JP2014230639A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which is hard to cause decrease in game amusement.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: ball entry information storing means for storing ball entry information that is acquired based on entry of a game ball in a start port; variation display means which executes variation display of discrimination information until a predetermined variation period expires based on the ball entry information stored in the ball entry information storing means; and variation time setting means for setting variation time of the discrimination information. The variation time setting means, until the ball entry information stored in the ball entry information storing means reaches the predetermined number of pieces, sets the variation time to be a first variation time based on the number of pieces of ball entry information stored in the ball entry information storing means. When the ball entry information stored in the ball entry information storing means comes to be the predetermined number of pieces, the variation time is set to be a second variation time that is shorter than the first variation time before new ball entry information is stored in the ball entry information storing means.

Description

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

  A ball-type game machine (pachinko machine) is provided with a starting port and a pitch information storage unit (determination random value storage unit), and is acquired based on a game ball entering the starting port. Information (random numbers for determination) can be stored in the ball entry information storage means up to a predetermined upper limit number. Then, the entrance information that satisfies the predetermined processing conditions (for example, the change start condition, the success / failure determination start condition) is read from the entrance information storage means, and it is determined whether or not the specific game is to be executed. When such a determination of validity is executed, a variable display using the identification information is started, and when the execution time (variation time) of this variable display elapses, the result of the determination of the validity is displayed using the identification information. Here, the processing condition of the entrance information refers to a condition for starting processing such as determination of success / failure and variation display based on the entrance information, and is stored in the entrance information storage means, and the entrance condition is not satisfied. The number of information is referred to as “holding number”.

  In this type of gaming machine, it is common to set the execution time (fluctuation time) of the variable display according to the number of holdings. That is, it is common to set the execution time (variation time) of the variable display to be shorter as the number of holds increases (refer to Patent Document 1, hereinafter referred to as “conventional example”).

JP 2011-177230 A

  The gaming machine according to this conventional example has the following problems. In other words, in the situation where it is difficult to generate a ball at the start opening (hereinafter referred to as “start winning prize”), the execution time (variation time) of the variable display is set to be shorter as the number of holdings gradually approaches the upper limit number. While it is possible to prevent the entrance to the starting port from being wasted as much as possible, there is a situation that the number of holdings is difficult to reach the upper limit. For this reason, when a dedicated effect using a plurality of variable displays executed when the number of holds reaches the upper limit number is provided, there is a problem that the dedicated effect is not easily executed. In addition, there is a problem that the execution time of the dedicated effect becomes redundant as a whole because the change time of the change display selected when the number of holds is small among the change displays constituting the plurality of change displays. is there.

  On the other hand, when the variable display time is shortened uniformly regardless of the number of holds, the dedicated performance that is executed when the number of holds reaches the upper limit is highly interesting. The display is light and lacks taste. Also, under circumstances where starting prizes are unlikely to occur due to nail adjustments, etc., even if the number of holds is difficult to reach the upper limit and the number of holds becomes the upper limit, and a dedicated performance is executed, the number of holds will be reduced to zero Therefore, there is a case in which the number of holdings is stagnated near “zero”, and the number of holdings does not increase easily or the change display is not executed for a long time. In this case, it is easy to cause a decrease in the entertainment interest.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that is unlikely to cause a decrease in gaming interest.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
Entry information storage means for storing the entry information acquired based on the entry of the game sphere into the start opening, up to a predetermined number;
Fluctuation display means for performing fluctuation display of the identification information until a predetermined fluctuation time elapses based on the ball entry information stored in the ball entry information storage means;
A variation time setting means for setting a variation time of the identification information;
Specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player when the result of the variation display is a specific result;
With
The variation time setting means includes:
The variation time is set to the first variation time based on the number of entry information stored in the entry information storage unit until the entry information stored in the entry information storage unit reaches the predetermined number. Set,
When the number of pieces of entry information stored in the entry information storage unit reaches the predetermined number, the variation time is shorter than the first variation time until new entry information is stored in the entry information storage unit. The second variation time is set.

According to the present invention, in the state where the variation time is set to the first variation time (normal variation time), the variation start condition stored in the entry information storage unit is not satisfied (the variation display is not performed). ) Regardless of whether the number of entry information (hereinafter referred to as “holding number”) is decreasing or non-decreasing, the variation time is set to the first variation time (normal variation time). In addition, once the number of holds reaches the upper limit (predetermined number), the variation time is set to the second variation time (specific variation time) shorter than the first variation time until the predetermined condition is satisfied. Processing of the ball-entry information stored in the information storage means in a short time (also referred to as “specific variation time setting control”) is started. Further, even when the entry information stored in the entry information storage means is being processed at once, if new entry information is stored in the entry information storage means (if the number of holdings tends to be maintained or increased) After that, since the fluctuation time is set to the first fluctuation time that is longer than the second fluctuation time, the number of holdings tends to become the upper limit again.
Thereby, even when the first fluctuation time is set longer, it is possible to make it difficult to generate a useless ball (entering a ball exceeding the upper limit of the number of reservations). In addition, while increasing the number of opportunities for the number of holds to reach the upper limit, the change time when the upper limit is reached is shortened and digested all at once. Production can be performed.

That is, according to the present invention, the fluctuation time until the number of holds reaches the upper limit is set to the first fluctuation time (normal fluctuation time) to make it easier to reach the upper limit number. When the number is reached, the variation time is set to a second variation time (specific variation time) that is shorter than the first variation time, and the entry information is to be processed all at once.
For this reason, according to the present invention, (a) the number of holds is delayed at “zero”, the number of holds is not increased easily, or the state where the variable display is not executed for a long time, or (b) the number of holds is “upper limit”. It is difficult to cause a decrease in the entertainment interest of the game, because it is difficult to cause a delay in “number” and frequent occurrence of “over prize”.
In addition, according to the present invention, even when the number of holds reaches the upper limit and the start of setting the fluctuation time to the second fluctuation time is started, new entry information is stored in the entry information storage means. Because the fluctuation time is returned to the first fluctuation time, even if the number of holdings tends to decrease, the number of holdings becomes “zero” at a stretch, the state where the number of holdings does not increase easily and fluctuation display is not executed for a long time It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a state. Further, in the present invention, when the number of reservations reaches the upper limit number, the fluctuation time is shortened, so that the fluctuation efficiency can be maintained.

In the present invention,
Comprising information setting means for setting first information indicating that the first variation time is set, or second information indicating that the second variation time is set;
The information setting means changes the information to be set from the first information to the second information when the number of pieces of entry information stored in the entry information storage means reaches the predetermined number.
When new entry information is stored in the entry information storage means in a state where the second information is set, the information setting means changes the information to be set from the second information to the first information. It is good to do.

  In this case, since whether or not to execute the second variation time setting control (specific variation time setting control) is specified based on whether or not the second information is set, the variation time setting control can be performed smoothly. . Here, as the “second information”, it can be exemplified that “a flag indicating that the second variable time setting control can be executed” is set (set to ON). As an example, the “flag indicating that the second variable time setting control can be executed” is canceled (set to OFF).

Furthermore, in the present invention,
Along with the execution of the variable display, a game effect is executed,
The effect is executed in association with the fact that the variable display based on the second variable time is executed a plurality of times, and a series of related effects are executed by the effect executed across the variable display of the plurality of times. Also good.

  In this case, “effects associated with a plurality of change displays executed based on the second change time” are executed as a series of effects. In other words, an effective presentation is executed when processing a plurality of pieces of entry information continuously in a short time, so that it is possible to enhance the game entertainment. That is, while making it easy to generate the continuous effects that make up the related effects, the variation time of the continuous effects can be set to the second variation time so that the continuous effects can be seen effectively, so that the specific continuous effects can be effectively Can be executed. Moreover, it can be provided with the effect display part which performs the effect on a game.

In the present invention,
Prior to the start of the variation display for the entry information, it is determined in advance whether or not the variation display result is the entry information for the entry information stored in the entry information storage means. Pre-determining means to perform,
The result of the prior determination may be suggested in the series of related effects.

  In this case, since the result of the prior determination is suggested in a series of effects, the game entertainment can be further enhanced. In addition, “implying the result of prior determination” means that the determination result regarding the stored information is a specific result or that the possibility of the specific result is notified in a predetermined manner. For example, a predetermined display mode from a plurality of display modes, specifically suggested by color, suggested by the type of character, or suggested by the content of a conversation (word) is exemplified.

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

  Further, in this specification, a game ball entering (accepting) a variety of winning holes provided on the game board surface may be referred to as “winning” or “entering”. Of these, “winning” means that a game ball enters a winning opening, which is a premise for paying out a winning ball, and that a gaming ball enters (accepts) a winning opening. Substantially synonymous with “entering ball”. Furthermore, in a winning device that can change between a state where a winning is impossible (or difficult to win) and a state where a winning is possible (or easy to win), such as a large winning device and a second start winning device described later, Alternatively, a state where it is difficult to win a prize may be referred to as a first state, and a state where a prize is possible (or easy to win) may be referred to as a second state.

Here, the “variation time setting means” usually sets the fluctuation time of the identification information to the first based on the number of pieces of entry information (holding number) stored in the entry information storage means when determining the fluctuation time. Determine the variation time. However, when the number of pieces of entry information reaches a predetermined number (upper limit), it is determined after that, when the amount of entry information reaches the predetermined number, and until the newly entered entry information is stored. Is set to a second variation time shorter than the first variation time.
The “first variation time” is a time determined based on a first variation time determination table (consisting of a plurality of tables and a predetermined table is used according to the number of holds). The number of types is preferably plural, but may be singular. Further, the second variation time is a time determined based on a second variation time determination table (which may be composed of a plurality of tables or one table), and the variation time is singular. There may be more than one. In order to execute a specific effect, it is preferable to use a single effect, or even a plurality of effects to have a smaller number than the first variation time. “Setting the variable time” means selecting and setting a specific variable time from a plurality of predetermined variable times according to the gaming state, the number of holds, and the like.
Furthermore, “the number of holdings tends to be non-decreasing” means that the number of holdings when starting variable display is the same as the number of holdings when starting other variable display executed before the variable display. In some cases (in the case of a maintenance tendency), and when the number of holds when starting a variable display is higher than the number of holds when starting another variable display executed before the variable display ( If there is a tendency to increase). In addition, examples of the “predetermined processing condition” include a variation start condition of identification information (symbol) based on the entrance information and a start / fail judgment start condition of the entrance information.
Further, in addition to the configuration of the present invention, identification information display means (special symbol display means, effect symbol display means, special symbol) for displaying the identification information (special symbol, effect symbol, etc.) in a variable manner based on the determination result of the entry information. A display unit, an effect display device), identification information display control means (effect display control unit) for variably displaying the identification information in accordance with a predetermined effect pattern; A variable entrance that can be changed to a possible entry possible state, and a specific game (special game, big hit game, small hit game, hit that makes the variable entrance possible to enter if the result of the determination is successful. Specific game execution means for executing a game).

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is difficult to cause a decrease in gaming interest.

It is a perspective view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game board of the game machine which concerns on each Example (except Example 5) of this invention. It is a front view which shows roughly the display screen of the effect display apparatus of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a schematic front view which shows the 1st starting prize-winning apparatus of the state which removed the front board part. It is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the first start winning device and the like. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 4. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the distribution aspect of the game ball in a 1st start winning device. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the distribution aspect of the game ball in a 1st start winning device. (A) And (b) is the front view which shows schematically the 2nd starting prize-winning apparatus. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display mode in a holding | maintenance display area. (A) is a front view schematically showing a lower display device of a gaming machine according to each embodiment, and (b) is a special symbol variable display mode executed by the lower display device of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. (C) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of a production | presentation symbol (stop symbol). It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) is a block diagram showing an electronic control device according to each embodiment of the present invention, (b) conceptually shows a command output from the main control unit in the gaming machine according to each embodiment It is explanatory drawing. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the command at the time of start winning, the random value memory for determination, etc. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the random value memory for determination. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the special figure 1 big hit symbol determination data table and special figure 2 big hit symbol determination data table which concern on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the normal electric accessory game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern table distribution process. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a fluctuation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a fluctuation pattern table. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the characteristics of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the characteristics of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the characteristics of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the characteristics of the first embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the production control processing of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process at the time of holding | maintenance generation | occurrence | production. It is a flowchart which shows a design change effect process. It is a flow figure showing processing at the time of reservation digestion. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the design fluctuation effect etc. which are performed with an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of the game machine which concerns on Example 2. FIG. The It is a flowchart which shows the figure change start process of the game machine which concerns on Example 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a variation pattern table according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the characteristics of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the characteristics of the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the characteristics of the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation pattern table distribution process which concerns on Example 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a variation pattern table distribution process according to the fourth embodiment. It is a front view which shows the game board of the game machine which concerns on Example 5. FIG. (A) is a flowchart which shows the variation pattern table distribution process which concerns on Example 3, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the variation pattern table which concerns on Example 5. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a modification. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a modification. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a modification. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a modification. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a modification.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments showing modes for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, specific examples in which the present invention is applied to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 referred to as a “seven machine” will be described.

(1) Mechanical structure a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H attached to the outer frame 2. The outer frame 2 includes an outer frame main body 2A configured by a substantially rectangular frame-shaped body, and a front plate portion 2B that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 2A.

  The gaming machine main body H is rotatably mounted on the left end side of the outer frame 2 using the hinges H1 and H2 on the left end side of the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and includes a main body frame 3, a front frame 4, and a dish member integrated with the front frame 4 (an upper dish member 5 and a lower dish The members 6) 5A, the game board 10 (see FIG. 2), the back mechanism board 102, and the like are the main parts.

  The main body frame 3 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The main body frame 3 is entirely made of plastic, and is constituted by a frame-like body that can hold the game board 10. When the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10 (see FIG. 2), the “game area 11 configured on the board surface (front surface) of the game board 10” is visible from the front of the main body frame 3.

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 4 includes a frame body 41 having a visual window 41a provided in a state of penetrating in the front-rear direction, and a glass plate 43 fitted in the visual window 41a. The game area 11 formed in the game board 10 (a substantially circular game area 11 in front view) is positioned behind the front frame 4 when the front frame 4 is closed. It can be visually recognized from the front of the front frame 4 through 41a (glass plate 43).

  Further, in this gaming machine 1, “a plate member 5 </ b> A in which the upper plate member 5 and the lower plate member 6 are integrated” is integrated with the front frame 4, and can be opened and closed integrally with the front frame 4 with respect to the main body frame 3. Has been. However, the plate member 5 </ b> A may be mounted below the mounting portion of the front frame 4 in the main body frame 3 so that it can be opened and closed separately from the front frame 4. Further, the upper plate member 5 and the lower plate member 6 are provided separately, arranged below the mounting portion of the front frame 4 in the main body frame 3, and the upper plate member 5 arranged above is separated from the front frame 4. The lower plate member 6 arranged below can be opened and closed and cannot be opened and closed.

  Speakers SP1 and SP2 are mounted on the left and right sides of the front side of the front frame 4, and the speakers SP3 and SP4 are also built in the left and right ends of the front plate 2B. And in this game machine 1, the sound effect according to a game state and other sounds (sound) are generated using these speakers SP1-SP4. In addition, on the front surface portion of the front frame 4, a portion that constitutes the arrangement position of the upper plate member 5 is provided with a receiving port 5 b for receiving a game ball discharged from the gaming machine 1. Further, a ball rental display board 410 (see FIG. 12) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 12) are provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and an “effect button SW” is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5. Is arranged.

  A lower dish member 6 is provided at a lower portion of the upper dish member 5, and a game ball discharged from the upper dish member 5 is received in a substantially container-shaped interior at the center of the lower dish member 6. The receiving port 6a is provided. A firing handle 9 is provided on the right end side of the lower plate member 6. A launcher unit 90 (see FIG. 2) is disposed on the rear side of the front surface of the main body frame 3 (inside the main body frame 3) and located on the left end side below the game board 10. The launcher unit 9 is connected to the launcher unit 90. Here, the launcher unit 90 is for launching a game ball sent out from a ball feeder (not shown) substantially vertically upward to reach the game area 11. The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch (touch sensor) 9a for detecting that the player is touching, and in the vicinity thereof, the launch stop for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball is stopped. A switch 9b is attached.

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

  The game board main body 10A includes a region forming portion 10B that is substantially circular in a front view, and a region outside 10C that is positioned around the region forming portion 10B. In addition, an outer rail 12 and an inner rail 13 that are both configured using a band-shaped metal plate are disposed on the front surface of the game board main body 10A. And the front part of the area | region formation part 10B comprises the game area | region 11 being enclosed by the substantially circular surrounding wall which this outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 form. In this area forming part 10B (site located in the game area 11), the main accessory device 20, the normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, the first start winning device 17A, and the second start winning prize The device 17B, the big winning device 31, the lower display device 60 (symbol display device), the two general winning devices 45 and 46, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), the windmill 19 and the like are arranged. ing. Note that the alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG.

  The main accessory device 20 includes an attachment member (decorative plate) 21 and an effect display device 27. Among these, the attachment member 21 is comprised by the plate-shaped body with which the front part of the area | region formation part 10B is mounted | worn, and has comprised the approximate center part of the game area | region 11. FIG. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a substantially rectangular opening in a front-rear direction in a front view, and a display screen 27a (described later) is visually recognized from the front of the game board 10 through the opening. A display window 21e is provided to enable this. In the following description, a part of the gaming area 11 that is located above the main accessory device 20 (upper area of the gaming area 11) is an upper area 11U, and a part that is located below (lower area of the gaming area 11). May be referred to as a lower region 11D, a portion located on the left side (left region of the gaming region 11) as a left region 11L, and a portion located on the right side (right region of the gaming region 11) may be referred to as a right region 11R.

  The stage member 21p is attached to the lower edge of the attachment member 21 so as to protrude forward, and the decorative member 21A is attached to the other part of the peripheral edge of the attachment member 21 so as to protrude forward. ing. The decorative member 21A includes a flange portion 21H protruding from the upper edge portion of the mounting member 21, a left decorative portion 21L protruding from the left edge portion of the mounting member 21, and a right decorative portion protruding from the right edge portion of the mounting member 21. 21R.

  A game ball passage (a so-called “warp passage”) 21w is formed inside the left decorative portion 21L. Then, on the left side surface portion of the left decoration portion 21L, the entrance (not shown) of the left warp passage 21w opens obliquely upward to the left, and the game ball flowing down the game area 11 (left area 11L) It is received at the entrance and is entered on the stage unit 21p (inside the main accessory device 20). Moreover, the stage part 21p comprises the rolling surface 21M (refer the broken line of a figure) of a game ball with the upper surface part. The rolling surface 21M is configured as an inclined surface that descends from the left and right end portions toward the central portion, and is a raised portion that slightly protrudes upward at the central portion of the rolling surface 21M.

  In the gaming machine 1, the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and reached the left end of the rolling surface 21M through the warp passage 21w rolls right on the rolling surface 21M, and further to the left. Roll. Then, when the momentum of these game balls has declined, they are discharged out of the main accessory device 20, but most of the game balls discharged from the center of the rolling surface 21M win the first start winning device 17A. To do.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the center portion of the stage portion 21p (rolling surface 21M) is an inclined surface 21T descending rearward, and the center portion rearward (inclined) of the stage portion 21p (rolling surface 21M). An introduction port 21Y of the discharge path 21V is opened on the rear side of the surface 21T. The discharge path 21V depicts a path that is substantially half-circular, and the discharge port 21X is positioned substantially vertically above a ball inlet 73a (described later) of the first start winning device 17A. For this reason, the game ball whose ball speed has been loosened at the center of the stage portion 21p (rolling surface 21M) enters the discharge path 21V through the introduction port 21Y and then passes through the discharge path 21V. And after discharging | emitting to the game board 10 front from the discharge port 21X, it falls below, and the probability of entering the 1st start winning device 17A through the ball entrance 73a is made high. Among the game balls that flow down the game area 11 and enter the first start winning device 17A, those that enter the first start winning device 17A without entering the main accessory device 20, There is one that enters the accessory device 20 and rolls on the stage portion 21p and then enters the first start winning device 17A.

