JP2017108878A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To introduce a novel performance related to a display of the number of residual symbol variations of a symbol, where a high probability game state is retained.SOLUTION: After a jackpot game, the game machine can control a game in a high probability game state until the number of special symbol variations reaches a prescribed number of STs (Special Times). In the high-probability game state, a small winning is produced at an extremely high probability, so that, even when no jackpot is produced, a player can increase the number of owned balls (a ball putout rate exceeds 100%). The number (X) of difference between the number of STs (80) and the number of special symbol variations from a time of termination of the last jackpot game, represents the number of residual variations of the special symbols where the game is controlled in the high-probability game state. A performance control part can notify the player of number-of-times information (KJ) different from the number (X) of difference, as information suggesting the residual number of variations.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 27

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  A type of gaming machine (pachinko machine) performs a jackpot lottery (winning determination) based on the establishment of the start condition, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot game with the opening of a big prize opening is performed as a kind of special game . A large number of prize balls can be obtained by winning game balls at the big prize opening. The result of the jackpot lottery is shown to the player in the symbol stop mode after the symbol change display on the symbol display means.

  There is also a type of gaming machine that controls a game in an advantageous gaming state (such as a high probability gaming state) advantageous to the player until the special symbol variation count reaches a predetermined ST count after the big hit game is played.

JP 2013-111293 A

  For a player who plays a game with this type of gaming machine, the remaining number of fluctuations (the number of differences between the number of STs and the number of fluctuations) in which the game is controlled in an advantageous gaming state is an important concern. If new productions can be introduced for important concerns, the game will be more interesting. It goes without saying that the introduction of new effects is important in order to have players enjoy playing games while suppressing their tiredness in gaming machines.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that contributes to improving the interest of games.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention is provided in a gaming area where game balls can flow down, a variable winning opening that can be changed between a closed state and an open state in which the game balls can easily enter from the closed state, and predetermined start conditions And determining means for determining whether or not to perform any of a plurality of special games including the first special game and the second special game, and when the determination is made, a predetermined symbol is displayed on the symbol display means. If the determination display means determines that the first special game is to be performed, and the symbol display control means for displaying the change in a manner indicating the determination result of the determination means, and the determination means, the predetermined first special game release pattern is displayed. A first special game executing means for performing a game for opening and closing the variable prize opening as the first special game, and a predetermined second special game opening when the determination means determines that the second special game is to be performed. The variable prize is given by pattern And a second special game execution means for performing a game for opening and closing the game as the second special game, and based on the game ball entering the variable winning opening at the time of executing the first special game or the second special game The payout means for paying out the game ball, and the game can be controlled in an advantageous game state advantageous to the player until the actual number of times of change, which is the number of times of change of the symbol from the end of execution of the first special game, reaches a predetermined number A game state control means and an effect execution means for performing a predetermined effect using a predetermined effect means, and the determination by the determination means in the advantageous game state is determined to perform the second special game. The probability is higher than the probability determined to perform the first special game and higher than the probability determined not to perform the first special game and the second special game, Wherein the predetermined number of times and said it is possible to notify a difference number different from the number information of the actual variation time count.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the gaming machine which contributes to the interest improvement of a game.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the internal structure of the big prize opening provided in the gaming machine. It is a block diagram of the part in connection with control of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which listed some processes performed in the main control part of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the determination table per special figure in the main control part of a game machine. It is explanatory drawing of the common figure determination table in the main control part of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the common symbol determination table in the main control part of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the common figure fluctuation pattern table in the main control part of a gaming machine. It is the figure which listed a part of process performed in the production | presentation control part of a game machine. It is a figure which shows the type of jackpot based on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram of a jackpot game. It is a figure which shows the big winning opening opening pattern in a jackpot game and a jackpot game. It is a figure which shows the distribution member release pattern in a specific round. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of the game related to jackpot. It is a figure which shows the opening production | presentation with V acquisition challenge production. It is a figure which shows V prize winning effect etc. It is explanatory drawing of production mode. It is a figure which shows a right-handed instruction | indication effect. It is a whole block diagram of a special figure fluctuation pattern table. It is a figure for demonstrating the transition of the game state after a jackpot game. It is a block diagram of the special mode special pattern fluctuation pattern table. It is a figure which shows the 1st-3rd decoration symbol displayed on an image display part. It is a figure which shows the some symbol which can be selected and specified as a decoration symbol. It is a figure which shows the effect using the stop aspect of the 1st-3rd decoration symbol. It is a block diagram of the special figure fluctuation pattern table for rush modes. It is a figure which shows the example of the content of the display containing frequency information in rush mode. It is a figure which shows the example of transition of the high probability remaining game frequency | count and frequency information in a high probability game state. It is a figure which shows the specific example of an addition effect. It is an operation | movement flowchart of an effect control part on specific conditions. It is an operation | movement flowchart of an effect control part on specific conditions. It is a flowchart of the additional effect determination process by the effect control unit. It is a figure which shows the mode of an image display part when reception of operation by a player is performed. It is a figure which shows the mode of an image display part when reception of operation by the manager of a gaming machine is performed. It is an external view of the data display connected to a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the big winning opening opening pattern of the big hit game and the small hit game when the 1st and 2nd big winning holes are provided.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings to be referred to, the same part is denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant description regarding the same part is omitted in principle. In this specification, for simplification of description, the names of information, signals, physical quantities, members, etc. corresponding to the symbols or signs are indicated by writing symbols or signs referring to information, signals, physical quantities, members, etc. Omitted or abbreviated. Further, in an arbitrary flowchart described later, a plurality of processes in any of a plurality of steps can be arbitrarily changed in execution order or can be executed in parallel as long as no contradiction occurs in the processing contents.

