JP2016019764A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve an interest of a game by executing a performance capable of providing a player with amusement.SOLUTION: After a 4R latent probability jackpot game, the game machine defines the game as a latent mode until 74 times of symbol variations are executed, however, after a minor winning game, defines the game as a latent mode until any of 10 times, 20 times and 30 times of symbol variations is executed. The game machine executes a latent mode performance, when the game is the latent mode. In the latent mode performance, the game machine executes a continuous performance on whether the latent mode is to be continued or terminated during the tenth, twentieth, and thirtieth symbol variations (namely in a symbol variation having a possibility that the latent mode is to be terminated). When producing a jackpot in a symbol variation for executing the continuous performance, the game machine stops and displays symbols in a sudden jackpot combination without making performance symbols Ez1-Ez3 a ready-to-win mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5-7

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines whether or not to play a special game when a start condition is satisfied.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, there is a gaming machine that determines whether or not to win a game ball by winning a starting ball provided on a game board and changes three symbols (for example, numbers) on a display screen. When such a gaming machine is determined to be a big hit, the three changed symbols are stopped with a combination indicating a big hit such as a so-called “zolo”, and then a big hit game is performed. In the jackpot game, the gaming machine opens a grand prize opening provided in the game board, and when a game ball wins a prize, the prize ball is paid out. In addition, there is a game machine in which a so-called “reach effect” is performed while the symbols are changing so that the player can enjoy the process up to the big hit (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). ).

JP 2002-325925 A

  However, the performance up to the big hit by the conventional technology is familiar to the player, and even if such a performance is performed, the player cannot be interesting and contributes to the improvement of the interest of the game There was a case not to.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the interest of a game in order to solve the problems caused by the prior art.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the gaming machine according to the present invention is acquired by a determination information acquisition unit that acquires determination information based on establishment of a predetermined start condition, and the determination information acquisition unit. A plurality of variation pattern tables including special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game based on the determination information, a normal variation pattern table having a normal variation pattern, and a special variation pattern table having a special variation pattern The variation pattern table setting means for setting any one of the variation pattern tables, the determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition means, the variation pattern table set by the variation pattern table setting means, and the symbols are changed. Variation pattern determining means capable of determining a variation pattern based on the The symbol is varied by the symbol control means for making a change based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determining means and then stopping at the determination result symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determining means, and the normal variation pattern. A first mode effect is generated when the symbol is changed, and a mode effect control means for performing a second mode effect different from the first mode effect when the symbol is changed by the special variation pattern; and In accordance with the change and stop, the effect symbol control means for changing and stopping the effect symbol, and the effect control means for performing a predetermined effect at a predetermined timing, the fluctuation pattern table setting means is a predetermined setting condition The special variation pattern table is set with the establishment of, and the variation pattern determining means When the turntable is set, the first special variation pattern is determined at the predetermined number of variations of the symbol, and the second variation different from the first special variation pattern at the variation of the symbols other than the predetermined number of times. The special design pattern is determined, and the effect design control means is the case where the first mode effect is performed by the mode effect control means and the special game determination means determines that the special game is to be performed. Is a first special effect that changes the effect symbol and then stops the special symbol to indicate that the special game is performed after the effect symbol is changed to a specific mode that suggests that the special game may be performed. And the second mode effect is performed by the mode effect control means, and the special game is determined by the special game determination means. When the symbol is changed by the first special variation pattern, the special game is performed without changing the effect symbol to the specific mode after changing the effect symbol. A second special effect that is stopped as shown, and when the second mode effect is performed by the mode effect control unit, the special game determination unit determines that the special game is performed, and When the symbol is fluctuated by the second special variation pattern, the first special effect is performed, and the effect control unit is configured to change the symbol a predetermined number of times after the predetermined setting condition is satisfied. In the case where the power supply is not shut down, the first special effect is performed when the symbol changes due to the first special variation pattern, while the predetermined setting condition is In the case where the power supply is interrupted until the symbol is changed the predetermined number of times after standing up, when the symbol is changed by the first special variation pattern, the second special effect is different from the first special effect. It is characterized by performing.

  According to the present invention, there is an effect that the interest of the game can be improved by performing an effect that can give the player interest.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information display unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot game and a jackpot game by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of modes that the gaming machine of the present embodiment has. 5-1 is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. 5-2 is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. FIG. 5-3 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) illustrating an example of an effect performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. 5-4 is explanatory drawing (the 4) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. FIG. 5-5 is a timing chart illustrating execution timings of the mode expectation suggestion effect, the mode suggestion effect, and the mode notification effect. 5-6 is explanatory drawing (the 5) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. 5-7 is explanatory drawing (the 6) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a table stored in the ROM of the main control unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8-2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of an example of a table stored in the ROM of the main control unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram (part 3) illustrating an example of a table stored in the ROM of the main control unit according to the present embodiment. 8-4 is explanatory drawing (the 4) which shows an example of the table memorize | stored in ROM of the main-control part of this Embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. 10-1 is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of the table memorize | stored in the production | presentation control part of this Embodiment. 10-2 is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the table memorize | stored in the production | presentation control part of this Embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the main process. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of timer interrupt processing. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the start port switch process. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the special symbol process. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the jackpot determination process. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variation pattern setting process. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the stop process. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the winning game flag process. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the mode flag change process. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the special winning opening control process. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the game state setting process. FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the false latent mode flag setting process. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the effect timer interrupt process. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of command reception processing. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the changing effect start process. FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the mode effect change process. FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the hit effect start process. FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the mode effect setting process.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiment, 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 former type 1 will be described, but the contents of the present invention are limited. is not. For example, the gaming machine according to the present invention can be applied to a revolving gaming machine called a so-called “slot machine”. 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. A large number of nails and windmills are provided in the game area 103. The falling trajectory of the game ball falling in the game area 103 is scattered in an irregular direction by the nails and the windmill, and is difficult for the player to predict. Further, the game area 103 is provided with various winning ports (for example, a starting port and a large winning port described later) 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 is display-controlled by the gaming machine 100 and displays various images (for example, an effect design described later).

  In the game board 101, a first start port 105 and a second start port 106 through which a game ball can be won are provided below the image display unit 104. The second starting port 106 is provided with an ordinary electric accessory 107 that can be opened and closed. The game ball is likely to win the second start opening 106 when the ordinary electric accessory 107 is opened, while the game ball wins the second start opening 106 when the ordinary electric accessory 107 is closed. It becomes difficult. The normal electric accessory 107 is normally closed and is opened based on the determination result of the normal symbol determination. This normal symbol determination is performed when a game ball passes through the gates 108 provided on the left and right sides of the image display unit 104. In addition, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, five) of winning balls every time one gaming ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106.

  In the game board 101, a large winning opening 109 that can be opened and closed is provided to the right of the first start opening 105 (to the right of the image display unit 104). When the grand prize opening 109 is opened, the game ball can be awarded to the big prize opening 109, while when the big prize opening 109 is closed, the game ball cannot enter the big prize opening 109. The big winning opening 109 is normally closed and is opened based on the determination result of the jackpot determination. This jackpot determination is performed by winning a game ball at the first start port 105 or the second start port 106. Further, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 15) of winning balls every time one gaming ball wins a prize winning opening 109.

  In the game board 101, an ordinary winning opening 110 is provided on the left side of the first starting port 105 (left side of the image display unit 104) and the like. 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 the determination result of the jackpot determination, and the normal symbol is a symbol indicating the determination result of the normal symbol determination. Details of the information display unit 112 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The game board 101 is incorporated in a frame member 113 having a shape surrounding 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. In addition, 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. For example, the effect button 118 and the cross key 119 function as operation means for receiving an operation related to the effect from the player.

  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. 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. Further, the game board 101 is provided with a movable accessory 130. For example, the movable accessory 130 is driven so as to advance to the front surface of the image display unit 104 during a predetermined effect.

(Details of information display section)
Next, the information display unit 112 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the information display unit of the present embodiment. 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 determination result of the jackpot determination 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 variably displayed by repeatedly turning on and off the LED lamps of the first special symbol display unit 201a so as to flow from left to right in FIG. Indicates that Further, 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 LED lamp is lit after the first special symbol variation display is determined according to the determination result of the jackpot determination performed at the start of the first special symbol variation display.

  For example, in the jackpot determination by the gaming machine 100, a plurality of types of jackpots can be won. 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 jackpot type. The first special symbol display unit 201a determines in advance according to the type of the jackpot if it is determined that one of the above jackpots is determined by the jackpot determination made by winning the game ball at the first starting port 105. The LED lamp is turned on in the lighting mode. In addition, the first special symbol display unit 201a turns on the LED lamp in a manner of losing when it is determined that the game is lost by the big hit determination performed by winning the game ball in the first starting port 105. This lost lighting mode is different from the above jackpot lighting mode.

  The second special symbol display unit 201b is for displaying a second special symbol indicating a determination result of the jackpot determination performed by winning the game ball 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 repeats lighting and extinguishing so that each LED lamp of the second special symbol display unit 201b flows from left to right in FIG. It shows that. Further, the second special symbol display unit 201b indicates that the second special symbol is stopped and displayed by lighting only the 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 is determined to be one of the above big hits by the big hit determination made by winning a game ball at the second starting port 106. In this case, the LED lamp is turned on in a predetermined lighting manner according to the type of jackpot. In addition, the second special symbol display unit 201b turns on the LED lamp in the manner of losing when it is determined that the game is lost by the jackpot determination performed by winning the game ball in the second starting port 106.

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

  The normal symbol display unit 202 displays each of the LEDs of the normal symbol display unit 202 by sequentially turning on and off in order of “O” → “Δ” → “×” → “O” →. Indicates that it is inside. 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 determination result of the normal symbol determination performed at the start of the variation display of the normal symbol.

  For example, in the normal symbol determination by the gaming machine 100, it is determined which of the two types of normal symbols per normal symbol length open and per normal symbol short open per normal symbol. 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 it is determined that the normal symbol length is about to be released, and turns on the “Δ” LED when it is determined that the symbol is about to be released. . When it is determined that the normal symbol display unit 202 does not hit the normal symbol, the “x” LED is turned on.

  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. In the following, the sum of the number of the first holding information and the number of the second holding information is referred to as the “number of special figure holding information”. 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”. 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 rounds of the jackpot game. As will be described in detail later, the gaming machine 100 is provided with 16 rounds (hereinafter, “R” is abbreviated as “R”) and 4R jackpots. Therefore, the round number display unit 204 includes an LED lamp that displays “16R” and an LED lamp that displays “4R”. Then, the round number display unit 204 turns on the LED lamp that displays “16R” in the case of 16R big hit. The round number display unit 204 turns on an LED lamp that displays “4R” in the case of a big hit of 4R.

(About basic operation of gaming machines)
Next, the basic operation of the gaming machine 100 will be described. When the launch instruction member 117 is operated by the player, the gaming machine 100 launches a game ball into the game area 103 by driving the launch unit. The gaming machine 100 acquires hold information when the game ball wins the first start port 105 or the second start port 106, and performs a jackpot determination using the acquired hold information. The hold information includes a hit determination random number, a symbol determination random number, a variation pattern determination random number, and the like, which will be described later.

  For example, in the jackpot determination in the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not any of 16R probability variation jackpot, 4R probability variation jackpot, 4R sudden probability jackpot, 4R latent probability jackpot, or small hit. Each jackpot is different in the manner of opening the jackpot 109 in the jackpot game or the game state after the jackpot game is different, but the details will be described later with reference to FIG. Is omitted. In the following description, when simply described as “probability jackpot”, this means that both 16R probability jackpot and 4R probability jackpot are combined. Further, in the following, when simply described as “big jackpot”, this means a combination of all the above jackpots.

  Here, the small hit is a special loss. For example, the small hit is different from the loss other than the small hit (normal loss) in that the big winning opening 109 is opened. Since the opening mode of the big winning opening 109 in the small hit game will be described later with reference to FIG. 3 and the like, description thereof is omitted here. Note that in this embodiment, when simply described as “lack”, this means normal loss. Further, in the following, when simply described as “winning”, this means that the above-mentioned all types of big hits and small hits are combined.

  When the gaming machine 100 determines the jackpot, the special symbol display unit 201 displays the special symbol in a variable manner. Further, when the gaming machine 100 variably displays the special symbol, the image display unit 104 variably displays the effect symbol (for example, three columns of numbers). While the special symbol or effect symbol is variably displayed, the gaming machine 100 has an effect that suggests to the player that there is a possibility of a big win (expectation to the big hit) such as a reach effect, or the current game Various effects such as an effect (for example, a mode effect described later) suggesting the state to the player can be performed.

  When the gaming machine 100 variably displays the special symbol for a predetermined variation time, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the determination result of the jackpot determination. In addition, when the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the special symbol, it also displays the effect symbol. For example, when the gaming machine 100 determines that the game is lost by the jackpot determination, the game machine 100 stops and displays the special symbol so as to obtain a predetermined lose pattern, and stops and displays the effect symbol so as to be a combination of the lost games. Examples of combinations of loses include so-called “separated eyes (eg, 1 · 3 · 3)” and “reach lose eyes (eg, 1 · 2 · 1)”. The gaming machine 100 does not perform a big hit game or a small hit game, which will be described later, when a lost symbol or a combination of lost symbols is stopped and displayed.

  On the other hand, when the gaming machine 100 determines that the jackpot is determined by the jackpot determination, the gaming machine 100 stops displaying the special symbol so as to become a predetermined jackpot symbol, and stops displaying the effect symbol so as to be a jackpot combination. The jackpot symbol is provided for each jackpot type, and the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the jackpot symbol corresponding to the jackpot type obtained as a result of the jackpot determination. Also, jackpot combinations are provided according to the type of jackpot. For example, in the case of 16R probability variable jackpot, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays with a combination of so-called “solo eyes (eg, 1 · 1 · 1)”.

  On the other hand, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays a combination of so-called “chance eyes” in the case of a big hit other than the 16R probability variable big hit. Opportunities are different from Zoro eyes. For example, combinations of sequential numbers such as “1, 2, 3”, and mellow combinations such as “6 (mu), 3 (sa), 4 (si)” It can be. Furthermore, as for the chance, any one of the three rows of symbols may be a combination of predetermined modes (for example, the middle row of the three rows of symbols is “chance symbol” such as “7”). A combination in which regularity is difficult for the player to discriminate may be used, as in the case of the above-mentioned break. In the present embodiment, as an example, a combination in which regularity is difficult for a player to discriminate like a chance eye is broken. When the gaming machine 100 stops displaying the jackpot symbol or the jackpot combination, the gaming machine 100 continues to play the jackpot game.

  In the jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 opens the big winning opening 109 in a predetermined opening mode. The opening mode of the big winning opening 109 in the jackpot game is predetermined for each jackpot type by the manufacturer of the gaming machine 100. Then, the gaming machine 100 opens the special winning opening 109 in an open manner according to the type of jackpot determined to be performed. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls every time a game ball wins an open big prize opening 109.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 100 determines that the jackpot is determined by the jackpot determination, the gaming machine 100 stops displaying the special symbol so as to obtain a predetermined jackpot symbol, and stops displaying the effect symbol so as to be a combination of jackpot. For example, even in the case of a small win, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the effect symbol at the chance as in the case of a big win other than the 16R probability variation big hit.

  Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, when the chance is stopped and displayed, it is difficult for the player to determine whether the chance is a big hit or a small hit other than the 16R probability variation big hit. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 can display the chance eyes in a stopped manner, so that the player can enjoy the guessing of the determination result of the jackpot determination as to which jackpot other than the 16R probability variation jackpot or the jackpot. . When the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the small hit symbol, it continues to play the small hit game. Also in the small hit game, the gaming machine 100 opens the special winning opening 109 in a predetermined opening mode.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the production symbol at the chance chance in any case of 4R probability variation jackpot, 4R sudden probability jackpot, 4R latent probability jackpot, and small jackpot, so that these seem to be the same for the player. Strictly speaking, each has a different aspect.

  Specifically, the gaming machine 100 displays, for example, a so-called “fourth symbol” symbol on the image display unit 104 in addition to the three rows of effect symbols. The fourth symbol is displayed in a manner that is difficult for the player to identify (for example, in a display size much smaller than the three-row effect symbol and at a position that is not easily noticeable by the player). Then, the gaming machine 100 suggests to the player the determination result of the jackpot determination by combining the three rows of effect symbols and the fourth symbol displayed on the image display unit 104.

  In other words, in the case of 4R probability variation jackpot, 4R sudden odds jackpot, 4R latent probability jackpot and jackpot, the three rows of production symbols will be stopped and displayed at the same chance for the player, but for the fourth symbol, respectively. In this case, the display is stopped in a different manner. However, since it is difficult for the player to identify the 4th symbol, when the chance eye is stopped and displayed, whether the chance eye is due to 4R probability variation big hit or 4R sudden chance big hit? It is difficult to determine whether it is due to a latent big hit or a small hit.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 acquires the normal symbol determination hold information (different from the hold information used for the jackpot determination described above) if the game ball passes through the gate 108, and uses the acquired hold information to acquire the normal symbol. Make a decision. When the gaming machine 100 performs the normal symbol determination, the normal symbol display unit 202 variably displays the normal symbol. When the gaming machine 100 variably displays the normal symbol for a predetermined period, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the normal symbol determination result. When the gaming machine 100 is stopped and displayed so as to indicate the normal symbol length per opening or the normal symbol short opening per, the normal electric accessory 107 is opened for a predetermined period.

(About jackpot games and jackpot games)
Next, the jackpot game and the jackpot game by the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a jackpot game and a jackpot game by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 (1) shows an opening mode of the big winning opening 109 in the jackpot game of 16R probability variation jackpot, and FIG. 3 (2) shows an opening mode of the big winning port 109 in the jackpot game of 4R probability variation jackpot. FIG. 3 (3) shows an opening mode of the big winning hole 109 in the jackpot game with 4R sudden hit jackpot, and FIG. 3 (4) shows an opening mode of the big winning port 109 in the jackpot game with 4R latent hit jackpot. 3 (5) shows an opening mode of the big winning opening 109 in the small hit game.

  In the present embodiment, hereinafter, the jackpot game of 16R probability variation jackpot is abbreviated as “16R probability variation jackpot game”, and the jackpot game of 4R probability variation jackpot is abbreviated as “4R probability variation jackpot game”. In the following, when a “probability jackpot game” is simply described without adding an instruction word or the like, this indicates a combination of both the 16R probability change jackpot game and the 4R probability change jackpot game. Further, the jackpot game for the 4R sudden probability big hit is abbreviated as “4R sudden hit big hit game”, and the jackpot game for the 4R latent big hit bonus is abbreviated as “4R latent hit big hit game”.

  Further, in the following, when simply described as “big hit game” without an instruction word or the like, this means that all the big hit games mentioned above are combined. Further, in the following, when “winning game” is described, this means a combination of all the types of jackpot games and small hit games described above.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 (1) to (5), the gaming machine 100 opens the special winning opening 109 in the winning game. For example, in a 16R probability variation jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 sets 1R for 30 seconds to open the special winning opening 109 for 16R. In the 4R probability variation jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 sets 1R for 30 seconds to open the special winning opening 109 for 4R.

  In addition, for example, in a 4R sudden winning game and a 4R latent winning game, the gaming machine 100 sets 1R for the 0.1 second opening of the special winning opening 109 and performs this for 4R. In the small hit game, the gaming machine 100 opens the grand prize winning opening 109 for 0.1 seconds × 4 times. In other words, both the 4R sudden hit big hit and the 4R latent big hit game and the small hit game are common in that the 0.1-second opening of the big winning opening 109 is repeated four times.

  Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, the appearance of the large winning opening 109 in the 4R sudden hit big hit, the 4R latent big hit game, and the small hit game is made to be substantially the same. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to discriminate whether the game is a 4R sudden big hit game, a 4R latent big hit game, or a small hit game from the open mode of the big winning opening 109.

  Further, the opening of the big winning opening 109 in the 4R sudden hit big hit game, the 4R latent big hit game, and the small hit game is extremely short such as 0.1 second × 4 times. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to win a prize ball by winning a game ball at the big prize opening 109 in the 4R sudden hit big hit, the 4R latent big hit game, and the small hit game.

  In the case of a 16R probability variation jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 starts to open the 1R big prize opening 109 after a predetermined time T1 has elapsed from the start of the 16R probability variation jackpot game. On the other hand, in the case of a jackpot game other than the 16R probability variable jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 starts to open the 1R jackpot 109 after a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the start of these jackpot games. Further, in the case of a small hit game, as in the case of a big hit game other than the 16R probability variable big hit game, the gaming machine 100 opens the first big winning opening 109 after a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the start of the small hit game. Start. In this way, the time from the start of the winning game to the opening time of the first big winning opening 109 in the winning game is hereinafter referred to as “opening time”.

  The length of the opening time is set in advance by the manufacturer of the gaming machine 100. As described above, in the gaming machine 100, the lengths of the opening times (the above-described T2) of the 4R probability variable big hit game, the 4R sudden big hit game, the 4R latent big hit game, and the small hit game are the same. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to determine from the length of the opening time whether the game is a 4R probability variable big hit game, a 4R sudden big hit game, a 4R latent big hit game, or a small hit game. .

  The gaming machine 100 performs a predetermined effect at the opening time. For example, at the opening time of the 16R probability variation jackpot game (T1 described above), the gaming machine 100 informs the player that the 16R probability variation jackpot game will start, and guides the player to launch a game ball toward the big prize opening 109. Perform the production. An example of the effect in this case will be described later with reference to FIG.

  On the other hand, in the jackpot game other than the 16R probability variable jackpot game (4R probability variable jackpot game, 4R sudden hit jackpot game, 4R latent probability jackpot game) and the small hit game opening time (T2 mentioned above), the gaming machine 100 is 4R probability variable jackpot game. Therefore, it is possible to perform an effect that makes the player guess whether one of these is a 4R sudden hit big hit game, a 4R latent big hit game, or a small hit hit game immediately. Examples of effects in this case will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  Further, in the case of a 16R probability variation jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 ends the 16R probability variation jackpot game when a predetermined time T3 has elapsed since the end of the final R (that is, the 16Rth). On the other hand, in the case of a jackpot game other than the 16R probability variable jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 ends these jackpot games when a predetermined time T4 elapses from the end of the final R (that is, the 4th R). Further, in the case of the small hit game, as in the case of the big hit game other than the 16R probability variable big hit game, the gaming machine 100 has a predetermined time from the completion of the series of opening of the big winning opening 109 (0.1 second × 4 times open). When T4 elapses, the small hit game ends.

  In this way, the time from the last closing of the big winning opening 109 in the winning game to the end of the winning game (that is, returning to the state where the big hit determination is possible again) is hereinafter referred to as “ending time”. The length of the ending time is also set in advance by the manufacturer of the gaming machine 100, similarly to the length of the opening time. The gaming machine 100 also performs a predetermined effect during the ending time. Examples of effects performed during the ending time will be described later with reference to FIGS.

  In the above example, the length of the opening time in the 4R probability variable jackpot game is set to T2 similar to that of the 4R sudden probability jackpot game or the 4R latent probability jackpot game, but is not limited thereto. For example, in this case, two types of 4R probability variation jackpot game, 4R first probability variation jackpot game and 4R second probability variation jackpot game are provided. In the case of the 4R first probability variable jackpot game (that is, when it is determined that the 4R first probability variable jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination), the length of the opening time is set to T1 similarly to the 16R probability variable jackpot game, and the 4R second probability variable jackpot game. In this case, the length of the opening time may be T2.

  In this case, at the opening time of the 4R first probability variation jackpot game, as in the case of the 16R probability variation jackpot game, the player is informed that the 4R first probability variation jackpot game will start, and the game ball toward the winning prize opening 109 An effect that guides you to launch Then, during the opening time of the 4R second-probable big hit game, an effect is made to cause the player to guess whether the game is a 4R second-probable big hit game, a 4R sudden big hit game, or a 4R latent big hit game.

  In the above-described example, the length of the ending time in the 4R probability variable jackpot game is set to T4 similar to that of the 4R sudden probability jackpot game or the 4R latent probability jackpot game, but is not limited thereto. For example, the length of the ending time of the 4R probability variable jackpot game may be set to T3 as in the case of the 16R probability variable jackpot game. In addition, in the case of 16R probability variation jackpot game or 4R probability variation jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 forgets to remove the prepaid card, the logo of the manufacturer (manufacturer) of the gaming machine 100, etc. An effect of displaying may be performed. Further, FIG. 3 illustrates an example of T1 <T2 and T3 <T4, but these relationships may be T1> T2 and T3> T4.

(About the gaming state of the gaming machine)
Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 will be described. The gaming machine 100 can take a low-probability gaming state and a high-probability gaming state in which the jackpot determination probability is higher in the jackpot determination than in the low-probability gaming state. In the present embodiment, as an example, the jackpot determination probability in the jackpot determination is 1/250 in the low probability gaming state and 7/250 in the high probability gaming state.

  In any of the above jackpot games, the gaming machine 100 remains in a high-probability gaming state until the special symbol variation display and stop display are performed 74 times after the jackpot game. Hereinafter, the change display and stop display of the special symbol are referred to as “symbol change”. Then, the gaming machine 100 enters the low-probability gaming state when the above-described 74 symbol variations are performed. In this way, the gaming machine 100 is a so-called “ST machine” type of gaming machine that shifts from the high probability gaming state to the low probability gaming state by performing a predetermined number of symbol changes.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 can take a non-auxiliary game state and an auxiliary game state in which control is performed to increase the winning chance of a game ball to the second starting port 106 as compared to the non-auxiliary game state. For example, when the gaming machine 100 is in the auxiliary gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs the normal symbol determination with a higher determination probability for determining that it is per normal symbol length opening or normal symbol short opening than in the non-auxiliary gaming state. As a result, in the auxiliary gaming state, the opportunity to open the ordinary electric accessory 107 is increased compared to the non-auxiliary gaming state, and as a result, the chance of winning the game ball to the second starting port 106 is increased. For this reason, the player is more likely to receive a jackpot determination when in the auxiliary gaming state than when in the non-auxiliary gaming state.

  Further, when the gaming machine 100 is in the auxiliary gaming state, the period for releasing the ordinary electric accessory 107 when the normal symbol length is released or when the normal symbol short opening is determined to be longer than in the non-auxiliary gaming state. Also good. Further, the gaming machine 100 may increase the number of determinations of the normal symbol determination that can be performed per unit time (for example, per minute) by shortening the period during which the normal symbol is variably displayed. Also by these, it is possible to increase the chance of winning the game ball to the second starting port 106, and the auxiliary gaming state can be made a gaming state in which the player is more likely to receive a jackpot determination than the non-auxiliary gaming state. .

  When the gaming machine 100 performs a 16R probability variation jackpot game, a 4R probability variation jackpot game, and a 4R sudden variation jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 enters an auxiliary gaming state until 70 symbol variations are performed after the jackpot game, and 70 symbol variations are performed. A non-assist gaming state. In other words, when the gaming machine 100 performs a 16R probability variation jackpot game, a 4R probability variation jackpot game, and a 4R sudden jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 is in a high probability gaming state and an auxiliary gaming state until the 70th symbol variation after the jackpot gaming. In the 71st to 74th symbol changes, a high probability gaming state and a non-auxiliary gaming state are entered. After 74 symbol variations, the low probability gaming state and the non-auxiliary gaming state are entered.

  In addition, in the case of the gaming machine 100, in the case of the 4R latent probability big hit, if it is a high probability gaming state when it is determined that the 4R latent chance big hit, as in the case of the 4R sudden probability big hit, after the 4R latent probability big hit game, 70 symbols are played. It will be in an auxiliary game state until it changes. On the other hand, if the gaming machine 100 is in the low-probability gaming state when it is determined that the 4R latent probability big win, the gaming machine 100 does not enter the auxiliary gaming state after the 4R latent big hit game and enters the non-auxiliary gaming state. That is, in this case, until the 74th symbol variation is performed after the 4R latent probability hit game, the high probability gaming state and the non-assistant gaming state are obtained, and after the 74th symbol variation is performed, the low probability gaming state and the non-assistant gaming state are achieved. It becomes a state. Further, the gaming machine 100 does not change the gaming state by the small hit game when the small hit game is performed. For example, when the gaming machine 100 is in the low probability gaming state and the non-assistant gaming state, if the small hitting game is performed by determining the big hit by the jackpot determination, the low probability gaming state and the non-auxiliary gaming state after the small winning game And

(About modes of gaming machines)
Next, modes of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of modes that the gaming machine of the present embodiment has. As described above, the gaming machine 100 can take a plurality of gaming states, suggest a current gaming state, or diversify the production, as shown in FIG. A plurality of modes M2 and latent mode M3 are provided, and any one of normal mode M1, probability variation mode M2 and latent mode M3 is set, and control according to the set mode is performed.

  For example, when the normal mode M1 is set, the gaming machine 100 selects a fluctuation pattern for the normal mode M1 from the fluctuation pattern table for the normal mode M1 (see FIG. 8-2 (D)), and this fluctuation. The pattern is changed according to the pattern. Further, when the gaming machine 100 sets the probability variation mode M2, the variation pattern table for the probability variation mode M2 (see FIG. 8-3 (e)) is selected from the variation pattern table for the probability variation mode M2, and this variation pattern is selected. Change the design according to

  Then, the gaming machine 100 selects the variation pattern for the latent mode M3 from the variation pattern table for the latent mode M3 (see FIG. 8-4 (f)) when the latent mode M3 is set, and this variation pattern. Change the design according to For example, here, the variation pattern defines the variation time of the special symbol, and the symbol variation according to the variation pattern is the determination of jackpot determination after the special symbol is varied for the variation time determined by the variation pattern. Stopping with a symbol indicating the result. Since the gaming machine 100 has a different variation pattern for each mode, it is also possible to perform symbol variation with different variation times for each mode.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 indicates a mode effect for the normal mode M1 (hereinafter, “normal” when the symbol changes according to the change pattern for the normal mode M1, in order to suggest to the player which mode the current mode is. Mode production). For example, the gaming machine 100 displays a background image for the normal mode effect on the image display unit 104 in the normal mode effect. Further, the gaming machine 100 performs a mode effect for the probability change mode M2 (hereinafter referred to as “probability change mode effect”) when the symbol changes according to the change pattern for the probability change mode M2. For example, the gaming machine 100 displays a background image for the probability variation mode effect on the image display unit 104 in the probability variation mode effect.

  Then, the gaming machine 100 performs a mode effect for the latent mode M3 (hereinafter referred to as “latent mode effect”) at the time of symbol variation according to the variation pattern for the latent mode M3. For example, the gaming machine 100 displays a background image for the latent mode effect on the image display unit 104 in the latent mode effect. As described above, in the gaming machine 100, the background image displayed on the image display unit 104 is different for each mode effect, so that the player can select the mode currently set by the gaming machine 100 from the contents of the current mode effect. Can be determined.

(Mode transition performed by gaming machines)
Next, mode transition performed by the gaming machine 100 will be described. First, when the gaming machine 100 is activated in an initial state (default state) by performing a RAM clear or the like, the normal mode M1 is set. Since the RAM clear is a known technique, a detailed description thereof is omitted here. Note that when the gaming machine 100 is activated in the initial state by performing a RAM clear or the like, the gaming state is set to a low probability gaming state and a non-auxiliary gaming state.

  When the gaming machine 100 sets the normal mode M1, the normal mode M1 is maintained until a hit game is subsequently played. When the gaming machine 100 determines that the jackpot judgment or the 4R sudden hit jackpot in the jackpot determination in the normal mode M1 and performs the jackpot game based on the determination result, the gaming machine 100 shifts to the probability changing mode M2 after the jackpot game (FIG. 4). (See the arrow with middle code 401). The probability variation mode M2 is a mode set in a time limit. For example, the gaming machine 100 returns to the normal mode M1 when 70 symbol variations are performed in the probability variation mode M2 (see the arrow 402 in FIG. 4).

  In addition, when the gaming machine 100 performs the 4R latent big hit game in the big hit judgment in the normal mode M1, when the 4R latent big hit game is performed, the game machine 100 basically shifts to the latent mode M3 as described later. In some cases, the mode is shifted to the probability variation mode M2. Specifically, when the gaming machine 100 performs the 4R latent probability big hit game in the big hit determination in the normal mode M1 and in the high probability gaming state and performs the 4R latent big hit game, in this case, the 4R latent probability After the jackpot game, the mode is changed to the probability change mode M2.

  As described above, the gaming machine 100 is in a high-probability gaming state until the symbol variation is performed 74 times after the jackpot game. For this reason, for example, in the gaming machine 100, the 71st to 74th symbol variations after the probable big hit game or after the 4R sudden big hit game are performed in the normal mode M1 and the high probability gaming state. At this time, when the gaming machine 100 determines that the 4R latent probability winning game is performed and performs the 4R latent probability winning game, the gaming machine 100 shifts to the probability changing mode M2.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 is a jackpot of any one of the probability variation jackpot, the 4R sudden probability jackpot, and the 4R latent probability jackpot in the jackpot determination when in the probability variation mode M2 (that is, in this case, the gaming machine 100 is always in a high probability gaming state). When the jackpot game is performed based on the determination result, the probability change mode M2 until 70 symbol changes after the jackpot game is set again (see the arrow 403 in FIG. 4).

  On the other hand, when the gaming machine 100 determines a 4R latent probability big hit (except for the above-mentioned exception) or a small hit in the big hit determination in the normal mode M1, and performs a hit game based on this determination result, After the game, the mode shifts to the latent mode M3 (see arrow 404 in FIG. 4). The latent mode M3 is also a mode that is set in a time-limited manner like the probability variation mode M2. For example, the gaming machine 100 returns to the normal mode M1 after performing a predetermined number of symbol changes in the latent mode M3 (in FIG. 4). (See arrow 405). Here, the period in which the latent mode M3 is set differs depending on the type of hit that triggered the transition to the latent mode M3.

  For example, in the case where the gaming machine 100 is set to the latent mode M3 by the 4R latent probability winning game, the gaming machine 100 is set to the latent mode M3 until the symbol variation is performed 74 times after the latent probability winning game. On the other hand, when the gaming machine 100 is set to the latent mode M3 by small hitting, the gaming machine 100 is set to the latent mode M3 until the symbol variation is performed 10, 20, or 30 times after the small hitting game. The gaming machine 100 returns to the normal mode M1 when the predetermined number of symbol changes set as described above are performed in the latent mode M3. As a result, if the gaming machine 100 continues the latent mode M3 even if it has performed 30 symbol changes in the latent mode M3 (not shifted to the normal mode M1), the latent mode M3 is set to the 4R latent probability. It is possible to suggest to the player that the latent mode M3 is set by the jackpot.

  The gaming machine 100 is one of the probability variation jackpot, the 4R rush chance jackpot, and the 4R latent chance jackpot in the hit determination in the latent mode M3 (that is, the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state). When the jackpot game is determined based on the determination result, the game goes to the probability change mode M2 and is set to the probability change mode M2 until 70 symbol variations are made after the jackpot game (in FIG. 4). (See arrow 406).

  Further, when the gaming machine 100 determines that it is a small hit in the hit determination when it is in the latent mode M3, and performs a small hit game based on this determination result, 10 times, 20 times after the small hit game, Alternatively, the latent mode M3 until the symbol variation is performed 30 times is set again (see arrow 407 in FIG. 4).

  As described above, the gaming machine 100 determines whether it is the latent mode M3 set by the 4R latent probability big hit or the latent mode M3 set by the small hit, based on the length of the period of the latent mode M3. To come to suggest. For this reason, when the gaming machine 100 is the latent mode M3 set by the 4R latent big hit, even if a small hit game is performed in the latent mode M3, the length of the period of the latent mode M3 (for example, the number of fluctuations) is reset. It is supposed not to.

  If a small hit game is performed in the latent mode M3 set by the 4R latent big hit, the latent mode M3 is set until the symbol change is performed 10, 20, or 30 times after the small hit game. Consider the case. In this case, the period of the latent mode M3 set by the 4R latent probability big hit (for example, the one that has remained for 70 symbol fluctuations) is shortened by the small hit game (for example, 10 symbol fluctuations). As a result, a situation may occur in which the latent mode M3 set by the 4R latent probability big hit is terminated with a symbol variation of 30 times or less. When this situation occurs, the gaming machine 100 is in a highly probable gaming state and fails to suggest this to the player. In order to prevent such a situation from occurring, when the gaming machine 100 is in the latent mode M3 set by the 4R latent probability big hit (that is, the latent mode M3 in the high probability gaming state), the latent mode M3 Even if a small hit game is performed, the latent mode M3 for the small hit game is not set again.

  By setting the probability variation mode M2 as described above, the gaming machine 100 can match the timing for setting the probability variation mode M2 with the timing for setting the high probability gaming state and the auxiliary gaming state. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 suggests to the player that it is in the probability variation mode M2 by a probability variation mode effect or the like, so that the player has a high probability gaming state and an auxiliary gaming state (that is, a gaming state most advantageous to the player). It is possible to increase the player's expectation.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 can set the latent mode M3 as described above to match the timing when the latent mode M3 is set to the time when there is a possibility of the high probability gaming state and the non-auxiliary gaming state. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 suggests to the player that the player is in the hidden mode M3 by using the hidden mode effect or the like, so that the player may be in a high probability gaming state and a non-auxiliary gaming state. , It is possible to increase the player's expectation for jackpot.

(Regarding the production performed by the gaming machine)
(Example of production in the case of 16R probability variation jackpot)
Next, an example of an effect performed by the gaming machine 100 will be described. 5-1 is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. FIG. 5A shows an example of an effect when the gaming machine 100 determines 16R probability variation jackpot in the jackpot determination.

  When the gaming machine 100 makes a jackpot determination, the left effect symbol Ez1, the middle effect symbol Ez2, and the right effect symbol Ez3 are variably displayed on the image display unit 104 as shown at time t11 in FIG. In this jackpot determination, it is assumed that the gaming machine 100 determines that the 16R probability variation jackpot. Hereinafter, the left effect symbol Ez1, the middle effect symbol Ez2, and the right effect symbol Ez3 are collectively referred to as “effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3”. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown at time t11 in FIG. 5A, the lower white arrow in the drawing represents that the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are variably displayed. For example, at time t11 in FIG. 5A, since the normal mode M1 is set, the normal mode effect is performed. As a result, a background image having a message “normal mode” is displayed on the image display unit 104.

  In the case of 16R probability variation jackpot, for example, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the left effect symbol Ez1 and the right effect symbol Ez3 in a reach manner (specific manner) as shown at time t12 in FIG. Reach production that suggests that there is a possibility of becoming. Thereafter, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the medium effect symbol Ez2 so as to be a jackpot combination (in the illustrated example, a doublet) as shown at time t13 in FIG. 5-1. After that, the gaming machine 100 starts a 16R probability variation big hit game.