  The effect display device 27 is configured by using a liquid crystal display device, and executes a symbol change effect in accordance with the special symbol change display and stop display in the lower display device 60. In the present embodiment, the lower display device 60 (the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b) performs a symbol variable game (variable display) using the special symbol (the main symbol), and an effect display device. 27 performs a symbol variation effect using the effect symbol. Here, the symbol variation effect is a display effect or the like performed in accordance with the progress of the symbol variation game (variable display of special symbol, stop display) in order to show the player the result of the symbol variation game. The first special symbol (main symbol) is displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a, and the second special symbol (main symbol) is displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b. Details of the first special symbol and the second special symbol will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the display screen 27 a of the effect display device 27 can be displayed so that the player can visually recognize various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. That is, almost the entire display screen 27a becomes a display area, and a pattern indicating a background (hereinafter referred to as background pattern), a background color (blue, red, etc.) is displayed on the display area. The An effect symbol display area 27b for displaying three (three-digit) effect symbols (pseudo symbols) in a state of being superimposed on the front of the background symbols and background colors is provided on the display screen 27a. In the effect symbol display area 27b, three effect symbols are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction, and an effect display, a stop display, and the like using these “effect symbols” are performed. In addition, a pattern indicating a character (hereinafter referred to as a character pattern) may be displayed as a background pattern, or a live-action image (not shown) may be displayed. Then, the “display effect” is realized by these “effect design”, “background design”, and “character design”. It should be noted that when the “effect design” is variably displayed in the effect design display area 27b, the background design and the background color can be visually recognized with the effect design display area 27b being watermarked.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the display screen 27a is provided with a holding display area 27c (D1 to D8) in a portion near the lower edge. In this holding display area 27c, the number of holdings (hereinafter referred to as “first holding number”) related to the “first special symbol” generated based on the entry to the first start winning device 17A is “4” as the upper limit number. In addition to the display, the number of reservations relating to the “second special symbol” generated on the basis of the ball entering the first start winning device 17A or the second start winning device 17B (hereinafter referred to as “second holding number”) is “4”. "Is displayed as the upper limit. That is, in this embodiment, “8”, which is the sum of the upper limit number of the first hold number and the upper limit number of the second hold number, is the upper limit of the total hold number of the first hold number and the second hold number. Become.

  In the hold display area 27c, a maximum of 8 hold symbols can be displayed from the left side to the right side. Although the ball has entered the first start winning device 17A or the second start winning device 17B, it is still digested. The number of game balls that have not been played (that is, the number of reserved balls) is indicated by the number of reserved symbols displayed, and the number of displayed unreserved symbols is reduced each time an undigested game ball is digested. The number (holding number) is decremented and displayed sequentially. The display mode of the hold (hold symbol) in the hold display area 27c will be described later. In addition, the “undigested game ball (holding ball)” related to each special symbol entered the first start winning device 17A or the second start winning device 17B, but in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b, This refers to a game ball that has not been subjected to a symbol change game (a special symbol change display) associated with entering the ball.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first start winning device 17A is disposed in a lower area 11D of the game area 11 (game board 10). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first start winning device 17A includes a passage member 71, a front plate member 72, a sorting member 75, and an ordinary electric accessory 17d. In FIG. 4, the front plate member 72 is not shown for convenience of explanation.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the passage member 71 has a back plate portion 71 a and a side wall portion 71 b that protrudes forward from the back plate portion 71 a, and a bowl shape that allows a game ball to pass therethrough and opens forward. Is provided. Further, the front plate member 72 is configured using a transparent plate (glass plate or resin plate) and has a front shape substantially the same as the passage member 71. The front plate member 72 seals the front surface (opening) of the passage member 71, so that the passage member 71 and the front plate member 72 cooperate to form a substantially tubular downflow passage 73.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the first start winning device 17 </ b> A is configured so that the back plate portion 71 a of the passage member 71 is fitted and screwed into the recess 10 v provided in the front surface portion 10 a of the game board 10. 10 is attached. Further, the front surface portion 71f of the back plate portion 71a and the front surface portion 10a of the game board 10 are substantially flush with each other.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the flow-down passage 73 has an opening 73 a at the upper end that allows a game ball that is discharged from the discharge port 21 </ b> X to the front of the game board 10 and falls downward to enter. . The flow-down passage 73 includes an introduction passage 73b that hangs down from the entrance 73a, a first branch passage 73c that branches leftward from the lower end of the introduction passage 73b, and a first branch that branches rightward from the lower end of the introduction passage 73b. And a two-branch passage 73d. In this embodiment, the passage width is gradually increased upward (the entrance 73a) on the upper end side of the introduction passage 73b, but the passage width is constant on the upper end side of the introduction passage 73b. Also good. In addition, a ball feeding device for feeding game balls one by one to the introduction passage 73b is provided in the first start winning device 17A so that the game balls can surely reach one sorting member 75 to be described later. Also good.

  The flow-down passage 73 has a substantially inverted Y shape (a shape such that the “Y letter of the alphabet” is turned upside down) in front view. In addition, the “introduction route L” is configured by the introduction passage 73b, and the first half side portion of the “first route L1” (portion located on the front surface portion 10a side of the game board 10) is configured by the first branch passage 73c. The two-branch passage 73d constitutes a first half side portion (portion located on the front face 10a side of the game board 10) of the “second route L2”.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first route L <b> 1 reaches the back side of the game board 10 through a through hole 10 x provided in the game board 10. A first start-entry ball detection switch 17s (see FIG. 12) for detecting a game ball that has entered the first route L1 is disposed midway along the first route L1. The second route L2 also reaches the back side of the game board 10 through a through hole 10y provided in the game board 10. A second start-entry ball detection switch 17t (see FIG. 12) for detecting a game ball that has entered the second route L2 is disposed in the middle of the second route L2.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the side wall 71 b is cut out immediately below a portion of the passage member 71 where the first route L <b> 1 and the second route L <b> 2 merge (hereinafter referred to as “merge portion G”). It is set as the notch part 71g which opens the inside of the channel | path member 71 below. And the regulation protrusions J1 and J2 protrude from the part near the left end and the right end of the part located behind the notch part 71g in the back plate part 71a. In the following description, the restricting protrusion J1 disposed near the left end of the notch 71g is referred to as “first restricting protrusion J1”, and the restricting protrusion J2 disposed near the right end of the notch 71g is referred to as “second. This will be referred to as “regulation protrusion J2”.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the distribution member 75 is arranged in a swingable state at a site constituting the junction G in the integrated product of the passage member 71 and the front plate member 72. Here, the distribution member 75 includes a member main body 75a and a shaft body portion 75b that is attached to the axial center position of the member main body 75a and integrated with the member main body 75a. And as shown in FIG. 5, while the front-end part which protrudes ahead of the member main body 75a in the shaft body part 75b is supported by the bearing member 75c with which the front-plate member 72 was mounted | worn, The rear end portion of the body portion 75b that protrudes rearward of the member main body 75a is supported in a rotatable state by a bearing member 75d attached to the back plate portion 71a. It is possible to move.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the member main body 75a is configured in a substantially inverted T shape in a front view, and a distribution plate portion 75g protruding upward from an axial center position (a position where the shaft body portion 75b is mounted); From the lower end of the distribution plate 75g, a first bottom plate 75m that protrudes in the left-downward slope direction (based on the case where the axis of the distribution plate 75g is directed up and down), and the lower end of the distribution plate 75g And a second bottom plate portion 75n that protrudes in the right downward inclination direction (based on the case where the axis of the distribution plate portion 75g is directed vertically). Further, weight bodies M, M1, and M2 are mounted (embedded) on the projecting ends of the distribution plate portion 75g, the first bottom plate portion 75m, and the second bottom plate portion 75n. The weights M, M1, and M2 are equal in weight and lighter than the weight of one game ball. The member main body 75a has a line-symmetric shape with reference to a virtual plane (a plane perpendicular to the paper surface in FIG. 4) passing through the axial center position and the center position of the weight body M.

  Next, the operation mode (swing mode) and the like of the sorting member 75 will be described. In the following description, the orientation of the sorting member 75 is defined as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, the posture in which the distribution plate portion 75g is inclined upward to the right and the lower surface protruding end side of the second bottom plate portion 75n is brought into contact with the second restriction protrusion J2 is referred to as a “first posture”. As defined and shown in FIG. 8A, the distribution plate portion 75g is inclined upward to the left, and the posture in which the lower surface protruding end side of the first bottom plate portion 75m is brought into contact with the first restricting protrusion J1 is the “second posture”. It is defined as Here, when the game ball does not enter the first start winning device 17A through the entrance 73a, the orientation of the sorting member 75 is the “first orientation” or the action of the weights M, M1, and M2. “Second posture”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the distribution member 75 is in the “first position”, a space (hereinafter referred to as a space where the game ball can be received on the left side of the distribution plate portion 75 g in the merging portion G. , Referred to as “first space”.) K1 is provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the distribution member 75 is in the “second position”, a space (hereinafter referred to as a game ball) that can receive a game ball on the right side of the distribution plate portion 75 g in the merging portion G. , Referred to as “second space”.) K2 is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the distribution member 75 is in the “first position”, the game ball Y1 enters the first start winning device 17A through the entrance 73a, and the introduction route L When passing through, the game ball Y1 enters the first space K1 and falls onto the upper surface of the first bottom plate 75m. At this time, since the weight of the game ball Y1 is added to the first bottom plate portion 75m, as shown in FIG. 7B, the sorting member 75 rotates counterclockwise (front view), and its posture is the second posture. It becomes. At this time, since the first bottom plate portion 75m is inclined downward to the left, the game ball Y1 on the first bottom plate portion 75m enters the first branch passage 73c (first route L1). The game ball Y1 that has entered the first branch passage 73c (first route L1) is detected by the first start-entry ball detection switch 17s (see FIG. 12).

  As shown in FIG. 8A, when the distribution member 75 is in the “second position”, the game ball Y2 enters the first start winning device 17A through the ball entrance 73a, and the introduction route L When passing through, the game ball Y2 enters the second space K2 and falls onto the upper surface of the second bottom plate 75n. At this time, since the weight of the game ball Y2 is added to the second bottom plate portion 75n, as shown in FIG. 8B, the sorting member 75 rotates in the clockwise direction (front view), and its posture is the first posture. Become. At this time, since the second bottom plate portion 75m is inclined downward to the right, the game ball Y2 on the second bottom plate portion 75n enters the second branch passage 73d (second route L2). Thus, the game ball that has entered the second route L2 is detected by the second start-entry ball detection switch 17t (see FIG. 12).

  As described above, when the posture of the distribution member 75 is the “first posture”, when the game ball Y1 enters the first start winning device 17A, the distribution member 75 changes the posture from the “first posture”. The game ball Y1 is guided to the first branch passage 73c (first route L1) while changing to the “second posture”. Further, when the game ball Y2 following the game ball Y1 enters the first start winning device 17A, the sorting member 75 changes the posture from the “second posture” to the “first posture” while the game ball Y2 is changed. It leads to the second branch passage 73d (second route L2). Each game ball following the game ball Y2 is guided in the order of the first branch path 73c (first route L1) and the second branch path 73d (second route L2).

  Therefore, each game ball that sequentially enters the first start winning device 17A from the stage portion 21p is alternately detected in the order of the first start opening entrance detection switch 17s and the second winning entrance entrance detection switch 17t. The Then, when the game balls on the stage unit 21p sequentially enter the first start winning device 17A, the determination that occurs based on the first start entrance ball detection switch 17s (see FIG. 12) detecting the entrance. The random number value for determination and the determination random number value generated based on the detection of the incoming ball by the second start-entry ball detection switch 17t (see FIG. 12) are alternately acquired one by one.

  The second start winning device 17B is a variable (open / close) start winning device, and is disposed in the right region 11R as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9A, the second start winning device 17B is attached to the mounting plate 17v fixed to the game board main body 10A with screws and the front portion of the mounting plate 17v, and is attached to the second start winning device 17B. A normal electric accessory 17d that constitutes the inlet side portion and an obstruction member 17K attached to the front surface of the mounting plate 17v. The first start winning device 17A described above may function as the obstacle member 17K.

  The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip-shaped pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e, and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c for operating the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e (see FIG. 12). ). Among these, the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e can be opened to the left and right so that the upper end sides are separated from each other around the lower support shaft. When the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are in a closed state (first state) where the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are erected, the distance between the upper ends of the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e is reduced. Further, when the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c is driven and the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are tilted so that the upper end sides are separated from each other with respect to the lower end side axis, the upper end portions of the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e. The interval between them is enlarged, and an open state (second state) is established. Further, the obstacle member 17K is disposed vertically above the ordinary electric accessory 17d. Further, a third start-entrance ball detection switch 17u (see FIG. 12) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the second start winning device 17B.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the second start winning device 17B is in the closed state (first state), one game ball passes between the upper ends of the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e. An allowable space K1 is formed, but an obstacle member 17K is disposed vertically above the space K1. For this reason, it is impossible for a game ball to enter the second start winning device 17B in the closed state (first state). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the second start winning device 17B is in the open state (second state) and the pair of movable blade pieces 17e, 17e are opened to the left and right, the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e The interval K1 between the upper end portions (that is, the full left and right width of the second starting port) is larger than the full left and right width of the obstacle member 17K. For this reason, it is possible for the game balls that have passed through the left and right of the obstacle member 17K to enter the second start winning device 17B.

  In the gaming machine 1, when the second start winning device 17B is in the open state (second state), the game balls flowing down the game area 11 can win the second start winning device 17B. When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 becomes “a state in which the time for which the second start winning device 17B is opened (opening time) is set to a time longer than normal (open extended state)”, the gaming ball is The probability of winning the second start winning device 17B is much higher than the probability of winning the first start winning device 17A. In this embodiment, the opening time of the second start winning device 17B in the open extended state is “5 seconds”, and the opening time of the second start winning device 17B in the non-open extended state (normally open state) is “0”. .2 seconds ". On the other hand, as described above, when the second start winning device 17B is in the closed state (first state), it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17B. If is not in the open extended state, the probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17B is much lower than the probability that the game ball wins the first start winning device 17A.

  Here, the random number value for determination acquired based on the detection of the game ball that has entered the first start prize-winning device 17A by the first start-entrance ball detection switch 17s (see FIG. 12) is limited to four. Are stored in the first determination random value memory 202a (described later). In addition, a determination random number value acquired based on the detection of the game ball that has entered the first start winning device 17A by the second start entrance detecting switch 17t (see FIG. 12), and the second start winning device The determination random number value acquired based on the detection of the game ball that has entered 17B by the third start-entry ball detection switch 17u (see FIG. 12) is limited to a total of four random number values for determination. It is stored in the memory 202b (described later). The determination random value stored in the determination random value memory 202a is on hold (the determination random number waiting for processing), and is hereinafter referred to as “first hold”. Further, the determination random number value stored in the determination random value memory 202a is also on hold (the determination random number value waiting for processing), and is hereinafter referred to as “second hold”. Note that the random number value for determination (the random number value for determination based on the first start prize, the random number value for determination based on the second start prize) constitutes a specific example of “entry information”, and the first random number value memory 202a for determination The second determination random value memory 202b constitutes a specific example of “entrance information storage means”. Further, unlike the present embodiment, the determination random number value based on the first start prize and the determination random value based on the second start prize may be stored in a common determination random value memory.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the display mode of the hold (hold symbol) in the hold display area 27 c will be described. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the hold display area 27c has a configuration in which eight areas D1 to D8 are arranged from the left side to the right side. Hereinafter, the region D1 located at the left end is referred to as “first region D1”, the region D8 located at the right end is referred to as “eighth region D8”, and the regions D2 to D7 located between these regions are referred to from the left. These will be referred to as “second region D2”, “third region D3”, “fourth region D4”, “fifth region D5”, “sixth region D6”, and “seventh region D7” in this order. In the hold display area 27c, the hold symbols are displayed so as to increase sequentially from the first area D1 to the eighth area D8 as the number of holds increases. In addition, with the decrease in the number of reservations (holding digestion), the reserved symbols displayed in the first area D1 are deleted, and the reserved symbols are displayed so as to decrease sequentially toward the first area D1. That is, the hold symbols are displayed so that the reservation order corresponding to the hold symbols displayed on the left side of the regions D1 to D8 (first hold, second hold) is faster.

  In FIG. 10, a reserved symbol indicating the presence of “first reserved” (hereinafter referred to as “first reserved symbol”) is indicated by “hatched circle” and a reserved symbol indicating the presence of “second reserved”. (Hereinafter referred to as “second reserved symbol”) is indicated by “open circles”. Furthermore, the regions D1 to D8 where no reserved symbols are displayed are indicated by “circles using broken lines”. The upper limit number of “first reserved symbols” that can be displayed in the hold display area 27c and the upper limit number of “second reserved symbols” that can be displayed are both “4”.

  FIG. 10A shows a case where the second start winning device 17B is not in the open extended state. In this state, since the player aims to enter the first start winning device 17A and launches the game ball, there is a high possibility that the first hold and the second hold occur alternately. For this reason, the “first hold symbol” indicating the occurrence of the first hold and the “second hold symbol” indicating the occurrence of the second hold are alternately displayed in the hold display area 27c (A1 to A4). FIG. 10B shows a case where the second start winning device 17B is in the open extended state. In this state, since the player aims to enter the second start winning device 17B and launches the game ball to the right region 11R, there is a high possibility that the second hold will occur continuously and frequently. . For this reason, there is a high possibility that only the “second hold symbol” indicating the occurrence of the second hold is displayed in the hold display area 27c (B1, B2).

  In addition, although mentioned later for details, in this game machine 1, although the number of pending | holdings tends to reach | attain an upper limit, when it goes to an upper limit, it is easy to be digested. For this reason, a situation occurs in which the reserved symbols are displayed in all the areas D1 to D8 in the reserved display area 27c, and a situation in which the reserved symbols are not displayed in all the areas D1 to D8 in the reserved display area 27c. It has become difficult. Further, when the second start winning device 17B is in the open extended state, the second reserved symbols are continuously and frequently displayed in the first region D1 to the fourth region D4 in the reserved display region 27c. Therefore, it is difficult to generate a state in which the variable display is not executed. On the other hand, even when the second starting prize-winning device 17B is not in the open extended state, the number of holds is likely to reach the upper limit, so that it is difficult for the state where the variable display is not executed. That is, when the open extension function does not operate, it is inherently difficult to reach the upper limit number (MAX), but in this embodiment, the variation time is controlled to be long until the hold number reaches the upper limit ( Normal fluctuation time setting control is performed). In addition, since the first start winning device 17A is made to enter the game balls at a high rate, a first start winning (described later) and a second starting winning (described later) occur alternately (for example, It is easy to make the number of reservations reach the upper limit number (MAX) because it is not biased to one of the first start prize and the second start prize. That is, according to this gaming machine 1, it is possible to solve a problem when the open extension function does not operate (problem that it is difficult to reach the upper limit number).

  As shown in FIG. 2, the big winning device 31 is arranged in the right region 11R, on the right side of the main accessory device 20, and below the second start winning device 17B. The big prize winning device 31 includes a big prize opening 31a that opens at the front surface portion 10a of the game board 10, an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the big winning prize opening 31a, and a large opening for driving the opening / closing plate 31b. A winning opening solenoid 31c (see FIG. 12) and a large winning opening detection switch 31s (see FIG. 12) for detecting a game ball won in the big winning device 31 are provided. When the opening / closing plate 31b is in the standing posture, the opening / closing plate 31b closes the large winning opening 31a in the large winning device 31, so that it is impossible to win a game ball in the large winning device 31. On the other hand, when the opening / closing plate 31b tilts forward with its lower end as a fulcrum and assumes a forward leaning posture, the prize winning opening 31a is opened and the rear surface portion (back surface portion) of the opening / closing plate 31b flows down the game area 11. And the guidance part which guide | induces the game ball which reached | attained the big prize apparatus 31 to the big prize opening 31a is comprised.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the lower display device 60 is arranged on the left side of the big winning device 31. As shown in FIG. 11A, the lower display device 60 includes a mounting plate 61 that is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A. The mounting plate 61 is provided with a first special symbol display portion 62a, a second special symbol display portion 62b, a normal symbol display portion 63, a normal symbol hold display portion 65, and the like.