  An embodiment suitable for a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a gaming machine (so-called digipachi) belonging to the former first type.

<< Basic configuration of gaming machine >>
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment. A basic configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The gaming machine 100 includes the game board 101 and the constituent members shown in FIG. Note that the top, bottom, left, and right refer to the top, bottom, left, and right viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100 and the game board 101 unless otherwise specified. Both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are parallel to the board surface of the game board 101. The vertical direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. Unless stated otherwise, the front refers to the player closest to the player facing the gaming machine 100 and the gaming board 101, and the rear refers to the player facing the gaming machine 100 and the gaming board 101 unless otherwise stated. Point farther away.

  The gaming machine 100 is a pachinko gaming machine, and includes an outer frame 10 attached to an island structure disposed in a gaming facility, an inner frame 11 attached to the outer frame 10 so as to be openable and closable, and an inner frame 11. And a door frame 12 that can be freely opened and closed. The door frame 12 is formed with a window portion 12a in which a transparent glass plate is fitted so that a substantially entire game area 103 to be described later can be visually recognized from the front (player side). The game board 101 is detachably attached to the inner frame 11. At a lower position of the game board 101, a launching unit for launching a game ball is disposed (the detailed structure of the launching unit is not shown).

  The game ball launched upward by the driving of the launch unit rises between the rails 102a and 102b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls (flows down) in the game area 103 formed in the game board 101. It is supposed to be. The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown), and the game balls are dropped by the nails while changing the moving direction in an unspecified direction. Further, in the game board 101, a game ball drop path in the game area 103 includes a windmill (not shown) that changes the direction of the game ball fall, a first start port 105, a second start port 106, an electric tulip 107, A gate 108, a round start gate 109, a grand prize winning port 111, and a normal winning a prize opening 112 are provided. An image display unit 104 composed of a liquid crystal display panel or the like capable of displaying various effect images including decorative symbols is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 101.

  The start openings 105 and 106 are installed on the lower side and the right side of the image display unit 104, respectively, and form a start area through which a game ball can pass (winning is possible). The right to receive a special figure determination (determination as to whether or not to play a jackpot game) is acquired when a predetermined first start condition or second start condition is satisfied. The first and second start conditions are satisfied when the game balls win the start openings 105 and 106, respectively. Further, when the gaming machine 100 detects a winning game ball at the start port 105 or 106, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 1 to 3) of gaming balls. A game ball that is paid out due to a winning of a game ball to the start opening 105, 106, the big winning opening 111 or the normal winning opening 112 is also referred to as a winning ball. It should be noted that winning may be read as winning.

