (e) two LEDs are blinked to indicate that the “hold number” is “4”.

  The gaming state display unit 55 is composed of one LED, and is used to display a gaming state (game mode) when the gaming machine 1 is turned on (when the gaming machine 1 is activated). Specifically, turning off the LED indicates that “the gaming state is the normal gaming state (normal mode)”, and turning on the LED indicates that “the gaming state is the probability variation gaming state (high probability mode)”. Is displayed. In other words, the LED of the game state display unit 55 is lit only when the game mode is in the high probability mode when the power is turned on (when activated). In this case, when “hit” is obtained as a result of the special symbol winning / rejecting determination, the LED of the gaming state display unit 55 is turned off thereafter. And even if the gaming state is in the probability changing mode until the gaming machine 1 is turned off (while the gaming machine 1 is operating), the LED of the gaming state display unit 55 is not lit. Here, in this embodiment, when the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the “normal mode” to the “high probability mode”, the probability variation means (the probability that the big hit determination is made in the lottery determination) Means for setting a high probability), and means for shortening the variation time (means for increasing the possibility of setting the variation time of special symbols and normal symbols to a shorter time than normal (when the variation time shortening means is not in operation)). Then, the opening extension means (means for setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to a longer time than usual or setting the number of times of opening to a higher number than usual) operates. When the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the “high probability mode” to the “time reduction mode”, the fluctuation time shortening means and the opening extension means continue to operate, and only the probability changing means stops operating. Further, when the game mode of the gaming machine 1 is returned from the “time reduction mode” to the “normal mode”, the operation of the variable time shortening means and the opening extension means stops.

  The lower right display device 60 is arranged on the right side of the variable winning device (large winning device) 31. As shown in FIG. 6B, the lower right display device 60 is configured in a substantially arc shape and includes a mounting plate 61 that is attached to the front portion of the game board 10. The mounting plate 61 is provided with a special symbol display unit 62 and a big hit mode display unit 63.

  The special symbol display unit 62 is configured by using “seven LEDs 62a to 62g” arranged in a substantially oval shape, and “game ball winning to the start winning device 17 (hereinafter referred to as“ start winning ”). The display of the result of the determination of success / failure associated with “)” is executed through the variable display (in this embodiment, lighting display using a plurality of LEDs). That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, when the execution time of the “variable display preceding the display of the result regarding the determination of success / failure” comes, “seven LEDs 62a to 62g” are sequentially turned on. Then, this variable display (hereinafter referred to as “circular display using the LEDs 62b to 62g”) is executed, and when the execution time of “display of the result related to the determination of whether or not the special symbol is reached” comes, the special symbol display unit 62 A special symbol stop display (confirmed display) is executed.

  The big hit mode display unit 63 is configured by using two LEDs 63a and 63b, and mainly displays “the type of big hit that is generated based on the result when the determination result of special symbol is a win (big hit)”. Used to do. That is, when the big win display is not made in the special symbol display unit 62, the two LEDs 63a and 63b are turned off. When the special symbol display unit 62 performs a big hit display, any of the LEDs 63a and 63b is turned on to display the type of the big hit.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the two general winning devices 40 and 41 are integrated with the mounting plate 51 constituting the lower left display device 50, and the remaining two pieces as shown in FIG. 6 (b). The general winning devices 43 and 44 are integrated with a mounting plate 61 constituting the lower right display device 60. In each of the general winning devices 40, 41, 43, and 44, winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, and 44s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the winning of the game ball are arranged.

  Returning to FIG. 4, 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, and below the game board 10. Is provided with an outlet 18. 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. On the other hand, the foul ball preventing member 15 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 13.

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. 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. 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. 7, 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, 240A, 260A). That is, the main control unit 200A that is configured 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, 240A, 260A) I have.

  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 which is connected to the 200A and the (260A) exists.

  The control board (200, 220, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 240A, 260A) is a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and various programs and data executed by the CPU. ROM in which the CPU is stored, the RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, the peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the peripheral device, and the clock for the CPU to perform operations are output Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus, such as an oscillator that performs CPU, a watchdog timer that monitors CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates an interrupt signal. Note that the directions of the arrows in FIGS. 8 to 10 indicate the directions in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 8, 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 is configured to determine whether or not the game is successful, the winning game execution means, the hold number addition means, the hold number subtraction means, the hold transition storage means, the standard hold number calculation means, the fluctuation time adjustment means, the deletion means, and the fluctuation time shortening means. , Opening extension means, adjustment prohibiting means, normal variation time specifying means, game stop detecting means, and stop time erasing means.

  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. Further, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is also connected with a fire ball count switch 8s for detecting a game ball fired from the launch device 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 unit and a big hit game execution unit. 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.

  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).

  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.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 220 a of the sub control board 220 receives each control signal from the main control board 200 and displays 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. Control. The ROM 220b 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 controller 200A (main control board 200) and analyzes it according to a program stored in the ROM 220b. Then, the CPU 220a configuring the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) can display a predetermined display control command determined by the CPU 220a or a display control command that has been transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). Is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222). Further, since the effect button SW is connected to the sub control board 220 via the effect button board 228, a signal output from the effect button SW is input to the sub control board 220 via the effect button board 228.

  Speakers SP1 to SP4 that output predetermined sound effects are electrically connected to the amplifier board 224. Further, the decoration driving board 226 is connected to 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 performs control related to game decoration. A motor 80 is connected to the decorative drive board 226, and the sub-control board 220 supplies a drive signal (drive pulse) to the motor 80.

  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 to pay out the prize ball. Further, 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 input to the payout control unit 240A. Further, the number of prize balls paid out is also detected by the count switch 109c and counted by the main controller 200A.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the discharge control board 240 constituting the discharge control section 240A is connected to the launch control board 260 constituting the launch control section 260A. The launch control board 260 is connected to the launch motor 8m, the touch switch, and the touch switch. 9a, a firing stop switch 9b, a handle switch 9c, and the like are connected. The touch switch 9 a outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal) to the firing control unit 260 </ b> A when the player is in contact with the launch handle 9, and touches when the player is not in contact with the launch handle 8. A non-detection signal (off signal) is output to launch control unit 260A. The firing stop switch 8b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal) to the launch control unit 260A when the player is not operating (not pressed), and the player is operating (pressed). The firing stop signal (off signal) is output to launch control unit 260A. Further, the handle switch 9c outputs an “ON signal” when the firing handle 9 is “turned more than the necessary amount”, and the firing handle 9 is turned “turned more than the necessary amount”. If not, an “OFF signal” is output.

  In the firing control unit 260A, the touch switch 9a outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal), the firing stop switch 9b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal), and the firing handle 9 performs a necessary amount of rotation operation. Is applied, the firing motor 8m is driven. Thereby, the hitting force is applied from the hitting ball to the game ball (the game ball at the launch position) according to the amount of rotation applied to the launch handle 9 by the player. When the hitting force is sufficient, the game ball hit with the hitting ball reaches the game area 11. On the other hand, even when the launch handle 9 is in a rotated state, when the player operates the launch stop switch 9b (when the launch stop switch 9b outputs a launch stop signal (off signal)), the launch control unit 260A launches. The drive of the motor 8m is stopped.

  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, a drive signal (various symbol control commands) of the effect display device 27 is output to the effect display control unit 222A to perform variable display and stop display of effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.). 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 the 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.・ Controls 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 220A is configured to be able to reflect the operation result on various effect contents including the effect display device 27 based on the supplied operation signal.

(3) Special Symbol Display Mode As described above, in this gaming machine 1, a final display (stop display) indicating the result of the special symbol winning lottery (winning determination), and an effect performed before the final display. Display (fluctuation display) is performed simultaneously on two types of symbol display devices (lower right display device 60 and effect display device 27). Here, the special symbol (special symbol indicated by turning on and off the LEDs 62a to 62g) displayed on the lower right display device 60 (that is, the special symbol display unit 62) is “main symbol” (FIG. 20). See). In the gaming machine 1, the display mode (at least “stop symbol” and “variation time”) is determined in the “main control unit 200A (described later)” that governs the basic progression of the game.

  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). ) "Determines the variation mode and the stop symbol. Usually, this “pseudo symbol” is displayed for the same amount of time as this symbol, and the “display contents (big hit, miss, etc.)” of this “pseudo symbol” stop symbol is the stop symbol of this symbol. It is assumed that there is no contradiction with “display contents (big hit, miss, etc.)”. In the present embodiment, when symbol variation effect display (variable game) 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).

  Further, in the gaming machine 1, in the low probability mode (normal probability mode), when the winning / failing determination is made due to the winning of the game ball to the start winning device 17, the probability that the determination result indicating the jackpot is derived. Is about “1/315”. When the determination result indicating the big hit is derived, the big hit game execution means starts operating, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 becomes the big hit gaming state (special gaming state). As a result, the main control unit 200A drives the large winning opening solenoid 31c, changes the open / close plate 31b in the standing position to the forward inclined position, changes the closed large winning opening 31a to the open state, and the big hit game is performed. Be started. In the opened winning opening 31a, a predetermined number of (for example, 10) gaming balls enter the winning opening 31a, or even if a predetermined number of gaming balls do not enter the predetermined winning opening 31a. 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 terminated. Hereinafter, the display content of the present symbol and the pseudo symbol will be briefly described.

i) Big hit display with this symbol When the winning / non-winning determination is made due to the winning of the game ball to the start winning device 17 and the determination result indicating the big win is derived, the main control unit 200A determines that the “big hit type (big hit) Symbol type) ”is determined by random number lottery (hereinafter referred to as“ distribution lottery ”). Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the random number lottery determines the mode (type) of jackpot as one of “normal jackpot”, “first probability variation jackpot”, or “second probability variation jackpot”. Note that 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 determining whether or not it is successful (random number for big hit lottery, etc.)

