JP2017051570A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of easily attracting players by demo presentations and achieving improvement of business operation.SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with a plurality of presentation modes of demo presentations, the game machine including: demo presentation mode determination means for determining demo presentation modes from among a plurality of demo presentation modes; identification information display means for causing identification information to be variably displayed; and variable display frequency counting means for counting the variable display frequency of identification information. When a prescribed performance condition is established, a demo presentation to be performed is caused to become different on the basis of a specific condition related to the variable display frequency. The specific condition is a condition based on a counted frequency which is counted by the variable display frequency counting means, and the demo presentation mode determination means may determine, if the counted frequency is less than a prescribed frequency, a demo presentation mode indicating that a player is not taking a game break, but if the counted frequency is equal to or more than the prescribed frequency, may determine the demo presentation mode indicating that the player is taking a game break.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 43

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and can be applied to a gaming machine such as a so-called seven machine, feathers, right goods, or an arrangement ball.

  A ball-type game machine (pachinko machine) usually has a starting port, and whether or not to execute a specific game (such as a big hit game) based on the game ball entering the starting port. Make a pass / fail decision. When such a determination is made, the variable display using the identification information (special symbol, production symbol) is started, and when the variable display execution time (variable display time) has elapsed, the identification information is stopped and stopped. The result of the determination of success / failure is notified by the content of the display. For example, when the determination is made, a gaming machine is used in which a special symbol is displayed in a special symbol display means, and a production symbol is displayed in a production symbol display means. When the execution time of elapses, the result of the determination of success / failure is displayed by the special symbol display means and the effect symbol display means.

  However, in this type of gaming machine, when a state in which the variation display of the identification information (special symbol, effect symbol) is not performed continues, it is common to perform a predetermined demonstration effect by the effect symbol display means (Patent Document 1). See).

JP-A-7-328198

  However, in this conventional example, the appearance mode (appearance content, appearance timing) of the demonstration effect is uniform, and it is difficult to attract the player by this demonstration effect.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can easily attract a player through demonstration production and can improve operation. That is.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine capable of performing a demonstration when not being played,
As a demonstration aspect of the demonstration effect, it has a plurality of demonstration effect aspects,
A demonstration production mode determining means for determining a demonstration production mode from the plurality of demonstration production modes;
Identification information display means for variably displaying the identification information based on the game ball entering the start opening,
And a variable display frequency counting means for counting the variable display frequency of the identification information,
When the predetermined execution condition is satisfied, the demonstration effect to be executed is varied based on a specific condition related to the number of times of change display.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the situation (game execution status) of how much the gaming machine is operated (how much the game is being executed) is determined by the demonstration effect (demonstration effect mode). Can do. Therefore, since it is easy to attract a player when a demonstration effect appears, the operation of the gaming machine can be improved.

  Here, “when not playing” can be exemplified as follows. That is, (1) when the gaming machine displays the identification information variably based on the game ball entering the starting port, “when the identification information is not variably displayed”, (2) When the gaming machine displays the identification information in a variable manner based on the game ball entering the starting port, “when the predetermined time has elapsed without the identification information being changed” (3) Examples include when the player is not touching the firing handle, (4) when the player has not touched the firing handle, and a predetermined time has elapsed.

Furthermore, in the present invention,
The specific condition is a condition based on the number of times counted by the variable display number counting means,
The demonstration performance mode determining means determines a demonstration performance mode indicating that the game is not resting when the number of counts is less than a predetermined number, and is resting the game when the number of counts is a predetermined number or more. It is good also as deciding the demonstration production mode which shows.

  In this case, if the gaming machine is fully operational, a demonstration effect is performed to indicate that the game is resting, but if it is not fully operational, it indicates that the game is not resting. Perform demonstration production. Therefore, when the gaming machine is not sufficiently operated, the start of the game can be urged depending on the contents of the demonstration effect, so that the operation contribution of the gaming machine can be achieved by the demonstration effect.

In the present invention,
As the plurality of demonstration effects,
A demonstration effect mode of a normal mode and a demonstration mode of a special mode with a lower appearance rate than the demonstration mode of the normal mode,
The specific condition is a condition based on a count value counted by the variable display number counting means,
If the count value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the demonstration effect of the demonstration effect mode of the normal mode is executed,
If the counted value is less than a predetermined value, the demonstration effect of the demonstration effect mode of the special mode may be executed.

  In this case, the start situation of the gaming machine (variation display execution situation) can be suggested by the contents of the demonstration effect to be executed. That is, also in this case, when the gaming machine is not sufficiently operated, the start of the game can be urged depending on the contents of the demonstration effect, and thus the operation contribution of the gaming machine can be achieved by the demonstration effect.

  Here, the demonstration effect of the demonstration effect mode of the special mode (hereinafter referred to as the former demonstration performance) is likely to attract more attention than the demonstration performance of the demonstration effect mode of the normal mode (hereinafter referred to as the latter demonstration effect). Demonstration effects can be illustrated. For example, “when the former demonstration production has a character with a lower appearance rate than the latter demonstration production”, “when the former demonstration production has more characters appearing than the latter demonstration production. ”,“ When the former demonstration performance is larger than the latter demonstration performance ”,“ In the former demonstration performance, colors and patterns that do not appear in the latter demonstration performance appear. “When to do”, “When the former demonstration production uses more colors / patterns than the latter demonstration production”, and the like.

  In this specification, “front” and “front” indicate “front with respect to the gaming machine (that is, a direction closer to the player)”, and “rear” and “back” indicate the gaming machine. The reference rear (that is, the direction away from the player) "is shown.

  Further, “left” indicates “left” as viewed from the player, and “right” indicates “right as viewed from the player”. Further, in “a member that can be opened and closed like a door (hereinafter referred to as a“ door type member ”)” such as a main body frame, a front frame, an upper plate member, a lower plate member, etc., “left”, “right” “Front”, “Rear” and the like are based on the case where these door-type members are in use, that is, in the closed state.

  Further, in this specification, a game ball entering (accepting) a variety of winning holes provided on the game board surface may be referred to as “winning” or “entering”.

  Among these, “winning” means that a game ball enters a ball entrance (winning port) which is a premise for granting a privilege (for example, a prize ball), and a game ball enters the ball entrance. It is substantially synonymous with “entrance ball” in that it indicates (accepted).

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is easy to attract the player by the demonstration effect, thereby improving the operation.

It is a perspective view which shows a gaming machine. It is a front view which shows a game board. (A) is a front view schematically showing a display screen of an effect display device, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a variation display mode executed in a special symbol display unit, and (c) is an information display device. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an electronic control apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used by special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st success / failure determination), the data table used by special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd success / failure determination), and the like. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing which shows a symbol fluctuation effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example (normal fluctuation state) of a demonstration effect. It is a time figure which shows the specific example (normal fluctuation state) of demonstration effect. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example (probability change state) of demonstration effect. It is a time figure which shows the specific example (probability change state) of demonstration production. It is explanatory drawing which shows the specific example (latent probability change state) of demonstration effect. It is a time figure which shows the specific example (latent probability change state) of demonstration production. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows a power-on process. It is a flowchart which shows a demonstration display process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit game process. It is a flow figure showing processing at the time of big hit game end. It is a flowchart which shows production control processing. (A) is a flowchart which shows a demonstration production start process, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating demonstration production time. (A) is a flowchart showing a demonstration effect end process, (b) is a flow showing a standby screen display end process. It is a flowchart which shows a design change effect process. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 1. FIG. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 2. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a third modification. 6 is a time chart showing a specific example (normal fluctuation state) of Example 2. FIG. 10 is a time chart showing a specific example (probability variation state) of Example 2. FIG. (A) is a flowchart which shows the demonstration effect start process of Example 2, (b) is a flowchart which shows the demonstration effect start process of the modification 4. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the production mode setting process of the modification 4. It is a front view which shows the game board of the modification 5. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the game property of the gaming machine which concerns on the modification 5. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the demonstration effect of the modification 5. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the demonstration effect of the modification 6. FIG. FIG. 6 is a time chart showing a specific example (normal fluctuation state) of Example 3. FIG. 10 is a time chart showing a specific example (probability variation state) of Example 3. (A) is a flowchart which shows the demonstration effect start process of Example 3, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the start time of a demonstration effect. (A) And (b) is a time figure which shows the specific example of Example 4. FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows the changed part of the power-on process in Example 4, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the changed part of the symbol fluctuation start process in Example 4. FIG. (A) is a flowchart which shows the demonstration effect start process of Example 4, (b) is explanatory drawing of the modification 7. FIG. (A) is a flowchart which shows a big hit number acquisition process, (b) is a flowchart which shows the demonstration effect start process of the modification 8. FIG. (A) is a flowchart which shows the frequency | count setting process of a fluctuation | variation, (b) is a flowchart which shows the demonstration effect start process of the modification 9. FIG. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the aspect of the demonstration production of the modification 9. As shown in FIG.

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

(1) Mechanical structure a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H that is rotatably attached to the outer frame 2 using hinges H1 and H2. The gaming machine main body H includes a main body frame 3, a front frame 4, a dish member 5A integrated with the front frame 4, a game board 10 (see FIG. 2), a back mechanism board 102, and the like. It is said.

  The main body frame 3 is configured by a frame-like body capable of holding the game board 10, is fitted into the outer frame 2, and is pivotally supported with respect to the outer frame 2 so as to be opened and closed. And when this main body frame 3 hold | maintains the game board 10 (refer FIG. 2), the game area | region 11 provided in the surface of the game board 10 can be visually recognized from the front of the main body frame 3. FIG.

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 4 includes a viewing window 41a in which a glass plate 43 is inserted, and when the front frame 4 is closed, the game area 11 located behind the front frame 4 is visible from the front of the front frame 4 through the viewing window 41a. It is said. The “dish member 5A in which the upper plate member 5 and the lower plate member 6 are integrated” is integrated with the front frame 4 so that the main frame 3 can be opened and closed integrally with the front frame 4.

  In this gaming machine 1, speakers SP1 to SP4 are built in on the left and right sides of the upper side and the lower side of the front part, and sound effects and other sounds (voices) according to the gaming state are produced using these speakers SP1 to SP4. generate. In addition, on the front surface portion of the front frame 4, a portion that constitutes the arrangement position of the upper plate member 5 is provided with a receiving port 5 b for receiving a game ball discharged from the gaming machine 1. Further, an effect button substrate 228 (see FIG. 4) is provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and an “effect button SW” is disposed on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5 in an operable state. Then, when the player presses the effect button SW at a predetermined timing, an input to the effect button SW is made.

  A lower plate member 6 is provided below the upper plate member 5, and a receiving port 6 a for receiving a game ball discharged from the upper plate member 5 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate member 6. A firing handle 9 is provided on the right end side of the lower plate member 6. A launching device unit 90 (see FIG. 2) to which a launching handle 9 is connected is disposed on the rear side of the front surface of the main body frame 3 and on the left end side below the game board 10. ing. The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch (touch sensor) 9a for detecting that the player is touching, and in the vicinity thereof, the launch stop for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball is stopped. A switch 9b is attached.

b. Next, the configuration of the game board 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 10 includes a game board main body 10A having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and an outer rail 12 and an inner rail 13 are disposed on the front surface of the game board main body 10A. Further, the game area 11 is constituted by a portion of the front surface portion of the game board main body 10A that is substantially surrounded by a substantially circular or substantially elliptical peripheral wall formed by the outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13. Note that the alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG.

  A central device 20, a first starting port 17a, a second starting port 17b, a big winning port 31a (a big winning device), and a general device are located in the front portion of the game board main body 10A and in the game area 11. Winning ports 45, 46, 47, a normal symbol operating gate 16, a windmill 19 and the like are provided. In addition, a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area 11 so as to be suitable for pachinko games in consideration of the position balance with each board component, and an out port 18 is provided at the bottom of the game area 11. It has been.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inner rail 13 is arranged in a substantially U shape, and the left end portion is disposed at the upper left portion of the game board 10, and “the upper left portion of the outer rail 12” located on the left side thereof. A “gap through which a game ball can pass” is provided between them to form a ball entrance 11S. Then, the game ball (see symbol Y) launched from the launcher unit 90 rises while rolling on the inner side of the outer rail 12, and is released to the game area 11 through the ball entrance 11S.

  The central device 20 includes an effect display device 27 and a frame member 21 surrounding the outer edge thereof. The central device 20 is provided with a display window 21e (a substantially rectangular display window 21e in front view) for enabling the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 to be viewed from the front of the gaming machine 1. In addition, the display device 27 is controlled by the sub-control board 220 and is configured by using a liquid crystal display device. The display device 27 executes a design variation effect according to the special symbol variation display and stop display on the information display device 60. To do. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is substantially the entire display area, and the background (background pattern) or background color (white, blue, The background color of the screen such as red) can be displayed. And the effect design display area 27b which displays the effect design of 3 (three digits) in the state superimposed on the front of this background design or background color is provided on the display screen 27a.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, a first reserved display area 27M and a second reserved display area 27N are provided on the edge side of the display screen 27a. Among these, in the first hold display area 27M, the number of pieces of acquired information (hereinafter referred to as “first hold number”) relating to the “first special symbol” generated based on the entry into the first starting port 17a is “ “4” is displayed as the upper limit number, and in the second hold display area 27N, the number of pieces of acquired information related to the “second special symbol” generated based on the ball entering the second start port 17b (hereinafter referred to as “second hold number”). ")" Is displayed with the upper limit number being "4". Here, in the following description, a game ball entering the first start port 17a is referred to as a “first start prize”, and a game ball entering the second start port 17b is referred to as a “second start prize”. May be called. Moreover, the undigested acquisition information (random number, information on fluctuation) regarding the special symbol (the first special symbol, the second special symbol) is entered into the start opening (17a, 17b). This is information in which the determination (first determination or second determination, which will be described later) and the special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) are not displayed. And all the hold display areas 27M and 27N were acquired based on the entrance to the start openings 17a and 17b, but the number of undigested acquisition information (random numbers, information on fluctuations) is “display number of hold symbols”. Each time the undigested acquired information is digested, the “number of displayed symbols displayed” is sequentially decremented and displayed. In the following, “effective start prize” refers to a start prize that occurs when the corresponding number of holds (first hold number or second hold number) is not the upper limit number.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which two pieces of identification information (special symbols) are provided is illustrated, but the number of pieces of identification information (special symbols) may be one or three or more. Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the first hold display area 27M and the second hold display area 27N are provided near the lower edge of the display screen 27a is illustrated, but various places for providing the hold display areas 27M and 27N can be selected. For example, a mode in which one of the both holding display areas 27M and 27N is provided near the right edge of the display screen 27a and the other is provided near the left edge can be exemplified.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the first start port 17 a is provided below the central device 20 and at a substantially central portion along the left-right direction of the game area 11, and can receive a game ball reaching from above. Has been. The first start port 17a is a non-variable start port, and has an opening portion whose size remains unchanged. In addition, the size of the opening of the first start port 17a is set to allow passage of one game ball, and the size is not enlarged or reduced. Then, the game ball that has entered the first start port 17a flows into a first start port passage of a passage member (not shown) mounted on the rear surface of the game board main body 10A, and is arranged in the first start port passage. This is detected by the first start-entry ball detection switch 17s (see FIG. 4). Here, in the following description, a part of the gaming area 11 that is located on the left side of the central device 20 (left area of the gaming area 11) is the left area 11L, and a part that is located on the right side (right area of the gaming area 11) is right. The region 11R may be referred to as each. And since the 1st starting port 17a is provided in the substantially center part along the left-right direction of the center apparatus 20, the game ball which flows down any of the left area | region 11L and the right area | region 11R can be entered. Yes.