  The first special symbol display unit 62a, the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the normal symbol display unit 63 are all configured using a “7-segment display”. Among these, in the first special symbol display section 62a, a determination of success or failure (hereinafter referred to as "first determination of success / failure") executed based on the detection of the game ball by the first start-entry ball detection switch 17s. The “first special symbol” indicating the result is stopped and displayed through the variable display. In addition, the second special symbol display unit 62b determines whether or not the game ball is detected by the second start port entrance ball detection switch 17t or the third start port entrance ball detection switch 17u (hereinafter, “ “Second special symbol” indicating the result of “second determination of success / failure”) is stopped and displayed through the variable display. The result of the symbol variation game displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b (result of the determination of success / failure), and the display result of the symbol variation effect displayed on the effect display device 27 (whether the determination of success / failure Results) are considered to be in agreement. The contents of the display results of the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b will be described later.

  The normal symbol display unit 63 starts the normal symbol variation display when the symbol variation start condition is established based on the passing of the game ball through the normal symbol operation gate 16. In this normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display section 63 displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” in this order, and then again displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9”. It consists of “circular display” that repeats the display in order. When the execution time of the normal symbol variation display elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, and the stop display is executed for a predetermined time. At this time, when the stopped normal symbol is an "odd number", the symbol corresponds to a normal symbol hit symbol, and when the stopped symbol is an "even digit", the symbol is an off-normal symbol symbol. Applicable. The lottery means for performing lottery for determining whether or not the ordinary electric accessory 17d in the closed state (first state) is in the open state (second state) is configured by a main control unit 200A described later. Since the gaming machine 1 is a gaming machine 1 that performs “right-handed” exclusively when the opening extension function (described later) is operated, the normal symbol operating gate 16 is also disposed in the right region 11R.

  The normal symbol hold display unit 65 (a) turns off two LEDs to indicate that the “hold number” is “zero”, and (b) turns off one LED while turning on one LED. To indicate that the “hold number” is “1”, (c) turn on two LEDs to indicate that the “hold number” is “2”, and (d) blink one LED. One LED is turned on to indicate that the “holding number” is “3”, and (e) two LEDs are blinked to indicate that the “holding number” is “4”.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the two general winning devices 45 and 46 are arranged on the left side of the main accessory device 20. In each of the general winning devices 45 and 46, general winning opening entrance ball detection switches 45s and 46s (see FIG. 12) for detecting the winning of the game ball are arranged. A number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area 11 so as to be suitable for a pachinko game in consideration of the positional balance with each board component described above. 18 is provided. Further, a back ball preventing member (not shown) is provided below the out port 18. And the game ball which returned without reaching the game area 11 is prevented from returning to the launch position again.

(2) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The control circuit of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 200A and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 222A, 240A, 260A). That is, the main control unit 200A that is configured using the main control board 200 and that controls the basic progress of the game and whether or not the prize ball is involved, and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 222A, 240A, 260A). And. In addition, the sub-control unit is configured using (a) the sub-control board 220, the sub-control unit 220 </ b> A that controls the game effects, and (b) the effect display control board 222. In addition, an effect display control unit 222A that controls the effect display device 27, and (c) a payout control unit 240A that is configured using the payout control board 240 and controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball. (D) A launch control unit 260A configured using the launch control board 260 and controlling the launch of the game ball is provided.

  The control boards (200, 220, 222, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 222A, 240A, 260A) are executed by a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and the CPU. ROM in which various programs and data are stored, RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, a peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, and the CPU performs calculations Various peripheral LSIs such as an oscillator that outputs a clock of the above and a watchdog timer that monitors the runaway of the CPU are connected to each other via a bus. In addition, the direction of the arrow in FIG. 12 represents the direction which inputs / outputs data or a signal. In addition, the CPU 201, RAM 202, and ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are illustrated, and the CPU 220a, RAM 220b, and ROM 220c mounted on the sub control board 220 are illustrated, and CPUs mounted on other control boards. Further, illustration of RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

  The main control unit 200A is configured to play a game ball from the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, the start entrance ball detection switches 17s, 17t, and 17u, the general entrance entrance ball detection switches 45s and 46s, the grand prize entrance entrance detection switch 31s, and the like. , And determining whether or not it is related to the basic progress of the game and the winning ball, and then to the sub-control unit 220A, the payout control unit 240A, the launch control unit 260A, etc. Command). The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is also connected to a count switch 8s that detects a game ball fired from the launcher unit. Further, the main control unit 200A directly controls these operations by outputting signals to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c, the big prize opening solenoid 31c, and the lower display device 60. Further, predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240, respectively. The main control unit 200A is a specific example of a pitch information storage unit, a prior determination unit, a specific game execution unit (a jackpot game execution unit described later), a variation display unit, a variation time setting unit, an information setting unit, and a tendency determination unit. Configure.

  The CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 receives each control signal from the main control board 200 and controls each board such as the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. The ROM 220b stores data (especially information related to game decoration) necessary for controlling each board. The CPU 220a receives a display control command (that is, a display control signal) sent from the main controller 200A (main control board 200) and analyzes it according to a program stored in the ROM 220b. Then, the CPU 220a configuring the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) can display a predetermined display control command determined by the CPU 220a or a display control command that has been transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). Is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222).

  As shown in FIG. 13A, an effect display control board 222 includes a CPU 222a, a control ROM 222p, a control RAM 222c, a VDP (video display processor) 222d, a work RAM 222e, and a display ROM (character ROM) 222g. And a video RAM 222h. In addition, an effect display device 27 is electrically connected to the VDP 222d.

  The CPU 222a receives various display control signals (commands) transmitted from the sub-control board 220 and analyzes the received signals (commands) according to a program stored in the control ROM 222p. Then, the CPU 222a transmits the analysis result to the VDP 222d. The control ROM 222p stores various image display control programs in accordance with the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the control RAM 222c is provided with a storage area and a work area for temporarily storing various data. ing. The display ROM 222g stores data related to the display of various effect symbols displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (such as data of effect symbols that are variably displayed).

  The VDP 222d reads data stored in the display ROM 222g based on the “analysis result” by the CPU 222a, generates image data in the work RAM 222e based on the read data, and temporarily stores the image data in the video RAM 222h. Thereafter, the image data stored in the video RAM 222h is loaded on the signal (RGB image signal) from the transmission unit 222k and transmitted to the effect display device 27.

  As shown in FIG. 12, speakers SP <b> 1 to SP <b> 4 (see FIG. 1) that output predetermined sound effects are electrically connected to the amplifier board 224. The decoration driving board 226 is connected to various LED boards and decorative (production) actuators on which various decoration LEDs (lamps) provided on the front frame 4 and the game board 10 are mounted. The decoration driving board 226 receives a signal from the sub-control board 220 and performs control related to game decoration.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the payout control unit 240A is connected to a relay terminal plate, a firing control unit 260A, a lower pan full switch 6s, and the like. The payout control unit 240A is connected to a payout motor 109m, a front payout switch 109a, and a rear payout switch 109b constituting a game ball payout device (payout device) 109 via a relay terminal plate. Further, the main control unit 200A is connected to the payout control unit 240A so as to be capable of bidirectional communication. The payout control unit 240A is responsible for various types of control related to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. When the main control unit 200A outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control part 240A receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball.

  Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) will be described. As described above, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) is connected to the effect display control board 222 and various boards such as the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. Further, as described above, when the sub-control unit 220A receives various effect commands (display control commands, etc.) from the main control unit 200A, the sub-control unit 220A interprets the content of the command and (a) the effect display device 27 Specific display contents, (b) sound effects output from the speakers SP1 to SP4, and (c) specific lighting or flashing of various LEDs mounted on various LED boards and the like. A specific aspect is determined.

  Next, a drive signal (various symbol control commands) of the effect display device 27 is output to the effect display control unit 222A to perform variable display and stop display of effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.). At this time, the display data (still image data, moving image data, etc.) of the displayed effect symbols (pseudo symbol, background symbol, character symbol, live-action image, etc.) is displayed on the effect display device 27 or the effect display control board 222. The data stored in the display ROM 222g built in is used.

  A sound effect is output from the speakers SP1 to SP4 by outputting an audio signal to the amplifier board 224 in accordance with the change display and stop display of the effect symbol. In addition, by supplying signals to the decorative drive board 226 and outputting drive signals of the various LED lamps 4b to 4h) from the decorative drive board 226, various lamps (LEDs, etc.) can be turned on and blinked. Control.

  Next, “entrance information storage means (holding storage means)” and the like will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 includes a first determination random value memory 202a, a second determination random value memory 202b, a first hold number memory 202c, and a second hold number memory 202d. A first preliminary determination result memory (not shown), a second preliminary determination result memory (not shown), a total pending number counter 202e, and a previous total pending number memory 202f are provided. In addition, the RAM 220b mounted on the sub-control board 220 includes a first advance determination result information memory 221b, a second advance determination result information memory 222b, a first hold number information memory 223b, and a second hold number information memory 224b. And are provided. Hereinafter, the “effective start prize” refers to a start prize that occurs in a state in which the corresponding number of holds (first hold number or second hold number) is not the upper limit number. In addition, as described above, the “over winning” refers to a start winning that occurs in a state where the corresponding holding number (the first holding number or the second holding number) is the upper limit number.

  Here, in the following description, among the “start winnings” generated by the game balls entering the first start winning device 17A, the “starting start ball entering detection switch 17s indicates the entered game ball. The detected item is referred to as a “first start prize”. Further, among the “start winnings” generated by the game balls entering the first start winning device 17A, “the detected game balls are detected by the second start opening entrance detection switch 17t”, The “start prize” generated when the game ball enters the second start prize device 17B is referred to as “second start prize”. Further, the value of the total holding number counter 202e is a counter indicating the total number of the first holding number and the second holding number. Further, the previous total number-of-holds memory 202f is a memory for storing the total number of holds at the time of starting the previous variable display.

  When a valid first start winning is generated, a random number value for determination corresponding to this is acquired, and the random number value for determination is stored in the first random number value memory 202a in the shift memory format on the main control board 200. At the same time, a value indicating the first hold number is cumulatively stored (added and stored) in the first hold number memory 202c. In addition, the random number value for determination acquired based on the valid first start winning is “Random value for determining whether or not to win or not (hit or lottery random number value) for determining whether or not it is a big hit”, “Big hit symbol (special symbol) "Determining random numbers for determining symbols" and the like.

  Further, when the determination random number value acquired based on the valid first start winning is stored in the first determination random value memory 202a, the CPU 201 constituting the main control board 200 performs the prior determination and the jackpot regarding the determination of success / failure. While making a pre-determination for a symbol (special symbol) (when obtaining a pre-determination result indicating the occurrence of a big hit), the results of these pre-determinations (hereinafter referred to as “first pre-determination”) are used as a first pre-determination. The determination result (not shown) is stored in a shift memory format. Accordingly, the first start winning command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220.

  Here, the command at the time of the first start winning is “information that can specify the result of the first pre-judgment (hereinafter referred to as“ first pre-judgment result information ”)”, “first hold number after the start win. A command indicating information that can be specified (hereinafter referred to as “first hold number information”), “information that can specify the value of the total hold number counter 202e (hereinafter referred to as“ total hold number information ”), and the like. is there. When the sub control board 220 receives the first start winning time command, the sub control board 220 stores “first pre-determination result information” in the first pre-determination result information memory 221b in the shift memory format, and also stores the first hold number information memory. The value of the first hold number stored in 223b is incremented by “+1”. Then, the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 hits the first determination random number value memory 202a (holding storage means) based on the first preliminary determination result information stored in the first preliminary determination result information memory 221b. It is possible to determine whether or not the result of 1 determination of success / failure is stored as a random determination value for determination of success / failure that is a big hit.

  When a valid second start winning is generated, a random number value for determination corresponding to this is obtained, and this random number value for determination is stored in the second random number value memory 202b for determination in the shift memory format on the main control board 200. At the same time, a value indicating the second reserved number is cumulatively stored (added and stored) in the second reserved number memory 202d. In addition, the determination random number value acquired based on the valid second starting winning prize also includes “a determination random number value for determining whether or not it is a big hit (hit lottery random value)”, “a big hit symbol (special symbol) "Determining random numbers for determining symbols" and the like.

  In addition, when the determination random number value acquired based on the valid second start winning is stored in the second determination random value memory 202b, the CPU 201 constituting the main control board 200 performs the prior determination and the jackpot symbol regarding the determination of success / failure. While performing a pre-determination (when obtaining a pre-determination result indicating that a big jackpot will be generated) regarding (special symbol), the result of these pre-determinations (hereinafter referred to as “second pre-determination”) is a second pre-determination. Store in the result memory (not shown) in shift memory format. Along with this, a second start winning command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220.

  Here, the command at the time of the second start winning is “information that can specify the result of the second pre-judgment (hereinafter referred to as“ second pre-judgment result information ”)”, “second hold number after the start win. A command indicating information that can be specified (hereinafter referred to as “second hold number information”), “information that can specify the value of the total hold number counter 202e (hereinafter referred to as“ total hold number information ”), and the like. is there. Then, when receiving the second start winning command, the sub-control board 220 stores information indicating the result of the second preliminary determination (second preliminary determination result information) in the second preliminary determination result information memory 222b in a shift memory format. At the same time, the value of the second hold number stored in the second hold number information memory 224b is incremented by "+1". Then, the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 hits the second determination random number value memory 202b (holding storage means) based on the second preliminary determination result information stored in the second preliminary determination result information memory 222b. It is possible to determine whether or not a random determination value for determining whether or not 2 is a big hit is stored.

  The first determination random value memory 202a, the second determination random value memory 202b, the first pre-determination result memory (not shown), the second pre-determination result memory (not shown), the first Each of the preliminary determination result information memory 221b and the second preliminary determination result information memory 222b includes four storage areas of “area 0”, “area 1”, “area 2”, and “area 3”. The corresponding data can be stored in the order of “area 0”, “area 1”, “area 2”, “area 3”, and the corresponding data is stored in the shift memory every time a valid start prize is generated. Stored in format. For example, when data is stored in a plurality of areas including the area 0 in the memory, an area other than the area 0 (for example, areas 1 to 3) every time the target random number for determination is digested The data stored in is shifted by one area toward “area 0”. Here, in the present specification, the determination random number value (entrance information) stored in the input information storing means (the first determination random value memory 202a and the second determination random value memory 202b) is first. It is read out in order from the stored ones, and based on the read determination random number, whether or not to make a decision (to be described later) or to perform a symbol variation game based on this decision, “determining the decision random number value (entrance information) ".

  However, in this embodiment, when determination random values are stored in both the first determination random value memory 202a and the second determination random value memory 202b, the determination random values are processed in the storage order. The For example, as shown in FIG. 15, “area 0” in the first determination random value memory 202a, “area 0” in the second determination random value memory 202b, and “area 1” in the first determination random value memory 202a. When the determination random number values are stored in the order of “area 1” in the second determination random value memory 202b, “determination random value in area 0” in the first determination random value memory 202a, second determination "Random value for determination of region 0" in the random number value memory 202b, "Random value for determination of region 1" in the first random number value memory for determination 202a, "Random value for determination of region 1" in the second random number value memory for determination 202b It is processed in the order of “random number”. However, in the case where determination random number values are stored in both the first determination random value memory 202a and the second determination random value memory 202b, the determination randomness stored in either one of the determination random value memories The numerical value may be processed in preference to the random number value for determination stored in the other random number value memory for determination.

  In the following explanation, the entry information (random value for determination) that will be pre-determined when the result of the success / failure determination becomes a big hit (specific result) is referred to as “hit hold”, and the result of the determination of success / failure is out of place. If it becomes (if it does not become a specific result), the incoming ball information (determination random value) to be pre-determined is referred to as “off hold”.

(3) Game Flow by the Gaming Machine 1 As described above, in the gaming machine 1, a symbol stop display (confirmation display) indicating the result of the determination of success / failure performed based on the start winning, and the previous stage of the stop display The two kinds of symbol display devices of the lower display device 60 and the effect display device 27 are executed. Here, the first special symbol (determination symbol) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a of the lower display device 60 and the second special symbol (second judgment symbol) displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b of the lower display device 60 ( The “determination symbol” is “main symbol”, and “main symbol (stop symbol) to be stopped” and “variation time (variation pattern)” of the main symbol are determined in the main control unit 200A that controls the basic progression of the game.

  On the other hand, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, an “effect symbol (pseudo symbol)” is displayed, and the fluctuation is caused by the “sub control unit 220A” that controls the game effect under the control of the main control unit 200A. A mode and a stop symbol are determined. In general, the symbol variation of these “effect symbols” is executed for the same time as the “main symbol”, and the display content (hit, miss, etc.) of these “effect symbols” is the first special symbol. It is assumed that there is no contradiction with the display content (big hit, miss, etc.) of the “main symbol” on the display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b.

  Here, in the gaming machine 1, based on the effective first start winning, the “special symbol variable game related to the first special symbol” is executed in the first special symbol display unit 62 a, and based on the effective second starting winning In the second special symbol display section 62b, the “symbol changing game related to the second special symbol” is executed. In addition, with the execution of “symbol changing game related to the first special symbol” or “symbol changing game related to the second special symbol”, the effect display device 27 executes the symbol change effect. The outline of “symbol fluctuation game” and “symbol fluctuation effect” will be described below.

a. Symbol Variation Game “The symbol variation game according to the first special symbol” is composed of the variation display and stop display of the first special symbol, and “The symbol variation game according to the second special symbol” is the variation display and stop of the second special symbol. Composed by display. As shown in FIG. 11 (b), these variable displays are imperfect symbols (hereinafter referred to as “unsatisfied”) in which arithmetic numbers cannot be formed by the 7-segment display constituting the corresponding special symbol display section (62a or 62b). The content is to perform "circular display" of a complete symbol). Then, a stop display in “symbol changing game related to the first special symbol” displays the result of the success / failure determination (first success / failure determination) executed based on the “first start winning prize”. The result of the success / failure determination (second success / failure determination) executed based on the “second start winning” is displayed by the stop display in the “symbol changing game”.

  As shown in FIG. 16, when the probability state of the gaming machine 1 is a low probability state (normal probability state), a determination result indicating a big hit is derived in both the first and second determinations. When the probability state of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability state, a determination result (special display) indicating a big hit in both the first win determination and the second win determination The probability that the result is derived is approximately “1/30”. When the determination result indicating the big hit is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62a, a “hit” is generated, and the big hit game executing means is driven to execute the big hit game. Further, in this embodiment, when the result of the determination of success / failure is a big hit, the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62a (62a or 62b) is determined using a random number lottery.

  Specifically, when the result of the second winning / failing determination is a big hit, the “random number lottery (distribution lottery)” determines that the big hit symbol is “a big hit symbol indicating the occurrence of 16R probability variation big hit”, “16R normal big hit occurrence. The jackpot symbol to be displayed "or" the jackpot symbol indicating the occurrence of 8R probability variation jackpot "is determined. In addition, when the result of the first winning / failing determination is a big hit, according to the “random lottery (distribution lottery)”, the big hit symbol is “a big hit symbol indicating the occurrence of 16R normal big hit”, “a big hit indicating the occurrence of the 8R probability variable big hit” It is determined to be either “symbol” or “big hit symbol indicating occurrence of 8R normal big hit”. Here, “big hit” constitutes a specific example of “specific result”, and “big hit symbol” and “outgoing symbol” constitute a specific example of a display indicating the result of the determination.