  Here, when the “ordinary big hit” occurs, the first big hit game in which the possibility of winning a prize ball is extremely high is executed, and the probability of the success / failure determination result being a big hit after the end of the first big hit game. Is a low probability (normal probability). The first jackpot game is a type of jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “first game”) in which the opening / closing operation of the winning device 31 is repeated 15 times (15 rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween. Is called a big hit 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)”. In addition, the “main symbol indicating a big jackpot (stop symbol)” is displayed by turning on two LEDs as shown in the column in FIG. Note that the probability variation means will not operate after the special game related to the “normal jackpot” (the first jackpot game) ends, but the number of times the special symbol changes will be “100” or the next jackpot Until this occurs, the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means are in an operating state.

  When the “first probable big hit” is generated, the first big hit game is executed, and after the first big hit game is executed, the probability of the success / failure determination being a big hit is high until the next big hit is generated. Probability. In this way, a gaming state in which the probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit is a high probability (a winning probability that is approximately five times the normal probability) is the “high probability mode (high probability state)”. In addition, as shown in the column in FIG. 11 (c), the “main symbol (stop symbol) indicating“ first probability variation big hit ”” is displayed by lighting three LEDs.

  When the “second probability variation big hit” is generated, the second big hit game is executed, and after the second big hit game is finished, until the next big hit is generated, there is a high probability that the result of the determination is a big hit. It is said. 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 the 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”. In addition, as shown in the column in FIG. 11D, the main symbol (stop symbol) indicating “second probability variation big hit” is displayed by turning on four LEDs. In addition, if a “first probable big hit” or “second probable big hit” is generated, after the big hit game related to the big hit, the special symbol changes to “10,000 times” or the next big hit Until it occurs, the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means are in an activated state.

ii) Out-of-line display with this symbol As shown in the middle column of FIG. 11 (a), stop display (definite display) of this symbol is performed by turning on one LED of the “special symbol display section 62”. The stop symbol (determined symbol) displayed by the lighting of this one LED becomes a “disappearing symbol” indicating that the result of the special symbol winning lottery is “disappearing”. In this case, the big hit game execution means does not operate.

iii) Pseudo symbol (directing symbol)
Also in the effect display device 27, each time a special symbol variation start condition (whether or not lottery execution condition) is established, a pseudo symbol variation display (symbol variation effect display) is started on the display screen 27a. Then, when this variable display period (that is, a predetermined time) elapses, pseudo symbol stop display (determined display) is executed. At this time, the pseudo symbol stop display also displays the result of the lottery determination as in the case of the stop symbol of the main symbol.

  On the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, as shown in FIG. 11 (b), when the pseudo symbol variation display is started, three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d appear, and each pseudo symbol display portion is displayed. In 27b to 27d, variable display using “pseudo symbols”, stop display, 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, when the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d start the variable display, the background screen display unit 27h is displayed by other parts of the display screen 27a. And on this background screen display part 27h, a background design can be displayed or a character design can be displayed with this background screen.

  The confirmed symbols that are fixedly displayed on the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d include the modes shown in the right columns of FIGS. 11 (a) to 11 (c). That is, there are a “stop symbol indicating losing” in the right column of FIG. 11A and a “stop symbol indicating big hit” shown in the right columns of FIGS. 11B and 11C. Among these, the “stop symbol indicating a big hit” is configured by arranging three “numbers” of “1” to “9” (the same three-digit number). However, when this “big hit” is “ordinary big hit”, even numbers are aligned (for example, “222”), and when it is “probable big hit”, odd numbers are aligned (for example, “777”). ).

(4) Outline of Symbol Fluctuation Display When a start winning is generated and a special symbol variation start condition (whether or not determination execution condition) is established, a special symbol display section 62 (LED 62a) of the lower right display device 60 shown in FIG. ~ 62g), the lighting display (variable display of this symbol) is started and, as shown in FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (c), on the display screen 27a (pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d) of the effect display device 27 Then, the symbol variation effect display using the pseudo symbol is started.

  Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol display portion 62 (LEDs 62a to 62g) confirms and displays the stop symbol of the main symbol and also displays the pseudo symbol stop symbol on the display screen 27a. Note that “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. 12A is “out-of-range display without a reach effect (so-called“ normally out ””), and “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. 12B is “reach”. This is a display accompanied by an effect (so-called “outgoing 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 that indicates 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 big hit display is completed, the symbols other than the final stop symbol are stopped at the same symbol, ) Indicates an indication that there is a possibility. In addition, when this reach display is started, the variable display pattern of “middle symbol” is changed to a variable display pattern different from the normal state, or the screen is flashed at the same time, or some sign or character appears. Generally, various display modes are adopted.

  As shown in FIG. 32 (c), a stop display (confirmation display, jackpot display) is made to the effect that “the result of determination of success / failure is a winning (big hit)” using “a special symbol (pseudo symbol) stop symbol”. In this case, after the “reach display” is performed during 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.

  By the way, the “symbol fluctuation display” executed by the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment can be classified into “shortening fluctuation” and “normal fluctuation” according to the fluctuation time. Among these, the “shortening fluctuation” is, as shown in FIG. 12A, a fluctuation whose fluctuation time is shortened (for example, the fluctuation time is less than 15 seconds, particularly 10 seconds or less). As shown in FIGS. 12B and 12B, the fluctuation time is not shortened (for example, the fluctuation time is 15 seconds or more). In the “shortening fluctuation”, the fluctuation is completed without performing the reach effect or the notice effect. On the other hand, in “normal fluctuation”, various effects such as reach effects and notice effects appear at a predetermined appearance rate. In addition, some of the “normal fluctuations” have a particularly long fluctuation time (for example, 35 seconds or more, particularly 50 seconds or more). In such a case, a special effect that usually has a low appearance frequency (appearance rate). (For example, “battle effect” as shown in FIG. 13 or the like) is executed. In the following description, “normal fluctuation” having a particularly long fluctuation time (for example, 35 seconds or more) is referred to as “long-term normal fluctuation (that is,“ long-time fluctuation ”), Things are sometimes simply referred to as “normal fluctuations”.

  Here, the “special effect” executed in the effect display device 27 when long-term fluctuation is selected will be described with reference to FIG. 13. That is, in the “battle effect” shown in FIG. 13, the “squid character that is the player's ally” and the “octopus character that is the player's enemy” are displayed on the display screen 27a. When the image indicating that one character has won is displayed, the game ends. Even when the “battle effect” is performed, the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol is confirmed and displayed on the display screen 27a after a predetermined time has elapsed. That is, after the end of the battle effect, the stop symbol is fixedly displayed on the display screen 27a. In this case, if the content of the battle effect is “the player's ally character (squid) wins”, the stop symbol becomes a big hit symbol with a high probability (for example, a probability of 80% or more) If the content is “the player's enemy character (octopus) wins”, the stop symbol becomes a big hit symbol with a low probability (for example, a probability of 10% or less).

(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 the 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. Of these, one bit is allocated for outputting a strobe signal, and the remaining eight bits are allocated for command output. When a command is output from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A, first, command data for 8 bits is output to an 8-bit 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. 14B. That is, there are (A) a variation 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 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. 15 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, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on (S5; YES), first, a power-on process (S8) is performed. Thereafter, until the power is turned off (until an affirmative determination is made in S980), a prize ball payout process (S10), a normal symbol game process (S100), a normal electric equipment game process (S200), a special Each process such as the symbol game process (S300), the variation time adjustment process (S600), and the big hit game process (S800) is repeatedly executed.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, a timer interrupt is generated every 4 msec, and the CPU 201 executes a prize ball payout process (S10) every time the timer interrupt occurs (that is, every 4 msec), Normal symbol game processing (S100), normal electric game game processing (S200), special symbol game processing (S300), variable time adjustment processing (S600), and jackpot game processing (S800) processing (processing of S10 to S800) Is supposed to be executed. The CPU 201 transmits various signals and control commands to various control boards including the sub control board 220 while performing the game control process (the processes of S10 to S600) shown in FIG. 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. However, a detailed description of the big hit game process (S800) is omitted among the processes constituting the game control process shown in FIG.

A. Power-on process (S8)
The power-on process (S8) is performed not only when the power is turned on (S5 in FIG. 15; YES) but also when the process at the time of power-off occurrence (see S6 in FIG. 15) is performed. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an outline of the power-on process (S8). In the power-on process (S8), first, various settings required at the time of power-on are performed (S8a). That is, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined address in the RAM 202, the interrupt mode is set, and access to the RAM 202 is permitted. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the ram clear switch is pressed when the power is turned on (S8b). If the ram clear switch is pressed when the power is turned on (S8b; YES), the RAM 202 is initialized (S8f). “0 (zero)” is set in the “variable time adjustment flag” (S8g), and the power-on process (S8) is terminated.

  Here, in the process of S8f, the entire area of the RAM 202 is “zero-cleared (initialized)”, an initial value during normal game is set, and an interrupt is permitted. The “variation time adjustment flag” is a flag that serves as an index when the variation time adjustment means adjusts the variation time (selects the variation pattern). When the power is turned on, “0 (zero)” is uniformly set. Is done. For this reason, in the first symbol variation display after power-on, a variation pattern table for specifying “normal variation that is not long-term variation (in this embodiment, simply expressed as“ normal variation ”) is selected. The details of the “variable time adjustment flag” will be described later.

  Further, even when it is determined that the ram clear switch is not pressed when the power is turned on (S8b; NO), when it is determined that the backup flag (occurrence information at power interruption) is not set in the RAM 202. (S8c; NO), the process of S8f is performed to initialize the RAM 202, and the power-on process (S8) is terminated. If a negative determination in S8b is obtained and it is determined in S8c that a backup flag (a flag indicating that information at the time of the occurrence of power interruption is stored) is set (S8c; YES), the CPU 201 Is determined to be at the time of power interruption / recovery, and a checksum is calculated from the contents of the RAM 202 protected (stored) at the time of power interruption (S8d). Then, the contents of the checksum created and stored at the time of power failure are compared. If the two checksums do not match, it is determined that the contents of the RAM 202 are not normal (broken) (S8e; NO), and the process of S8f is performed. Do. If it is determined that the contents of the RAM 202 are normal (S8e; YES), a power recovery process (S8i) is performed, and the program is executed by returning to the program execution position immediately before the power interruption.