  The second starting port 17b is a variable entry port provided as the ordinary electric accessory 17d, and is disposed vertically below the first starting port 17a. The second starting port 17b is a so-called tulip type formed so that a pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e are opened and closed on the left and right sides. 4). In addition, a second start opening entrance detection switch 17t for detecting a game ball that has entered the second start opening 17b is disposed inside the second start opening 17b (see FIG. 4).

  If the normal electric accessory solenoid 17c is not energized, the pair of movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are set up in a standing state (see the solid line in FIG. 2), and one ball is placed between the pair of movable wing pieces 17e and 17e. A game ball receiving opening (space portion) having a size that allows the game ball to pass therethrough is provided, and the closed state (first mode) in which the possibility of entering the game ball into the second start port 17b is low. However, since the first start port 17a is arranged vertically above the game ball receiving port (space part), it is impossible for the game ball to enter the second start port 17b in the closed state. Yes. On the other hand, when the normal electric accessory solenoid 17c is energized, the pair of movable blade pieces 17e and 17e tilt so that the distance between the upper end portions is enlarged with the lower end portion as a fulcrum (see the broken line in FIG. 2). See), and an open state (second mode) in which the possibility of entering a game ball is increased. In this case, the space between the upper end portions of the movable wing pieces 17e, 17e is enlarged, and the game balls that have passed through the left and right sides of the first starting port 17a can enter the second starting port 17b.

  Here, when the gaming machine 1 has an opening extension function and the gaming state is an opening extension state (shortening variation state) in which the opening extension function operates, the second start port 17b is in an opening state (second mode). Becomes longer (for example, “5 seconds”). On the other hand, in the non-open extension state (normal fluctuation state) in which the open extension function does not operate, the time for the second start port 17b to be in the open state (second mode) is shortened (for example, “0.2 Seconds "). In addition, when the open extension function is activated to enter the open extended state, the frequency of entering the game ball into the second start port 17b becomes higher than in the non-open extended state. Unlike the present embodiment, the first start port 17a and the second start port 17b are provided apart from each other, so that the second start port 17b is also in the closed state (first mode). A game ball may be allowed to enter the start port 17b.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1, a determination as to whether or not “first special symbol” is made (hereinafter, also referred to as a first determination as to whether or not the game has been performed) is made based on the entry of the game ball into the first start port 17a. 2. A determination as to whether or not the “second special symbol” is present (hereinafter, also referred to as a “second determination”) is made based on the game ball entering the start port 17b. That is, the acquisition information is acquired based on the fact that the game ball that has entered the first start port 17a is detected by the first start port input detection switch 17s, and whether or not the “first special symbol” is determined (first determination / non-acquisition) Determination) is performed. In addition, acquisition information is acquired based on the fact that a game ball that has entered the second start port 17b is detected by the second start port input detection switch 17t, and whether or not the “second special symbol” is determined (second determination) Determination) is performed.

  The large winning opening 31a (large winning device) is a variable ball opening provided as a special electric accessory, and is provided in the game area 11 at a position diagonally above and to the right of the first start opening 17a. Further, since the big winning opening 31a is provided in the right area 11R, when playing a game using the big winning opening 31a, that is, a big hit game, the player launches a game ball toward the right area 11R ( So-called “right-handed”).

  The special winning opening 31a drives an opening 31k that is open so as to be able to receive a game ball flowing down the game area 11, an opening / closing member 31b for opening / closing the opening 31k, and the opening / closing member 31b. A prize winning solenoid 31c (see FIG. 4) and a prize winning entrance detection switch 31s (see FIG. 4) for detecting the entry of a game ball into the prize winning opening 31a. The opening / closing plate 31b is configured to be tiltable forward by pivotally supporting the lower edge portion thereof. The opening 31k (big winning opening 31a) is normally closed by a standing opening / closing member 31b and does not accept a game ball (closed state). The special winning opening solenoid 31c (see FIG. 4) is driven based on a predetermined pattern and tilted forward to make it easy to accept a game ball (open state).

  In the game area 11, general winning ports 45, 46, 47 are provided on the left side of the first start port 17 a. Then, the game balls that have entered any of the general winning ports 45, 46, 47 flow into a general winning port passage member (not shown) mounted on the rear surface of the game board 10, and are provided in the passage member. It is detected by the general incoming ball detection switch 45s (see FIG. 4). A normal symbol operating gate 16 is provided on the left side of the central device 20. The normal symbol operating gate 16 is arranged so as to protrude from the front portion of the game board 10, and includes a gate switch 16s (see FIG. 4), and can detect a game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 16 from above to below. It is.

  The information display device 60 is display-controlled by the main control board 200, and is the surface portion of the game board 10 and the lower left of the outer edge portion 10B corresponding to the outside of the game area 11 (the outer surface edge of the game board 10). It arrange | positions at the site | part (lower left outer edge part). Since the lower left portion of the outer edge portion 10B is a portion that can be viewed from the front through the lower left side of the viewing window 41a, the information display device 60 can be viewed through the glass plate 43 from the front of the front frame 4 ( (See FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 3C, the information display device 60 includes a substrate 60A. A first special symbol display unit 62a, a second special symbol display unit 62b, and a normal symbol display unit are provided on the substrate 60A. 63, the 1st special symbol reservation display part 64a, the 2nd special symbol reservation display part 64b, the normal symbol reservation display part 65, etc. are provided. Here, the 1st special symbol display part 62a and the 2nd special symbol display part 62b comprise the specific example of a "variation display means."

  The first special symbol display part 62a and the second special symbol display part 62b are both configured using a “7-segment display”. Among these, the first special symbol display unit 62a performs variable display of the first special symbol (first identification information) based on the “first start winning”, and when the execution time of the variable display has elapsed, the first special symbol is displayed. The result of the determination of whether or not (first determination of correctness) is displayed for a certain time (for example, 0.6 seconds). In addition, the second special symbol display unit 62b performs variable display of the second special symbol (second identification information) based on the “second start winning”, and if the execution time of the variable display has elapsed, whether or not the second special symbol is determined The result of the determination (second determination of success / failure) is displayed for a certain time (for example, 0.6 seconds). When the result of the determination on the special symbol is “out”, the off symbol is displayed on the special symbol display section (62a or 62b), and the result of the determination on the special symbol is “big hit”. Shows the jackpot symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, the normal symbol display unit 63 is also composed of a “7-segment display”, and when the symbol variation start condition is established based on the game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 16, the normal symbol is displayed. Start displaying fluctuations. In this normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display section 63 displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” in this order, and then again displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9”. It consists of “circular display” that repeats the display in order. Then, when the execution time of the normal symbol fluctuation display has elapsed, the result of the normal symbol fluctuation display (result of the determination on whether or not the normal symbol is true) is displayed for a certain time (for example, 0.2 seconds or 5 seconds). At this time, when the stopped normal symbol is an "odd number", the symbol corresponds to a normal symbol hit symbol, and when the stopped symbol is an "even digit", the symbol is an off-normal symbol symbol. Applicable.

  Each of the first special symbol hold display unit 64a, the second special symbol hold display unit 64b, and the normal symbol hold display unit 65 includes two LEDs, and corresponding symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol, normal symbol). ) Is displayed according to the number of LED lighting and the driving mode. For example, if the LED in the off state displays “0 (zero)”, the LED in the on state displays “1”, and the LED in the blinking state displays “2”, two LEDs are displayed. It can be used to display integers from “0” to “4”.

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

  The control boards (200, 220, 222, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 222A, 240A, 260A) are executed by a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and the CPU. ROM in which various programs and data are stored, RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, a peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, and the CPU performs calculations Various peripheral LSIs such as an oscillator that outputs a clock of the above and a watchdog timer that monitors the runaway of the CPU are connected to each other via a bus. In addition, the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4 represents the direction which inputs / outputs data or a signal. In addition, a CPU 201, a RAM 202, and a ROM 203 are mounted on the main control board 200.

  The main controller 200A is configured to play a game from the gate switch 16s, the first start entrance detection switch 17s, the second start entrance detection switch 17t, the general entrance entrance detection switch 45s, the big entrance entrance detection switch 31s, and the like. After receiving the ball detection signal and determining the basic progress of the game and whether or not it is related to the prize ball, various signals described later are sent to the sub-control unit 220A, the payout control unit 240A, the launch control unit 260A, etc. (Command) is output.

  The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) directly controls these operations by outputting various drive signals to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c, the special prize opening solenoid 31c, the information display device 60, and the like. ing. Further, predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240, respectively.

  A discharge control board 260 constituting a launch control section 260A is connected to the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control section 240A, and the launch motor 8m is connected to the launch control board 260 via a launch drive board (not shown). The touch switch 9a and the firing stop switch 9b are connected. The touch switch 9 a outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal) to the firing control unit 260 </ b> A when the player is in contact with the launch handle 9, and touches when the player is not in contact with the launch handle 8. A non-detection signal (off signal) is output to launch control unit 260A. The firing stop switch 8b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal) to the launch control unit 260A when the player is not operating (not pressed), and the player is operating (pressed). The firing stop signal (off signal) is output to launch control unit 260A.

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

  When the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) receives various signals (commands) from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), it analyzes the contents of the signals (commands) and plays games according to the results. The production of. That is, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) controls the game effects based on the control signal from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). An effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), an amplifier board 224, a decoration driving board 226, and an effect button board 228 are electrically connected to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220). ing. The effect display device 27 is electrically connected to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222). The sub control board 220 includes a CPU 220a, a RAM 220b, and a ROM 220c.

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

  Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) will be described. As described above, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) is connected to the effect display control board 222 and various boards such as the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. Further, as described above, when the sub control unit 220A receives various effect commands (display control commands, etc.) from the main control unit 200A, the sub control unit 220A interprets the content of the command, and (a) the effect display device 27 Specific display contents, (b) sound effects output from the speakers SP1 to SP4, and (c) specific lighting and blinking of various LEDs mounted on the various LED boards 4b to 4h and the like. Specific aspects are determined.

  Next, a drive signal (various symbol control commands) of the effect display device 27 is output to the effect display control unit 222A, and effect symbol variation display and stop display, background symbol, character symbol display, and the like are performed. At this time, with respect to display data (still image data, moving image data, etc.) of various symbols for effects to be displayed (effect symbols, background symbols, character symbols, live-action images, etc.), effect display device 27 or effect display Data stored in a display ROM (not shown) built in the control board 222 is used.

  Sound effects are output from the speakers SP <b> 1 to SP <b> 4 by outputting audio signals to the amplifier substrate 224 in accordance with the change display and stop display of the effect symbols. In addition, by supplying a signal to the decoration drive board 226 and outputting drive signals of various LED lamps from the decoration drive board 226, the lighting / flashing operation of each LED lamp is controlled. Further, when the player operates the effect button SW (when an instruction is input), this operation signal (instruction input signal) is supplied to the sub-control unit 220A. Then, based on the supplied operation signal, the sub-control unit 220A reflects the operation result on various effect contents including the effect display device 27, or resets the execution mode of the changing notice effect. It is configured to be possible.

  In the gaming machine 1, a “real time clock (RTC) 229” is connected to the sub control board 220. Here, the real-time clock (RTC) 229 constitutes a specific example of “time measuring means”, and operates with the supplied power while the power is being supplied to the gaming machine 1 and is backed up when there is no power. Operates by power backup. Then, it is possible to output information regarding the continued date and time. A “battery” may be used as a driving power source for the real-time clock (RTC) 220d. Further, a “real time clock (RTC) 229” may be mounted on the sub-control board 220.

(3) Outline of the game by the gaming machine 1 As described above, in the gaming machine 1, the stop display of the symbol indicating the result of the determination of success / failure performed based on the start prize (the first start prize or the second start prize) The information display device 60 and the effect display device 27 execute the variable display performed in the previous stage of the stop display. Here, the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a of the information display device 60 and the second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b of the information display device 60 are "this symbol". The main control unit 200A determines “symbol to be stopped (stop symbol)” and “variation time (variation pattern)”.

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

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

a. Symbol Variation Game The symbol variation game (variation display) related to the first special symbol and the symbol variation game (variation display) related to the second special symbol, as shown in FIG. The content is to perform “circular display” of an incomplete symbol (hereinafter referred to as an incomplete symbol) in which an arithmetical number cannot be constituted by a 7-segment display body constituting 62a or 62b). Specifically, the content is to “circulate and display” imperfect symbols that are less familiar to the player than arithmetic numbers and are difficult to identify and store. Here, the first special symbol and the second special symbol constitute a specific example of the identification information.