  An electric tulip 107 is provided in the vicinity of the second start port 106. The electric tulip 107 is in a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the second start port 106, and an open state (open state) that makes it easier to win the game ball in the second start port 106 than in the closed state. ) In either state. In effect, when the electric tulip 107 is in the closed state, it is impossible to win the game ball into the second starting port 106, and only when the electric tulip 107 is in the open state, the second starting of the game ball is started. Winning to the mouth 106 becomes possible. The opening of the electric tulip 107 is also referred to as the opening of the electric tulip 107. The electric tulip 107 is opened based on the result of the usual game determination performed by the game ball passing through the gate 108 arranged on the right side of the image display unit 104.

  A big prize opening 111 is provided on the right side of the image display unit 104. The grand prize opening 111 can also be opened and closed like the electric tulip 107, and a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the big prize opening 111, and a larger game ball than the closed state. One of the open states (open state) that makes it easy to win the winning opening 111 is taken. In effect, when the grand prize opening 111 is in the closed state, it is impossible to win the game ball into the big prize opening 111, and only when the big prize opening 111 is in the open state, the prize winning of the game ball is won. Winning to the mouth 111 is possible. The opening of the big prize opening 111 is also referred to as the opening of the big prize opening 111. The big winning opening 111 is normally closed, and when winning a jackpot, a predetermined number of round games (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) are opened until a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, winning 10 game balls). Repeat 6 times). When the gaming machine 100 detects a game ball that has won a prize winning slot 111, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, nine) of prize balls.

  One or more normal winning openings 112 are installed on the side or lower side of the image display unit 104. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, three) of winning balls when detecting a winning in the normal winning opening 112. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 113 for collecting game balls that have not won any of the first start port 105, the second start port 106, the big winning port 111 and the normal winning port 112. Yes. An information display unit 114 is provided in the lower right portion of the game board 101. In addition, the installation position of each component on the game board 101 can be arbitrarily changed.

  The round start gate 109 is a dedicated gate for starting the operation of the accessory continuous operation device (that is, for starting a round). In the configuration example of FIG. 1, the round start gate 109, the grand prize opening 111, the gate 108, and the second start opening 106 are all arranged on the right side of the image display unit 104, and are used for starting the round from the upper side to the lower side. The gate 109, the special winning opening 111, the gate 108, and the second start opening 106 are arranged in this order. Like the gate 108, the round start gate 109 has an area through which a game ball can pass. The passing of the game ball through the area is expressed as the game ball passing through the round start gate 109. The round start gate 109 is provided with a round start gate SW (switch) 418 for detecting passage of a game ball to the round start gate 109 (see FIG. 3). When the big win is won, the opening / closing operation of the big prize opening 111 is started in response to the detection result of the round start gate SW418.

  In the door frame 12, a speaker 115 (including speakers 115 a, 115 b, and 115 c), an effect light unit 116, and a movable frame accessory 117 that are used for an arbitrary effect are incorporated in the outer peripheral portion thereof. A movable accessory used for production is also provided on the game board 101. In this embodiment, a movable board accessory 130 is provided on the game board 101. In the door frame 12, an operation handle 119 is disposed at the lower right position. The operation handle 119 has a shape that protrudes toward the player, and a firing instruction member 120 is provided on the outer periphery thereof. The firing instruction member 120 is rotatably supported by the operation handle 119. When a player fires a game ball, the player rotates the firing instruction member 120 clockwise. At this time, the player can adjust the firing strength of the game ball according to the angle at which the firing instruction member 120 is rotated. Below the game area 103 in the door frame 12, in addition to the effect button 121 and the cross key 122, an upper plate (ball striking plate) 123, an upper plate lever 124, a lower plate (surplus) used for storing and delivering game balls A ball tray 125) and a lower plate lever 126 are provided. The effect button 121 and the cross key 122 constitute an operation input unit (may be referred to as an operation reception unit or an operation unit) that receives an operation input from the player.