B. 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 switch 17s or the winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, and 44s 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.

  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 (a front payout switch 109a and a rear payout switch 109b) for detecting a payout game ball. While detecting each, a process of paying out the number of prize balls specified by the payout signal is performed.

C. Normal symbol game processing (S100)
In the normal symbol game process (S100), the normal symbol display of the lower left display device 50 is triggered by the detection of the game ball by the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s (detection that the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 16). In part 56, the normal symbol variation display is started. When the CPU 201 determines that the execution time of the normal symbol variation display has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 15, the CPU 201 performs the stop display of the normal symbol stop symbol. Furthermore, when the CPU 201 determines that the stop symbol stop display time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 15, the stop symbol activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d. It is determined whether it is a symbol to be activated (a normal symbol hit symbol) or not a symbol to be actuated (ordinary symbol deviating symbol).

  If the stop symbol is a symbol that activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) (a normal symbol winning symbol), whether or not the opening extension function of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is activated. (That is, whether or not the opening extension means is in operation) and when the opening extension means is in operation, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) is set to “open extension. After setting the release time at the time of function activation (for example, the above-mentioned 3 seconds), the normal symbol game process (S100) is terminated, and the game control process of FIG. 15 is resumed. On the other hand, when the opening extension means is not in operation, 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)”, the normal symbol game process Is finished and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The CPU 201 does not execute the normal symbol change display on the normal symbol display unit 56, and the normal symbol stop display is not performed on the normal symbol 17d (second start winning portion 17b). If it is determined that the number of ordinary symbols held is not “0”, the normal symbol variation display is started. In addition, the number of ordinary symbols held is “+1” when the game ball passes through the ordinary symbol operating gate 16 and the number of ordinary symbols held is less than a predetermined number (four in this embodiment). It is set to “−1” every time the symbol variation display is started.

D. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric game game process. When the ordinary electric game game process is activated while the CPU 201 performs the game control process of FIG. It is determined whether or not the second start winning portion 17b) is in operation (whether or not the second start winning portion 17b is in an open state) (S201). If it is determined that the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (S201; YES), the CPU 201 operates the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b). It is determined whether or not a time has elapsed (a predetermined time for maintaining the second start winning device 17b in the open state, which is 3 seconds in the open extended mode and 0.5 seconds in the normal open mode) (S202). When it is determined that the operation time has passed the predetermined time (S202; YES), the second start winning device in the open state is stopped by stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b). 17b is brought into a closed state (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated.

  However, when the CPU 201 determines that a predetermined number (for example, 8) of game balls have entered the second start winning device 17b while the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 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 (second start winning portion 17b) is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory 17d game processing is performed. Terminate. Further, in the gaming machine 1, when the ordinary electric accessory 17d is operated, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c provided therein is driven, and a pair of wing pieces of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning portion 17b) is driven. The portion rotates outward, and the second start winning portion 17b is opened.

E. Special Symbol Game Processing Next, an outline of the special symbol game processing performed by the CPU 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. When the special symbol game process is started, as shown in FIG. 18, it is first determined whether or not a game ball has won the start winning device 17 (S302). If a negative determination (determination that no game ball has been won) is made in the process of S302 (S302; NO), the process proceeds to S308 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, if it is determined that a game ball has won the start winning device 17 (S302; YES), it is determined whether or not the “special symbol hold count” is less than a predetermined number (in this embodiment, less than 4). Determination is made (S304). Here, data of the special symbol reservation number is written in a predetermined address (the special symbol reservation number memory 202b in FIG. 30) of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. In S304, the address is stored in this address. The set data is read, and it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is 4 or more. The special symbol holding number memory 202b constitutes a specific example of “holding number storage means”.

  In the process of S304, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304; YES), a determination random number (lottery random number) related to winning to the start winning device 17 is acquired, and this determination random number (lottery random number) Is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 (the determination random number memory 202a in FIG. 30), and the “number of special symbol hold” is incremented by “+1” (S306). In other words, the CPU 201 performs a process of storing a determination random number (lottery random number) in the determination random number memory 202a and a process of “+1” the reservation number stored in the special symbol reservation number memory 202b (S306). Then, the CPU 201 performs a process of transmitting a hold number designation command to the sub-control board 220 (S307), and then proceeds to a process after S308.

  Here, the process of “+1” the number of reserved special symbols in S306 constitutes a specific example of the process as “holding number adding means” performed by the CPU 201. In addition, as the determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306, (a) whether or not to determine whether or not to generate a big hit (whether or not a big hit is caused) (B) random number for determination used for determination), (b) determination random number for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62 (hereinafter referred to as “symbol determination random number”), (c) effect display device There are reach random numbers for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the pseudo symbol variation display executed on the 27 display surfaces 27a.

  The success / failure determination described later is performed based on the determination random number (lottery random number) stored in S306. Also, the random number for determining the special symbol may be generated by software by a random number generating program, as in the case of the lottery random number for the normal symbol described above, or the hardware using a dedicated IC for generating the random number May be generated automatically. Further, as shown in FIG. 30B, the determination random number memory 202a stores the read determination random number (determination random value) in a shift memory format in the time series of the start winnings. The determination random number memory 202a includes four storage areas of “area 0”, “area 1”, “area 2”, and “area 3”. The random number for determination can be stored in the order of “area 0”, “area 1”, “area 2”, and “area 3”. That is, the determination random number value stored at the oldest timing is stored in “area 0”. Also, the number of random numbers for determination that can be simultaneously stored in the random number memory for determination 202a (the number that matches the specific number that is the upper limit number of the number of holds) is limited to the number of areas (“4” in this embodiment). Furthermore, when the number of random numbers for determination currently occurring is below a specific number, there is an empty area in which random numbers for determination are not stored. Each time “special symbol variation display” corresponding to each random number for determination is executed, the stored data of “area 0” (the random number value for determination, which is the oldest) is cleared, Data stored in each of “Area 1”, “Area 2”, and “Area 3” (only when they exist, when they exist in all of areas 1 to 3, and when they exist in areas 1 and 2) In some cases, the region 1 exists only in the region 1 and the region 1 does not exist in all of the regions 1 to 3. The region 1 is shifted toward the “region 0”.

  Returning to FIG. 18, in the process of S308, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being executed (S308). Specifically, if the big hit game flag (see the process of S378 in FIG. 19) is set (set to ON), a positive determination is made in the process of S308. The jackpot game flag indicates that the jackpot game execution means (a control program, which is stored in the ROM 203) is in operation.

  When the CPU 201 determines that the big hit 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 processing of S308 that the big hit game is not being executed (S308; NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol 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 if it is not during the stop display time during which the special symbol is stopped (S312; NO), the variably displayed special symbol can be started. Whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is “0 (zero)” (S314).

  When the “special symbol hold count” is “zero” (S314; YES), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if “the number of special symbols to be held” is not “zero”, the oldest determination random number (obtained in S306) is read from a predetermined address in the RAM 202 (S316), and the determination process is performed (S320). In this success / failure determination process (S320), as shown in FIG. 20, first, whether or not the probability variation flag is set to “ON”, that is, whether or not the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high probability mode. Is determined (S322), and when the mode is the high probability mode (S322; YES), the determination of success / failure (a big hit is generated) using the “data table for high probability” and the “random number for determination read in the processing of S316”. When the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the low probability mode (normal probability mode) (S322; NO), the “low probability data table” and “S316 processing” are performed. Using the determination random number read out in (1), a determination of whether or not to win (a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a big hit) is performed (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 is operated, and the opening extension function of the second start winning portion 17b (ordinary electric accessory 17d) is provided. In some cases, the fluctuation shortening function and the open extension function are not activated (described later). Further, the processing of S324 and S326 constitutes a specific example of processing as “correction determination means” performed by the CPU 201.

  When the result of the success / failure determination performed in the process of S324 or S326 is a big hit (S330; YES), after setting the big hit flag (set to ON) (S332), the success / failure determination process (S320) is terminated and the symbol variation The process proceeds to a start process (S500 in FIG. 18). Further, when the result of the determination is wrong (S330; NO), “after setting a set off flag (a flag indicating that no big hit has occurred) (set to ON) (S339), the success / failure determination process (S320) is performed. The process ends, and the process proceeds to a symbol variation start process (S500 in FIG. 18).

  In the symbol variation start process (S500), as shown in FIG. 21, first, based on the result of the success / failure determination process (the process of S320 in FIG. 18, see FIG. 20), the process of setting the variation pattern (S510, S540) ) Etc. That is, in the process of S502, if it is determined that the result of the success / failure determination process (S320) is “big hit” (S502; YES, that is, if the big hit flag is set to ON by the process of S332 described above) ), The process proceeds to S510 and the big hit variation setting process is performed. In the jackpot variation setting process (S510), as shown in FIG. 22, the symbol determination random number acquired in the process of S306 (see FIG. 18) is read (S512), and the read symbol determination random number and the jackpot symbol (not shown) are displayed. Based on the determination table, the symbol (big hit symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62 is determined (S514), and thereafter, "the process of distributing the variation pattern table at the big hit" is performed. The process of determining the jackpot symbol based on the symbol determination random number and the jackpot symbol determination table (not shown) includes the types of jackpots to be generated as “normal jackpot (15R normal jackpot)”, “first probability variation jackpot ( 15R probability variation big hit) ”and“ second probability variation big hit (2R probability variation big hit) ”.

  In the “process for distributing the variation pattern table”, the variation pattern table is distributed according to the current gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machines 1. That is, when the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S520; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation mode)”. Therefore, after setting the “variation pattern table when in a high probability state and a state in which shortening variation is performed” (S524), the process proceeds to S536 and subsequent steps. In the process of S524, when “the big hit generated based on the big hit symbol set in the process of S514 is a 15R big hit (15R normal big hit or 15R probability big hit)”, FIG. 26 (c). When the fluctuation pattern table shown is set and “the big hit generated based on the big hit symbol set in the processing of S514 is the 2R big hit (2R probability variable big hit)”, the fluctuation shown in FIG. The pattern table is set.