  Then, the result of the determination on whether or not the special symbol is executed based on the “first start prize” is displayed according to the stop display mode in the variable display related to the first special symbol, and the result relating to the second special symbol is displayed. The result of the determination on whether or not the special symbol is executed based on the “second start winning” is displayed by the stop display mode in the variable display.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the probability state of the gaming machine 1 is a normal probability state (low probability state), a determination result indicating a big hit is derived in both the first winning determination and the second winning determination. The probability is about “1/400”. When the probability state of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability state, a determination result indicating a big hit is derived in both the first and second determinations. The probability is about “1/40”. Then, when the determination result indicating the big hit is stopped and displayed on any of the special symbol display parts 62a and 62b, a “hit” is generated, and the big hit game execution means (that is, the specific game execution means) is driven to play the big hit game. Executed. Here, the “big hit game” constitutes a specific example of the “specific game”.

  In this embodiment, when the determination result is a big hit, the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 62a (62a or 62b) is determined using a random number lottery. Specifically, when the result of the first winning / failing determination is a big hit, the big hit symbol indicating that the 16R probability variation big hit is generated (hereinafter referred to as a probable variation symbol A) by random lottery (distribution lottery), “ The jackpot symbol indicating the occurrence of 2R probability variation jackpot (hereinafter referred to as probability variation symbol B) or the jackpot symbol indicating occurrence of 12R normal jackpot (hereinafter referred to as normal symbol A). Further, when the result of the second winning / failing determination is a big hit, the big hit symbol is determined to be “probable variation symbol A” or “normal symbol A” by random lottery. Of the “seven-segment display body” constituting the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b, the light emitted from three segments indicates “probability variation big hit” and “probability variation big hit”. Type (16R probability variation big hit, 2R probability variation big hit) is specified by the combination of segments that emit light. Further, the light emitted from the two segments indicates “normal big hit”, and the type of “normal big hit” is specified by the combination mode of the segments to emit light. However, in this embodiment, there is one kind of “ordinary big hit”. In this specification, in order to simplify the description, the jackpot symbol is expressed using “alphabet” such as “probability variation A”, “probability variation B”, and “normal A”.

  When the big hit game is started, the main control unit 200A drives and stops the big prize opening solenoid 31c, so that the “opening / closing operation for opening and closing the big prize opening 31a” is executed. In each round game during the big hit game, an open / close operation is performed to change the big prize opening 31a to an open state (a state in which a player can enter the ball) only once. When a specified number of game balls (10) enter the big winning opening 31a or when the opening time of the big winning opening 31a reaches the opening limit time (30 seconds or 0.2 seconds), the round The end condition is satisfied, and the running round game (big hit round) is ended. When the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 31a is repeated a plurality of times with a predetermined interval in between, the big hit game ends.

  When a “16R probability variable big hit” occurs, a big hit game A with “16 rounds” of execution of “round game” is executed, and when “12R normal big hit” occurs, a big hit of “12 rounds” with “round game” executed Game B is executed. Further, when a “2R probability variable big hit” is generated, a big hit game C is executed in which the number of executions of the “round game” is “two times”. Then, when the jackpot game A is executed, 2400 balls will be paid out because the “round game” is executed “16 times” with the opening time of the big winning opening 31a being “30 seconds”. Is done. In addition, when the jackpot game B is executed, 1800 balls will be paid out because the “round game” is executed “12 times” with the opening time of the big winning opening 31a being “30 seconds”. Is done. Furthermore, in the big hit game C, the opening time of the big winning opening 31a is set to “0.2 seconds”, but a game ball may be inserted into the big winning opening 31a during “0.2 seconds”. Since it is difficult, the expected amount of prize ball payout is set to “0 ball”.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when “16R probability variation big hit” or “2R probability variation big hit” occurs, the probability variation means ( Will be described later), and a state (high probability state) in which the probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit (hit probability) will be a high probability. That is, the probability setting means sets the probability that the determination result of the determination of success / failure is a big hit with a high probability. This high probability state is continued until the cumulative number of success / failure determinations (special symbol variation game) executed without generating a big hit after the end of the big hit game becomes “100”. As described above, in this gaming machine 1, after the jackpot game is finished, the high probability state is not guaranteed until the next jackpot is generated, and the number of times of success / failure determination performed without obtaining the jackpot (hereinafter, probability fluctuation) The number of times of determination of success / failure that can be executed while operating the means is referred to as “ST number”) (when the number of times of the ST period is reached), the number of times that the determination probability of success / failure determination is returned to a low probability. Probability change machine (ST machine). That is, when the number of times of the ST period has been reached, the probability setting means sets the probability that the determination result of the success / failure determination is a big hit to a predetermined probability (low probability).

  Further, in the gaming machine 1, when the 16R probability variable big hit is generated, the opening extension means (described later) is operated after the corresponding big hit game (big hit game A) is ended, and the opening time of the second start port 17b is extended. It becomes a state (open extended state, that is, electric support state). This open extended state is continued until the cumulative number of success / failure determinations (special symbol variation game) executed without causing a big hit after the end of the big hit game reaches “100”. However, when a 2R probability variation big hit is generated, the release extension means does not operate after the corresponding big hit game (big hit game C), and a so-called “latent probability change state” is entered. In other words, the probability varying means operates but the open extension means and the fluctuation shortening means (until the cumulative number of success / failure determination (special symbol variation game) executed without causing a big hit after the end of the big hit game becomes “100”. Will not work).

  When the “12R normal big hit” occurs, the probability changing means does not start operation after the corresponding big hit game is ended, so that the probability state of the gaming machine 1 is set to the normal probability state (low probability state). Further, after the big hit game is over, the opening extension means is activated, and the opening time of the second start port 17b is extended (open extension state). This open extended state is continued until the cumulative number of special symbol variable games executed without causing a big hit after the end of the big hit game reaches “100”.

b. Symbol variation effect The symbol variation effect is also started based on the first start prize or the second start prize. The execution time (variation time) of the symbol variation effect is also specified by the variation pattern determined at the start of the symbol variation game (design variation effect). In this symbol variation effect, as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the effect symbol display region 27b appears at a predetermined part of the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, and the variation display of the effect symbol is started. . Then, when the execution time (variation time) of the change display of the effect symbol elapses, the stop display of the effect symbol is executed for a certain time (about 0.6 seconds). This stop display of the effect symbol displays the result of the determination of success / failure, similarly to the stop display by the lower display device 60 (the special symbol display unit (62a or 62b)).

  As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, the effect symbol change display and stop are performed while three effect symbols (three digits) are displayed in the effect symbol display area 27b. Display is made. This variation display of the effect symbols is a “circular display (scroll variation display)” in which nine effect symbols with numbers 1 to 9 are repeatedly moved from the top to the bottom according to the ascending order of the numbers. Consists of. At that time, in order to excite the fluctuation display, “background design” and “character design” are displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, sound effects are uttered from the speakers SP1 to SP4, and illumination is performed. As a result, a design variation effect is realized.

  In addition, the stop symbols of the production symbols include “a symbol indicating a big hit (big hit symbol)” and “a symbol indicating a loss (loss symbol)”. Among them, the symbol indicating the occurrence of “16R probable big hit” is composed of a combination in which all three production symbols display the same odd number (a combination of production symbols specifying the same odd number), and “12R normal big hit” The symbol indicating the occurrence is configured by a combination in which all three effect symbols display the same even number (a combination of effect symbols specifying the same even number). Furthermore, the “symbol indicating occurrence of 2R probability variation big hit” is configured by arranging “different odd numbers” in ascending order from left to right, and “symbol indicating occurrence of divergence” is different from at least one of the three effect symbols. Among the stop symbols configured by displaying numbers, “symbols indicating occurrence of 2R probability variation big hit” are excluded.

  As shown in FIG. 6C, when the “big hit symbol” is displayed on the effect display device 27, reach display is performed in the middle of the fluctuation display that is the premise (hereinafter referred to as “hit fluctuation”). In addition, when the “display symbol” is displayed on the effect display device 27, as shown in FIG. 6B, when reach display is performed in the middle of the variable display that is the premise, and as shown in FIG. 6A. In addition, there is a case where reach display is not performed in the middle of the fluctuation display that is the premise (hereinafter referred to as simple deviation fluctuation). Here, the reach display of the present embodiment is an effect in which two effect symbols of the effect symbols displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 are stopped at the same symbol and the other one effect symbol is changing. It is a display. Also, a symbol variation effect (hereinafter referred to as “reach out variation”) that indicates that the result of the success / failure determination is out of place (hereinafter referred to as “reach out variation”). In the symbol variation effect (hit variation) for displaying that the result is a big hit, a display effect (hereinafter referred to as “reach effect”) performed after reach display is performed. Reach effect (hereinafter referred to as “normal reach effect”) in which the change display is completed in a short time (less than 15 seconds) from the start of change without developing the content in the middle of the effect; It can be categorized as “super reach production” in which the fluctuation display is finished in a long time (15 seconds or more) after the fluctuation starts.

  Here, in the gaming machine 1, various types of effect symbol display areas 27 b can appear on the display screen 27 a of the effect display device 27. That is, the effect symbol display area 27b can appear in various sizes at various positions (substantially the entire region, approximately the center, near the edge, etc.) of the display screen 27a. For example, in a mode in which three (three-digit) effect symbols are displayed in the horizontal direction (may be in the vertical direction) (the number of effect symbols may be any number), the effect symbol located on the left side (hereinafter “left effect symbol”). Left circulation display area 27L that performs cyclic display, middle circulation display area 27C that performs circulation display of an effect symbol located at the center (hereinafter referred to as "medium effect symbol"), and an effect symbol that is located on the right side. The effect symbol display area 27b is composed of the right circulation display area 27R for performing the circulation display (hereinafter referred to as “right effect symbol”). In this case, when the symbol variation effect is executed as a normal effect mode, as shown in FIG. 3A, the effect symbol display area 27b may be displayed largely in the approximate center of the display screen 27a. You may display small in the corner of the screen 27a.

c. Demo Production Next, the demonstration production will be described with reference to FIGS. In the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, when a state in which the identification information (special symbol, effect symbol) is not variably displayed continues for a certain period of time (a1, a2), the demonstration effect is started ( a3, a4). Here, when the state in which the number of holds (the first hold number and the second hold number) is “0” continues for a certain period of time (when a state in which no start prize is generated continues for a certain period of time), the identification information (special symbol, production symbol) ) Will not be displayed for a certain period of time. This is the same regardless of the gaming state at that time.

  In Example 1, when the demonstration effect is started, the demonstration effect is continued for a time corresponding to the gaming state (a3, a4). That is, when the gaming state is a normal variation state, as shown in FIG. 7, the demonstration effect including the battle between the ally character and the enemy character is “20 seconds (t1 seconds)”. Will continue. In addition, when the gaming state is in a probability variation state (a probability variation state that is not a latent probability variation state), as shown in FIG. 9, a demonstration effect including the appearance of a rare character (insect character) appears as “ 5 seconds (t2 seconds) "(c3, c4). Further, when the gaming state is the latent probability changing state, as shown in FIG. 11, the demonstration effect that indicates that the effect is high in story characteristics (the process of human growth) is “30 seconds (t3 seconds)”. ”(D3 to d6).

  As described above, in this embodiment, a demonstration effect having a different execution time and effect content is executed according to the gaming state at that time (when the demonstration effect is started). However, although the execution time varies depending on the gaming state, it is possible to execute a demonstration effect with the same effect content regardless of the gaming state at that time.

  If the start prize is generated before the execution time of the demonstration effect ends, the demonstration effect is terminated and the variable display of the identification information (special symbol, effect symbol) is started (b5 in FIG. 7). If no start prize is generated before the execution time of the demonstration effect ends, display of the standby screen (hereinafter referred to as standby screen display) is started on the display screen 27a (a5 in FIG. 7). In this embodiment, as the standby screen display, the display result of the previous variable display and the characters appearing are displayed on the display screen 27a (a5). Even during the standby screen display, when the start winning is generated, the standby screen display is discontinued, and the variable information identification information (special symbol, effect symbol) is started to be displayed. Note that when the start prize is generated before the execution time of the demonstration effect ends, when the start prize is not generated before the execution time of the demonstration effect ends, and when the standby screen display ends This is the same regardless of the gaming state.

  In addition, as demonstration effects, as indicated with parentheses in FIG. 7, “showing the specifications of the gaming machine 1 (hit probability, number of winning balls, etc.)”, “thing explaining the copyright”, For example, “what introduces a story of an effect to be performed”, “explanation of an intense heat effect that can appear (introduction of an effect that is likely to generate a big hit when it appears)”, and the like. Further, these demonstration effects may be generated in a predetermined gaming state (for example, a normal state), or different demonstration effects may be generated for each gaming state.

(4) Outline of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on (S5; YES), first, a power-on process (S8) is performed. Thereafter, until the power is turned off, the demo display process (S50), the prize ball payout process (S80), the normal symbol game process (S100), the normal electric equipment game process (S200), and the special symbol game process ( Each process such as S300) and the big hit game process (S600) is repeatedly executed.

  Note that the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S50 to S600 in FIG. 13 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 4 msec occurs after the power is turned on. However, in this embodiment, among the processes constituting the game control process shown in FIG. 13, the prize ball payout process (S80), the normal symbol game process (S100), and the normal electric equipment game process (S200). The description of is omitted. The prize ball payout process (S80) is a process related to a prize ball payout when a game ball enters the winning opening (17a, 17b, 31a, 45a to 47a), and the normal symbol game process (S100) is a normal symbol display. This is a process for performing normal symbol variation display and normal symbol stop display (stop display of winning symbol or off symbol) in the unit 63. Further, the ordinary electric accessory game process (S200) is a process related to the opening and closing of the second start port 17b.

A. Power-on process (S8)
The power-on process (S8) is performed not only when the power is turned on (S5 in FIG. 13; YES) but also when the process at the occurrence of power interruption (see S6 in FIG. 13) is performed. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of the power-on process (S8). In the power-on process (S8), first, various settings required at the time of power-on are performed (S8a). That is, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined address in the RAM 202, the interrupt mode is set, and access to the RAM 202 is permitted. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the ram clear switch is pressed when the power is turned on (S8b). If the ram clear switch is pressed when the power is turned on (S8b; YES), the RAM 202 is initialized (S8f). A process of setting “0 (zero)” to the “count value of the big hit number counter” is performed (S8g), and the power-on process (S8) is terminated.