  When the big hit game is started, the main control unit 200A drives and stops the big prize opening solenoid 31c, so that the “opening / closing operation for opening and closing the big prize opening 31a” is executed. In each round game during the big hit game, an open / close operation is performed on the big prize device 31 to change the big prize opening 31a to the open state (second state) only once. In addition, when a predetermined number (10) of game balls enter the big winning opening 31a or when the opening time of the big winning opening 31a reaches the opening limit time (30 seconds), the round end condition is satisfied. To finish the current round game (big hit round). When the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is repeated a plurality of times with a predetermined interval in between, the big hit game is finished.

  When “16R probability variable big hit” or “16R normal big hit” is generated, “round game” is executed “16 times” big hit game A is executed, and when “8R probability variable big hit” or “8R normal big hit” is generated, “round The big hit game B with the number of executions of “game” being “8 times” is executed.

  When “16R probability variation big hit” or “8R probability variation big hit” occurs, the probability variation means (described later) is activated after the corresponding big hit game ends, and the probability that the result of the determination is a big hit (hit probability) is high. It becomes a state (high probability state) considered as a probability. In addition, when “16R probability variation big hit” or “8R probability variation big hit” occurs, the release extension means (described later) is activated after the big hit game ends, and the opening time of the second start winning device 17B is extended ( Open extended state). The high probability state and the extended open state are used until the cumulative number of special symbol variation games executed without generating a big hit after the jackpot game ends becomes “10,000 times” (substantially, the next big hit is generated). Until).

  When the “16R normal big hit” or “8R normal big hit” occurs, the probability changing means does not start operation after the corresponding big hit game ends, so that the probability state of the gaming machine 1 becomes a low probability state (normal probability state). Is done. In addition, after the jackpot game is over, the release extension means (described later) is activated, and the release time of the second start winning device 17B is extended (open extension state). This open extended state is continued until the cumulative number of special symbol variable games executed without causing a big hit after the end of the big hit game reaches “100”. As described above with reference to FIG. 16, in the “allocation lottery” in which the result of the second winning / failing determination is “big hit”, “ Compared with “minute lottery”, a more advantageous distribution is made to the player.

b. Symbol variation effect The symbol variation effect is also started based on the first start prize or the second start prize. The execution time (variation time) of the symbol variation effect is also specified by a variation pattern (described later) determined at the start of the symbol variation game (design variation effect). Also, there are an event that is performed independently of the related effect (hereinafter referred to as “general type symbol variation effect”) and an event that is performed as an associated effect (hereinafter referred to as “related effect type symbol variation effect”). However, after describing the “general type symbol variation effect”, the “related effect type symbol variation effect” will be described below.

b-1. General-type symbol variation effect In this symbol variation effect, as shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C, an effect symbol display area 27 b appears in a predetermined part of the display screen 27 a of the effect display device 27, and the effect symbol The change display (design variation effect using the design symbol) is started. Then, when the execution time (variation time) of the change display of the effect symbol elapses, the stop display of the effect symbol is executed for a certain time (about 0.6 seconds). This stop display of the effect symbol is to display the result of the determination as to whether or not it is the same as the stop display by the lower display device 60 (the special symbol display unit (62a or 62b)).

  As shown in FIGS. 17A to 17C, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, the effect symbol display is changed and stopped while three effect symbols (three digits) are displayed in the effect symbol display area 27b. Display is made. This variation of the effect design is to display the arithmetic numbers from “1” to “9” in this order, and then display the arithmetic numbers from “1” to “9” in this order again. It consists of repeated “circular display (scroll fluctuation display)”.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), the stop symbols of the effect symbols include “a symbol indicating a big hit (big hit symbol)” and “a symbol indicating a loss (loss symbol)”. Among them, the symbol indicating the occurrence of “16R probability variation big hit” (16R probability variation big hit symbol) is composed of a combination in which all three production symbols are the same odd numbers, and the occurrence of “16R normal big hit” or “8R normal big hit” (16R normal jackpot symbol, 8R normal jackpot symbol) is configured by a combination in which all three effect symbols are the same even number. Further, the “off symbol” is configured by a combination in which at least one of the three effect symbols is a number different from the other.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 17 (c), when the “big hit symbol” is displayed on the effect display device 27, the reach display is performed in the middle of the fluctuation display which is the premise thereof, but when the “off symbol” is displayed, As shown in FIG. 17B, the reach display is performed in the middle of the presumed variation display, and as shown in FIG. 17A, the reach display is not performed in the middle of the premise variation display. There is a case. Further, in the gaming machine 1, as a display effect (hereinafter referred to as “reach effect”) performed after reach display, a reach effect with simple effect content (hereinafter referred to as “non-developed effect” in which the effect content does not develop during the effect). Or “normal reach production”) or “development production” in which production content develops during production.

b-2. Related effect type symbol variation effect The above is the outline of the symbol variation effect, but some of these symbol variation effects are executed as a related effect with a plurality of variations display (variable display of special symbols). . Further, in this gaming machine 1, as described later, the incoming information (determination random value) stored in the incoming information storage means (first determination random value memory 202a, second determination random value memory 202b). The determination of whether or not the result is the winning information (first determination of success, second determination of second determination) is the winning information (first determination of success, determination of second determination) as to whether or not the result is the winning information (specific result). Prior to the decision. Then, the mode of the reserved symbol indicating the presence of the acquired entry information is selected in consideration of the result of the prior determination.

  That is, based on the above-mentioned “first pre-determination result information” and “second pre-determination result information”, it is determined whether the generated entry information (holding) is hit-hold or off-hold, Make a selection. Specifically, when it is determined that the hit hold has occurred based on the “first pre-determination result information” or the “second pre-determination result information”, there is a hit hold for the hold display area 27c. A reserved symbol indicating is displayed.

  Here, in the specific example 1 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the upper limit number of the incoming information (determination randomness) is stored in the incoming information storage means (the first determination random value memory 202 a and the second determination random value memory 202 b). (Numerical value) is stored, and a related effect starting from the state in which the reserved symbols are displayed in the eight areas D1 to D8 constituting the reserved display area 27c is shown (a1). Further, in the specific example 1, a holding symbol (hereinafter referred to as “hit holding symbol”) indicating the presence of a hit is displayed in the “fourth area D4”, and the other areas (D1 to D3, D5 to D8) are displayed. A holding symbol (hereinafter referred to as “off-holding symbol”) indicating the presence of a loss hold is displayed (a1). In FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the “off hold symbol” is indicated by “single circle”, and the “hit hold symbol” is indicated by “double circle”. Moreover, the area | region (D1-D8) where the holding | maintenance symbol is not displayed is shown by the "dashed circle."

  In the related effect type symbol variation effect, the effect symbol display area 27b appears on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, and the variation display of the effect symbol (the symbol variation effect using the effect symbol) is started (a2). At this time, the reserved symbols displayed in the first area D1 are erased, and the reserved symbols displayed in the second area D2 to the eighth area D8 are one area higher (first area D1 to seventh area D7). shift. In the following description, “an area lower than a predetermined area” indicates an area in which a reserved symbol corresponding to a random number for determination processed after the predetermined area is displayed. “Area higher than the area” indicates an area in which a reserved symbol corresponding to a random number value for determination processed before a predetermined area is displayed. For example, the area one lower than the first area D1 is the second area D2, and the area one higher than the second area D2 is the first area D1.

  As described above, when the execution time (variation time) of the variation display of the effect symbol elapses after starting the variation display of the effect symbol (the symbol variation effect using the effect symbol) (a2 to a8), the stop display of the effect symbol is performed. Is executed for a fixed time (about 0.6 seconds) (a9). This stop display of the effect symbol is to display the result of the determination as to whether or not it is the same as the stop display by the lower display device 60 (the special symbol display unit (62a or 62b)). However, in the related effect type symbol variation effect, the effect symbol display area 27b is displayed in a state where the size is reduced on the lower end side of the display screen 27a.

  In addition, in the small effect symbol display area 27b, the effect symbol variation display and stop display are performed while displaying three (three-digit) effect symbols. Then, in the variation display of the effect symbols, the arithmetic numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed in this order, and then the arithmetic numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed again in this order. It is configured by “circular display (scroll fluctuation display)” that repeats this. The contents of the stop symbol of the effect symbol are the same as those of the general type symbol variation effect.

  Next, the characteristics of the related effect type symbol variation effect will be described. The related effect of the specific example 1 is configured by continuously performing four symbol variation effects. In these symbol variation effects, the execution time is unified to “2 seconds”. Further, no reach effect is performed in any symbol variation effect. Furthermore, in the first specific example, it is assumed that the number of holdings tends to decrease when any of the symbol variation effects is started.

  The related effect of the specific example 1 is started by digesting the random number for determination corresponding to the reserved symbol (disconnected reserved symbol) of the “first region D1” (a1, a2). In the symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as “first symbol variation effect”) started by digesting the determination random number, a mark indicating that the count value is “4” is displayed on the display screen 27a. (A2 to a8). Then, while displaying the mark indicating the count value, the “first symbol variation effect” is advanced, the off symbol is displayed in the small effect symbol display area 27b, and the first symbol variation effect is terminated (a9). Also, the reserved symbol (hereinafter referred to as “first reserved symbol”) displayed in “first region D1” before the start of “first symbol variable effect” is deleted, and “first symbol variable effect” is displayed. The reserved symbols displayed in the lower area (second area D2 to eighth area D8) than "first area D1" before the start are respectively one higher area (first area D1 to seventh area D7). ) (Shift).

  Subsequently, when the first symbol variation effect is finished, the reserved symbol (excluded symbol) displayed in the “first region D1” is digested and referred to as a symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as “second symbol variation effect”). .) Is started. In the “second symbol variation effect”, a mark indicating that the count value is “3” is displayed on the display screen 27a (a10). Then, the off symbol is displayed in the small effect symbol display area 27b, and the second symbol variation effect is terminated (a11). In addition, the reserved symbol (hereinafter referred to as “second reserved symbol”) displayed in the “first region D1” immediately before the start of the “second symbol variable effect” is deleted, and the “second symbol variable effect” is displayed. The reserved symbols displayed in the lower area (the second area D2 to the seventh area D7) than the “first area D1” immediately before the start are respectively one higher area (the first area D1 to the sixth area D6). ) (Shift).

  Further, when the second symbol variation effect is finished, the reserved symbol (displacement retention symbol) displayed in the “first region D1” is digested and referred to as a symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as “third symbol variation effect”). ) Is started (a12). In the “third symbol variation effect”, a mark indicating that the count value is “2” is displayed on the display screen 27a (a12). Then, the off symbol is displayed in the small effect symbol display area 27b, and the third symbol variation effect is terminated (a13). Also, the reserved symbol (hereinafter referred to as “third reserved symbol”) displayed in “first region D1” immediately before the start of “third symbol variable effect” is deleted, and “third symbol variable effect” is displayed. The reserved symbols displayed in the lower area (the second area D2 to the sixth area D6) than the “first area D1” immediately before the start are respectively one higher area (the first area D1 to the fifth area D5). ) (Shift).

  When the third symbol variation effect is finished, the reserved symbol (hit reserved symbol) displayed in the “first region D1” is digested and referred to as a symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as “fourth symbol variation effect”). ) Is started (a14). In the “fourth symbol variation effect”, a mark indicating that the count value is “1” is displayed on the display screen 27a (a14). Then, the symbol is displayed on the small effect symbol display area 27b, and the fourth symbol variation effect is ended (a15), whereby the related effect is ended. Note that the reserved symbol (hereinafter referred to as “fourth reserved symbol”) displayed in the “first region D1” immediately before the start of the “fourth symbol variable effect” is deleted, and the “fourth symbol variable effect” is displayed. The reserved symbols displayed in the lower area (the second area D2 to the fifth area D5) than the “first area D1” immediately before the start are respectively one higher area (the first area D1 to the fourth area D4). ) (Shift).

  Further, in the above-described symbol variation effect constituting the related effect, when the number of holdings at the time of starting becomes a maintenance tendency or an increasing tendency, the related effect is ended and a general type symbol variation effect is started. For example, as shown in the specific example 2 of FIG. 20, when a hold occurs during the execution of the third symbol variation effect (a12, b13), after the third symbol variation effect is ended (b14), the subsequent symbol variation effect is performed. Is executed as a general type symbol variation effect (b15 to b18). In this general type of symbol variation effect, since the execution time of the symbol variation effect becomes longer, a reach effect or the like may be performed.

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

  The main control unit 200A and the sub control unit 220A are connected by a 9-bit width parallel signal cable. Of these, one bit is allocated for outputting a strobe signal, and the remaining eight bits are allocated for command output. When a command is output from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A, first, command data for 8 bits is output to an 8-bit signal cable assigned for command output, and then A 1-bit strobe signal is output.

  Further, the sub control unit 220A can reliably read the command transmitted from the main control unit 200A by reading the command data at the rising timing of the strobe signal. Here, examples of commands output from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A include (A) a variation pattern designation command and (B) a special symbol stop information designation command. The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern.

(5) Outline of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, each process such as a prize ball payout process (S80), a normal symbol game process (S100), a normal electric game game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), a big hit game process (S600), etc. Is executed repeatedly. Note that the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S80 to S600 in FIG. 21 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 4 msec occurs after the power is turned on. That is, the processing of S80 to S600 in FIG. 21 is repeatedly executed every 4 msec.

  Here, the prize ball payout process (S80) is a process related to a prize ball payout when a game ball wins a winning device (17, 31, 45, 46), but detailed description thereof is omitted in this embodiment. .

A. Normal symbol game processing (S100)
In the normal symbol game process (S100), based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 16, the normal symbol display unit 63 starts to display the variation of the normal symbol. If the CPU 201 determines that the execution time of the normal symbol variation display has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 21, the CPU 201 performs the stop display of the normal symbol stop symbol. Further, when the CPU 201 determines that the stop symbol stop display time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 21, the stop symbol activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d. It is determined whether the symbol is a symbol to be activated (a normal symbol hit symbol) or a symbol that is not to be activated (a symbol that is out of the normal symbol).

  When the stop symbol is a symbol that activates the normal electric accessory 17d (a normal symbol hit symbol), whether or not the normal electric accessory release extension function is operating (that is, the opening extension means is operating). If the opening extension means is in operation, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is set to "opening time when the opening extension function is activated (for example, the above-mentioned 5 seconds)" The normal symbol game process (S100) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the opening extension means is not in operation, after setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to “opening time when the opening extension function is not operated (for example, 0.2 seconds as described above)”, the normal symbol game process Is finished and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Note that the CPU 201 does not operate the normal electric accessory 17d, does not execute the normal symbol variation display in the normal symbol display unit 63, and does not execute the normal symbol stop display, and further relates to the normal symbol. When it is determined that the number of holds is not “0”, the normal symbol variation display is started. Further, the number of holdings for the normal symbol is “+1” when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 16 and the number of holdings for the normal symbol is less than a predetermined number (four in this embodiment). It is set to “−1” every time the symbol variation display is started.

B. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric accessory game process. When the ordinary electric accessory game process is activated while the CPU 201 performs the game control process of FIG. It is determined whether or not it is operating (whether or not the second start winning device 17B is in an open state). If it is determined that the second start winning device 17B is in an open state (S201; YES), the operation time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (the second start winning device 17B is in an open state (second state)). ) Is maintained for 5 seconds in the open extended state and 0.2 seconds in the normal open state) (S202). Then, when it is determined that the operating time (opening time) has passed the predetermined time (S202; YES), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped to stop the second start winning device 17B in the open state (second state). Is in a closed state (first state) (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated.

  However, when the CPU 201 releases the normal electric accessory 17d (second start winning device 17B) (S202; NO), a prescribed number (for example, eight) of game balls have entered the second start winning device 17B. If it is determined (S204; YES), even if the aforementioned operating time (opening time) has not reached the predetermined time, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated. . In the gaming machine 1, when the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c is driven during the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d, the pair of wing pieces of the second start winning device 17B constituting the ordinary electric accessory 17d is outward. By rotating, the second start winning device 17B is in the open state (second state).

C. Special design game processing (S300)
When the special symbol game process (S300) is started, as shown in FIG. 23, it is first determined whether or not a first start prize or a second start prize has occurred (S301a, S301b). Then, when a negative determination is made in the processing of S301a and the processing of S301b (S301a; NO, S301b; NO), the processing proceeds to the processing after S328 shown in FIG.

  When the CPU 201 determines that the first start winning has occurred (S301a; YES), the number of the first special symbols corresponding to the first starting winning (first holding number) is less than a predetermined number (4 in this embodiment). Or less) (S302a). If it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number in the process of S302a (S302a; YES), a random number value for determination is acquired accordingly (S303a). The random number value for determination acquired based on the first start prize is stored in a shift memory format at a predetermined address (first determination random value memory 202a shown in FIG. 14) of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. At the same time, “the number of reserved special symbols corresponding to the first starting prize (first number of held)” is cumulatively stored (added and stored) in the first number of held memory 202c shown in FIG. 14 (S303a).

  Here, the determination random number value acquired in the process of S303a includes (a) a random determination random value used for the first determination to be executed based on the first start winning prize, and (b) a first special symbol display unit. (C) Reach display (reach effect) in the effect display variation display (symbol variation effect) executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. There is a reach random number value for determining whether or not to perform. And these random numbers for determination comprise the specific example of the entrance information acquired based on a 1st starting port. Unlike the present embodiment, when the small hit determination is performed based on the first start winning prize, the determination random number value acquired in the processing of S303a is the determination random value used in the small hit determination (small hit determination random number value). ) Is included. In addition, a random number value for determining a variation pattern for determining a variation pattern in the process of S303a may be included.

  Following the processing of S303a, the CPU 201 performs a preliminary determination (first preliminary determination) regarding the first winning / failing determination (special figure 1 big hit lottery) using the randomness determination random number acquired in the processing of S303a, and the result is obtained. The information shown is stored in a first pre-determination result memory (not shown in FIG. 14) (S304a). Then, after the value of the total number-of-holds counter 202e (see FIG. 14) is “+1” (S310a), the process proceeds to S315a. Here, the total number-of-holds counter 202e is a counter that indicates the total number of the first number-of-holds and the second number-of-holds, and the CPU 201 refers to the value of the total number-of-holds counter 202e, so The total number of the first holding number and the second holding number) can be specified.

  In the process of S315a, it is determined whether or not the total number of holds has reached the upper limit (the upper limit of the total number of the first hold number and the second hold number) by the process of S310a (S315a), and a positive determination is made. (S315a; YES), after the upper limit flag is set (set to ON) (S320a), the process proceeds to S325a. If a negative determination is made (S315a; NO), the process proceeds to S325a as it is. In S325a, a process of transmitting the first start winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. When this S325a is performed, the process proceeds to S328 in FIG. Here, as described above, the first start winning command includes information that can specify the result of the first preliminary determination, the first hold number after the first start win, the total hold number after the first start win, and the like. It is a command to show. However, unlike the present embodiment, a command for specifying the first hold number after the first start winning prize and a command for specifying other information may be set as separate commands. The data indicating that the upper limit flag is set (set to ON) is a specific example of “second information”, and the data indicating that the upper limit flag is released (set to OFF) is “first information”. Specific examples of In the gaming machine, the variation time is set to a second variation time (specific variation time) shorter than the first variation time (normal variation time) according to the state of the upper limit flag (specific variation time). It is possible to determine whether or not (execution of setting control) is possible (see the process of S514 in FIG. 27).