  On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is not set (set to OFF) and the variation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S520; NO, S528; YES), the gaming machine 1 The gaming state is “a state with a low probability and performing a shortening variation (low probability shortening variation mode)”. Therefore, after setting the “variation pattern table when in a low probability state and a state in which shortening variation is performed” (S530), the process proceeds to S536 and subsequent steps. In the process of S530, when “the big hit generated based on the big hit symbol set in the process of S514 is a 15R big hit (15R normal big hit or 15R probability big hit)”, it is shown in FIG. When the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 26 is set and “the jackpot generated based on the jackpot symbol set in S514 is the 2R jackpot (2R probability variable jackpot)”, the fluctuation pattern shown in FIG. The table is set.

  Further, when the probability variation flag and the variation shortening flag are not set (set to OFF) (S520; NO, S528; NO), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state with low probability and normal variation”. (Low probability normal fluctuation mode). Therefore, after setting the “variation pattern table in a low probability state and a state in which normal variation is performed” (S532), the process proceeds to S536 and subsequent steps. In the process of S532, when it is determined that "the big hit generated based on the big hit symbol set in the process of S514 is a 15R big hit (15R normal big hit or 15R probability variable big hit)", FIG. When the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 26 is set and “the jackpot generated based on the jackpot symbol set in S514 is the 2R jackpot (2R probability variation jackpot)”, the fluctuation pattern shown in FIG. The table is set. Here, as shown in FIG. 26, when “hit fluctuation” related to big hit is performed, regardless of the game mode (high probability shortening variation mode, low probability shortening variation mode, low probability normal variation mode) “15 Seconds "or more fluctuation time (normal fluctuation time that is not shortened as much as" probability fluctuation or time-out deviation fluctuation "described later) is specified. In other words, regardless of the game mode, the fluctuation time necessary for performing the reach effect or the like is secured. And the process of S524, S530, and S532, that is, the process of specifying “normal fluctuation time that is not shortened” regardless of the game mode, constitutes a specific example of the process as “normal fluctuation time specifying means” performed by the CPU 201. To do. In other words, when performing “hit fluctuation” related to big hit, the game mode is “low probability normal fluctuation” when the game mode is “high probability shortening fluctuation mode” and “low probability shortening fluctuation mode”. Although the variation time is shorter than that in the “mode”, the variation time (normal time of 15 seconds or more) necessary for performing the reach effect or the like is ensured. That is, a longer fluctuation time is ensured compared to the case of performing “out-of-range fluctuation” in the “high probability shortening fluctuation mode” or the “low probability shortening fluctuation mode” (see FIG. 27).

  When any variation pattern table is set as described above, the process proceeds to S536, and a variation pattern determination random number (random number for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol) is acquired (S536). Then, a variation pattern is set (determined) using the variation pattern table set in S524, S530, or S532 and the random value acquired in S560 (S538).

  After the processing of S538, as shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 201 causes the special symbol display unit 62 to start changing the special symbol (S590) and changes the symbol toward the sub control unit 200A (sub control board 220). A predetermined command (command at the start of symbol variation) is transmitted (S592). 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. Then, after the process of S592, the CPU 201 performs a process of subtracting “1” from the number of reserved special symbols and a process of transmitting a command for specifying the number of held after subtraction to the sub-control board 220. After that (S595), the symbol variation start process (S500) is terminated, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the process of subtracting “1” from the number of reserved special symbols in S595 (the process of “−1” from the number of reserved symbols stored in the special symbol held number memory 202b) is performed by the CPU 201 as “holding number subtracting means”. A specific example of processing to be performed is configured.

  Next, a case where a negative determination is made in the processing of S502 of FIG. 21, that is, a case where the result of the determination processing (S320) is not “big hit” (S502; NO) will be described. As shown in FIG. 21, when it is determined in the process of S502 that it is not “big hit” (S502; NO), a deviation variation setting process (S540) is performed. This deviation variation setting process (S540) is performed according to FIG.

  Also in the deviation variation setting process (S540), the variation pattern table is distributed according to the current gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1. That is, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high probability shortening variation mode (S545; YES), a process of setting the “high probability shortening variation pattern table” (hereinafter, “probability variation out of variation pattern table distribution processing (S550)”. ) "), The process proceeds to S582 and subsequent steps.

  In this “probability variation deviation pattern table distribution process (S550)”, as shown in FIG. 24A, the reach random number acquired in the process of S306 (see FIG. 18) is read, and the read reach random number is converted into the read reach random number. Based on the result, it is determined whether or not the reach is executed (S552), and the variation pattern table is set according to the result. That is, if the CPU 201 determines that no reach is performed in the starting symbol variation based on the read reach random number (S552; NO), the “variation pattern table for non-reach” shown in the upper column of FIG. If it is determined that the reach is to be performed (S552; YES), the “variation pattern table for reach” shown in the lower column of FIG. 27B is set.

  In addition, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the low probability shortening variation mode (S545; NO, S548; YES), a process of setting the “low probability shortening variation pattern table” (hereinafter referred to as “short-time outbreak variation pattern table allocation”). Minute processing (S560) "), the process proceeds to S582 and subsequent steps. Also in this “short-time out-of-run fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S560)”, as shown in FIG. 24B, the reach random number acquired in the process of S306 (see FIG. 18) is read, and the read reach random number Whether or not the reach is executed is determined based on the above (S562), and the variation pattern table is set according to the result. That is, if the CPU 201 determines that the reach is not performed in the starting symbol variation based on the read reach random number (S562; NO), the “variation pattern table for non-reach” shown in the upper column of FIG. If it is determined that the reach is to be performed (S562; YES), the “variation pattern table for reach” shown in the lower column of FIG. 27A is set.

  Here, both the high probability shortening variation mode (S545; YES) and the low probability shortening variation mode (S545; NO, S548; YES) are modes in which the opening extension means and the variation shortening means operate. In these cases, the variation time is shortened corresponding to the game mode. That is, the shortened variation time is specified without considering the setting state of the “variation time adjustment flag (described later)”. Here, “the process from S545 through the positive determination to S550” and “the process from S548 through the positive determination to S560” constitute a specific example of the “adjustment prohibiting unit” performed by the CPU 201.

  Further, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the low probability normal variation mode (S545; NO, S548; NO), a process of setting the “low probability normal variation pattern table” (hereinafter referred to as “normal out-of-normal variation pattern table distribution”). After performing “minute processing (S570)”), the process proceeds to the processing after S582. Here, the “normal time deviation variation pattern table distribution processing (S570)” constitutes a specific example of processing performed by the CPU 201 as “variation time adjusting means”.

  The normal time deviation variation pattern table distribution processing (S570) is performed according to FIG. 25, and the setting state of the variation time adjustment flag (“set to 0”, “set to 1”, “set to 2”) and S306 Based on the reach random number acquired in the process (see FIG. 18), the variation pattern table is distributed. That is, in the normal time fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S570), first, it is determined whether or not “0 (zero)” is set in the “fluctuation time adjustment flag” (S571). Here, although details will be described later, the “variable time adjustment flag” is a setting that is changed in correspondence with the “standard hold count”, and “0” when the “standard hold count” is “2”. “0” is set, “1” is set when “standard hold count (to be described later)” is “0 (zero)” or “1”, and “standard hold count” is “3” or “ In the case of “4”, “2” is set. In this embodiment, every time the “special symbol hold count” increases or decreases, the “changed hold count” is stored, and every time this storage count (the increase or decrease count of the hold count) becomes “10”. The “standard number of holds” is calculated by rounding the calculated “average value”. This “standard number of holds” indicates the number of holds that occurred frequently in the target period (period in which the number of holds to be calculated increased or decreased). The larger the “standard number of holds”, the longer the calculation target period. It is determined that it was easy to generate a hold in step 1, and the smaller the “standard hold number”, the more difficult it is to generate a hold in the calculation target period. Details of “standard number of reservations” and the like will be described later.

  The case where “0 (zero)” is set in the “variable time adjustment flag” is a case where “standard number of holds” is “2”, and “frequency of hold” in the calculation target period is “approx. Is not low.) ”. If a positive determination is made in the process of S571 (S571; YES), after determining whether or not the reach is executed (S572), the “variation pattern table” shown in the upper or lower column of FIG. Is set. In this case, when the CPU 201 determines that the reach is not performed in the starting symbol variation based on the read reach random number (S572; NO), the “variation pattern table for non-reach” shown in the upper column of FIG. Is set (S574), and if it is determined that the reach is to be performed (S572; YES), the “variation pattern table for reach” shown in the lower column of FIG. 28A is set (S573).

  Further, the “variation pattern table” when “0 (zero)” is set in the “variation time adjustment flag” specifies “a moderate variation time (not long or short)”. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 28 (a), a fluctuation time of “12 seconds” to “70.0 seconds” is specified. However, when the “variation pattern table for reach” is selected, a long variation time is specified as compared to the case where the “variation pattern table for no reach” is selected. In addition, the probability that the “variation pattern table for reach” is selected and the probability that the “variation pattern table for no reach” is selected by the processing of S572 are both set to “50%”. . In other words, when “0 (zero)” is set in the “variation time adjustment flag”, the probability of performing “symbol change display with sufficient time with reach effect” and “symbol change without reach effect” The probability of “display” is made equal.

  The case where “1” is set in the “variable time adjustment flag” is a case where the “standard hold count” is “0” or “1”, and the “pending occurrence frequency” in the calculation target period is “low” Is determined. Then, if a positive determination is made in the process of S575 (S571; NO, S575; YES), after determining whether or not the reach is executed (S576), it is shown in the upper or lower column of FIG. A “variation pattern table” is set. In this case, when the CPU 201 determines that the reach is not performed in the starting symbol variation based on the read reach random number (S576; NO), the “variation pattern table for non-reach” shown in the upper column of FIG. Is set (S578), and if it is determined that the reach is to be performed (S576; YES), the “variation pattern table for reach” shown in the lower column of FIG. 28B is set (S577).