  The result of special figure determination is indicated by a special symbol, and the result of general figure determination is indicated by a normal symbol. There are first and second special symbols as special symbols. The right of special figure determination based on the establishment of the first start condition is reserved up to a predetermined number (here, 4), and the number of the reserved rights is referred to as the number of reserved information U1. The right of special figure determination based on the establishment of the second start condition is reserved up to a predetermined number (here, 4), and the number of the reserved rights is referred to as the number of reserved information U2. The right to make a determination as to whether the game ball has passed through the gate 108 is reserved up to a predetermined number (here, 4), and the number of the reserved rights is referred to as the number of reserved information U3.

  The information display unit 114 includes a special symbol display unit that displays the first and second special symbols, a normal symbol display unit that displays normal symbols, a hold display unit that displays the number of hold information U1 to U3, a round number display unit, and a right Each of the display units can be formed with an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display.

<< Internal structure of the big prize opening >>
2A to 2C are schematic views showing the internal structure of the special winning opening 111. 2A to 2C, the up-down direction corresponds to the up-down direction in FIG. 1, and the right-left direction corresponds to the front-rear direction in FIG. That is, FIGS. 2A to 2C can be said to be views showing the internal structure of the special winning opening 111 when the gaming machine 100 is viewed from the left side. The internal area of the big prize opening 111 is an area into which a game ball can enter when the big prize opening 111 is open. Compared to the case where the big prize opening 111 is in the open state, when the big prize opening 111 is in the closed state, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the internal area of the big prize opening 111. In effect, when the grand prize winning hole 111 is in the closed state, it is impossible for the game ball to enter the internal area of the big prize winning hole 111, and only when the big prize winning hole 111 is in the open state, A game ball can enter the inner area of the mouth 111. 2A to 2C, a broken line and a broken line represent the flow of the game ball.

  In FIG. 2A, the big prize opening 111 is in a closed state, and in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the big prize opening 111 is in an open state. In the inner area of the big prize opening 111, a V area 141, a non-V area 142, a guide member 143 for guiding a game ball that has entered the inner area of the big prize opening 111 to the V area 141 or the non-V area 142, and A distribution member 144 is provided for distributing whether or not a game ball that has entered the internal area of the big winning opening 111 enters the V area 141. It is synonymous that a game ball enters the V area 141 and that a game ball passes through the V area 141. 2A to 2C, the game ball that has entered the internal area of the special winning opening 111 moves in the front-rear direction (front-rear direction as viewed from the player) and moves to the V area 141 or the non-V area 142. Although it is assumed that the game head is headed, a configuration may be adopted in which a game ball that has entered the internal area of the special winning opening 111 moves in the left-right direction toward the V area 141 or the non-V area 142.

  The distribution member 144 is provided in the vicinity of the V region 141, and the V region 141 is a region that is opened only when the distribution member 144 is operating. The distribution member 144 is in a closed state (the state shown in FIG. 2B) that makes it difficult for the game ball to enter the V region 141, and an open state that makes it easier for the game ball to enter the V region 141 than in the closed state. One of the states (the state shown in FIG. 2C) is taken. Substantially, when the sorting member 144 is in the closed state, the game ball cannot enter the V region 141, and only when the sorting member 144 is in the open state, the V region of the game ball. It is possible to enter 141. Opening the sorting member 144 is also referred to as opening the sorting member 144 or opening the V region 141.

  When a game ball that has entered the internal area of the big winning opening 111 does not enter the V area 141, the game ball is guided to the non-V area 142. Therefore, when the sorting member 144 is in the closed state, the game ball is guided to the non-V area 142 without entering the V area 141. The non-V area 142 is an area that is always open, and a game ball guided to the non-V area 142 enters the non-V area 142. Although the details will be described later, the V area 141 functions as a probability variation function operation switch. When a game ball enters the V area 141, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 thereafter is controlled to the high probability gaming state.