  If the result of the first win / fail determination (special figure 1 big hit lottery) is a big win (win) in the first prejudgment, the “special figure 1 symbol determination random number” is used in the first prejudgment. “Preliminary determination regarding jackpot symbol” may also be executed. In this case, information that can specify the result of the prior determination relating to the jackpot symbol is also included in the first start winning command. In this case, the processing of S304a is performed for each hold (random number value for determination acquired based on the first start prize) that is subject to prior determination (holding random number value acquired based on the first start prize). Is performed in consideration of the gaming state when the symbol is actually processed (when the symbol variation game is actually started). That is, if the symbol variation game that is started by processing the hold (first determination random value) to be determined in advance is performed in a low probability state, the hold (obtained based on the first start winning) The prior determination regarding the determination random number value) is executed with reference to the aforementioned “low probability data table”. In addition, if a symbol variation game that is started by processing a hold (a random number value for determination acquired based on the first starting prize) that is subject to prior determination is performed in a high-probability state, the hold (No. The prior determination regarding the random number value for determination acquired based on one start winning prize is executed with reference to the above-mentioned “high probability data table”.

  23 to 27, among the processes performed by the CPU 201, each process executed based on the first start winning (hereinafter referred to as a process related to the special figure 1) and the second start winning. Among the executed processes (hereinafter referred to as processes related to the special drawing 2), the same processes are given the same number of steps (numbers for calculation). Since the process with the same number of steps is basically the same process, one of “process related to special figure 1” and “process related to special figure 2” will be described in the following description. The description of the other may be omitted. In addition, “process for special figure 1” is distinguished by adding “a” in alphabet to “number of steps”, and “process for special figure 2” by adding “b” in alphabet to “number of steps”. There is.

  If it is determined that the second start winning has occurred (S301b; YES), the number of second special symbols corresponding to the second start winning (second holding number) is less than a predetermined number (4 in this embodiment). Or less) (S302b). If it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number in the process of S302b (S302b; YES), a random number value for determination is acquired accordingly (S303b). The determination random number value acquired based on the second starting prize is stored in a predetermined address (second determination random value memory 202b shown in FIG. 14) of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, The number of reserved special symbols (second number of reservations) corresponding to the two start winnings is cumulatively stored (added and stored) in the second number-of-holds memory 202d (S303b).

  Here, the determination random number value acquired in the process of S303b includes (a) a random determination value for determining whether or not to be executed based on the second start winning prize, and (b) a second special symbol display unit. The symbol determination random number value for determining the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed at 62b, (c) Reach display (reach effect) in the effect symbol variation display (symbol variation effect) executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 There is a reach random number value for determining whether or not to perform. Note that unlike the present embodiment, when the small hit determination is performed based on the second start winning prize, the determination random number value acquired in the process of S303b is a determination random number value (small hit determination random number value used in the small hit determination). ) Is included. Further, a variation pattern determining random value for determining the variation pattern in the process of S303b may be included.

  Following the processing of S303b, the CPU 201 performs a preliminary determination (second preliminary determination) regarding the second winning / failing determination (special figure 2 big hit lottery) using the randomness determination random number obtained in the processing of S303b, and the result is obtained. The information shown is stored in a second prior determination result memory (not shown in FIG. 14) (S304b). Then, after the value of the total number-of-holds counter 202e (see FIG. 14) is “+1” (S310b), the process proceeds to S315b. Then, in the process of S315b, it is determined whether or not the total number of holds has reached the upper limit (the upper limit of the total number of the first hold number and the second hold number) by the process of S310b (S315b). If it is done (S315b; YES), after setting the upper limit flag (set to ON) (S320b), the process proceeds to S325b. If a negative determination is made (S315b; NO), the process proceeds to S325b as it is.

  In S325b, a process of transmitting the second start winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. When this S325b is performed, the process proceeds to S328 in FIG. Here, as described above, the second start winning command includes information that can specify the result of the second pre-judgment, the second hold number after the second start win, the total hold number after the second start win, and the like. It is a command to show. However, unlike the present embodiment, a command for specifying the second hold number after the second start winning prize and the command for specifying other information may be different commands.

  Even in the second pre-determination, if the result of the second win / fail determination (special figure 2 big hit lottery) is a big win (win), in the second pre-determination, the “special figure 2 symbol determination random number” is set. The used “pre-judgment regarding jackpot symbol” is also executed. Information that can specify the result of the pre-judgment regarding the jackpot symbol is also included in the second start winning command. In this case, the process of S304b is also held (the determination random number value acquired based on the second start prize) for each hold (the determination random number value acquired based on the second start prize) that is subject to prior determination. Is performed in consideration of the gaming state when the symbol is actually processed (when the symbol variation game is actually started). In other words, if the symbol variation game that is started by processing the hold (second determination random number value) to be pre-determined is performed in a low probability state, the hold (obtained based on the second start winning) The prior determination regarding the determination random number value) is executed with reference to the aforementioned “low probability data table”. In addition, if a symbol variation game that is processed and started in a high-probability state by processing a hold (a random number value for determination acquired based on the second starting prize) that is subject to prior determination, The prior determination regarding the random number value for determination (obtained based on 2 start winnings) is executed with reference to the aforementioned “high probability data table”.

  In the process of S328, as shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being executed (S328). Specifically, if the big hit game flag (see the process of S378 in FIG. 25) is set (set to ON), a positive determination is made in the process of S328. The big hit game flag is a flag indicating that the “big hit game execution means” is in operation.

  If the CPU 201 determines that the big hit game is being executed (S328; YES), it ends the special symbol game process and returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of S328 that the big hit game is not being executed (S328; NO), whether or not the special symbol is changing, that is, one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is changing. It is determined whether or not (S330). If the special symbol is not changing (S330; NO), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet changed, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the change display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (S332). If the special symbol is not variably displayed (S330; NO), and if it is not within the stop display time during which the special symbol is stopped (S332; NO), whether or not the variable display can be started. Is determined (S335). In the present embodiment, the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol is 0.6 seconds.

  The “condition for starting the variable display of the special symbol” is that either of the “first reserved number” and the “second reserved number” is not “zero”. Then, when any of the “first hold number” and the “second hold number” is not “zero” (S335; NO), the determination random number value memory (the first determination random number value memory 202a, the second hold number) Of the random number values for determination stored in the random number value memory for determination 202b), the oldest random number value for determination is read (S336), and whether or not there is a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is determined. (S338). That is, when the determination random number value is read from the first determination random value memory 202a in the process of S336, the “first determination of success / failure determination” is performed in the process of S338, and the determination is made from the second determination random value memory 202b. When the random number for reading is read out, “second determination of success / failure” is performed in the process of S338. Note that the determination random number value read in S336 is obtained by the process of S303a or S303b, and includes a determination result random number value, a symbol determination random number value, a reach random number value, and the like.

  In this success / failure determination process (S338), a process related to the first successful / bad determination is performed. Specifically, in the case of a high probability state, the determination of success / failure is performed using the “data table for high probability” and the “randomness value for determination of success / failure read in the process of S336”, and the low probability state (normal probability state) In this case, the determination of success / failure is performed using the “data table for low probability” and the “random determination value of success / failure read by the processing of S336b” (S338).

  The CPU 201 executes a symbol variation start process (S500b) following the success / failure determination process (S338). In the symbol variation start process (S500), as shown in FIG. 26, first, a variation pattern table distribution process (510D, 510E) based on the result of the success / failure determination process (S338) is performed. In other words, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S338) is “big hit” (S501; YES), the determination random number value memory (first determination random value) corresponding to the symbol determination random value acquired in the process of S303a or S303b The jackpot symbol that is read from the memory 202a or the second random number memory for determination 202b (S502) and stopped and displayed on the corresponding special symbol display unit (the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b) is displayed. After setting (determining) (S503), a process of allocating the fluctuation pattern table at the time of big hit (hereinafter referred to as a big hit fluctuation pattern table distribution process) is performed (S510D), and the process proceeds to S560.

  Further, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S338) is “displacement” (S501; NO), a process of allocating a variation pattern table at the time of detachment (hereinafter referred to as a variation pattern table distribution process at the time of detachment) is performed (S510E). ). After obtaining the symbol determination random number value (S554) and setting (determining) the off symbol to be stopped and displayed on the corresponding special symbol display unit (the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b) (S556), the process proceeds to S560. The symbol determination random number value used when setting (determining) the symbol to be removed may be acquired at the time of starting winning, and the acquired symbol determination random number value may be read out during the process of S554.

  Here, the contents of the big hit time fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510D) and the off time fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510E) are common and are performed according to FIG. When the distribution process (S510D, S510E) is started, it is first determined whether or not the upper limit flag is set (set to ON) (S514). Here, as described above, the “upper limit flag” is a flag that is set when the total number of holds reaches the upper limit (the upper limit of the total number of the first hold number and the second hold number) (320a, 320b) While this “upper limit flag” is set, the variation time is determined using the specific variation pattern table (described later). It should be noted that a specific example of the “specific variation time (second variation time)” is set as the variation time set using the specific variation pattern table.

  If it is determined in the process of S514 that the upper limit flag has been released (set to OFF) (S514; NO), the process proceeds to S532 and subsequent processes, and the variation pattern table is displayed according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. Perform the sorting process. Further, in the process of S514, even if the upper limit flag is set (set to ON), is the fluctuation shortening flag set (set to ON) (S520; NO), or negative in the process of S524? If a negative determination is made (S524; NO), a process of distributing the variation pattern table according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is performed. In this embodiment, since the so-called “latent probability variation big hit” does not occur, when the probability variation flag is set (set to ON), the variation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (see FIG. 16). reference).

  In the process of S524, the CPU 201 counts the total number of holds at the start of the current variable display (hereinafter referred to as “current total hold number”) and the total number of holds at the start of the previous variable display (hereinafter referred to as “previous total hold”). Number "). That is, in other words, the CPU 201 refers to the value of the total hold number counter 202e (see FIG. 14), so that the total hold number at the start of the current variable display (the total number of the first hold number and the second hold number). Can be obtained. In addition, by referring to the “previous total reserved number memory 202f (see FIG. 14)” provided in the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, the total reserved number (first held number at the start of the current variable display). Number and the total number of second pending numbers). When the “current total number of holds” is smaller than the “previous total number of holds” (S524; YES), the CPU 201 proceeds to the processing of S528, and the “current total number of holds” is “the previous total number of holds”. If it is not less than (S524; NO), after the process of releasing the upper limit flag (set to OFF) is performed (S526), the process proceeds to the process after S532 and the gaming machine 1 enters the gaming state. Accordingly, a process for distributing the variation pattern table is performed.

  If it is determined in the process of S524 that the “current total hold count” is smaller than the “previous total hold count” (S524; YES), the current change display is started after the previous change display is started. This is a case where no starting prize has been generated until this time (when the number of pieces of pitch information stored in the pitch information storage means tends to decrease). That is, this is a case where the total number of holdings when starting the current variable display is smaller than the total number of holdings when starting the previous variable display. Further, when it is determined in the processing of S524 that the “current total number of holds” is not less than the “previous total number of holds” (S524; NO), “current total number of holds” and “previous total number of holds” Or “Current total hold count” is greater than “Previous total hold count”, and a start prize is generated between the start of the previous fluctuation display and the start of the current fluctuation display. (When the number of pieces of entry information stored in the entry information storage means tends to be maintained or increased). That is, this is the case where the total number of holds when starting the previous variable display is equal to the total number of holds when starting the current variable display, or the latter is more frequent. Further, the processing of S524 constitutes a specific example of processing as “trend determination means” performed by the CPU 201. The “tendency determining means” exemplified in the present specification indicates that the number of pieces of entry information (holding number) stored in the entry information storage means when starting the present fluctuation display is immediately before the fluctuation display. Whether or not there is a decreasing tendency compared to the number of pieces of entry information (holding number) stored in the entry information storage means when starting the other change display (previous change display) executed in Determine whether there is a non-decreasing trend that has not decreased.

  In the following, first, the process of allocating the variation pattern table according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (the process after S532) will be described, and then the process of setting the specific variation pattern table (the process of S528) will be described. Also, in the case of performing the process of allocating the variation pattern table according to the processes after S532 and the result of the determination of validity is not good, the determination disturbance read out in the process of S336 in the processes of S536, S544, and S548. Based on the reach random number included in the numerical value, it is determined whether or not the reach effect is executed, and then the variation pattern table is set.

  In the process of S532, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S532). When it is determined that the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S532; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation state)”. Therefore, after setting the variation pattern table used in the high probability shortened variation state (hereinafter referred to as the high probability shortened variation pattern table) (S536), the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510D, S510E) is terminated. In the process of S536, if the result of the determination is a big hit, the variation pattern table in the column “high probability / shortening” in FIG. 28A is set (S536). In addition, when the result of the determination is wrong and the reach effect is not performed, each variation pattern table in the column “High probability / shortening” and “No reach effect” in FIG. 29 is set. When the reach effect is performed, the fluctuation pattern table in the column of “high probability / shortening” and “reach effect exists” in FIG. 29 is set (S536).

  If it is determined in the process of S532 that the probability variation flag has been released (set to OFF) (S532; NO), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag has been set (set to ON) (S540). When the variation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S540; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with a low probability (low probability shortening variation state)”. Therefore, after setting the variation pattern table used in the low probability shortened variation state (hereinafter referred to as the low probability shortened variation pattern table) (S544), the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510D, S510E) is terminated. In the process of S544, if the result of the determination is a big hit, the variation pattern table in the column labeled “low probability / shortening” in FIG. 28A is set (S544). In addition, when the result of the determination is wrong and the reach effect is not performed, each variation pattern table in the column of “low probability / shortening” and “no reach effect” in FIG. 29 is set. When the reach effect is performed, the variation pattern table in the column of “low probability / shortening” and “reach effect” is set in FIG. 29 (S544).

  When it is determined that the probability variation flag and the variation shortening flag are released (set to OFF) (S532; NO, S540; NO), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with low probability (low probability normal variation). State) ”, the variation pattern table used in the low probability normal variation state (hereinafter referred to as the low probability normal variation pattern table) is set (S548), and then the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510D, S510E) is terminated. To do. In the process of S548, if the result of the determination is a big hit, the variation pattern table in the column “low probability / normal” in FIG. 28A is set (S548). In addition, when the result of the determination is wrong and the reach effect is not performed, each variation pattern table in the column of “low reach / normal” and “no reach effect” in FIG. 29 is set. When the reach effect is performed, the variation pattern table in the column of “low probability / normal” and “with reach effect” in FIG. 29 is set (S548).

  In the case where the present embodiment is a gaming machine that can generate a so-called “latent probability variation big hit”, the variation shortening flag is canceled (set to OFF) while the probability variation flag is set (set to ON). May occur. In this case, since the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state in which normal variation is performed with high probability (high probability normal variation state)”, a variation pattern table (high probability normal variation pattern table) used in the high probability normal variation state is used. Will be set.

  In the variation pattern tables shown in FIGS. 28 to 29, variation patterns are set in association with “random number values”, and based on “variation pattern determination random number values” acquired in the processing of S560 described later, the processing of S562 described later. The “variation pattern used for variation display” is determined. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 28A and FIG. 29 show a variation pattern table storing a small number of variation patterns. In reality, these variation pattern tables include a large number of variation patterns ( For example, 20 types, 50 types, 100 types) are stored. Each variation pattern table described in the present embodiment is preset in the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, and this ROM 203 constitutes a specific example of “variation pattern table storage means”. Note that the process of S562 constitutes a specific example of “a process performed by the CPU 201 as a variable time setting unit”.

  Here, when the variation pattern table selected in the shortened variation state is used, the variation pattern table selected in the normal variation state (low probability normal variation state) is specified as compared with the case where the variation pattern table selected in the normal variation state (low probability normal variation state) is used. There is a high possibility that the fluctuation time will be shortened. In addition, the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when it is determined that the reach effect is not performed is compared with the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the reach effect is determined. There is a tendency to be shortened.

  As shown in FIG. 27, when the upper limit flag is set (set to ON), the fluctuation shortening flag is released (set to OFF), and the “current total number of holds” is smaller than the “total number of previous holds” (S514; YES, S520; YES, S524; YES) After setting the “specific variation pattern table” (S528), the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510D, S510E) is terminated. Here, in the process of S528, the “specific variation pattern table” shown in FIG. 28B is set regardless of whether the result of the determination is a big hit or not. Since only one variation pattern is stored in the “specific variation pattern table”, when this “specific variation pattern table” is used, a certain variation time (a variation time of 2 seconds) is identified. It will be.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 28B, since one variation pattern is stored in each “specific variation pattern table”, the execution time of “variation display continuously executed a plurality of times” is performed. Therefore, a more effective effect (for example, a continuous effect that is executed across a plurality of specific fluctuations, that is, a related effect) can be performed. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, a specific variation pattern table may be provided that is independent for winning and losing. Further, when the “specific variation pattern table” is used, the specified variation time is further shortened compared to the case where the variation pattern table selected in the shortened variation state is used. Note that the variation time specified using the “specific variation pattern table” constitutes a specific example of the “specific variation time (second variation time)” and is identified using the “low probability normal variation pattern table”. The variation time constitutes a specific example of “normal variation time (first variation time)”. In Example 3 to be described later, the fluctuation time specified using the “low probability normal fluctuation pattern table” and the fluctuation time specified using the fluctuation pattern table selected in the shortened fluctuation state are “ A specific example of “normal fluctuation time (first fluctuation time)” is configured.

  Next, the characteristics of the variation pattern determination method executed in the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 to 33. In the first embodiment, the “low probability normal variation pattern table” is hereinafter simply referred to as “normal variation pattern table”.

  FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 show the relationship between the total number of holdings when the variable display is started (hereinafter referred to as “starting total holding number”) and the fluctuation pattern to be used. Here, FIG. 30 shows the relationship between the “total number of holds at the start” and the variation pattern to be used when the “variation shortening flag” is released (set to OFF), and FIG. When the “shortening flag” is set (ON setting), the relationship between the “total number of holdings at the start” and the variation pattern to be used is shown.

  In FIG. 30, “solid arrow” and “normal fluctuation PT” indicate that the normal fluctuation pattern table is used, and “broken arrow” and “specific fluctuation PT” indicate that the specific fluctuation pattern table is used. . In FIG. 31, “two-dot chain arrow” and “shortening variation PT” indicate that a shortening variation pattern table is used. In the figure, the arrow with the end point pointing to the right indicates the variation pattern table selected when the number of holdings tends to increase or maintain, and the arrow with the end point pointing to the left tends to decrease The fluctuation pattern table selected at a time is shown. 32 and 33, the numerical value shown with an arrow in between indicates the transition of the total number of holds when starting the change display. For example, in the part where “8” is displayed on the left side of the arrow with the end point on the right side and “7” is displayed on the right side, the variable display is started when the total number of holds is “8”. It shows that the number decreases to “7”.

  Case 1 shown in FIG. 30 and FIG. 32 is a case where the “total number of reservations at the start” does not show a decreasing tendency (a case where a maintenance tendency or an increasing tendency is shown, and may be referred to as a “non-decreasing tendency” hereinafter). ), Select the normal variation pattern table when starting the variable display, and if the “total number of holds at start” reaches the upper limit, as long as the “total number of holds at start” tends to decrease, A specific variation pattern table is selected when the variation display is started. Also, as in case 2 shown in FIG. 30 and FIG. 33, when the “total number of holdings at start” tends to decrease before reaching the upper limit number, the normal variation pattern table is selected when starting the variation display.

  Further, as shown in case 3 shown in FIG. 30, when “starting total holding number” becomes the upper limit number and “starting total holding number” tends to decrease and the selection of the specific variation pattern table is started. In addition, once the “total number of holdings at the start” tends to be non-decreasing (maintenance tendency or increase tendency), the normal fluctuation pattern table is selected when the fluctuation display is started. However, after that, when the “total number of holds at the start” becomes the upper limit, as long as the “total number of holds at the start” tends to decrease, the specific variation pattern table is selected when starting the variable display.

  As shown in FIG. 31, when the “variation shortening flag” is set (ON setting), the variation shortening pattern regardless of whether the “total number of holdings at start” is non-decreasing or decreasing. A table (high probability normal variation pattern table, low probability normal variation pattern table) is selected.