  When the gaming machine 100 starts a 16R probability variation jackpot game, an effect of notifying that the game is a 16R probability variation jackpot game as shown at time t14 in FIG. Directing the game ball to launch. For example, at the time t14 in FIG. 5A, the message “16R probability variation jackpot!” Corresponds to the effect of notifying that the game is a 16R probability variation jackpot game, and the message “Aim for the big prize!” This is equivalent to an effect of guiding the player to launch a game ball toward the player.

  When the gaming machine 100 starts the first round after the opening time of the 16R probability variation jackpot game has elapsed, as shown at time t15 in FIG. 5-1, an effect of guiding the current round (R), In the current 16R probable big hit game, an effect is provided for guiding the number of awarded balls (hereinafter referred to as “acquired number of awarded balls”) paid out when a game ball has won a winning prize opening 109. For example, at time t15 in FIG. 5A, the message “1R eye” corresponds to the effect of guiding the number R, and the message “N ball acquisition!” Corresponds to the effect of guiding the number of winning balls. .

  When the final R of the 16R probability variable big hit game ends and the ending time is reached, the gaming machine 100 ends the current winning game (in this case, the 16R probability variable big hit game) as shown at time t16 in FIG. A hit game end effect that suggests to the player that the game has been performed and a mode notification effect that notifies the player of the mode to be shifted to after the current win game (in this case, the 16R probability variation big hit game) are performed. For example, at time t16 in FIG. 5A, a message “winning game end!” Corresponds to the winning game end effect, and a message “probability change mode entry!” Corresponds to the mode notification effect. As described above, the gaming machine 100 performs the mode notification effect of notifying the probability variation mode M2 at the time t16 in FIG.

  In the example illustrated at time t16 in FIG. 5A, the gaming machine 100 performs the winning game end effect and the mode notification effect at the same time, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the gaming machine 100 may perform a hit game end effect and perform a mode notification effect after the hit game end effect ends. In this case, the winning game end effect and the mode notification effect are sequentially executed during the ending time.

  Thereafter, the gaming machine 100 ends the 16R probability variable jackpot game when the ending time has elapsed, and returns to a normal game (a state in which the jackpot determination can be performed). At this time, the gaming machine 100 is set to the probability variation mode M2, and performs the probability variation mode effect as shown at time t17 in FIG. For example, the background image having the message “probability change mode” at time t17 in FIG. 5A corresponds to the probability change mode effect.

  In addition, as described above, since the probability variation mode M2 is a timed mode that ends when 70 symbol variations are performed, the gaming machine 100 performs an effect of guiding the remaining period of the probability variation mode M2 to the player. Also good. For example, the message “70 remaining times” at time t17 in FIG. 5A corresponds to an effect of guiding the remaining period of the probability variation mode M2 to the player. Each time the gaming machine 100 changes symbols in the probability variation mode M2, the remaining number of symbol variations is subtracted in the order of “70 remaining times” → “69 remaining times” → “68 remaining times” →.

  Thereafter, when the gaming machine 100 performs 70 symbol variations in the probability variation mode as shown at time t18 in FIG. 5-1, the game machine 100 shifts to the normal mode M1. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 switches the mode effect from the probability variation mode effect to the normal mode effect. For example, the background image having the message “normal mode” at time t19 in FIG. 5A corresponds to the normal mode effect.

(Example of production in the case of 4R probability variation jackpot)
5-2 is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. FIG. 5B shows an example of effects when the gaming machine 100 determines that the 4R probability variation jackpot is made in the jackpot determination.

  When the gaming machine 100 determines the jackpot, the effect display symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are variably displayed on the image display unit 104 as shown at time t21 in FIG. In this jackpot determination, it is assumed that the gaming machine 100 determines that the 4R probability variation jackpot. In the case of 4R probability variation jackpot, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 at the chance as shown at time t22 in FIG. For example, the combination of effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 of “7.3.8” at time t22 in FIG. In addition, when the chance eyes are stopped and displayed, the gaming machine 100 performs an effect suggesting that the chance eyes. For example, the message “Chance!” At time t22 in FIG. 5-2 corresponds to an effect suggesting that the message is a chance.

  Thereafter, the gaming machine 100 starts the 4R probability variation big hit game. When the gaming machine 100 starts a 4R probability variation jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 performs a mode expectation suggestion effect shown at time t23 in FIG. 5-2 during the opening time of the 4R probability variation jackpot game. The mode expectation suggestion effect can be an effect that suggests a profit to be given to the player in or after the winning game by performing the winning game this time. For example, the content of the mode expectation level suggesting effect may include that the character “may be a bonus” as shown at time t23 in FIG.

  This is because the winning game of this time (in this case, 4R probable big hit game) is given, and an opportunity to win a prize winning hole 109 is given (the winning game can win a prize ball for the player) The possibility of becoming a high-probability gaming state and an auxiliary gaming state after the current winning game, and the possibility of being in a high-probability gaming state after the current winning game. It shows that a certain benefit is given to the player.

  In addition to the above-mentioned “bonus may”, the mode expectation suggestion effect includes a pattern such as “probability mode” shown in FIG. 5-3 and a “latent mode” pattern shown in FIG. 5-4. The gaming machine 100 selects any one of these patterns and performs a mode expectation suggestion effect of the selected pattern. In the case of performing the effect shown in FIG. 5B, that is, in the case of 4R probability variation jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 has a higher probability than the other patterns as the effect content of the mode expectation suggesting effect. select.

  Following the mode expectation suggestion effect, the gaming machine 100 performs the mode suggestion effect shown at time t24 and time t25 in FIG. 5-2 in the opening time of the 4R probability variation big hit game. The mode suggestion effect can be an effect suggesting the mode after the hit game this time. For example, in the mode suggestion effect, a “bonus” icon I1, a “probability change mode” icon I2, and a “latent mode” icon I3 are displayed on the image display unit 104 as shown at time t24 in FIG. Is done.

  The “bonus” icon I1 is an icon for indicating that the current winning game can acquire a prize ball for the player in addition to the suggestion that the probability changing mode M2 is set after the current winning game. . The “probability change mode” icon I2 is an icon for suggesting that the probability change mode M2 is set after the current winning game. The “hidden mode” icon I3 is an icon for suggesting that the latent mode M3 is set after the current winning game.

  For example, in the mode suggestion effect, the cursor Cu is displayed as shown at time t24 in FIG. The cursor Cu regularly (eg, clockwise as indicated by the arrows 501 to 503 shown at time t24 in FIG. 5) so as to point to any one of the icons I1 to I3, or The display is moved irregularly (for example, difficult for a player to predict). Furthermore, when the gaming machine 100 is moving and displaying the cursor Cu, the game machine 100 instructs the player to perform an operation (for example, pressing the performance button 118) (for example, press the “button at time t24 in FIG. 5-2). ")I do.

  Then, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the cursor Cu so as to point to a predetermined icon when an operation is performed by the player during the movement display of the cursor Cu. For example, in the case of performing the effect shown in FIG. 5B, that is, in the case of a 4R probability variation big hit game, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the cursor Cu so as to indicate the “bonus” icon I1. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 suggests to the player that the mode after the current winning game is the probability variation mode M2. When the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the cursor Cu, as shown in the drawing, the cursor Cu or the icon I2 of the “probability change mode” is highlighted to produce a mode suggestion effect in a manner that is more intuitive for the player. You may make it suggest a result (namely, mode of transfer destination).

  After that, the gaming machine 100 ends the mode suggestion effect as shown at time t26 in FIG. 5-2 when the opening time of the 4R probability variation jackpot game has elapsed and the 1R starts, as at time t15 in FIG. 5-1. Then, an effect of guiding the number of rounds and an effect of guiding the number of winning balls in the current 4R probability variation big hit game are performed.

  When the final R of the 4R probability variable big hit game is over and the ending time is reached, the gaming machine 100 finishes the current hit game (in this case, 4R probability variable big hit game) as shown at time t27 in FIG. A hit game end effect that suggests this to the player and a mode notification effect that notifies the player of the mode to be shifted to after the current hit game. For example, at time t27 in FIG. 5B, the message “winning game end!” Corresponds to the winning game end effect in this case, and the message “probability change mode entry!” Corresponds to the mode notification effect in this case. As described above, since the gaming machine 100 is in the probability variation mode M2 after the 4R probability variation big hit game, the mode announcement effect for notifying the probability variation mode M2 is performed at time t27 in FIG.

  Note that, as described above, the gaming machine 100 may not execute the winning game end effect and the mode notification effect at the same time, and may perform the mode notification effect after the winning game end effect ends after the winning game end effect, for example. . In this case, the winning game end effect and the mode notification effect are sequentially executed during the ending time. Further, after the time t27 in FIG. 5B, it is assumed that the same effects as the time t16 in FIG. 5A are performed, and the description thereof is omitted.

(Example of production in the case of 4R sudden probability big hit and 4R latent big hit in high probability gaming state)
FIG. 5-3 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) illustrating an example of an effect performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. FIG. 5-3 shows an example of effects when the gaming machine 100 determines 4R sudden hit big hit in the big hit determination and when it determines 4R latent big hit in the high probability gaming state.

  When the gaming machine 100 determines the jackpot, the effect display symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are variably displayed on the image display unit 104 as shown at time t31 in FIG. In this jackpot determination, it is assumed that the gaming machine 100 is determined to have a 4R sudden probability big hit or a 4R latent big hit when in a high probability gaming state. In this case, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 at the chance time as shown at time t32 in FIG. 5-3, and then starts the 4R sudden probability big hit game or 4R latent chance big hit game. The effect at the time of the chance eye and the chance eye stop display is the same as at time t22 in FIG.

  When the gaming machine 100 starts the 4R sudden hit big hit game or the 4R latent big hit game, the mode expectation suggestion effect is performed as shown at a timing t33 in FIG. For example, at time t33 in FIG. 5C, the gaming machine 100 performs a mode expectation degree suggestion effect of a pattern in which the character states “maybe a probability variation mode”. It is clearly shown that there is a possibility that a high probability gaming state and an auxiliary gaming state may be obtained after the current winning game, and that the current winning game is a high probability gaming state after the current winning game. It shows that a profit such as the possibility is given to the player. For example, when it is determined that 4R sudden hit big hit in the big hit determination, and when it is determined 4R latent big hit in the high probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 has a pattern of “probability change mode may” Is selected with a higher probability than other patterns.

  Following the mode expectation suggestion effect, the gaming machine 100 performs the mode suggestion effect shown at time t34 and time t35 in FIG. 5-3 in the opening time of the 4R sudden probability hit game or the 4R latent probability hit game. For example, in the case of performing the effects shown in FIG. 5-3, that is, in the case of 4R latent probable big hit game based on the determination of 4R latent promising big hit when in the 4R sudden hit big hit game or the high probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 Stops display so that the cursor Cu points to the icon I2 in the “probability change mode”. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 suggests to the player that the mode after the current winning game is the probability variation mode M2. When the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the cursor Cu, as shown in the drawing, the cursor Cu or the icon I2 of the “probability change mode” is highlighted to produce a mode suggestion effect in a manner that is more intuitive for the player. You may make it suggest a result (namely, mode of transfer destination).

  Further, in this case, the gaming machine 100 maintains the display of the time t35 until the final R of the 4R sudden probability big hit game or the 4R latent big hit game ends. In other words, in this case, the gaming machine 100 is in a state where the effect result of the mode suggestion effect (suggestion of the probability variation mode) is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104, and the big prize by the 4R sudden hit big hit game or the 4R latent hit big hit game. The mouth 109 is opened. In other words, the mode suggestion effect in this case is started during the opening time of the 4R sudden probability big hit game or the 4R latent chance big hit game, and the result of the effect is shown during the opening time. The operation is continued during the opening of 109. In this case, the gaming machine 100 does not perform the effect of guiding the number of rounds or the effect of guiding the number of winning prize balls, unlike the case of the probable big hit game.

  Then, the gaming machine 100 ends the mode suggestion effect as shown at time t36 of FIG. 5-3 when the final R of the 4R sudden hit game or the 4R latent hit game ends and the ending time is reached. Perform end effect and mode notification effect. At time t36 in FIG. 5-3, the message “winning game end!” Corresponds to the winning game end effect in this case, and “probability change mode entry!” Corresponds to the mode notification effect in this case. Note that, as described above, when the gaming machine 100 performs a 4R sudden probability big hit game and performs a 4R latent big hit game in a high probability gaming state, the game machine 100 enters the probability change mode M2 after the big hit game. At time t36 of 5-3, a mode notification effect for notifying the probability variation mode M2 is performed.

  Note that, as described above, the gaming machine 100 may not execute the winning game end effect and the mode notification effect at the same time, and may perform the mode notification effect after the winning game end effect ends after the winning game end effect, for example. . In this case, the winning game end effect and the mode notification effect are sequentially executed during the ending time.

  Even when a 4R sudden hit big hit game is performed, even when a 4R latent big hit game is performed by determining that the 4R latent big hit game is in a high probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 is set to the probability change mode M2 after these big hit games. Then, a mode notification effect for notifying the transition to the probability change mode M2 is performed. In the gaming machine 100, it is assumed that an effect similar to that at time t17 in FIG. 5A is performed after time t36 in FIG. 5C, and the description thereof is omitted.

(Production example in the case of 4R latent big hit and small hit in low probability gaming state)
5-4 is explanatory drawing (the 4) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. FIG. 5-4 shows an example of effects when the gaming machine 100 determines 4R latent probability big hit or low hit in the low probability gaming state.

  When the gaming machine 100 determines the jackpot, the effect display Ez1 to Ez3 is variably displayed on the image display unit 104 as shown at time t41 in FIG. In this jackpot determination, it is assumed that the gaming machine 100 is determined to have a 4R latent probability big hit or a small hit when the gaming machine 100 is in a low probability gaming state. In this case, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 at the chance as shown at time t42 in FIG. 5-4, and then starts the 4R latent large hit game or the small hit game. The effect at the time of the chance eye and the chance eye stop display is the same as the time t22 in FIG.

  When the gaming machine 100 starts the 4R latent big hit game or the small win, the game expectation suggestion effect is performed as shown at time t43 in FIG. For example, at time t43 in FIG. 5-4, the gaming machine 100 performs a mode expectation suggestion effect of a pattern in which the character states “may be a latent mode”. This indicates that the player is given a benefit that a high probability gaming state and a non-auxiliary gaming state may occur after the current winning game when the current winning game is performed. Further, the mode expectation suggestion effect of this pattern also indicates that there is a possibility that the high probability gaming state may not be clearly indicated after the current winning game. For example, when the gaming machine 100 determines that the 4R latent big hit or the small hit is in the low probability gaming state, the pattern of “hidden mode may be” with a higher probability than the other patterns as the production contents of the mode expectation suggestion effect. select.

  Following the mode expectation suggestion effect, the gaming machine 100 performs the mode suggestion effect shown at time t44 and time t45 in FIG. 5-4 in the opening time of the 4R latent probability big hit game or the small hit game. For example, in the case of performing the effects shown in FIG. 5-4, that is, in the case of a 4R latent large hit game or a small hit based on the determination that the 4R latent big hit is in the low probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 is a cursor. Stop display so that Cu points to the icon I3 of "latent mode". Thereby, the gaming machine 100 suggests to the player that the mode after the current winning game is the latent mode M3. When the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the cursor Cu so as to point to the “hidden mode” icon I3, the gaming machine 100 highlights the cursor Cu or the “hidden mode” icon I3 as shown in FIG. You may make it suggest the effect result (namely, mode of a transfer destination) of the mode suggestion effect in an intuitively easy-to-understand manner.

  Further, in this case, the gaming machine 100 maintains the display of the timing t45 until the series of big winning holes 109 are opened by the 4R latent big hit game or the small hit game. That is, in this case, the gaming machine 100 displays a mode suggestion effect result (indication of a latent mode) on the display screen of the image display unit 104, and a big winning opening by a 4R latent probability big hit game or a small hit game. 109 is opened. That is, the mode suggestion effect in this case is started during the opening time of the 4R latent big hit game or the small hit game, and the result is shown during the opening time. It continues even during the opening of. In this case, the gaming machine 100 does not perform the effect of guiding the number of rounds or the effect of guiding the number of winning prize balls, unlike the case of the probable big hit game.

  Then, the gaming machine 100 ends the mode suggestion effect as shown at time t46 in FIG. 5-4 when the opening of the series of big winning holes 109 for the 4R latent probability big hit game and the small hit game ends and the ending time is reached. Then, a winning game end effect and a mode notification effect are performed. At time t46 in FIG. 5-4, the message “winning game end!” Corresponds to the winning game end effect in this case, and “latent mode entry!” Corresponds to the mode notification effect in this case. As described above, when the gaming machine 100 performs the 4R latent probability big hit game or the small hit game in the low probability gaming state, the game machine 100 is set to the latent mode M3 after the hit game, so the time t46 in FIG. Then, the mode notification effect which notifies the latent mode M3 is performed.

  Note that, as described above, the gaming machine 100 may not execute the winning game end effect and the mode notification effect at the same time, and may perform the mode notification effect after the winning game end effect ends after the winning game end effect, for example. . In this case, the winning game end effect and the mode notification effect are sequentially executed during the ending time.

  Thereafter, when the ending time has elapsed, the gaming machine 100 ends the 4R latent big hit game or the small hit game, and returns to a normal game (a state in which the big hit determination can be performed). At this time, the gaming machine 100 is set to the latent mode M3, and performs the latent mode effect as shown at time t47 in FIG. 5-4. For example, a background image having a message “latent mode” at time t47 in FIG. 5-4 corresponds to the latent mode effect. The latent mode effect will be described later again.

  In the case of the above-described example, the mode expectation suggestion effect is expressed by three types of effect contents of “maybe a bonus”, “maybe a probability variation mode”, and “maybe a latent mode”, but is not limited thereto. For example, the mode expectation suggestion effect may be realized by a combination of a plurality of effects. Specifically, for example, in this case, the mode expectation suggestion effect is an interactive effect by a plurality of characters, the first character describes a line such as “Show me a bonus!”, And the second character “ "I will not let you do that!" In addition, a pattern is provided in which the first character describes a line such as “Show me in probability variation mode!”, And the second character states a line that says “I may bring a bonus rather than a probability variation mode”. The gaming machine 100 selects these two patterns with substantially the same probability in the case of 4R probability variation jackpot game. In this way, in the mode expectation suggestion effect, not only a specific effect such as “bonus may” as in the above-mentioned example, but also a combination of a plurality of effects will be given to the player by performing this hit game. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player's expectation from falling because a specific production did not appear, and to increase the variation of the production, making the production more interesting Can be provided.

  Next, a supplementary description will be given of the timing at which the above-described mode expectation suggestion effect, mode suggestion effect, and mode notification effect are performed. FIG. 5-5 is a timing chart illustrating execution timings of the mode expectation suggestion effect, the mode suggestion effect, and the mode notification effect. FIG. 5-5 shows the timings of the mode expectation suggestion effect, the mode suggestion effect, and the mode notification effect performed in the 4R sudden probability big hit game, 4R latent probability big hit game, or small hit game.

  In FIG. 5-5, the gaming machine 100 starts a 4R sudden probability big hit game, a 4R latent probability big hit game, or a small hit game from time t51. That is, in this case, the length of the opening time is the above-described T2, and the special winning opening 109 is not opened until the time t54 when T2 has elapsed from the time t51.

