JP2014147634A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To guarantee fairness of a game in a game machine which proceeds with the game without reporting a result of lottery relating to the game.SOLUTION: A game machine in which a plurality of game balls encapsulated inside are used while being circulated comprises: possessed ball information storage means for storing, as possessed ball information, the number of game balls which can be shot to a game area; game value information management means for managing game value information which can be mutually converted with the possessed ball information; settlement operation means operable for a player; settlement execution means which executes settlement processing for converting the possessed ball information into the game value information in response to operation of the settlement operation means; settlement pattern storage means for storing a plurality of settlement patterns; and privilege application means which executes privilege application lottery and, when the privilege application lottery is made successful, applies a privilege to the player without reporting a result of the privilege application lottery. When the settlement operation means is operated in the state where the privilege application lottery is made successful, the settlement means executes settlement processing in accordance with a special settlement pattern.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine (a ball game machine) such as a pachinko gaming machine such as a so-called seven machine, feathers, or a right-handed machine, or a combination type gaming machine (arranged ball gaming machine).

  Some pachinko machines have a probability variation function that improves the probability that a special symbol will stop and display with a combination of jackpot symbols after the jackpot game ends if the special symbol is a probabilistic jackpot symbol among the jackpot symbols combination Many. In this type of gaming machine, it is difficult to determine whether or not the probability variation function is operating by performing the symbol variation game without notifying the operation of the probability variation function. A gaming machine that generates a (state) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-111954 A

  In addition, when a game ball enters a winning gate, the main control unit or the payout has a different form (data indicating the profit from winning) the profit corresponding to the winning from the “payout of prize ball”. It is also known that a probability non-notification state is generated in a gaming machine of a type in which a gaming profit is given to a player by storing it in a RAM of a control unit.

  However, in the above-described gaming machine, there is a possibility that the player may end the game during the latent probability changing state without the player recognizing that the probability variation function is operating. In such a case, the player may suffer a disadvantage, and it becomes difficult to ensure the fairness of the game.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to ensure the fairness of a game in a gaming machine that allows a game to proceed without notification of a lottery result regarding the game.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides:
A game machine that circulates and uses a game ball enclosed inside, and advances the game so that the game ball launched from the launch position to the game area is returned to the launch position again and can be launched,
Possession ball information storage means for storing the number of game balls that can be launched into the game area as possession ball information;
Game value information management means for managing game value information that can be converted between the possession ball information,
Checkout operation means that can be operated by the player,
In accordance with an operation of the settlement operation means by a player, a settlement execution means for executing a settlement process for converting the ball information into the game value information according to a predetermined settlement pattern;
As the settlement pattern, a settlement pattern storage means for storing a plurality of settlement patterns having different execution modes of the settlement process;
A privilege grant lottery for determining whether or not to grant a predetermined privilege to a player is performed, and when the privilege grant lottery is won, the privilege is granted to the player without notifying the result of the specific grant lottery A privilege granting means,
When the payment operation means is operated in a state where the bonus grant lottery is won, the payment means executes the payment process according to a special payment pattern different from the normal payment pattern.

  With such a configuration, when the settlement operation means is operated in a state in which there is a lottery result that has not been notified to the player, the settlement process is performed with a special settlement pattern that is different from the normal settlement pattern. It can be recognized that there is a lottery result for notification. As a result, the game can be continued by the player, and the player can be prevented from suffering a disadvantage by stopping the game before the privilege is given, and the fairness of the game can be ensured.

Further, the present invention provides the above-described configuration,
When the bonus grant lottery is won, an operation promotion effect executing means for executing an operation promotion effect for prompting the operation of the settlement operation means is provided.

  Thereby, it can be suggested that an unnotified lottery result is notified by the operation of the settlement operation means, and the player can be more effectively prevented from suffering a disadvantage.

Further, the present invention provides the above-described configuration,
A symbol variation game execution means for executing a symbol variation game for causing the symbol display device to variably display a symbol based on establishment of a predetermined condition;
Lottery means for performing a lottery for determining a stop mode of the symbol in the symbol variation game based on establishment of the predetermined condition from a plurality of stop modes including a hit mode;
When the symbol variably displayed in the symbol variable game is stopped and displayed in a winning manner determined by the lottery means, special game execution means for executing a special game advantageous to the player;
When the predetermined winning mode is determined by the lottery means, the probability that the winning mode is determined by the lottery means is high after the special game based on the fact that the symbols are stopped and displayed in the predetermined winning mode. A probability variation state generating means for generating a certain probability variation state,
With
The winning result of the privilege grant lottery is a lottery result in which the predetermined winning mode is determined by the lottery means.

  Thereby, it can suppress that a player suffers a disadvantage by stopping a game in a probability change state, and can ensure the fairness of a game.

  According to the above-described configuration of the present invention, the fairness of the game can be ensured in the gaming machine that advances the game without notifying the lottery result regarding the game.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a front view of a game board. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an electronic controller. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a start opening prize process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol fluctuation | variation display process. It is a flowchart which shows a hit game process. It is a flowchart which shows a process at the time of a hit game end. It is a flowchart which shows a payment process. It is a flowchart which shows a promotion effect counter related process. It is a flowchart which shows the adjustment effect process. It is a flowchart which shows a button production promotion production process.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) of a type in which the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed when the special symbol variation display ends, and the jackpot game is started as a trigger. Examples will be described.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment uses a plurality of game balls enclosed therein in a circulating manner, and the game balls discharged to the back surface of the game board through various winning holes or out holes are re-launched. It is configured as a type of gaming machine (so-called enclosed gaming machine) that is fired back to. In this type of gaming machine, the amount of profit (the magnitude of the gaming value) corresponding to the winning ball is converted into data and given to the player when a ball enters the winning hole. It is configured.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 includes a game frame 2 and a game board 20. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. The game frame 2 includes an outer frame 3, a middle frame 4, a front frame 5, and the like. The middle frame 4 is not shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 5 is disposed on the front side.

  The outer frame 3 is a wooden plate-like body assembled into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The outer frame 3 is fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall and supports the gaming machine main body. The outer frame 3 includes an outer frame main body 3a configured by a substantially rectangular frame-shaped body, and a front plate portion 3b that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 3a.

  The middle frame 4 is made of plastic and constitutes the main body frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 4 is fitted inside the outer frame 3 and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 3. The middle frame 4 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 5 are provided on the front side of the frame portion so as to overlap each other. On the lower plate portion of the front frame 5, there are a launcher unit (not shown) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launcher unit. Is provided. Below the right side of the front frame 5 is provided a locking device 5b for locking the front frame 5 when it is closed.

  The front frame 5 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 4 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 5 is made of plastic, and has an opening 5a for making the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 5a is mounted on the back surface of the front frame 5.

  A frame lamp portion 5c using LEDs or the like is provided around the opening 5a in the front frame 5. The frame lamp portion 5c is turned on / off or blinks according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the game effect.

  An effect button 6 is provided near the lower center of the opening 5 a in the front frame 5. The effect button 6 includes a middle button 6a, a left button 6b provided on the left side of the middle button 6a, and a right button 6c provided on the right side of the middle button 6a. An information display device 7 is provided below the effect button 6. The information display device 7 is composed of a liquid crystal display device, and can display various information related to the game.

  At the lower right end of the front frame 5, a launching handle 8 is provided for a player to operate a launching unit (not shown). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 is provided with speakers 9a to 9d for generating sound effects and the like corresponding to the gaming state. The speakers 9 a to 9 d include upper speakers 9 a and 9 b provided on the upper part of the front frame 5 and lower speakers 9 c and 9 d provided on the front plate part 2 b below the front frame 5.

  A card unit 10 is provided on the left side of the gaming machine 1. The card unit 10 is provided with a card insertion slot 10a for inserting a prepaid card and a frequency display portion 10b for displaying the card balance (remaining frequency) of the prepaid card. Above the gaming machine 1, a credit display unit 11 is provided on which “held ball information” indicating the number of game balls (number of balls held) that can be launched into the game area 21 by the launching device unit is displayed. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the ball that can be used for the game is converted into data, and the ball information is also referred to as “number of credits”.

  In addition, on the right side of the production button 6, a ball lending button 12a for lending gaming balls, a payment button 12b for paying the ball, and a return button for requesting the return of the prepaid card 12c. The card balance stored in the prepaid card can be converted between the possession ball information. The game ball lending process is realized by converting the card balance of the prepaid card into possession ball information, and the game ball settlement process is realized by converting the possession ball information into the card balance of the prepaid card. .

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body and is detachably attached to the middle frame 3, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 21 is formed on the game board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface (board surface) of the game board 20. In the game area 21, a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 27, a starting port 28, a big winning device 33, left winning ports 34 and 35, right winning ports 36 and 37, a first decorative member 50, and a second decorative member. A gaming device such as 60 is arranged. In addition, a number of obstacle nails are arranged in the game area 21 in consideration of the position balance with each gaming device.

  The central device (center accessory) 24 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21 and includes an effect display device 25. In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is used as the effect display device 25, and various effect displays are performed in the display area V of the effect display device 25.

  The big winning device 33 is arranged below the central device 24 in the game area 21. The first decoration device 50 is arranged on the left side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, the second decoration device 60 is arranged on the right side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the decoration devices 50, 60 are so-called side. Make up decorations. Further, the first winning device 34 is integrated with the left winning holes 34 and 35, and the second winning device 60 is integrated with the right winning ports 36 and 37.