  Returning to FIG. 26, in the process of S560, a variation pattern determination random value (random value for determining a variation pattern of a special symbol) is acquired (S560). Then, the fluctuation pattern is determined using the fluctuation pattern table set in the fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510D, 510E) and the random value acquired in the process of S560 (S562). Then, the CPU 201 starts the variation of the special symbol in the corresponding special symbol display unit (the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b) (S570), and the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220). ), A predetermined command (design variation start command) indicating the start of symbol variation is transmitted (S572). That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a “variation pattern designation command (command for designating a fluctuation pattern)”, a “special symbol stop information designation command” and the like related to the special symbol to the sub-control board 220.

  Further, the CPU 201 subtracts “1” from the number of holdings (the first holding number or the second holding number) related to the corresponding special symbol, and the total holding number (the total number of the first holding number and the second holding number). 1 for subtracting “1”, and the number of holdings after the subtraction (first holding number or second holding number) and the total holding number (total number of the first holding number and the second holding number) Processing for transmitting a command to the sub-control board 220 is performed (S575). Then, after performing the process of updating the previous total number of reservations stored in the previous total number of reservations memory 202f (see FIG. 14) (S578), the symbol variation start process (S500b) is terminated, and further the special symbol game The process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Note that in S578, the “total number of holds (the total number of holds after the process of subtracting“ 1 ”)” obtained in S575 is stored in the previous total number of holds 202f (see FIG. 14). The process is performed. That is, when starting the next fluctuation display, the previous total number of reservations to be considered in S524 is stored in the previous total number of reservations memory 202f (see FIG. 14).

  Here, the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command are output toward the sub-control board 220 together with the strobe signal as shown in FIG. This strobe signal is connected to the interrupt terminal of the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220. When the strobe signal is input, the CPU 220a on the sub-control board 220 receives each designation signal immediately and receives the designation signal. Analyze the contents. Although detailed explanation is omitted, the variation pattern is determined in consideration of various conditions such as whether or not the reach effect is performed and whether or not the symbol for stopping and displaying the special symbol is a winning symbol (big hit symbol). If the variation pattern is known, the time for the special symbol to be variably displayed can be determined. In addition, if the special symbol stop information designation command is analyzed, it can be known whether the special symbol stops at the big hit symbol or the off symbol, and when it stops at the big hit symbol, it is known which of the big hit symbol is it can.

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

  Returning to FIG. 24, when it is determined in the process of S310 that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing (S330; YES), the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol are already determined. This means that special symbols have started to change. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S341). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting a timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S341; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

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

  If it is determined in the process of S350 that the special symbol stop display time has not elapsed (S350; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S350; YES), it is determined whether or not the stop display mode is a mode that represents a big hit (big hit symbol) (S352 in FIG. 25).

  If an affirmative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 25, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets information indicating the current game progress in a buffer to be referred to at the end of the “big hit game” described later. (Memorize) (S354). Specifically, “type of big hit” and “game state flag state” are set (stored) (S354). Further, the specific area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 functions as a buffer used in the process of S354. Here, the “gaming state flag” is a flag indicating “the gaming state of the gaming machine 1”, that is, “probability change flag”, “fluctuation shortening flag”, “open extension flag”, and the like. In the process of S354, Data indicating whether these flags are set to “ON” or “OFF”, that is, data indicating the current gaming state is set. The “probability change flag” is a flag indicating that the probability that the result of determining whether or not a special symbol is a big hit is in a state where a high probability is set (high probability state), and the “variation shortening flag” is a special symbol and It is a flag indicating that the normal symbol variation time is in a state of being shortened (shortened variation state). The “open extension flag” is a flag indicating that the time (open time) in which the second start winning device 17B (ordinary electric accessory 17d) is in the open state is set to a long time (open extended state). It is. In the present embodiment, the ON / OFF switching timings of the “variation shortening flag” and the “open extension flag” are the same, and both flags are handled integrally. That is, when it is in the shortened variation state, it is also in the open extension state.

  Here, in this specification, the state in which the “variation shortening flag” and the “open extension flag” are set to “ON” is referred to as “open extension state” or “shortening variation state”. A state in which the “open extension flag” is set to “OFF” is referred to as a “normal open state” or a “normal fluctuation state”. A state in which the “probability change flag” is set to “ON” is referred to as a “high probability state”, and a state in which the “probability change flag” is set to “OFF” is a “low probability state” or “normal probability state”. " In addition, a state where all of the “variation shortening flag”, “open extension flag”, and “probability variation flag” are set to “ON” is referred to as “high probability open extension state” or “high probability shortening variation state”. When the “Variable shortening flag” and “Open extension flag” are set to “ON” and the “Probability change flag” is set to “OFF”, the “Low probability open extension state” or “Low probability shortening fluctuation state” "

  Subsequent to the process of S354, a process of setting an open / close pattern of the big winning device 31 according to the type of the big hit that has occurred is performed (S370). In other words, when “16R probable big hit” or “16R normal big hit” occurs, an open / close pattern is set to perform “16 rounds” of round games with the opening limit time of the special winning opening 31a being “30 seconds”. When “8R probability variable big hit” or “8R normal big hit” occurs, an open / close pattern is set for performing “8 rounds” of a round game in which the opening limit time of the special winning opening 31a is “30 seconds”.

  Subsequent to the process of S370, a process of setting a big hit game flag (set to ON) is performed (S378). By setting the “big hit game flag”, the big hit game execution means starts operating, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “big hit gaming state”. The main control unit 200A transmits a “hit game start designation command (indicated as start C in the drawing) toward the sub-control unit 220A at the timing when the“ hit game flag ”is set.

  Subsequent to the process of S378, the process proceeds to the process after S380. Here, when the “big hit game flag” is set in the process of S378, the big hit game execution means starts to operate and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “big hit gaming state”. When the “big hit game flag” is being set (when the big hit game execution means is in operation), the probability changing function, the time reduction function, and the open extension function are not activated. For this reason, after performing a series of processes after S380 as follows, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated.

  That is, in the process of S380, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S380). If it is not set (S380; NO), the process proceeds to S384 as it is and is set. If yes (S380; YES), after performing the process (S382) of canceling the probability variation flag (set to OFF), the process proceeds to S384.

  In the process of S384, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S384; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is left as it is, Return to the game control process 21. On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S384 that the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S384; YES), after the fluctuation shortening flag and the open extension flag are canceled (set to OFF) ( S386, S387), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In any case, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 21, a big hit game process (S600 of FIG. 21) described later is started, and the big hit game is executed.

  When the big hit game is ended, by referring to the aforementioned “big hit game end reference buffer (see S354 in FIG. 25)”, the big hit symbol (hereinafter, “ Information on the type (usually jackpot symbol, probability variation jackpot symbol) is acquired, and based on this information, a game state after the jackpot game is set is performed. In other words, when “this big hit symbol” is “ordinary big hit symbol”, processing for setting “100” in the variation shortening counter, processing for setting the variation shortening flag, and processing for setting the release extension flag And do. As a result, after the special game (the first jackpot game) related to the “normal jackpot” is finished, the special symbol is changed to “100 times” (until the value of the fluctuation shortening counter becomes zero). The extension function and the variable time reduction function are activated. However, when the next big hit is generated, the opening extension function and the fluctuation time shortening function stop operating.

  Also, if this big hit symbol is “probable variation big hit symbol”, set the probability variation flag (set to ON), set the variation shortening counter to “10,000”, and set the variation shortening flag And a process of setting the release extension flag. That is, when a “probable big hit” occurs, the probability that the result of the determination is a big hit is high after the big hit game related to the big hit is completed until the next big hit is generated. In addition, after the big hit game related to the big hit, the high probability reduced fluctuation state is continued until the number of changes of the special symbol becomes “10,000 times”.

  In this embodiment, when various flags and counters are set in the big hit game end process, a control command (state designation command) indicating the state after the big hit game based on the setting is sent from the main control unit 200A. It is configured to transmit to the control unit 220A. Thereby, the sub-control unit 220A performs a game effect according to a state (for example, a high probability shortening variation state, a low probability shortening variation state, a low probability normal variation state, etc.) specified based on the received state designation command. Can do.

  Next, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 25 will be described. That is, when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b is “out of symbol” (S352; NO), the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). It is determined whether or not (S398). If the fluctuation shortening flag is not set (set to OFF) (S398; YES), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

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

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the fluctuation shortening counter has become “zero” in the process of S404 (S404; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the low probability shortening fluctuation state to the low probability normal fluctuation It will switch to the state. For this reason, after performing the process (S410) for canceling the fluctuation shortening flag (set to OFF) and the process (S416) for canceling the release extension flag (set to OFF), exit the special symbol game process (S300). Returning to the game control process of FIG. Here, the “variation shortening counter” indicates the upper limit of the number of fluctuations of the special symbol executed while shortening the variation. When the value becomes “zero”, the shortened variation state ends with the variation of the special symbol of this time. Then, the next variation is switched to the normal variation state, and the variation of the special symbol from the next time is performed with the normal variation.

  When both the fluctuation shortening flag and the opening extension flag are switched off (S410, 416), the high probability state and the opening extension state (shortening variation state) are terminated, and the state switching occurs. . In this embodiment, when such state switching occurs, a control command (state designation command) indicating the state after the switching is transmitted from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A. It is configured. Thereby, in the sub-control unit 220A, it is possible to perform a game effect according to a state (for example, a low probability shortening variation state, a low probability normal variation state, etc.) specified based on the received state designation command.

(6) Production control process (S900)
Next, an outline of “effect control processing (S900)” performed by the sub control unit 220A (the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220) in cooperation with the effect display control unit 222A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 34 shows only main processes among the processes constituting the effect control process. In the effect control process (S900), main processes such as a hold occurrence process (S1000), a symbol variation effect process (S1500), a hold digest process (S1600), and a big hit game effect process (S1800) are repeatedly executed. . Further, since the time required for one round of the process in FIG. 34 is approximately 2 msec, these processes are repeatedly executed about every 2 msec. Hereinafter, description of the jackpot game effect process in the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 25 is omitted.

a. Processing when hold occurs (S1000)
In the on-hold occurrence process (S1000), as shown in FIG. 35, when the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 receives a start winning command (S1005; YES), information on the number of holds specified by the start winning command And the information which shows the result of prior determination (1st prior determination or 2nd prior determination) is memorize | stored (S1010).

  That is, when a start winning command based on the start winning to the first start winning device 17A is received (S1005; YES), “information about the result of the first pre-determination” is stored in the first pre-determination result information memory 226b. Then, the value of the first hold number stored in the first hold number information memory 223b is incremented by “+1” (see FIG. 14). Further, when the start winning command based on the start winning to the second start winning device 17B is received (S1005; YES), “information on the result of the second pre-determination” is stored in the second pre-determination result information memory 227b. Then, the value of the second hold number stored in the second hold number information memory 224b is incremented by “+1” (see FIG. 14).

  Following the process of S1010, the CPU 220a performs a process of additionally displaying a hold symbol in the hold display area 27c of the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (S1015). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the related effect flag is set (set to ON) (S1020). If the related effect flag is set (set to ON) (S1020; YES), the related effect flag is canceled (OFF). (S1025), and the on-hold occurrence processing (S1000) is terminated. In other words, in this embodiment, even if a related effect has already been executed, the related effect is terminated when a new hold is generated and the number of holds becomes non-decreasing. Is going to start.

  If the related effect flag is released (set to OFF) (S1020; NO), whether or not the number of reserved symbols displayed in the reserved display area 27c has reached the upper limit number by the processing of S1015. (S1030), and when the upper limit number has not been reached (S1030; NO), the processing at the time of the occurrence of the hold (S1000) is ended as it is. If the upper limit number has been reached (S1030; NO), it is determined whether or not a winning symbol is being displayed in the holding display area 27c (S1035), and if the winning symbol is not being displayed. (S1035; NO), the processing at the time of the occurrence of the hold (S1000) is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S1035 that the winning hold symbol is being displayed (S1035; YES), after setting the related effect flag (set to ON) (S1040), the process when the hold occurs (S1000) is terminated. As described above, when the process of S1040 is performed, the related effects are executed as long as the number of holdings tends to decrease.

b. Symbol variation effect processing (S1500)
In the symbol variation effect processing (S1500), as shown in FIG. 36, when the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 receives a command at the time of symbol variation start (S1505; YES), the processing after S1510 is executed. Here, the commands received in the processing of S1505 are a variation pattern designation command (CHP) and a special symbol stop information designation command (CJS).

  Based on the received “special symbol stop information designation command”, the sub-control unit 220A can determine the result of the determination (S320a, S320b) executed in the main control unit 200A. If the determination result is a big hit (S1510; YES), a process for distributing the effect pattern table for the big hit is performed based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1515). If the result of the determination is wrong (S1510; NO), a process of distributing the effect pattern table at the time of losing is performed based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1520).

  When the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 ends the process of S1515 or S1520, the CPU 220a performs the process of S1540. In the process of S1540, a random number lottery is performed using the effect pattern table (for big hit or missed) set in the process of S1515 or S1520 to determine the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect (S1540). Here, in the process of S1540 after the process of S1515, using the effect pattern table set in the process of S1515, a specific execution mode of display effects executed on the display screen 27a, a specific mode of reach display, and the like. The display pattern from the start to the end (definite display) of the variation display of the effect symbol is determined (S1540). Specifically, specific contents (types of background symbols, characters to appear, etc.) of reach production (“normal reach production”, “pseudo-continuous production”), types of selected symbols constituting reach display, temporary stop display The type of effect design to be performed is determined (S1540). In addition, using the effect pattern table set in the processing of S1515, an effect mode related to effect elements (sound effect element, light emission effect element, movable effect element, etc.) other than the display effect element is selected and set (S1540).

  Further, in the process of S1540 executed through the process of S1520, the specific execution mode of the display effect executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, the presence / absence of the reach display, and the reach when the reach display is executed. Processing to determine a display pattern from the start to the end (definite display) of the variation display of the effect symbols such as the display mode is performed. Specifically, using the effect pattern table set in the process of S1520, specific contents of “simple outage effect” when reach display is not performed, and reach effect when reach display is performed (“normal reach effect”) , “Pseudo-continuous effect”), the type of effect symbol constituting the reach display, the type of effect symbol for temporary stop display, and the like are determined (S1540). Further, by using the effect pattern table set in the processing of S1520, the effect mode related to effect elements (sound effect element, light emission effect element, movable effect element, etc.) other than the display effect elements, the display mode related to the auxiliary symbols, etc. are selected and set. (S1540).

  However, when the related effect flag is set (set to ON), an effect pattern for executing the “related effect” is determined in the processing of S1540.

  If CPU220a performs the process of S1540, after performing the process which sets the stop symbol (design to be confirmed) of an effect symbol (S1545), it will transfer to the process of S1550. Here, in the processing of S1545 executed through the processing of S1515 and the processing of S1540, a specific mode or the like of “effect design for definite display of big hit” is selected and set as “big hit stop symbol”. Further, in the processing of S1545 executed through the processing of S1520 and the processing of S1540, a specific mode or the like of “the effect design for confirming the removal” is selected and set as the “stopping stop symbol”.

  In the process of S1550, a command (effect display detail command) for designating the “effect pattern” determined in the process of S1540 and the “design of the effect pattern to be stopped” determined in the process of S1545 is displayed on the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board). 222), and the effect display device 27 starts the variable display of effect symbols and background symbols (S1550). That is, the symbol variation effect on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is started.

  Thereafter, in the process of S1560, if the sub-control unit 220A determines that the symbol stop command (CZE) transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) has been received (S1560; YES), the received symbol stop The command is transferred to the effect display control unit 222A, the effect display of the effect symbol and the background symbol on the effect display device 27 is stopped (S1565), and the symbol variation effect is ended. Thereby, the design variation effect using effect elements (sound effect element, light emission effect element, movable effect element, etc.) other than the display effect element is also ended.

c. On-hold digestion process (S1600)
In the hold digest process (S1600), as shown in FIG. 37, when the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 receives the symbol change start command (S1605; YES), the hold symbol displayed in the hold display area 27c is displayed. The erasing process (S1610) is performed, and the pending digestion process (S1600) is terminated. That is, the reserved symbols displayed in the uppermost “first area D1” in the area of the hold display area 27c (the first area D1 to the eighth area D8) are deleted. In this case, when the reserved symbols are displayed in the lower region (second region D2 to eighth region D8) than “first region D1”, each one region (first region D1 to seventh region) is displayed. Shift to the region D7).

(7) Effects of the embodiment In the gaming machine 1, in the state where the fluctuation time is set to the first fluctuation time (normal fluctuation time), the number of holdings (the total number of holdings at the start) tends to decrease or does not decrease Regardless of the trend, the variation time is set to the first variation time (normal variation time). Also, once the number of holds reaches the upper limit (predetermined number), the variation time is set to a second variation time (specified) that is shorter than the first variation time until new entry information is stored in the entry information storage means. In order to set the variation time), the ball entry information stored in the ball entry information storage means is processed in a short time (specific variation time setting control). Further, even when the entry information stored in the entry information storage means is being processed at once, if new entry information is stored in the entry information storage means (if the number of holdings tends to be maintained or increased) After that, since the fluctuation time is set to the first fluctuation time that is longer than the second fluctuation time, the number of holdings tends to become the upper limit again.
Thereby, even when the first fluctuation time is set longer, it is possible to make it difficult to generate a useless ball (entering a ball exceeding the upper limit of the number of reservations). In addition, while increasing the number of opportunities for the number of holds to reach the upper limit, the change time when the upper limit is reached is shortened and digested all at once. Production can be performed.

That is, in this gaming machine 1, the fluctuation time until the number of holds reaches the upper limit is set to the first fluctuation time (normal fluctuation time) to make it easier to reach the upper limit number. When the upper limit number is reached, the variation time is set to a second variation time (specific variation time) shorter than the first variation time, and the entry information is processed at once.
For this reason, according to the present invention, (a) the number of holds is delayed at “zero”, the number of holds is not increased easily, or the state where the variable display is not executed for a long time, or (b) the number of holds is “upper limit”. It is difficult to cause a decrease in the entertainment interest of the game, because it is difficult to cause a delay in “number” and frequent occurrence of “over prize”.
Further, in this gaming machine 1, even when the number of holds reaches the upper limit and the start of setting the variation time to the second variation time, new entry information is stored in the entry information storage means. Because the fluctuation time is returned to the first fluctuation time, even if the number of holdings tends to decrease, the number of holdings becomes “zero” at a stretch, the state where the number of holdings does not increase easily and fluctuation display is executed for a long time It is possible to prevent a state that is not performed. Moreover, in this gaming machine 1, when the number of reserves reaches the upper limit number, the variation time is shortened, so that the variation efficiency can be maintained.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1, when the second start winning device 17B is in the open extended state, the second hold is generated continuously and frequently in the first areas D1 to D4 in the hold display area 27c. Therefore, it is difficult to generate a state in which the variable display is not executed. Moreover, when the second starting prize-winning device 17B is not in the open extended state, the number of holds is likely to reach the upper limit, so that it is difficult to produce a state in which the variable display is not executed. That is, when the open extension function is not activated, it is inherently difficult to reach the upper limit number (MAX), but in the first embodiment, the variation time is controlled to be long until the hold number reaches the upper limit ( Normal fluctuation time setting control is performed). In addition, the first start prize and the second start prize are alternately generated by causing the first start prize device 17A to enter the game ball at a high rate (for example, the first start prize and the second start prize). It is easy to make the number of reserves reach the upper limit number (MAX) because it does not occur in one of the winnings). That is, according to this gaming machine 1, since the problem when the open extension function does not operate (problem that the number of reservations is difficult to reach the upper limit number) can be solved, a decrease in the gaming interest from these points as well Can be prevented accurately.

