JP2015186719A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which makes a player enjoyable by displaying new and fresh patterns for the player.SOLUTION: A game machine can display a pattern image 401 in a normal display mode and a pattern image 406 in a special display mode. The pattern image 401 is configured to place a character image 411 showing '1' and a decoration image 421 of a male character side by side, and to place a rectangular pattern frame 431 to surround the character image 411 and the decoration image 421. In the pattern image 406, a decoration image 426 showing 'the male character' is placed on a character image 416 showing '1' and is displayed inside a display area of the character image 416.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that makes a special game determination as to whether or not a special game advantageous to a player is performed by passing a game ball through a starting area on a game board.

  Conventionally, when a game ball wins a start opening provided on a game board, a big win lottery is performed, and after three symbols (for example, numbers) are variably displayed on the display screen, the lottery result of the big win lottery is stopped and displayed. There was a gaming machine. For example, when the jackpot is won, the three symbols are stopped and displayed with a so-called “zolo (for example,“ 7, 7, 7 ”).

  In addition, such a gaming machine opens the big winning opening provided on the game board after the three symbols are stopped and displayed so as to indicate a big hit. Thereby, the player can win a game ball at the big prize opening, and can win a prize ball when winning the game ball at the big prize opening.

  An image of a symbol displayed by such a gaming machine includes an image representing a number and an image representing a character (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Specifically, in the gaming machine of Patent Document 1 below, an image of a symbol configured by enclosing an image (main symbol) representing a number and an image (decorative symbol) representing a character with a rectangular frame image is displayed. ing. And the gaming machine of the following patent document 1 has changed the display mode of the image showing the character of the symbol stopped and displayed at the time of a predetermined notice effect.

JP 2010-51734 A

  However, as in the prior art described above, it is a common practice in recent gaming machines to display a graphic image configured by enclosing an image representing a number and an image representing a character with a rectangular frame image. Yes. For this reason, it is not possible to give a novelty to a player when such a symbol image is displayed, and the display of the symbol image may not contribute to the improvement of the effect of the gaming machine.

  The present invention provides a gaming machine that can provide a novelty to a player with a displayed graphic image and entertain the player with the displayed graphic image in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art. Objective.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes special game determination means for performing a special game determination as to whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player by establishing a start condition. When the special game determination is performed by the special game determination unit, the symbol control unit is configured to stop the display so that the determination result of the special game determination is displayed after the display unit is variably displayed, the first effect mode, Or an effect mode control means capable of controlling the effect in a second effect mode different from the first effect mode, wherein the symbol control means includes a different character image and a decoration image associated with the character image, respectively. Any of the symbols having a plurality of symbols can be stopped and displayed, and in the first effect mode, a symbol having a decoration image larger than the character image is stopped and displayed. That one, the when the second is a demonstration mode is characterized by stopping displaying the symbol with a reduced decoration image than the character image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to give a novelty to a player by a displayed graphic image and to entertain the player by the graphic image.

It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the game machine concerning embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of an information display part. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the game machine of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a design image. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows the example of a display of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows the example of a display of an effect symbol. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a game machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table memorize | stored in ROM of the main-control part. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of a game machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table memorize | stored in ROM of the production control part. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table for losing reach production content determination. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the table for jackpot reach production content determination. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of reach production. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a main process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a jackpot lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a big winning opening control process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a command reception process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an effect pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of production mode setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of effect mode change processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of special production mode setting processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of production | presentation mode selection reception screen. It is explanatory drawing (the 3) which shows the example of a display of effect design.

  Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, an example in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (so-called “digipachi”) belonging to the first type 1 will be described, but the contents of the present invention are not limited. Further, specific numerical values and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the contents of the present invention.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
First, the basic configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment includes a gaming board 101. A launching unit (see reference numeral 728 in FIG. 7) for launching a game ball is provided at a lower position of the game board 101.

  The game ball launched by the launching unit rises along the rail 102 and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls in the game area 103. The game area 103 is provided with nails, windmills, and the like for changing the falling trajectory of the game ball falling in the game area 103. Further, the game area 103 is provided with various winning ports (for example, a starting port and a big winning port) through which game balls can be won.

  An image display unit 104 is provided at a substantially central portion of the game board 101. A liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is used for the image display unit 104. The image display unit 104 displays various images (for example, effect symbols) according to the display control of the gaming machine 100.

  Below the image display unit 104 are provided a first start port 105 and a second start port 106 through which game balls can be won. The second starting port 106 is provided with an ordinary electric accessory 107 that can be opened and closed. When the ordinary electric accessory 107 is opened, the game ball can easily win the second starting port 106. On the contrary, when the ordinary electric accessory 107 is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to win the second starting port 106. The normal electric accessory 107 is normally closed, and is opened based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. This normal symbol lottery is performed when a game ball passes through the gates 108 provided on the left and right sides of the image display unit 104.

  On the right side of the image display unit 104, an openable large winning opening 109a is provided. When the upper university winning opening 109a is opened, the game ball can be awarded to the upper university winning opening 109a. On the other hand, when the upper large winning opening 109a is closed, the game ball cannot be won in the upper large winning opening 109a. The upper prize winning opening 109a is normally closed and is opened based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery. The jackpot lottery is performed by winning a game ball at the first start port 105 or the second start port 106.

  In addition, a lower large winning opening 109b that can be opened and closed is provided below the upper large winning opening 109a. When the lower major prize opening 109b is opened, the game ball can be awarded to the lower major prize opening 109b. On the contrary, when the lower major prize opening 109b is closed, the game ball cannot enter the lower major prize opening 109b. The lower prize winning opening 109b is normally closed and is opened based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls every time one gaming ball wins an upper winning hole 109a or a lower winning hole 109b.

  Below the image display unit 104, a normal winning opening 110 is provided. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls every time one gaming ball wins the normal winning opening 110. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 111 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  An information display unit 112 is provided in the lower left portion of the game board 101. The information display unit 112 displays special symbols, normal symbols, and the like. Here, the special symbol is a symbol indicating a lottery result of the jackpot lottery. The normal symbol is a symbol indicating a lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The information display unit 112 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The game board 101 is provided with a frame member 113 so as to surround the outer periphery of the game area 103. The frame member 113 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides on the top, bottom, left, and right of the game board 101 and protrudes toward the player. The frame member 113 incorporates a speaker 114, an effect light unit 115, and the like.

  An operation handle 116 is provided at a lower position of the frame member 113. The operation handle 116 is provided so as to protrude to the player side, and is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by the launcher. Specifically, the operation handle 116 includes a firing instruction member 117. The firing instruction member 117 is provided on the outer periphery of the operation handle 116 so as to be rotated clockwise as viewed from the player.

  The launcher launches a game ball with an intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the firing instruction member 117 relative to the operation handle 116. The operation handle 116 is provided with a sensor for detecting that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 117. The launching unit launches a game ball when it is detected by this sensor that the firing instruction member 117 is directly operated by the player.

  An effect button 118 and a cross key 119 are provided in the lower part of the game area 103 in the frame member 113. The effect button 118 and the cross key 119 function as operation keys for accepting an operation from the player. For example, the gaming machine 100 is configured to detect not only whether or not the effect button 118 is pressed, but also the amount (stroke) contracted when the effect button 118 is pressed.

  Further, a hitting ball supply tray (not shown) is provided in the lower portion of the game area 103 in the frame member 113, and a game ball is accommodated in this hitting ball supply tray. Further, the hitting ball supply tray has a shape inclined toward the launching unit, and sequentially sends out the stored game balls to the launching unit.

  Furthermore, on the game board 101, movable accessories 130a to 130d that are driven during production are provided. For example, the movable accessories 130a to 130d advance to the front surface of the image display unit 104 at a predetermined effect corresponding to each, and are otherwise retracted from the entire surface of the image display unit 104 as shown in FIG. The

(Details of information display section)
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information display unit. As shown in FIG. 2, the information display unit 112 includes a special symbol display unit 201, a normal symbol display unit 202, a hold number display unit 203, and a round number display unit 204. A lamp indicator or the like is used for each of the display units 201 to 204.

  The first special symbol display unit 201a is for displaying a first special symbol indicating a lottery result of a jackpot lottery performed by winning a game ball at the first starting port 105. For example, eight LED (Light (Emitting Diode) lamp.

  For example, the first special symbol display unit 201a is steadily displaying the first special symbol by changing on and off sequentially so that each LED lamp of the first special symbol display unit 201a flows from left to right in FIG. Indicates that there is. In addition, the first special symbol display unit 201a indicates that the first special symbol is stopped and displayed by lighting only the predetermined LED lamp after the first special symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time. Which of the LED lamps is turned on after the first special symbol variation display is determined according to the lottery result of the jackpot lottery performed at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol.

  For example, in the game machine 100, in the big hit lottery, the lower big prize opening 16 rounds (“R” is abbreviated as “R” hereinafter), the big big prize opening 8R, the big big winning lot, and the lower big prize opening 8R normal big hit And, it is configured to be able to win five types of jackpots: a lower winning prize opening 2R probability variation jackpot and an upper winning prize opening 8R probability variation jackpot. And the lighting mode (big-hit symbol) of the LED lamp in the 1st special symbol display part 201a is predetermined by the manufacturer of the gaming machine 100 for each big-hit. The first special symbol display unit 201a is predetermined according to the type of the jackpot when the winning jackpot lottery is performed by winning a game ball at the first starting port 105 and wins any of the above jackpots. The LED lamp is turned on in the lighting mode.

  The second special symbol display unit 201b is for displaying a second special symbol indicating a lottery result of a jackpot lottery performed when a game ball wins at the second starting port 106, and the first special symbol display unit As with 201a, for example, eight LED lamps are provided.

  The second special symbol display unit 201b is steadily turning on and off so that each LED lamp of the second special symbol display unit 201b flows from left to right in FIG. Indicates. In addition, the second special symbol display unit 201b indicates that the second special symbol is stopped and displayed by lighting only a predetermined LED lamp after the second special symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time. Similarly to the first special symbol display unit 201a, the second special symbol display unit 201b wins any of the above jackpots by a jackpot lottery performed by winning a game ball at the second starting port 106. The LED lamp is turned on in a predetermined lighting manner according to the jackpot type.

  The normal symbol display unit 202 is for displaying a normal symbol indicating a lottery result of a normal symbol lottery performed when a game ball passes through the gate 108. For example, “O”, “Δ”, “X” is displayed. 3 LED lamps are provided.

  The normal symbol display unit 202 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner by repeatedly turning on and off the LEDs of the normal symbol display unit 202 in the order of “O” → “Δ” → “×” → “O” →. Indicates that Further, the normal symbol display unit 202 indicates that the normal symbol is stopped and displayed by lighting only the predetermined LED lamp after the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined time. Which LED lamp is turned on after the normal symbol variation display is determined according to the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed at the start of the variation display of the normal symbol.

  For example, the gaming machine 100 is configured to be able to win two types of normal symbols, that is, per normal symbol length opening and per normal symbol short opening in the normal symbol lottery. And the lighting mode of the LED lamp in the normal symbol display part 202 is predetermined by the manufacturer of the gaming machine 100 for each normal symbol. For example, the normal symbol display unit 202 turns on the “◯” LED when winning per normal symbol length opening, and turns on the “Δ” LED when winning per normal symbol short opening.

  The number-of-holds display unit 203 is for displaying the number of pieces of on-hold information (hereinafter referred to as “number of on-hold information”). The first special symbol hold number display unit 203a, the second special symbol hold number display unit 203b, And a normal symbol hold number display section 203c.

  The first special symbol hold number display unit 203a displays the number of hold information stored when the game ball wins the first start opening 105 during the special symbol variation display (hereinafter referred to as “first hold information number”). To do. The second special symbol number-of-holds display section 203b displays the number of reserved information stored when the game ball wins the second starting port 106 during the special symbol variation display (hereinafter referred to as "second number of reserved information"). To do. The normal symbol hold number display unit 203c displays the number of hold information stored when the game ball passes through the gate 108 during the normal symbol change display (hereinafter referred to as “the number of common figure hold information”).

  In the gaming machine 100, the upper limit number of the first hold information number, the second hold information number, and the usual hold information number is set to “4”, respectively. Therefore, the first special symbol reservation number display unit 203a, the second special symbol reservation number display unit 203b, and the normal symbol reservation number display unit 203c each include four LED lamps. And the 1st special symbol reservation number display part 203a, the 2nd special symbol reservation number display part 203b, and the normal symbol reservation number display part 203c light the LED lamp of the same number as the number of corresponding hold information respectively.