  The normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operation gate 27, a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 3) for detecting the passage of the game ball flowing down on the game board is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, the normal symbol starts to be changed.

  The start port 28 is provided below the central position of the central device 24. The start port 28 is a first start port provided on the upper side, in which two entrance ports formed with a game ball receiving port for receiving a game ball flowing down on the surface of the game board 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. 28a and a second start port 28b provided on the lower side.

  The first starting port 28a is configured as a fixed starting port in which the size of the game ball receiving port does not change and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant, so that the game ball can always enter the game. It has become. On the other hand, the second start port 28b is a so-called tulip type and has a pair of wing pieces on the left and right, and the upper end gap between the pair of wing pieces serves as a game ball receiving port. The pair of wing pieces are each opened and closed by tilting in the left-right direction. With this opening and closing action, the second start port 28b is the size of the game ball receiving port of the pair of wing pieces. It is configured as a variable starter that changes. The second start port 28b is in an open state with a high probability of entering by opening a pair of blade pieces, and in a normal state with a low possibility of entering by closing a pair of blade pieces (incoming balls) Including an impossible closed state). When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of symbols, the pair of wing pieces are opened to expand the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b, and the second start port 28b is a normal electric accessory. Function as.

  Inside the start port 28, there are a start port entrance detection switch 28s (see FIG. 3) for detecting a game ball entering the first start port 28a, and a game ball entering the second start port 28b. A start opening ball detection switch 28t (see FIG. 3) for detection and a start opening solenoid 28c (see FIG. 3) for operating the pair of blade pieces are provided. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is enlarged from the normal time, and the second start port 28b has a possibility of entering a game ball. It becomes an open state that becomes larger. On the other hand, when the pair of wing pieces are erected, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (one game ball can pass). The second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state) in which the possibility of entering a game ball is reduced (or entry is impossible). When a game ball enters one of the start ports 28a and 28b, a special symbol (to be described later) starts to be displayed in a variable manner.

  The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the special winning device 33 includes a special winning opening 33a opened in a belt shape, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the special winning opening 33a, and a large winning opening solenoid 33c (for operating the opening / closing plate 33b). 3) and an incoming ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 3) for detecting an incoming game ball.

  A left winning opening 34 and 35 and a right winning opening 36 and 37 are provided on the upper left side and the upper right side of the big winning device 33. Each of these winning openings is provided with a winning opening entering detection switch (not shown).

  The first decorative member 50 is provided with a plurality of LEDs. By combining these LEDs, a normal symbol display unit 51, a general symbol hold display unit 52, a first special symbol hold display unit 53, and a second special symbol are provided. A hold display unit 54 is configured. Similarly, the second decorative member 60 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a first special symbol display device 61 and a second special symbol display device 62 are configured by a combination of these LEDs.

  The normal symbol display device 51 is composed of one LED, and the normal symbol is displayed by this LED. In the normal symbol display device 51, normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed. In the normal symbol display device 51, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, the normal symbol starts to be displayed in a fluctuating manner, and the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a display manner in which the normal symbol is hit or missed after a predetermined time. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a preset hit display mode, the second start port 28b is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern. A plurality of opening patterns of the second start port 28b are set. When the opening time extending function for extending the opening time of the second start port 28b is not in operation (normal time), a first opening pattern (short-time opening pattern) in which a first opening time (for example, 0.5 seconds) is set. ) Is set, and when the open time extension function is activated, a second open pattern (long open pattern) in which a second open time (for example, 4 seconds) longer than the first open time is set is set. The open time extension function will be described later.

  In this embodiment, a normal symbol success / failure determination value is prepared, and this normal symbol success / failure determination value is acquired when the game ball passes through the normal symbol activation gate 27, and whether or not to activate the second start port 28b. It is used to determine whether or not the symbol is normal (whether to be in an open state). A “hit value” is set in advance for the normal symbol success / failure determination value, and a hit is determined when the acquired normal symbol success / failure determination value matches the winning value. When it is determined that the normal symbol is determined to be winning, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed by the normal symbol display device 51 is determined as the display mode of the normal symbol. On the other hand, when it is determined to be out (when the acquired normal symbol success / failure determination value does not match the winning value), the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed by the normal symbol display device 51 is determined as the display mode of the out of normal symbol. The Note that the normal symbol success / failure determination value can be generated using a hardware random number using a random number counter by a counter IC or a software random number using a random number counter by software.

  Here, normal symbol holding will be described. The normal symbol hold display section 52 displays the normal symbol hold number, and the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 27 can be held up to the maximum hold number (four in this embodiment). Each time the next normal symbol win / fail determination is made and the normal symbol variation display is started, the number of unstarted times (the number of reservations) is consumed, and the number of normal symbol reservations is decreased by one. The general-purpose hold display unit 52 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. With the holding of the normal symbol, the normal symbol appropriateness determination value is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200.

  It should be noted that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is determined, the determination of the stop symbol of the normal symbol, the setting of the variation pattern of the normal symbol, the storage and storage of the normal symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  Next, the special symbol will be described. In this embodiment, two special symbols, a first special symbol and a second special symbol, are provided, and accordingly, a first special symbol display device 61 for displaying the first special symbol and a second special symbol are displayed. A second special symbol display device 62 is provided. In the following description, when “special symbol” is described, the description refers to both “first special symbol” and “second special symbol” unless otherwise specified. In addition, in the following description, when “special symbol reserve number” is described, unless otherwise specified, the description refers to both “first special symbol reserve number” and “second special symbol reserve number”. To do.

  Each of the special symbol display devices 61 and 62 is composed of seven LEDs, and special LEDs (first special symbol and second special symbol) are respectively displayed by these LEDs. Each LED constituting each of the special symbol display devices 61 and 62 can be turned on and off, and a plurality of display modes can be displayed for each special symbol by a combination of turning on and off of each LED. And in the 1st special symbol display device 61 and the 2nd special symbol display device 62, a specific combination is a big hit symbol (big hit mode) among the combinations of special symbols displayed by the combination of lighting and extinction of seven LEDs, respectively. The combinations other than the big hit symbol are set as the small hit symbol (small hit mode) or the off symbol (out mode). In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is performed by blinking display in which each LED is repeatedly turned on and off.

  When the game ball enters the first start opening 28a, the first special symbol display device 61 starts displaying the first special symbol in a variable manner. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the first special symbol becomes a big hit symbol, a small hit symbol, or A symbol variation game of the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed in any of the symbols that are off is performed. In addition, when a game ball enters the second start port 28b, the second special symbol starts to be displayed in a variable manner on the second special symbol display device 62. The symbol variation game of the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed with either the symbol or the off symbol is performed.

  In the present embodiment, the first special symbol determination value acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 28a, and the second value acquired when the game ball enters the second start port 28b. Special symbol determination values are provided. The first special symbol determination value includes a first special symbol success / failure determination value used for determining whether or not a big hit game or a small hit game is executed, and a stop symbol (stop) of the first special symbol. The first symbol determination value used for the stop symbol determination for determining the aspect) and the first reach determination value used for the reach determination for determining whether or not to perform the reach effect are included. Similarly, the determination value for the second special symbol includes the second special symbol success / failure determination value used for determining whether or not the big hit game or the small hit game is executed, and the stop of the second special symbol. A second symbol determination value used for stop symbol determination for determining a symbol (stop mode) and a second reach determination value used for reach determination for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect are included.

  Based on the game ball entering the first starting port 28a, a first special symbol success / failure determination value, a first symbol determination value, and a first reach determination value are acquired, and each of the acquired determination values is a main control. Is stored as a hold (first special symbol hold) in a predetermined area (first hold storage area) of the RAM of the unit 200. In addition, based on the game ball entering the second start port 28b, a second special symbol success / failure determination value, a second symbol determination value, and a second reach determination value are acquired, and each of the acquired determination values is It is stored as a hold (second special symbol hold) in a predetermined area (second hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. The special symbol judgment value (special symbol success / failure judgment value, symbol judgment value, reach judgment value) is generated using a hardware random number using a random number counter by a counter IC or a software random number using a software random number counter. can do.

  Here, the holding of special symbols will be described. The first special symbol hold display unit 53 and the second special symbol hold display unit 54 are each composed of two LEDs, and the number of holds can be set up to 4 each by combining the turn-off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. Can be displayed.

  The number of game balls that have entered the first start opening 28a can be held until the maximum number of reserved balls (four in this embodiment) is reached as the number of first special symbol held. The first special symbol hold number is acquired every time a game ball enters the first start port 28a and is stored in a predetermined area (first hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. This corresponds to the number (stored number) of special symbol determination values (first special symbol success / failure determination value, first symbol determination value, first reach determination value). In the present embodiment, since the first symbol determination value and the first reach determination value are obtained together with the first special symbol determination value based on the game ball entering the first start port 28a, the first special symbol is also acquired. The number of reservations also corresponds to the number of stored first symbol determination values and first reach determination values. Then, the symbol variation game of the first special symbol is executed based on the first special symbol hold. The first special symbol hold is digested every time the corresponding symbol variation game is started, and the first special symbol hold is decreased by one.