  The gaming machine 100 ends the mode expectation suggestion effect and starts the mode suggestion effect at time t52 after time t51 and before time t54 (that is, during the opening time). When the gaming machine 100 starts the mode suggestion effect, first, as described above, the icons I1 to I3 and the cursor Cu are displayed on the image display unit 104, and the cursor Cu is moved and displayed. In other words, at time t52, the mode suggestion effect result (that is, the transition destination mode) is not yet displayed.

  In the mode suggestion effect, for example, the effect button 118 is pressed by the player at the time t53 when the cursor Cu is moving and displayed. The time t53 is also a time before the time t54, for example, and is a time during the opening time. In this case, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the cursor Cu so as to point to an icon corresponding to the mode to be shifted after the current winning game at time t53. As a result, the effect result of the mode suggestion effect is displayed.

  Then, the gaming machine 100 displays a display with the cursor Cu pointing to the icon corresponding to the mode to be shifted after the current winning game, from the time t53 to the time t55 when the series of big winning openings 109 are completed in the current winning game. Keep up. That is, the period between the timing t53 and the timing t55 includes the timing t54 when the opening time has elapsed from the timing t51, that is, the timing t54 when the series of big winning holes 109 is started to be released in the current winning game.

  Then, the gaming machine 100 sets the ending time from the time t55, and ends the mode suggestion effect on the production side and starts the game end production and the mode notification production. Then, at time t56 when a predetermined ending time (in this case, T4) has elapsed from time t55, the current winning game is terminated.

  Even if the player does not press the effect button 118 during the mode suggestion effect, the gaming machine 100 is in a predetermined time before the time t55 (for example, the time t54 included between the time t53 and the time t55). The cursor Cu is automatically stopped and displayed so as to point to an icon corresponding to the mode to be shifted to after the current hit game. As a result, the effect result of the mode suggestion effect is displayed.

  Although illustration of the 4R probability variation jackpot game is omitted, the gaming machine 100 starts the mode expectation suggestion effect at the start of the 4R probability variation jackpot game, as in the example of the 4R sudden probability jackpot game. Then, the gaming machine 100 ends the mode expectation suggestion effect during the opening time of the 4R probability variation jackpot game, starts the mode suggestion effect, and displays the effect result of the mode suggestion effect in a series of big prize winning mouths in the 4R probability variation jackpot game. Displayed before 109 is opened. In the case of a 4R probability variable jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 ends the mode suggestion effect when opening a series of big prize winning holes 109 in the 4R probability variable jackpot game, and provides an effect or an award for guiding the number of rounds. Start production to guide the number of balls.

(Direction in latent mode)
Next, an effect in the latent mode M3 will be described. As described above, in the gaming machine 100, the latent mode M3 that has been shifted by the small hit is terminated by any of the 10th, 20th, and 30th symbol variations from the start of the latent mode M3, and is shifted by the 4R latent probability big hit. The latent mode M3 is terminated by the 74th symbol variation from the beginning of the latent mode M3. In other words, if the latent mode M3 continues even after the 30th symbol variation from the beginning of the latent mode M3, the latent mode M3 is shifted to the 4R latent probability big hit, that is, high probability game. It is determined that it is in a state.

  In order to enhance such effects in the latent mode M3, the gaming machine 100 may use the latent mode M3 in the 10th, 20th, and 30th symbol variations in which the latent mode M3 may end from the beginning of the latent mode M3. The continuation effect indicating whether or not will continue is performed. Although details will be described later, in order for the gaming machine 100 to stably secure the effect time of the continuous effect, the variation pattern for the continuous effect (for example, 30 seconds) regardless of the determination result of the jackpot determination at the timing of performing the continuous effect. The pattern is changed in accordance with a change pattern that defines the change time of the.

  For example, when the gaming machine 100 is in the latent mode M3, the so-called “stage effect” is performed in which the “1st stage”, the “2nd stage”, the “3rd stage”, and the “4th stage” are performed. . The gaming machine 100 produces the “1st stage” at the start of the latent mode M3.

  When the gaming machine 100 continues the latent mode M3 after the tenth symbol variation in the latent mode M3, the gaming machine 100 performs a continuous effect in the tenth symbol variation, and the latent mode M3 is continued by this continuous effect. The player is instructed to do this, and from the next symbol variation (the eleventh symbol variation), the “2nd stage” is produced. On the other hand, in the case where the latent mode M3 is ended by the 10th symbol variation, the continuous effect is performed in the 10th symbol variation, but the player suggests that the latent mode M3 is terminated in this continuous performance. From the next symbol variation, a normal mode effect corresponding to the normal mode M1 is performed.

  In addition, when the gaming machine 100 continues the latent mode M3 after the 20th symbol variation in the latent mode M3, the gaming machine 100 performs a continuous effect in the 20th symbol variation, and the latent mode M3 is continued by this continuous performance. The player is instructed to do this, and from the next symbol variation (the 21st symbol variation), the stage is produced at the “3rd stage”. On the other hand, when the latent mode M3 is ended by the 20th symbol variation, the continuation effect is performed in the 20th symbol variation, but the player suggests that the latent mode M3 is terminated in this continuous performance. From the next symbol variation, a normal mode effect corresponding to the normal mode M1 is performed.

  When the gaming machine 100 continues the latent mode M3 after the 30th symbol variation in the latent mode M3, the gaming machine 100 performs a continuous effect in the 30th symbol variation, and the latent mode M3 is continued by this continuous performance. The player is instructed to do this, and from the next symbol variation (the 31st symbol variation), the “4th stage” is produced. If the “4th stage” is entered, the latent mode M3 continues even after the 30th symbol change, so that it is determined that the high-probability gaming state is set. On the other hand, when the latent mode M3 is terminated by the 30th symbol variation, the continuation effect is performed in the 30th symbol variation, but this suggests to the player that the latent mode M3 is terminated. From the next symbol variation, a normal mode effect corresponding to the normal mode M1 is performed.

  5-6 is explanatory drawing (the 5) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. 5-7 is explanatory drawing (the 6) which shows an example of the production | presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. At time t61 in FIG. 5-6, the gaming machine 100 starts the variation display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 in the tenth symbol variation from the start of the latent mode M3. Further, the gaming machine 100 performs a latent mode effect when in the latent mode M3, and displays a background image having a message of “hidden mode” and a stage image 510 indicating the current stage by the latent mode effect. For example, at time t61 in FIG. 5-6, the stage image 510 indicates “1st stage” because it is the timing at which the 10th symbol variation starts from the start of the latent mode M3 (that is, before the execution of the continuous effect).

  After time t61 in the 10th symbol variation from the start of the latent mode M3, the gaming machine 100 starts a continuous effect. When the gaming machine 100 starts the continuation effect, the door is displayed so as to shield the entire display screen (the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3, the background image and the stage image 510) of the image display unit 104 as shown at time t62 in FIG. 5-6. A door image 511 simulating the above is displayed.

  After that, the gaming machine 100 performs a display in which the door represented by the door image 511 is opened (or may be destroyed) as shown at time t63 in FIG. The symbols Ez1 to Ez3, the background image, etc. appear again.

  The timing t64 and the timing t65 in FIG. 5-7 show an example in which the determination result of the jackpot determination is lost and the latent mode M3 is continued. In this case, the gaming machine 100 displays the background image and the stage image 510 of the latent mode effect again when the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 and the background image that have been shielded by the door image 511 appear again. At this time, the stage image 510 is changed to a display mode indicating the “2nd stage” in order to show the transition to the “2nd stage”. At this time, the variation display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 is continued. After that, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 in the combination of loss as shown at time t65, and ends the current symbol variation.

  In addition, when different background images are prepared for each stage in the latent mode effect, the gaming machine 100 again displays the background image blocked by the door image 511 at the same timing as the display mode of the stage image 510. You may change to the background image according to the stage of transfer destination at the time of making it appear. In this way, both the stage image 510 and the background image can indicate to the player the stage to be transferred to, and suggest that the player has moved to the stage more intuitively and easily. Is possible.

  The timing t66 and the timing t67 in FIG. 5-7 show an example in which the determination result of the jackpot determination is lost and the latent mode M3 is terminated. In this case, the gaming machine 100 displays the background image of the normal mode effect when the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 and the background image blocked by the door image 511 are reappeared, and the stage image 510 is not displayed. . At this time, the variation display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 is continued. After that, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 in the combination of loss as shown at time t67, and ends the current symbol variation.

  An example in which the determination result of the jackpot determination is a 16R probability variation jackpot is shown at time t68 and time t69 in FIG. In this case, the gaming machine 100 displays the background image and the stage image 510 of the latent mode effect again when the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 and the background image that have been shielded by the door image 511 appear again. At this time, the stage image 510 is changed to a display mode indicating the “2nd stage” in order to show the transition to the “2nd stage”. At this time, the variation display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 is continued. Although the transition to “2nd stage” is performed here, in the case of 16R probability variation big hit, since it becomes the probability variation mode M2 after 16R probability variation big hit game, the transition to “2nd stage” is not performed in the continuous performance. You may do it.

  Thereafter, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 in a jackpot combination as shown at time t69. In this case, the jackpot combination is suddenly stopped and displayed without the reach mode shown at time t12 in FIG. As a result, the gaming machine 100 can give the player a sense of being a big hit, and can give the player a big surprise. In addition, when the determination result of the jackpot determination in the symbol variation for performing the continuous effect is a 16R probability variable jackpot, the gaming machine 100 is shielded by the door image 511 in the same manner as the time t66 of FIG. When the background image is reappeared, the background image of the normal mode effect is displayed and the stage image 510 is not displayed to indicate the end of the latent mode M3, and then the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are stopped with the jackpot combination You may make it display. In this way, even when the gaming machine 100 suggests the end of the latent mode M3 by the continuation effect, the “continuation effect is a disappointing result, but it may be a big hit as it is”. It becomes possible to make it think, and a player's expectation can be maintained.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 may use a so-called “temporary stop display” for the stop display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 at the timing of the time t69. At the time of temporary stop display, the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are displayed, for example, in such a manner that a small amount of reciprocation is repeated vertically. In this case, the gaming machine 100 performs a so-called “promotion effect (not shown)” after time t69, and after the promotion effect, causes the game machine 100 to stop display (actual stop display) with a jackpot combination indicating the determination result of the current jackpot determination. May be.

  In addition, although illustration is omitted, in the case of the symbol variation for which the continuous effect is performed, if the jackpot or small hit other than the 16R probability variation jackpot, the gaming machine 100 displays the same as the case of the 16R probability variation jackpot until time t68, and thereafter The production symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are stopped and displayed at the chance. Also in this case, the gaming machine 100 can give a big surprise to the player. Also in this case, when the gaming machine 100 re-appears the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 and the background image that have been shielded by the door image 511 in the same manner as the time t66 in FIG. The background image may be displayed and the stage image 510 may be hidden to indicate the end of the latent mode M3, and then the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 may be stopped and displayed at the chance. In this way, even when the gaming machine 100 suggests the end of the latent mode M3 by the continuation effect, the “continuation effect is a disappointing result, but it may be a chance as it is”. And the player's expectation can be maintained.

(Functional configuration of gaming machine)
Next, a functional configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a functional configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the gaming machine 100 includes, for example, a special game determination unit 610, a symbol control unit 620, a special game execution unit 630, a profit granting unit 640, a mode control unit 650, and an effect execution unit 660. It is comprised including.

  The special game determination unit 610 has a function of determining whether or not to perform a special game when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. In the case of the present embodiment, the special game can be a jackpot game, and the special game determination unit 610 determines whether or not to play the jackpot game by winning a game ball at the first start port 105 or the second start port 106. The jackpot is judged.

  In addition, as described above, in this embodiment, there are provided a plurality of types of jackpots including a 16R probability variation jackpot, a 4R probability variation jackpot, a 4R sudden probability jackpot, and a 4R latent probability jackpot, and a small hit which is a special lose (special game). It has been. Then, the special game determination unit 610 determines whether to perform any jackpot jackpot game from these types of jackpots or whether to perform a jackpot game.

  When the above-mentioned determination is performed by the special game determination unit 610, the symbol control unit 620 has a function of stopping the determination result symbol indicating the determination result of the determination after changing the symbol. In the case of the present embodiment, the special game determination unit 610 performs a jackpot determination as described above. When the jackpot determination is made, the symbol control unit 620 displays the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 on the image display unit 104 in a variable manner, and then stops and displays the combination with the determination result of the jackpot determination. In addition, when the jackpot determination is performed, the symbol control unit 620 may display the special symbol in the special symbol display unit 201 in a variable manner and then stop display with the symbol indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination.

  The special game execution unit 630 has a function of performing a special game when the special game determination unit 610 determines that a special game is to be performed. In the case of the present embodiment, the special game can be a jackpot game as described above. For this reason, if it is determined that the big hit is made in the jackpot determination, the special game execution unit 630 plays the jackpot game by opening the big winning opening 109 in a predetermined release mode. For example, the special game execution unit 630 determines that the jackpot is to be won in the jackpot determination, and after the symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped by the symbol control unit 620, the jackpot game is played.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of jackpots are provided: 16R probability variation jackpots, 4R probability variation jackpots, 4R sudden probability jackpots, and 4R latent probability jackpots. When a plurality of types of jackpot games are provided as described above, the special game execution unit 630 performs the type of jackpot game determined to be performed by the special game determination unit 610. The opening mode, opening time, ending time, etc. of the big winning opening 109 in each jackpot game are as described above.

  In addition, when it is determined that a small win is made in the big hit determination, the special game execution unit 630 may perform a small win game by opening the big winning opening 109 in a predetermined release mode. For example, in this case, the special game execution unit 630 is determined to make a small hit in the big hit determination, and after the symbol indicating the small hit is stopped by the symbol control unit 620, the small hit game is played. The opening mode, opening time, ending time, etc. of the big winning opening 109 in the small hit game are as described above.

  The profit granting unit 640 has a function of granting a profit corresponding to the special game to the player when the special game is performed by the special game execution unit 630. For example, the profit granting unit 640 can give a profit to the player by increasing the probability that the special game determination unit 610 determines that a special game is to be performed. In the case of the present embodiment, the profit granting unit 640 can grant this profit by setting the above-described high probability gaming state.

  Further, for example, the profit granting unit 640 may give the player a benefit that makes the determination by the special game determination unit 610 easier to receive. In the case of the present embodiment, the profit granting unit 640 can grant this profit by setting the above-described auxiliary gaming state. Further, for example, the profit granting unit 640 may give the player a further profit by suggesting that a profit is given to the player. In the case of the present embodiment, the profit granting unit 640 can give this profit by causing the effect execution unit 660 described later to perform the probability change mode effect as the probability change mode M2.

  The mode control unit 650 sets one of a plurality of modes based on the determination by the special game determination unit 610, and controls the progress of the game in the mode. For example, the mode control unit 650 controls the mode as shown in FIG. 4 or the like based on the determination result of the jackpot determination or the number of determinations (that is, the number of symbol fluctuations).

  The effect execution unit 660 has a function of performing a predetermined effect. For example, the effect execution unit 660 can perform this effect by causing the image display unit 104 to display an image related to the effect to be executed. In addition, the effect execution unit 660 may perform this effect by outputting a sound related to the effect to be executed from the speaker 114.

  In the case of the present embodiment, as described above, the effect execution unit 660 can perform a predetermined effect during the big hit game, the small hit game, or during the variable display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3. Examples of the effects performed during the big hit game or the small hit game include the above-described mode expectation suggestion effect, mode suggestion effect, mode notification effect, and the like. Examples of the effects performed during the variable display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 include the mode effects and the continuous effects described above.

(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 according to the present embodiment. 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 FIGS. 8-1 to 8-4. 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. Further, the big winning opening SW 716 is a SW for detecting a game ball won in the big winning opening 109. 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 a 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 a 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 714a 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 special prize opening solenoid 719 is a solenoid that opens and closes the special prize opening 109. 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 and the big prize opening 109.

  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. 8A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a table stored in the ROM of the main control unit according to the present embodiment.

  For example, the ROM 712 includes a hit determination table shown in FIG. 8-1 (A), a jackpot symbol determination table shown in FIG. 8-1 (B), and a small hit symbol determination shown in FIG. 8-1 (C). The table is stored. Further, the ROM 712 stores a normal mode variation pattern table shown in FIG. 8-2 (d), a probability variation mode variation pattern table shown in FIG. 8-3 (e), and a latency shown in FIG. 8-4 (f). A mode variation pattern table is stored.

(About the winning judgment table)
The winning determination table shown in FIG. 8A is a table used for “hit determination” in the process of determining whether to win or not in jackpot determination. In the winning determination table, a determination value determined by the main control unit 701 as a big hit and a determination value determined as a small hit in the hit determination are set. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 8A also shows a determination probability that the main control unit 701 determines that it is a big win and a determination probability that determines that it is a small hit.

  In the hit determination, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the hit determination random number to be determined matches the jackpot determination value in the hit determination table. If it does not match the big hit determination value, it is determined whether or not the hit determination random number to be determined matches the small hit determination value in the hit determination table. Then, the main control unit 701 determines a loss if the hit determination random number to be determined does not match the jackpot determination value and the jackpot determination value.

  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 in a low-probability gaming state in which the determination probability of determining a jackpot is low, and a high determination probability of determining a jackpot In the case of the probability gaming state, a hit determination is performed using the determination value 812 for high probability.

  The jackpot determination value in the high probability determination value 812 includes a larger number of determination values than the jackpot determination value in the low probability determination value 811. Therefore, in the hit determination using the high-probability determination value 812, the probability that the hit determination random number matches the jackpot determination value is higher than that in the hit determination using the low-probability determination value 811. Increase the probability.

  Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the hit determination random number is an integer of “0 to 249”. “0 (one integer)” is set as the jackpot determination value in the low probability determination value 811. 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 as the jackpot determination value in the high probability determination value 812. Therefore, the determination probability determined to be a big hit in the hit determination using the high probability determination value 812 is “7/250”.

  In the present embodiment, “10, 11” is set as the small hit determination value in the low probability determination value 811, and “10, 11” is also set in the small hit determination value in the high probability determination value 812. Is set. For this reason, the determination probability determined to be a small hit in the hit determination using the low probability determination value 811 is “2/250”, and similarly, the hit determination using the high probability determination value 812 is determined to be a small hit. The determination probability is “2/250”.

(About the symbol determination table)
The jackpot symbol determination table shown in FIG. 8A is a table used for “hit symbol determination” in the process of determining a jackpot symbol in the jackpot determination. The jackpot symbol determination is performed only when the jackpot determination is determined to be a jackpot. In the jackpot symbol determination table, different determination values are set for each jackpot symbol.

  In FIG. 8A (B), for convenience of explanation, the main control unit 701 also describes the determination probability of determining each jackpot symbol in the jackpot 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 as shown in FIG. 8-1 (b), so determining the jackpot symbol is in other words determining the jackpot type. .

  In the jackpot symbol determination, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the determination target symbol determination random number matches the determination value of each jackpot symbol in the jackpot 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 jackpot 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 jackpot symbol determination using the hold information acquired by winning the game ball at the first starting port 105, the main control unit 701 performs jackpot symbol determination using the first starting port determination value 821. . In addition, when the main control unit 701 performs jackpot symbol determination using the hold information acquired by winning the game ball at the second starting port 106, the main control unit 701 uses the second starting port determination value 822 to determine the jackpot symbol determination. I do.

  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, in the jackpot symbol determination using the first start port determination value 821 and the jackpot symbol determination using the second start port determination value 822, there is a tendency of the jackpot symbol that is easily determined as the determination result of the jackpot symbol determination. Different.