  Here, in the process of S8f, the entire area of the RAM 202 is “zero-cleared (initialized)”, and a process of permitting an interrupt is performed. Further, even when it is determined that the ram clear switch is not pressed when the power is turned on (S8b; NO), when it is determined that the backup flag (occurrence information at power interruption) is not set in the RAM 202. (S8c; NO), the process of S8f is performed to initialize the RAM 202, and the power-on process (S8) is terminated. If a negative determination in S8b is obtained and it is determined in S8c that a backup flag (a flag indicating that information at the time of the occurrence of power interruption is stored) is set (S8c; YES), the CPU 201 Is determined to be at the time of power interruption / recovery, and a checksum is calculated from the contents of the RAM 202 protected (stored) at the time of power interruption (S8d). Then, the contents of the checksum created and stored at the time of power failure are compared. If the two checksums do not match, it is determined that the contents of the RAM 202 are not normal (broken) (S8e; NO), and the process of S8f is performed. Do. If it is determined that the contents of the RAM 202 are normal (S8e; YES), a power recovery process (S8i) is performed, and the program is executed by returning to the program execution position immediately before the power interruption. The jackpot counter is a counter that indicates the cumulative number of jackpot occurrences (from the start of work) in one day.

B. Demo display process (S50)
The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a demonstration display process (S50) shown in FIG. Here, the demonstration display (demonstration display) is an effect performed when the change display of the special symbol is interrupted for a certain time (for example, 1 minute 30 seconds).

  When starting the demonstration display process (S50), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the execution of the variable symbol special display is stopped (in other words, whether or not the number of special symbols held is “0”, that is, the first symbol It is determined whether or not the hold number and the second hold number are “0” (S52). If it is determined that the execution of the special symbol variation display is not stopped (S52; NO), the demonstration display process (S50) is immediately terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the execution of the special symbol fluctuation display is stopped (S52; YES), it is determined whether or not the elapsed time after the stop of the execution has reached a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute 30 seconds). Judgment is made (S56).

  If the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time (S56; NO), the demonstration display process (S50) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the elapsed time has reached the predetermined time (S56; YES), after outputting a demonstration effect command from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A (S58), the game of FIG. Return to control processing. Here, the process of S56 constitutes a specific example of the process as “game determination means”. Note that unlike the present embodiment, it may be determined whether or not the touch switch 9a (see FIG. 1) of the firing handle 9 is ON instead of the processing of S52 (see Modification 3).

C. Special design game processing (S300)
When the special symbol game process (S300) is started, as shown in FIG. 16, it is first determined whether or not a first start winning or a second starting winning has occurred (S301a, S301b). Then, when a negative determination is made in the processing of S301a and the processing of S301b (S301a; NO, S301b; NO), the processing proceeds to the processing after S308 shown in FIG.

  If it is determined by the CPU 201 that the first start winning has occurred (S301a; YES), it is determined whether or not the first hold number is less than a predetermined number (less than 4 in this embodiment) (S302a). If it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number in the process of S302a (S302a; YES), a random number value for determination is acquired accordingly (S303a). The determination random number value acquired based on the first start winning is stored in a predetermined address (first determination random value memory) of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 in the shift memory format, and the first hold The number is cumulatively stored (added and stored) in a first reserved number memory (not shown) provided in the RAM 202 (S303a). Here, the determination random number value acquired in the process of S303a includes (a) a random determination random value used for the first determination to be executed based on the first start winning prize, and (b) a first special symbol display unit. 62c includes a symbol determination random value for determining a winning symbol to be stopped and displayed, 62c, a “variation pattern random value for determining a variation pattern”, and the like.

  Subsequent to the processing of S303a, the CPU 201 uses the random number value for determination of success / failure (special figure 1 big hit lottery random value) acquired in the process of S303a to make a prior determination (first special lottery lottery) for the first determination (first special lottery lottery). 1 pre-determination) and information indicating the result is stored in a first pre-determination result memory (not shown) provided in the RAM 202 (S304a). Then, after transmitting the first start winning command to the sub-control board 220 (S305a), the process proceeds to S308 in FIG. Here, when the result of the first determination is a big hit in the first pre-determination, the “pre-determination regarding the big hit symbol” using the “special figure 1 symbol determination random number value” is also executed in the first pre-determination. To do. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, the command for specifying the first hold number after the first start winning prize and the command for specifying other information may be different commands.

  Here, the latter is preferentially processed under the situation where the determination random number value acquired based on the first start prize and the determination random value acquired based on the second start prize are stored. (It will be described later.) Also, in FIG. 16 to FIG. 19, among the processes performed by the CPU 201, each process executed based on the first start winning (hereinafter referred to as a process related to the special figure 1) and the second start winning. Among the executed processes (hereinafter referred to as processes related to the special drawing 2), the same processes are given the same number of steps (numbers for calculation). Since the process with the same number of steps is basically the same process, one of “process related to special figure 1” and “process related to special figure 2” will be described in the following description. The description of the other may be omitted. In addition, “process for special figure 1” is distinguished by adding “a” in alphabet to “number of steps”, and “process for special figure 2” by adding “b” in alphabet to “number of steps”. There is.

  If the CPU 201 determines that the second start winning has occurred (S301b; YES), the number of second special symbols corresponding to the second start winning (second holding number) is less than a predetermined number (this embodiment). Is less than 4) (S302b). If it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number in the process of S302b (S302b; YES), a random number value for determination is acquired accordingly (S303b). The determination random number value acquired based on the second starting prize is stored in a predetermined address (second determination random value memory) of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 in a shift memory format, and the second hold The number is cumulatively stored (added and stored) in a second reserved number memory (not shown) provided in the RAM 202 (S303b). Here, the determination random number value acquired in the process of S303b includes (a) a random determination value for determining whether or not to be executed based on the second start winning prize, and (b) a second special symbol display unit. 62b includes a symbol determining random value for determining a winning symbol to be stopped and displayed, (c) “variation pattern random value for determining variation pattern”, and the like.

  Subsequent to the processing of S303b, the CPU 201 uses the random number value for determination of success / failure (the special figure 2 big hit lottery random value) acquired in the process of S303b to make a prior determination (second special lottery lottery) regarding the second win / fail decision (the special figure 2 big hit lottery). 2 pre-determination), and information indicating the result is stored in a second pre-determination result memory (not shown) provided in the RAM 202 (S304b). Then, after the second start winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S305b), the process proceeds to S308 in FIG. Here, when the result of the second winning / failing determination (special figure 2 big hit lottery) becomes the big hit (winning) in the second preliminary determination, the “special figure 2 symbol determination random number value” is used in the second preliminary determination. The “pre-judgment regarding jackpot symbol” is also executed. Note that, unlike the present embodiment, the command for specifying the second reserved number after the second start winning prize and the command for specifying other information may be different commands.

  In the process of S308, as shown in FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being executed (S308). Specifically, if the big hit game flag (see the process of S378 in FIG. 18) is set (set to ON), a positive determination is made in the process of S308. When the CPU 201 determines that the big hit game is being executed (S308; YES), the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of S308 that the big hit game is not being executed (S308; NO), whether or not the special symbol is fluctuating (one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is fluctuating). Whether or not) (S310). If the special symbol is not changing (S310; NO), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet changed, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the change display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (S312). If the special symbol is not variably displayed (S310; NO), and is not within the stop display time during which the special symbol is stopped (S312; NO), whether or not the variable display can be started. Is determined (S314a, S314b). In the present embodiment, the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol is 0.6 seconds.

  The “condition for starting the variable display of the special symbol” is that either of the “first reserved number” and the “second reserved number” is not “0”. Then, the CPU 201 of this embodiment preferentially determines whether or not the “second hold number” is “0” (S314b). That is, when the “second pending number” is not “0”, the oldest determination random number value is read from the above-mentioned “predetermined address of the RAM 202 (second determination random value memory)” (S316b), and the second special symbol is related. An appropriateness determination process (second appropriateness determination process) is performed (S320b). Note that the determination random number value read in S316b is acquired in S303b, and includes a right / fail determination random value, a symbol determination random value, and the like.

  In the second success / failure determination process (S320b), a process related to the second success / failure determination is performed. In this second win / fail determination process (S320b), it is determined whether or not the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability state (whether or not the probability variation flag is set). “Big hit determination” is performed using the “data table for use” and “the random number value for determination (determination random number value for big hit) read out in the process of S316b”. The “big hit determination” is performed using the “table” and the “determination random number value read in the processing of S316b (determination random number value for jackpot)”.

  The CPU 201 executes a special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b) following the second win / fail determination process (S320b). In this special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), as shown in FIG. 19, when the result of the second win / fail determination process (S320b) is “big hit” (S501; YES), S201b of FIG. The symbol determination random number value acquired in the process is read from the aforementioned “predetermined address in RAM 202 (second determination random value memory)”, and the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b is set (determined). After (S505), a process for setting a variation pattern table for jackpot is performed (S510), and the process proceeds to S560. Further, when the result of the second winning / failing determination process (S320b) is “displacement” (S501; NO), a dismissed symbol is set as a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b (S507), A process for setting a variation pattern table is performed (S540), and the process proceeds to S560.

  Here, in the processing of S510, different variation pattern tables are set (set) depending on the gaming state of the gaming machine and the type of jackpot. In other words, if the type of big hit is a big hit with a ball (12R normal big hit, 16R probability variable big hit) and the gaming state is “low probability / normal fluctuation state”, the “low probability / normal fluctuation state” is referred to. When the variation pattern table for jackpot is “low probability / shortened variation state”, the variation pattern table for jackpot referenced in the “low probability / shortened variation state” is “high probability / shortened variation state”. In some cases, if the variation pattern table for jackpots referenced in the “high probability / short fluctuation state” is “high probability / normal fluctuation state”, the jackpot referenced in the “high probability / normal fluctuation state”. Each variation pattern table is referred to. When the big hit type is a big hit without a ball (2R probability variable big hit), a variation pattern table for a big hit without a ball (2R positive variable big hit) is referred to. Also in the process of S540, a different variation pattern table is set (set) depending on the gaming state of the gaming machine. In other words, if the gaming state is “low probability / normal variation state”, the variation pattern table for referencing in the “low probability / normal variation state” is “low probability / short variation state”. Indicates that if the fluctuation pattern table for reference referred to in the “low probability / shortened fluctuation state” is “high probability / shortened fluctuation state”, the fluctuation for reference referred to in the “high probability / shortened fluctuation state” When the pattern table is “high probability / normal variation state”, the variation pattern table for reference to be referred to in the “high probability / normal variation state” is referred to. Here, in each variation pattern table, a large number of variation patterns are stored in association with random numbers. The low probability state is a state in which the probability variation means (described later) is not activated, the high probability state is a state in which the probability variation means (described later) is activated, and the normal variation state is a fluctuation shortening means (open). The state in which the extension means) is not activated, and the shortened variation state indicates the state in which the variation shortening means (open extension means) is activated. “Low probability / normal fluctuation state” means a low probability state and a normal fluctuation state. “Low probability / short fluctuation state” means a low probability state and a short fluctuation state. “Abbreviated variation state” indicates a high probability state and a shortened variation state, and “High probability / normal variation state” indicates a high probability state and a normal variation state.

  As described above, in the processing of S510 and the processing of S540, different variation pattern tables are set depending on whether or not the variation time shortening function (variation shortening flag) is functioning. When the fluctuation time reduction function is not functioning, the fluctuation pattern table is set when the fluctuation time reduction function is not activated. When the fluctuation time reduction function is functioning, A variation pattern table is set. When the latter variation pattern table is set, the variation time specified by the determined variation pattern is likely to be shorter than when the former variation pattern table is set. In addition, in the variation pattern table for big hits, a plurality of variation patterns for performing reach effects are stored. Furthermore, when determining the fluctuation pattern for deviation, if the “holding number at the start of fluctuation” is small, there is a high possibility that a fluctuation pattern that specifies a longer fluctuation time is selected. If there are many, there is a high possibility that a shorter variation time is selected.

  In the process of S560, the fluctuation pattern random value acquired in the process of S302b is read from the above-mentioned “predetermined address (second determination random value memory) of the RAM 202”. Then, the fluctuation pattern is determined using the fluctuation pattern table set in the fluctuation pattern table setting process (S510, S540) and the random value read out in the process of S560 (S562). Then, the CPU 201 starts the special symbol variation display on the second special symbol display unit 62b (S570), and at the same time a predetermined command (symbol) indicating the start of symbol variation toward the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220). A change start command) is transmitted (S572). That is, the CPU 201 transmits a “variation pattern designation command (command for designating a variation pattern)”, a “special symbol stop information designation command”, and the like related to the special symbol to the sub-control board 220. Unlike the present embodiment, the variation pattern determination random number value may be generated (acquired) when the variation of the special symbol is started.

  Further, the CPU 201 sub-controls a process for subtracting “1” from the number of holdings (second holding number) related to the second special symbol and a command for specifying the holding number (second holding number) after the subtraction. Processing to transmit to the substrate 220 is performed (S575). Then, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. The variation time of the second special symbol is specified by the variation pattern determined in the symbol variation start process (S500b) related to the second special symbol, that is, the special symbol 2 symbol variation start process (S500b). The variation time of the first special symbol is specified by the variation pattern determined in the symbol variation start process (S500a) related to the first special symbol, that is, the special symbol 1 symbol variation start process (S500a) described later.

  Here, the variation pattern is determined in consideration of various conditions such as whether or not the symbol that stops and displays the special symbol is a winning symbol (big hit symbol). If the variation pattern is known, the special symbol varies. The time to display can be determined. In addition, if the special symbol stop information designation command is analyzed, it can be known whether the special symbol stops at the big hit symbol or the off symbol, and when it stops at the big hit symbol, it is known which of the big hit symbol is. it can. That is, in the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), the type of jackpot shown in FIG. 5 can be known, and in the special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S500a) described later, the type of jackpot shown in FIG. 5 is known. be able to. The CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 determines an effect mode on the effect display device 27 based on the information and then outputs an effect design display control signal to the effect display control board 222. Performs symbol change display and stop display. Further, based on the variation time (variation pattern designation command) of the special symbol, it is also determined whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect on the effect display device 27, and what kind of reach effect is to be used. Then, the sub-control board 220 controls the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the like according to the contents of the effect thus determined, thereby performing the effect of the determined contents.