  The number of game balls that have entered the second start port 28b can be held until reaching the maximum number of reservations (four in this embodiment) as the second special symbol reservation number. The second special symbol hold number is acquired every time a game ball enters the second start port 28b and is stored in a predetermined area (second hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. This corresponds to the number (stored number) of special symbol determination values (second special symbol success / failure determination value, second symbol determination value, second reach determination value). In the present embodiment, since the second symbol determination value and the second reach determination value are acquired together with the second special symbol success / failure determination value based on the game ball entering the second start port 28b, the second special symbol is also acquired. The number of reservations also corresponds to the number of stored second symbol determination values and second reach determination values. Then, the symbol variation game of the second special symbol is executed based on the second special symbol hold. The second special symbol hold is digested every time the corresponding symbol variation game is started, and the second special symbol hold is decreased by one. On-hold storage and on-hold digestion of the first and second special symbols are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  When the special symbol (the first special symbol, the second special symbol) is stopped and displayed, and the symbol variable game is completed, the next symbol variable game can be executed. Then, in a state where the symbol variable game can be executed, the existence of one or more first special symbol holds, the execution start condition of the symbol variable game of the first special symbol is satisfied, and one second special symbol hold is held. As a result, the execution start condition for the symbol variation game of the second special symbol is satisfied.

  The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to perform a second special symbol priority variation process in which the symbol variation game of the second special symbol is preferentially executed over the symbol variation game of the first special symbol. That is, when both the number of the first special symbol hold and the number of the second special symbol hold are “1 or more”, the second special symbol is preferentially displayed in a variable manner over the first special symbol. The reservation of the symbol is preferentially consumed. When the first special symbol reservation count is “1 or more” and the second special symbol reservation count is “zero”, the variable display of the first special symbol is executed.

  The special symbol success / failure determination value is set with a winning value (big hit value and small hit value) for determining whether or not the game is successful, and is acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 28a or the second start port 28b. When the special symbol success / failure judgment value matches the big hit value, it becomes “big hit”, when it does not match the big hit value and matches the small hit value, it becomes “small hit”, and when it does not match the big hit value and the small hit value It becomes "displacement". The first special symbol success / failure determination is performed when the first special symbol starts variable display, and the second special symbol correctness determination is performed when the second special symbol starts variable display.

  When it is determined that the first special symbol is determined to be a big hit, the first special symbol which is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 is determined to be a big hit symbol which is a display mode (a big hit mode) indicating the big hit, If the first special symbol is determined to be a small hit in the first special symbol determination, the first special symbol stopped on the first special symbol display device 61 is a display mode (small hit mode) indicating a small hit. When the first special symbol display device 61 determines that the first special symbol display device 61 is out of the display mode (outside mode). (Non-special aspect). Similarly, when it is determined that the second special symbol is determined to be a big hit, the second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 62 is displayed as a big hit symbol which is a display mode (hit type) indicating a big hit. If the second special symbol is determined to be a small hit in the second special symbol success / failure determination, the second special symbol stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display device 62 is a display mode (small hit mode) indicating the small hit. In the display mode (outside mode) in which the second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 62 stops when the small special symbol is determined and it is determined that the second special symbol is determined to be out. It is decided to be a certain outlier design.

  The special symbol is configured to change and display according to a predetermined change pattern. This variation pattern defines the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect in the variation (effect content). The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by variation pattern determination using a variation pattern determination value from a variation pattern table in which a plurality of variation patterns are stored when the special symbol validity determination is executed.

  A plurality of special symbol variation pattern tables are prepared, and each is selected in accordance with the gaming state (special symbol variation mode). In addition, each variation pattern table selected according to the gaming state is selected when the special symbol success / failure determination result is a big hit and when the special symbol success / failure determination result is a small winner A small hit variation pattern table to be selected, and a loss variation pattern table selected when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is not included. The deviation variation patterns stored in the deviation variation pattern table include a “normal deviation variation pattern (reach variation pattern without reach)” that does not involve reach variation and a “reach variation pattern with reach” that involves reach variation. The normal deviation variation pattern is configured as a variation pattern with a shorter special symbol variation time than the reach deviation variation pattern. The reach variation variation pattern has a special symbol variation time longer than the normal variation variation pattern. It is configured as. The presence or absence of reach variation is determined by reach determination using the reach determination value acquired when the game ball enters the start port 28.

  First special symbol success / failure determination, second special symbol success / failure determination, determination of variation mode (variation pattern) of first special symbol, determination of variation mode (variation pattern) of second special symbol, stop of first special symbol Determination of symbol (stop mode), determination of stop symbol (stop mode) of second special symbol, variation display and stop display of first special symbol, variation display and stop display of second special symbol, priority of second special symbol The variation is configured to be performed by a main control unit 200 described later.

  Next, the big hit game which is one aspect of the win game will be described. When the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62 is the above-mentioned jackpot symbol (big hit mode) (when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit), The main control unit 200 starts a big hit game (special game) which is relatively advantageous to the player. The big hit game is started by setting the big hit game flag to ON, and the big winning device 33 is operated, in other words, the big winning opening 33a is opened and closed a plurality of times, so that the game balls to the big winning opening 33a are opened. It gives a player a profit (prize ball) for entering the ball. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, gaming profits (prize balls) are given as data. The big hit game is realized by repeatedly executing a hit game process by the main control unit 200 described later.

  During the big hit game, the big prize device 33 is operated, and a predetermined number of prize balls (15 in this embodiment) are paid out in accordance with the game balls entering the big prize opening 33a. That is, the winning ball is paid out when the winning ball entrance ball detection switch 33s (not shown) disposed in the winning port 33a detects the passage of the game ball. In the prize ball payout process of the present embodiment, the game ball itself is not paid out, but the number of game balls to be paid out as a prize ball is converted into data and added to the number of credits. For this reason, every time a game ball enters the big winning opening 33a, the credit number is incremented by "15".

  Then, with the start of the big hit game, the big winning device 33 is continuously operated, and the big winning opening / closing operation for switching the big winning port 33a between the open state and the closed state is continuously performed a plurality of times. This open state is ended when a predetermined end condition is established, and the open special winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined ending condition, when the opening time of the grand prize opening 33a reaches a specified time (30 seconds in this embodiment) or the number of game balls that have entered the open big opening 33a is a predetermined number (this implementation) In the example, it is possible to reach 10). In the case where one round game is performed from the start to the end of the open state of the big winning opening 33a, the number of rounds that can be executed in one big hit game is set.

  In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, two types of big hit games with different numbers of rounds are provided. Specifically, a “first big hit game” in which the number of rounds is set to 15 rounds and a “second big hit game” in which the number of rounds is set to two rounds are provided. When the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is “first jackpot”, the “first jackpot game” is started. When the result of the special symbol success / failure judgment is “second jackpot”, the “second jackpot game” is started. Is done. Since the maximum number of consecutive rounds of the first jackpot game is set to 15 rounds and the maximum number of rounds of the second jackpot game is set to two rounds, the first jackpot game is referred to as “15R jackpot game” below. The second jackpot game is also called “2R jackpot game”, the first jackpot is also called “15R jackpot”, and the second jackpot is also called “2R jackpot”. The second big hit game constitutes a “special hit game” together with a small hit game described later.

  The main control unit 200 determines the bonus symbol of the special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) determined based on the special symbol success / failure determination value (first special symbol success / failure determination value, second special symbol success / failure determination value). Depending on the type, the number of rounds of the jackpot game is determined. In other words, the special symbol jackpot symbol includes a “15R jackpot symbol” that generates a first jackpot (15R jackpot) and a “2R jackpot symbol” that generates a second jackpot (2R jackpot). Is provided. Further, in this embodiment, “15R probability variation big hit” and “2R probability variation big hit” are provided as big hits for which the probability variation function is activated after the big hit game ends, and the special symbol success / failure judgment value (first special bonus decision value) Depending on the type of the big win symbol of the special symbol (the first special symbol, the second special symbol) determined based on the symbol success / failure judgment value, the second special symbol success / failure judgment value), the probability variation function is activated after the big hit game ends. Decide whether or not to In other words, the special symbol big hit symbol “15R probability variable big hit” which will generate “15R probability variable big hit”, “2R probability variable big hit” which will generate “2R probability variable big hit”, and big hit game "Normal jackpot symbol" that will generate "normal jackpot (15R normal jackpot)" that the probability variation function does not work after the end of the game, and the type of jackpot symbol (result of special symbol pattern variation game) Based on the above, either “15R probability variation big hit”, “2R probability variation big hit”, or “normal big hit (15R normal big hit)” occurs.

  These first and second big hit games differ in the opening time (specified time) of the big winning opening 33a in one round. The opening time of the first jackpot game's big winning opening 33a (first big hit game's big winning opening opening time) is a predetermined number (10 pieces) of entering the big winning opening 33a and the execution of awarding of the winning balls. The time when the possibility becomes extremely high, that is, the time when the prize ball amount increases, is preferably set to 25 to 30 seconds, and is set to 26 seconds in the present embodiment. The opening time of the big winning hole 33a for the second big hit game (the big winning hole opening time for the second big hit game) is a specified number (10) of balls to be awarded to the big winning hole 33a and the execution of the award for the winning ball accompanying this. It is set as the time when the possibility becomes extremely low, that is, the time when the prize ball amount decreases (including the time when the prize ball amount becomes substantially zero), and is preferably 0.1 second to 6 seconds In this embodiment, it is set to 0.2 seconds. Due to the difference in the opening times of these big winning openings 33a, the first big hit game is positioned as a “long term game” having a long execution period, and the second big hit game has a short execution period together with a small hit game which will be described later. It is positioned as a “winning game (specific hit game)”.