  The round number display unit 204 displays the number of winning jackpot rounds. Since the gaming machine 100 has a jackpot of 16R, a jackpot of 8R, and a jackpot of 2R, the round number display unit 204 displays an LED lamp that displays “16R”, an LED lamp that displays “8R”, and “2R”. It has an LED lamp. Then, the round number display unit 204 turns on an LED lamp that displays “16R” when a 16R jackpot is won. When the round number display unit 204 wins the 8R jackpot, the LED lamp that displays “8R” is turned on. The round number display unit 204 turns on an LED lamp that displays “2R” when a 2R jackpot is won.

(Basic operation of gaming machines)
Next, the basic operation of the gaming machine 100 will be described. The gaming machine 100 launches a game ball into the game area 103 when the launch instruction member 117 is operated by the player. The gaming machine 100 obtains hold information and performs a lottery lottery when the game ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106. When the gaming machine 100 performs a lottery drawing, the special symbol display unit 201 displays the special symbol in a variable manner.

  Along with the special symbol variation display, the gaming machine 100 displays a variation of the effect symbol (for example, three columns of numbers) on the image display unit 104, and indicates the reliability of the jackpot during the variation symbol display of the effect symbol. Various effects (for example, reach effects) are performed. When the gaming machine 100 displays the special symbol in a predetermined period, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the lottery result of the jackpot lottery.

  Then, along with the special symbol stop display, the gaming machine 100 stops the display so that the effect symbol also represents the lottery result of the jackpot lottery. For example, if the jackpot is lost, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the special symbol as a lost symbol, and stops and displays the effect symbol as a break (for example, “1 / 3.2”). On the other hand, if the jackpot is won, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the special symbol with the jackpot symbol, and stops and displays the effect symbol with a doublet (for example, “1 · 1 · 1”).

  If the jackpot is won, the gaming machine 100 plays a jackpot game after the jackpot symbol is stopped. In the jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 opens the winning prize opening corresponding to the type of the jackpot that has been won by the number R corresponding to the type of jackpot that has been won. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls each time a game ball wins an open upper prize winning hole 109a or lower major prize winning hole 109b.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 is a jackpot made by winning winning jackpots such as a lower winning prize opening 16R probability change jackpot, a lower winning prize opening 8R probability changing jackpot, a lower winning prize opening 2R probability changing jackpot, an upper winning prize opening 8R probability changing jackpot, etc. The game is in a promising game state until 10,000 jackpot lotteries are performed after the jackpot game or until the next jackpot game is performed. In addition, since the probability of not winning the jackpot by the 10,000 jackpot lottery is extremely low, the gaming machine 100 is substantially in the probability variable gaming state until the next jackpot game is performed after the jackpot game performed by winning the winning jackpot. I can say.

  When in the probable gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot lottery with an increased probability of winning a jackpot. For example, the gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot winning probability of 1/250 when not in a probability variable gaming state, and performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot winning probability of 7/250 when in a probability variable gaming state. .

  In addition, when the game state is in a probable gaming state, the gaming machine 100 increases the chance of winning a game ball to the second start port 106. For example, when the gaming machine 100 is in the probability variation gaming state, the normal symbol lottery in which the winning probability per normal symbol (per long opening) or per ordinary symbol (per short opening) is set higher than when not in the probability variation gaming state. Do. In addition, when the gaming machine 100 is in the probability variation gaming state, the ordinary electric accessory 107 is released when winning per normal symbol (per long opening) or per normal symbol (per short opening) than when not in the probability variation gaming state. Extend the period. Further, the gaming machine 100 may increase the number of times of the normal symbol lottery that can be performed per unit time (for example, per minute) by shortening the period during which the normal symbol is variably displayed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 is in a short-time gaming state for the jackpot game performed by winning the bottom jackpot 8R normal jackpot until the jackpot game is performed 30 times after the jackpot game or the next jackpot game is performed. . In the short-time gaming state, the gaming machine 100, unlike the probability variation gaming state, performs a jackpot lottery with a winning probability of winning a jackpot of 1/250 and increases the chance of winning a game ball to the second starting port 106 .

  In addition, when the launched game ball passes through the gate 108, the gaming machine 100 acquires the normal symbol holding information corresponding to the right to receive the normal symbol lottery and performs the normal symbol lottery. When the ordinary symbol lottery is performed, the ordinary symbol display unit 202 displays the ordinary symbol in a variable manner. When the gaming machine 100 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner for a predetermined period, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the normal symbol lottery result. As described above, the gaming machine 100 has a symbol “○” if it is won per regular symbol (per long opening), and “△” symbol if it is elected per ordinary symbol (per short opening). If it is lost, the display is stopped with the symbol “×”. When winning for each ordinary symbol, the gaming machine 100 releases the ordinary electric accessory 107 for a period corresponding to the type of each winning symbol after displaying the symbols representing these symbols.

(Functional configuration of gaming machine)
Next, a functional configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 100 is configured to include a special game determination unit 301 and a symbol display control unit 302.

  The special game determination unit 301 has a function of performing a special game determination as to whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed when the game ball passes through a predetermined starting area. In the present embodiment, as an example, the predetermined start area is the first start port 105 and the second start port 106, and the special game is a big hit game that opens the upper big prize opening 109a and the lower big prize opening 109b. That is, the special game determination unit 301 performs a jackpot lottery to determine whether or not to play a jackpot game by winning a game ball at the first start port 105 or the second start port 106.

  The predetermined starting area may be the gate 108, and the special game may be the opening of the ordinary electric accessory 107. That is, in this case, the special game determination unit 301 performs a normal symbol lottery as to whether or not to release the normal electric accessory 107 when the game ball passes through the gate 108.

  When the special game determination is performed by the special game determination unit 301, the symbol display control unit 302 has a function of stopping and displaying the determination result of the special game determination after the symbols are variably displayed on the symbol display means. . In this embodiment, as an example, the symbol display means is the image display unit 104, and the symbol whose display is controlled by the symbol display control unit 302 is an effect symbol displayed on the image display unit 104.

  The symbol display control unit 302 is configured to be able to stop display any one of a plurality of symbol images composed of different character images and a decoration image associated with the character image. In this embodiment, as an example, the symbol display control unit 302 includes a character image (identification code) representing numbers “1” to “5”, a character image associated with the character image representing each number, The effect display consisting of is displayed on the image display unit 104. When the symbol display control unit 302 stops displaying the symbol in the specific effect mode, the symbol image is displayed on the character image of the symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination and in the display area of the character image. The decoration image associated with is displayed.

  Here, the specific effect mode can be an effect mode set (for example, specified by the player) based on the player's operation. For example, the gaming machine 100 includes an effect mode control unit 303 as shown in FIG. The effect mode control unit 303 has a function of setting the effect mode and displaying a background image corresponding to the effect mode.

  For example, the effect mode control unit 303 is based on information input from the operation accepting unit 304 having a function of accepting a player's operation with the effect button 118, the cross key 119, and the like. The effect mode designated by the player is set, and a background image corresponding to the effect mode is displayed on the image display unit 104. In other words, the background image displayed in this case is designated by the player, and is considered to be a favorite background image for the player.

  In this way, in the effect mode designated by the player, the symbol display control unit 302 displays the character image on the character image of the symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination and within the display region of the character image. The associated decoration image is displayed.

  In addition, the symbol display control unit 302, when not in the above-described specific effect mode (for example, in the case of the non-specific effect mode), on the character image of the symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination and the character A design having a display mode different from the display mode in which the decorative image associated with the character image is displayed in the display area of the image is displayed. For example, in the symbol displayed in this case, the character image of the symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination and the decoration image associated with the character image are arranged side by side (that is, displayed in different display areas). These are enclosed by a frame image.

  In the present embodiment, the display mode of the symbol “a decoration image associated with the character image is displayed on the character image of the symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination and in the display area of the character image” Is a “special display mode”. In addition, the display mode of the symbol “the character image of the symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination and the decoration image associated with the character image are arranged side by side and surrounded by the frame image” is displayed. Let it be a “normal display mode”. The symbol display control unit 302 is configured to be able to switch the symbol display mode between a special display mode and a normal display mode.

  For example, in this case, in the effect mode automatically set by the gaming machine 100 (set regardless of the player's operation), the symbol display control unit 302 displays the normal display pattern for the player's operation. On the basis of the effect mode, the special display pattern is displayed.

(Example display of gaming machine)
Here, a display example of the gaming machine 100 will be described. First, a symbol image displayed by the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a design image. FIG. 4A shows a symbol image in a normal display mode, and FIG. 4B shows a symbol image in a special display mode.

(Regarding the normal display pattern image)
In the case of the normal display mode, as shown in FIG. 4A, the symbol images 401 to 405 are different from the character images 411 to 415 representing different numbers from “1” to “5” for each number. Decorative images 421 to 425. For example, the design image 401 includes a character image 411 representing the number “1” and a decoration image 421 representing a “male character”.

  In the symbol image 401, the character image 411 and the decorative image 421 are arranged side by side, and a rectangular symbol frame 431 is provided so as to surround the character image 411 and the decorative image 421. In the symbol frame 431, a symbol background image 441 is provided in an area surrounded by the symbol frame 431. The character image 411 and the decoration image 421 are displayed in front of the player as compared to the symbol background image 441.

  For example, the symbol image 402 includes a character image 412 representing the number “2” and a decoration image 422 representing “female character”. Similarly to the symbol image 401, the symbol image 412 and the decorative image 422 are also arranged in the symbol image 402, and a rectangular symbol frame 432 is provided so as to surround the character image 412 and the decorative image 422. In the symbol frame 432, a symbol background image 442 is provided in an area surrounded by the symbol frame 432. The character image 412 and the decoration image 422 are displayed in front of the player as compared to the symbol background image 442.

  Similarly to the pattern image 401 and the pattern image 402, the character images 413 to 415 and the decoration images 423 to 425 are also arranged side by side in the pattern images 403 to 405. And the rectangular pattern frames 433-435 are provided so that these may be enclosed. In the symbol frames 433 to 435, symbol background images 443 to 445 are provided. The character images 413 to 415 and the decoration images 423 to 425 are displayed in front of the player than the symbol background images 443 to 445.

(Regarding the special display pattern image)
In the case of the special display mode, as shown in FIG. 4B, the design images 406 to 410 are different from the character images 416 to 420 representing the different numbers from “1” to “5” for each number. Decorative images 426 to 430. For example, the symbol image 406 includes a character image 416 representing the number “1” and a decoration image 426 representing the same “male character” as the decoration image 421. In the design image 406, unlike the design image 401, the decoration image 426 is arranged on the character image 416 and displayed in the display region of the character image 416 (in the region surrounded by the outline of the character image 416). .

  For example, the design image 407 includes a character image 417 representing the number “2” and a decoration image 427 representing the same “woman character” as the decoration image 422. Similarly to the pattern image 406, the decorative image 427 is arranged on the character image 417 and is displayed in the display area of the character image 417 (in the area surrounded by the outline of the character image 417). The

  Similarly to the pattern image 406 and the pattern image 407, the decorative images 428 to 430 are arranged on the character images 418 to 420, respectively, and the symbol images 408 to 410 are displayed in the display area of the character images 418 to 420.

(Example of display of effects by game machine)
Next, a display example of effect symbols by the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of a display example of effect symbols. The gaming machine 100 displays one or more effect symbols on the image display unit 104. In the case of the example shown in FIG. 5, the gaming machine 100 displays the left effect symbol Ez1, the middle effect symbol Ez2, and the right effect symbol Ez3 on the image display unit 104 (see, for example, FIG. 5 (t11)). Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, the combination of the left effect symbol Ez1, the middle effect symbol Ez2, and the right effect symbol Ez3 is abbreviated as “effect symbol Ez1 to Ez3”.

  When the gaming machine 100 is in the normal effect mode and the game ball wins the first start port 105 or the second start port 106 and performs a big win lottery, the image display unit 104 displays the variation of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3. Is started (FIG. 5 (t12)). For example, when the gaming machine 100 variably displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 in the normal effect mode, the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are changed to the symbol image 401 → the symbol image 402 → the symbol image 403 → the symbol image 404 → the symbol image 405 → the symbol image. 401 →... Are sequentially switched and displayed so as to represent the symbol images 401 to 405. In the present embodiment, the lower white arrows in the drawing with the symbols Ez1 to Ez3 indicate that the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are displayed in a variable manner.

  The gaming machine 100 stops and displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 so as to indicate the lottery result of the big hit lottery when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the variable display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3. Specifically, the gaming machine 100 stops display so that the combination of the character images of the symbol images represented by each of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 becomes a predetermined combination indicating the lottery result of the big hit lottery.