  Further, in this gaming machine 1, whether or not to execute the specific variable time setting control (second variable time setting) is specified based on the state of the upper limit flag (whether or not the second information is set). Setting control can be performed smoothly. In addition, in order to execute a production accompanying a plurality of fluctuation displays executed in accordance with the specific fluctuation time setting control as a series of productions, an effective production is executed when continuously processing a plurality of pieces of entry information in a short time. In this way, it is possible to enhance the game entertainment interest. That is, it is easy to generate a continuous effect (design variation effect due to a countdown) that constitutes a related effect, and the variation time of the continuous effect is a specific time (2 seconds in this embodiment) so that the continuous effect is effectively displayed. Since it can set, a specific continuous production can be performed effectively. In this case, since the result of the prior determination is suggested in a series of effects, the game entertainment can be further enhanced. In addition, when the upper limit number of reservations is reached, the fluctuation time is shortened, so that the fluctuation efficiency can be maintained.

  Here, “Even if the number of holdings at the start of variable display is the same, the number of holdings has been reached due to the occurrence of a start prize (increase in holdings or maintenance of the number of holdings), or the number of holdings has been reduced due to a decrease in holdings. If it is a “gaming machine that only varies the variation time”, it has the following problems. In other words, when the number of holdings is reduced due to a decrease in holdings, it always fluctuates for a short time, and once holdings tend to decrease, even before the holding reaches the upper limit number, The problem of “prone to become zero” occurs. On the other hand, in Example 1, while it becomes easy to accumulate | store a reservation number to an upper limit, when it reaches an upper limit once, it digests in a short time. However, if the number of holdings tends to decrease before reaching the upper limit number, a long fluctuation time is set, so that the problem of no holding at a stretch can be solved.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In the gaming machine according to the second embodiment, FIG. 38 and FIG. 39 are added, FIG. 40 is used instead of FIG. 23, FIG. 41 is used instead of FIG. 26, and FIG. 42 is different from the first embodiment in that FIG. 42 is used and FIGS. 43 to 45 are used instead of FIGS. 30 to 33. Hereinafter, the gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, “when the total number of holdings at the start is 1 to 4” indicates a specific example of “when the number of holdings is in the first range”, and “when the total number of holdings at the start is 5 to 8”. A specific example of “when the number of reservations is in the second range” is shown. That is, in the second embodiment, a specific example is illustrated in which a section (higher section) with a large total number of reservations at the start is the second range and a section (lower sections) with a small number of reservations is the first range.
In the gaming machine of the second embodiment, (a) when the total number of on-holding at the start tends to decrease, the second fluctuation time (between specific fluctuation times) is set, but the total number of on-holding at the start tends to decrease ( Maintenance period or increase trend) and the upper section (the upper section where the variation pattern table used differs depending on whether or not the total number of holdings at the start is decreasing) (B) Regardless of whether the total number of pending holds at the start is decreasing or non-decreasing, the lower section (the decreasing trend of the total number of pending starts at the start) is to set the first variation time (normal variation time) The subordinate section in which the variation pattern table to be used does not differ depending on whether or not there is. The “upper section” refers to a section where the number of reservations is on the upper limit side, and the “lower section” refers to a section where the number of reservations is on the lower limit side.

  Next, the “related effect type symbol variation effect” of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 38 and 39. That is, some of the symbol variation effects of the second embodiment are executed as related effects along with a plurality of variations display (special symbol variation display). Also in the gaming machine of the second embodiment, with respect to the incoming information (determination random number value) stored in the incoming information storage means (first determination random value memory 202a, second determination random value memory 202b), Prior to the execution of the success / failure determination (first success / failure determination, second success / failure determination), it is determined whether or not the result of the determination of the success / failure (first determination of success / failure determination, second determination of success / failure) is the winning information (specific result). To make a preliminary decision. Then, the mode of the reserved symbol indicating the presence of the acquired entry information is selected in consideration of the result of the prior determination.

  That is, based on the above-mentioned “first pre-determination result information” and “second pre-determination result information”, it is determined whether the generated entry information (holding) is hit-hold or off-hold, Make a selection. Specifically, when it is determined that a hit hold has occurred based on the “first pre-determination result information” or the “second pre-determination result information”, the presence of the hit hold on the hold display area 27c is determined. The reserved symbol to be displayed is displayed.

  Here, also in the specific example 3 shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the upper limit number of the incoming information (determination randomness) is stored in the incoming information storage means (the first determination random value memory 202a and the second determination random value memory 202b). (Numerical value) is stored, and the related effects are executed based on the state (c1) in which the reserved symbols are displayed in the eight areas D1 to D8 constituting the reserved display area 27c. Further, in this specific example 3, a holding symbol (hit holding symbol) indicating the presence of a hit hold is displayed in the “fifth region D5”, and the presence of a release hold is indicated in the other regions (D1 to D4, D6 to D8). It is assumed that a reserved symbol (delayed reserved symbol) is displayed (a1). In FIG. 38 and FIG. 39, the “off hold symbol” is indicated by “single circle” and the “hit hold symbol” is indicated by “double circle”. In addition, a region where no reserved symbol is displayed is indicated by a “dashed circle”.

  Also in the related effect type symbol variation effect of the second embodiment, the effect symbol display area 27b appears on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, and the effect symbol variation display (the symbol variation effect using the effect symbol) is started. (C2). At this time, the reserved symbols displayed in the first area D1 are erased, and the reserved symbols displayed in the second area D2 to the eighth area D8 are one area higher (first area D1 to seventh area D7). shift. In this way, after starting the variation display of the effect symbol (the symbol variation effect using the effect symbol), when the execution time (variation time) of the variation display of the effect symbol elapses, the stop display of the effect symbol is stopped for a certain time (about Executed for 0.6 seconds (c3). The stop display of this effect symbol is to display the result of the determination of success / failure as in the case of the stop display by the lower display device 60 (the special symbol display unit (62a or 62b)), however, the symbol variation of the related effect type In the production, it is displayed in a state where the size is reduced on the lower end side of the display screen 27a.

  In addition, in the small effect symbol display area 27b, the effect symbol variation display and stop display are performed while displaying three (three-digit) effect symbols. Then, in the variation display of the effect symbols, the arithmetic numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed in this order, and then the arithmetic numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed again in this order. It is configured by “circular display (scroll fluctuation display)” that repeats this. The contents of the stop symbol of the effect symbol are the same as those of the general type symbol variation effect.

  Next, the characteristics of the related effect type symbol variation effect will be described. The related effect of the specific example 3 is configured by continuously performing the symbol variation effect 5 times. In these symbol variation effects, the execution time of the first four times is unified to “2 seconds”. The variation time of the symbol variation effect performed last is the normal variation time. Further, the reach effect is not performed in the four symbol variation effects performed first, but the reach effect may be performed in the fifth symbol variation effect performed last. Furthermore, in the specific example 2, it is assumed that the number of holdings tends to decrease when any of the symbol variation effects is started.

  Also in the related effects of the specific example 3, the determination random number value corresponding to the reserved symbol (disconnected reserved symbol) of the “first region D1” is digested (c1, c2). In the symbol variation effect (first symbol variation effect) started by digesting the determination random number, a mark indicating that the count value is “5” is displayed on the display screen 27a. Then, while displaying the mark indicating the count value, the “first symbol variation effect” is advanced, the off symbol is displayed in the small effect symbol display area 27b, and the first symbol variation effect is terminated (c2 to c3). . In addition, the reserved symbol (first reserved symbol) displayed in the “first region D1” before the start of the “first symbol variation effect” is erased, and the “first symbol variation effect” before the start of the “first symbol variation effect” The reserved symbols displayed in the lower area (the second area D2 to the eighth area D8) than the "area D1" move to the areas one higher (the first area D1 to the seventh area D7) (shift), respectively. To do).

  Subsequently, when the first symbol variation effect is finished, the reserved symbol (displacement retention symbol) displayed in the “first region D1” is digested and the symbol variation effect (second symbol variation effect) is started. (C4). In the “second symbol variation effect”, a mark indicating that the count value is “4” is displayed on the display screen 27a. Then, the off symbol is displayed in the small effect symbol display area 27b, and the second symbol variation effect is terminated (c5). In addition, the reserved symbol (second reserved symbol) displayed in the “first region D1” immediately before the start of the “second symbol variation effect” is deleted, and the “first symbol variation effect” is immediately before the start of the “first symbol variation effect”. The reserved symbols displayed in the lower area (second area D2 to seventh area D7) than "area D1" are shifted to the upper area (first area D1 to sixth area D6), respectively (shifted). To do).

  Further, when the second symbol variation effect is finished, the reserved symbol (displacement retention symbol) displayed in the “first region D1” is digested and referred to as a symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as “third symbol variation effect”). ) Is started (c6). In the “third symbol variation effect”, a mark indicating that the count value is “3” is displayed on the display screen 27a. Then, the off symbol is displayed in the small effect symbol display area 27b, and the third symbol variation effect is terminated (c7). Further, the reserved symbol (third reserved symbol) displayed in the “first region D1” immediately before the start of the “third symbol variation effect” is erased, and the “first symbol variation effect” is immediately before the start of the “first symbol variation effect”. The reserved symbols displayed in the lower area (the second area D2 to the sixth area D6) than the "area D1" move to the areas one higher (the first area D1 to the fifth area D5) (shift), respectively. To do).

  Then, when the third symbol variation effect is finished, the reserved symbol displayed in the “first region D1” (displacement retention symbol) is digested and referred to as a symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as “fourth symbol variation effect”). ) Is started (c8). In the “fourth symbol variation effect”, a mark indicating that the count value is “2” is displayed on the display screen 27a. Then, the off symbol is displayed in the small effect symbol display area 27b, and the fourth symbol variation effect is ended (c9).

  Subsequently, when the fourth symbol variation effect is ended, the reserved symbol (hit reserved symbol) displayed in the “first region D1” is digested and referred to as a symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as “fifth symbol variation effect”). .) Is started (c10). In the “fifth symbol variation effect”, a mark indicating that the count value is “1” is displayed on the display screen 27a.

  Thereafter, a character indicating the player's ally (hereinafter referred to as “friend character”) and a character indicating the player's enemy (hereinafter referred to as “enemy character”) on the display screen 27 a of the effect display device 27. Appears (c11). Furthermore, when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the symbol variation effect, reach display is performed in the effect symbol display area 27b (c12), and the “friend character” and the “enemy character” battle (c12). Then, after the battle is settled (display indicating that the teammate character has won the enemy character) (c13), the symbol is displayed on the small effect symbol display area 27b, and the fourth symbol variation effect is ended. Thereby, a related effect is complete | finished (a14).

  Also in the second embodiment, when the “total number of holds at start” becomes a non-decreasing tendency (maintenance tendency or increasing tendency) when starting the symbol variation effect that constitutes the related effect described above, the related effect is ended. The general type symbol variation effect is started. Further, in the second embodiment, after the “total number of held at start” reaches the upper limit number, the winning symbol is displayed with the symbol variation effect within four times while the “total number of held at start” keeps decreasing. If the winning symbol is displayed (when the winning symbol is displayed in the state of specific variation), the related effect similar to the above-described specific example 1 is executed.

  Next, a difference between the special symbol game process (S300) of the second embodiment and the special symbol game process (S300) of the first embodiment will be described. In the special symbol game process (S300) of the second embodiment, if the process of S310a is performed as shown in FIG. 40, whether or not the total number of reservations has become the reference number (example “5” in the second embodiment). Is determined (S317a). If the determination is affirmative (S317a; YES), the upper section flag is set (set to ON) (S322a), and then the process proceeds to S325a. If the determination is negative (S317a) NO), the process proceeds to S325a as it is. Further, when the processing of S310b is performed, it is determined whether or not the total number of reservations has become the reference number (in the example 2, “5” is exemplified) (S317b), and when the determination is positive (S317b; YES). After the upper section flag is set (set to ON) (S322b), the process proceeds to S325b, and when a negative determination is made (S317b; NO), the process proceeds to S325a as it is. Unlike Example 2, it is determined whether or not the total number of holds has decreased below the reference number in S317a and S317b (whether the number of holds has become “4” as the number of holds decreases). If the determination is made, a modified example in which the lower section flag is set (set to ON) can be exemplified.

  In addition, in the special symbol game processing (S300) of the second embodiment, the symbol variation start processing (S500) is performed in accordance with FIG. 41, and the variation pattern table distribution processing (big hit time variation pattern table distribution processing and removal). 42 is different from the special symbol game process (S300) of the first embodiment, but the other points are the same as the special symbol game process (S300) of the first embodiment. It is. Next, about the symbol variation start processing (S500) of the second embodiment, the big hit hour variation pattern table distribution processing (S510D) of the second embodiment, and the outbreak variation pattern table distribution processing (S510E) of the second embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  When the symbol variation start process (S500) of the second embodiment is started, as shown in FIG. 41, a variation pattern table distribution process (510D, 510E) based on the result of the success / failure determination process (S338) is performed. That is, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S338) is “big hit” (S501; YES), the big hit hour variation pattern table distribution process is performed through the process of S502 and S503 (S510D), and the process of S560. Migrate to Further, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S338) is “out” (S501; NO), after performing the out-of-shift pattern table distribution process (S510E), the process of S551 and the process of S556 are performed. The process proceeds to S560. In the second embodiment as well, the contents of the big hit time fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510D) and the loss time fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510E) are common and are performed according to FIG.

When this distribution process (S510D, S510E) is started, as shown in FIG. 42, it is determined whether the upper section flag is set (set to ON) (S515). Here, as described above, the “upper section flag” is a flag that is set (set to ON) when the total number of reservations reaches the reference number (“5” in the second embodiment) (322a, 322b). When the total number of holdings falls below the reference number, it is canceled (set to OFF). Further, when the “upper section flag” is set (set to ON) and the number of holdings tends to decrease, the variation time is determined using the specific variation pattern table. The data indicating that the “upper section flag” is set (set to ON) indicates a specific example of “second information”, and indicates that the “upper section flag” is released (set to OFF). The data indicates a specific example of “first information”. In the gaming machine of the embodiment, whether or not the “specific variation time” can be set can be determined according to the state of the “upper section flag” (see the process of S515 in FIG. 42).
In other words, in the gaming machine of the second embodiment, when the “upper section flag” is set (set to ON) (the second information of the second embodiment is set), and the total number of holdings is decreasing, The variation time is set to the second variation time. However, even if the “upper section flag” is set (set to ON) (the second information of the second embodiment is set), if the total number of pending is non-decreasing, the variation time of the special symbol is the first Is set to a variable time.

  In the process of S515, if it is determined that the upper section flag has been released (set to OFF) (S515; NO), the process proceeds to S532 and subsequent processes, and the variation pattern table according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 Process to sort. Further, in the process of S515, even if the upper section flag is set (set to ON), is the fluctuation shortening flag set (set to ON) (S520; NO), or negative in the process of S524? If a general determination is made (S524; NO), a process of distributing the variation pattern table according to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is performed. Also in the second embodiment, so-called “latent probability variation big hit” does not occur. Therefore, when the probability variation flag is set (set to ON), the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (FIG. 16). See).

  Also in the process of S524 of the second embodiment, when it is determined that the “current total number of holds” is not less than the “previous total number of holds” (S524; NO), the process proceeds to S532 and the subsequent processes. A process of distributing the variation pattern table according to the gaming state of the machine 1 is performed. Also, in the processing of S524 of the second embodiment, when it is determined that the “current total number of reservations” is not less than the “previous total number of reservations” (S524; YES), the process proceeds to S528 and “specification” is performed. Set the “variation pattern table”. Note that the processing after S532 and the content of S528 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the symbol variation start process (S500) of the second embodiment, when the process of S510D or S556 is completed, the process of S560 to S575 is performed according to FIG. 41, and then the process proceeds to S581. Here, the contents of the processing of S560 to S575 in FIG. 41 are the same as the processing of S560 to S575 of the first embodiment. Also, in the process of S581, it is determined whether or not the upper section flag is set (set to ON) (S581). If it is released (set to OFF) (S581; NO), the symbol variation starts as it is. The process (S500) is terminated. On the other hand, when the upper section flag is set (set to ON) (S581; YES), it is determined whether or not the total number of holds after the processing of S575 has become “4” or less. (S585) If it is “5” or more (S585; NO), the symbol variation start process (S500) is terminated as it is, and if it is “4” or less (S585; YES), the upper section flag is canceled. After (set to OFF) (S588), the symbol variation start process (S500) is terminated. When the upper section flag is canceled (set to OFF), the total number of suspensions at the start becomes a number corresponding to the “lower section”.

  Next, the characteristics of the variation pattern determination method executed in the gaming machine of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 43 to 45. Here, FIG. 43 shows the relationship between the total number of holdings when starting the variable display (the total number of holdings at the start) and the fluctuation pattern to be used. In FIG. 43, “solid arrow” and “normal fluctuation PT” indicate that the normal fluctuation pattern table is used, and “dashed arrow” and “specific fluctuation PT” indicate that the specific fluctuation pattern table is used. ing. 44 and 45, the numerical value shown with an arrow in between indicates the transition of the total number of pending when starting the change display. For example, in the part where “2” is displayed on the left side of the arrow with the end point on the right side and “1” is displayed on the right side, the total holding is started by starting the variable display when the total holding number is “2”. It shows that the number decreases to “1”.

  FIG. 43 shows the relationship between the “total number of holds at the start” and the variation pattern to be used when the “variation shortening flag” is released (set to OFF). In addition, in the following description, the case where the “total number of holds at the start” is in any one of “1 to 4” is referred to as “the total number of holds at the start is in a lower section”, and “the total number of holds at the start” Is in any of “5 to 8”, it is referred to as “the total number of suspensions at the start is in the upper section”.

  In the case 6 shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, when the total number of reservations at the start is in the lower section, the normal variation pattern table is used when the variable display is started regardless of whether the number of reservations is decreasing or non-decreasing. (In the second embodiment, the same low probability normal variation pattern table as in the first embodiment) is selected uniformly. Further, in case 7 shown in FIG. 43 and FIG. 45, when the start total number of holds is in the upper section, when the start total number of holds tends to be non-decreasing, the normal change pattern table is used when starting the variable display. Is selected, and when the total number of reservations at the start is decreasing, it indicates that the specific variation pattern table is selected when the variation display is started.

  Also in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 31, when the “variation shortening flag” is set (ON setting), the “total number of holdings at start” is either non-decreasing or decreasing. However, the fluctuation shortening pattern table (high probability normal fluctuation pattern table, low probability normal fluctuation pattern table) is selected.

  In the gaming machine of the second embodiment, when the number of pieces of pitch information stored in the pitch information storage means (holding number) is in the first range (the total number of holdings at the start is in the range of 1 to 4), the number decreases. Regardless of the tendency or non-decreasing tendency, the number of entry information (holding number) stored in the entry information storage means is set to “1” because the change time is set to the first change time (normal change time). It is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which no variable display is performed. In addition, when the range of the number of reservations is in the second range (the range of the total number of reservations at the start is 5 to 8), when the number of reservations is decreasing, the variation time is shorter than the first variation time. The change time of 2 is set to facilitate the processing of the entry information (determination random value), so that it is difficult to cause a situation where the number of reservations is delayed by the upper limit. On the other hand, even if the number of holdings tends to decrease, if the range of the number of holdings shifts to the first range, the fluctuation time is set to the first fluctuation time longer than the second fluctuation time, so the number of holdings decreases. It is possible to prevent the number of holdings from becoming “zero” at a stretch during a trend.

That is, in the gaming machine of the second embodiment, when the total number of holdings at the start tends to be non-decreasing (when maintaining or increasing), it is easy to increase the number of holdings by setting the fluctuation time to the normal fluctuation time. To do. On the other hand, the number of holds decreases by setting the second range where the number of holds tends to decrease when the number of holds decreases, and the variable time regardless of whether the number of holds is decreasing or non-decreasing. Since the difficult first range is provided, it is possible to make it difficult to stay at the upper limit number or “zero”. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the variable display is not executed or a situation in which a waste ball is likely to be generated, and it is difficult to cause a decrease in the gaming interest.
Moreover, in the second embodiment, since the section with a large total number of pending reservations (higher section) is set as the second range and the section with the smaller total reserved numbers at start time (lower section) is set as the first range, the number of held is not reduced. In the case of a tendency, it is particularly easy to make the number of reservations less likely to stay at the upper limit number, while making it particularly easy to bring the number of reservations close to the upper limit number.