  In this embodiment, the number of rounds and the opening time of the big winning opening 33a are different between the first big hit game and the second big hit game, but the first big hit game and the second big hit game share the same number of rounds. And only the opening time of the special winning opening 33a may be different. For example, the number of rounds of the first jackpot game and the number of rounds of the second jackpot game are both 15 rounds, the opening time of the jackpot 33a in the first jackpot game is 26 seconds per round, and the big prize in the second jackpot game The opening time of the mouth 33a may be 0.1 seconds per round. Even in this case, the first big hit game has a long execution period (a lot of prize balls) “long-term game”, and the second big hit game has a short execution period (small prize ball quantity) “per short period "Game (game per specific game)".

  Next, the small hit game which is one mode of the hit game will be described. When the first special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62 is a small hit symbol, the main control unit 200 determines the small hit Start the game. The small hit game is a hit game started by setting the small hit game flag to ON, and constitutes a “specific hit game” together with the second big hit game. In the small hit game, the big prize device 33 operates in the same manner as the second big hit game described above. In other words, in the small hit game, the large winning opening 33a is configured to be opened twice for 0.2 seconds, and the possibility that a gaming ball will enter the large winning opening 33a is extremely low, so that the granting of the winning ball is substantially reduced. It is in a gaming state that does not accompany. It should be noted that, based on whether or not a prize ball is awarded in the winning game, “first big hit” is also referred to as “per hitting”, and “second big hit” and “small hit” are also referred to as “no outgoing”.

  In the small hit game, since the operation of the second big hit game and the big prize device 33 is the same mode, the player can open and close the big winning opening 33a twice in a short time (a big winning opening opening pattern in the second big hit game) ) Cannot be discriminated whether the second big hit game or the small hit game has occurred. For this reason, it is more difficult to recognize whether or not the probability varying function is activated after the operation of the big winning device 33 (after the second big hit game or the small hit game is finished) (differentiation between the second big hit game and the small hit game). can do. In this way, a state in which the player has made it difficult to recognize (difficult to determine) that the probability variation function is operating is referred to as a “probability non-notification state (latent probability variation state in case of probability variation)”. Even when the number of rounds is the same for the first jackpot game and the second jackpot game, and only the opening time of the big prize opening 33a is different, the opening / closing pattern of the big prize opening 33a in the small prize game is the second. By making it the same as the big hit game, it is possible to make it difficult to distinguish the second big hit game from the small hit game. For example, if the opening time of the big winning opening 33a in the first big hit game is 26 seconds per round and the opening time of the big winning opening 33a in the second big hit game is 0.1 second per round, By making the number of times of opening of the big winning opening 33a 15 times and the opening time per time 0.1 seconds, it is possible to make it difficult to distinguish the second big hit game and the small hit game.

  In addition, “long-term games (first big hit games)” are hit games aimed at obtaining a large number of prize balls, whereas “short-term games (specific games per game)” is a game mode transition. Alternatively, it is a hit game for the purpose of maintaining the game mode. In other words, after the end of the 2R big hit game related to the second probability variable big hit, the probability variation function starts to operate for the gaming state at the start of the 2R big hit game (the game mode is shifted), and after the small hit game ends. The operating states of the probability changing function, the changing time shortening function, and the opening time extending function do not change with respect to the gaming state at the start of the small hit game (the gaming mode is maintained).

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, after the big hit game is finished, the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability fluctuation function are activated to be in an advantageous state (the “non-probable state with electric support” or “the positive change with electric support” described later) Status "etc.) is started. In the advantageous state in which the variable time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability variation function are activated, the symbol variation game can be advanced under conditions that are more advantageous than the normal state in which these functions are not activated. Here, as advantageous states, (a) a state in which all of the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability fluctuation function are activated (an electric power support with a certain variation state), (b) the fluctuation time shortening function, the opening time extension function Among the probability variation functions, only the probability variation function is activated (the probability variation state without electric support), (c) only the variation time shortening function and the opening time extension function among the variation time shortening function, the opening time extending function and the probability varying function. Can be exemplified (a state of electric support and a non-probable change state). The variable time shortening function, the opening time extending function, and the probability varying function operate by setting the fluctuation shortening flag, the opening extension flag, and the probability changing flag to ON, respectively. Further, the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function start simultaneously and end simultaneously. In the following description, when only one of the functions related to the operating state of the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function is described, the other function is also paired. For example, when it is described in the following description that “the variable time shortening function is operating”, this description can be interpreted as “the opening time extending function is also operating”. When it is described that “the function is operating”, this description can be understood as “the variable time reduction function is operating”. Hereinafter, the state in which the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are activated is also referred to as a “short time state”. Therefore, the above-mentioned (a) “probability change state with electric support” is “probability change state and short time state”, and (c) “non-probability change state with electric support” is simply “time reduction state”.

  In the present embodiment, whether or not the probability variation function is activated after the end of the jackpot game is determined according to the type of the jackpot symbol. Specifically, when “normal big hit symbol” is set as a special symbol stop symbol, “normal big hit” that does not activate the probability variation function occurs after the big hit game ends, and “probability big hit symbol (2R probable change) When the jackpot symbol, 15R probability variation jackpot symbol) is set, a “probability variation jackpot” that activates the probability variation function occurs after the jackpot game ends.

  As described above, when the special symbol stop symbol is a normal jackpot symbol, after the jackpot game is over, without changing the probability variation function, the variation time shortening function and the open time extension function are activated, Unsupported change state with support (short-time state) "is started. The non-probable change state (time reduction state) with electric support is realized by the control of the main control unit 200. By the activation of the opening time extension function, the opening time of the second start port 28b is extended from the first opening time (for example, 0.2 seconds), which is the normal setting time, to the second opening time (for example, 5 seconds). . As a result, the frequency of entering the game ball into the second start port 28b is higher than that at normal time (when the opening time extension function is not activated). The non-probable change state (short time state) with electric support is configured to continue until the number of executions of the special symbol change display (or stop display) reaches a predetermined number (100 in this example) after the big hit game is over. The predetermined number is set as the number of time reductions.

  Also, if the special symbol stop symbol is a 15R probability variation big hit symbol, after the big hit game ends, the probability variation function, variation time shortening function and open time extension function are activated to start the "predictable state with electric support" Is done. The probability variation state with the electric support is realized by the control of the main control unit 200. In this state, the probability that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination result is a big hit, that is, a special hit together with the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function. The probability variation function is activated to increase the probability that the symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol. That is, both the “probability change state” and the “short time state” continue until the next big hit game is started.

  When the probability variation function is activated (probability variation state), the jackpot value for determining whether or not the special symbol is increased increases the probability that the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is a jackpot. Specifically, as the success / failure determination table in which the jackpot value is set, a low probability success / failure determination table and a high probability success / failure determination table in which the number of jackpot values is set larger than the low probability success / failure determination table are prepared. . When the probability variation function is not in operation, the special symbol success / failure determination is performed using the low probability success / failure determination table, so that the probability that the special symbol success / failure determination value matches the jackpot value is low (in this embodiment, 1/200). When the probability variation function is activated, the special symbol success / failure determination is performed using the high probability success / failure determination table, so that the probability that the special symbol success / failure determination value matches the jackpot value is high (in this embodiment, 1/20). )

  When the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is a specific hit symbol (2R probability variable big hit symbol or small hit symbol), that is, when a specific hit (2R big hit or small hit) occurs, the specific hit game starts The operating state of the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function at the time (when the 2R probability variable big hit symbol or the small hit symbol is stopped and displayed) is maintained. That is, when the variation time shortening function and the release time extension function are activated at the start of the specific hit game, the variation time shortening function and the release time extension function are activated even after the specific hit game ends. On the other hand, if the fluctuation time shortening function and the opening time extension function are not activated at the start of the specific hit game, the fluctuation time shortening function and the opening time extension function are not activated even after the specific hit game is finished.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the effect display device 25 generates a symbol variation effect in response to the special symbol variation game performed using the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display device 62. Done. As the symbol variation effect, for example, in accordance with the variation display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol display on the second special symbol display device 62, the effect symbol consisting of numerical symbols is displayed in a variable manner. For example, a reach display effect to be performed during a change display of the effect symbol. There are a plurality of types of effect contents (effect patterns) of the symbol variation effect, and display data (image data) for these effects is stored in the ROM of the effect display control unit 280.

  Here, the symbol variation effect realized under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 described later will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, an effect symbol display unit 25 a for displaying effect symbols is provided in the display area V of the effect display device 25. This effect symbol is displayed in conjunction with the change display and stop display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display device 61 or the second special symbol on the second special symbol display device 62. That is, the effect display device 25 functions as a symbol display device in the same manner as the first special symbol display device and the second special symbol display device 62. Further, in the display area V of the effect display device 25, the part excluding the effect symbol display unit 25a is a background display area in which various background images including characters, figures, symbols, characters, and the like are displayed. The effect symbol display unit 25a and the background display area constitute a symbol variation effect screen. As described above, since the effect display device 25 is arranged in the center of the game board 20 (game area 21), the player usually displays the content displayed in the display area V of the effect display device 25 (particularly the effect symbol). It will play a game paying attention to.

  In the present embodiment, a three-digit number symbol consisting of “1” to “9” is used as the effect symbol, and the effect symbol display unit 25a displays the right symbol display unit on which the left symbol is displayed and the middle symbol. The middle symbol display area and the left symbol display area on which the right symbol is displayed are composed of three symbol display areas. The effect symbol display unit 25a has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of each symbol display unit, in this case, in the vertical direction (vertical direction).