  For example, when the game machine 100 is lost in the jackpot (in the case of so-called “losing”), after the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are variably displayed, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays a combination that shows a loss from the combination that shows the jackpot. Here, as a combination indicating a loss, a combination in which the design symbols Ez1 to Ez3 represent different symbol images as in the example shown in FIG. 5 (t13) (so-called “ballet”. For example, “3.1.2”). It can be.

  In addition, the combination indicating the loss is a combination of the broken effect, the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3 representing the same symbol image, and the middle effect symbol Ez2 representing the symbol image different from the symbol image (so-called “reach loser eye”). For example, “1 · 2 · 1”). The reach lose eye is stopped and displayed when a reach effect is performed at the time of loss.

  In addition, for example, when the gaming machine 100 wins a jackpot, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the winning symbols Ez <b> 1 to Ez <b> 3 so that a combination showing the jackpot is displayed. Here, as the combination indicating the jackpot, a combination in which the design symbols Ez1 to Ez3 represent the same type of symbol image (so-called “zolo eyes”. For example, a combination in which each character image is “1.1.1”) is illustrated. can do.

  The combination indicating the big hit is not limited to the doublet, but the combination of the design symbols Ez1 to Ez3 representing the consecutive numbers (for example, “1.2.3”), and the design image of the design symbols Ez1 to Ez3 represents the word match. A combination (for example, “1 (a), 1 (a), 4 (yo)”) may be used. The manufacturer of the gaming machine 100 may arbitrarily determine what kind of combination of jackpots, but it is intuitive for the player to make the player feel “special”. It is desirable to provide an easy-to-understand game.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 is viewed from the player of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 in the image display unit 104 as shown in FIG. 5 from the viewpoint of making the player entertain the display content of the image display unit 104 more attractive. A background image 501 is displayed on the back. In the present embodiment, as an example, the gaming machine 100 can perform effects in a plurality of effect modes, and displays a background image corresponding to the current effect mode.

  For example, the background image 501 shown in FIG. 5 is a background image corresponding to the normal effect mode, and is a background image representing “sea view”. And when the game machine 100 is producing in such a normal production mode, as shown in FIG. 5, the production symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are displayed using the design image in the normal display mode.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of a display example of effect symbols. FIG. 6 shows a case where the performance is performed in a male character effect mode different from the normal effect mode. In this case, the gaming machine 100 displays a background image 601 representing the same “male character” as the decoration image 421 and the decoration image 426 on the image display unit 104. The gaming machine 100 suggests to the player from the background image that the current performance mode is the male character performance mode. Further, when the gaming machine 100 is performing in the male character effect mode, the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are displayed using the symbol image in the special display mode as shown in FIG. 6 (see, for example, FIG. 6 (t21)). .

  Here, the symbol images 406 to 410 have a smaller display area displayed on the image display unit 104 than the symbol images 401 to 405 in the normal display mode. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 as the symbol images 406 to 410, thereby reducing the area of the portion shielded by the symbol image of the background image as compared with the case where the symbol images 401 to 405 are displayed. Can be small.

  As described above, for example, the gaming machine 100 sets the male character effect mode based on the player's operation, and displays the background image 601 on the image display unit 104. That is, the background image 601 is designated by the player and is considered to be a favorite background image for the player. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 as the symbol images 406 to 410 in the male character effect mode, thereby displaying a wider range of the background image 601 than when displaying the symbol images 401 to 405. Can show the player a real area and entertain the player.

  In addition, as a method of reducing the display area of the symbol image of the special display mode to be smaller than the display area of the symbol image of the normal display mode, the symbol image of the special display mode is simply reduced and displayed. However, the gaming machine 100 does not adopt this method. This means that if the symbol image of the special display mode is simply a reduced display of the symbol image of the normal display mode, the character image of the symbol image (an important image for suggesting the lottery result of the jackpot lottery) will also be reduced. This is because it becomes difficult for the player to see.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine 100, in order to make the display area of the symbol images 406 to 410 smaller than the display area of the symbol images 401 to 405, the symbol images 406 to 410 have a frame like the symbol frames 431 to 435 in the symbol images 401 to 405. I lost the image. Further, it is conceivable that the visibility of the symbol image is lowered when the frame image is simply eliminated from the symbol image. In the case of the symbol image 401 as an example, it is assumed that the symbol image 431 is removed from the symbol image 401 (and the symbol background image 441 is also removed accordingly) is displayed in front of the background screen. In this case, it is difficult for the player to determine whether the decoration image 421 is included in the design image or the background image (that is, it is difficult to understand the boundary between the design image and the background image), and the visibility of the design image is low. May fall. Of course, such a situation does not occur unless a decorative image is provided in the symbol image. However, in this case, the symbol image does not look good, and the effect of production is reduced.

  Therefore, in the design images 406 to 410 of the gaming machine 100, the decoration images 426 to 430 are arranged in the display area of the character images 416 to 420. That is, in the symbol images 406 to 410 of the gaming machine 100, the contour lines of the character images 416 to 420 are used instead of the symbol frames, and the decoration images 426 to 430 are arranged in the contour lines. Here, since the character images 416 to 420 are images representing characters, it is easy for a player to distinguish them from background images (for example, background images 501 and 601) representing landscapes and characters. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 can ensure the visibility of the symbol images 406 to 410, and can also ensure the visibility of the background image.

  When the gaming machine 100 wins a lottery by winning a game ball in the first start port 105 or the second start port 106 in the male character effect mode, the image display unit 104 changes the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3. Display is started (FIG. 6 (t22)). For example, when the gaming machine 100 variably displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 in the male character effect mode, the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are changed to the symbol image 406 → the symbol image 407 → the symbol image 408 → the symbol image 409 → the symbol image 410 → the symbol. Images 406 →... Are sequentially switched and displayed so as to represent symbol images 406 to 410.

  Further, when the gaming machine 100 is in the male character effect mode, the reach effect of the male character is a reach effect that has a relatively high reliability to the big hit as compared with other reach effects. For example, when the gaming machine 100 performs the reach effect of the male character, as shown in FIG. 6 (t23), the gaming machine 100 represents the character image “1” in which the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3 are associated with the male character. To stop and display reach. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 suggests to the player that the current reach effect is a reach effect of a male character. Further, the gaming machine 100 may display the male character image 602 on the image display unit 104 as shown in FIG. 6 (t23) in order to strongly suggest to the player that the male character's reach effect is achieved.

  Since the reach effect of the male character in the male character effect mode is a reach effect with higher reliability than the other reach effects, the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are shown in FIG. 6 (t24) after the reach effect. It tends to be stopped and displayed easily with a double eye indicating a big hit (in the example shown, “1 · 1 · 1”).

  On the other hand, for example, in the case of a reach effect in which a female character different from a male character is used, the gaming machine 100 associates the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3 with the female character as shown in FIG. 6 (t25). The display is stopped to represent the character image “2”, and the reach state is set. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 suggests to the player that the current reach effect is a reach effect of the female character. Further, the gaming machine 100 may display the female character image 603 on the image display unit 104 as shown in FIG. 6 (t25) in order to strongly suggest to the player that the female character's reach effect is achieved.

  Since the reach effect of the female character in the male character effect mode is a reach effect that is less reliable than the reach effect of the male character, after the reach effect, as shown in FIG. 6 (t26), the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 Tends to be stopped and displayed at the reach lose eye indicating “losing” (“2 · 3 · 2” in the illustrated example).

  Thus, in the gaming machine 100, the reliability of each reach production jackpot changes according to the production mode. For this reason, in the gaming machine 100, it is necessary to suggest a correspondence relationship between the rendering mode and the reach rendering from the viewpoint of making the rendering performed by the gaming machine 100 more enjoyable by the player. That is, in the case of the gaming machine 100, if the decorative image is not provided in the symbol image, the symbol image will not look good, and the correspondence between the rendering mode and the reach rendering will be difficult to understand, There is also a risk that the production cannot be enjoyed.

(Example of hardware configuration of gaming machine)
Next, an example of a detailed hardware configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the gaming machine. The gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 701 that controls the progress of the game, a prize ball control unit 702 that controls the payout of prize balls, and an effect control unit 703 that controls the production.

(Main control unit)
First, the main control unit 701 will be described. The main control unit 701 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 711, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 712, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 713, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 711 governs overall control of the main control unit 701. The ROM 712 stores programs and data related to the progress of the game. For example, the ROM 712 stores various tables shown in FIG. The RAM 713 is used as a work area for the CPU 711. The CPU 711 reads the program and data from the ROM 712 and executes the read program while using the RAM 713 as a work area.

  Various switches (hereinafter abbreviated as “SW”) for detecting a game ball are connected to the main control unit 701. For example, a first start port SW714a and a second start port SW714b are connected to the main control unit 701. The first start port SW 714 a is a SW that detects a game ball that has won the first start port 105. The second start port SW 714 b is a SW that detects a game ball that has won the second start port 106.

  Further, the main control unit 701 is connected to a gate SW 715, a special winning opening SW 716, and a normal winning opening SW 717. The gate SW 715 is a SW that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108. The big prize opening SW 716 includes an upper prize winning opening SW and a lower prize winning opening SW. Here, the upper large winning opening SW is a SW that detects a game ball won in the upper large winning opening 109a, and the lower large winning opening SW is a SW that detects a gaming ball won in the lower large winning opening 109b. The normal winning opening SW 717 is a SW for detecting a game ball that has won the normal winning opening 110.

  The various SWs 714 to 717 input a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the main control unit 701. The main control unit 701 stores the hold information based on the detection signals input from the various SWs 714 to 717, and issues a prize ball payout instruction to the prize ball control unit 702. A proximity switch or the like can be used for the various SWs 714 to 717.

  The main controller 701 is connected to various solenoids that operate the electric accessory. For example, a normal electric accessory solenoid 718 is connected to the main control unit 701. The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 718 is a solenoid that opens and closes the ordinary electric accessory 107. The main control unit 701 is connected with a special prize opening solenoid 719. The big prize winning solenoid 719 includes an upper prize winning solenoid and a lower prize winning solenoid. Here, the upper big prize opening solenoid is a solenoid that opens and closes the upper big prize opening 109a, and the lower big prize opening solenoid is a solenoid that opens and closes the lower big prize opening 109b.

  The various solenoids 718 and 719 convert the electric energy input from the main control unit 701 into mechanical motion, and open / close the normal electric accessory 107, the upper prize winning port 109a, and the lower major prize winning port 109b.

  An information display unit 112 is connected to the main control unit 701. As described above, the information display unit 112 includes the special symbol display unit 201 (the first special symbol display unit 201a and the second special symbol display unit 201b), the normal symbol display unit 202, the reserved number display unit 203, the round A number display unit 204.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 791 is connected to the main controller 701. The main control unit 701 can output various types of information to the outside via the panel external information terminal board 791. For example, the main control unit 701 can realize its function by the main control board.

(About the prize ball controller)
Next, the winning ball control unit 702 will be described. The prize ball control unit 702 includes a CPU 721, a ROM 722, a RAM 723, an input / output interface (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 721 controls the entire prize ball control unit 702. The ROM 722 stores programs and data related to payout of prize balls. The RAM 723 is used as a work area for the CPU 721. The CPU 721 reads a program and data from the ROM 722 and executes the read program while using the RAM 723 as a work area.

  Various SWs for detecting a game ball are connected to the prize ball control unit 702. For example, the prize ball control unit 702 includes a fixed position detection SW 724 that detects a game ball at a predetermined position, a payout ball detection SW725 that detects a payout game ball, and a ball supply tray provided on the front of the frame. A ball presence detection SW 726 for detecting the presence or absence of the game ball and a full tank detection SW 727 for detecting that the hitting ball supply tray is filled with the game ball are connected.

  The various SWs 724 to 727 input a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the prize ball control unit 702. The winning ball control unit 702 pays out a winning ball or stops paying out a winning ball based on a payout instruction output from the main control unit 701 and detection signals input from various SWs 724 to 727. The prize ball control unit 702 may output detection signals input from the various SWs 724 to 727 to the main control unit 701.

  Further, a launching unit 728 and a payout unit 729 are connected to the prize ball control unit 702. When the award ball control unit 702 detects an operation of launching a game ball, the prize ball control unit 702 controls the launch unit 728 to fire the game ball toward the game area 103. Also, the prize ball control unit 702 controls the payout unit 729 based on a payout instruction from the main control unit 701 to pay out the prize ball.

  The prize ball control unit 702 is connected with a frame external information terminal board 792. The prize ball control unit 702 can output various types of information to the outside via the frame external information terminal board 792. For example, the prize ball control unit 702 can realize its function by a prize ball control board.