  Further, the “variation pattern table” when “1” is set in the “variation time adjustment flag” is a table for specifying the “long variation time”, as shown in FIG. It is a table for specifying the fluctuation time of “19 seconds” to “110.0 seconds”. Among them, when the “variation pattern table with reach” is selected, a long variation time is specified as compared with the case where the “variation pattern table without reach” is selected. In addition, the probability that the “variation pattern table for reach” is selected by the processing of S576 is higher than the “variation pattern table for no reach” (the former is “60%” and the latter is “40%”). It is said that. In other words, when “1” is set in the “variation time adjustment flag”, the probability of performing “symbol variation display with sufficient time with reach effect” is “symbol variation display without reach effect”. "Is higher than the probability of doing.

  The case where “2” is set in the “variable time adjustment flag” is a case where “standard hold count” is “3” or “4”, and “pending occurrence frequency” in the calculation target period is “high” Is determined. Then, when a negative determination is made in the processing of S571 and S575, that is, a determination is made that the value set in the “variation time adjustment flag” is “2” (S571; NO, S575; NO), reach (S579), the “low probability normal variation pattern table” shown in the upper or lower column of FIG. 28C is set. Also in this case, when the CPU 201 determines that the reach is not performed in the starting symbol variation based on the read reach random number (S579; NO), the “variation pattern table for no reach” shown in the upper column of FIG. "Is set (S581), and if it is determined that the reach is to be performed (S579; YES), the" variation pattern table for reach "shown in the lower column of FIG. 28B is set (S580).

  Further, the “variation pattern table” when “2” is set in the “variation time adjustment flag” is a table for specifying “short variation time”, as shown in FIG. It is a table for specifying the fluctuation time of “2.0 seconds” to “30.0 seconds”. Among them, when the “variation pattern table with reach” is selected, a long variation time is specified as compared with the case where the “variation pattern table without reach” is selected. In addition, the probability that the “variation pattern table with reach” is selected by the processing of S579 is lower than the “variation pattern table without reach” (the former is “30%” and the latter is “70%”). It is said that. That is, when “2” is set in the “change time adjustment flag”, the probability of performing “symbol change display with reach effect” is lower than the probability of performing “symbol change display without reach effect”. Has been. As described above, according to FIG. 25, the process of distributing the variation pattern table based on the setting state of the “variation time adjustment flag” (the variation pattern table that is likely to shorten the variation time and the variation time are shortened). The process of allocating to a fluctuation pattern table with a low possibility) illustrates the specific contents of the process as the “fluctuation time adjusting means” performed by the CPU 201.

  As shown in FIG. 23, in the outlier variation setting process (S540), after any variation pattern table is set as described above, the processing after S582 is performed. In the process of S582, a variation pattern determination random number (random number for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol) is acquired (S582). Then, a variation pattern is set (determined) using the variation pattern table set in the process of S550, S560, or S570 and the random value acquired in the process of S582 (S584). After the process of S584, the CPU 201 obtains a symbol determination random number (S586), and performs a process of setting a stop symbol (disconnected symbol) (S588). The symbol determination random number may be generated at the time of executing the process of S586, or may be generated in the process of S306 (see FIG. 18).

  After the process of S588 shown in FIG. 23, the CPU 201 proceeds to the process of S590 of FIG. 21 and performs the same process as when a positive determination is made in the process of S502. That is, the special symbol display unit 62 starts the variation of the special symbol (S590), and a predetermined command (design symbol change start command) indicating the start of the symbol variation is directed toward the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220). Transmit (S592). Then, after the process of S592, the CPU 201 performs a process of subtracting “1” from the number of reserved special symbols and a process of transmitting a command for specifying the number of held after subtraction to the sub-control board 220. After that (S595), the symbol variation start process (S500) is terminated, the special symbol game 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. When the strobe signal is input, the CPU 220a on the sub-control board 220 receives each designation signal immediately and receives the designation signal. Analyze the contents. Although detailed explanation is omitted, the fluctuation pattern considers various conditions such as whether to perform reach production, 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, it is possible to determine the time during which the special symbol is variably displayed. Also, if the special symbol stop information designation command is analyzed, if the special symbol stops at a big hit symbol or stops at a losing symbol, or if it stops at a big hit symbol, the big hit symbol is `` normal jackpot symbol '', `` No. It is possible to know which is “1 probability variation big hit symbol” or “second probability variation big hit 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.

  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. 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”. Also, in the variation pattern tables shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, a plurality of variation patterns are stored in association with the “random number value”, and “variation pattern determination” acquired in the processing of S536 and S582 (see FIGS. 22 and 23). Based on the “random number for use”, the “variation pattern used for symbol variation” is determined to be any one. 26 to 28 show a variation pattern table storing a small number of variation patterns for convenience of explanation. Actually, these variation pattern tables include a large number of variation patterns (for example, 20 Seeds, 50 species, 100 species).

  Here, the variation time (variation time identified in the variation pattern table of FIG. 27) specified when the result of the determination is “out of” and “shortened variation mode (time-short mode)” is normal. There is a high possibility of being shortened compared to the variation time specified by the variation pattern (the variation time specified by the variation pattern table of FIG. 28). In the present embodiment, when the result of the determination is “displacement” and the “shortening variation mode (short time mode)”, the number of reserved special symbols is considered. That is, when the number of holdings is small (for example, when the number of holdings at the time of determining the variation pattern is “1”), a variation pattern that specifies a longer variation time is selected, and when the number of holdings is large (for example, the variation pattern). (When the number of holdings at the time of determination is “3” to “4”), a variation pattern that specifies a shorter variation time tends to be selected, and is selected when it is determined that reach display is not performed. The variation time specified by the variation pattern to be determined tends to be shorter than the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when it is determined that the reach display is performed. Each “variation pattern table” described in this embodiment is preset in the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200.

  Returning to FIG. 18, if it is determined that the special symbol is changing in the special symbol game processing (S300) in S310 (S310; YES), the effect pattern and the stop symbol of the special symbol are already determined. Thus, the change 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 effect pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the 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, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S341; YES), the changing special symbol is stopped (S344), the stop symbol is displayed, and a symbol stop command is sent to 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 special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S350; YES), it is determined whether or not the stop display mode is a mode that represents a big hit (big hit symbol) (S352 in FIG. 19).

  If an affirmative determination is made in the process of S352, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 displays the current game progress status in a buffer (reference buffer at the end of the big hit game) for reference at the end of the “big hit game”. The information shown is set (stored) (S354). Specifically, “type of jackpot (whether or not it is a promising big hit)” and “game state flag state” are 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. In addition, a specific area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 functions as a buffer (buffer for reference at the end of the big hit game) used in the process of S354.

  Subsequent to the process of S354, the process proceeds to S356 and subsequent processes, and the mode of “big hit game” is distributed according to the type of big hit that has occurred. First, when the generated “big hit is“ second probable big hit (2R big hit) ”(S372; YES), after setting the“ opening pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the second big hit game ”(S374) , The process proceeds to S378, and if the generated big hit is “ordinary big hit or first probability variation big hit” (S372; NO), after setting the “open pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the first big hit game” (S376), the process proceeds to S378.

  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 the present 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 (variable time shortening function), and the opening 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 “big 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, S387), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In any case, when the process returns to the game control process of FIG. 15, the big hit game process (S700) is started, and the aforementioned big hit game (the first big hit game or the second big hit game) is executed.

  When the jackpot game is ended, by referring to the above-mentioned “Big hit game end reference buffer (see S354 of FIG. 19)”, “the jackpot symbol (hereinafter, referred to as the premise of this jackpot game) Information on the type of “this jackpot symbol” (normal jackpot symbol, first probability variation jackpot symbol, second probability variation jackpot symbol) is acquired, and based on this information, the game mode after the jackpot game ends The process which sets etc. is performed. In other words, when “this big hit symbol” is “ordinary big hit symbol”, processing for setting “100” in the variation shortening counter, processing for setting the variation shortening flag, and processing for setting the release extension flag And do. As a result, after the special game (the first jackpot game) related to the “normal jackpot” is finished, the special symbol is changed to “100 times” (until the value of the fluctuation shortening counter becomes zero). The extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means are activated. However, when the next big hit occurs, the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means stop operating. When the big hit game related to the normal big hit is finished, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 sends a mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the “low probability shortening variation mode” to the sub control board 220. Send to.

  In addition, when the current big hit symbol is “probable big hit symbol (first probable big hit symbol or second probable big hit symbol)”, the process of setting the probability variable flag (set to ON) and “ The process of setting “10,000”, the process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag, and the process of setting the release extension flag are performed. In other words, if a “first probability change big hit” or “second probability change big hit” occurs, the probability that the result of the success / failure determination will be a big hit is high after the big hit game related to the big hit is completed until the next big hit is generated. It is said. In addition, after the jackpot game related to the jackpot is over, the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means are in an operating state until the number of changes of the special symbol becomes “10,000 times” (until the value of the fluctuation shortening counter becomes zero). It becomes. However, when the next big hit occurs, the opening extension means and the fluctuation time shortening means stop operating. When the big hit game related to the “first probability variation big hit” or “second probability variation big hit” is finished, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 sets the game mode of the gaming machine 1 to “high probability shortening variation mode”. ”Is sent to the sub-control board 220.

  Next, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 19 will be described. That is, when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62 is “out-of-line symbol” (S352; NO), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398). If the fluctuation shortening flag is not set (S398; NO), that is, if the game mode at the time of occurrence of the deviation is the “high probability normal fluctuation mode”, the special symbol game process (S300) is left as it is, Returning to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the variation 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). And when it is not "zero" (S404; NO), it leaves the special symbol game process (S300) as it is, and 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. Will be switched to. For this reason, the process of canceling the fluctuation shortening flag (set to OFF) (S410), the process of canceling the release extension flag (setting 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” that designates the low-probability normal variation mode is transmitted to the sub-control board 220.

F. Fluctuation time adjustment process (S600)
When the variation time adjustment process (S600) is activated, as shown in FIG. 29, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines whether or not a change in the number of holds has occurred (S605). Here, the change in the holding number occurs when the holding number increases (when the process of S306 in FIG. 18 is executed) and when the holding number decreases (when the process of S595 in FIG. 21 is executed). If no change in the number of holds has occurred (S605; NO), the process proceeds to S620.