  The effect symbol starts when the first special symbol or the second special symbol starts the variable display, and when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed at any of the symbols, the effect symbol Is stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In this embodiment, among the stop symbols of the production symbols, the combination of even symbols with the same three digits corresponds to the “ordinary big hit symbol” with the special symbol, and the combination of odd symbols with the same three digits has the “15R probability variation big hit with the special symbol. Corresponding to “design”, hitting combinations such as “1, 2, 3”, odd numbers such as “1, 3, 5”, and unreachable combinations such as “7, 6, 7” Chance symbols (so-called chance eyes), which are predetermined specific out-of-design symbols other than symbols, correspond to the special symbol “specific per symbol (2R probability variable big hit symbol, small hit symbol)”, and combinations of other symbols Corresponds to the special symbol "off symbol".

  The determination of the variation pattern (variation pattern) and stop symbol of the effect symbol is configured to be performed by the sub-control unit 260 based on the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol information designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200. . Here, the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260 indicates the variation pattern of the special symbol. Specifically, the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect The contents of the production are shown. The main control unit 200 randomly determines the variation pattern of the special symbol according to the determination result of the special symbol. Based on the special symbol variation pattern determined by the main control unit 200, the sub-control unit 260 determines the effect pattern of the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display unit 25a. The special symbol information designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260 indicates a special symbol stop symbol, and the main control unit 200 determines the special symbol according to the determination result of the special symbol. The stop pattern of is decided at random. Then, based on the special symbol information designation command indicating the special symbol stop symbol determined by the main control unit 200, the sub control unit 260 determines the stop symbol of the effect symbol to be stopped and displayed on the effect symbol display unit 25a.

  Further, in the display area V of the effect display device 25, a hold display effect for displaying the number of special symbols held and a jackpot game effect accompanying the progress of the jackpot game during the jackpot game are performed. The jackpot game effect includes a jackpot game start effect (fanfare effect) executed at the start of the jackpot game, a round effect executed during the jackpot game, a jackpot game end effect (ending effect) executed at the end of the jackpot game, etc. . These jackpot game effects are executed by the sub-control unit 260 based on commands transmitted from the main control unit 200 as the jackpot game progresses.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the electronic control device.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the electronic control device includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit (prize ball control unit) 230, a sub control unit 260, and an effect display control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sub control board 260a, and an effect display control board 280a, respectively, as peripheral control boards. Each of these control boards and other boards (a power board, a relay board, a drive board, a decoration board, an amplifier board, an effect button board, etc.) are arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 1.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280 is supplied with power from a main power source (not shown). Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

  The main control unit 200 constitutes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game. The main control unit 200 transmits a command signal (command data) instructing processing contents to each of the sub control units 230 and 260, and each sub control unit 230, Reference numerals 260 and 280 are configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

  The CPU 200b of the main control board 200a constituting the main control unit 200 includes a CPU core, a built-in RAM (hereinafter simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), etc., and is stored in the ROM. The control program controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM as a work area. Further, the main control unit 200 is configured by a CPU 200b as a main body to determine whether or not the special symbol (the first special symbol and the second special symbol) is determined by the determination program stored in the ROM. . Further, the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 determines a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table of the special symbol stored in the ROM when executing the special symbol validity determination. Note that the control cycle of the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

  A board input relay board 201 and a board output relay board 202 are connected to the main controller 200. The board input relay board 201 is connected with a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27 s, start-port entrance detection switches 28 s and 28 t, and a grand prize entrance entrance detection switch 33 s, and these signals are input to the main control unit 200. Is configured to do. The board output relay board 202 is connected with a normal symbol display device 51, special symbol display devices 61 and 62, a start port solenoid 28c, and a big prize port solenoid 33c, and a control signal from the main control unit 200 is output. .

  The payout control board 230a constituting the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU 230b having the same configuration as the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200. Connected to the payout control unit 230 are a firing control unit 250, a card unit 10, a credit display unit 11, a ball lending button 12a, a settlement button 12b, a return button 12c, and the like. The main control unit 200 sends commands to the payout control unit 230 such as a prize ball instruction command for giving a prize ball, a game start permission signal for instructing game start permission, and various launch control commands. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like. The credit-related processing by the payout control unit 230 will be described later.

  The sub-control unit 260 constitutes sub-control means for controlling various effects executed as the game progresses. The sub-control board 260a has a CPU 260b, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), an input / output port, etc. Circuit components and a sound generator are provided, and are connected to the main controller 200 at the input / output ports. The sub-control unit 260 is configured to control effect control using decoration display by various lamps, sound effects output from the speakers 9a to 9d, display of effect symbols by the effect display device 25, and the like.

  From the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260, various symbol control commands (variation pattern designation command, special symbol information designation command, symbol stop command, etc.) related to special symbol variation display, various lamp control commands, and various voice controls A command is sent. Various symbol control control commands for instructing display control of the effect symbols are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the effect display control unit 280 via the sub-control unit 260. An effect display control unit 280 is connected to the sub control unit 260, and display of effect symbols according to various symbol control commands from the main control unit 200 (from the sub control unit 260 to the effect display control unit 280). Various effect display control commands for instructing effect display control for realizing a symbol variation effect) are simultaneously transmitted.

  The effect display control board 280a of the effect display control unit 280 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) including a CPU 280b, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output port, a VDP (video display processor), and the like. The display unit 25 is connected to the control unit 260, and the effect display device 25 is connected to the effect display control unit 280. In addition, an image ROM (not shown) is provided on the effect display control board 280a, and the image data of the effect symbols displayed on the effect display device 25 (such as the image data relating to the above-described variation effect) is stored in the image ROM. Is stored more than once.

  In addition, various LEDs / lamps 262 and an amplifier board 263 are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via a decorative drive board 261. Each LED / lamp 262 includes a frame lamp portion 5c. Connected to the amplifier board 263 are speakers 9a to 9d that output various sounds, sounds, and the like in accordance with the progress of the game. Furthermore, the production buttons 6 (the middle button 6a, the left button 6b, and the right button 6c) are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via the production button board 264. The sub-control unit 260 is based on various commands from the main control unit 200 and the production buttons 6 (middle button 6a, left button 6b, right button 6c) (reception of variation pattern designation command, input of production button operation signal, etc.). Various LED / lamp lighting / flashing pattern selection / execution processing, sound effect data selection / output processing output from the speakers 9a to 9d, and design variation effect execution pattern (effect pattern) on the effect display device 25 ) Selection processing, symbol variation production execution processing based on the execution pattern, and the like.

  Here, a credit-related process executed by the CPU 230b of the payout control unit 230 (hereinafter also simply referred to as “payout control unit 230”) will be described. The payout control unit 230 performs processing for managing the card balance of the prepaid card and the number of credits as credit-related processing. Specifically, a game ball lending process, a game ball launch process, a process for increasing / decreasing the number of credits associated with winning a prize ball, and a game ball settlement process are performed.

  Upon receiving the operation signal of the ball lending button 12a, the payout control unit 230 subtracts a predetermined number from the card balance of the prepaid card and adds a number of game balls corresponding to the subtracted number to the credit number. Process. Then, the payout control unit 230 updates the display of the frequency display unit 10b and the credit display unit 11 of the card unit 10 in accordance with the game ball lending process.

  In addition, the payout control unit 230 performs a process of reducing the number of credits every time a game ball is fired by the launching device unit. When the payout control unit 230 receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control unit 200, the payout control unit 230 performs a process of adding the number of prize balls indicated by the command to the number of credits. The payout control unit 230 updates the display of the credit display unit 11 as the game ball is launched and the winning ball is acquired.

  Also, when the payout control unit 230 receives the operation signal of the settlement button 12b, it performs a settlement process of subtracting the number of credits and adding a frequency corresponding to the subtracted credit number to the card balance of the prepaid card. The settlement process (credit number subtraction process and card balance addition process) is started after a predetermined time has elapsed from the operation of the settlement button 12b, and is performed at predetermined intervals until the credit number becomes zero. The payout control unit 230 updates the display of the frequency display unit 10b and the credit display unit 11 with the settlement process. Specifically, every time the settlement process is performed, the number of credits displayed on the credit display unit 11 is decreased, and the card balance displayed on the frequency display unit 10b is increased correspondingly.

  In addition, every time a game ball settlement process is performed, a payout designation command indicating that the game ball settlement process has been performed is transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the main control unit 200. The main control unit 200 transmits the payment specification command to the sub-control unit 260 as it is. Then, the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 performs a settlement effect using the various speakers 9a to 9d, the effect display device 25 and the like based on the received settlement designation command.

  The payout control unit 230 is configured to perform a settlement process according to a predetermined settlement pattern. In the present embodiment, a normal payment pattern and a special payment pattern are provided as the game ball payment patterns. These settlement patterns are different in the execution mode of the settlement process. As an execution mode of the settlement process, an execution interval and a start timing of the settlement process can be exemplified. Specifically, in the normal checkout pattern, the game ball checkout process is started 3 seconds after the checkout button 12b is operated, and the checkout process is performed at 0.1 second intervals. In the special checkout pattern, the game ball checkout process is started 10 seconds after the checkout button 12b is operated, and the calculation process is performed at intervals of 5 seconds. These settlement patterns are stored in the ROM of the payout control unit 230.