(Example of table stored in ROM of main controller)
Next, an example of a table stored in the ROM 712 of the main control unit 701 will be described. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a table stored in the ROM of the main control unit. For example, the ROM 712 stores a hit determination table illustrated in FIG. 8A, a symbol determination table illustrated in FIG. 8B, and a variation pattern determination table illustrated in FIG. 8C.

(About the winning judgment table)
The winning determination table shown in FIG. 8A is a table used for “hit determination” in the step of determining whether or not the main control unit 701 determines a big hit in the big win lottery. In the hit determination table, a determination value that the main control unit 701 determines to be a big hit in the hit determination is set. FIG. 8A also shows the determination probability that the main control unit 701 determines to be a big hit in the hit determination for convenience of explanation.

  The main control unit 701 determines whether or not the hit determination random number to be determined matches the determination value in the hit determination table in the hit determination, and determines that it is a big hit if they match. On the other hand, the main control unit 701 determines that a big hit is not made (lost) unless the hit determination random number to be determined matches the determination value in the hit determination table.

  The determination values set in the hit determination table include a low probability determination value 811 and a high probability determination value 812. The main control unit 701 performs a hit determination using the low probability determination value 811 if the gaming state has a low jackpot winning probability, and if the gaming state has a high jackpot winning probability. The hit determination is performed using the determination value 812 for high probability.

  The high-probability determination value 812 includes more determination values than the low-probability determination value 811. Accordingly, in the hit determination using the high probability determination value 812, the probability that the hit determination random number matches the determination value is higher than in the hit determination using the low probability determination value 811. As a result, the probability of being determined to be a big hit Will increase.

  Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the hit determination random number is an integer of “0 to 249”. The low probability determination value 811 is set to “0 (one integer)”. Therefore, the determination probability determined to be a big hit in the hit determination using the determination value 811 for low probability is “1/250”. On the other hand, “0 to 6 (seven integers)” is set in the determination value 812 for high probability. Therefore, the determination probability determined to be a big hit in the hit determination using the high probability determination value 812 is “7/250”.

(About the symbol determination table)
The symbol determination table shown in FIG. 8B is a table used for “symbol determination” in the process in which the main control unit 701 determines a jackpot symbol in the jackpot lottery. The symbol determination is performed when it is determined that a big hit is made in the hit determination. In the symbol determination table, different determination values are set for each jackpot symbol.

  For convenience of explanation, FIG. 8B also shows the determination probability that the main control unit 701 determines each jackpot symbol in symbol determination, and the jackpot type corresponding to each jackpot symbol. Note that in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot symbol and the jackpot type have a correspondence relationship as shown in FIG. 8B, and thus determining the jackpot symbol is in other words determining the jackpot type.

  The main control unit 701 determines whether or not the symbol determination random number to be determined in the symbol determination matches the determination value of each jackpot symbol in the symbol determination table. The main control unit 701 determines a jackpot symbol associated with a determination value that matches the determination target random number for symbol determination.

  The determination values set in the symbol determination table include a first start port determination value 821 and a second start port determination value 822. When the main control unit 701 performs symbol determination using the hold information acquired by winning a game ball in the first starting port 105, the main control unit 701 performs symbol determination using the first starting port determination value 821. Also, the main control unit 701 performs symbol determination using the second starting port determination value 822 when performing symbol determination using the hold information acquired by winning the game ball in the second starting port 106. .

  The first start opening determination value 821 and the second start opening determination value 822 differ in the contents of the determination value associated with each jackpot symbol. Therefore, the symbol determination using the first start port determination value 821 and the symbol determination using the second start port determination value 822 have different jackpot symbols determined as the determination result of the symbol determination.

  Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the random number for symbol determination is an integer of “0 to 99”. In the first start opening judgment value 821, the jackpot symbol A is associated with the judgment value “0 to 9 (10 integers)”, and the jackpot symbol B is the judgment value “10 to 24 (15 integers). ”And the jackpot symbol C is associated with the determination value“ 25 to 39 (15 integers) ”. Further, in the first start opening judgment value 821, the jackpot symbol D is associated with the judgment value “40 to 69 (30 integers)”, and the jackpot symbol E is associated with the judgment value “70 to 99 (30 pieces). Integer) ”.

  Therefore, in the symbol determination using the determination value 821 for the first start port, the determination probability determined as jackpot symbol A is “10/100”, the determination probability determined as jackpot symbol B is “15/100”, and jackpot The determination probability determined as the symbol C is “15/100”. In the symbol determination using the determination value 821 for the first start port, the determination probability determined as the jackpot symbol D is “30/100”, and the determination probability determined as the jackpot symbol E is “30/100”.

  On the other hand, in the determination value 822 for the second start port, the determination value “0 to 29 (30 integers)” is associated with the jackpot symbol A, and the determination value “30 to 44 (15 items) is associated with the jackpot symbol B. Integer) ”and the jackpot symbol C is associated with determination values“ 45 to 64 (20 integers) ”. In addition, in the second start opening determination value 822, the jackpot symbol D is associated with the determination value “65 to 69 (5 integers)”, and the jackpot symbol E is determined to be the determination value “70 to 99 (30 pieces). Integer) ”.

  Therefore, in the symbol determination using the second start opening determination value 822, the determination probability determined to be the jackpot symbol A is “30/100”, the determination probability determined to be the jackpot symbol B is “15/100”, and the jackpot The determination probability determined as the symbol C is “20/100”. In the symbol determination using the second start port determination value 822, the determination probability determined to be the jackpot symbol D is “5/100”, and the determination probability determined to be the jackpot symbol E is “30/100”.

  Thus, in the symbol determination using the second start opening determination value 822, the number of prize balls that can be obtained in the jackpot game is larger than that in the other jackpots than in the symbol determination using the first starting opening determination value 821. Therefore, the determination probability of the jackpot symbol D corresponding to the small lower jackpot 2R probability variation jackpot is low. Therefore, in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot lottery performed when the game ball wins the second starting port 106 is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot lottery performed when the game ball wins the first starting port 105. It can be said that it is a jackpot lottery.

(About variation pattern judgment table)
The variation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 8C is a table used for “variation pattern determination” in which the main control unit 701 determines a variation pattern. In the variation pattern determination table, different determination values are set for each variation pattern. Here, the variation pattern defines a variation mode of the special symbol when the lottery lottery result is shown. For example, the variation pattern defines a variation time of a special symbol when a lottery lottery result is shown as shown in FIG.

  Further, in FIG. 8C, for convenience of explanation, the main control unit 701 displays a variation of the special symbol according to the determination probability that each variation pattern is determined in the variation pattern determination, and the variation pattern. The effect symbol is variably displayed along with the display, and the effect contents of the effect performed during the variation display of the effect symbol are also shown.

  In the variation pattern determination, the main control unit 701 determines whether the variation pattern determination random number to be determined matches the determination value of each variation pattern in the variation pattern determination table. Then, the main control unit 701 determines a variation pattern associated with a determination value that matches the determination target variation pattern determination random number.

  The determination values set in the variation pattern determination table include a loss determination value 831 and a jackpot determination value 832. When the lottery result of the big hit lottery is lost, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the determination value 831 for loss. In addition, when the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the jackpot determination value 832.

  In the determination value 831 for loss, determination values for the variation patterns Hp11 to Hp15 are set. Therefore, the variation patterns that can be determined in the variation pattern determination using the determination value 831 for loss are the variation patterns Hp11 to Hp15. In addition, in the jackpot determination value 832, determination values for the variation patterns Hp21 to Hp24 are set. Therefore, the variation patterns that can be determined in the variation pattern determination using the jackpot determination value 832 are the variation patterns Hp21 to Hp24.

  Note that the determination values having the same contents are associated with the variation pattern Hp11 and the variation pattern Hp12. When the random number for variation pattern determination to be determined is any integer included in “0 to 89” in the variation pattern determination using the determination value 831 for lose, the gaming machine 100 determines the number of pending information at this point in time. If it is 1 or less, it is determined as a variation pattern Hp11, and if it is 2 or more, it is determined as a variation pattern Hp12.

  In the gaming machine 100, as shown in the determination probability of each variation pattern in FIG. 8C, the variation pattern in which the variation time of a longer time is determined is easier to determine in the case of big hit and is determined in the case of loss. It has become difficult. Therefore, in the gaming machine 100, it can be said that a variation pattern that defines a long variation time is a variation pattern with higher reliability for jackpots.

(About the production control unit)
Next, the production control unit 703 will be described. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the gaming machine. The effect control unit 703 includes an effect control unit 703a that controls the entire effect control unit 703, an image / sound control unit 703b that performs display control of the image display unit 104 and audio output control of the speaker 114, lamp lighting control and movable A lamp control unit 703c that controls the driving of the objects 130a to 130d.

(About Director of Production)
First, the production control unit 703a will be described. The production control unit 703a includes a CPU 731, a ROM 732, a RAM 733, an RTC (Real-Time Clock) 734, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 731 controls the entire production control unit 703a. The ROM 732 stores programs and data for controlling the effect control unit 703. The RAM 733 is used as a work area for the CPU 731. The CPU 731 reads a program and data from the ROM 732 and executes the read program while using the RAM 733 as a work area.

  The RTC 734 counts and outputs real time. The RTC 734 is supplied with power by a backup power source (not shown) even if the gaming machine 100 is powered off for a certain period (for example, one day). For this reason, the RTC 734 can continue the timing operation for a certain period even when the power of the gaming machine 100 is shut off.

  Although FIG. 9 shows an example in which the RTC 734 is provided in the production control unit 703a, the RTC 734 may be provided in the main control unit 701, the image / audio control unit 703b, or the like. Further, the RTC 734 may be arranged independently and configured to output information indicating the actual time measured with respect to the production control unit 703a and the like. Furthermore, the effect button 118 and the cross key 119 for receiving an operation from the player are connected to the effect control unit 703a. The effect button 118 and the cross key 119 input a control signal corresponding to a key operated (for example, pressed) by the player to the effect control unit 703a.

(Image / sound controller)
Next, the image / sound control unit 703b will be described. The image / sound controller 703b includes a CPU 741, a ROM 742, a RAM 743, a VRAM 744, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 741 controls the entire image / sound controller 703b. The ROM 742 stores a program, data, and the like for outputting an image and sound related to the effect instructed by the effect control unit 703a. For example, the ROM 742 stores effect data. The effect data includes image data representing a design image of an effect design, image data representing a background image, moving image data representing a moving image to be played for reach production, and the like. The RAM 743 is used as a work area for the CPU 741.

  For example, the CPU 741 reads image data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect supervising unit 703 a from the effect data, generates display data from the image data, and stores the display data in the VRAM 744. Further, the CPU 741 reads the image data of the background image corresponding to the effect mode set by the effect supervising unit 703a from the effect data, generates display data from this image data, and stores it in the VRAM 744.

  When generating the display data, the CPU 741 uses, for example, a hidden surface removal method such as a Z buffer method so that the background image is placed on the rear side of the effect design. Since the Z buffer method is a known technique, a description thereof is omitted here. The display data stored in the VRAM 744 is output to the image display unit 104 at a predetermined timing. As a result, the image indicated by the display data is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104.

  Further, the CPU 741 reads audio data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect supervising unit 703 a from the effect data, generates audio output data, and stores the data in the RAM 743. The audio output data stored in the RAM 743 is output to the speaker 114 at a predetermined timing. As a result, the sound indicated by the sound output data is output from the speaker 114.

(About the lamp controller)
Next, the lamp control unit 703c will be described. The lamp control unit 703c includes a CPU 751, a ROM 752, a RAM 753, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 751 governs overall control of the lamp control unit 703c. ROM752 memorize | stores the program, data, etc. for controlling lighting of the lamp | ramp regarding the effect instruct | indicated by the production | presentation supervision part 703a, or driving of movable accessory 130a-130d. The RAM 753 is used as a work area for the CPU 751.

  For example, the ROM 752 stores control data. The control data includes drive control data for driving the movable actors 130a to 130d, lighting control data for lighting each lamp of the effect light unit 115 and the panel lamp 761, and the like. The CPU 751 reads drive control data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect control unit 703a from the control data and stores it in the RAM 753. The control signal corresponding to the drive control data is stored in the movable actors 130a to 130d at a predetermined timing. Input to the motor.

  Thereby, the lamp control unit 703c can drive the movable accessories 130a to 130d. The lamp control unit 703c is also connected to a movable accessory sensor 762 that detects the position of the movable accessory 130a to 130d. The lamp controller 703c receives a detection signal from the movable accessory sensor 762, and the movable accessory is detected based on the detection signal. The driving of 130a to 130d can also be controlled.