  If it is determined in the processing of S605 that a change in the number of holds has occurred (S605; YES), the change to “pending transition storage memory 202g (see FIG. 30) provided in RAM 202 mounted on main control board 200” The hold status is stored (S610). In other words, in S610, every time a change in the number of hold occurs, the changed hold number is sequentially stored in the hold transition storage memory 202g (the changed hold number is stored in a separate and independent state). This reserved transition storage memory 202g constitutes a specific example of “holding transition storage means” and includes ten storage areas “area 0” to “area 9”. Each time a change in the number of holds occurs, the “changed number of holds (hereinafter referred to as“ the number of holds after change ”)” can be stored in one area at a rate of one. That is, until the change in the number of holds occurs 10 times, each time the change in the number of holds occurs, the “changed number of holds” can be stored one by one in the order of “area 0” to “area 9”. . In this embodiment, the “pending transition storage unit” that stores the “pending number after change” is exemplified until the number of holdings changes ten times. The number of “pending numbers” is not limited to “10” shown in the present embodiment.

  After the process of storing “the number of pending changes” (S610), the CPU 201 performs the process of incrementing the value of the pending transition storage counter 202h (see FIG. 30) (S615) (S615), and then proceeds to the process of S620. Transition. The hold transition storage counter 202h is a counter for counting the accumulated number of “changes in the number of holds” (the accumulated number of holds of the changed number of holds), as shown in FIG. 30 (a). It is provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the substrate 200.

  In the process of S620, it is determined whether or not the “standard reserve count calculation condition” is satisfied. If the calculation condition is not satisfied (S620; NO), the variation time adjustment process (S600) is terminated. Then, the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the calculation condition is satisfied (S620; YES), a process for calculating the standard hold number is performed (S625). Here, in this embodiment, the “standard reservation number calculation condition” is established when the number of changes in the number of reservations (the cumulative number of stored changes in the number of reservations after change) reaches a predetermined number (10 times). In other words, it is established when the count value of the pending transition storage counter 202h reaches a predetermined value (10). Further, the process of S625 constitutes a specific example of the process as the “standard pending number calculation means” performed by the CPU 201.

  Here, the “standard hold count” in this embodiment is the “average hold count” until the “standard hold count calculation condition” is satisfied, and the “holding count until the standard hold count calculation condition is satisfied”. It is indicated by a value obtained by rounding off the decimal point of the average value of the “10 post-change pending numbers” stored in the transition storage memory 202g. That is, it is indicated by a value (integer) obtained by rounding off the arithmetic average of the “number of holds after change” stored in the ten storage areas of the hold transition storage memory 202g. In this embodiment, every time a change in the number of holdings occurs, the “number of holdings after change” is stored separately in the holding transition storage memory 202g, and then the “number of holdings after changing” stored in the holding transition storage memory 202g. The arithmetic mean of "" is calculated. For example, each time the change in the number of holds occurs, the changed number of changes is sequentially added and stored in the hold transition storage memory 202g (with respect to the already stored number of changed holds). When the “standard hold count calculation condition” is satisfied, the “total number of post-change holds stored in the hold transition storage memory 202g” is divided by the count value of the hold transition storage counter 202h. At the same time, the standard hold number can be obtained by rounding the result (quotient) of the division.

  The CPU 201 performs a process of clearing (initializing) the pending transition storage counter 202h and a process of erasing the stored contents of the pending transition storage memory 202g following the process of calculating the standard pending number (S625) ( S635), the process proceeds to S640 and subsequent steps. Note that the process of erasing the stored contents of the pending transition storage memory 202g (S635) constitutes a specific example of the process as the “erasing unit” performed by the CPU 201.

  In the processing after S640, the setting state of the “variable time adjustment flag” is selected based on the standard number of reservations calculated in the processing of S625. That is, if the standard hold number is “2” (S640; YES), “0 (zero)” is set in the “variable time adjustment flag” (S650), and the standard hold number is “1” or “0”. If there is (S640; NO, S645; YES), “1” is set in the “variable time adjustment flag” (S660). If the standard hold number is “3” or “4” (S640; NO, S645; NO), “2” is set in the “variable time adjustment flag” (S670). Then, when “0 (zero)”, “1”, or “2” is set in the “variation time adjustment flag”, the CPU 201 ends the variation time adjustment process (S600), and the process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process.

  Here, when it is determined that “pending occurrence frequency” is “appropriate (not high or low)”, “0 (zero)” is set in “fluctuation time adjustment flag”, and “pending occurrence frequency” Is determined to be “low”, “1” is set in the “variable time adjustment flag”. When it is determined that “pending occurrence frequency” is “high”, “2” is set in the “variable time adjustment flag”.

(7) Effect Control Processing Using FIG. 31, sub-control unit 220A (CPU 220a of sub-control board 220 constituting sub-control unit 220A) cooperates with effect display control unit 222A (CPU 222a of effect display control board 222). The outline of the “effect control process” performed in this way will be described. Note that FIG. 31 shows only main processes among the processes constituting the effect control process. In this effect control process, when the gaming machine 1 is turned on or the reset switch is pressed (S1050; YES), an initialization process is first performed (S1080). Thereafter, until the power is turned off (until affirmative determination is made in S2300), main processes such as the symbol variation display related process (S1100) and the big hit game effect process (S1200) are repeatedly executed. Here, the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S1100 to S2300 in FIG. 31 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 2 msec occurs after the power is turned on. . That is, the processing of S110 to S2300 in FIG. 31 is repeatedly executed every 2 msec. Hereinafter, in the effect control process, the symbol variation display related process (S1100) will be described according to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the symbol variation display related processing (S1100), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 receives the “design variation start command” as shown in FIG. 32 (S1105; YES), S1110. The process is executed. Here, the “design variation start command” is a command transmitted from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A when the symbol variation of the special symbol is started. The symbol stop information designation command (CJS) corresponds to this command.

  In the process of S1110, the CPU 220a of the sub-control unit 220A determines whether or not the result of the correct / incorrect determination executed in the main control unit 200A based on the “special symbol stop information designation command received in the process of S1005” is a big hit. Judgment is made (S1110). And when it is judged that it is a big hit (S1110; YES), based on the received “variation pattern designation command”, “execution mode of effect display (pseudo symbol variation displayed on the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d) After performing the process of determining “display mode, reach display mode, etc.)” and “hit stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode for definite display of jackpot)” (S1115), the process proceeds to S1160. On the other hand, when it is determined that the result of the determination is wrong (S1110; NO), based on the received “variation pattern designation command”, “execution mode of effect display (displayed on the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d). Performs the process of determining the symbol variation display mode of the pseudo symbol, the presence / absence of reach display, the reach display mode when the reach display is executed, etc.) and the “stop stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode for confirming the release)” (S1145), the process proceeds to S1160.

  In the process of S1160, the sub-control unit 220A transfers the received variation pattern designation command (CHP) to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), and the “effect display execution mode determined in S1115 or S1145”. (Pseudo symbol variation display mode displayed on the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d, whether or not reach display is performed, reach display mode when reach display is executed, etc.) "and" pseudo symbol stop symbol " (Detailed effect display command) is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), and the effect display device 27 starts the variable display of effect symbols such as pseudo symbols and background symbols (S1160). In other words, in the effect display control unit 222A, the CPU 222a mounted on the effect display control board 222 receives the variation pattern designation command (CHP) and the command for designating the “pseudo symbol stop symbol” and the display screen 27a. The symbol variation effect display is started (S1160).

  When the sub control unit 220A receives the symbol stop designation command (CZE) transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) (S1165; YES), the sub control unit 220A receives the symbol 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 (S1170).

(8) Effects of the Example According to the gaming machine 1 of the present example, when the symbol variation display is started, the variation time of the symbol variation display is adjusted in consideration of the change history (change) of the number of holds. That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, instead of adjusting the variation time (deciding whether or not to fluctuate) by referring to the “hold number” at that time (at the start of symbol variation) pinpoint, Since the variation time of the symbol variation display is adjusted on the basis of the history (transition) of the change in the number of holds over a certain period, it is easy to appropriately perform the symbol variation display intended by the designer of the gaming machine.

  For example, FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 show “changes in changes in the number of holds” in gaming machines set so as to increase the frequency of occurrence of “start prizes” (set by adjusting the obstacle nail, etc.) 35 and FIG. 36 show “changes in changes in the number of holds” in gaming machines set so as to reduce the frequency of occurrence of “start winning prizes” (set by adjusting the obstacle nail or the like). Here, in FIG. 33 to FIG. 36, the solid line “circle” indicates “reserved ball” when an increase in the number of reservations occurs, and the broken line “circle” indicates when a decrease in the number of reservations occurs. Indicates a "holding ball". Further, in both cases of the solid line and the broken line, the number of “circles” indicates the number of reservations at that time. That is, the numbers of “circles” indicated by solid lines and broken lines both indicate “number of reservations after change”.

  In FIG. 33 and FIG. 35, the numerical value shown with the broken arrow is a numerical value indicating the cumulative number of “changes in the number of holds” (a value corresponding to the count value of the hold transition storage counter 202h). As described above, when the process of incrementing the number of reservations stored in the special symbol reservation number memory 202b (S306) (S306) is performed in accordance with the start winning prize (see FIG. 18), the number of reservations increases. When the process (S595) of reducing the number of reservations stored in the special symbol reservation number memory 202b to "-1" (S595) with the start of the symbol variation display (see FIG. 21), the number of reservations decreases.

  FIG. 33 shows a case where the occurrence frequency of the start prize temporarily decreases due to the “occurrence of unevenness” of the “start prize” in the gaming machine set to increase the occurrence frequency of the “start prize”. (Hereinafter referred to as “specific example 1”). That is, in the specific example 1, until the number of changes in the number of holdings reaches “7 times”, the “number of holdings after change” changes between “3” and “4”. Due to the “occurrence unevenness” of the “winning”, the “starting winning” state does not continue for a certain period. Then, in this specific example 1, the number of changes in the number of reservations reaches “10 times” by subtracting the stored number of reservations thereafter.