<< Basic operation of gaming machine >>
Next, the basic operation of the gaming machine 100 will be described. The gaming machine 100 acquires special figure determination information when the first or second start condition is satisfied, and performs special figure determination based on the special figure determination information. Acquisition of special figure determination information corresponds to acquisition of special figure determination right. The special figure determination includes determination of whether or not the jackpot has been won (whether or not the jackpot has been won or lost). In addition, the winning of the jackpot may be expressed as the occurrence of the jackpot (the same applies to the jackpot described later). In addition, the fact that a certain special figure determination information is won in a jackpot may be expressed as the special figure determination information is a big hit (the same applies to a small hit described later). When the special figure determination is performed based on the special figure determination information acquired by the establishment of the first and second start conditions, the gaming machine 100 displays the first and second special symbols variably for a predetermined time, respectively. The first and second special symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner showing the result of the special figure determination.

  When the gaming machine 100 displays the special symbol (first or second special symbol) in a variable manner, the gaming machine 100 displays the decorative symbol in a variable manner on the image display unit 104, and stops the decorative symbol in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol. Display. The decorative symbols displayed on the image display unit 104 include first to third decorative symbols, and each decorative symbol is associated with a numerical value or a symbol. For example, if a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner showing a big hit when a big hit occurs, the first to third decorative symbols are displayed in a manner showing a big hit (for example, a so-called doublet such as “7, 7, 7”). To stop display. At this time, the combination of the first to third decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed may differ depending on the type of jackpot that has occurred. When the result of the special figure determination is a loss (that is, when the jackpot is not won), the first to third decorative symbols are stopped at, for example, a so-called scatter pattern indicating a loss. The loose eye refers to a state in which two or three of the first to third decorative symbols are non-common symbols.

  When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a jackpot, the gaming machine 100 enters a jackpot gaming state. In the jackpot game state, a jackpot game is executed in which a round game that opens the jackpot 111 is executed for a round (for example, 16 rounds) according to the type of the jackpot that has been won. When a game ball wins the big prize opening 111 while the big prize opening 111 is opened, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls. The jackpot game state ends when the jackpot game ends. Games that involve the opening of the big winning opening 111 (including the big hit games and the small winning games described later) are given an opportunity to obtain a winning ball by winning a game ball in the big winning opening 111. It can be said that it is more advantageous for a player than a game without opening (for example, a game in a normal gaming state). The advantage here means that the player can easily obtain more prize balls (the expected value of the prize balls to be obtained is large) as the special winning opening 111 is opened.

  Special figure determination is not performed during the jackpot game. In the jackpot game state, the game is played by right-handed. “Right hit” means that a game ball is launched into a game area on the right side of the center line that divides the game area 103 left and right in the game area 103. On the other hand, left-handed strike means that a game ball is launched into the game area on the left side of the center line in the game area 103. In the left-handed game board 101 is formed so that a game ball can be won at the first start opening 105 but a game ball cannot be won at the second start opening 106 and the big winning opening 111. Has been. The game board 101 is formed so that a game ball can be won at the second starting port 106 and the big winning port 111, but a game ball cannot be won at the first starting port 105 by right-handed. Has been. In addition, the gates 108 and 109 are arranged on the right side of the game area 103 and above the big prize opening 111. Therefore, in the left strike, the game ball cannot pass through the gates 108 and 109, and only the right game ball can pass through the gates 108 and 109.

  After the jackpot game ends, the gaming machine 100 returns to a state in which special figure determination is performed. At this time, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 can be changed.

<< Game state of gaming machine >>
The gaming machine 100 can take either a low-probability gaming state (a normal gaming state) or a high-probability gaming state, except for a gaming state that involves the opening of the special winning opening 111. The gaming state in the initial state of the gaming machine 100 is a low probability gaming state. By using the RAM clear switch provided on the back of the gaming board 101 to initialize the gaming information of the gaming machine 100, the gaming machine 100 enters an initial state.

  The probability that it is determined that the jackpot is won in the special figure determination is higher in the high probability gaming state than in the low probability gaming state. Therefore, the high probability gaming state is more advantageous to the player than the low probability gaming state with respect to the likelihood of winning the jackpot (ease of playing the jackpot game). Further, as will be apparent from the description below, although there is no difference between the high probability gaming state and the low probability gaming state with respect to the ease with which the second starting condition is satisfied (ease of winning the winning opening 106), In the probability gaming state, a shorter time is more easily determined as the variation time of the second special symbol than in the low probability gaming state, and as a result, a small hit that occurs within a certain time (a special figure determination based on the establishment of the second starting condition) The number of small hits generated as a result of the above is increased. In other words, in the high probability game state, the player is more likely to obtain more prize balls (the expected value of the obtained prize ball is larger) as a result of frequent hits than in the low probability game state. Is advantageous.