  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 a judgment value “0 to 19 (20 integers)”, and the jackpot symbol B is a judgment value “20 to 49 (30 integers). "Is associated. The jackpot symbol C is associated with a determination value “50 to 74 (25 integers)”, and the jackpot symbol D is associated with a determination value “75 to 99 (25 integers)”.

  Therefore, in the jackpot symbol determination using the first start opening determination value 821, the determination probability determined as the jackpot symbol A is “20/100”, the determination probability determined as the jackpot symbol B is “30/100”, The determination probability determined to be a jackpot symbol C is “25/100”, and the determination probability determined to be a jackpot symbol D is “25/100”.

  On the other hand, in the determination value 822 for the second start port, the determination value “0 to 49 (50 integers)” is associated with the jackpot symbol A, and the determination value “50 to 89 (40 items) is associated with the jackpot symbol B. Integer) ”. The jackpot symbol C is associated with a determination value “90 to 98 (9 integers)”, and the jackpot symbol D is associated with a determination value “99 (one integer)”.

  Therefore, in the jackpot symbol determination using the second start opening determination value 822, the determination probability determined to be the jackpot symbol A is “50/100”, the determination probability determined to be the jackpot symbol B is “40/100”, The determination probability determined to be a jackpot symbol C is “9/100”, and the determination probability determined to be a jackpot symbol D is “1/100”.

  In this way, in the jackpot symbol determination using the second start port determination value 822, the jackpot symbol A corresponding to the 16R probability variation jackpot or the 4R probability variation jackpot than the jackpot symbol determination using the first start port determination value 821. The determination probability of the jackpot symbol B corresponding to is high. That is, in the jackpot symbol determination using the second start port determination value 822, the jackpot game in which the player can expect to win a prize ball is performed, compared to the jackpot symbol determination using the first start port determination value 821. Probability jackpot and 4R probability change jackpot are easy to be performed. Therefore, in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot determination performed by winning the game ball at the second starting port 106 is more advantageous to the player than the jackpot determination performed by winning the game ball at the first starting port 105. It can be said that it is a jackpot judgment.

  8-1 (c) is a table used for “small hit symbol determination” in the process of determining a small hit symbol in the big hit determination. The small hit symbol determination is performed only when it is determined that the small hit is determined in the hit determination. In the small hit symbol determination table, a different determination value (small hit symbol determination value 831) is set for each small hit symbol.

  For convenience of explanation, FIG. 8-1 (C) shows the determination probability that the main control unit 701 determines each small hit symbol in the small hit symbol determination, and the type of small hit corresponding to each small hit symbol. It is also written. In the gaming machine 100, there is a correspondence relationship between the small hit symbol and the small bonus type as shown in FIG. 8-1 (c), so determining the small bonus symbol determines the small bonus type. In other words.

  For example, in the small hit determination, unlike the big hit symbol determination, when the small hit symbol determination is performed using the holding information acquired by winning the game ball in the first starting port 105, Even when the small hit symbol determination is performed using the hold information acquired by winning the game ball, the small hit symbol determination value 831 in the small hit symbol determination table is used.

  Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the random number for symbol determination is an integer of “0 to 99”. In the small hit symbol determination value 831, the determination value “0 to 59 (60 integers)” is associated with the small hit symbol E, and the determination value “60 to 89 (30 integers) is associated with the small hit symbol F. "Is associated. Further, the determination value “90 to 99 (10 integers)” is associated with the small hit symbol G. Therefore, in the small hit symbol determination using the small hit symbol determination value 831, the determination probability determined as the small hit symbol E is “60/100”, and the determination probability determined as the small hit symbol F is “30/100”. The determination probability determined to be a small hit symbol G is “10/100”.

  In the present embodiment, there are three types of small hits: a small hit α corresponding to the small hit symbol E, a small hit β corresponding to the small hit symbol F, and a small hit γ corresponding to the small hit symbol G. Although provided, the contents of the small hit games are common to all the small hits, and the small hit games having the contents shown in FIG. 3 and the like are performed.

  Although details will be described later, after the small hitting game of small hitting α, the latent mode M3 is set until 10 symbol changes are made. And after the small hit game of small hit β, it is set to the latent mode M3 until 20 symbol changes are performed, and after the small hit game of small hit γ, it is set to the latent mode M3 until 30 symbol changes are performed. Is done. Since the determination probability of each small hit symbol is as described above, for the player, as the number of symbol fluctuations in the latent mode M3 increases (that is, as the latent mode M3 continues longer), The potential will increase.

(About variation pattern table)
Next, a variation pattern table used for “variation pattern determination” in which the main control unit 701 determines a variation pattern will be described. FIG. 8-2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of an example of a table stored in the ROM of the main control unit according to the present embodiment. As described above, the gaming machine 100 is provided with different variation pattern tables for each of the normal mode M1, the probability variation mode M2, and the latent mode M3.

  FIG. 8-2 (D) shows a normal mode fluctuation pattern table which is a fluctuation pattern table for the normal mode M1. That is, if the main control unit 701 is set to the normal mode M1 when performing the variation pattern determination, the main control unit 701 uses the normal mode variation pattern table shown in FIG.

  In the normal mode variation pattern table, each of the variation patterns Hp10a to Hp18 is set in association with a determination value that determines the determination probability of each variation pattern in the variation pattern determination. As described above, the variation pattern defines the variation time of the special symbol when the determination result of the jackpot determination is shown. For example, the variation patterns Hp10a to Hp18 have the variation times illustrated in FIG. It has established.

  The determination values associated with the variation patterns Hp10a to Hp18 in the normal mode variation pattern table include a normal mode loss determination value 841, a normal mode small hit determination value 842, a normal mode 16R probability variation big hit determination value 843, There is a judgment value 844 for big hits other than the normal mode (big hits other than the 16R probability variation big hit). In the present embodiment, even if the random number for determining the variation pattern is acquired by winning the game ball at the first starting port 105, it is acquired by winning the game ball at the second starting port 106. Even if it has been changed, the variation pattern determination is performed using the same determination value.

  For example, when the determination result of the big hit determination is lost in the normal mode M1, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the normal mode loss determination value 841. Further, when the determination result of the big hit determination is the small hit in the normal mode M1, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the normal mode small hit determination value 842. Then, when the determination result of the big hit determination is 16R probability variation big hit in the normal mode M1, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the normal mode 16R probability variation big hit determination value 843. In addition, when the determination result of the big hit determination in the normal mode M1 is a big hit other than the 16R probability variable big hit, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the big mode determination value 844 in the normal mode or the like.

  In the variation pattern determination, the main control unit 701 determines a variation pattern associated with a determination value that matches a variation pattern determination random number to be determined. In the case of this embodiment, the random number for determining the variation pattern is an integer of “0 to 99”. Therefore, for example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the normal mode loss determination value 841, the determination probabilities determined as the variation patterns Hp10a to Hp10c are as shown in FIG. It becomes “85/100”. The determination probability determined to be the variation pattern Hp11 is “10/100”, the determination probability determined to be the variation pattern Hp12 is “4/100”, and the determination probability determined to be the variation pattern Hp13 is “1/100”. "

  In the normal mode loss determination value 841, the same determination values “0 to 84” are set for the variation pattern Hp10a, the variation pattern Hp10b, and the variation pattern Hp10c. Therefore, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the normal mode loss determination value 841, and when the variation pattern determination random number to be determined is a numerical value included in “0 to 84”, Refer to the value of the special figure hold information number U (the special figure hold information number U = the first hold information number U1 + the second hold information number U2). The main control unit 701 determines the variation pattern Hp10a if the number U of special figure hold information is less than 3 (U <3), and changes the pattern Hp10b if the number U of special figure hold information U is 3 (U = 3). If the number U of special figure holding information U is larger than 3 (U> 3), it is determined as the fluctuation pattern Hp10c.

  Further, for example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the normal mode small hit determination value 842, the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp14 as shown in FIG. 100/100 ". Therefore, in the variation pattern determination in this case, the variation pattern Hp14 is always determined.

  Further, for example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the normal mode 16R probability variation big hit determination value 843, the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp15 is as shown in FIG. The determination probability determined to be “10/100”, the variation pattern Hp16 is “30/100”, and the determination probability determined to be the variation pattern Hp17 is “60/100”.

  For example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the normal mode or other jackpot determination value 844, the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp18 is as shown in FIG. “100/100”, and in this variation pattern determination, the variation pattern Hp18 is always determined.

  In the gaming machine 100, when the symbol variation is performed according to the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination, an effect according to the variation pattern is performed. Here, if attention is paid to the fluctuation patterns Hp10a to Hp18 set in the normal mode fluctuation pattern table, these are all “normal mode effects” as shown in FIG. ”.

  FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram (part 3) illustrating an example of a table stored in the ROM of the main control unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 8-3 (e) shows a probability variation mode variation pattern table that is a variation pattern table for the probability variation mode M2. That is, the main control unit 701 uses the probability variation mode variation pattern table shown in FIG. 8-3 (e) for the variation pattern determination if the probability variation mode M2 is set when performing the variation pattern determination.

  In the probability variation mode variation pattern table, each of the variation patterns Hp20a to Hp28 is set in association with a determination value that determines the determination probability of each variation pattern in the variation pattern determination. For example, the fluctuation patterns Hp20a to Hp28 define the fluctuation time illustrated in FIG.

  The determination values associated with the variation patterns Hp20a to Hp28 in the probability variation mode variation pattern table include a probability variation mode loss determination value 851, a probability variation mode small hit determination value 852, a probability variation mode 16R probability variation large hit determination value 853, There is a decision value 854 for probability change mode and other jackpots (a jackpot other than the 16R probability variation jackpot).

  For example, when the determination result of the big hit determination is lost in the probability variation mode M2, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the probability variation mode loss determination value 851. Further, when the determination result of the big hit determination is a small hit in the probability variation mode M2, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the probability variation mode small hit determination value 852. The main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the probability variation mode 16R probability variation jackpot determination value 853 when the determination result of the jackpot determination is 16R probability variation jackpot in the probability variation mode M2. Further, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the jackpot determination value 854 other than the probability variation mode when the determination result of the jackpot determination in the probability variation mode M1 is a jackpot other than the 16R probability variation jackpot.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the random number for determining the variation pattern is an integer of “0 to 99”. Therefore, for example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the probability variation mode loss determination value 851, the determination probabilities determined as the variation patterns Hp20a and Hp20b are as shown in FIG. “90/100”. The determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp21 is “7/100”, the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp22 is “2/100”, and the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp23 is “1/100”. "

  In the probability variation mode loss determination value 851, the same determination value “0 to 89” is set for the variation pattern Hp20a and the variation pattern Hp20b. Therefore, the main control unit 701 performs variation pattern determination using the probability variation mode loss determination value 851, and when the variation pattern determination random number to be determined is a numerical value included in “0 to 89”, Refer to the value of the number U of pending information. The main control unit 701 determines the variation pattern Hp20a if the number of special figure reservation information U is less than 1 (U <1), and the variation pattern if the number of special figure reservation information U is 1 or more (U ≧ 1). It determines with Hp20b.

  Further, for example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the probability variation mode small hit determination value 852, the determination probability determined to be the variation pattern Hp24 is as shown in FIG. 100/100 ". Therefore, in the variation pattern determination in this case, the variation pattern Hp24 is always determined.

  Further, for example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the probability variation mode 16R probability variation big hit determination value 853, the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp25 is as shown in FIG. The determination probability determined to be “5/100”, the variation pattern Hp26, is “25/100”, and the determination probability determined to be the variation pattern Hp27 is “70/100”.

  Further, for example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the probability change mode or other jackpot determination value 854, the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp28 is as shown in FIG. In this case, in the variation pattern determination, the variation pattern Hp28 is always determined.

  Here, if attention is paid to the variation patterns Hp20a to Hp28 set in the probability variation mode variation pattern table, as shown in FIG. ”.

  8-4 is explanatory drawing (the 4) which shows an example of the table memorize | stored in ROM of the main-control part of this Embodiment. FIG. 8-4 (f) shows a latent mode fluctuation pattern table which is a fluctuation pattern table for the latent mode M3. That is, if the main control unit 701 is set to the latent mode M3 when performing the variation pattern determination, the main control unit 701 uses the latent mode variation pattern table shown in FIG. 8-4 for the variation pattern determination.

  In the latent mode variation pattern table, each of the variation patterns Hp30a to Hp39d is set in association with a determination value that determines the determination probability of each variation pattern in the variation pattern determination. For example, the fluctuation patterns Hp30a to Hp39d define the fluctuation time illustrated in FIG.

  The determination values associated with the variation patterns Hp30a to Hp39d in the latent mode variation pattern table include a latent mode loss determination value 861, a latent mode small hit determination value 862, a latent mode 16R probability variation big hit determination value 863, Hidden mode other jackpot determination value 864 (a jackpot other than 16R probability variation jackpot), continuous effect lose judgment value 865, continuous effect small hit judgment value 866, continuous effect 16R probability variation jackpot judgment value 867, and continuation There is a judgment value 868 for other jackpots for production (a jackpot other than the 16R probability variation jackpot).

  As described above, when the gaming machine 100 is in the latent mode M3, the gaming machine 100 performs the continuous effect in the symbol variation of the predetermined number of times from the start of the latent mode M3. In order to perform such a continuous effect, the main control unit 701 causes a predetermined number of symbol variations in the latent mode M3 to be performed in accordance with the variation patterns Hp39a to Hp39d that are variation patterns for the continuous effect.

  That is, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the continuous effect loss determination value 865 if the determination result of the big hit determination is lost in the predetermined number of symbol variations in the latent mode M3. If it is a win, the variation pattern determination is performed using the continuous effect small hit determination value 866. Further, the main control unit 701 determines the variation pattern using the determination value 867 for the continuous effect 16R probability variation jackpot if the determination result of the jackpot determination is a 16R probability variation jackpot in the predetermined number of symbol variations in the latent mode M3. If it is another jackpot, the variation pattern judgment is performed using the judgment value 868 for jackpot effect or other jackpot.

  As a result, the predetermined number of symbol variations in the latent mode M3 are performed in accordance with the variation patterns Hp39a to Hp39d. In this symbol variation, as shown in FIG. Is supposed to occur. As shown in FIG. 8-4 (f), for example, each of the fluctuation patterns Hp39a to Hp39d has a fluctuation time of 30 seconds. Further, in the gaming machine 100, when a reach effect is performed, a variation pattern that defines a variation time of 40 seconds or more is set. That is, the variation patterns Hp39a to Hp39d for continuation effect define a variation time shorter than the variation pattern that causes the reach effect to be performed in the gaming machine 100.

  Also, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the determination value 861 for the latent mode loss when the determination result of the big hit determination is lost in the symbol variation in which the continuous effect is not performed in the latent mode M3. . Also, the main control unit 701 determines the variation pattern using the latent mode small hit determination value 862 if the determination result of the big hit determination is a small hit in the symbol variation in which the continuous effect is not performed in the latent mode M3. I do. Then, the main control unit 701 uses the latent mode 16R probability variable big hit determination value 863 when the big hit determination result is 16R probability variable big hit in the symbol variation in which the continuous effect is not performed in the latent mode M3. Perform pattern determination. Further, when the determination result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot other than the 16R probability variation jackpot in the symbol variation in which the continuous effect is not performed in the latent mode M3, the main control unit 701 sets the determination value 864 for the latent mode and other jackpots. To determine the variation pattern.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the random number for determining the variation pattern is an integer of “0 to 99”. Therefore, for example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the determination value 861 for latent mode loss, the determination probabilities determined as the variation patterns Hp30a to Hp30c are as shown in FIG. It becomes “85/100”. The determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp31 is “10/100”, the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp32 is “4/100”, and the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp33 is “1/100”. "

  In the latent mode loss determination value 861, the same determination values “0 to 84” are set for the variation pattern Hp30a, the variation pattern Hp30b, and the variation pattern Hp30c. Therefore, the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the determination value 861 for latent mode loss, and when the variation pattern determination random number to be determined is a numerical value included in “0 to 84”, Refer to the value of the special figure holding information number U. The main control unit 701 determines the variation pattern Hp30a if the number U of special figure reservation information is less than 3 (U <3), and determines the variation pattern Hp30b if the number U of special figure reservation information U is 3 (U = 3). If the number U of special figure holding information U is larger than 3 (U> 3), it is determined as the fluctuation pattern Hp30c.

  Further, for example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the latent mode small hit determination value 862, as illustrated in FIG. 8D, the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp34 is “ 100/100 ". Therefore, in the variation pattern determination in this case, the variation pattern Hp34 is always determined.

  Further, for example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the latent mode 16R probability variation big hit determination value 863, the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp35 is as shown in FIG. The determination probability determined to be the variation pattern Hp36 is “30/100”, and the determination probability determined to be the variation pattern Hp37 is “60/100”.

  Further, for example, when the main control unit 701 performs the variation pattern determination using the latent mode and other jackpot determination value 864, the determination probability determined as the variation pattern Hp38 is as shown in FIG. In this case, in the variation pattern determination, the variation pattern Hp38 is always determined.

  Here, if attention is paid to the variation patterns Hp30a to Hp38 set in the latent mode variation pattern table, all of these are “latency mode effects” as shown in FIG. 8-4 (f) in the symbol variation corresponding to the variation pattern. ”.

(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 a hardware configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. 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 for controlling the driving of the accessory 130.

(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 functioning as operation means for accepting 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 effect sound (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 symbol image of the effect symbol, image data representing a background image, moving image data representing a moving image reproduced for reach production, effect sound data representing sound effects, BGM, 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 in the ROM 742, generates display data from this image data, and stores it in the VRAM 744. Further, the CPU 741 reads the image data of the background image corresponding to the mode effect set by the effect control 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 a hidden surface removal method such as a Z buffer method so that the background image is arranged on the back 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.

  In addition, the CPU 741 reads the effect sound data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect control unit 703 a from the effect data in the ROM 742, generates sound output data, and stores it 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 production instruct | indicated by the production supervision part 703a, or driving of the movable accessory 130. FIG. 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 accessory 130, 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 supervising unit 703a from the control data and stores it in the RAM 753, and sends a control signal corresponding to the drive control data to the motor of the movable accessory 130 at a predetermined timing. input.

  Accordingly, the lamp control unit 703c can drive the movable accessory 130. The lamp control unit 703c is also connected to a movable accessory sensor 762 that detects the position of the movable accessory 130. The lamp controller 703c receives a detection signal from the movable accessory sensor 762, and based on the detection signal, the lamp control unit 703c detects the position of the movable accessory 130. The driving 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 unit)
Next, an example of a table stored in the effect control unit 703 will be described. 10-1 is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of the table memorize | stored in the production | presentation control part of this Embodiment. 10-2 is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the table memorize | stored in the production | presentation control part of this Embodiment. For example, in the ROM 732 of the production control unit 703a and the ROM 742 of the image / sound control unit 703b, the variation production pattern table shown in FIG. 10-1 (G), the hit production pattern table shown in FIG. -2 (Li) mode expectation suggestion effect pattern table and the like are stored.

(Variation production pattern table)
The variation effect pattern table shown in FIG. 10-1 is a “variation effect pattern” for determining the effect content of the effect (hereinafter referred to as “variable effect”) performed by the effect supervision unit 703a during the change display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3. It is a table used for "determination". In the variation effect pattern table, a variation pattern is set for each variation effect pattern in which the effect contents of the effect performed during the variation display of the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are defined. The effect supervising unit 703a determines the variation effect pattern corresponding to the variation pattern based on the information indicating the variation pattern received from the main control unit 701 in the variation effect pattern determination.