  Further, the CPU 751 reads lighting control data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect supervising unit 703a from the control data and stores it in the RAM 753. The control signal corresponding to the lighting control data is output at a predetermined timing at the effect light unit 115 or the like. Input to the lighting control circuit of the panel lamp 761. As a result, the lamp control unit 703c can turn on the lamps of the effect light unit 115 and the panel lamp 761.

  In the present embodiment, the production control unit 703 is configured such that the production control unit 703a, the image / audio control unit 703b, and the lamp control unit 703c are provided as different boards, but these are incorporated on the same printed board. May be. However, each function is independent even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board.

(An example of a table stored in the ROM of the production control department)
Next, an example of a table stored in the ROM 732 of the production control unit 703a will be described. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a table stored in the ROM of the production control unit. For example, the ROM 732 stores an effect pattern determination table shown in FIG.

(Example of production pattern determination table)
The effect pattern determination table shown in FIG. 10 is a table used for “effect pattern determination” in which the effect control unit 703a determines the effect pattern. In the effect pattern determination table, different variation patterns are set for each effect pattern. Here, the effect pattern defines the effect contents of the effect performed by the gaming machine 100. In FIG. 10, for the convenience of explanation, the contents of effects defined by each effect pattern are shown.

  The effect supervision unit 703a determines an effect pattern associated with the variation pattern based on information (for example, a variation start command) indicating the variation pattern received from the main control unit 701 in the effect pattern determination. As described above, since the variation patterns Hp11 to Hp15 are the variation patterns for loss, the production patterns Ep11 to Ep15 associated with the variation patterns Hp11 to Hp15 can be said to be production patterns for loss. Since the variation patterns Hp21 to Hp24 are jackpot variation patterns, the production patterns Ep21 to Ep24 associated with the variation patterns Hp21 to Hp24 can be said to be jackpot production patterns.

  When the production control unit 703a determines any of the production patterns Ep13 to Ep15 or the production patterns Ep21 to Ep24 that define the production contents including the reach production in the production pattern judgment, the “reaching production content judgment” determines the contents of the reach production. "I do.

(An example of a table for determining the contents of lost reach production)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the table for determining the contents of lost reach production. The lose reach effect content determination table shown in FIG. 11 is a table used for reach effect content determination when it is determined that any of the effect patterns Ep13 to Ep15, which are effect patterns for loss, in the effect pattern determination.

  In the lose reach production content determination table, production patterns Ep13a to Ep13e are associated with production pattern Ep13. Further, in the lose reach production content determination table, the determination values (not shown) used in the reach production content determination are set in the production patterns Ep13a to Ep13e, so that each of the production patterns Ep13a to Ep13e is shown in FIG. The determination probability in the determination of reach effect content is determined.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the determination probabilities in the determination of reach effect contents for each of the effect patterns Ep13a to Ep13e are different for each effect mode. For example, when the effect mode at the time of determining the reach effect content is the normal effect mode, the determination probability in the reach effect content determination for each of the effect patterns Ep13a to Ep13e is uniformly defined as “10/50”. Note that the gaming machine 100 is set to the probability variation effect mode after the probability variation jackpot, and to the time reduction effect mode after the normal jackpot. When the gaming machine 100 is in the rendering mode that is automatically set regardless of the player's operation as in these rendering modes, the gaming machine 100 performs reach rendering content determination using the same determination value as in the normal rendering mode. Shall.

  On the other hand, when the effect mode at the time of determining the reach effect is the male character effect mode (“male character effect mode” in FIG. 11), the determination probability of the effect content effect pattern Ep13a including the reach effect of the male character is another effect. It is determined to be lower than the pattern determination probability (see the underlined bolded portion of the determination probability of “male character effect mode” in FIG. 11). Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, in the male character effect mode, the reach effect of the male character is less likely to be performed than the reach effect of other characters when lost. Therefore, it can be said that the reach effect of the male character in the male character effect mode is a reach effect in which the reliability to the jackpot is set higher than the reach effect of the other characters in the male character effect mode.

  Similarly, in the lose reach production content determination table, in the female character production mode (“female character production mode” in FIG. 11), the decision probability of the female character reach production production pattern Ep13b is higher than the judgment probability of other production patterns. It is set low (see the underlined bold part in the determination probability of “female character production mode” in FIG. 11). In the dog character production mode (“dog character production mode” in FIG. 11), the determination probability of the production pattern Ep13c of the reach production of the dog character is set lower than the determination probability of other production patterns (“dog character production mode in FIG. 11). ”(See the underlined bold text).

  Further, in the lose reach production content determination table, in the cat character production mode ("cat character production mode" in FIG. 11), the determination probability of the production pattern Ep13d of the reach production of the cat character is lower than the determination probability of the other production patterns. (Refer to the underlined bold part in the determination probability of “cat character production mode” in FIG. 11). In the robot character effect mode ("Robo character effect mode" in FIG. 11), the determination probability of the effect pattern Ep13e of the reach effect of the robot character is set lower than the determination probability of other effect patterns ("Robo character effect mode" in FIG. 11). (See the underlined bold text in the decision probability).

  Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, the reach effect of the character corresponding to the effect mode is less likely to be performed than the reach effect of other characters at the time of losing in each effect mode. Therefore, it can be said that the reach effect of the character corresponding to the effect mode at the time of determining the reach effect content is a reach effect in which the reliability of the jackpot is set higher than the reach effect of other characters in the effect mode.

  Also, in the lose reach production content determination table, production patterns Ep14a to Ep14e are associated with production pattern Ep14, and production patterns Ep15a to Ep15e are associated with production pattern Ep15. Although the detailed description is omitted, the effect patterns Ep14a to Ep14e and the effect patterns Ep15a to Ep15e are similar to the effect patterns Ep13a to Ep13e, respectively, and the reach effect of the character corresponding to the effect mode is lost in each effect mode. The respective determination probabilities are determined so as to be less likely to be performed than the reach performance of the character.

(Example of jackpot reach production content determination table)
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the jackpot reach effect content determination table. The jackpot reach effect content determination table shown in FIG. 12 is a table used for reach effect content determination when it is determined that any of the effect patterns Ep21 to Ep24 which are effect patterns for jackpots in the effect pattern determination.

  In the jackpot reach effect content determination table, the effect patterns Ep21a to Ep21e are associated with the effect pattern Ep21. Furthermore, in the jackpot reach effect content determination table, a determination value (not shown) used in reach effect content determination is set in the effect patterns Ep21a to Ep21e, so that each of the effect patterns Ep21a to Ep21e is shown in FIG. The determination probability in the determination of reach effect content is determined.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the determination probabilities in the determination of reach effect contents for each of the effect patterns Ep21a to Ep21e are different for each effect mode. For example, when the effect mode at the time of reach effect content determination is the normal effect mode, the determination probability in the reach effect content determination of each of the effect patterns Ep21a to Ep21e is uniformly set to “10/50”.

  On the other hand, when the effect mode at the time of determining the reach effect is the male character effect mode (“male character effect mode” in FIG. 12), the determination probability of the effect content effect pattern Ep21a including the reach effect of the male character is another effect. It is determined to be higher than the pattern determination probability (see the underlined bolded portion of the determination probability of “male character effect mode” in FIG. 12).

  Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, the reach effect of the male character is more easily performed than the reach effect of other characters at the time of the big hit in the male character effect mode. Therefore, it can be said that the reach effect of the male character in the male character effect mode is a reach effect in which the reliability to the jackpot is set higher than the reach effect of the other characters in the male character effect mode.

  Similarly, in the jackpot reach effect content determination table, in the female character effect mode ("female character effect mode" in FIG. 12), the determination probability of the effect pattern Ep21b of the reach effect of the female character is higher than the determination probability of other effect patterns. It is set high (see the underlined bold part in the determination probability of “female character production mode” in FIG. 12). In the dog character effect mode (“dog character effect mode” in FIG. 12), the determination probability of the effect pattern Ep21c of the reach effect of the dog character is set higher than the determination probability of the other effect patterns (“dog character effect mode in FIG. 12). ”(See the underlined bold text).

  In the jackpot reach effect content determination table, in the cat character effect mode (“cat character effect mode” in FIG. 12), the determination probability of the effect pattern Ep21d of the reach effect of the cat character is higher than the determination probability of the other effect patterns. (Refer to the underlined bold part in the determination probability of “cat character production mode” in FIG. 12). In the robot character effect mode ("Robo character effect mode" in FIG. 12), the determination probability of the effect pattern Ep21e of the reach effect of the robot character is set higher than the determination probability of other effect patterns ("Robo character effect mode" in FIG. 12). (See the underlined bold text in the decision probability).

  Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, the reach effect of the character corresponding to the effect mode is more likely to be performed than the reach effect of other characters at the big hit in each effect mode. Therefore, it can be said that the reach effect of the character corresponding to the effect mode at the time of determining the reach effect content is a reach effect in which the reliability of the jackpot is set higher than the reach effect of other characters in the effect mode.

  In the jackpot reach effect content determination table, the effect patterns Ep22a to Ep22e are associated with the effect pattern Ep22, the effect patterns Ep23a to Ep23e are associated with the effect pattern Ep23, and the effect patterns Ep24a to Ep24e are associated with the effect pattern Ep24. Attached. Although detailed description is omitted, the production patterns Ep22a to Ep22e, the production patterns Ep23a to Ep23e, and the production patterns Ep24a to Ep24e also correspond to the production mode at the big hit in each production mode, similarly to the production patterns Ep21a to Ep21e. The respective determination probabilities are determined so that the reach performance of the character to be performed is easier than the reach performance of other characters.

(An example of reach production performed by each production pattern)
Here, an example of reach production performed by each production pattern will be described. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a reach effect. Here, a description will be given taking the reach effect of a male character as an example.

  FIG. 13 (a) shows an example of a male character low reliability reach effect performed by the effect pattern Ep13a and the effect pattern Ep21a. As shown in FIG. 13 (a), in the case of the male character low-reliability reach effect, the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3 are stopped and displayed to represent “1”, and the reach state is entered. In addition, a male character image 602 is displayed, and an effect that the male character image 602 is “reach!” Is performed.

  FIG. 13 (B) shows an example of the male character medium reliability reach effect performed by the effect pattern Ep14a and the effect pattern Ep22a. As shown in FIG. 13B, in the case of the male character medium reliability reach effect, the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3 are stopped and displayed to represent “1”, and the reach state is entered. In addition, a male character image 602 is displayed, and the male character image 602 produces an effect that “this reach can be expected!”.

  FIG. 13C shows an example of a male character high-reliability reach effect performed by the effect pattern Ep15a and the effect pattern Ep23a. As shown in FIG. 13C, in the case of the male character high-reliability reach effect, the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3 are stopped and displayed to represent “1”, and the reach state is set. Further, a male character image 602 is displayed, and an effect is given that the male character image 602 is “It ’s super hot!”.

  In this way, the gaming machine 100 performs the reach performance of the male character by reaching the character “1” corresponding to the male character and displaying the male character image 602. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can perform a reach effect having a sense of unity between the character that is reached and the character image displayed by the reach effect, and can improve the interest of the reach effect.

  FIG. 13D shows an example of the male character irregular reach effect performed by the effect pattern Ep24a. As shown in FIG. 13 (d), in the case of male character irregular reach production, unlike the cases of FIGS. 13 (a) to (c), the left production symbol Ez1 and the right production symbol Ez3 are numbers other than “1” ( In the example shown in the figure, “2”) is stopped and displayed, and a reach state is entered. Under normal circumstances, when the reach state is “2”, the reach performance of the female character is performed. However, in the case of the male character irregular reach production, the male character image 602 is displayed after reaching the reach state of “2”, and the male character image 602 produces an effect that “the dollar box is ready!”. This male character irregular reach production is a jackpot decision reach production in which a jackpot is decided.

  As described above, in the male character production mode, the reach production of the male character is more reliable than the other reach production. In other words, the reach performance of other characters is less reliable for jackpots than the reach performance of male characters. When configured in this way, for example, in the male character production mode, if the reach is other than “1” corresponding to the male character, the player will be reminded of “losing because it will not be the male character's reach production”. It is possible. By providing the male character irregular reach production in the gaming machine 100, even if the reach other than “1” corresponding to the male character in the male character production mode is reached, “the male character irregular reach production may be performed”. The player's expectation can be maintained.

  A female character's reach effect, a dog character's reach effect, a cat character's reach effect, and a robot character's reach effect are not shown or described in detail, but these are the same as the male character's reach effect. That is, in the case of the low-reliability reach effect to the high-reliability reach effect of each character, a reach state with numbers corresponding to the character is formed, and the character image is displayed. In the case of the irregular reach effect of each character, a reach state is formed by numbers other than the numbers corresponding to the character, and the character image is displayed.