  When the “second hold number” is “0” (S314b; YES) and the “first hold number” is not “0” (S314a; NO), the above-mentioned “predetermined address of the RAM 202 (first determination) The oldest determination random number value is read out from the “random number value memory” (S316a), and the first success / failure determination process is performed (S320a). Then, after performing the special symbol 1 symbol variation start processing (S500a) based on FIG. 19, the special symbol game processing (S300) is terminated, and the game control processing of FIG. 13 is resumed. Here, the first success / failure determination process performed as the process of S320a is performed in the same manner as the second success / failure determination process performed as the process of S320b, and the special figure 1 symbol variation start process performed as the process of S500a is performed as the process of S500b. This is performed in the same manner as the special figure 2 symbol variation start process.

  Also in the first win / fail determination process (S320b), it is determined whether or not the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a high probability state. When the gaming state is the high probability state, the “high probability data table” and “S316a processing” are performed. A “big hit determination” is performed using the read determination random number value (big hit determination random number value), and when in the low probability state, the “low probability data table” and the determination read in the processing of S316a The “big hit determination” is performed using the “random number value for jackpot (determination random number value for jackpot)”. Also, in the special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S500a), the CPU 201 obtains the symbol acquired in the process of S303a of FIG. 16 when the result of the first win / fail determination process (S320a) is “big hit” (S501; YES). The determined random number value is read from the “predetermined address (first determination random value memory) of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200”, and the jackpot symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 60a is set (determined) ) (S505), a process for setting a variation pattern table for jackpot is performed (S510), and the process proceeds to S560. In addition, when the result of the first win / fail determination process (S320b) is “displacement” (S501; NO), a disengaged symbol is set as a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a (S507), A process for setting a variation pattern table is performed (S540), and the process proceeds to S560.

  Also in this special symbol 1 symbol variation start process (S500a), after performing the processes of S560 and S562 in the same manner as the special symbol 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), the first special symbol display unit 62a performs the first special symbol. The fluctuation display is started (S570). Then, a command (design change start command) indicating the start of the variation display of the first special symbol is transmitted to the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220) (S572), and the number of reservations related to the first special symbol A process of subtracting “1” from (first hold number) and a process of transmitting a command for specifying the hold number (first hold number) after the subtraction to the sub-control board 220 (S575), The special symbol game process (S300) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Next, if it is determined that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing (S310; YES) in S310 of the special symbol game processing (S300) (see FIG. 17), the special symbol game processing (S300) is already special. The symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol are determined, and the special symbol variation display is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S341). At this time, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting a timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S341; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S341; YES), the fluctuating first special symbol or second special symbol is stopped (S344), the stopped symbol is displayed, and the symbol is also displayed. A stop command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S346). The symbol stop command is transferred to the effect display control board 222 via the sub control board 220. Then, after setting the stop display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (S348), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has elapsed (S350).

  If it is determined in the process of S350 that the special symbol stop display time has not elapsed (S350; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S350; YES), it is determined whether or not the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section (62a or 62b) (S352 in FIG. 18).

  When an affirmative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 18, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets information indicating the current game progress in a buffer to be referred to at the end of “big hit game” to be described later. (Memorize) (S354). Specifically, “type of big hit (probability big hit, normal big hit)” and “game state flag state” are set (stored) (S354). In addition, the specific area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 functions as a buffer used in the process of S354.

  Here, the “gaming state flag” is a flag indicating “the gaming state of the gaming machine 1”, specifically, “probability change flag”, “fluctuation shortening flag”, “open extension flag”, etc., and in the process of S354 Is set with data indicating whether these flags are set to “ON” or “OFF” (data indicating the current gaming state). The “probability change flag” is a flag indicating that the probability that the result of determining whether or not a special symbol is a big hit is in a state (high probability state) in which the probability is set to a high probability (the probability variation function is activated). The “variation shortening flag” is a flag indicating that the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol is shortened (shortening variation state) (the time shortening function is activated). The “open extension flag” is a flag indicating that the opening time of the second start port 17b (ordinary electric accessory 17d) is extended (the open extension function is activated). In the present embodiment, the ON / OFF switching timings of the “variation shortening flag” and the “open extension flag” are the same, and both flags are handled integrally. Thus, when it is a shortening variation state, it is also an open extension state, and when the shortening variation state is completed, the opening extension state is also terminated at the same time.

  Following the process of S354, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs a process of setting an open / close pattern of the big prize opening 31a (big prize apparatus) according to the type of jackpot to be generated (S370). Specifically, when generating a “16R probable big hit”, an opening / closing pattern for “16 rounds” is set for a round game in which the opening limit time of the big winning opening 31a is “30 seconds”, and a “12R normal big hit” is generated. In the case of making it, an open / close pattern is set for performing “12 rounds” of a round game in which the opening limit time of the special winning opening 31a is “30 seconds”. In addition, when “2R probability variation big hit” is generated, an opening / closing pattern for performing “2 rounds” of a round game in which the opening limit time of the special winning opening 31a is “0.2 seconds” is set. Then, following the process of S370, a process of setting the big hit game flag (set to ON) is performed (S378). By setting the “big hit game flag”, the big hit game execution means starts operating, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “big hit gaming state”. When the jackpot game flag is set (set to ON), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sends a “command indicating that a jackpot game is started (hereinafter referred to as“ start command ”) to the sub-control board 220. Transmit (S378). Here, the big hit game state (state where the big hit game is performed) shows a specific example of the specific game state (state where the specific game is executed). When the big hit game state (state where the big hit game is executed), the identification information ( It is in a state where variation display is impossible, such that special symbols and production symbols) cannot be displayed. Then, when the big hit game state (the state where the big hit game is played) is finished, the variable information display state in which the identification information (special symbol, effect symbol) can be changed is displayed. However, in Modification Example 5 described later, the game hit condition is that the game ball passes through the start gate 70.

  Subsequent to the process of S378, the process proceeds to the process after S380. Here, when the “big hit game flag” is set in the process of S378, the big hit game execution means starts to operate and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “big hit gaming state”. When the “big hit game flag” is set (when the big hit game execution means is in operation), the probability changing function, the time shortening function, and the open extension function are not activated. For this reason, after performing a series of processes after S380 as follows, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated. Specifically, in the process of S380, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S380). If it is not set (S380; NO), the process proceeds to S384 as it is. If it is set (S380; YES), after performing the process (S382) for canceling the probability variation flag (set to OFF) and the process for setting the value of the probability variation counter to “0” (S383), the process proceeds to S384. Transition to processing. Here, the “probability change counter” indicates the upper limit execution count (the upper limit execution count of the special symbol variation display) performed in a high probability state, and when the value becomes “zero”, the subsequent pass / fail determination is performed. Is performed in a low probability state.

  In the process of S384, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S384; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited and the process proceeds to FIG. Return to the game control process. On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S384 that the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S384; YES), after the fluctuation shortening flag and the open extension flag are canceled (set to OFF) ( S386, S387), a mode designation command indicating that the gaming state is a low probability / normal variation state is transmitted to the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220) (S389), and the special symbol game process (S300) is exited. Returning to the game control process of FIG. Then, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 13, a big hit game process described later is performed.

  Next, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 18 will be described. That is, when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b is “disconnected symbol” (S352; NO), the probability variation flag is set (set to ON). It is determined whether or not there is (S390). When the probability variation flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S390; NO), the process proceeds to S398 as it is. On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S390; YES), after performing the processing (S392) for setting the value of the probability variation counter to "-1" (S392 after performing the processing of S392) The value of the probability variation counter ”is transmitted to the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220) (S393). Thereby, the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220) can recognize the value of the probability variation counter at that time.

  Following the processing of S393, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not the value of the probability variation counter has become “zero” (S394). And when it is not "zero" (S394; NO), it transfers to the process of S398. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the probability variation counter has become “zero” (S394; YES), after performing the processing (S396) for canceling the probability variation flag (set to OFF), the processing proceeds to S398. To do. When the probability variation flag is canceled (set to OFF) in this way, the subsequent determination is performed in a low probability state.

  In the process of S398, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398). If the fluctuation shortening flag is not set (set to OFF) (S398; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the game control process of FIG. 13 is resumed. On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398; YES), after the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is set to “−1” (S400), whether the value of the fluctuation shortening counter becomes “0”. It is determined whether or not (S404). If it is not “0” (S404; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the variation shortening counter has become “0” in the process of S404 (S404; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is switched from the shortened variation state to the normal variation state. It will be. For this reason, after performing the process (S410) for canceling the fluctuation shortening flag (set to OFF) and the process (S416) for canceling the release extension flag (set to OFF), exit the special symbol game process (S300). Returning to the game control process of FIG. Here, the “variation shortening counter” indicates the upper limit execution count of the special symbol variation display performed in the variation shortened state. When the value becomes “0”, the current variation variation display of the special symbol is performed. Is finished, the next fluctuation display is switched to the normal fluctuation state, and the fluctuation display of the special symbol after the next time is performed in the normal fluctuation state. Here, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 indicates that the gaming state is a low probability / normal fluctuation state toward the sub-control board 220 at the timing of releasing the fluctuation shortening flag and the release extension flag. A designation command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220) (S418), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

D. Big hit game processing (S600)
When the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 repeatedly performs the game control process of FIG. 13, when it is determined that the “hit game flag” is set in the jackpot game process (S600) shown in FIG. 20 (S602; YES), processing related to the execution of the jackpot game is performed.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the big hit game process (S600). When the grand prize winning opening 31a is opened, as described above, the predetermined opening time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the big winning opening 31a, it is closed once, but the predetermined closing time elapses. Then, it becomes an open state again. Here, a game whose content is that the large winning opening 31a in the closed state (incapable of entering a ball) is in an open state (injectable state) and is in an open state again is referred to as a “unit operation”. When this unit operation is performed a predetermined number of times (16 times, 12 times, or 2 times), the big hit game ends after a predetermined ending period. Then, when the big hit game is finished, it becomes a state (variable display impossible state) in which the variable display of the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol) can be executed. The detailed processing contents will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  When the big hit game (big hit game A, big hit game B, big hit game C) is started, it is first determined whether or not the big winning opening 31a is open (S604). Here, the big winning opening 31a is closed in the “normal gaming state that is not the big hit gaming state”, and therefore, the big winning opening 31a is in a closed state immediately after the start of the big winning game. Therefore, immediately after the start of the big hit game, it is determined that the big winning opening 31a is not being opened (S604; NO), and then it is determined whether or not the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S612). Specifically, it is determined whether or not “the number of unit actions executed after the start of the big hit game” has reached the corresponding number of times of the big hit game (S612). However, since the big hit game end condition is not satisfied immediately after the big hit game is started, a negative determination is inevitably made in the process of S612 (S612; NO). For this reason, it shifts to processing of S614 and judges whether interval time (for example, 2 seconds) passed (S614). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S614). Here, the closing time (interval time) of the special winning opening 31a is a time during which the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state between unit operations. Then, immediately after the big hit game is started, since the big prize opening 31a is in a closed state, it is inevitably determined that the closing time of the big prize opening has passed (S614; YES), and the big prize opening is made. After releasing 31a (S616), the big hit game process shown in FIG. 20 is once ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, it performs a series of various processes shown in FIG. 13 and then starts the big hit game process (S600) again. At this time, as described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 13 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the big hit game process (S600) shown in FIG. 20 is also repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. Then, if a positive determination is made in the process of S604, the opening time of the big winning opening 31a ("30 seconds for jackpot game A or jackpot game B" and "0.2 seconds" for jackpot game C) has elapsed. It is determined whether or not (S606).

  If the opening time of the big prize opening 31a has passed (S606; YES), after closing the big prize opening 31a (S610), the big hit game processing (S600) shown in FIG. Return to processing. On the other hand, when the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has not elapsed (606; NO), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31a has reached a specified number (S608). When the number of game balls entered reaches the specified number (S608; YES), the special winning opening 31a is closed (S610). That is, when the number of game balls entered reaches a specified number, the special winning opening 31a is closed without waiting for the opening time to elapse.

  When the opening time of the big winning opening 31a has not elapsed (S606; NO) and the number of entered balls has not reached the specified number (S608; NO), the big winning game of FIG. The process exits and returns to the game control process of FIG.

  If the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the “big hit gaming state”, is the opening time of the big winning opening 31a elapsed while the game control process of FIG. 13 is repeatedly executed (S606; YES)? Alternatively, a predetermined number of game balls enter the special winning opening 31a (S608; YES), and the special winning opening 31a is closed (S610). Thus, one unit operation is completed.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the “big hit game state”, the big hit game process (S600) is executed again, and if it is determined in S604 that the big prize opening 31a is closed (S604; NO), It is determined whether or not the “big hit game” end condition is satisfied (S612). Here, if the “hit game” is “hit game A”, it is determined whether or not the number of unit actions (rounds) executed during that game has reached “16”. In the case of “”, it is determined whether or not the number of unit actions (round number) executed during the game has reached “12”. Further, in the case of “big hit game C”, it is determined whether or not the number of unit actions (round number) executed during the hit game has reached “2”. If the number of unit movements (number of rounds) has not reached the set number (S612; NO), it is confirmed that the interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has passed (S614; YES), and then a big prize is won again. A new unit operation for opening the mouth 31a is executed (S616). On the other hand, in the process of S612, if it is determined that the termination condition of the “big hit game” is satisfied (S612; YES), the “big hit game end process (S650)” shown below is performed, and then the big hit game process is performed. (S600) is ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Next, the big hit game end process (S650) "will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the big hit game end process (S650) is activated, as shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 201 releases the big hit game flag (sets it to OFF) (S655) and then increments the value of the big hit number counter by “+1”. Then, processing for transmitting information specifying the value of the big hit number counter to the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220) is performed (S656). The jackpot counter indicates the number of jackpots in a day. Then, the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220) can recognize the number of jackpots per day by receiving the information specifying the value of the jackpot counter.

  When the CPU 201 performs the process of S656, the CPU 201 executes the process of S660. In the process of S660, by referring to the above-mentioned “big hit end reference buffer (see S354 of FIG. 18)”, the big hit symbol (hereinafter referred to as “current hit symbol”) that is the premise of this big hit game is referred to. .) Is acquired (S660), and based on this information, processing for setting a gaming state after the end of the big hit game is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the current big hit symbol (the symbol stopped in the process of S344 in FIG. 17) is a probability variation big hit symbol (S665). Here, in this embodiment, the “probability big hit symbol” is “a big hit symbol indicating the occurrence of 16R probability variable big hit” or “the big hit symbol indicating the occurrence of 2R probability variable big hit”.