  In the variation effect pattern table, when attention is paid to the variation effect patterns HEp10a to HEp18 including “normal mode effect” in the effect contents, these can be derived as determination results of the change pattern determination when the main control unit 701 is in the normal mode M1. It is associated with the variation patterns Hp10a to Hp18.

  In the variation effect pattern table, when attention is paid to the variation effect patterns HEp20a to HEp28 including “probability change mode effect” in the effect contents, these are derived as determination results of the change pattern determination when the main control unit 701 is in the probability change mode M2. Are associated with possible variation patterns Hp20a to Hp28.

  In the variation effect pattern table, when attention is paid to the variation effect patterns HEp30a to HEp38 including the “latent mode effect” in the effect contents, these are fluctuations in symbol variation in which the main control unit 701 is in the latent mode M3 and does not perform the continuous effect. It is associated with the variation patterns Hp30a to Hp38 that can be derived as the determination results of the pattern determination.

  Further, in the variation effect pattern table, when attention is paid to the variation effect patterns HEp39a to HEp39e including “continuation effect” in the effect contents, these are the fluctuation pattern determinations of the symbol variation in which the main control unit 701 is the latent mode M3 and performs the continuous effect. Are associated with fluctuation patterns Hp39a to Hp39d that can be derived as the determination results.

  In the variation effect pattern table, the variation effect pattern HEp39a and the variation effect pattern HEp39b are associated with the same variation pattern Hp39a. Therefore, the production control unit 703a determines the variation production pattern HEp39a that defines the continuation effect (not shown) for ending the latent mode effect when the latent mode production is finished after the continuous production, and the latent mode production is performed even after the continuous production. Is continued, it is determined that the variation effect pattern HEp39b defines a continuation effect for continuation of the latent mode effect.

(About the winning production pattern table)
The hit effect pattern table shown in FIG. 10-2 is used for “hit effect pattern determination” for determining the effect contents of the effect (hereinafter referred to as “hit effect”) performed by the effect control unit 703a during the hit game. It is a table. In the winning effect pattern table, a determination condition is set for each winning effect pattern in which the effect contents of the winning effect are determined. The effect supervising unit 703a determines a hit effect pattern that matches the determination condition in the hit effect pattern determination.

  For example, the winning effect pattern AEp1 defines the contents of the effects shown at time t14 to time t16 in FIG. 5-1, and the determination condition for the winning effect pattern AEp1 is set to 16R probability variation big hit. For this reason, in the case of a 16R probability variation big hit game, the production control unit 703a determines that the winning effect pattern AEp1 in the winning effect pattern determination, and the winning effect of the winning effect pattern AEp1 is performed.

  Further, the winning effect pattern AEp2 defines the contents of the effects shown in time t24 to time t27 in FIG. 5-2, and the determination condition for the winning effect pattern AEp2 is set to 4R probability variation big hit. For this reason, in the case of 4R probability variation big hit game, the production control unit 703a determines that the winning effect pattern AEp2 in the winning effect pattern determination, and the winning effect of the winning effect pattern AEp2 is performed.

  The winning effect pattern AEp3 defines the contents of the effects shown in time t34 to time t36 in FIG. 5-3, and the determination conditions for the winning effect pattern AEp3 are 4R sudden probability big hit and 4R latent chance big hit in the high probability gaming state. Is set. For this reason, in the case of 4R sudden probability big hit game and in the case of 4R latent big hit game when determined as 4R latent big hit game in the high probability gaming state, the production control unit 703a determines the hit production pattern AEp3 in the hit production pattern determination. Therefore, the winning effect of the winning effect pattern AEp3 is performed.

  The winning effect pattern AEp4 defines the contents of the effects shown at time t44 to time t46 in FIG. 5-4, and the determination conditions of the winning effect pattern AEp4 are 4R latent probability big hit and small hit in the low probability gaming state. Is set. Therefore, the effect supervising unit 703a determines the winning effect pattern AEp4 in the winning effect pattern determination in the case of the 4R latent probability winning game when the 4R latent probability winning game is determined in the low-probability gaming state and the small winning game. In other words, the winning effect of the winning effect pattern AEp4 is performed.

  In addition, the winning effect patterns AEp2 to AEp4 do not define the effect content of the mode expectation suggesting effect among the effects performed by the gaming machine 100 during the winning game. The content of the mode expectation suggestion effect is determined by the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern.

  The mode expectation suggestion effect pattern table shown in FIG. 10-2 (R) is a table used for “mode expectation suggestion effect pattern determination” for determining the effect contents of the mode expectation suggestion effect. In the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern table, an effect determination value is set for each mode expectation suggestion effect pattern that defines the effect contents of the mode expectation suggestion effect.

  The effect determination values include an effect determination value 1001 for the hit effect pattern AEp2, an effect determination value 1002 for the hit effect pattern AEp3, and an effect determination value 1003 for the hit effect pattern AEp4. The effect supervision unit 703a uses the effect determination value 1001 in the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern determination when determining the hit effect pattern AEp2 in the hit effect pattern determination. In addition, when the effect supervising unit 703a determines the winning effect pattern AEp3 in the winning effect pattern determination, the effect determination value 1002 is used in the mode expectation degree suggesting effect pattern determination. Then, when it is determined that the winning effect pattern AEp4 is determined in the winning effect pattern determination, the effect managing unit 703a uses the effect determination value 1003 in the mode expectation degree suggesting effect pattern determination.

  In the effect determination values 1001 to 1003, a mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp1 in which the effect content of “bonus may” is defined, a mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp2 in which the effect content of “probability change mode” is defined, and “latent mode” The contents of the determination values associated with the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp3 that defines the contents of the “Kamo” effect are different. Therefore, depending on which one of the effect determination values 1001 to 1003 is used, the tendency of the mode expectation suggesting effect pattern that is easily determined as the determination result of the mode expectation suggesting effect pattern determination varies.

  Specifically, in the case of the present embodiment, the effect determination random number is an integer of “0 to 99”. In the effect determination value 1001, the determination value “0 to 59 (60 integers)” is associated with the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp1, and the determination value “60 to 89 (30) is associated with the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp2. Number of integers) ”. Then, the determination value “90 to 99 (10 integers)” is associated with the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp3.

  Therefore, in the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern determination using the effect determination value 1001, the determination probability determined as the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp1 is “60/100”, and the determination is determined as the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp2. The probability is “30/100”, and the determination probability determined to be the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp3 is “10/100”.

  In the effect determination value 1002, the determination value “0 to 19 (20 integers)” is associated with the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp1, and the determination value “20 to 69” is associated with the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp2. (50 integers) ". The determination value “70 to 99 (30 integers)” is associated with the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp3.

  Therefore, in the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern determination using the effect determination value 1002, the determination probability determined as the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp1 is “20/100”, and the determination is determined as the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp2. The probability is “50/100”, and the determination probability determined to be the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp3 is “30/100”.

  In the effect determination value 1003, the determination value “0 to 9 (10 integers)” is associated with the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp 1, and the determination value “10 to 39” is associated with the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp 2. (30 integers) ". Then, the determination value “40 to 99 (60 integers)” is associated with the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp3.

  Therefore, in the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern determination using the effect determination value 1003, the determination probability determined as the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp1 is “10/100”, and the determination is determined as the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp2. The probability is “30/100”, and the determination probability determined to be the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp3 is “60/100”.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 100, in the case of the hit effect pattern AEp2, that is, in the case of the 4R probability variation big hit, the determination probability of the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp1 is the highest. In the case of the hit effect pattern AEp3, that is, in the case of the 4R sudden probability big hit or the 4R latent probability big hit in the high-probability gaming state, the determination probability of the mode expectation suggestive effect pattern MEp2 is the highest. In the case of the hit effect pattern AEp4, that is, in the case of 4R latent probability big hit or small hit in the low probability gaming state, the determination probability of the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp3 is the highest. In addition, in each of the function units 610 to 660 of the gaming machine 100 described above, the CPU 711 of the main control unit 701 executes a predetermined program stored in the ROM 712, or the CPU 731 of the production control unit 703a is stored in the ROM 732. The function can be realized by executing a predetermined program.

(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. 11 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 S1101), and sets access permission to the RAM 713 (step S1102).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the RAM clear switch is ON (step S1103). If the RAM clear switch is ON (step S1103: Yes), the main control unit 701 clears the RAM (step S1104). In this RAM clear, the backup information stored in the main control unit 701 is discarded (cleared), and a flag relating to the gaming state and a flag relating to the mode are set to a predetermined initial state. Thereby, as described above, when the RAM is cleared, the gaming machine 100 enters the low probability gaming state and the non-auxiliary gaming state and enters the normal mode M1.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs initial setting of the peripheral part (step S1105), and proceeds to the process of step S1109. In step S1105, 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 S1103: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the backup flag is ON (step S1106). 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 S1106: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1104.

  If the backup flag is ON (step S1106: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether the checksum is normal (step S1107). If the checksum is abnormal (step S1107: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1104.

  If the checksum is normal (step S1107: Yes), the main control unit 701 performs recovery processing (step S1108). 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) period (for example, 4 ms) (step S1109). The main control unit 701 executes a timer interrupt process described later at the cycle set in step S1109. Then, the main control unit 701 performs a power-off monitoring process for monitoring the power-off (step S1110). 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 to increment the count value of the variation pattern determination random number counter by “+1” (step S1111). Then, the main control unit 701 performs an interrupt prohibition setting for prohibiting the interrupt execution of the timer interrupt process (step S1112), and performs a random number update process (step S1113).

  In step S1113, 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 S1113, only the count value of a specific random number counter among the 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 S1114), and returns to the process of step S1110.

(Timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 12 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 S1109. In the timer interrupt process, first, the main control unit 701 performs a random number update process (step S1201). In step S1201, the main control unit 701 counts up the count values of various random number counters included in the main control unit 701 by “+1” as in step S1113.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs switch processing (step S1202). 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, A large winning opening switch process for detecting a game ball won in the winning opening 109 and a normal winning opening switch process for detecting a game ball won in the normal winning opening 110 are included.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes symbol processing (step S1203). 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 processing, the main control unit 701 performs jackpot determination and performs display control of the special symbol. Further, in the normal symbol processing, the main control unit 701 performs normal symbol determination and performs normal symbol display control.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs an electric accessory control process (step S1204). The electric accessory control process includes a special winning opening control process (described later) for controlling the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 109 and a normal electric accessory control process for controlling the opening / closing operation of the normal electric accessory 107. For example, in the big prize opening control process, the main control unit 701 controls the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 109 based on the determination result of the big hit determination. 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 determination result of the ordinary symbol determination.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes a prize ball control process (step S1205). 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 S1206), 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 S1201 to S1205 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. 13 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 S1301). If the first start port SW 714a is OFF (step S1301: No), the process proceeds to step S1306.

  If the first start port SW 714a is ON (step S1301: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether the first hold information number U1 is less than 4 (U1 <4) (step S1302). If the number of first hold information U1 is 4 or more (step S1302: No), the process proceeds to step S1306.

  If the first hold information number U1 is less than 4 (step S1302: 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 S1302: Yes). S1303). 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 S1304). Then, a preliminary determination process is performed using the acquired hold information (step S1305), and the process proceeds to step S1306.

  Next, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the second start port SW 714b is ON (step S1306). If the second start port SW 714b is OFF (step S1306: No), the start port switch process is terminated. If the second starter SW 714b is ON (step S1306: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether the second number of pending information U2 is less than 4 (U2 <4) (step S1307). If the number of second hold information U2 is 4 or more (step S1307: No), the start port switch process is terminated.

  If the second pending information count U2 is less than 4 (step S1307: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the value obtained by adding "+1" to the second pending information count U2 as a new second pending information count U2 (step S1307: Yes). S1308). 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 S1309). Then, a preliminary determination process is performed using the acquired hold information (step S1310), and the start port switch process is terminated.

(Special symbol processing)
FIG. 14 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 winning game flag is ON (step S1401). Here, the winning game flag includes a jackpot game flag indicating that a jackpot game is being played, and a small hit game flag indicating that a jackpot game is being played. In step S1401, an affirmative determination is made that at least one of the big hit game flag and the small hit game flag is set to ON, and a negative decision is made if both the big hit game flag and the small hit game flag are set to OFF. Determined.

  If the winning game flag is ON (step S1401: Yes), the main control unit 701 ends the special symbol process as it is. As a result, in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot determination is not performed during the winning game. If the winning game flag is OFF (step S1401: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the special symbol is being changed (step S1402). If the special symbol variation display is in progress (step S1402: Yes), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1411. As a result, in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot determination is not performed during the variation display of the special symbol.

  If the special symbol variation display is not in progress (step S1402: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the second reserved information count U2 is equal to or greater than “1” (step S1403). If the second pending information count U2 is “1” or more (step S1403: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the second pending information count U2 (step S1404) to determine the jackpot determination process (described later). ) Is performed (step S1405). As a result, in the gaming machine 100, the big hit determination based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the second start opening 106 is stored by the game ball winning the first start opening 105. This is prioritized over the jackpot determination based on information.

  If the second pending information count U2 is less than “1” (step S1403: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the first pending information count U1 is equal to or greater than “1” (step S1406). If the number of first hold information U1 is less than “1” (step S1406: 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 jackpot determination is not performed.

  If the first hold information number U1 is “1” or more (step S1406: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the first hold information number U1 (step S1407), and proceeds to the process of step S1405. Shift to jackpot determination process. When the determination result of the jackpot determination is derived by the jackpot determination process, the main control unit 701 performs a variation pattern setting process (described later) (step S1408). Then, the main control unit 701 starts the special symbol variation display based on the determination result of the jackpot determination derived by the jackpot determination processing and the variation pattern set by the variation pattern setting processing (step S1409).

  In step S1409, when the main control unit 701 makes a jackpot determination 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 makes a jackpot determination based on the hold 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 S1410). For example, the variation start command includes information indicating a variation start command, and information indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination derived by the jackpot determination processing and the variation pattern set by the variation pattern setting processing. 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 variation time has elapsed (step S1411). In step S1411, 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 S1411: 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 S1411: Yes), the main control unit 701 stops and displays the special symbol during the fluctuation display so as to indicate the determination result of the jackpot determination (step S1412). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 generates a change stop command and sets it in the RAM 713 (step S1413). For example, the change stop command includes information indicating a change stop command and information indicating a determination result of the jackpot determination derived by the jackpot determination process and a change pattern set by the change pattern setting process. Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a stop process (described later) (step S1414) and ends the special symbol process.

(Big hit judgment processing)
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the jackpot determination process. In the jackpot determination process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the high probability flag is ON (step S1501). The high probability flag is a flag indicating that the jackpot determination is performed using the high probability determination value 812 (see FIG. 8A), that is, a flag indicating that the game state is a high probability gaming state.

  If the high probability flag is ON (step S1501: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the high probability determination value 812 in the RAM 713 (step S1502). If the high probability flag is OFF (step S1501: No), the main control unit 701 sets the low probability determination value 811 in the RAM 713 (step S1503).

  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 S1502 or step S1503 (step S1504). 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 S1505). If the determination result of the hit determination is a big hit (step S1505: 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 S1506).

  If the hit determination is performed based on the hold information stored by winning the game ball at the first start opening 105 (step S1506: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the first start opening determination value 821 in the RAM 713. (Step S1507). If the winning determination is performed based on the hold information stored when the game ball wins the second starting port 106 (step S1506: No), the main control unit 701 sets the second starting port determination value 822 in the RAM 713. (Step S1508).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs jackpot 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 S1507 or step S1508 (step S1509). The jackpot symbol determination is as described above. Then, the main control unit 701 sets the jackpot symbol derived as a determination result of the jackpot symbol determination in the RAM 713 (step S1510), and ends the jackpot determination process.

  If the determination result of the hit determination is not a big win (step S1505: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the determination result of the hit determination is a small hit (step S1511). If the determination result of the hit determination is a small win (step S1511: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the small hit symbol determination value 831 in the RAM 713 (step S1512).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a small hit symbol determination using the symbol determination random number value of the hold information to be determined and the small hit symbol determination value 831 set in step S1512 (step S1513). The small hit symbol determination is as described above. Then, the main control unit 701 sets the small hit symbol derived as the determination result of the small hit symbol determination in the RAM 713 (step S1514), and ends the big hit determination process.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the hit determination is not a small hit (step S1511: No), the main control unit 701 determines that the game is lost, sets the lost symbol in the RAM 713 (step S1515), and ends the jackpot determination process.

(Variation pattern setting process)
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the variation pattern setting process. In the variation pattern setting process, first, the main control unit 701 acquires information indicating the current mode by referring to a mode flag indicating the current mode (step S1601).

  As will be described later, the mode flags in the gaming machine 100 include a probability variation mode flag, a true latent mode flag, and a false latent mode flag. In step S1601, the main control unit 701 refers to ON / OFF of each mode flag, and acquires all the mode flags as information indicating the normal mode M1. As described above, in the gaming machine 100, the four symbol variations immediately after the end of the probability variation mode M2 are performed in the high probability gaming state and the normal mode M1. The main control unit 701 obtains information indicating the probability variation mode M2 if the probability variation mode flag is ON and the true latent mode flag and the false latent mode flag are OFF. The main control unit 701 acquires information indicating the latent mode M3 if the probability variation mode flag is OFF and one of the true latent mode flag and the false latent mode flag is ON.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 acquires information indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination (step S1602). Then, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the current mode is the latent mode M3 based on the information acquired in step S1601 (step S1603). In step S1603, an affirmative determination is made if information indicating the latent mode M3 is acquired in step S1601, and a negative determination is made if information indicating the latent mode M3 is not acquired.

  If it is not the latent mode M3 (step S1603: No), that is, if it is the normal mode M1 or the probability variation mode M2, the main control unit 701 sets the determination value according to the determination result of the current mode and the jackpot determination in the RAM 713. (Step S1604). In step S1604, the main control unit 701 sets the variation pattern determination value 841 if the normal mode M1 is lost, sets the variation pattern determination value 842 if the normal mode M1 is small, and sets the variation pattern determination value 842 if the normal mode M1 is small. If it is a probable big hit, the fluctuation pattern judgment value 843 is set, and if it is a big hit other than the normal mode M1 and the 16R probable big hit, a fluctuation pattern judgment value 844 is set.

  In step S1604, the main control unit 701 sets the variation pattern determination value 851 if the probability variation mode M2 is lost, sets the variation pattern determination value 852 if the probability variation mode M2 is small, and the probability variation mode M2. And if it is 16R probability variation big hit, the fluctuation pattern judgment value 853 is set, and if it is big hit other than probability variation mode M2 and 16R probability variation big hit, the fluctuation pattern judgment value 854 is set.

  On the other hand, if it is the latent mode M3 (step S1603: Yes), the main control unit 701 refers to the count value Z3 of the latent mode counter and determines whether or not it is time to perform a continuous effect (step S1605). Although the count value Z3 will be described later, the main control unit 701 can acquire information indicating the number of symbol variations performed in the latent mode M3 by referring to the count value Z3. In step S1605, the main control unit 701 determines whether it is the 10th, 20th, 30th, or 74th symbol variation in the latent mode M3, and continues if the symbol variation is the predetermined number of times. It is determined that it is time to perform an effect. On the other hand, the main control unit 701 determines that it is not time to perform a continuous effect when the symbol variation is other than the predetermined number of times.