(Processing performed by the main controller)
Next, processing performed by the gaming machine 100 will be described. First, processing performed by the main control unit 701 of the gaming machine 100 will be described. Each process of the main control unit 701 described below is performed by the CPU 711 of the main control unit 701 executing a program stored in the ROM 712.

(Main process)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the main process. For example, the main control unit 701 starts executing the main process when activated by the supply of power. In the main process, first, the main control unit 701 waits for 1000 ms (step S1401) and sets access permission to the RAM 713 (step S1402).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the RAM clear switch is ON (step S1403). If the RAM clear switch is ON (step S1403: Yes), the main control unit 701 clears the RAM (step S1404). In the RAM clear, the backup information stored in the main control unit 701 is discarded (cleared).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs initial setting of the peripheral part (step S1405), and proceeds to the process of step S1409. In step S1405, the main control unit 701 transmits an initial setting command instructing each peripheral unit such as the prize ball control unit 702 and the effect control unit 703 to perform predetermined initial settings.

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is OFF (step S1403: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the backup flag is ON (step S1406). The backup flag is a flag indicating that backup information is stored in the main control unit 701. If the backup flag is OFF (step S1406: NO), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1404.

  If the backup flag is ON (step S1406: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the checksum is normal (step S1407). If the checksum is abnormal (step S1407: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1404.

  If the checksum is normal (step S1407: Yes), the main control unit 701 performs recovery processing (step S1408). In the restoration process, a process of returning the setting of the main control unit 701 to the state at the previous power-off time is performed.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets a CTC (timer counter) cycle (for example, 4 ms) (step S1409). The main control unit 701 executes a timer interrupt process to be described later at the cycle set in step S1409. Then, the main control unit 701 performs a power-off monitoring process for monitoring power-off (step S1410). In the power-off monitoring process, backup information is generated and stored when power-off is detected.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs variation pattern determination random number update processing for incrementing the count value of the variation pattern determination random number counter by “+1” (step S1411). Then, the main control unit 701 performs an interrupt prohibition setting for prohibiting the interrupt execution of the timer interrupt process (step S1412), and performs a random number update process (step S1413).

  In step S1413, the main control unit 701 increments the count values of various random number counters included in the main control unit 701 such as a hit determination random number counter, a symbol determination random number counter, and a variation pattern determination random number counter by “+1”. In step S1413, only the count value of a specific random number counter among various random number counters included in the main control unit 701 may be incremented by “+1”. Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs an interrupt permission setting for permitting interrupt execution of the timer interrupt process (step S1414), and returns to the process of step S1410.

(Timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing. For example, the main control unit 701 interrupts and executes the timer interrupt process with respect to the main process at the cycle set in step S1409. In the timer interrupt process, first, the main control unit 701 performs a random number update process (step S1501). In step S1501, the main control unit 701 increments the count values of various random number counters included in the main control unit 701 by “+1” in the same manner as in step S1413.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a switch process (step S1502). The switch process includes a start-port switch process (described later) for detecting a game ball won at a start port (first start port 105, second start port 106), a gate switch process for detecting a game ball that has passed through the gate 108, This includes a big prize opening switch process for detecting game balls won in the big prize opening 109a and the lower big prize opening 109b, and a normal prize opening switch process for detecting a game ball won in the normal prize opening 110.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes symbol processing (step S1503). The symbol processing includes special symbol processing related to special symbols (described later) and normal symbol processing related to normal symbols. For example, in the special symbol process, the main control unit 701 performs a jackpot lottery to control display of the special symbol. In the normal symbol processing, the main control unit 701 performs normal symbol lottery to control display of normal symbols.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs an electric accessory control process (step S1504). In the electric accessory control process, a large prize opening control process (described later) for controlling the opening / closing operation of the upper prize winning port 109a and the lower prize winning port 109b, and a normal electric accessory for controlling the opening / closing operation of the ordinary electric accessory 107 Control processing. For example, in the big prize opening control process, the main control unit 701 controls the opening / closing operation of the upper big prize opening 109a and the lower big prize opening 109b based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery. Further, in the ordinary electric accessory control process, the main control unit 701 controls the opening / closing operation of the ordinary electric accessory 107 based on the lottery result of the ordinary symbol lottery.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes a prize ball control process (step S1505). In the prize ball control processing, the main control unit 701 sets a prize ball command instructing the prize ball control unit 702 to the RAM 713 so as to pay out the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning opening where the game ball has won.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs an output process (step S1506) and ends the timer interrupt process. In the output process, the main control unit 701 outputs the commands set in the RAM 713 by the processes in steps S1501 to S1505 to the prize ball control unit 702 and the effect control unit 703. When the timer interrupt process ends, the main control unit 701 returns to the main process.

(Start-up switch processing)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the start port switch process. In the start port switch process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the first start port SW 714a is ON (step S1601). If the first start port SW 714a is OFF (step S1601: No), the process proceeds to step S1606.

  If the first start port SW 714a is ON (step S1601: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether the first hold information number U1 is less than 4 (U1 <4) (step S1602). If the number of first hold information U1 is 4 or more (step S1602: No), the process proceeds to step S1606.

  If the first hold information number U1 is less than 4 (step S1602: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets a value obtained by adding “+1” to the first hold information number U1 as a new first hold information number U1 (step S1602: Yes). S1603). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 refers to the count values of various random number counters included in the main control unit 701 and acquires and stores the count values at that time as hold information (step S1604). Then, a preliminary determination process is performed using the acquired hold information (step S1605), and the process proceeds to step S1606.

  Next, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the second start port SW 714b is ON (step S1606). If the second start port SW 714b is OFF (step S1606: No), the start port switch process is terminated. If the second start port SW 714b is ON (step S1606: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether the second number of pending information U2 is less than 4 (U2 <4) (step S1607). If the number of second hold information U2 is 4 or more (step S1607: No), the start port switch process is terminated.

  If the second reserved information count U2 is less than 4 (step S1607: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the value obtained by adding "+1" to the second reserved information count U2 as a new second reserved information count U2 (step S1607: Yes). S1608). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 refers to the count values of various random number counters included in the main control unit 701, and acquires and stores the count values at that time as hold information (step S1609). Then, a preliminary determination process is performed using the acquired hold information (step S1610), and the start port switch process is terminated.

(Special symbol processing)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the special symbol process. In the special symbol process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON (step S1701). The jackpot game flag is a flag indicating that a jackpot game is being played. That is, the jackpot game flag is set to ON when the jackpot game is started, and is set to OFF when the jackpot game ends.

  If the jackpot game flag is ON (step S1701: Yes), the main control unit 701 ends the special symbol process as it is. Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot lottery is not performed during the jackpot game. If the big hit game flag is OFF (step S1701: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the special symbol is being changed (step S1702). If the special symbol variation display is in progress (step S1702: Yes), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1711. As a result, in the gaming machine 100, the big hit lottery is not performed during the special symbol variation display.

  If the special symbol variation display is not in progress (step S1702: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the second reserved information count U2 is equal to or greater than “1” (step S1703). If the second number of held information U2 is “1” or more (step S1703: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the second number of held information U2 (step S1704), and a big hit lottery process (described later) (Step S1705). As a result, in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot lottery based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the second start port 106 is stored when the game ball wins the first start port 105. It will be given priority over the jackpot lottery based on information.

  If the second number of held information U2 is less than “1” (step S1703: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the number of first held information U1 is “1” or more (step S1706). If the number of first hold information U1 is less than “1” (step S1706: No), the main control unit 701 ends the special symbol process as it is. Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, when the hold information is not stored, the big hit lottery is not performed.

  If the first hold information number U1 is “1” or more (step S1706: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the first hold information number U1 (step S1707), and the big hit lottery in step S1705 Process. When the lottery result of the big hit lottery is derived by the big hit lottery process, the main control unit 701 performs a variation pattern setting process (described later) (step S1708). Then, the main control unit 701 starts displaying the variation of the special symbol based on the lottery result of the jackpot lottery derived by the jackpot lottery processing and the variation pattern set by the variation pattern setting processing (step S1709).

  In step S1709, when the main control unit 701 performs a jackpot lottery based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the first starting port 105, the main control unit 701 displays the special symbol of the first special symbol display unit 201a. Display fluctuating. On the other hand, when the main control unit 701 performs a jackpot lottery based on the stored information stored when the game ball wins the second starting port 106, the main control unit 701 displays the special symbol on the second special symbol display unit 201b in a variable manner.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 generates a change start command and sets it in the RAM 713 (step S1710). For example, the variation start command includes information indicating a variation start command, and information indicating a variation pattern set by a lottery lottery result derived by the jackpot lottery process or a variation pattern setting process. The variation start command is transmitted to the effect control unit 703 and the like by output processing.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed (step S1711). In step S <b> 1711, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the variation time determined by the variation pattern set immediately before the start of variation display has elapsed since the start of variation display of the special symbol. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (step S1711: No), the main control unit 701 ends the special symbol process as it is. As a result, the special symbol is variably displayed on the gaming machine 100 with the variation time determined by the variation pattern.

  If the fluctuation time has elapsed (step S1711: Yes), the main control unit 701 stops and displays the special symbol during the fluctuation display so as to indicate the lottery result of the big hit lottery (step S1712). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 generates a change stop command and sets it in the RAM 713 (step S1713). For example, the variable stop command includes information indicating a variable stop command and information indicating a variation pattern set by a lottery lottery result derived by the big hit lottery process or a variation pattern setting process. Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a stop process (described later) (step S1714), and ends the special symbol process.

(Large lottery processing)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the jackpot lottery process. In the big hit lottery process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the high probability flag is ON (step S1801). The high probability flag is a flag indicating that the big hit lottery is performed using the determination value 812 for high probability (see FIG. 8). That is, in the case of the gaming machine 100, the high probability flag is set to ON when winning the probability variation jackpot, and is set to OFF when winning the normal jackpot.

  If the high probability flag is ON (step S1801: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the high probability determination value 812 in the RAM 713 (step S1802). If the high probability flag is OFF (step S1801: No), the main control unit 701 sets the low probability determination value 811 in the RAM 713 (step S1803).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a hit determination using the value of the hit determination random number for the hold information to be determined and the determination value set in the RAM 713 in step S1802 or step S1803 (step S1804). The hit determination is as described above.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the determination result of the hit determination is a big hit (step S1805). If the determination result of the hit determination is a big hit (step S1805: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the hit determination is performed based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the first starting port 105. Is determined (step S1806).

  If the winning determination is made based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the first starting port 105 (step S1806: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the first starting port determination value 821 in the RAM 713. (Step S1807). If the winning determination is made based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the second starting port 106 (step S1806: No), the main control unit 701 sets the second starting port determination value 822 in the RAM 713. (Step S1808).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs symbol determination using the symbol determination random number value of the hold information to be determined and the determination value set in the RAM 713 in step S1807 or step S1808 (step S1809). The symbol determination is as described above. Then, the main control unit 701 sets the jackpot symbol derived as the symbol determination result in the RAM 713 (step S1810), and ends the jackpot lottery process.

  If the determination result of the winning determination is a loss (step S1805: NO), the main control unit 701 sets a lost symbol in the RAM 713 (step S1811) and ends the big winning lottery process.

(Variation pattern setting process)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variation pattern setting process. In the variation pattern setting process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot (step S1901). If the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot (step S1901: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the jackpot determination value 832 in the RAM 713 (step S1902). If it is a loss (step S1901: No), the main control unit 701 sets the determination value 831 for loss in the RAM 713 (step S1903).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs variation pattern determination using the variation pattern determination random number value of the hold information to be determined and the determination value set in the RAM 713 in step S1902 or step S1903 (step S1904). The variation pattern determination is as described above. Then, the main control unit 701 sets a variation pattern derived as a variation pattern determination result in the RAM 713 (step S1905), and ends the variation pattern setting process.

(Processing during stoppage)
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the stop process. In the stop process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the time reduction flag is ON (step S2001). The time-short flag is a flag indicating that the game ball is in a state of being controlled so that the game ball can easily win the second starting port 106. That is, in the case of the gaming machine 100, the hourly flag is set to ON when winning a promising jackpot or normal jackpot, and is set to OFF when a specified number of jackpot lotteries are performed after the jackpot. If the time reduction flag is OFF (step S2001: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2005 as it is.

  If the time reduction flag is ON (step S2001: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the count value X of the time reduction counter (step S2002), and whether the count value X after subtraction is “0” or not. Is determined (step S2003). If the count value X is not “0” (step S2003: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2005 as it is. If the count value X is “0” (step S2003: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the time reduction flag to OFF (step S2004), and the process proceeds to step S2005.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the high probability flag is ON (step S2005). If the high probability flag is OFF (step S2005: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2009 as it is.