  Also in the gaming machine of the second embodiment, when the second start winning device 17B is in the open extended state, the second hold is continuously high in the first areas D1 to D4 in the hold display area 27c. Since there is a high possibility that it will occur frequently, it is difficult to produce a state in which variable display is not executed. Further, when the second starting prize-winning device 17B is not in the open extended state, the number of holds is likely to reach the upper limit, so that it is difficult for the state where the variable display is not executed. That is, when the open extension function does not operate, it is inherently difficult to reach the upper limit number (MAX), but in the second embodiment as well, the variation time is controlled longer until the upper limit number reaches the upper limit. (Normal variable time setting control is performed). In addition, the first start prize and the second start prize are alternately generated by causing the first start prize device 17A to enter the game ball at a high rate (for example, the first start prize and the second start prize). It is easy to make the number of reserves reach the upper limit number (MAX) because it does not occur in one of the winnings). That is, the gaming machine according to the second embodiment can solve the problem when the opening extension function does not operate (the problem that the number of reservations is difficult to reach the upper limit number). Can be prevented accurately.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1, whether or not to execute the specific variation time setting control (second variation time setting) is specified based on the state of the upper section flag (whether or not the second information is set). Time setting control can be performed smoothly. In addition, in order to execute a production accompanying a plurality of fluctuation displays executed in accordance with the specific fluctuation time setting control as a series of productions, an effective production is executed when continuously processing a plurality of pieces of entry information in a short time. In this way, it is possible to enhance the game entertainment interest. That is, it is easy to generate a continuous effect (design variation effect by countdown) that constitutes a related effect, and the variation time of the continuous effect is a specific time (2 seconds in this embodiment) so that the continuous effect can be effectively displayed. Since it can set, a specific continuous production can be performed effectively. In this case, since the result of the prior determination is suggested in a series of effects, the game entertainment can be further enhanced. In addition, when the upper limit number of reservations is reached, the fluctuation time is shortened, so that the fluctuation efficiency can be maintained.

  Here, “Even if the number of holdings at the start of variable display is the same, the number of holdings has been reached due to the occurrence of a start prize (increase in holdings or maintenance of the number of holdings), or the number of holdings has been reduced due to a decrease in holdings. If it is a “gaming machine that only varies the variation time”, it has the following problems. In other words, when the number of holdings is reduced due to a decrease in holdings, it always fluctuates for a short time, and once holdings tend to decrease, even before the holding reaches the upper limit number, The problem of “prone to become zero” occurs. On the other hand, in Example 2, while it becomes easy to store the number of reservations up to the upper limit, even if the number of reservations decreases, the number of reservations is reduced (when the total number of reservations at the start becomes “4”). ), A long fluctuation time is set, and the decrease rate of the number of holdings slows down.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and differs from the first embodiment in that FIG. 46 is used instead of FIG. The variation pattern table distribution processing (S510) of the third embodiment is different from the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510) of the first embodiment in that the processing of S520 is omitted.

  That is, in the gaming machine of the third embodiment, the upper limit flag is set (set to ON) in the variation pattern table distribution processing (big hit variation pattern table distribution processing, out-of-bound variation pattern table distribution processing). If this is the case (S514; YES), and a positive determination is made in the processing of S524, the “specific variation pattern table” regardless of whether or not the variation shortening flag is set (set to ON). The difference from the first embodiment is that the variation pattern (variation time) is determined using.

  According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. That is, as described above, the variation time set using the specific variation pattern table is made shorter than the variation time set using the variation shortening pattern table. For this reason, when the upper limit flag is set (set to ON), the ball entry information (determination random value) stored in the ball entry information storage means is processed more quickly. Note that the third embodiment may be a modification of the second embodiment. That is, a modification in which the process of S520 is excluded from FIG. 42 can be exemplified.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, and differs from the first embodiment in that FIG. 47 is used instead of FIG. Note that the fourth embodiment may be a modification of the second embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, the number of special symbols to be retained (the total number of reservations at the start) targeted by the ongoing special symbol variation start processing (S500b or S500a) is further considered, and the normal variation pattern table In the (variation pattern table used in the normal variation time setting control), when the total number of suspensions at the start is small (for example, when the total number of suspensions at the start is “1 to 4”), a longer variation time is specified. When a variation pattern is selected and the total number of reservations is large (for example, when the total number of reservations at the start of variation is “5 to 7”), a variation pattern that specifies a shorter variation time tends to be selected. However, in this normal variation pattern table, the variation time set when the total number of suspensions at the start is large is longer than the variation time set when the variation reduction flag is set or the specific variation time. Yes.

  According to the fourth embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. In other words, since a longer variation time is set when the total number of pending holds at the start is small, the total number of pending starts at the same time becomes “zero” when the total number of pending starts is decreasing and the trend is decreasing. It can be prevented more reliably.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment constitutes a modified example of the first embodiment, in which FIG. 48 is used instead of FIG. 2, FIG. 49 (a) is used instead of FIG. 27, and FIG. The difference from Embodiment 1 is that FIG. 49B is used. The fifth embodiment may be a modification of the second embodiment instead of the modification of the first embodiment.

  The game board 10 of the fifth embodiment does not include the second start winning device 17B, does not include the normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, and the path of the game ball inside the right decorative portion 21R ( The difference from the first embodiment is that a so-called “warp passage” 21z is formed. Also in the game board 10 of the fifth embodiment, the entrance (not shown) of the left warp passage 21w is opened obliquely upward to the left on the left side surface portion of the left decorative portion 21L, and the game area 11 (left area 11L) ) Is received at this entrance and is allowed to enter on the stage portion 21p (inside the main accessory device 20). In addition, in the right side surface portion of the right decorative portion 21R, the entrance (not shown) of the right warp passage 21z opens obliquely upward to the right, and the game ball flowing down the game area 11 (right area 11R) Then, it is received at this entrance and is entered on the stage portion 21p (inside the main accessory device 20).

  In this gaming machine 1, the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and reached the left end of the rolling surface 21M through the left warp passage 21w rolls right on the rolling surface 21M, and further to the left Roll in the direction. The game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and reached the left end of the rolling surface 21M through the right warp passage 21z rolls leftward on the rolling surface 21M, and then rolls rightward. . Then, when the momentum of these game balls has declined, they are discharged out of the main accessory device 20, but most of the game balls discharged from the center of the rolling surface 21M win the first start winning device 17A. To do.

  In the gaming machine of the fifth embodiment, in the variation pattern table distribution processing (big hit time variation pattern table distribution processing, out-of-bound variation pattern table distribution processing), as shown in FIG. If it is determined that it is set (OFF) (S514; NO), the normal variation pattern table is set (S538), and the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510D, S510E) is terminated. If it is determined that the upper limit flag is set (ON setting) (S514; YES), the process proceeds to S524.

  If the CPU 201 makes a negative determination in step S524, the CPU 201 sets a normal variation pattern table (S538), and ends the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510D, S510E). On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in the process of S524, after setting the “specific fluctuation pattern table” (S528), the fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510D, S510E) is terminated.

  Here, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 49B, a “normal variation pattern table” that is commonly used in both the low probability state and the high probability state is provided. In the case of using, the longer fluctuation time is determined as compared with the case of using the “specific fluctuation pattern table”. Further, the fifth embodiment does not include an opening / closing start winning device, and therefore does not include a variation pattern table for variation reduction. In the fifth embodiment, a “normal variation pattern table” used in a low probability state and a “normal variation pattern table” used in a high probability state may be provided separately.

  Also in the fifth embodiment, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained. In particular, according to the fifth embodiment, in spite of the fact that the open extension state is not generated, the starting hold number (total hold number) easily reaches the upper limit number, and it is difficult to generate a state in which the variable display is not executed. It has great significance. In the fifth embodiment, the same game board 10 as in the first embodiment may be used, and the second start winning device 17B may not perform the extension of opening.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is limited to the description for specifying the present invention in the scope of the claims unless departing from the scope of the present invention. However, it is possible to appropriately add an improvement based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has, and to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  In other words, in the first embodiment, when the total number of held at the start becomes the “upper limit number”, the specific variable time setting control is thereafter performed until the total number of held becomes “zero” as long as the total number of held at the start tends to decrease. The mode to perform was illustrated. However, as in case 8 shown in FIG. 50, when the total number of holds reaches the upper limit, as long as the total number of holds is decreasing thereafter, the start-time total number of holds becomes “specific number (for example, 5)”. A specific variation time setting control can be performed until the total number of suspensions at the start is further reduced, and a normal variation time setting control is performed when the total number of suspensions at the start is further reduced. In this modification, since the normal variation time setting control is performed when the total number of reservations approaches “zero”, it is possible to more reliably prevent the total number of reservations from becoming “zero” at once.

  Further, in the second embodiment, regardless of whether or not the total number of pending reservations at the start is decreasing, an interval (normal variation time setting control) in which the variation time of the special symbol is set to the first variation time (normal variation time setting control) ( (Hereinafter referred to as “no change section”) is defined as the section where the number of reservations (total number of reservations at start) is on the lower limit (total number of reservations at start 1 to 4). Is set to the first variation time, and when the trend is decreasing, the section for performing the control (specific variation time setting control) for setting the variation time of the special symbol to the second variation time (hereinafter referred to as “with variation”). A specific example in which the number of reservations (the total number of reservations at the start) is the upper limit side (the total number of reservations at the start 5 to 8) is illustrated. However, as in case 9 of FIG. 51A, the “no change section” is a section on the lower limit side (for example, the total number of holdings 1 to 4), and the “changed section” is a section on the upper limit side (for example, Specific examples of the total number of reservations 5 to 8) can be illustrated. That is, “when the total number of on-holding at the start is 1 to 4” is “when the number of on-holding is in the second range”, and “when the total number of on-holding at the start is 5 to 8” is “the number of holding is the first A specific example of “when in range” can also be illustrated. Also, as in case 10 of FIG. 51B, one of “no change section” and “change with section” is plural, and one of “no change section” and “with change section” is sandwiched between the other. Good. However, when the “no change section” is provided on the lower limit side, it is easier to give the player an impression that the starting hold number is less likely to be “zero”.

Furthermore, as a gaming machine according to an invention related to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “related invention”), “the number of pieces of entry information acquired based on the entry of the game ball into the start port is stored up to a predetermined number” Entered information storage means,
Fluctuation display means for performing fluctuation display of the identification information until a predetermined fluctuation time elapses based on the ball entry information stored in the ball entry information storage means;
A variation time setting means for setting a variation time of the identification information;
Specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player when the result of the variation display is a specific result;
With
The variation time setting means includes:
The variation time is set to the first variation time based on the number of entry information stored in the entry information storage unit until the entry information stored in the entry information storage unit reaches the predetermined number. Set,
When the entry information stored in the entry information storage means reaches a specific number smaller than the predetermined number, the variation time is set until the new entry information is stored in the entry information storage means. A “game machine characterized in that it is set to a second variation time shorter than the variation time” can be exemplified.

  In the gaming machine according to the related invention, the special symbol game process (S300) is executed as shown in FIG. That is, when S310a is performed, it is determined whether or not the total number of holds has become a specific number (for example, the total number of the first hold number and the second hold number is 6) by the process of S310a (S316a), and positively If it is determined (S316a; YES), after setting the reference flag (set to ON) (S324a), the process proceeds to S325a, and if it is determined negative (S316a; NO), the process proceeds to S325a as it is. In addition, when S310b is performed, it is determined whether or not the total number of holds has become a specific number (for example, the total number of the first hold number and the second hold number is 6) by the process of S310b (S316b), and positively If it is determined (S316b; YES), after setting the reference flag (set to ON) (S324b), the process proceeds to S325b, and if it is determined negative (S316b; NO), the process proceeds to S325a as it is.

  In the specific example shown in FIG. 52, FIG. 27 is applied in a state where the “upper limit flag” is replaced with the “reference flag”. The other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In each embodiment, when the pre-determining means confirms the occurrence of the hit hold, the initial value is a value obtained by adding “+1” to “the number of symbol variation effects executed until the hit hold is digested”. A related production that performs a countdown was performed. For example, in the case of digesting three off-holds (execution of three symbol variation effects) before digesting the hit hold, the initial value “4” in the symbol variation effect performed by digesting the earliest off-holding. In the symbol variation effect performed by digesting the next release hold, the count value “3” obtained by subtracting “1” from the initial value, and the next change reserve effect performed by further digesting the next release hold. In FIG. 2, the count value “2” obtained by further subtracting “1” is displayed, and the count value “1” is displayed in the symbol variation effect performed by digesting the hits.

  However, unlike each embodiment, when the pre-judgment means confirms the occurrence of a hit hold, the related effect that counts down is set with the initial value of “the number of symbol variation effects that are executed until the hit hold is exhausted”. May be executed. In this case, since the count value “1” is displayed in the symbol variation effect performed by digesting the off-hold immediately before the hit hold, the player is convinced that there is a hit hold when the previous off-hold is digested. can do.

  Further, in each embodiment, an example in which a related effect is performed on the condition that the pre-determining means confirms the occurrence of a holding suspension, but unlike each embodiment, the holding number is an upper limit number or a predetermined number (from the upper limit number). If the number is less, for example, “6”), the related effects are executed uniformly, or the related effects are executed by a predetermined condition (for example, when winning a lottery for determining whether to execute). it can. For example, in the specific example of FIG. 53, when the number of reservations reaches the upper limit, in the eight symbol variation effects executed by digesting the reservations at that time, the related effects that change to count values “8” to “1” ( The case where d1-d8) is performed is shown.

  In this case, when a new hold does not occur between the start of the related performance and the digestion of the eight holds (that is, the number of pieces of entry information stored in the entry information storage means is decreasing). As long as the variation time is controlled to the specific variation time, the symbol variation effect having an execution time of “2 seconds” is executed. In this specific example, when there is no winning hold when starting a related effect (when there is no winning hold among the eight holds), a false notice regarding “occurrence of big hit” by the related effect (gase notice) ) Will be performed. In addition, when there is a hit on hold when a related effect is started (if there is a hit on hold among the eight holds), a true notice (authentic notice) regarding “occurrence of big hit” is given by the related effect. Will be done.

  In the specific example shown in FIG. 53, when a new hold is generated during the period from the start of the related effect until the eight hold is consumed, the start is performed after the “new hold” is generated. The fluctuation time of the fluctuation display (design fluctuation effect) is controlled to the normal fluctuation time. Then, in the symbol variation effect started in accordance with the normal variation time, the count value remaining when the symbol variation effect is started may be counted down at once (e3 to e6, e7). Further, in this symbol variation effect, an effect (for example, a battle effect) that is executed while spending a certain amount of time may be executed.

  Moreover, the aspect of a related effect is not limited to a countdown effect, For example, a countup effect may be sufficient. Further, a related effect can be performed by projecting a series of movies (such as a story) on the display screen 27a.

  Further, in each embodiment, an example in which the upper limit number of the number of reservations is “8” is illustrated, but the upper limit of the number of reservations may be other than “8”. For example, in the gaming board 10 of Embodiments 1 and 2 (see FIG. 2), the first start winning device 17A is excluded, the first starting winning device 17A is excluded, and the first start winning device 17A is arranged. In the aspect in which the installation position is the arrangement position of the second start winning device 17B, the upper limit number of the number of reservations can be set to “4”.

  In this case, as shown in case 11 of FIG. 54A, when the number of holdings is not decreasing, the control for setting the variation time of the special symbol to the first variation time (normal variation time setting control). As long as the number of holds reaches the upper limit number (4), as long as the number of holds has a tendency to decrease, the control for setting the variation time of the special symbol to the second variation time (special variation time setting control) is executed. (Modified example of Example 1) can be illustrated. Also, as shown in case 12 of FIG. 54 (b), in the case of a lower section (the number of holdings at the start is 1 or 2), the variation time of the special symbol is set regardless of whether the number of holdings is decreasing or not. Execute the control to set to the first variation time (normal variation time setting control), in the case of the upper section (the number of pending at the start is 3 or 4), if there is a non-small tendency of the number of pending A control for setting the fluctuation time to the first fluctuation time (normal fluctuation time setting control) is executed, and if the number of holdings is decreasing, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is set to the second fluctuation time. A mode (variation of the second embodiment) for executing control (special variation time setting control) can be exemplified.

  In the case of a gaming machine having a first special symbol and a second special symbol, the determination random number value is stored in both the first determination random value memory 202a and the second determination random value memory 202b. In the gaming machine that processes the random number value for determination stored in one random number value memory for determination in preference to the random number value for determination stored in the other random number value memory for determination, 54 and FIG. 54 can be applied. That is, in the game in which the random number value for determination stored in the first random number value memory for determination 202a is processed, whether the first pending number (the upper limit number is “4”) is decreasing or non-decreasing. In the game in which the determination random number value stored in the second determination random value memory 202b is processed, the second pending number (the upper limit number is “4”) is decreasing or non-decreasing. It is judged whether there is.

  Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start) provided on the game board are used. Games that give the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to the entry of game balls into the mouth, the second start opening, the big prize opening, etc. Although the example in which the present invention is applied to the machine 1 has been described, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine of a type that gives a gaming profit (game value) in a form different from “payout of prize balls”. it can. As such a type of gaming machine, when a game ball is entered into various winning openings, data indicating the amount of profit (the magnitude of the game value) corresponding to the winning ball is given to the main control unit or the payout By storing it in the RAM of the control unit, it is possible to exemplify a gaming machine that gives a game profit (game value) to a player. In this case, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  As a type of gaming machine in which gaming profit (game value) is converted into data and given to the player, a gaming machine that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls built in the gaming machine, specifically, Examples of the game machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various winning holes or out holes to the launch position and launch it again. In this type of game machine (so-called enclosed game machine), for example, every time a game ball enters a winning opening, for example, data indicating a prize ball amount determined for each winning opening is stored. Thus, the game value as a result of the game can be given to the player.

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

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
17A; first start winning device,
17B; second start winning device,
27; production display device;
200; main control unit (entrance information storage means, prior determination means, specific game execution means, variation display means, variation time setting means, information setting means, tendency determination means),
220; sub-control unit.

Claims (4)

Entry information storage means for storing the entry information acquired based on the entry of the game sphere into the start opening, up to a predetermined number;
Fluctuation display means for performing fluctuation display of the identification information until a predetermined fluctuation time elapses based on the ball entry information stored in the ball entry information storage means;
A variation time setting means for setting a variation time of the identification information;
Specific game execution means for executing a specific game advantageous to the player when the result of the variation display is a specific result;
With
The variation time setting means includes:
The variation time is set to the first variation time based on the number of entry information stored in the entry information storage unit until the entry information stored in the entry information storage unit reaches the predetermined number. Set,
When the number of pieces of entry information stored in the entry information storage unit reaches the predetermined number, the variation time is shorter than the first variation time until new entry information is stored in the entry information storage unit. A gaming machine that is set to a second variation time. Comprising information setting means for setting first information indicating that the first variation time is set, or second information indicating that the second variation time is set;
The information setting means changes the information to be set from the first information to the second information when the number of pieces of entry information stored in the entry information storage means reaches the predetermined number.
When new entry information is stored in the entry information storage means in a state where the second information is set, the information setting means changes the information to be set from the second information to the first information. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein: Along with the execution of the variable display, a game effect is executed,
The effect is executed as the variation display based on the second variation time is executed a plurality of times, and a series of related effects are executed by the effect executed over the plurality of times of the change display. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that Prior to the start of the variation display for the entry information, it is determined in advance whether or not the variation display result is the entry information for the entry information stored in the entry information storage means. Pre-determining means to perform,
The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein a result of the prior determination is suggested in the series of related effects.

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