  When the current big hit symbol is not a probable big hit symbol (S665; NO), that is, when the current big hit symbol is a normal big hit symbol, the CPU 201 sets “100” to the fluctuation shortening counter (S676); After performing the process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S680) and the process of setting the release extension flag (S685), the sub-control unit 200A sends a mode designation command indicating that the gaming state is a low probability / shortening variation state. (Sub control board 220) is transmitted (S688), and the big hit game end processing (S650) is ended.

  Further, if the current big hit symbol is a probability variation big hit symbol (S665; YES), the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S670). Then, the CPU 201 performs a process of setting “100” in the probability variation counter (S672), and then determines whether or not the current big hit symbol is a latent probability variation big hit symbol (S674). Here, when the current jackpot symbol is a probability variation symbol B (a jackpot symbol indicating the occurrence of a 2R probability variation big hit), an affirmative determination is made in S674, and the jackpot symbol is a probability variation symbol A (a jackpot symbol indicating the occurrence of a 16R probability variation big hit). ), A negative determination is made in S674.

  If the current big hit symbol is a latent probability change big hit symbol (S674; YES), the mode designation command indicating that the gaming state is a high probability / normal variation state (so-called latent probability variation state) is sub-controlled. It is transmitted to the unit 200A (sub control board 220) (S688), and the big hit game end processing (S650) is ended. On the other hand, when the current big hit symbol is not the latent probability variation big hit symbol (S674; NO), the process of setting “100” in the fluctuation shortening counter (S676) and the process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S680). Then, after performing the process of setting the release extension flag (S685), a mode designation command indicating that the gaming state is a high probability / shortening variation state is transmitted to the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220) ( S688), the big hit game end processing (S650) is ended.

(5) Production control processing (S700)
Next, an outline of “effect control processing (S700)” performed by the sub control unit 220A (the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220) in cooperation with the effect display control unit 222A will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 shows only main processes among the processes constituting the effect control process. In this effect control process (S700), demo effect start process (S800), demo effect end process (S900), standby screen display end process (S950), symbol variation effect process (S1100), jackpot game effect process (S1800), etc. The main processing is repeatedly executed. Further, since the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 22 is about 2 msec, these processes are repeatedly executed about every 2 msec. Hereinafter, description of the jackpot game effect process in the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 is omitted.

a. Demo production start processing (S800)
When starting the demonstration effect start process (S800), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a demonstration effect command has been received from the main control unit 200A as shown in FIG. S805). If it is determined that the demonstration effect command has been received (S805; YES), after performing the process of setting the execution time of the demonstration effect in accordance with the gaming state on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (S807). ), Demonstration demonstration (demonstration display) is started, and demonstration demonstration start processing (S800) is terminated.

  Here, in S807, a different time is set as the execution time of the demonstration effect according to the gaming state at that time. That is, as shown in FIG. 23B, “20 seconds” is a latent variation state when “20 seconds” is a normal variation state, and “5 seconds” is a variation state (probability variation state that is not a latent probability variation state). In this case, “30 seconds” is set. The upper limit of the execution time of the demonstration effect started in the process of S810 is the time set in the process of S807.

b. Demo production end processing (S900)
As shown in FIG. 24A, when starting the demonstration effect end process (S900), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 determines whether the demonstration effect is currently being performed (S905). If the demonstration effect is being performed (S905; YES), the process proceeds to S910. If the demonstration effect is not being performed (S905; NO), the demonstration effect end process (S900) is once terminated, and the effect control of FIG. The process returns to processing (S700). In the latter case, if the CPU 220a determines that the demonstration effect is being performed while repeatedly performing the effect control process (S700) of FIG. 22 (S905; YES), the process proceeds to S910.

  In the process of S910, it is determined whether or not a command at the start of symbol variation has been received (S910). If it has not been received (S910; NO), the process proceeds to S918. Here, the commands at the start of symbol variation are a variation pattern designation command and a special symbol stop information designation command. In the process of S918, it is determined whether or not the execution time of the demonstration effect (the execution time set in the process of S807 described above) has elapsed (S918). If not (S918; NO), The demonstration effect end process (S900) ends, and the process returns to the effect control process (S700) of FIG. On the other hand, when the execution time of the demonstration effect has passed (S918; YES), after performing the process of ending the demonstration effect and the process of starting the standby screen display (S920), the demonstration effect end process (S900) is terminated.

  If a positive determination is made in S910 (S910; YES), the process proceeds to S915. Here, the case where an affirmative determination is made in the process of S910 is a case where the special symbol variation display and the symbol variation effect that have been stopped are started. In this case, the CPU 220a performs the process of ending the demonstration effect (S915), and then ends the demonstration effect end process (S900).

c. Standby screen display end processing (S950)
As shown in FIG. 24B, when starting the standby screen display end process (S950), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not the standby screen is currently displayed (S955). If the standby screen is not being displayed (S955; NO), the standby screen display end process (S950) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the effect control process (S700) of FIG. On the other hand, if the standby screen is being displayed (S955; YES), the process proceeds to S960, and it is determined whether a command at the start of symbol variation has been received (S960). If it has not been received (S960; NO), the standby screen display end process (S950) is terminated as it is, and the process once returns to the effect control process (S700) of FIG. If it is determined in the process of S960 that the command at the start of symbol variation has been received (S960; YES), the process of terminating the standby screen display is performed (S965), and the standby screen display end process (S950) is terminated. .

d. Symbol variation effect processing (S1100)
In the symbol variation effect processing (S1100), as shown in FIG. 25, when the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 receives a command at the time of symbol variation start (S1105; YES), the processing after S1110 is executed.

  Based on the received “special symbol stop information designation command”, the CPU 220a can determine the result of the determination as to whether it has been executed in the main control unit 200A. If the determination result is a big hit (S1110; YES), a process for distributing the effect pattern table at the time of the big hit is performed based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1115). If the result of the determination is wrong (S1110; NO), a process of distributing the effect pattern table at the time of failure is performed based on the received variation pattern designation command (S1120).

  When the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 ends the process of S1115 or S1120, the CPU 220a performs the process of S1140. In the process of S1140, the effect pattern of the design variation effect is determined using the effect pattern table set in the process of S1115 or S1120 (S1140). In this case, if a single effect pattern is stored in each effect pattern table, the effect pattern used by the single effect pattern is determined in S1140, and a random number for determination is set in each effect pattern table. If a plurality of performance patterns are stored in the associated state, a random number lottery is performed in S1140 to determine the performance pattern.

  Here, in the process of S1140 that has undergone the process of S1115, depending on the effect pattern determined in the process of S1140, the effect display mode executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, the reach effect mode, and the change in effect design A display pattern from the start to the end (determined display) of the display is determined (S1140). Further, in the process of S1140 executed through the process of S1120, the effect display mode executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 according to the effect pattern determined in the process of S1140, whether or not the reach effect is executed, reach The reach production mode when the production is executed, and the display pattern from the start to the end (definite display) of the variation display of the production symbol are determined.

  When the CPU 220a performs the process of S1140, the CPU 220a performs the process of setting the stop symbol of the effect symbol (the symbol to be confirmed and displayed) (S1145), and then proceeds to the process of S1150. Here, in the process of S1145 executed through the process of S1115 and the process of S1140, a specific mode or the like of “effect design for definite display of big hit” is selected and set as the “big hit stop symbol”, and the process of S1120 In the process of S1145 executed through the processes of S1140 and S1140, a specific mode or the like of “the effect symbol for definite display” is selected and set as the “outage stop symbol”.

  In the process of S1150, a command (effect display detail command) for designating the “effect pattern” determined in the process of S1140 and the “stop pattern of the effect design” determined in the process of S1145 is displayed on the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board). 222) to start the display of variation of the effect symbol (S1150). That is, the symbol variation effect on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is started. Thereafter, in the process of S1160, when the CPU 220a determines that the symbol stop command transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) has been received (S1160; YES), the received symbol stop command is transmitted to the effect display control unit. 222A, and the effect symbol variation display on the effect display device 27 is stopped (S1165), and the symbol variation effect is terminated.

(6) Effect of Example When the demonstration effect is executed in the gaming machine 1, the demonstration effect time (the time of the demonstration effect) may be different from other demonstration effects. In other words, the content of the demonstration production is not necessarily uniform, and by making a demonstration production with a different demonstration production time appear, it is possible to give a fresh impression to the player. Easy. Further, since the demonstration effect mode is determined based on the gaming state, it is possible to execute an accurate demonstration effect according to the game situation.

  Next, a first modification of the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as modification 1) will be described with reference to FIG. In the first modification, when the number of big hits per day increases, the execution time of the demonstration effect is lengthened, and a character with higher rarity appears in the demonstration effect. Here, the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 can recognize the number of big hits per day by receiving information specifying the number of big hits (see S656 in FIG. 21).

  Further, in the first modification, if the number of big hits per day is “1-10 times”, the execution time of the demonstration production is “10 seconds”, and “Tulip character” appears in the demonstration production. To do. Also, if the number of big hits per day is “11-20 times”, the execution time of the demonstration production will be “20 seconds”, and “a plum character that is more rare than a tulip” will appear in the demonstration production. Yes. In other words, when the number of big hits per day is “11 times”, the “demonstration mode with a demonstration performance of 20 seconds” is selected, and “a plum character that is rarer than tulips” appears in the demonstration. To do.

  Furthermore, when the number of big hits per day is “21”, the “demonstration mode with a demonstration performance of 30 seconds” is selected, and “a cherry character with a rarity higher than plum” appears in the demonstration performance. I am going to do that.

  In this case, it is possible to select a demonstration effect mode (a demonstration effect with a long execution time) according to the number of executions of the big hit game per day. In this case, since it is possible to execute various types of demonstration effects according to the number of executions of the jackpot game, it is an index for the player to select a gaming machine to play a game based on the mode (execution) of the demonstration effects. . For example, if the demonstration performance time becomes longer (or shorter) depending on the number of executions of the jackpot game, the player who has selected the gaming machine to be played will play the game machine based on the demonstration performance time. This is because it is possible to easily determine the likelihood that a big hit will occur. In the first modification, the number of times that the big hit is generated (the number of times of execution of the specific game) is the number of times per day, but can be the number of times for a predetermined period (for example, per hour).

  Next, a second modification of the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as modification 2) will be described with reference to FIGS. In this modified example 2, when the operating time of the gaming machine exceeds a predetermined time, the execution time of the demonstration effect is different. In the gaming machine of the second modification, when performing the processing of S807 in FIG. 23A, the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 determines from the real-time clock (RTC) 229 (see FIG. 4) “The current date and time is specified. To get information ”. Then, it is determined whether or not the current date and time is “after a predetermined date and time”. Based on the determination result, the execution time of the demonstration effect and the contents of the demonstration effect are determined (S807), and the demonstration effect is started. (S810). The CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 can specify the current date and time by acquiring “information for specifying the current date and time” from the real-time clock (RTC) 229.

  In the second modification, when the CPU 220a determines that “currently in the morning (between the start time and noon)”, as shown in FIG. 27 (a), the content is that the ally character and the enemy character perform a battle. An effect pattern (demonstration effect pattern) is set (e3, e4). That is, at the start of work, the “effect form with an execution time of 10 seconds” is determined as the effect form of the demonstration effect. Further, when the CPU 220a determines that “currently it is night (after 18:00)”, as shown in FIG. 27 (b), the demonstration effect includes following and capturing the enemy character that the ally character escapes. Is set for fifteen seconds (f3, f4). That is, at 18 o'clock, the “effect form with an execution time of 20 seconds” is determined as the effect form of the demonstration effect. This is because the number of players (players) is considered to be greater at night than in the morning, so the execution time will be longer and the demonstration will be changed to attract customers.

  Further, when the CPU 220a determines that “currently in the afternoon (from 12:00 to 18:00)”, as shown in FIG. 28, the demonstration effect that the displayed idle characters increase or a lot of prize balls are associated. Is set for a period of “50 seconds” (demonstration effect pattern) (g3 to g6). That is, at 12 o'clock, the “effect mode with an execution time of 50 seconds” is determined as the effect mode of the demonstration effect. As described above, in the second modification, the RTC 229 counts the time of the day, and the contents of the demonstration production gradually change between morning, daytime, and nighttime. Moreover, since it is considered that there are a large number of players (players) during the daytime, the execution time is particularly long and the demonstration effect is changed to attract customers.

  In the second modification, the execution time of the demonstration effect can be changed according to the result over time, so that it is easy to attract the player by the demonstration effect. In other words, since the contents of the demonstration effect can be changed according to the result over time, the demonstration effect suitable for the situation of the pachinko hall can appear. For example, the contents of the demonstration production (execution time of the demonstration production) can be gradually changed between morning, noon, and night. In this case, it is considered that there are many players in the pachinko hall during the day. It is effective to execute the demonstration effect and bring in the player by making an appearance that is long and particularly intriguing the player's interest.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been illustrated in which “when no game is played” when a predetermined time elapses without displaying the variation of the identification information (special symbol, production symbol), as shown in FIG. The time when the player has passed a predetermined time without touching the launch handle as in the third modification (hereinafter referred to as the third modification) may be referred to as “when no game is played”. The third modification is different from the first embodiment in that the demonstration display process is executed based on FIG. In addition, the demonstration display process of FIG. 29 performs the process of S53 instead of the process of S52, performs the process of S55 instead of the process of S54, and performs the process of S57 instead of the process of S56. However, this is different from the demo display process of FIG.

  When the demonstration display process (S50) of Modification 3 is started, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the touch switch 9a (see FIG. 1) provided on the firing handle 9 is ON (S53). As described above, since the touch switch 9a is turned on when the player touches the launch handle 9, if the touch switch is turned on (S53: YES), the demonstration display process (S50) is immediately terminated, Returning to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the touch switch 9a is OFF (S53; NO), the elapsed time that the touch switch is continuously OFF is detected (S54), and the elapsed time that is continuously OFF is It is determined whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 2 minutes) has been reached (S57). If the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time (S57: NO), the demonstration display process (S50) is immediately terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the elapsed time has reached the predetermined time (S56: YES), the main control unit 200A outputs a demonstration effect command (see the process of S805 in FIG. 28) to the sub-control unit 220A. After that (S58), the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the process of S57 constitutes another specific example of the process as the “game determination means”. The third modification can be applied not only to the first embodiment but also to the second to third embodiments.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. The gaming machine according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the presence / absence of execution of the demonstration effect is selected (determined) according to the gaming state, as shown in FIGS.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, when the gaming state of the gaming machine is a normal variation state, “when a predetermined time has elapsed without displaying the variation of the identification information (special symbol, production symbol)” A demonstration effect is executed as “when no game is played”. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 31, when the gaming state of the gaming machine is a probability variation state (a probability variation state that is not a latent probability variation state), “the identification information (special symbol, production symbol) is not displayed for a predetermined time without being displayed. In addition, although illustration is omitted, even if the gaming state of the gaming machine is a latent probability changing state, “the identification information (special symbol, directing symbol) is not displayed in a variable manner. Even if the predetermined time elapses, the demonstration effect is not executed.