  FIG. 34 shows the relationship between “change in the number of holdings” and the symbol variation display after the number of changes in the number of holdings reaches “10” in the first specific example. In FIG. 34, the upper column shows the mode of the embodiment (specific example 1) (the mode in which the variable time adjustment is adjusted by the variable time adjusting means). Moreover, the aspect of the comparative example 1 (The aspect in which adjustment of fluctuation time adjustment is not made by the fluctuation time adjustment means) is shown in the lower column.

  In the comparative example 1, in the symbol variation display immediately after the number of changes in the number of holds reaches “10”, there is a high possibility that a long variation time is specified. In other words, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 specifies a long time as the variation time of the symbol variation display based on the number of reservations “1” at the time “the number of changes in the number of reservations reaches 10”. The possibility increases. However, since the gaming machine of FIG. 33 and FIG. 34 is set so that the frequency of occurrence of “start winnings” increases, as shown in Comparative Example 1 in the lower column of FIG. There is a high possibility that the “start winning prize” frequently occurs during the “symbol variation display (long-term symbol variation display) executed immediately after reaching 10 times”. For this reason, during this symbol variation display, there is a possibility that “invalid start winning (start winning winning that overflows and causes negative determination in the process of S304 in FIG. 18)” frequently occurs. (The broken circle in the figure indicates an invalid start winning ball). That is, according to the comparative example 1, the symbol variation effect is not properly performed, and this may cause a decrease in the gaming interest.

  On the other hand, as shown in the upper example (specific example 1) in FIG. 34, when the variation time adjustment is adjusted by the variation time adjusting means, it becomes easy to appropriately perform the symbol variation effect. In other words, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 is based on the “standard hold number (“ 3 ”in the first specific example 1)” calculated at “when the number of changes in the hold number reaches 10”. There is a high possibility of specifying a short time as the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display. For this reason, the possibility that an “invalid start prize (overflow prize)” will occur can be reduced even if “start prizes” frequently occur thereafter. That is, according to the embodiment, it is possible to appropriately perform the symbol variation effect and maintain the player's gaming interest.

  FIG. 35 shows a case where the occurrence frequency of the start winning is temporarily increased due to the “occurrence unevenness” of the “start winning” in the gaming machine set so that the occurrence frequency of the “start winning” becomes low. (Hereinafter referred to as “specific example 2”). That is, in the specific example 2, the “number of pending changes” changes between “0 (zero)” and “1” until the number of changes in the number of holdings reaches “7”, but thereafter Because of the “generation unevenness” of the “start prize”, the “start prize” frequently occurs for a certain period.

  FIG. 36 shows the relationship between “change in the number of holds” and the symbol variation display after the number of changes in the number of holds reaches “10” in the specific example 2. In FIG. 36, the upper column shows the mode of the embodiment (specific example 2) (the mode in which the variable time adjustment is adjusted by the variable time adjusting means). The lower column shows the aspect of Comparative Example 2 (an aspect in which the fluctuation time adjustment is not adjusted by the fluctuation time adjusting means).

  In the comparative example 2, in the symbol variation display immediately after the number of changes in the number of holds reaches “10”, there is a high possibility that a short variation time is specified. That is, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 specifies a short time as the variation time of the symbol variation display based on the number of retentions “4” at “when the number of changes in the number of suspensions reaches 10”. The possibility increases. For this reason, the gaming machine of FIGS. 35 and 36 is set so that the occurrence frequency of the “start prize” is low, and the occurrence frequency of the “start prize” even after the number of changes in the number of holds reaches 10 times. Despite the high possibility that the number of holdings will be low, there is a possibility that the number of changes in the number of holds “the symbol variation display (long-term symbol variation display) executed immediately after reaching 10” will be completed in a short time. After that, if the game progresses while the frequency of occurrence of start winnings is low, the number of holdings approaches “0 (zero)” in a short time, and there is a possibility that the execution of the symbol variation display is interrupted. That is, according to the comparative example 2, the symbol variation effect is not appropriately performed, and this may cause a decrease in the gaming interest.

  On the other hand, as shown in the upper example (specific example 2) of FIG. 36, when the variation time adjustment is adjusted by the variation time adjusting means, it is easy to appropriately perform the symbol variation effect. . In other words, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 uses the “standard hold number (“ 1 ”in the second specific example”) ”calculated at“ when the number of changes in the hold number reaches 10 ”. There is a high possibility of specifying a long time as the fluctuation time of the fluctuation display. In other words, there is a possibility that the occurrence frequency of the “start winning prize” may be lowered, but since the possibility that the long time is specified as the fluctuation time of the symbol fluctuation display becomes high, the decrease rate of the number of holds decreases ( It is not easy to become “0 (zero)”), and the possibility that the execution of the symbol variation display is interrupted becomes low, and as a result, the player's gaming interest can be maintained.

  In addition, like Comparative Example 3 and Comparative Example 4 shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, it is conceivable to specify the variation time of the symbol variation based on the “start winning prize number” per certain time. Here, also in FIG. 37 and FIG. 38, the solid line “circle” indicates the “holding ball” when the retention number increases, and the dashed “circle” indicates the decrease in the retention number. The “holding ball” is shown. Further, in both cases of the solid line and the broken line, the number of “circles” indicates the number of reservations at that time. That is, the numbers of “circles” indicated by solid lines and broken lines both indicate “number of reservations after change”. Further, in FIG. 37 and FIG. 38, the “circle” shown by the broken line while protruding outside the substantially rectangular frame is “invalid start winning (start that causes a negative determination in the process of S304 in FIG. 18). Winning) ”.

  In FIGS. 37 and 38, the numbers shown below “upward arrows indicated by solid lines” are numerical values that cumulatively indicate the number of start winnings. And the modification 3 shown in the upper column of FIG. 37 and the modification 4 shown in the lower column of FIG. 37 both show the case where the start winning of “10 times” is generated during a certain time (L). Yes. However, in the modified example 3, in the gaming machine set so that the occurrence frequency of the “start prize” is increased, the occurrence frequency of the start prize temporarily decreases due to “occurrence unevenness” of the “start prize”. Shows the case. Further, in the fourth modification, in the gaming machine set so that the occurrence frequency of the “start prize” is low, the occurrence frequency of the start prize temporarily increases due to the “occurrence unevenness” of the “start prize”. Shows the case.

  In any case of the third modification and the fourth modification, the number of start winnings (10 times) per fixed time (L) is made equal. For this reason, as shown in the upper and lower columns of FIG. 38, the possibility that the same time is specified as the variation time of the symbol variation display immediately after the lapse of the predetermined time (L) is increased. That is, in Modification 3 and Modification 4, there is a high possibility that the same time is specified as the variation time of the symbol variation display regardless of the setting status of the gaming machine (setting status related to the occurrence frequency of the start winning prize). For this reason, the symbol variation effect is not appropriately performed, and this may cause a decrease in gaming interest. On the other hand, according to the embodiment, it is easy to specify the variation time of the symbol variation display according to the setting state of the gaming machine, so that it is easy to maintain the gaming interest.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the second embodiment is different from the configuration of the pending transition storage memory 202g (holding transition storage means), and the point that the “standard pending count calculation condition” is changed, with the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment. It is the same. That is, except for FIG. 30C, the drawings used in the first embodiment are also applied to the second embodiment.

  The hold transition storage memory 202g of the second embodiment is also provided at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. As shown in FIG. 39, the pending transition storage memory 202g is configured by using five counters C0 to C4. That is, “Counter C0” is a counter that is “+1” when the post-change hold count becomes “0 (zero)”, and “Counter C1” is a counter when the post-change hold count becomes “1”. It is a counter that is “+1”. “Counter C2” is “+1” when the number of held changes after change is “2”, and “Counter C3” is “+1” when the number of held changes after change is “3”. “C4” is incremented by “+1” when the post-change hold count becomes “4”.

  In other words, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 40 and 41, in the “processing of S610” in FIG. The In the second embodiment, when the hold transition storage counter 202h (see FIG. 30) reaches “101” in “S620” of FIG. 29, it is determined that “the standard hold count calculation condition is satisfied”. Is going to be.

  Further, in “processing of S625” in FIG. 29, the mode value of the number of pending changes (the number of pending changes corresponding to the counter (C0 to C4) having the largest count value) is set as the “standard pending number”. I am going to do that. For example, in the specific examples shown in FIG. 40 and FIG. 41, the changed number of holdings corresponding to the counter C3 having the maximum count value (39) when the calculation condition is satisfied is set as the “standard number of holdings”. That is, the “standard number of reservations” is “3”. In the second embodiment, a process of initializing all counters C0 to C4 (a process of setting an initial value “0 (zero))” is performed in the “process of S635” in FIG. When there are a plurality of counters having a maximum count value in the process of “No.”, for example, the smaller “number of pending changes” can be processed to become the “standard pending number”.

  According to the second embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described. In the gaming machine according to the third embodiment, the frequency of reach display is adjusted by the variable time adjusting means. The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that FIG. 42 is used instead of FIG. 25 and that FIG. 43 is used instead of FIG.

  The “normal deviation deviation pattern table distribution process (S570)” of the third embodiment is performed as follows according to FIG. That is, also in this normal time deviation variation pattern table distribution process (S570), it is first determined whether or not the “variation time adjustment flag” “0 (zero)” is set (S571). When “0 (zero)” is set in the “variation time adjustment flag” (S571; YES), the CPU 201 determines the reach random number acquired in “processing of S306” in FIG. After determining whether or not to execute reach using the (zero) lottery table (F0) ”(S571b), the process proceeds to S579b. Here, when the presence / absence of reach is lottery using the “variation time adjustment flag 0 (zero) lottery table (F0)”, as shown in FIG. Is equal to the probability of obtaining a “lottery result indicating that reach is not executed”.