  If the high probability flag is ON (step S2005: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the count value Y of the high probability counter (step S2006), and the count value Y after the subtraction is “0”. It is determined whether or not (step S2007). If the count value Y is not “0” (step S2007: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2009 as it is. If the count value Y is “0” (step S2007: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the high probability flag to OFF (step S2008), and proceeds to the process of step S2009.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the stopped display symbol is a jackpot symbol (step S2009). If it is not a jackpot symbol (step S2009: No), the main control unit 701 ends the stopping process as it is. If it is a jackpot symbol (step S2009: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets a jackpot game flag to ON (step S2010).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 resets the count value X of the hour / short counter and the count value Y of the high probability counter to “0” (step S2011), and sets the hour / short flag and the high probability flag to OFF (step S2012). . Subsequently, the main control unit 701 starts a predetermined opening in the jackpot game (step S2013), sets an opening command in the RAM 713 (step S2014), and ends the in-stop process.

(Big prize opening control process)
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the special winning opening control process. As described above, this special winning opening control process is included in the electric accessory control process. In the big prize opening control process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the big hit game flag is ON (step S2101). If the big hit game flag is OFF (step S2101: No), the main control unit 701 terminates the big prize opening control process as it is.

  If the jackpot game flag is ON (step S2101: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not it is in opening (step S2102). If it is during opening (step S2102: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a predetermined opening time has passed (step S2103). If the opening time has not elapsed (step S2103: No), the main control unit 701 ends the special winning opening control process as it is.

  If the opening time has elapsed (step S2103: YES), the main control unit 701 sets a special winning opening operation pattern in the RAM 713 (step S2104). In step S2104, the main control unit 701 sets, based on the type of jackpot won by the jackpot lottery, a big winning opening to be opened, an opening time for one round, the number of rounds to continue the jackpot game, and the like.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 adds “1” to the count value R of the R number counter (step S2105), and starts to open the big prize opening based on the big prize opening operation pattern set in the RAM 713 ( Step S2106).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the opening time has elapsed from the start of opening of the big prize opening (step S2107). If the opening time has elapsed (step S2107: Yes), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2109. If the opening time has not elapsed (step S2107: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a predetermined number of game balls have been won at the big winning opening since the opening of the big winning opening (step S2108). ). If there is no winning of a predetermined number of game balls (step S2108: No), the main control unit 701 ends the large winning opening control process as it is.

  If a predetermined number of game balls have been won (step S2108: YES), the main control unit 701 closes the open large winning opening (step S2109). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not it is the final R (step S2110). For example, in the case of 16R big hit, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the count value R is “16” in step S2110. If the count value R is “16”, the main control unit 701 determines final R. Similarly, if the count value R is “8” in the case of a big hit of 8R, the final R is determined if the count value R is “2” in the case of the big hit of 2R.

  If it is not the final R (step S2110: No), the main control unit 701 terminates the big winning opening control process as it is. If it is the final R (step S2110: Yes), the main control unit 701 starts a predetermined ending in the jackpot game (step S2111), and sets an ending command in the RAM 713 (step S2112).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 resets the count value R of the R number counter to “0” (step S2113). Then, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a predetermined ending time has elapsed (step S2114). If the ending time has not elapsed (step S2114: No), the main control unit 701 ends the special winning opening control process as it is.

  If the ending time has elapsed (step S2114: Yes), the main control unit 701 performs a game state setting process (described later) (step S2115). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets the jackpot game flag to OFF (step S2116), and ends the big prize opening control process.

  If the opening is not in progress in step S2102 (step S2102: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the ending is in progress (step S2117). If it is during ending (step S2117: Yes), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2114.

  If it is not ending (step S2117: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the special winning opening is being opened (step S2118). If the special winning opening is being opened (step S2118: Yes), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2107. If the big prize opening is not being opened (step S2118: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2105.

(Game state setting process)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the game state setting process. In the game state setting process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the jackpot to be ended is a normal jackpot (step S2201). If it is a normal jackpot (step S2201: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the hour / hour flag to ON (step S2202), sets the count value X of the hour / hour counter to “30” (step S2203), and plays The state setting process ends.

  If it is not a normal big hit (step S2201: No), the main control unit 701 sets the hour / hour flag to ON (step S2204), and sets the count value X of the hour / hour counter to “10000” (step S2205). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets the high probability flag to ON (step S2206), sets “10000” to the count value Y of the high probability counter (step S2207), and ends the gaming state setting process.

(Processing performed by the Production Control Department)
Next, processing performed by the production supervision unit 703a of the gaming machine 100 will be described. Each process of the production control unit 703a described below is performed by the CPU 731 of the production control unit 703a executing a program stored in the ROM 732.

(Production timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect timer interrupt process. For example, the production control unit 703a continuously performs a production main process (not shown) during activation, and the production timer interruption process shown in FIG. 23 is performed at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 ms) for this production main process. Execute interrupt.

  In the effect timer interruption process, first, the effect control unit 703a performs a command reception process (described later) (step S2301). Subsequently, the production control unit 703a performs an operation reception process (step S2302). In the operation acceptance process, when the effect button 118 or the cross key 119 is operated, a process for setting a command corresponding to the operated key in the RAM 733 is performed.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a performs a command transmission process (step S2303), and ends the effect timer interrupt process. In the command transmission process, a process of transmitting a command set in the RAM 733 by a command reception process or an operation reception process is performed.

(Command reception processing)
FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of command reception processing. In the command receiving process, first, the effect supervising unit 703a determines whether or not a change start command has been received (step S2401). If the change start command has not been received (step S2401: NO), the production supervision unit 703a proceeds to the process of step S2403 as it is. If the change start command has been received (step S2401: Yes), the effect supervising unit 703a performs an effect pattern setting process (described later) (step S2402).

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a change stop command has been received (step S2403). If the change stop command has not been received (step S2403: NO), the production control unit 703a proceeds to the process of step S2406 as it is. If the change stop command has been received (step S2403: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a performs an effect end process for ending the effect being executed (step S2404), and performs an effect mode change process (described later). (Step S2405).

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether an opening command has been received (step S2406). If the opening command has not been received (step S2406: NO), the production control unit 703a proceeds to the process of step S2408 as it is. If the opening command has been received (step S2406: YES), the production supervision unit 703a performs a jackpot presentation start process for starting the jackpot presentation (step S2407).

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether an ending command has been received (step S2408). If the ending command has not been received (step S2408: No), the production control unit 703a ends the command reception process as it is. If the ending command has been received (step S2408: YES), the production supervision unit 703a performs a jackpot presentation end process for ending the currently executed jackpot presentation (step S2409), and performs the presentation mode setting process (described later). (Step S2410), and the command reception process is terminated.

(Production pattern setting process)
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect pattern setting process. In the effect pattern setting process, the effect control unit 703a first performs a command analysis process (step S2501). In the command analysis process, the variation command received from the main control unit 701 is analyzed, and information indicating the lottery result and variation pattern of the big hit lottery included in the variation start command is set in the RAM 733.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a performs production pattern determination (step S2502). The effect pattern determination is as described above. Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether or not the production pattern determined by the production pattern determination is a reach production production pattern (step S2503). In step S2503, when the determination result of the effect pattern determination is the effect pattern Ep13 to 15 or the effect pattern Ep21 to 24, it is determined as the reach effect effect pattern. If it is not the reach effect production pattern (step S2503: No), the production control unit 703a proceeds to the process of step S2507.

  If the production pattern is a reach production (step S2503: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a refers to the current production mode (step S2504), and sets the determination value of reach production content determination according to the current production mode in the RAM 733. (Step S2505). And the production supervision part 703a performs reach production content determination (step S2506). The reach production content determination is as described above.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a sets an effect pattern specified by the determination result of the effect pattern determination and the determination result of the reach effect content determination (only in the case of the effect pattern of the reach effect) in the RAM 733 (step S2507). For example, when the determination result of the effect pattern determination is the effect pattern Ep11, the effect pattern Ep11 of the determination result is set in the RAM 733 as it is in step S2507. On the other hand, if the determination result of the effect pattern determination is the effect pattern Ep21, an effect pattern specified by the determination result of the reach effect content determination among the effect patterns Ep21a to Ep21e associated with the effect pattern Ep21 is set in the RAM 733 in step S2507. Is done.

  Subsequently, the production supervision unit 703a determines a combination of the production symbols Ez1 to Ez3, and sets the combination in the RAM 733 (step S2508). For example, in the case of the production pattern Ep11 that is not the production pattern of the reach production, in step S2508, it is determined to be an arbitrary combination of disjointed eyes.

  Further, in the case of the reach effect production pattern Ep13a in the reach production effect pattern, in step S2508, the left production symbol Ez1 and the right production symbol Ez3 are “1” and the middle production symbol Ez2 is “2”. Is done. Further, in the case of the jackpot production pattern Ep21a in the production pattern of reach production, in step S2508, the jackpot combination in which the production symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are “1” is determined.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a sets an effect start command in the RAM 733 (step S2509), and ends the effect pattern setting process. The effect start command includes information indicating the combination of the effect pattern set in the RAM 733 and the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3.

(Direction mode setting process)
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect mode setting process. In the effect mode setting process, the effect supervising unit 703a first determines whether or not the jackpot to be ended is a normal jackpot (step S2601). In step S2601, the ending command received from the main control unit 701 is analyzed, and it is determined whether or not the normal jackpot is based on the information indicating the jackpot included in the ending command.

  If it is a normal jackpot (step S2601: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a sets the time reduction production mode (step S2602). Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a sets “30” to the count value M1 of the time-shortening effect mode counter (step S2603), and the process proceeds to step S2606.

  If it is not a normal big hit (step S2601: No), the production supervision unit 703a sets the probability variation production mode (step S2604). Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a sets “10000” to the count value M2 of the probability changing effect mode counter (step S2605), and the process proceeds to step S2606.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a sets an effect mode notification command indicating the set effect mode in the RAM 733 (step S2606), and ends the effect mode setting process. The effect mode notification command is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 703b by command transmission processing. As a result, the image / sound control unit 703b can display a background image corresponding to the current effect mode.

(Direction mode change process)
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect mode change process. In the effect mode change process, the effect supervising unit 703a first determines whether or not the current effect mode is the time-saving effect mode (step S2701). If it is the time reduction effect mode (step S2701: Yes), the effect supervision unit 703a subtracts “1” from the count value M1 of the time reduction effect mode counter (step S2702), and whether the count value M1 after the subtraction is “0” It is determined whether or not (step S2703).

  If the count value M1 is not “0” (step S2703: No), the effect supervising unit 703a ends the effect mode changing process as it is. If the count value M1 is “0” (step S2703: YES), the production supervision unit 703a sets the normal production mode (step S2704), and sets the production mode notification command in the RAM 733 (step S2705). Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a sets “10000” to the count value M3 of the normal effect mode counter (step S2706), and ends the effect mode changing process.

  If it is not the time-saving effect mode in step S2701 (step S2701: No), the effect supervising unit 703a determines whether or not the current effect mode is the certain change effect mode (step S2707). If it is the probability change effect mode (step S2707: Yes), the effect supervision unit 703a subtracts “1” from the count value M2 of the probability change effect mode counter (step S2708), and whether the count value M2 after the subtraction is “0”? It is determined whether or not (step S2709).

  If the count value M2 is not “0” (step S2709: NO), the production supervision unit 703a ends the production mode change process as it is. If the count value M2 is “0” (step S2709: YES), the production supervision unit 703a proceeds to the process of step S2704.

  If it is not the probability variation effect mode in step S2707 (step S2707: No), the effect supervision unit 703a subtracts “1” from the count value M3 of the normal effect mode counter (step S2710), and the count value M3 after the subtraction. Is determined to be “0” (step S2711).

  If the count value M3 is not “0” (step S2711: No), the effect supervising unit 703a directly ends the effect mode changing process. If the count value M3 is “0” (step S2711: YES), the production supervision unit 703a proceeds to the process of step S2706.

(Special effect mode setting process)
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the special effect mode setting process. For example, the effect supervising unit 703a interrupts and executes the special effect mode setting process shown in FIG. 28 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 ms) with respect to the effect main process.

  In the special effect mode setting process, the effect supervising unit 703a first determines whether or not the player is accepting selection of the effect mode (step S2801). For example, in step S2801, the production control unit 703a determines whether or not the production mode selection reception screen shown in FIG. 29 is displayed on the image / sound control unit 703b, and if the production mode selection reception screen is displayed, the game It is determined that selection of the production mode by the person is being accepted. If the player is accepting the selection of the production mode (step S2801: YES), the production supervision unit 703a proceeds to the process of step S2804 as it is.