  If it is determined that it is not the timing for performing the continuous effect (step S1605: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to step S1604, and sets a determination value in the RAM 713 according to the current mode and the determination result of the jackpot determination. In this case, the main control unit 701 sets the variation pattern determination value 861 if the latent mode M3 and the loss, and sets the variation pattern determination value 862 if the latent mode M3 and small hit, If it is a 16R probability variation big hit, the fluctuation pattern judgment value 863 is set, and if it is a big hit other than the latent mode M3 and the 16R probability variation big hit, a fluctuation pattern judgment value 864 is set.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that it is time to perform the continuous effect (step S1605: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets a determination value for continuous effect in the RAM 713 according to the determination result of the jackpot determination (step S1606). In step S <b> 1606, the main control unit 701 sets the continuous effect loss determination value 865 in the RAM 713 if the big hit determination result is lost, and sets the continuous effect small hit determination value 866 in the RAM 713 if small hit. To do. Further, if the determination result of the jackpot determination is the 16R probability variation jackpot, the main control unit 701 sets the continuous effect 16R probability variation jackpot determination value 867 in the RAM 713, and if it is another jackpot, the continuation effect other jackpot determination value 868 is set. Is set in the RAM 713. As a result, as described above, the main control unit 701 can perform a predetermined number of symbol variations in the latent mode M3 according to the variation patterns Hp39a to Hp39d that are variation patterns for continuous effects. .

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs variation pattern determination using the value of the variation pattern determination random number of the hold information to be determined and the determination value set in the RAM 713 in step S1604 or step S1606 (step S1607). The variation pattern determination is as described above. Then, the main control unit 701 sets the variation pattern derived as the determination result of the variation pattern determination in the RAM 713 (step S1608), and ends the variation pattern setting process.

(Processing during stoppage)
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the stop process. In the stopping process, the main control unit 701 first determines whether or not the symbol stopped and displayed in step S1412 is a winning symbol (step S1701). In step S1701, an affirmative determination is made that the symbol stopped and displayed in step S1412 is a jackpot symbol or a small hit symbol, and a negative determination is made that it is a lost symbol. If it is a winning symbol (step S1701: Yes), the main control unit 701 performs a winning game flag process (described later) (step S1702) and ends the stopped process.

  If it is a lost symbol (step S1701: No), the main control unit 701 performs a mode flag change process (described later) (step S1703). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not an auxiliary game flag indicating that it is in an auxiliary game state is ON (step S1704). If the auxiliary game flag is OFF (step S1704: NO), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1708.

  If the auxiliary game flag is ON (step S1704: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the count value X of the auxiliary game counter (step S1705), and the count value X after the subtraction is “0”. It is determined whether or not (step S1706). If the count value X is not “0” (step S1706: NO), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1708. If the count value X is “0” (step S1706: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF (step S1707), and proceeds to the process of step S1708.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a high probability flag indicating a high probability gaming state is ON (step S1708). If the high probability flag is OFF (step S1708: No), the main control unit 701 ends the stop process. If the high probability flag is ON (step S1708: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the count value Y of the high probability counter (step S1709), and the count value Y after the subtraction is “0”. It is determined whether or not (step S1710).

  If the count value Y is not “0” (step S1710: No), the main control unit 701 ends the stop process. If the count value Y is “0” (step S1710: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the high probability flag to OFF (step S1711) and ends the in-stop process.

(Winning game flag processing)
FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the winning game flag process. In the winning game flag process, the main control unit 701 first determines whether or not the symbol stopped and displayed in step S1412 is a jackpot symbol (step S1801). If it is a jackpot symbol (step S1801: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the high probability flag is ON (step S1802). If the high probability flag is OFF (step S1802: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S1804.

  If the high probability flag is ON (step S1802: YES), the main control unit 701 sets a high probability medium winning flag indicating ON in the high probability gaming state to ON (step S1803). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets the count value X of the auxiliary game counter and the count value Y of the high probability counter to “0” (step S1804), and sets the auxiliary game flag and the high probability flag to OFF, respectively. (Step S1805). Then, the main control unit 701 sets the jackpot game flag to ON (step S1806), and proceeds to the process of step S1809.

  On the other hand, if the symbol stopped and displayed in step S1412 is the small hit symbol (step S1801: No), the main control unit 701 performs a game flag changing process (step S1807). In the game flag changing process, the same processes as in steps S1704 to S1711 in FIG. 17 are performed. Then, the main control unit 701 sets the small hit game flag to ON (step S1808), and proceeds to the process of step S1809.

  The main control unit 701 sets a winning symbol operating pattern (opening mode) according to the type of the winning symbol that is stopped and displayed, that is, the winning type (step S1809). In step S1809, for example, the main control unit 701 sets the big winning opening 109 to be opened in the opening mode shown in FIG. 3 (1) if the 16R probability variation big hit, and if the 4R probability variation big hit, FIG. It is set so that the big prize opening 109 is opened in the opening mode shown in 2). Further, the main control unit 701 sets the big winning opening 109 to be opened in the opening mode shown in FIG. 3 (3) if it is a 4R sudden hit, and if it is a 4R latent hit, the main control unit 701 shows in FIG. 3 (4). The large winning opening 109 is set to be opened in the open mode shown. Then, the main control unit 701 sets the special winning opening 109 to be opened in the opening mode shown in FIG.

  The main control unit 701 starts opening (step S1810), sets an opening command in the RAM 713 (step S1811), and ends the winning game flag process. For example, the opening command includes information that can specify the winning type (big hit type or small hit type) and the length of the opening time of the opening started in step S1810.

(Mode flag change processing)
FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the mode flag change process. As shown in FIG. 19, in the mode flag change process, the main control unit 701 first determines whether or not the probability variation mode flag indicating the probability variation mode M2 is ON (step S1901).

  If the probability change mode flag is ON (step S1901: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the count value Z1 of the probability change mode counter (step S1902), and the count value Z1 after the subtraction is “0”. It is determined whether or not (step S1903). If the count value Z1 is not “0” (step S1903: No), the main control unit 701 ends the mode flag change process. If the count value Z1 is “0” (step S1903: YES), the main control unit 701 sets the probability change mode flag to OFF (step S1904), and ends the mode flag change process.

  If the probability variation mode flag is OFF (step S1901: NO), the main control unit 701 determines whether the true latent mode flag is ON (step S1905). The true latent mode flag indicates the latent mode M3 and indicates that the latent mode M3 is based on the 4R latent probability big hit.

  If the true latent mode flag is ON (step S1905: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the count value Z2 of the true latent mode counter (step S1906), and the count value Z2 after the subtraction is “ It is determined whether or not “0” (step S1907). If the count value Z2 is not “0” (step S1907: No), the main control unit 701 ends the mode flag change process. If the count value Z2 is “0” (step S1907: YES), the main control unit 701 sets the true latent mode flag to OFF (step S1908), and ends the mode flag changing process.

  If the true latent mode flag is OFF (step S1905: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the false latent mode flag is ON (step S1909). The false latent mode flag indicates the latent mode M3 and indicates that the latent mode M3 is based on a small hit. If the false latent mode flag is OFF (step S1909: No), that is, if it is the normal mode M1, the main control unit 701 ends the mode flag changing process.

  If the false latent mode flag is ON (step S1909: Yes), the main control unit 701 subtracts “1” from the count value Z3 of the false latent mode counter (step S1910), and the count value Z3 after the subtraction is “ It is determined whether or not “0” (step S1911). If the count value Z3 is not “0” (step S1911: No), the main control unit 701 ends the mode flag change process. If the count value Z3 is “0” (step S1911: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the false latent mode flag to OFF (step S1912), and ends the mode flag changing process.

(Big prize opening control process)
FIG. 20 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 small hit game flag is ON (step S2000). If the small hit game flag is OFF (step S2000: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the big hit game flag is ON (step S2001). If the winning game flag is OFF (step S2001: No), the main control unit 701 ends the special winning opening control process.

  If the jackpot game flag is ON (step S2001: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not it is opening (step S2002). If it is during opening (step S2002: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a predetermined opening time corresponding to the current hit type has elapsed (step S2003). If the opening time has not elapsed (step S2003: No), the main control unit 701 ends the special winning opening control process.

  If the opening time has elapsed (step S2003: Yes), the main control unit 701 adds “1” to the count value Rn of the R number counter (step S2004), and the big prize opening operation pattern set in step S1809. Based on this, the opening of the special winning opening 109 is started (step S2005).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the opening time has elapsed since the opening of the special winning opening 109 was started (step S2006). If the opening time has elapsed (step S2006: Yes), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2008. If the opening time has not elapsed (step S2006: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a predetermined number of game balls have been won in the big winning opening 109 from the start of opening of the big winning opening 109 ( Step S2007). If there is no winning of a predetermined number of game balls (step S2007: No), the main control unit 701 ends the big winning opening control process.

  If a predetermined number of game balls have been won (step S2007: Yes), the main control unit 701 closes the open big prize opening 109 (step S2008). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not it is the final R (step S2009).

  For example, in the case of 16R probability variation big hit, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the count value Rn is “16” in step S2009. If the count value Rn is “16”, the main control unit 701 determines final R. In the case of a big hit other than the 16R probability variable big hit, that is, a big hit of 4R, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the count value Rn is “4” in step S2009, and the count value Rn is “4”. If so, the final R is determined.

  If it is not the final R (step S2009: No), the main control unit 701 ends the special winning opening control process. If it is final R (step S2009: Yes), the main control unit 701 starts ending (step S2010), and sets an ending command in the RAM 713 (step S2011).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets the count value Rn of the R number counter to “0” (step S2012). Then, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a predetermined ending time corresponding to the current winning type has elapsed (step S2013). If the ending time has not elapsed (step S2013: No), the main control unit 701 ends the special winning opening control process.

  If the ending time has elapsed (step S2013: Yes), the main control unit 701 performs a game state setting process (described later) (step S2014). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets the winning game flag being set (a big hit game flag or a small hit game flag) to OFF (step S2015), and ends the big prize opening control process.

  If the opening is not in progress in step S2002 (step S2002: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the ending is in progress (step S2016). If it is during ending (step S2016: Yes), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2013.

  If it is not ending (step S2016: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the special winning opening 109 is being opened (step S2017). If the special winning opening 109 is being opened (step S2017: Yes), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2006. If the big prize opening 109 is not being opened (step S2017: No), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2004.

  If the small hit game flag is ON in step S2000 (step S2000: Yes), the main control unit 701 starts a small hit game, and proceeds to the processing of step S2013. In this case, the main control unit 701 plays a small hit game by opening the special winning opening 109 in the opening mode shown in FIG. Specifically, in this case, the main control unit 701 sets an opening time of length T2, and when the opening time elapses, the special winning opening 109 is opened four times for 0.1 seconds. The main control unit 701 sets an ending time of length T4 after the end of opening of the special winning opening 109. As a result, the main control unit 701 opens the big winning opening 109 in the same manner (similar or identical) as the 4R latent big hit game as shown in FIGS. 3 (4) and (5). A game can be performed. For this reason, it is difficult for the player to determine whether the game is a 4R latent big hit game or a small hit game from the open mode of the big winning opening 109.

(Game state setting process)
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the game state setting process. In the game state setting process, the main control unit 701 first determines whether or not the high-probability mid-winning flag is ON (step S2101). If the high probability winning flag is ON (step S2101: Yes), the main control unit 701 proceeds to the process of step S2103. As a result, when the main control unit 701 determines that the 4R latent probability is a big win in the high probability gaming state, unlike the case where the main control unit 701 determines that the 4R latent probability is a big hit in the low probability gaming state, the high probability game after the 4R latent probability winning game. It is possible to enter a state and an auxiliary gaming state.

  If the high-probability winning flag is OFF (step S2101: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the winning game to be terminated this time is a probable large winning game or a 4R sudden winning game (step S2102). If the winning game to be ended this time is a probable big hit game or a 4R sudden big hit game (step S2102: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the auxiliary game flag to ON (step S2103), and sets the count value X of the auxiliary game counter. “70” is set (step S2104).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets the high probability flag to ON (step S2105), and sets “74” as the count value Y of the high probability counter (step S2106). The main control unit 701 then sets the probability variation mode flag to ON (step S2107), sets “70” to the count value Z1 of the probability variation mode counter (step S2108), and proceeds to the processing of step S2116.

  Also, if the winning game to be ended this time is not a probable large winning game or a 4R sudden winning game (step S2102: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the winning game to be ended this time is a 4R latent promising winning game. (Step S2109). If the winning game to be ended this time is a 4R latent probability winning game (step S2109: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the high probability flag to ON (step S2110), and sets the count value Y of the high probability counter to “74”. Is set (step S2111). Then, the main control unit 701 sets the true latent mode flag to ON (step S2112), sets “74” to the count value Z2 of the true latent mode counter (step S2113), and proceeds to the processing of step S2116.

  Further, if the winning game to be ended this time is not the 4R latent probability winning game (step S2109: No), that is, if the winning game to be ended this time is a small hit game, the main control unit 701 determines the probability change mode flag or the true latent mode flag. It is determined whether or not is ON (step S2114). If the probability variation mode flag or the true latent mode flag is OFF (step S2114: No), the main control unit 701 performs a false latent mode flag setting process (described later) for setting the false latent mode flag by the small hit game. (Step S2115), the process proceeds to step S2116.

  On the other hand, if the probability variation mode flag or the true latent mode flag is ON (step S2114: Yes), the main control unit 701 ends the gaming state setting process as it is. That is, in this case, the main control unit 701 does not perform the setting related to the false latent mode flag based on the small hit game. As described above, the period of the latent mode M3 set by the 4R latent probability big hit (for example, the one that has remained for 70 symbol fluctuations) is shortened by performing the small hit game ( This is for example to prevent 10 symbol fluctuations).

  As described above, in the latent mode M3, the gaming machine 100 performs a latent mode effect. If the setting related to the false latent mode flag by the small hit game in step S2115 is not performed because the probability variation mode flag or the true latent mode flag is ON, the gaming machine 100 sets the latent mode before the small hit game. The production contents (eg stage) of the production are taken over as they are. On the other hand, when the probability variation mode flag or the true latent mode flag is OFF and the setting related to the false latent mode flag by the small hit game in step S2115 is performed, the gaming machine 100 determines the latent mode by the small hit game. The production contents of the production are initialized and started from “1st stage”.

  In step S2116, the main control unit 701 sets a mode notification command in the RAM 713 (step S2116). The mode notification command includes the mode flag set in step S2107, step S2112 and step S2115, and the count value of the mode counter set in step S2108, step S2113 and step S2115 (step S2203, step S2205 and step S2206 described later). Information that can be specified by the production control unit 703a is included. Further, the mode notification command includes an auxiliary game flag and a high probability flag related to the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 set in step S2103, step S2105, and step S2110, and the gaming state set in step S2104, step S2106, and step S2111. Information capable of specifying the count value X of the auxiliary game counter and the count value Y of the high probability counter by the effect supervising unit 703a may be included.

(False latency mode flag setting process)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the false latent mode flag setting process. In the false latent mode flag setting process, the main control unit 701 first sets the false latent mode flag to ON (step S2201), and determines whether or not the small hit game to be ended this time is due to the small hit α. (Step S2202). If it is a small hit α (step S2202: YES), the main control unit 701 sets “10” to the count value Z3 of the false latent mode counter (step S2203), and ends the false latent mode flag setting process.

  If the small hit game to be ended this time is not due to the small hit α (step S2202: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the small hit game to be ended this time is due to the small hit β ( Step S2204). If it is small hit β (step S2204: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets “20” to the count value Z3 of the false latent mode counter (step S2205), and ends the false latent mode flag setting process.

  If the small hit game to be ended this time is not due to the small hit β (step S2204: No), the main control unit 701 determines that the small hit game to be ended this time is due to the small hit γ, and the false latent mode “30” is set to the count value Z3 of the counter (step S2206), and the false latent mode flag setting process ends.

(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 accepting process, when the effect button 118 or the cross key 119 is operated, a command corresponding to the operated key (for example, an effect button command for stopping and displaying the cursor Cu in the mode suggestion effect) is set in the RAM 733. Is done.

  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 the command set in the RAM 733 by the command reception process or the operation reception process to the image / audio control unit 703b or the lamp control unit 703c 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. If the change start command has been received (step S2401: Yes), the effect supervising unit 703a performs a changing effect start 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. If the change stop command has been received (step S2403: YES), the production supervision unit 703a performs the production end process (step S2404) and performs the mode production change process (described later) (step S2405). For example, in the effect end process, an effect end command that instructs the image / sound control unit 703b or the lamp control unit 703c to end the effect being executed is set in the RAM 733.

  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. If the opening command has been received (step S2406: YES), the production supervision unit 703a performs a hit production start process (described later) (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 proceeds to the process of step S2410. If the ending command has been received (step S2408: YES), the effect supervision unit 703a performs a hit effect end process for ending the hit effect being executed (step S2409).

  For example, in the winning effect end process, the effect supervising unit 703 a sets a mode notification effect command indicating the effect contents of the mode notification effect to be executed in the ending time in the RAM 733. Specifically, when the effect supervision unit 703a receives an ending command while executing the hit effects of the hit effect patterns AEp1 to AEp3, the mode notification effect command indicating the effect content that notifies “probability change mode entry!” Is set in the RAM 733. On the other hand, when receiving the ending command while executing the hit effect of the hit effect pattern AEp4, the effect supervising unit 703a sets a mode notification effect command indicating the effect content for informing “latent mode entry!” In the RAM 733. . The mode notification effect command set here is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 703b or the like by the command transmission processing in step S2303 in FIG. Then, the image / sound control unit 703b causes the image display unit 104 to display an image corresponding to the mode notification effect indicated by the received mode notification effect command.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a mode notification command has been received (step S2410). If the mode notification command has not been received (step S2410: NO), the production supervision unit 703a ends the command reception process. If the mode notification command has been received (step S2410: YES), the effect supervising unit 703a performs a mode effect setting process (described later) (step S2411) and ends the command receiving process.

(Direction start processing during fluctuation)
FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the changing effect start process. In the changing effect start process, the effect managing unit 703a first analyzes the change start command received in step S2401 (step S2501), and acquires information indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination and the change pattern.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether or not the current pattern variation pattern is the variation pattern Hp39a based on the information indicating the variation pattern acquired in step S2501 (step S2502). As described above, the variation pattern Hp39a is a variation pattern that is set by symbol variation in which the determination result of the jackpot determination is lost and the continuous effect is performed.

  If it is the variation pattern Hp39a (step S2502: Yes), the effect supervising unit 703a determines whether or not the count value m2 of the latent mode effect counter is “1” (step S2503). The count value m2 of the latent mode effect counter is “1” because of a symbol variation that ends the latent mode effect. In other words, the effect supervising unit 703a determines in step S2503 whether or not it is a symbol variation that ends the latent mode effect.

  If the count value m2 of the latent mode effect counter is “1” (step S2503: Yes), that is, when the latent mode effect is to be ended, the effect supervising unit 703a sets the variable effect pattern HEp39a in the RAM 733 (step S2504). Thereby, in this case, the gaming machine 100 continues the effect that indicates the end of the latent mode M3, that is, the effect contents shown at the times t61 to t63 in FIG. 5-6 and the times t66 and t67 in FIG. 5-7. Production will be performed.

  On the other hand, if the count value m2 of the latent mode effect counter is not “1” (step S2503: No), that is, when the latent mode effect is continued, the effect supervision unit 703a sets the variable effect pattern HEp39b in the RAM 733 (step S2505). ). Accordingly, in this case, the gaming machine 100 continues the effect that indicates the continuation of the latent mode M3, that is, the effect contents indicated at the time t61 to the time t63 in FIG. 5-6 and the time t64 and the time t65 in FIG. Production will be performed.