  Further, the contents of the settlement effect (settlement effect sound of the speakers 9a to 9d, the settlement effect display of the effect display device 25, etc.) associated with the settlement process of the game ball are different between the normal settlement pattern and the special settlement pattern. When the game ball settlement process is performed with the normal settlement pattern, the normal settlement production corresponding to the settlement process with the normal settlement pattern is executed, and when the game ball settlement process is performed with the special settlement pattern, A special settlement effect corresponding to the settlement process with the settlement pattern is executed. Here, the contents of each effect (the adjustment effect sound of the speakers 9a to 9d, the adjustment effect display of the effect display device 25, etc.) are different between the normal adjustment effect and the special adjustment effect.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 230b of the payout control unit 230 determines whether or not there is an unnotified lottery result when the settlement button 12b is operated, and when it is determined that there is no unnotified lottery result, the normal settlement pattern And a special settlement pattern is set when it is determined that an unnotified lottery result exists. An example of the unnotified lottery result is “a case where the result of the symbol variation game is the second big hit with occurrence of the probability variation state”. Specifically, when the payout button 12b is operated during a period in which the result of the symbol variation game is “second big hit” and the probability non-notification state (latency probability variation state) is reached after the second big hit game ends. The settlement process is performed according to the special settlement pattern. For this reason, when the game ball settlement process is performed with the special settlement pattern, it is notified that “the probability variation state has occurred”.

  Further, in this embodiment, when there is an unreported lottery result, a button operation promotion effect that prompts the user to operate the settlement button 12b is executed. Specifically, when the result of the symbol variation game is “second big hit”, the button operation promotion effect is executed after the second big hit game ends. The effect period of the button operation promotion effect can be set arbitrarily, but in this embodiment, it is set until the number of times the special symbol fluctuates reaches 5. The button operation promotion effect can be realized, for example, by performing a display such as “Operate the settlement button within 5 rotations” on the display area V of the effect display device 25. The button operation promotion effect is realized by a control process by the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball settlement process is performed with the special settlement pattern only when the settlement button 12b is operated during the production period of the button operation promotion effect. For this reason, when the settlement button 12b is operated after the button operation promotion effect is finished, the game ball settlement processing is performed with the normal settlement pattern even in the latent probability changing state.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described based on a flowchart. FIG. 4 is an example of a main job performed under the control of the main control unit 200. The main job shown in FIG. 4 is executed by the CPU 200b mounted on the main control board 200a in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 200b or a ROM mounted on the main control board 200a). After the throw-in process (S100), each process of a game start process (S200), a normal symbol game process (S300), a normal electric game game process (S400), a special symbol game process (S500), and a winning game process (S600) Are repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. The power-off generation process (S50) is a power-on process (S100) when a power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like, the used registers and stack pointers are saved, the payout motor is stopped, and a system reset occurs. It has come to move to.

  The power-on process (S100) is performed when the power is turned on and when power is restored after the power is cut off. When the power is turned on, RAM initialization processing is performed, and when the power is turned off, the game state is restored when the power is turned off. Return settings etc. are made to make it happen. In the game start process (S200), detection of various switch states, update of various determination values (random number counter), prize ball payout control, and the like are performed.

  In the normal symbol game process (S300), first, the normal symbol determination is performed, and the normal symbol display device 51 (see FIG. 2) hits the normal symbol to stop display in the normal symbol display mode or Decide whether to stop display in the display mode. Here, as described above, the normal symbol success / failure determination in the present embodiment has a probability of being a hit according to the operating state of the opening time extension function (and the fluctuation time reduction function) that extends the opening time of the start port 28b. There is a difference that the probability of hitting is higher when the open time extension function (and variable time reduction function) is activated than when the open time extension function (and variable time reduction function) is not active.

  Next, when the result of normal symbol success / failure determination is obtained, the variation time of the normal symbol is set, and the variation display of the normal symbol is started according to the variation time. When the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the determined display mode, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display mode, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started. (The 2nd starting port 28b is made into an open state). In the normal symbol game process, the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed as described above, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is activated. I do. When the second start port 28b is actuated, the pair of blade pieces open to the left and right, and the second start port 28b is opened.

  In the ordinary electric accessory game process (S400), it is determined whether or not the opening time for maintaining the second start port 28b in the open state has elapsed, and if the open time has not elapsed, the second start port 28b. It is determined whether or not a predetermined number of winnings has been won. When it is determined that the predetermined number of winnings has been won at the second starting port 28b in the open state, or when it is determined that the opening time of the second starting port 28b in the open state has elapsed, a pair of The blade piece is closed, and the second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state).

  Next, the special symbol game process (S500) will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 5A, a start opening winning process is performed (S501). Here, the start opening winning process (S501) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the first start port 28a has been won (a game ball has entered) (S501a). If it is determined that the first start port 28a has not been won (S501a: NO), The process proceeds to S501d. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first start port 28a has been won (S501a: YES), it is determined whether or not the first special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501b). As a result, when it is determined that the first special symbol reservation number is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501b: NO), the process proceeds to S501d, and the first special symbol reservation number is less than 4. Is determined (S501b: YES), the first special symbol determination value is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (S501c). The first special symbol determination value includes a first special symbol determination value, a first symbol determination value, a first reach determination value, and the like. Thereby, the 1st special symbol reservation number increases by one.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the second start port 28b has been won (S501d). If it is determined that the second start port 28b has not been won (S501d: NO). The start opening winning process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second start port 28b has been won (S501d: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501e). As a result, when it is determined that the second special symbol hold number is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501e: NO), the start opening winning process is terminated, and the second special symbol hold number is less than 4. If it is determined that there is (S501e: YES), the second special symbol determination value is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (S501f). The second special symbol determination value includes a second special symbol success / failure determination value, a second symbol determination value, a second reach determination value, and the like. Thereby, the number of second special symbol reservation increases by one.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5A, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being played (whether or not the big hit game flag is ON) (S502). As a result, when it is determined that the big hit game is being played (the big hit game flag is ON) (S502: YES), the special symbol game process is terminated, and the big hit game is not being played (the big hit game flag is OFF). ) (S502: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is changing (S503).

  As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S503: YES), the process proceeds to S511 described later, and when it is determined that the special symbol is not changing (S503: NO). Then, it is determined whether or not it is during the special symbol stop display time (S504). Here, the stop display time of the special symbol is a time for determining the special symbol stopped and displayed. In this embodiment, the stop display time of the special symbol is “1 second”. If it is determined that it is during the special symbol stop display time (S504: YES), the process proceeds to S515 described later, and if it is determined that it is not during the special symbol stop display time (S504). : NO), it is determined whether or not the number of second special symbol hold is zero (S506). As a result, when it is determined that the number of second special symbol reservation is zero (S506: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of first special symbol reservation is zero (S507).

  If it is determined that the number of first special symbol reservation is not zero (S507: NO), the first special symbol variation display process is performed (S508). If it is determined in the determination process of S506 that the second special symbol hold number is not zero (S506: NO), a second special symbol variation display process is performed (S509). That is, if it is determined in the determination process of S506 that the second special symbol hold number is not zero (S506: NO), the first special symbol hold number is not zero (even if it is 1 or more). 2. The special symbol variation display process is executed. Thereby, the variation display of the second special symbol is performed in preference to the first special symbol, and the priority variation function of the second special symbol is realized by the determination processing in S506.

  Here, the first special symbol variation display process (S508) and the second special symbol variation display process (S509) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The first special symbol variation display process and the second special symbol variation display process are processes having the same contents. That is, the “special symbol” in FIG. 7 becomes “first special symbol” in the first special symbol variation display process, only “second special symbol” in the second special symbol variation display process, and the others are the same. is there. Hereinafter, the first special symbol variation display process (S508) will be described, and the description of the second special symbol variation display process (S509) will be omitted.

  First, a special symbol success / failure determination value (a success / failure determination value acquired when a game ball enters the start port 28) stored in a predetermined area (holding storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200 is read (S508a). A special symbol success / failure determination is performed (S508b). In the special symbol success / failure determination, when the probability variation function is in operation (probability change game), it is determined whether the determination result is a big hit (high probability state) using the high probability determination table. If it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation (in normal game), the normal probability determination table is used to determine whether the determination result is a big hit (low probability state). Make a decision.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol success / failure determination (S508b) is a big hit (S508c). As a result, when it is determined that it is a big hit (S508c: YES), a big hit hour variation pattern table setting process is performed (S508d). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a big hit (S508c: NO), a small hit determination is further performed to determine whether or not the result is a small hit (S508e). As a result, when it is determined that the game is a small hit (S508e: YES), a small hit hour variation pattern table setting process is performed (S508f). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a small hit (S508e: NO), a variation pattern table setting process at the time of disconnection is performed (S508g).

  Next, the variation pattern determination value is acquired, and the symbol determination value (the symbol determination value acquired when the game ball enters the start port 28) stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200 is read ( S508h). Then, the variation pattern and the stop symbol of the special symbol are determined using each determination value (S508i). As the special symbol variation pattern, the variation pattern determination value acquired in S508h is used to select a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table set in any one of S508d, S508f, and S508g. Each variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d, S508f, and S508g is associated with a variation pattern determination value and a variation pattern, and the variation corresponding to the variation pattern determination value acquired in S508h. The pattern is determined as the variation pattern used this time. Also, the special symbol stop symbol is set in the symbol determination table stored in the predetermined area of the main control unit 200 using the symbol determination value read in S508h when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit. When the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a small hit, it is determined as a small hit symbol, and when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is out of the game, it is determined as a lost symbol. As with the variation pattern table, the symbol determination table also associates the symbol determination value with each jackpot symbol, and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the symbol determination value read in S508h is the jackpot that is stopped this time. It is determined as a symbol.