  If the player does not accept the selection of the production mode (step S2801: No), the production supervision unit 703a determines whether or not it is time to accept the selection of the production mode by the player (step S2802). For example, when the current production mode is the normal production mode and the special symbol variation display is not performed (for example, when the variation start command is not received after receiving the latest variation stop command) (Ii), it is determined that the player can accept the selection of the production mode.

  The timing at which the player can accept the selection of the production mode is not limited to the above example, and the manufacturer of the gaming machine 100 can arbitrarily determine the timing. If it is not the timing when the player can accept the selection of the production mode (step S2802: No), the production supervision unit 703a ends the special production mode setting process as it is.

  If it is the timing when the player can accept the selection of the production mode (step S2802: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a starts accepting the selection of the production mode by the player (step S2803). In step S2803, the effect supervising unit 703a instructs the image / sound control unit 703b to display the effect mode selection reception screen shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether or not the production mode is selected (step S2804). If the production mode is not selected (step S2804: No), the production supervision unit 703a ends the special production mode setting process as it is. If the effect mode is selected (step S2804: Yes), the effect supervising unit 703a sets the selected effect mode (step S2805).

  Then, the effect supervising unit 703a sets an effect mode notification command indicating the set effect mode in the RAM 733 (step S2806), and ends the special effect mode setting process. The effect mode notification command set in step S2806 is transmitted to the image / audio control unit 703b by a command transmission process performed thereafter.

  For example, even if the effect supervising unit 703a sets the effect mode selected by the player in step S2805, the current value is maintained for the count value M3 of the normal effect mode counter, and the effect mode setting of FIG. The processing and the effect mode change process of FIG. 27 are handled in the same manner as the normal effect mode. Also, if the player can accept the selection of the production mode even in the probability variation production mode or the short-time production mode, the production supervision unit 703a sets the production mode selected by the player in step S2805. However, the current value is maintained for the count values of these effect modes, and the effect mode before setting the effect mode selected by the player in the effect mode setting process of FIG. 26 and the effect mode change process of FIG. Treat in the same way.

(Example of production mode selection reception screen)
Next, an example of an effect mode selection reception screen displayed when the image / sound control unit 703b receives an effect mode selection reception screen display command from the effect control unit 703a will be described. FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an effect mode selection acceptance screen. In the gaming machine 100, a player can select any one of a male character effect mode, a female character effect mode, a dog character effect mode, a cat character effect mode, and a robot character effect mode.

  For this reason, when receiving the effect mode selection acceptance screen display command from the effect supervising unit 703a, the image / sound control unit 703b partitions the display screen of the image display unit 104 into five partitions 2901 to 2905. The image / sound control unit 703b displays a male character in the section 2901 and displays a female character in the section 2902. The image / sound controller 703b displays a dog character in the section 2903, displays a cat character in the section 2904, and displays a robot character in the section 2905.

  Further, the image / sound control unit 703b displays a message box 2910 on the image display unit 104 for displaying a message indicating that the selection of the effect mode is being accepted. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the message box 2910 displays a message such as “Please select the effect mode. Select with the cross key and decide with the effect button.”

  Further, the image / sound control unit 703b displays the cursor 2920 in any of the sections 2901 to 2905. When the player presses the right direction key of the cross key 119, the image / sound controller 703b moves the cursor 2920 to the right one of the currently displayed sections and displays it. When the player presses the left direction key of the cross key 119, the image / sound control unit 703b moves the cursor 2920 to the left section of the currently displayed section and displays it.

  The player can change to the desired effect mode by placing the cursor 2920 on the section where the desired character is displayed on the effect mode selection acceptance screen shown in FIG. 29 and pressing the effect button 118. .

  In the example described above, the gaming machine 100 sets an effect mode based on the player's operation, and shows an example in which the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are displayed using the symbol image of the special display mode when in the effect mode. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when the gaming machine 100 is in the effect mode in which the player performs a mini game using the effect button 118 or the cross key 119, the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are displayed using the symbol images in the special display mode. May be.

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) illustrating a display example of effect symbols. In this case, the gaming machine 100 displays the character image 3001 on the image display unit 104. The display position of the character image 3001 is changed when the player presses the cross key 119. For example, when the right key of the cross key 119 is pressed by the player, the display position of the character image 3001 moves as shown by an arrow 3002 in FIG.

  The gaming machine 100 allows the player to change the display position of the character image 3001 as described above, and to play the game so that the character image 3001 does not touch the obstacle image 3003 that appears on the display screen at a predetermined timing. I do. Note that, for example, this mini game effect is not intended to suggest a lottery result of the jackpot lottery, but can be an effect intended to entertain a player with a simple mini game.

  For example, the gaming machine 100 performs this mini-game effect when it is in the time-saving effect mode (that is, in a predetermined period after the normal jackpot). Thereby, for example, when the gaming machine 100 is in the short-time effect mode, it is possible to entertain a game based on the mini-game effect separately from the game that receives the jackpot lottery. The game can be continued by the player whose expectation of the game has decreased.

  The gaming machine 100 may continuously perform a mini game effect from the start to the end of the time reduction effect mode, or may perform a mini game effect in a number of symbol variations during the time effect effect mode. From the viewpoint of making the minigame produced by the minigame effect to be enjoyed by the player, it is preferable to continue the minigame effect across multiple symbol variations since a certain amount of time is required.

  Then, the gaming machine 100 displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 using the symbol image of the special display mode as shown in FIG. 30 when performing the mini game effect. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 assigns the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 to the mini game effect without being shielded by the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3, as compared with the case where the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are displayed using the symbol image in the normal display mode. It is possible to enlarge the area on the display screen where the player can play, and to provide the player with an interesting mini game production.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 may perform the mini game effect as an effect suggesting a lottery result of the jackpot lottery. When the mini game effect is an effect that suggests the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is suggested by the success or failure of the mini game by the mini game effect. For example, in this case, the gaming machine 100 is shown in FIG. 30 during the variation display of the production symbols Ez1 to Ez3 (that is, after the big hit lottery and before the lottery result of the big hit lottery is shown to the player). Perform mini-game production. In this mini game production, it is assumed that the upward key of the cross key 119 is pressed by the player (that is, a correct operation is performed).

  In this case, if the lottery result of the current jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the character image 3001 jumps on the display screen of the image display unit 104 and jumps over the obstacle image 3003 (successful mini game). On the other hand, if the lottery result of the big hit lottery is lost, the character image 3001 jumps on the display screen of the image display unit 104, but cannot jump over the obstacle image 3003 and collides with the obstacle image 3003. Doing a production that will end up (failed to mini-game). For example, in the gaming machine 100, if the up key of the cross key 119 is not pressed by the player in this mini game effect (that is, if the correct operation is not performed), the lottery result of the current big hit lottery will be a big hit. Even if it is lost or lost, the character image 3001 does not jump and directly collides with the obstacle image 3003 (failed in the mini game).

  In this way, by making the mini game effect in the gaming machine 100 to be an effect that suggests the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, the gaming machine 100 makes the player interested in the jackpot lottery result to participate in the mini game effect. It is possible to increase the amount of the game, and it is possible to encourage the player to actively perform the mini game production.

  Furthermore, in recent years, game systems that can acquire points that can be used on the Internet according to the game history are also widely used. Since such a gaming system is a well-known technique, only an outline will be described. For example, the gaming machine 100 generates a QR code representing game history information such as the number of points acquired by the player in the current game. And displayed on the image display unit 104. The player reads the QR code displayed by his / her terminal such as a mobile phone, and transmits the game history information represented by the QR code to the server of the gaming system. When this server receives game history information from the terminal, it stores this game history information in a database. The QR code is a registered trademark.

  In addition, the server gives a privilege such as a right to download a predetermined content (for example, image data or music data) to a player whose game history satisfies a predetermined condition based on the game history information stored in the database. Thereby, the player can download the content corresponding to the game history from the server by the terminal and enjoy the content.

  The gaming machine 100 may perform the mini game effect as an effect capable of acquiring points in the gaming system. For example, in this case, the gaming machine 100 gives points of the gaming system to a player who has succeeded in the mini game by performing a correct operation in the mini game effect. On the other hand, the gaming machine 100 does not give points of a gaming system to a player who fails a mini game by not performing a correct operation (including not operating at all) in a mini game effect.

  In this way, by making the mini-game effect in the game machine 100 an effect that can acquire points of the game system, the game machine 100 becomes a mini-game effect of a player who is interested in acquiring content provided by the game system. The participation consciousness of the player can be increased, and the player can be encouraged to actively perform the mini-game production.

  As described above, the gaming machine 100 can display the new pattern image 406 to 410 in which the decoration images 426 to 430 are arranged on the character images 416 to 420. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can give a novelty to the player by the displayed symbol images 406 to 410, and can entertain the player.

  Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 sets the effect mode based on the player's operation, and displays the background image of the effect mode. That is, in the gaming machine 100, the player can display a background image according to his / her preference. When the gaming machine 100 sets the production mode based on the player's operation, the production mode displays the production symbols Ez1 to Ez3 as the symbol images 406 to 410 in the special display mode.

  The symbol images 406 to 410 have a smaller display area displayed on the image display unit 104 than the symbol images 401 to 405 in the normal display mode. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 as the symbol images 406 to 410, thereby reducing the area of the portion shielded by the symbol image of the background image as compared with the case where the symbol images 401 to 405 are displayed. Can be small. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 can show the player a wider area of the background image by displaying the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 as the symbol images 406 to 410 than when displaying the symbol images 401 to 405. Yes, you can entertain the player.

  In addition, as a method of reducing the display area of the symbol image of the special display mode to be smaller than the display area of the symbol image of the normal display mode, the symbol image of the special display mode is simply reduced and displayed. However, the gaming machine 100 does not adopt this method. This means that if the symbol image of the special display mode is simply a reduced display of the symbol image of the normal display mode, the character image of the symbol image (an important image for suggesting the lottery result of the jackpot lottery) will also be reduced. This is because it becomes difficult for the player to see.

  Therefore, in the gaming machine 100, in order to make the display area of the symbol images 406 to 410 smaller than the display area of the symbol images 401 to 405, the symbol images 406 to 410 have a frame like the symbol frames 431 to 435 in the symbol images 401 to 405. I lost the image. Further, it is conceivable that the visibility of the symbol image is lowered when the frame image is simply eliminated from the symbol image. In the case of the symbol image 401 as an example, it is assumed that the symbol image 431 is removed from the symbol image 401 (and the symbol background image 441 is also removed accordingly) is displayed in front of the background screen. In this case, it is difficult for the player to determine whether the decoration image 421 is included in the design image or the background image (that is, it is difficult to understand the boundary between the design image and the background image), and the visibility of the design image is low. May fall.

  Of course, such a situation does not occur unless a decorative image is provided in the symbol image. However, in this case, the symbol image does not look good, and the effect of production is reduced. Further, in the gaming machine 100, the reliability of each reach production jackpot changes according to the production mode. For this reason, in the gaming machine 100, it is necessary to suggest the correspondence between the rendering mode and the reach rendering from the viewpoint of making the rendering performed by the gaming machine 100 more enjoyable by the player. However, if the decoration image is not provided in the symbol image, the rendering mode And the reach production becomes difficult to understand, and the player may not be able to entertain the production.

  Therefore, in the design images 406 to 410 of the gaming machine 100, the decoration images 426 to 430 are arranged in the display area of the character images 416 to 420. That is, in the symbol images 406 to 410 of the gaming machine 100, the contour lines of the character images 416 to 420 are used instead of the symbol frames, and the decoration images 426 to 430 are arranged in the contour lines. Here, since the character images 416 to 420 are images representing characters, it is easy for a player to distinguish them from background images (for example, background images 501 and 601) representing landscapes and characters. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 can ensure the visibility of the symbol images 406 to 410, and can also ensure the visibility of the background image.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the player can be entertained by the displayed symbol image.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game machine 104 Image display part 105 1st start opening 106 2nd start opening 109a Upper university prize opening 109b Lower university prize opening

Claims (1)

Special game determination means for performing a special game determination as to whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player by establishing a start condition;
When the special game determination is performed by the special game determination unit, the symbol control unit is configured to stop and display the determination result of the special game determination after the display unit variably displays the symbol.
Effect mode control means capable of controlling the effect in the first effect mode or the second effect mode different from the first effect mode;
With
The symbol control means
Any one of a plurality of symbols each having a different character image and a decorative image associated with the character image can be stopped and displayed.
While in the first effect mode, while stopping to display a design that has a decorative image larger than the character image,
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the second effect mode, a design having a decoration image smaller than a character image is stopped and displayed.

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