  If it is not the variation pattern Hp39a (step S2502: No), the production supervision unit 703a uses the variation pattern in the variation production pattern table (FIG. 10-1 (g)) based on the information indicating the variation pattern acquired in step S2501. Is set in the RAM 733 (step S2506).

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a performs stop symbol determination processing for determining a combination of effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 to be stopped and displayed (step S2507). In step S2507, the production supervision unit 703a determines a combination of the production symbols Ez1 to Ez3 based on the variation production pattern set in steps S2504 to S2506.

  For example, in the case where the variation effect pattern in which the content of the effect of “big hit” is set in the variation effect pattern table, the effect supervision unit 703a determines a combination indicating a big hit such as a doublet. Further, the production supervision unit 703a determines a combination of chance eyes when a variation production pattern in which the production contents of “chance eyes” are set in the variation production pattern table. Then, the production supervision unit 703a determines the combination of reach loses when the variation production pattern that defines the content of the “reach lose” production is set in the variation production pattern table. Further, the production supervision unit 703a determines the combination of the breaks when the variation production pattern that defines the production content of “normal loss” is set in the variation production pattern table.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a sets a changing effect command including information indicating the processing results of steps S2504 to S2507 in the RAM 733 (step S2508), and ends the changing effect process. The changing effect command set in step S2508 is transmitted to the image / audio control unit 703b or the like by the command transmission processing in step S2303 of FIG. Then, the image / sound control unit 703b displays, on the image display unit 104, the effect image related to the change effect (for example, reach effect) indicated by the change effect pattern and the background image corresponding to the mode effect based on the received change effect command. Control is performed so that the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are stopped and displayed in the determined combination.

  The production supervision unit 703a may further perform the following processing. For example, the RAM 713 of the main control unit 701 is connected to a backup power source that can supply power to the RAM 713 even when the gaming machine 100 is powered off. When the main control unit 701 detects power-off of the gaming machine 100, the auxiliary game flag and the count value X for the flag, the high probability flag and the count value Y for the flag, the mode flag and the count for the flag Backup information indicating values Z1 to Z3 and the like is generated and stored in the RAM 713. Therefore, when the power supply to the gaming machine 100 is resumed, the main control unit 701 can return to the state before the power shut-off by setting the flags and count values again based on the backup information. It is.

  On the other hand, no backup power source is connected to the RAM 733 of the production control unit 703a. For this reason, when the power of the gaming machine 100 is cut off, the effect supervision unit 703a cannot hold the mode effect flag and the count value of the mode effect counter. Therefore, when the variation pattern of the variation start command received first after the power of the gaming device 100 is supplied is the variation pattern Hp30a to Hp39d for the latent mode, the gaming machine 100 is latent when the symbol varies according to the variation pattern. Start mode production. However, in this case, since the count value m2 of the latent mode effect counter is cleared by turning off the power, the effect control unit 703a cannot determine the end timing of the latent mode effect (processing in step S2503).

  For this reason, when the production control unit 703a starts the latent mode production as described above, when the variation pattern Hp39a is received during the latent mode production, the production control unit HEp39a is set to indicate the end of the latent mode M3. Make a continuation effect. Then, if the variation pattern of the next symbol variation for which the continuation effect is performed is the variation pattern for the normal mode M1, the production supervision unit 703a starts the normal mode production as it is, while using the variation pattern for the latent mode M3. If there is, the latent mode production is started again. Thereafter, the production control unit 703a repeats this process until no variation pattern for the latent mode is received from the main control unit 701. As a result, the production control unit 703a can resume the latent mode production even when the power of the gaming machine 100 is cut off in the latent mode M3, and can perform the latent mode production until the end of the latent mode M3. Become.

(Mode effect change processing)
FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the mode effect change process. In the mode effect changing process, the effect supervising unit 703a first determines whether or not the probability variation mode effect flag is ON (step S2601). If the probability variation mode effect flag is ON (step S2601: Yes), the effect supervising unit 703a subtracts “1” from the count value m1 of the probability variation mode effect counter (step S2602), and the count value m1 after the subtraction is “0”. Is determined (step S2603).

  If the count value m1 is “0” (step S2603: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a sets the probability change mode production flag to OFF (step S2604), and ends the mode production change process. If the count value m1 is not “0” (step S2603: No), the effect supervision unit 703a ends the mode effect change process.

  If the probability variation mode effect flag is OFF (step S2601: No), the effect supervision unit 703a determines whether or not the latent mode effect flag is ON (step S2605). If the latent mode effect flag is OFF (step S2605: No), the effect supervision unit 703a ends the mode effect change process.

  If the latent mode effect flag is ON (step S2605: Yes), the effect supervision unit 703a subtracts “1” from the count value m2 of the latent mode effect counter (step S2606), and the count value m2 after the subtraction is “0”. Is determined (step S2607). If the count value m2 is “0” (step S2607: Yes), the effect supervision unit 703a sets the latent mode effect flag to OFF (step S2608), and ends the mode effect change process. If the count value m2 is not “0” (step S2607: No), the effect supervising unit 703a ends the mode effect changing process.

(Winning effect start processing)
FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the hit effect start process. In the winning effect start process, first, the effect managing unit 703a analyzes the opening command received in step S2406 (step S2701), and acquires the determination result of the jackpot determination, that is, information indicating the winning type.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether or not the 16R probability variation big win is based on the information indicating the win type acquired in step S2501 (step S2702). If it is 16R probability variation big hit (step S2702: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a sets the win production pattern AEp1 in the RAM 733 (step S2703), and proceeds to the processing of step S2715.

  If it is not the 16R probability variation big hit (step S2702: No), the production control unit 703a determines whether or not it is the 4R probability variation big hit (step S2704). If it is the 4R probability variation big hit (step S2704: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a sets the win production pattern AEp2 in the RAM 733 (step S2705). Then, the effect supervising unit 703a sets the effect determination value 1001 corresponding to the winning effect pattern AEp2 in the RAM 733 (step S2706), and the process proceeds to step S2714.

  If it is not the 4R probability variation big hit (step S2704: No), the production control unit 703a determines whether or not it is the 4R sudden big hit (step S2707). If the 4R sudden hit is big (step S2707: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a sets the win production pattern AEp3 in the RAM 733 (step S2708). Then, the effect supervising unit 703a sets the effect determination value 1002 corresponding to the winning effect pattern AEp3 in the RAM 733 (step S2709), and the process proceeds to step S2714.

  If it is not the 4R sudden probability big hit (step S2707: No), the production control unit 703a determines whether it is the 4R latent big hit (step S2710). If it is the 4R latent big hit (step S2710: Yes), the production control unit 703a determines whether or not the gaming state when the big hit is the high probability gaming state (step S2711). For example, in step S2711, the production control unit 703a counts the number of symbol changes from the previous jackpot to the current jackpot (that is, the number of times the change start command is received), thereby playing the game when the current jackpot is reached. It is also possible to determine whether or not the state is a high probability gaming state. That is, in this case, if the number of times that the production control unit 703a receives the change start command from the previous jackpot to the current jackpot is less than 74 times, the gaming state at the time of the current jackpot is a high probability gaming state. Judge that there is. On the other hand, if the number of times that the change start command is received from the previous jackpot to the current jackpot is 74 times or more, the production control unit 703a determines that the gaming state at the time of the current jackpot is a low-probability gaming state. To do.

  The effect supervising unit 703a makes the determination in step S2711 as described above, so that regardless of the variation pattern received from the main control unit 701 (for example, the current jackpot is caused by the symbol variation corresponding to the variation pattern for the normal mode M1). It is possible to determine whether or not the gaming state at the time of the big hit this time is a high probability gaming state.

  In addition, for example, the production control unit 703a receives a mode notification command including information indicating the count value Y of the high probability counter corresponding to the period during which the gaming machine 100 is in the high probability gaming state. The effect supervising unit 703a sets the count value Y in the RAM 733 based on the received mode notification command, and thereafter performs a process of subtracting “1” from the count value Y every time a change start command is received. In step S2711, the production control unit 703a determines whether the count value Y thus counted is 1 or more. If the count value Y is 1 or more, the determination is affirmative in step S2711. If the count value Y is less than 1, a negative determination may be made in step S2711. In this case, even if the production supervision unit 703a is configured so that the period of the high probability gaming state after the jackpot game is different depending on the type of jackpot, for example, the gaming state when the current jackpot is high probability gaming state It is possible to determine whether or not.

  If it is determined in step S2711 that the game state is a high-probability gaming state (step S2711: YES), the effect supervising unit 703a proceeds to the process of step S2708. When it is determined that the game state is the low probability game state (step S2711: No), the effect supervising unit 703a sets the winning effect pattern AEp4 in the RAM 733 (step S2712). Then, the effect supervising unit 703a sets the effect determination value 1003 corresponding to the winning effect pattern AEp4 in the RAM 733 (step S2713), and the process proceeds to step S2714. If it is not the 4R latent big hit (step S2710: No), the production supervising unit 703a determines that it is a small hit and moves to the process of step S2712.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a performs mode expectation suggestion production pattern determination (step S2714). In step S2714, for example, the effect supervising unit 703a first acquires an effect determination random number. Next, the effect supervising unit 703a compares the acquired effect determination random number with the effect determination value set in any one of steps S2706, S2709, and S2713. Then, the effect supervising unit 703a specifies a mode expectation suggesting effect pattern having a determination value that matches the effect determination random number, and the specified mode expectation suggesting effect pattern is stored in the RAM 733 as a determination result of the mode expectation suggesting effect pattern determination. Set.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a sets a winning effect start command including information indicating the processing results of step S2703, step S2705, step S2708, step S2712, and step S2714 in the RAM 733 (step S2715), and performs the winning effect start process. finish. The winning effect start command set in step S2715 is transmitted to the image / audio control unit 703b and the like by the command transmission processing in step S2303 of FIG. Then, the image / sound control unit 703b, based on the received winning effect start command, the mode indicated by the winning effect indicated by the winning effect pattern or the mode expectation degree suggesting effect pattern as shown in FIGS. Control is performed so that an image corresponding to the expectation suggestion effect is displayed on the image display unit 104.

  For example, when the image / sound control unit 703b receives a winning effect start command indicating the winning effect pattern AEp3 and the mode expectation degree suggesting effect pattern MEp2 from the effect controlling unit 703a, as shown in FIG. First, an image corresponding to the mode expectation suggestion effect indicating the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp3 is displayed on the image display unit 104 (see time t33). Thereafter, the image / sound control unit 703b displays an image corresponding to the mode suggestion effect corresponding to the hit effect pattern AEp3 (see time t34), and receives an operation command from the effect control unit 703a when the image is displayed. When received, the effect result of the mode suggestion effect is displayed (see time t35). After that, when the image / sound control unit 703b receives the mode notification effect command indicating the effect content that notifies “probability change mode entry!” From the effect control unit 703a as described above, according to the command, “probability change mode entry! Is displayed (see time t36).

  Further, for example, when the image / sound control unit 703b receives a winning effect start command indicating the winning effect pattern AEp4 and the mode expectation suggesting effect pattern MEp3 from the effect supervising unit 703a, it is shown in FIG. Thus, first, an image corresponding to the mode expectation suggestion effect indicating the mode expectation suggestion effect pattern MEp4 is displayed on the image display unit 104 (see time t43). Thereafter, the image / sound control unit 703b displays an image corresponding to the mode suggestion effect corresponding to the hit effect pattern AEp4 (see time t44), and receives an operation command from the effect control unit 703a when the image is displayed. When received, the effect result of the mode suggestion effect is displayed (see time t45). After that, when the image / sound control unit 703b receives the mode notification effect command indicating the effect content indicating “Entering the latent mode!” From the effect control unit 703a as described above, the “entry of the latent mode! Is displayed (see time t46).

(Mode effect setting process)
FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the mode effect setting process. In the mode effect setting process, first, the effect control unit 703a analyzes the mode notification command received in step S2410 (step S2801), and acquires information indicating the mode flag and the mode flag count value set by the main control unit 701. To do.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether or not the probability variation mode M2 is set by the main control unit 701 based on the information acquired in step S2801 (step S2802). For example, the production control unit 703a makes an affirmative determination in step S2802 if the mode notification command indicates the probability variation mode flag ON, and makes a negative determination in step S2802 if it is other than this. If it is the probability variation mode (step S2802: YES), the production supervision unit 703a sets the probability variation mode performance flag to ON (step S2803), and sets the count value m1 of the probability variation mode performance counter to “70” ( Step S2804), the mode effect setting process ends.

  If it is not the probability variation mode (step S2802: No), the production supervision unit 703a determines that the latent mode M3 has been set by the main control unit 701, and sets the latent mode production flag to ON (step S2805). Subsequently, the production control unit 703a sets the count value m2 of the latent mode production counter to “10”, “20”, “30”, or “74” (step S2806), and ends the mode production setting process. To do.

  For example, if the count value Z2 of the true latent mode counter indicated by the mode notification command is “74”, the production supervision unit 703a sets “74” as the count value m2 in step S2806. On the other hand, if the count value Z3 of the false latent mode counter indicated by the mode notification command is “10”, the production control unit 703a sets “10” to the count value m2 in step S2806. If the count value Z3 of the false latent mode counter indicated by the mode notification command is “20”, the production supervision unit 703a sets “20” to the count value m2 in step S2806. Then, if the count value Z3 of the false latent mode counter indicated by the mode notification command is “30”, the production control unit 703a sets “30” to the count value m2 in step S2806. Thereby, the production control unit 703a can set the count value Z2 set by the main control unit 701 or the count value m2 that is the same value as the count value Z3.

  As described above, the gaming machine 100 can perform a plurality of types of jackpot games (for example, 4R sudden hit jackpot game and 4R latent hit jackpot game) based on the determination result of jackpot determination. Since multiple types of jackpot games have different benefits (for example, the gaming state after the jackpot game) given to the player after the jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 suggests the benefits granted to the player. A mode effect according to the type of the jackpot game is performed. In addition, the gaming machine 100 can perform a mode expectation suggestion effect and a mode suggestion effect during the jackpot game. For example, in this mode suggestion effect, the icons I1 to I3 and the cursor Cu are displayed on the image display unit 104 as shown in FIGS. 5-3 and 5-4. The cursor Cu is first displayed (for example, moving display) in a manner in which it is difficult for the player to specify which icon is pointed to (that is, the effect result of the mode suggestion effect). By displaying in this manner, the gaming machine 100 allows the player so that there is a possibility of another jackpot game even if this jackpot game is the jackpot game with the smallest profit given to the player. It can be shown and the player's expectation can be maintained. In addition, the gaming machine 100 then displays the effect result of the mode suggestion effect to the player by displaying the cursor Cu so as to point to the icon determined according to the type of the jackpot game this time, and thereby, The mode after the jackpot game (that is, the profit given after the current jackpot game) can be notified to the player. Further, the gaming machine 100 can increase the player's willingness to operate and prompt the player's operation by causing the cursor Cu to be stopped and displayed on condition that the player's operation is accepted in the mode suggestion effect. . In addition, if the gaming machine 100 performs the mode suggestion effect at the opening time when the special winning opening 109 is opened, the effect of the mode suggestion effect can be further enhanced. In other words, when the opening of the grand prize opening 109 is started, the player is enamored to win a game ball in the grand prize opening 109, and the attention to the performance being performed at that time may be reduced. . For this reason, the gaming machine 100 can concentrate the player on these effects by performing the mode expectation suggestion effect and the mode suggestion effect when the special winning opening 109 is not open. It is possible to enhance the production effect of the production.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 suggests the mode after the jackpot game by the mode suggestion effect when the jackpot 109 is opened in the jackpot game, and the mode notification effect at the ending time when the jackpot 109 is closed. The mode after the jackpot game can be suggested. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 can extend the period suggesting the mode compared to the case of suggesting the mode after the jackpot game this time by one of these effects, and suggesting the mode to the player more clearly. It becomes possible to do.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 continues or ends the latent mode M3 at the time of symbol variation at the timing at which the latent mode M3 may end (for example, the 10th, 20th, 30th, and 74th times since the beginning of the latent mode M3). It is possible to perform a continuous effect that suggests to the player. And when it becomes a big hit by the said symbol fluctuation | variation, the gaming machine 100 performs a continuous effect, and after that, the effect symbols Ez1 to Ez3 are stopped and displayed as a jackpot combination as they are without being in the reach mode. As a result, the gaming machine 100 stops and displays the jackpot combination without suggesting to the player in advance that there is a possibility of jackpot, giving the player a big surprise and entertaining the production. Can do.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 suggests to the player whether the mode is the latent mode M3 set by the 4R latent probability big hit or the hidden mode M3 set by the small hit from the length of the period of the latent mode M3. It is like that. When the gaming machine 100 is the latent mode M3 set by the 4R latent big hit, even if the small hit game is performed in the latent mode M3, the length of the latent mode M3 period (for example, the number of fluctuations) is set. Do not reset. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 is in a high-probability gaming state by preventing the period of the latent mode M3 set by the 4R latent probability big hit from being shortened by performing the small hit game. Can be prevented from being misled to the player.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the game by performing an effect that can give the player interest.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game machine 104 Image display part 105 1st starting opening 106 2nd starting opening 109 Grand prize opening

Claims (1)

Determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information based on establishment of a predetermined start condition;
Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game based on the determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition means;
A fluctuation pattern table setting means for setting any fluctuation pattern table from a plurality of fluctuation pattern tables including a normal fluctuation pattern table having a normal fluctuation pattern and a special fluctuation pattern table having a special fluctuation pattern;
A variation pattern determining unit capable of determining a variation pattern based on the determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition unit, the variation pattern table set by the variation pattern table setting unit, and the number of times the symbol is varied; ,
The symbol control means for causing the symbol to change based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determining means and then stopping at the determination result symbol indicating the determination result of the special game determination means;
A mode effect control means for performing a first mode effect when the symbol is varied by the normal variation pattern, and performing a second mode effect different from the first mode effect when the symbol is varied by the special variation pattern. When,
Production design control means for performing production design change and stop in accordance with the design change and stop by the design control means,
Production control means for performing a predetermined production at a predetermined timing;
With
The variation pattern table setting means includes:
The special variation pattern table is set with the establishment of a predetermined setting condition,
The variation pattern determining means includes
When the special variation pattern table is set, the first special variation pattern is determined in the symbol variation of the predetermined number of times and the first special variation pattern in the symbol variation other than the predetermined number of times. Decide on a different second special variation pattern,
The effect design control means,
In the case where the first mode effect is performed by the mode effect control means, and the special game determination means determines that the special game is to be performed, the effect design is changed, and then the effect design is changed. A first special effect to stop the game so as to indicate that the special game is performed after the specific mode suggesting that the special game may be performed,
When the second mode effect is performed by the mode effect control means, the special game determination means determines that the special game is to be performed, and the symbol is changed by the first special variation pattern Then, after changing the effect design, perform a second special effect to stop the special design to show that the special game is performed without the specific design,
When the second mode effect is performed by the mode effect control means, and when it is determined that the special game is determined by the special game determination means, and the symbol is changed by the second special variation pattern In the first special production,
The production control means includes
In the case where the power supply is not shut off from when the predetermined setting condition is satisfied until the symbol is changed the predetermined number of times, when the symbol is changed by the first special variation pattern, the first special While doing the production
In the case where the power supply is cut off after the predetermined setting condition is satisfied and before the symbol is changed the predetermined number of times, the first special effect is produced when the symbol is changed by the first special variation pattern. A gaming machine characterized by performing a second special performance different from the above.

Images