  Next, according to the stop symbol and the variation pattern determined in the process of S508i, the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 starts the variation display of the special symbol (S508j), 1 is subtracted (S508k), and a symbol change start command is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 and the sub-control unit 260 (S508l). The “design variation start command” transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 includes a variation pattern designation command, a special symbol information designation command, and a hold number designation command. The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation pattern of the special symbol determined in the processing of S508i, and the special symbol information designation command is a command for designating the stop symbol of the special symbol similarly determined in the processing of S508i. is there. The number-of-holds designation command is a command for designating the number of special symbols held after the start of variable symbol display. When this symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260, the symbol variation effect (effect symbol variation display) is started under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 that have received these commands. The processing up to this point is when the special symbol variation display is started.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5A, if it is determined in S503 that the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is changing (S503: YES), the changing special symbol. It is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (S511). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol variation display time has not elapsed (S511: NO), it is determined that the special symbol game processing is terminated and the special symbol variation display time has elapsed. In this case (S511: YES), the special symbol change display is stopped (S512), and the special symbol change command indicating that the special symbol change display is stopped is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S513). A stop display time is set (S514).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (S515). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has not elapsed (S515: NO), the special symbol game processing is terminated, and it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed. If it is (S515: YES), the stop symbol of the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is a winning symbol (big hit symbol or small hit symbol) Is determined (S516 in FIG. 5B). As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is a winning symbol (S516: YES), the type of current hit and the current gaming state flag (probability change flag) are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200. The state of the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag) is stored (S517).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is a small hit symbol (S518). As a result, if it is determined that the stop symbol that has been stopped is not a small symbol (S518: NO), it is further determined whether or not the symbol that has been stopped is a 2R big hit symbol (S519). . As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol that has been stopped is not the 2R big hit symbol, that is, when the hit symbol that has been stopped is the 15R probability variable big hit symbol or the normal big hit symbol (S519: NO), the first The big winning prize opening / closing pattern for big hit is selected and set (S520). On the other hand, when it is determined that the winning symbol that is stopped and displayed is a 2R big hit symbol (S519: YES), the second big hit big opening opening / closing pattern is selected and set (S521). Then, the big hit game flag is set to ON (S522). Thereby, the big hit game is started according to the big winning opening / closing pattern set in the process of S520 or S521.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the probability change flag is set to ON (S523). If it is determined that the probability change flag is not set to ON (S523: NO), the process proceeds to S525, and the probability change is determined. If it is determined that the flag is set to ON (S523: YES), the probability variation flag is set to OFF (S524). As a result, the probability variation function stops operating with the start of the big hit game.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S525). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON (S525: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON. (S525: YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S526), and the open extension flag is set to OFF (S527). Thereby, with the start of the big hit game, the operation of the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function stops.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the determination process of S518 that the winning symbol stopped on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is a small symbol (S518: YES), The small winning big opening / closing pattern is selected and set (S528), and the small winning game flag is set ON (S529). Thereby, the small hit game is started in accordance with the big hit prize opening / closing pattern for small hit set in the process of S528.

  The small winning big winning opening / closing pattern set in the processing of S528 is the same as the second big winning big opening opening / closing pattern set in the processing of S521. For this reason, when the game per short opening (second probability variation big hit game, small hit game) occurs, the opening / closing operation of the big winning opening 33a is performed in a common (same) manner, so the operating mode of the big winning opening 33a Therefore, it is difficult to determine (obtain) which of the second probability variation big hit games or the small hit games is being executed among the short-open games.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S530). As a result, when it is determined that the variation shortening flag is not ON (S530: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the variation shortening flag is ON (S530: YES), the variation shortening is performed. The counter is decremented by “1” (S531), and it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter has become “zero” (S532). When it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is not “zero” (S532: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S532: YES). Then, the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S526), and the open extension flag is set to OFF (S527). As a result, the fluctuation time shortening function and the open time extending function stop operating.

  Next, in the determination process of S516, it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is not a winning symbol (big hit symbol or small hit symbol). If it is detected (in the case of a missing symbol) (S516: NO), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S533). As a result, if it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not ON (S533: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S533: YES), “1” is subtracted from the fluctuation shortening counter (S534). The fluctuation shortening counter is for monitoring the operating period of the fluctuation time shortening function and the open time extending function, and a predetermined set value is set in the processing of S609e and S609f (see FIG. 9) described later.

  Then, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter obtained by subtracting “1” in S534 is “zero” (S535). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is not “zero” (S535: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S535). : YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S536), and the release extension flag is set to OFF (S537).

  As a result, the fluctuation time shortening function and the open time extending function stop operating. Then, a mode designation command indicating a fluctuation mode (high probability normal fluctuation mode or low probability normal fluctuation mode) in which the fluctuation time shortening function and the open time extension function do not operate is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S538). Upon receiving this mode designation command, the sub-control unit 260 displays characters, characters, backgrounds, and the like indicating that the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are inactive (normal state). Process to be displayed.

  Next, the winning game process (S600) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not a winning game is in progress (whether the big hit game flag or the small hit flag is ON) (S601). As a result, when it is determined that the winning game is not in progress (the big hit game flag and the small hit flag are OFF) (S601: NO), the winning game process is terminated and the winning game is in progress (the big hit game flag or If it is determined that the small winning flag is ON) (S601: YES), it is determined whether or not the big winning opening 33a is being opened (S602). As a result, when it is determined that the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602: YES), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603), and the special winning opening 33a is determined. When it is determined that the opening time has not elapsed (S603: NO), it is determined whether or not the specified winning number 33a has been won (whether or not the specified number of game balls have entered). (S604).

  As a result, when it is determined that the prescribed number of winnings has not been won in the big winning opening 33a (S604: NO), the winning game process is terminated and the prescribed winning number has been won in the big winning opening 33a. When it is determined (S604: YES) or when it is determined that the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603: YES), the special winning opening 33a is closed (S605).

  If it is determined in the determination process of S602 that the special winning opening 33a is not open (S602: NO), it is determined whether or not a winning game end condition is satisfied (S606). In the determination process of S606, if the hit game currently being executed is the first big hit game, it is determined whether or not the number of rounds of the big hit game has reached 15 rounds, and the currently executed hit game is the second big hit game. If it is, it is determined whether or not the number of rounds of the big hit game has reached two rounds. If the hit game currently being executed is a small hit game, has the number of times of opening the big prize winning opening 33a been reached? Determine whether or not.

  As a result, when it is determined that the winning game end condition is not satisfied (S606: NO), it is determined whether or not the closing time (interval time) of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S607). When it is determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has not elapsed (S607: NO), the winning game process is terminated and it is determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed. (S607: YES), the special winning opening 33a is opened (S608).

  If it is determined in the determination process of S606 that the winning game end condition is satisfied (S606: YES), a winning game end process is performed (S609). Here, the winning game end process (S609) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the winning game flag (big hit game flag or small hit game flag) is set to OFF (S609a), and a winning game end designation command indicating that the winning game is ended is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S609b).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current big hit is a probabilistic big hit (S609c). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation is a big hit (S609c: YES), the probability variation flag is set to ON (S609d). As a result, the probability variation function starts to operate with the end of the big hit game. Then, “10,000” is set in the fluctuation shortening counter (S609e). On the other hand, when it is determined that the probability variation is not big hit (S609c: NO), "100" is set to the fluctuation shortening counter (S609f).

  Next, the fluctuation shortening counter is set to ON (S609g), and the open extension flag is set to ON (S609h). As a result, the fluctuation time shortening function and the opening time extension function start to operate with the end of the big hit game. Then, a gaming state designation command indicating the operating state of the probability variation function, variation time shortening function, and opening time extension function is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 and the sub control unit 260 (S609i).

  Next, processing executed by the payout control unit 230 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 10 and 11. The settlement process shown in FIG. 10 and the promotion effect counter-related process shown in FIG. 11 are executed by a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (ROM built in the CPU 230b or ROM mounted on the payout control board 230a) by the CPU 230b of the payout control unit 230. Based on.

  In the settlement process shown in FIG. 10, it is first determined whether or not the settlement button 12b has been operated (S700). As a result, when it is determined that the settlement button 12b is not operated (S700: NO), the settlement process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the settlement button 12b has been operated (S700: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of credits exceeds zero (S701).

  As a result, when it is determined that the number of credits does not exceed zero (zero) (S701: NO), there is no credit to be settled, and the settlement process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of credits exceeds zero (S701: YES), it is determined whether or not the promotion effect counter exceeds zero (whether or not the button operation promotion effect is being performed) ( S702).

  As a result, when it is determined that the promotion effect counter does not exceed zero (not during the button operation promotion effect) (S702: NO), the normal payment pattern is set as the game ball payment pattern (S703). On the other hand, if it is determined that the promotion effect counter is greater than zero (button operation promotion effect is being performed) (S702: YES), a special payment pattern is set as the game ball payment pattern (S704).

  Next, the game balls are settled with the settlement pattern set in the processing of S703 or S704 (S705). The settlement of the game ball is performed by subtracting the number of credits and adding a frequency corresponding to the subtracted credit number to the card balance of the prepaid card. Then, a settlement designation command indicating that the game ball has been settled is transmitted to the main control unit 200 (S706). The settlement designation command includes a command for specifying the settlement pattern set in the processing of S703 or S704. The main control unit 200 transmits the settlement designation command received from the payout control unit 230 to the sub control unit 260 as it is.