  Next, the demonstration effect start process (S800) of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a demonstration effect command has been received from the main control unit 200A when the demonstration effect start process (S800) is started (S805). If it is determined that the demonstration effect command has been received (S805; YES), it is determined whether or not the gaming state at that time is a normal variation state (S806).

  If the gaming state at that time is a normal variation state (S806; YES), a demonstration effect (demonstration display) is started, and the demonstration effect start process (S800) ends. On the other hand, if the game state at that time is a probability variation state (a probability variation state that is not a latent probability variation state) or a latent probability variation state (S806; NO), the demonstration performance (demonstration display) is not started and the demonstration performance is started. The start process (S800) ends. The contents of the demonstration effect end process (S900) and the standby screen display end process (S950) are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  According to the second embodiment, there are cases where the demonstration effect is executed depending on the gaming state and cases where the demonstration effect is not executed. Therefore, the rarity of the demonstration effect increases, and it is easy to attract the player when the demonstration effect appears. Further, in this case, since the demonstration effect is executed only when necessary, the rarity of the demonstration effect is further amplified, and it is easier to attract the player when the demonstration effect appears. That is, if the gaming state is the second gaming state (probability change state or latent probability change state), the game is continued or the player is resting (for example, sitting in a chair and resting, The effect is low even if the demonstration production appears. In other words, even if the player is taking a break, there is a possibility that the game can be resumed on the gaming machine, so that even if the demonstration effect appears, the effect is low. On the other hand, if the gaming state is the first gaming state (normally varying state), there is a possibility that the game is not being performed. Therefore, it is effective to make the demonstration effect appear and attract the player.

  Next, a first modification of the second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as modification 4) will be described. In the embodiment, the mode of determining whether or not the demonstration effect can be executed is determined according to the gaming state of the gaming machine (the gaming state controlled by the main control unit 200A). However, FIG. 32 (b), FIG. 33, and FIG. As in Modification 4, whether or not the demonstration effect can be executed may be determined according to the game effect mode (the effect mode controlled by the sub-control unit 220A).

  In the fourth modification, the rendering mode is “A”, “B” each time the number of times of the variable display of the identification information (special symbol, rendering symbol) is “N times (N: natural number, for example, 50 times)”. ”And“ C ”. The demonstration effect is executed in the effect mode A and the effect mode B, but the demonstration effect is not executed in the effect mode C. The fourth modification is different from the second embodiment in that an effect mode setting process (S1500) shown in FIG. 33 is added and that FIG. 32 (b) is used instead of FIG. 32 (a).

  As shown in FIG. 33, when the effect mode setting process (S1500) of the modified example 4 is started, the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not a command at the time of symbol variation start has been received (S1505; YES) When a command at the start of symbol variation is received (S1505; YES), the variation counter is incremented by "+1", and the process proceeds to S1515 and subsequent steps. Here, the fluctuation number counter is a counter for counting the number of fluctuation display times of the identification information (special symbol, effect symbol).

  After performing the process of S1510, it is determined whether or not the count value of the variation counter is smaller than “N” (S1515). If it is smaller (S1515; YES), the effect mode setting process (S1500) is directly performed. finish. If the count value of the variation counter is smaller than “N” (S1515; YES), the effect mode is set to effect mode A as described later.

  If a negative determination is made in S1515, it is determined whether or not the count value of the variation counter is “N” (S1520). If the count value of the variation counter is “N” (S1520; YES), the effect mode is set to effect mode B (S1525), and the effect mode setting process (S1500) is terminated. In this case, the effect mode is changed from effect mode A to effect mode B.

  If a negative determination is made in S1520, it is determined whether or not the count value of the variation counter is greater than “2N” (S1530). If the count value of the variation counter is smaller than “2N” (S1530; NO), it is determined whether the count value of the variation counter is “2N” (S1535). If the count value of the variation counter is “2N” (S1535; YES), the effect mode is set to the effect mode C (S1540), and the effect mode setting process (S1500) is terminated. In this case, the effect mode is changed from effect mode B to effect mode C. If the count value of the variation counter is not “2N” (S1535; NO), the effect mode setting process (S1500) is terminated. In this case, the effect mode is maintained at effect mode B.

  If it is determined in step S1530 that the count value of the variation counter is larger than “2N” (S1530; YES), it is determined whether the count value of the variation counter is “3N” (S1545). If the count value of the variation counter is “3N” (S1545; YES), processing for setting the rendering mode to rendering mode A and processing for initializing the variation counter (count value is set to 0). Then, the effect mode setting process (S1500) is terminated. In this case, the effect mode is changed from effect mode C to effect mode A. If the count value of the variation counter is not “3N” (S1545; NO), the effect mode setting process (S1500) is terminated. In this case, the effect mode is maintained in effect mode C.

  Next, the demonstration effect start process (S800) of the modified example 4 will be described with reference to FIG. When starting the demonstration effect start process (S800), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a demonstration effect command has been received from the main control unit 200A as shown in FIG. S805). If it is determined that the demonstration effect command has been received (S805; YES), it is determined whether the current effect mode is effect mode A or B (S808).

  And when the production mode at that time is production mode A or B (S808; YES), demonstration production (demonstration display) corresponding to production mode is started (S810), and demonstration production start processing (S800) is performed. finish. On the other hand, when the production mode is the production mode C (S808; NO), the demonstration production start process (S800) is terminated without starting the demonstration production (demonstration display). The contents of the demonstration effect end process (S900) and the standby screen display end process (S950) are the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, as the demonstration production corresponding to the production mode A and the demonstration production corresponding to the production mode B, a demonstration production with different characters appearing and a demonstration production with different background images can be exemplified.

  According to the modified example 4, since the demonstration effect is executed depending on the effect mode and the case where the demonstration effect is not executed occurs, the rarity of the demonstration effect increases, and it is easy to attract the player when the demonstration effect appears.

  Next, a second modification of the second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as modification 5) will be described with reference to FIGS. The gaming machine of Modification 5 includes a gaming board 10B shown in FIG. This game board 10B is different from the game board 10 of the first embodiment in that the configuration and arrangement location of the second start port 17b are different and the start gate 70 is provided.

  The second starting port 17b of the modified example 5 is provided at the right edge 21a of the frame member 21, so that a game ball flowing down the region (left region) 11L on the left side of the central device 20 in the game region 11 can enter. It has become. For this reason, the point from which the 2nd starting port 17b is not provided under the 1st starting port 17a differs from Example 1. The second starting port 17b of Modification 5 is also provided with an ordinary electric accessory 17d. The ordinary electric accessory 17d operates the opening / closing member 17f for opening and closing the second starting port 17b and the opening / closing member 17f. For this purpose, a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c (see FIG. 4) is provided. Further, the opening / closing member 17f is formed in a substantially blade shape and can be tilted with reference to the tilting shaft 17p at the lower end. Since the axis of the tilting shaft 17p is oriented in the front-rear direction, the opening / closing member 17f can tilt along a plane substantially parallel to the front surface of the game board 10. Further, a second start port entrance ball detection switch 17t for detecting a game ball that has entered the second start port 17b is disposed inside the right edge portion 21a (see FIG. 4).

  Also in this modified example 5, if the normal electric accessory solenoid 17c is not energized, the opening / closing member 17f is set upright, the second start port 17b is closed, and the game ball enters the second start port 17b. A sphere becomes impossible (see first aspect, dashed line in FIG. 34). On the other hand, when the normal electric accessory solenoid 17c is energized, the opening / closing member 17f tilts leftward with respect to the tilting shaft 17p and opens the second starting port 17b. The ball can be entered (see the second mode, the solid line in FIG. 34). Here, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an opening extension function (opening extension means) that makes the time (opening time) when the second start port 17b is in the second mode (opening state) longer than usual. When the opening extension function is not activated, the opening time of the second start port 17b is set to a predetermined time (0.2 seconds). When the opening extension function is operated, the opening time of the second start port 17b is set to a predetermined time. Is extended to a longer time (5 seconds).

  A start gate 70 is provided in a portion (right-handed region) 11 </ b> R on the right side of the central device 20 in the game region 11. The start gate 70 is disposed so as to protrude from the front surface portion of the game board 10B in the same manner as the normal symbol operation gate 16 described above. The start gate 70 includes a start gate switch 70s. The start gate 70 constitutes a specific example of the “specific region”.

  Next, the characteristics of the “special symbol variable game” of the gaming machine of Modification 5 will be described with reference to FIG. In the gaming machine of the modified example 5, based on the fact that a game ball enters the start port (the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b) (S10e), the special symbol variation display is started (S12e). . Then, the result of the determination on whether or not the special symbol is executed based on the “first start winning” according to the stop mode in the variable display related to the first special symbol is displayed, and the variation relating to the second special symbol is displayed. The result of the determination on whether or not the special symbol is executed based on the “second start winning” according to the stop mode in the display (second determination on whether to win) is displayed.

  When the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is removed and displayed in a stopped state in the special symbol variation display (S14f), the removal is determined (S15f). On the other hand, when the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is stopped and displayed as the big hit symbol, the condition device is activated (S14e). Thereby, it will be in the standby state where the start of a big hit game is waited (S15e). Here, when the condition device is activated, a special symbol variation display cannot be newly started.

  When this standby state is entered, a gate valid period in which detection of the game ball by the start gate switch 70s is validated occurs. When the game ball passes through the start gate 70 within the gate valid period (S17e), a process of starting the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is performed (S18e). At this time, the detection of the game ball by the start gate switch 70s is invalidated. When the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device operate, the big hit game is started (S20e). That is, it is determined whether or not the condition device and the accessory continuous action device are operating in the process of S602 in FIG. 20, and if a positive determination is made, the process proceeds to S604 and subsequent processes. In the process of S650 in FIG. 21, the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped.

  In the gaming machine of the modified example 5, as shown in FIG. 36, when the special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, the standby state is started (m1, m2). When a certain time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses without the game ball passing through the start gate 70 (m3), the demonstration effect is started (m4, m5). This demonstration effect is a content that promotes the passing of the game ball to the start gate 70 (the content suggests that a large amount of prize balls can be obtained when the big hit game is started). Then, when the game ball passes through the start gate 70, the demonstration effect is finished and the big hit game is started (m6).

  In the modified example 5, not only in the variable display enabled state but also in the specific region waiting state (standby state; S15e), the demonstration is performed when a predetermined time has elapsed after the variable information is not displayed in the identification information (special symbol, production symbol). Production is performed. That is, the identification information (special symbol, production symbol) is displayed in a specific manner, and even if the specific region passing waiting state (standby state; S15e) is entered, the game ball is not allowed to pass through the specific region (start gate 70). Demo production can appear. For this reason, even if it becomes a specific area passage waiting state (standby state; S15e), after a demonstration effect appears, a game ball is passed through the specific area and a specific game (start gate 70) is started. be able to. In other words, it is possible to enhance the game interest of a player who believes that “it is lucky if a demonstration effect appears in the waiting state for passing through a specific area (standby state; S15e)” (a player who likes a so-called “occult game”).

  Next, a third modification of the second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as modification 6) will be described with reference to FIG. In the gaming machine of the modification 6, the demonstration effect is not executed when the probability of the success / failure determination is a normal probability, and the demonstration effect is executed when the probability of the determination of the success / failure is high. In addition, when the probability of the success / failure determination is high, the contents of the demonstration effect differ depending on the number of STs. As a specific example, when the number of STs is small (ST = 1 to 50), a “demonstration effect in which a female character appears (hereinafter referred to as“ demo effect 1 ”) appears in FIG. When the number of times is large (ST = 51 to 100), a “demonstration effect reminiscent of a large number of prize balls (hereinafter referred to as a demonstration effect 2)” in FIG. 37B appears. It is possible to enhance the gaming interest of a player who believes that he / she is lucky when he encounters the production 1 (a player who likes the so-called “occult game”).

  Unlike the modified example 6, the demonstration effect may be executed when the probability of the success / failure determination is a normal probability, and the demonstration effect may not be executed when the probability of the determination of success / failure is a high probability. In addition, when the determination result is high, whether or not the demonstration effect can be executed may be determined according to the number of STs. For example, the demonstration effect may not be executed when the ST number is small, and the demonstration effect may be executed when the ST number increases. Modification 3 can also be applied to the second embodiment.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described. In the gaming machine of the third embodiment, the start time of the demonstration effect varies depending on the gaming state. That is, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 38, when the gaming state of the gaming machine is a normal variation state, “T2 seconds (90 seconds) without displaying the variation of the identification information (special symbol, production symbol). On the other hand, when the gaming state of the gaming machine is a probability variation state (a probability variation state that is not a latent probability variation state) as shown in FIG. The demonstration effect starts when T1 seconds (45 seconds) have elapsed without displaying the variation of the symbol), where T1 seconds (45 seconds) constitute a specific example of the first start time, and T2 seconds ( 90 seconds) constitutes a specific example of the second start time, and in Example 3, the game state does not include the latent probability variation state, but may include the latent probability variation state, and in this case, in the latent probability variation state, The start time of the demonstration production is the first start time. Is may be a second start time, it may be a timing other than the first start time and a second start time.

  Next, the demonstration effect start process (S800) of the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When starting the demonstration effect start process (S800), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 determines whether a demonstration effect command is received from the main control unit 200A (S805). In the third embodiment, unlike the other embodiments, a demonstration effect command is output from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A when the change display of the special symbol is interrupted for 45 seconds (FIG. 15). (Refer to the processing of S56 and S58).