<< Internal structure of gaming machine >>
With reference to FIG. 3, the internal structure of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a part related to control in the gaming machine 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 400 provided in the gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 401 that controls the progress of the game, a prize ball control unit 402 that controls the payout of prize balls, and an effect that controls the contents of the effect. And a control unit 403. In addition to the control unit 400, each component shown in FIG. 3 is provided in the gaming machine 100.

[1. Main control unit]
The main control unit 401 includes a main CPU (Central Processing Unit) 411, a main ROM (Read Only Memory) 412, and a main RAM (Random Access Memory) 413. The main ROM 412 stores a table group including tables TAt, TZt, THt, FAt, FZt, FHt, DKt, and FKt, and the main RAM 413 includes a storage area group including storage areas 413a and 413b. Yes.

  The main controller 401 is connected to various switches (hereinafter abbreviated as “SW”) for detecting a game ball. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 401 has a first start for detecting a game ball won in the first start port 105, the second start port 106, the big winning port 111, and the normal winning port 112. The mouth SW 414a, the second start opening SW 414b, the big prize opening SW 416, the normal prize opening SW 417, the gate SW 415 for detecting the game ball that has passed the gate 108, and the round start for detecting the game ball that has passed the round start gate 109 The gate SW 418 is connected to a V area SW 419a that detects a game ball that has entered the V area 141, and a non-V area SW 419b that detects a game ball that has entered the non-V area 142. Is sent to the main control unit 401.

  The main control unit 401 is connected to various solenoids that drive the electric combination on the game board 101. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 401 includes an electric tulip solenoid 420 that opens and closes the electric tulip 107, a big prize opening solenoid 421 that opens and closes the big prize opening 111, and a sorting member 144. Is connected to a sorting member solenoid 422 that opens and closes. The main control unit 401 uses the electric tulip solenoid 420 to open and close the electric tulip 107 based on the result of the ordinary figure determination, and uses the special prize opening solenoid 421 and the sorting member solenoid 422 based on the result of the special figure determination. Thus, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 111 and the sorting member 144 is realized. An information display unit 114 is connected to the main control unit 401. The main control unit 401 performs display control of the information display unit 114 based on the result of the special figure determination, the result of the common figure determination, and the number of held information U1, U2, and U3.

[1-1. Main processing]
FIG. 4 lists the main processes performed by the main control unit 401. When power is supplied to the gaming machine 100, the main process is executed by the main CPU 411. In the main process, an initial setting process of various devices in the main control unit 401 and a backup information generation process are performed, and the processing results are stored in the main RAM 413.

[1-2. Timer interrupt processing]
The main CPU 411 interrupts and executes a timer interrupt process for the main process at a period (for example, a period of several milliseconds or less) set in the main process (see FIG. 4). In the timer interrupt process, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes a random number update process, a switch process, a special symbol process, a normal symbol process, an electric accessory control process, a prize ball process, and an output process.

[1-2-1. Random number update processing]
The main control unit 401 includes a special figure random number counter C1 for counting special figure random numbers, a special figure random number counter C2 for counting special figure random numbers, and a special figure fluctuation pattern random number counter C3 for counting special figure fluctuation pattern random numbers. A random number counter C4 for counting random numbers per common figure, a general symbol random number counter C5 for counting random numbers of ordinary symbols, and a universal pattern random number counter C6 for counting random numbers of regular patterns, In the random number update process, the count value of each random number counter is updated by adding “1” to the count value of each random number counter. In each of the random number counters C1 to C6, when the count value of the counter exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, the count value of the counter is returned to “0”, and thereafter the same count up is performed. Note that the arbitrary random number in the present embodiment takes only an integer value unless otherwise specified.