  Next, “1” is subtracted from the credit number (S707), and it is determined whether or not the credit number is zero (S708). As a result, when it is determined that the number of credits is not zero (S708: NO), the process proceeds to S705. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of credits is zero (S708: YES), the settlement process is terminated.

  In the promotion effect counter related process shown in FIG. 11, it is first determined whether or not the promotion effect counter exceeds zero (S800). As a result, when it is determined that the promotion effect counter does not exceed zero (is zero) (S800: NO), it can be determined that the button operation promotion effect is not being performed, and the main control is performed in the process of S609i (FIG. 9). It is determined whether or not the gaming state designation command transmitted by the unit 200 has been received (S801).

  As a result, when it is determined that the gaming state designation command has not been received (S801: NO), the promotion effect counter related processing is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the gaming state designation command is received (S801: YES), it is determined whether or not the gaming state specified by the gaming state designation command is a latent probability changing state (S802). .

  As a result, when it is determined that the gaming state is not the latent probability changing state (S802: NO), the promotion effect counter related processing is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the gaming state is the latent probability changing state (S802: YES), the initial value of the promotion effect counter is set to “5” (S803).

  If it is determined in the determination process of S800 that the promotion effect counter is greater than zero (S800: YES), it can be determined that the button operation promotion effect is being performed, and the processes of S508l and S509l (FIG. 7). Then, it is determined whether or not the symbol variation start command transmitted by the main control unit 200 has been received (S804).

  As a result, when it is determined that the symbol variation start command has not been received (S804: NO), the promotion effect counter related processing is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol variation start command has been received (S804: YES), the promotion effect counter is decremented by "1" (S805).

  Next, processing executed by the sub control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 13. The settlement effect process shown in FIG. 12 and the operation promotion effect process shown in FIG. 13 are performed by the CPU 260b of the sub-control unit 260 in a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 260b or a ROM mounted on the sub-control board 260a). And a process executed by the CPU 280b mounted on the effect display control board 280a based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 280b or a ROM mounted on the effect display control board 280a). It is included.

  In the settlement effect process shown in FIG. 12, first, it is determined whether or not the settlement designation command transmitted by the payout control unit 230 in the process of S706 (FIG. 10) has been received (S900). The settlement designation command is a command transmitted from the payout control unit 230 to the sub control unit 260 via the main control unit 200.

  As a result, when it is determined that the settlement designation command has not been received (S900: NO), the settlement presentation process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that the payment specification command is received (S900: YES), it is determined whether or not the payment pattern of the game ball specified by the payment specification command is based on the special payment pattern. (S901).

  As a result, when it is determined that the payment is not based on the special payment pattern (S901: NO), it can be determined that the game ball is adjusted according to the normal payment pattern. A settlement effect is executed (S902). On the other hand, when it is determined that the payment is based on the special payment pattern (S901: YES), a special payment effect corresponding to the payment of the game ball using the special payment pattern is executed (S903).

  In the button operation promotion effect process shown in FIG. 13, it is first determined whether or not a button operation promotion effect is being performed (S1000). As a result, if it is determined that the button operation promotion effect is being performed (S1000: YES), whether or not the symbol variation start command transmitted by the main control unit 200 in the processing of S508l and S509l (FIG. 7) has been received. Is determined (S1001).

  As a result, when it is determined that the symbol variation start command has not been received (S1001: NO), the button operation promotion effect process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the symbol variation start command has been received (S1001: YES), the number of times of execution of the promotion effect is subtracted by “1” (S1002). The number of times of promotion effect execution is the number of games in which the button operation promotion effect is executed, and an initial value is set in the process of S1007 described later. Then, it is determined whether or not the number of executions of the promotion effect is zero (S1003).

  As a result, when it is determined that the number of executions of the promotion effect is not zero (S1003: NO), the button operation promotion effect is ended because the button operation promotion effect is continued. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of executions of the promotion effect is zero (S1003: YES), the button operation promotion effect is ended (S1004).

  Next, when it is determined in the determination process of S1000 that the button operation promotion effect is not being performed (S1000: NO), the game state designation command transmitted by the main control unit 200 is received in the process of S609i (FIG. 9). It is determined whether or not (S1005). As a result, when it is determined that the game state designation command has not been received (S1005: NO), the button operation promotion effect process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the gaming state designation command has been received (S1005: YES), it is determined whether or not the gaming state specified by the gaming state designation command is a latent probability changing state (S1006).

  As a result, when it is determined that the gaming state is not the latent probability changing state (S10006: NO), the button operation promotion effect process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the gaming state is the latent probability changing state (S1006: YES), the number of times of executing the promotion effect is set to “5” (S1007), and the button operation promotion effect is started (S1008).

  In the present embodiment described above, when the settlement button 12b is operated when the second big hit game ends and the latent probability change state occurs, the game ball settlement process is performed with a special settlement pattern different from the normal settlement pattern. It is configured to be Thereby, the player can recognize that there is an unnotified lottery result (the current gaming state is the latent probability changing state), and the player can continue the game. As a result, the player can be prevented from suffering a disadvantage by stopping the game during the latent probability changing state, and the fairness of the game can be ensured.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the second big hit game is finished and the latent probability changing state occurs, the button operation promotion effect for prompting the operation of the settlement button 12b is executed. Thereby, it can be suggested that an unnotified lottery result is notified by operating the settlement button 12b (the current gaming state is a latent probability changing state), and the player suffers more effectively. Can be prevented.

  Here, the correspondence between the present embodiment and each means of the present invention will be described. “Card balance of prepaid card” corresponds to “game value information” of the present invention, and “card unit 10” of the present invention. The “2R big hit symbol” corresponding to the “game value information management means” in FIG. 6 can generate the latent probability variation state corresponds to the “predetermined hit mode”, and the “main control unit 200” Corresponding to “means”, “lottery means”, “special game execution means”, “probability change state generation means”, the “payout control unit 230” corresponds to the “handball information storage means”, “settlement execution means”, “ “Sub-control unit 260” and “effect display control unit 280” correspond to “operation promotion effect executing means” of the present invention.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, and those skilled in the art Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the adjustment button 12b is operated during the button operation promotion effect for prompting the operation of the adjustment button 12b, the game ball is adjusted with a special adjustment pattern. Even when the settlement button 12b is operated during the non-execution of the performance, the game ball settlement processing may be performed using the special settlement pattern.

  Moreover, in the said Example, when the 2nd big hit game was complete | finished and the latent probability change state generate | occur | produced, it comprised so that a button operation promotion effect might be performed, but you may comprise so that a button operation promotion effect may not be performed. .

  In the above embodiment, the payout control unit 230 is configured to perform the game ball settlement process. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the main control unit 200 may be configured to perform the game ball settlement process.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the game ball is settled with the special settlement pattern when the settlement button 12b is operated after the second big hit game ends and the latent probability change state occurs. Not limited to this, even before the latent probability change state occurs, it is possible to perform a game ball settlement process with a special settlement pattern when the settlement button 12b is operated during the execution of the second big hit game.

  Further, in the above embodiment, as an example of the “unreported lottery result” that is a condition for performing the game ball settlement process with the special settlement pattern, “the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is the second big hit” is exemplified. Not limited to this, different types of lottery results can be used as “unreported lottery results”.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 10 ... Card unit (game value information management means), 12b ... Checkout button (checkout operation means), 21 ... Game area, 61 ... 1st special symbol display device, 62 ... 2nd special symbol display device, 200 ... main control unit (privilege grant means, lottery means, special game execution means, probability variation state generation means), 230 ... payout control section (handball information storage means, payment execution means, payment pattern storage means), 260 ... sub-control Parts (operation promotion effect execution means), 280 ... effect display control part (operation promotion effect execution means).

Claims (3)

A game machine that circulates and uses a game ball enclosed inside, and advances the game so that the game ball launched from the launch position to the game area is returned to the launch position again and can be launched,
Possession ball information storage means for storing the number of game balls that can be launched into the game area as possession ball information;
Game value information management means for managing game value information that can be converted between the possession ball information,
Checkout operation means that can be operated by the player,
In accordance with an operation of the settlement operation means by a player, a settlement execution means for executing a settlement process for converting the ball information into the game value information according to a predetermined settlement pattern;
As the settlement pattern, a settlement pattern storage means for storing a plurality of settlement patterns having different execution modes of the settlement process;
A privilege grant lottery for determining whether or not to grant a predetermined privilege to a player is performed, and when the privilege grant lottery is won, the privilege is granted to the player without notifying the result of the specific grant lottery A privilege granting means,
The game machine is characterized in that when the payment operation means is operated in a state where the bonus grant lottery is won, the payment process is executed according to a special payment pattern different from a normal payment pattern.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising an operation promotion effect executing means for executing an operation promotion effect that prompts an operation of the settlement operation means when the bonus grant lottery is won. A symbol variation game execution means for executing a symbol variation game for causing the symbol display device to variably display a symbol based on establishment of a predetermined condition;
Lottery means for performing a lottery for determining a stop mode of the symbol in the symbol variation game based on establishment of the predetermined condition from a plurality of stop modes including a hit mode;
When the symbol variably displayed in the symbol variable game is stopped and displayed in a winning manner determined by the lottery means, special game execution means for executing a special game advantageous to the player;
When the predetermined winning mode is determined by the lottery means, the probability that the winning mode is determined by the lottery means is high after the special game based on the fact that the symbols are stopped and displayed in the predetermined winning mode. A probability variation state generating means for generating a certain probability variation state,
With
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the winning result of the privilege grant lottery is a lottery result in which the predetermined winning mode is determined by the lottery means.

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