  When “1” is set in the “variation time adjustment flag” (S571; NO, S575; YES), the CPU 201 determines the reach random number acquired in “processing of S306” in FIG. After determining whether or not to execute reach using the “1 lottery table (F1)” (S575b), the process proceeds to S579b. Here, when the presence / absence of reach is lottery using the “lottery table (F1) for the variable time adjustment flag 1”, as shown in FIG. 43, “the lottery result indicating that the reach is executed” is obtained. The probability is set lower than the probability of obtaining a “lottery result indicating that reach is not executed”.

  Further, when “2” is set in the “variation time adjustment flag” (S571; NO, S575; NO), the CPU 201 determines the reach random number acquired in “processing of S306” in FIG. After determining whether or not to execute the reach using the “2 lottery table (F2)” (S575b), the process proceeds to S579b. Here, when the presence / absence of the reach is lottery using the “lottery table for the variable time adjustment flag 2” (F2), as shown in FIG. 43, the “lottery result to execute the reach” is obtained. The probability is set higher than the probability of obtaining a “lottery result indicating that reach is not executed”.

  In the processing after S579b, the variation pattern table is distributed based on the processing in S571b, S575b, or S576b. That is, when it is determined that the reach is executed (S579b; YES), the “variation pattern table for reach” is set (580b), and when it is determined that the reach is not executed (S579b; NO). , “Variation pattern table for non-reach” is set (581b). In the “variation pattern table for non-reach” of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 43, the variation pattern is associated with the number of reserved special symbols. That is, when the number of holdings is small (for example, when the number of holdings at the time of determining the variation pattern is “1”), a variation pattern that specifies a longer variation time is selected, and when the number of holdings is large (for example, the variation pattern). When the number of holdings at the time of determination is “3” to “4”), a variation pattern that specifies a shorter variation time tends to be selected.

  In the third embodiment, the same variation pattern table is used regardless of the setting state of the “variation time adjustment flag”, but the appearance frequency of the “reach effect” is adjusted according to the setting state of the “variation time adjustment flag”. Therefore, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment, the game control process shown in FIG. 15 includes the “launching stop process (S900)” shown in FIG. 44A and the “post-launching process (S950) shown in FIG. It is the same as the gaming machine of the first embodiment except that “)” is added. In other words, in the game control process of the fourth embodiment, when the gaming machine 1 is turned on (S5; YES), after the power-on process (S8) is performed and until the power is turned off (Yes in S980). Until it is determined), 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 variable time adjustment process (S600), Each process such as the big hit game process (S800), the process at the time of launch stop (S900), the process after the stop of the launch (S950), and the like is repeatedly executed.

  In the firing stop process (S900) of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44A, the presence / absence of the “fired stop state” is monitored (S905). Here, “stop firing” is a case where the touch switch 9a outputs a contact non-detection signal (off signal) and the handle switch 9c outputs an “OFF signal” as described above. That is, when the player does not touch the firing handle 9 and the firing handle 9 is not rotated, the “shooting stopped state” is set.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 detects the “contact non-detection signal (off signal) of the touch switch 9a” and the “OFF signal of the handle switch 9c”, and the gaming machine is in the “launch stop state”. (S905; YES), it is determined whether or not the “stop flag” is set (set to ON) (S910). Here, the “stop flag” is a “flag” indicating that the gaming machine is in a “launch stop state”.

  Then, when the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines that the “stop flag” is set (set to ON) (S910; YES), the process at the time of firing stop (S900) is terminated, and FIG. Return to the game control process shown. On the other hand, if it is determined that the “stop flag” is not set (set to OFF) (S910; NO), the process of setting the “stop flag” (set to ON) (S915) and the timer are set. After performing the process (S920), the firing stop process (S900) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. Here, the timer set in S920 is a timer (a firing stop time measuring unit) for measuring the duration of the “fired stop state”.

  Next, in the post-launching process (S950) of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44B, first, it is determined whether or not the “stop flag” is set (set to ON) (S955). . When the CPU 201 determines that the “stop flag” has been set (set to ON) (S955; YES), it determines whether or not the “firing stop state” has been canceled (S960). That is, when the CPU 201 detects at least one of “the handle switch 9c outputs a NO signal” and “the touch switch 9a outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal)”, It is determined that the “firing stop state” has been canceled.

  When the CPU 201 determines that the “firing stop state” has been released (S960; YES), after releasing the “stop flag” (set to OFF) (S965), the post-launch stop processing (S950) is terminated. Returning to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that the “firing stop state” has not been released (S960; NO), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the timer set in the process of S920 measures a predetermined time (for example, 300 seconds). (S970). That is, it is determined whether or not the firing stop state has continued for a predetermined time (for example, 300 seconds) (S970). Note that the processing of S970 constitutes a specific example of processing as “game stop detection means” performed by the CPU 201.

  If the CPU 201 determines that the timer has not measured the predetermined time (S970; NO), the CPU 201 ends the post-launching process (S950) and returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the timer is measuring the predetermined time (S970; YES), the process of canceling (setting OFF) the “stop flag” and the process of erasing the stored contents of the pending transition storage memory 202g And a process of returning the count value of the pending transition storage counter 202h to the initial value and a process of setting “0 (zero)” to the fluctuation adjustment flag (S975), and a process after stopping the firing (S950). When finished, the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. In S975, “a process for deleting the stored contents of the pending transition storage memory 202g” constitutes a specific example of a process as “stop-erasing means” performed by the CPU 201.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, in the fourth embodiment, every time the game is stopped (every time the firing stop state continues for a predetermined time), a process of deleting (resetting) the pending transition storage memory 202g (the stored contents of the pending transition storage means) is performed. Therefore, when the game is resumed, various processes based on the change history (change) of the number of holds can be performed again. Therefore, it is possible to obtain a gaming machine that can easily perform the symbol variation display intended by the designer of the gaming machine appropriately.

  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.

  In other words, the “standard reserve count calculation condition” is not limited to those shown in the above embodiments, and other “calculation conditions” can be exemplified as shown in the modified examples of FIGS. 45 and 46, for example. . That is, a specific example (Modification 1) in which “the number of symbol fluctuation display times from the start of storage of the pending transition has reached a predetermined number” is used as a calculation condition. In addition, a specific example (Modification 2) in which “the elapsed time from the storage start of the pending transition has reached a predetermined time” is used as a calculation condition. Furthermore, a specific example (Modification 3) in which “the number of game balls fired from the start of storage of the pending transition has reached a predetermined number” is used as a calculation condition. In the case of the third modification, the CPU 201 can determine whether or not the calculation condition is satisfied using the firing ball count switch 8s.

  In each embodiment, the gaming machine including one variable start winning device is illustrated, but “a gaming machine including one variable starting winning device and one fixed start winning device”, "A game machine having only a plurality of variable start prize devices", "A game machine having a plurality of variable start prize devices and one or a plurality of fixed start prize devices", "One variable type The invention of each claim can also be applied to a “gaming machine including a start winning device and a plurality of fixed start winning devices”.

  In addition, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, at least one of the change status of the number of holds stored in the hold change storage means and the standard hold number calculated by the standard hold number calculation means is displayed. Also good. In this case, the player can play the game while knowing the transition status of the number of holds, etc., so that the gaming interest is further enhanced.

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

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
10: Game board,
17: Start winning device (start winning means),
27; Effect display device (design variation display means),
27a; display screen,
60; lower right display device (design variation display means),
200A; main control unit (win / fail judgment means, winning game execution means, hold number addition means, hold number subtraction means, hold transition storage means, standard hold number calculation means, variable time adjustment means, erase means, change time shortening means, open Extension means, adjustment prohibition means, normal variation time identification means, game stop detection means, stop time erasure means),
220A; sub-control unit.

Claims (6)

When the opening condition is satisfied, a variable starting winning means that changes over a predetermined opening time from a closed state in which the game ball is difficult to win to an easily opened state, or one or more variable starting winning means Including a plurality of start winning means,
Whether or not to determine whether or not to execute a winning game due to the winning of a game ball to the start winning means;
A symbol variation display means for performing symbol variation display according to a variation time determined each time the determination is made;
When the stop symbol indicating that the result of the determination of success / failure is a win is stopped and displayed on the symbol variation display means through the symbol variation display, the winning game for changing the variable winning means in the closed state to the open state is changed. Per game execution means to execute,
A holding number storage means for storing a holding number indicating the number of times the start of the symbol variation display is held;
When a game ball wins to the start winning means during execution of the symbol variation display, a hold number adding means for adding the hold number stored in the hold number storage means up to a specific upper limit number;
A holding number subtracting means for subtracting a holding number stored in the holding storage means when starting the symbol variation display;
A gaming machine comprising
Each time the number of holds stored by the number-of-holds storage means changes, the change history storage means for storing the change status of the number of holds,
When a predetermined calculation execution condition is established, a standard pending number calculation unit that calculates a pending number having a high occurrence frequency as a standard pending number based on the transition status stored by the pending transition storage unit;
Fluctuation time adjustment means for adjusting the fluctuation time of the symbol fluctuation display based on the standard hold number calculated by the standard hold number calculation means;
A gaming machine comprising:   The variable time adjustment means adjusts the probability that the variable time shortened as the variable time is specified to be high when the standard holding number is a predetermined number or more. The gaming machine described.   3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising: an erasing unit that erases the stored contents of the holding transition storage unit when the variation time is adjusted by the variation time adjustment unit. Fluctuation time shortening means that increases the possibility of specifying the fluctuation time shortened as the fluctuation time;
An opening extension means that operates with the variable time shortening means to extend the opening time in the variable start winning device;
An adjustment prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the fluctuation time adjusting means when the opening extension means is operated;
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The fluctuation time includes a normal fluctuation time specifying means for increasing the possibility of specifying a normal fluctuation time that is not shortened,
In the case where the variation time is specified in the symbol variation display that is executed when the stop symbol indicating that the result of the determination of success / failure is winning is displayed, the operation of the variation time adjusting means is prohibited, and the normal time The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the changing time specifying means is operated. Game stop detection means for detecting a game stop;
Based on the detection information output from the game stop detection means, if it is determined that the game has been stopped for a certain period of time, the stop time erasure means for erasing the stored contents of the pending transition storage means,
A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

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