  If it is determined that the demonstration effect command has been received (S805; YES), it is determined whether or not the start time corresponding to the gaming state at that time has come (S809). If the game state at that time is a probability change state (a probability change state that is not a latent probability change state), the first start time (45 seconds after the special symbol change display is interrupted) at the time of receiving the demonstration effect command. Therefore, the demonstration production (demonstration display) is started immediately, and the demonstration production start process (S800) is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the gaming state at that time is a normal variation state (S809; NO), the demonstration control start process (S800) of FIG. Return to S700). Then, while the effect control process (S700) of FIG. 22 is repeatedly performed, the second start time (90 seconds after the special symbol variation display is interrupted, that is, 45 seconds after receiving the demonstration effect command) is reached. The demonstration production (demonstration display) is started, and the demonstration production start process (S800) is ended. The contents of the demonstration effect end process (S900) and the standby screen display end process (S950) are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  According to the third embodiment, when the demonstration effect is executed, the start time of the demonstration effect (the start time of the demonstration effect) may be different from other demonstration effects. In other words, the demonstration production start time is not necessarily uniform, and by providing something with a different demonstration production start time, a fresh impression can be given to the player, so attracting the player by the demonstration production Is easy.

  In addition, since the execution condition is established and the start timing of the demonstration production is changed based on the gaming state and the like, the rarity of the demonstration production is enhanced, and it is difficult to generate a variable display of the identification information (special design, production design). It is difficult to give the player an impression (that is, an impression that the table is not spinning). That is, in the second gaming state (probability variation state) that is advantageous to the player, the variation display frequency of the identification information is higher than in the first gaming state (normal variation state), but the first gaming state. In this case, the frequency of display of variation in the identification information is lower than that in the case of the second gaming state (because the opening extension function and the variation shortening function do not operate). For this reason, in the case of the first gaming state, it is difficult to give the player the impression that it is difficult to generate a variation display of the identification information by delaying the start time of the demonstration effect (that is, the impression that it is a table that does not rotate). doing. In the second gaming state, since the start time of the demonstration production is early, the player intentionally stops the game and plays the game in the second gaming state (advantageous game) after the demonstration production appears. There are also people. In other words, a player who believes that he / she is lucky if he encounters a demonstration performance (a player who likes the so-called “occult game”) intentionally stops the game and makes the demonstration performance appear. A game may be played. In this case, by making the demonstration effect appear at an early stage, the player (player who likes the occult game) can satisfy the satisfaction.

  In the third embodiment, the mode in which the start time of the demonstration effect is changed according to the game state is illustrated. However, the start time may be changed according to the game mode as in the above-described modified example 4. In addition, when the variable display enabled state, the specific area passage waiting state, and the variable display disabled state are provided as in the above-described modification 5, the start time may be changed according to these states. Furthermore, similarly to the above-described modified example 6, the start time of the demonstration effect may be changed according to the number of STs. Modification 3 can also be applied to the second embodiment.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment, a case is shown in which the production mode of the demonstration effect is changed based on the cumulative number of variable displays of identification information (special symbol, production symbol) (hereinafter simply referred to as the cumulative number).

  Here, in the specific example 1 shown in FIG. 41A, when the cumulative number of times since the game machine is turned on is 100 times or less, the demonstration performance of the demonstration performance mode A has a probability of “80%”. If the cumulative number of times the game machine has been turned on exceeds 101 times, the demonstration performance mode A is allowed to appear with a probability of “2%”, and other demonstration performance modes (demonstration mode) B) can appear. Here, the demonstration effect aspect A constitutes a specific example of the demonstration effect aspect of the special aspect, and the demonstration effect aspect B constitutes a specific example of the demonstration effect of the demonstration effect aspect of the normal aspect. As described above, in the fourth embodiment, if the count value counted by the variable display number counting means (means for counting the cumulative number) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (101 times or more), the demonstration effect of the demonstration effect mode in the normal mode. If the count value is less than the predetermined value (less than 101 times), the demonstration effect of the demonstration effect mode of the special mode is executed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 42A, in the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment, the process of S8h is added after the process of S8g in the power-on process (see S8, FIG. 14). Therefore, in the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment, in the power-on process (S8), after the processes of S8f and S8g, a process of setting “0 (zero)” to the “count value of the variation counter” is performed (S8h) Then, the power-on process (S8) is terminated. Here, the variation counter is a counter that indicates the cumulative number of occurrences of variation display of special symbols (from the start of work) during the day, and is initialized to “0 (zero)” when the power is turned on. .

  Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 42 (b), in the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment, in the symbol variation start process (see S500, FIG. 19), the process of S571 is added after the process of S570, and the process of S572 is performed. Instead, the process of S573 is executed later. That is, in the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment, in the symbol variation start processing (S500), when the processing in S570 is performed, the count value of the variation counter is incremented by “+1” (S571). Subsequently, a predetermined command (design variation start command) indicating the start of symbol variation and information indicating the count value of the variation counter are transmitted to the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) (S573). Furthermore, after performing the process of S575, the symbol variation start process (S500) is completed.

  As described above, in the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) count value of the fluctuation counter at that time, that is, accumulation of fluctuation display of special symbols (from the start of work) in one day. The number of occurrences can be recognized.

  Next, the demonstration effect start process (S800) of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. When starting the demonstration effect start process (S800), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 determines whether or not the demonstration effect command transmitted from the main control unit 200A has been received (S805). If it is determined that the demonstration effect command has been received (S805; YES), the demonstration effect production mode is set according to the value of the fluctuation counter at that time (S808c). Then, based on the set effect mode, a demonstration effect (demonstration display) is started (S810), and the demonstration effect start process (S800) is ended.

  That is, if the count value of the variation counter is 100 or less, the demonstration effect of the effect mode A is started, and if it is 101 or more, the demonstration effect of the effect mode B is started. The contents of the demonstration effect end process (S900) and the standby screen display end process (S950) are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  According to the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment, the situation (game execution status) of how much the gaming machine is operated (how much the game is being executed) can be determined by the demonstration effect. Therefore, since it is easy to attract a player when a demonstration effect appears, the operation of the gaming machine can be improved. In the fourth embodiment, when the effect mode of the demonstration effect is changed based on the cumulative number of times (accumulated number) of the variable display of the identification information (special symbol, effect symbol) after the power is turned on to the gaming machine. (If it is less than the predetermined value, the demonstration effect of the demonstration effect mode of the special aspect is executed, and if it is the predetermined value or more, the demonstration effect of the demonstration effect aspect of the normal aspect is executed) The case where the production mode of the demonstration production is changed based on the accumulated number of times can also be exemplified.

  Next, a first modification of the third embodiment (hereinafter referred to as modification 7) will be described with reference to FIG. In the gaming machine of the modified example 7, if the count value of the variation counter is 100 or less, a demonstration effect in which a cherry character appears can be executed, and if it is 101 to 200, a demonstration effect in which a button character appears can be executed. If it is 201 to 300, a demonstration effect in which a plum character appears can be executed, and if it is 301 to 400, a demonstration effect in which a tulip character appears can be executed. As described above, the modified example 7 shows a case where the demonstration effect stage changes gradually as the count value of the variation counter increases. In this case, as the count value of the variation counter increases, the rarity of the demo performance mode may decrease (for example, cherry blossoms are most unlikely to appear).

  Next, a second modification of the third embodiment (hereinafter referred to as a modification 8) will be described with reference to FIGS. 44 (a) and 44 (b). In the gaming machine of the modification 8, the big hit number acquisition process (S750) of FIG. 44 (a) is added to the effect control process (S700), and the demonstration effect start process (S800) is shown in FIG. 44 (b). This is different from the fourth embodiment in that it is executed based on the flowchart of FIG.

  When the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 starts the jackpot number acquisition process (S750), it determines whether or not a start command (see S378 in FIG. 18) has been received (S755). If it has not been received (S755; NO), the big hit number acquisition process (S750) is terminated. On the other hand, if it has been received (S755; YES), data related to the number of jackpots is acquired and updated (S758), and the jackpot number acquisition process (S750) is terminated. That is, when a big hit occurs, the number of fluctuation displays (fluctuation display of identification information) executed from the previous big hit to the current big hit is specified based on the count value of the fluctuation counter described above. The specified number of times is the number of jackpots, and data for specifying the number of jackpots is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 220b of the sub control board 220 (hereinafter referred to as a jackpot number memory). This data is updated and stored in the memory for the number of jackpots every time a new jackpot is generated.

  Next, the demonstration effect start process (S800) of the modified example 8 will be described with reference to FIG. When starting the demonstration effect start process (S800), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 determines whether or not the demonstration effect command transmitted from the main control unit 200A has been received (S805). If it is determined that the demonstration effect command has been received (S805; YES), the demonstration effect production mode is set according to the number of jackpots stored in the jackpot number memory (S809c). Then, based on the set effect mode, a demonstration effect (demonstration display) is started (S810), and the demonstration effect start process (S800) is ended.

  For example, when the number of jackpots is less than 315 (less than the value indicating the probability of jackpot), a demonstration effect in which a character with low rarity appears can be executed, and when the number of jackpots is greater than 315 ( When there is more than a numerical value indicating the big hit probability), a demonstration effect in which a character with high rarity appears can be executed. For this reason, it is possible to achieve relief for so-called “hamari” in the appearance of the demonstration effect (relief that no big hit is generated even if variable display is performed more times than the numerical value indicating the big hit probability).

  Next, a third modification of the third embodiment (hereinafter referred to as modification 9) will be described with reference to FIGS. 45 (a), 45 (b) and 46. FIG. In the gaming machine of the modified example 9, the variation number setting process (S780) of FIG. 45A is added to the effect control process (S700), and the demonstration effect start process (S800) is changed to that of FIG. The point which is executed based on the flow diagram and the point where FIG. 46 is added are different from the fourth embodiment.

  When the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 starts the variation number setting process (S780), it determines whether or not the timer has expired (S785). This timer is timed up every time a unit time (for example, 30 minutes) elapses. If the timer has not expired (S785; NO), the variation number setting process (S780) is once terminated, and the process returns to the effect control process (S700). On the other hand, when the timer has expired (S785; YES), processing for initializing the timer (processing for starting the measurement of unit time from the beginning) and the number of changes per unit time (the number of changes in identification information) ) Is acquired (S788), and the variation count setting process (S780) is terminated. The number of fluctuations per unit time can be specified based on the count value of the above-mentioned fluctuation counter. The data regarding the number of fluctuations per unit time is updated and stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 220b of the sub-control board 220 (hereinafter referred to as the number-of-times memory per unit time) every time the timer expires.

  Next, the demonstration effect start process (S800) of Modification 9 will be described with reference to FIG. When starting the demonstration effect start process (S800), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 determines whether or not the demonstration effect command transmitted from the main control unit 200A has been received (S805). If it is determined that the demonstration effect command has been received (S805; YES), the demonstration effect production mode is set according to the number of fluctuations per unit time stored in the number of times per unit memory (S812, S814). , S816). That is, if the number of fluctuations per unit time exceeds the reference value, the demonstration effect production mode K is set (S812; YES, S814), and if the reference value is not exceeded, the demonstration effect production mode J is set (S812; NO). , S816). In either case, the demonstration production (demonstration display) is started based on the set production mode (S818), and the demonstration production start process (S800) is terminated.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 46 (a), the effect mode J is an effect mode indicating that the player is not taking a break, and as shown in FIG. 46 (b), the effect mode K is the player taking a break. It is an effect mode that shows that is being performed. Note that the third modification can be applied to the fourth embodiment.

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

  That is, in each embodiment, a mode in which a demonstration effect is executed when a predetermined time has elapsed since the game has not been played is illustrated, but the predetermined time has elapsed since the game has not been played, or the game is suspended. A mode in which a demonstration effect is executed when a predetermined time elapses after the number (described later) changes from “1” to “0” can also be exemplified. Also in this case, the demonstration effect can be canceled by entering the start opening and touching the handle by the player. Moreover, in Example 1, all the demonstration production time of several demonstration productions may differ, and one part may differ. Similarly, in Example 3, the start times of all the demonstration effects of the plurality of demonstration effects may be different, or some of them may be different.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start) provided on the game board are used. Games that give the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to the entry of game balls into the mouth, the second start opening, the big prize opening, etc. Although the example in which the present invention is applied to the machine 1 has been described, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine of a type that gives a gaming profit (game value) in a form different from “payout of prize balls”. it can. As such a type of gaming machine, when a game ball is entered into various winning openings, data indicating the amount of profit (the magnitude of the game value) corresponding to the winning ball is given to the main control unit or the payout By storing it in the RAM of the control unit, it is possible to exemplify a gaming machine that gives a game profit (game value) to a player. In this case, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained. As a type of gaming machine in which gaming profit (game value) is converted into data and given to the player, a gaming machine that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls built in the gaming machine, specifically, Examples of the game machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various winning holes or out holes to the launch position and launch it again. In this type of game machine (so-called enclosed game machine), for example, every time a game ball enters a winning opening, for example, data indicating a prize ball amount determined for each winning opening is stored. Thus, the game value as a result of the game can be given to the player.

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

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
27; production display device;
200; main control unit,
220; sub-control unit,
222; production display control unit 222A.

Claims (3)

A gaming machine capable of performing a demonstration when not being played,
As a demonstration aspect of the demonstration effect, it has a plurality of demonstration effect aspects,
A demonstration production mode determining means for determining a demonstration production mode from the plurality of demonstration production modes;
Identification information display means for variably displaying the identification information based on the game ball entering the start opening,
And a variable display frequency counting means for counting the variable display frequency of the identification information,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when a predetermined execution condition is satisfied, the demonstration effect to be executed is varied based on a specific condition related to the number of times of change display. The specific condition is a condition based on the number of times counted by the variable display number counting means,
The demonstration performance mode determining means determines a demonstration performance mode indicating that the game is not resting when the number of counts is less than a predetermined number, and is resting the game when the number of counts is a predetermined number or more. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein a demonstration effect mode is determined. As the plurality of demonstration effects,
A demonstration effect mode of a normal mode and a demonstration mode of a special mode with a lower appearance rate than the demonstration mode of the normal mode,
The specific condition is a condition based on a count value counted by the variable display number counting means,
If the count value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the demonstration effect of the demonstration effect mode of the normal mode is executed,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein if the count value is less than a predetermined value, the demonstration effect of the demonstration effect mode of the special mode is executed.

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