[1-2-2. Switch processing]
The switch process will be described (see FIG. 4). In the switch process, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes a start opening switch process, a gate switch process, a round start gate switch process, a big winning opening switch process, a normal winning opening switch process, a V area switch process, and a non-V area switch process. .

  In the start port switch process, the main CPU 411 uses the start ports SW 414a and SW 414b to make a counter at the timing when the winning of the game ball to the start port 105 or 106 is detected (ie, the timing at which the first or second start condition is satisfied). Obtains the count values of C1 to C3 and stores the special figure determination information including the acquired count values of the counters C1 to C3 as a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number. It memorize | stores in the area | region 413a. The storage area 413a can store the special figure determination information based on the establishment of the first start condition and the special figure determination information based on the establishment of the second start condition, with a predetermined number as an upper limit. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number is four. Therefore, the storage area 413a can store up to eight pieces of special figure determination information. The numbers of special figure determination information triggered by the establishment of the first and second start conditions in the storage area 413a correspond to the above-described holding information numbers U1 and U2, respectively. In addition, a priority order for receiving special figure determination is set for each special figure determination information stored in the storage area 413a. Basically, a higher priority is set for the special figure determination information acquired earlier in time. However, it is assumed that a higher priority is set for the special figure determination information acquired when the second start condition is satisfied as compared to the special figure determination information acquired when the first start condition is satisfied. The prior determination process executed in the start port switch process will be described later.

  In the gate switch process, the main CPU 411 acquires the count values of the counters C4 to C6 at the timing when the passing of the game ball to the gate 108 is detected, and uses the acquired count values of the counters C4 to C6 as random numbers, The information for determining the general pattern including the design random number and the normal pattern variation pattern random number is stored in the general pattern determination information storage area 413b. The storage area 413b can store general-purpose determination information with a predetermined number as an upper limit. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number is four. The number of general-purpose determination information in the storage area 413b corresponds to the hold information number U3. A priority order for receiving the common figure determination is set for each piece of common figure determination information stored in the storage area 413b. A higher priority is set for the information for determining ordinary drawings acquired earlier in time.

  In the round start gate switch process, the main CPU 411 uses the round start gate SW418 to detect whether or not the game ball has passed through the round start gate 109, and uses the detection result to determine whether the game consecutive action device has Control to start operation. It can be considered that the accessory continuous operation device is formed to include a special prize opening solenoid 421 (see FIG. 3) for opening and closing the special prize opening 111 and a portion for controlling the same.

  In the big prize opening switch process, the main CPU 411 detects a game ball won in the big prize opening 111 by the big prize opening SW416. In the normal winning opening switch process, the main CPU 411 detects a game ball won in the normal winning opening 112 by the normal winning opening SW417. In the V area switch process, the main CPU 411 detects a game ball that has entered the V area 141 by the V area SW 419a. In the non-V area switch process, the main CPU 411 detects a game ball that has entered the non-V area 142 by the non-V area SW 419b.

[1-2-3. Special design processing]
In the special symbol process, the main CPU 411 acquires, as the determination target TT, the special figure determination information set with the highest priority among the special figure determination information stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413a. The special figure determination is executed for the determination target TT. At this time, the special figure determination information that is the determination target TT is deleted from the storage area 413a. The special figure determination includes a special figure determination, a special symbol determination, and a special fluctuation pattern determination. Then, in the special symbol processing, after the special symbol variation display is performed for the variation time indicated by the special symbol variation pattern selected by the special symbol variation pattern determination, the determination result per special symbol and the determination result of the special symbol determination are shown. To stop the special symbol. The result of the special figure determination can be stored in the main RAM 413. In the special symbol processing, when the special symbol determination information is not stored in the storage area 413a, the special symbol processing is finished without performing the special symbol determination. Also, the special symbol determination is not performed when the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner or when a game involving the opening of the special winning opening 111 is performed.

  When the main CPU 411 starts the variation display of the special symbol, the main CPU 411 instructs the production control unit 403 to start the execution of the variation effect by setting the variation start command including the result of the special symbol determination in the main RAM 413. When the change is stopped, a change stop command is set in the main RAM 413 to instruct the effect control unit 403 to end the execution of the change effect. These commands set in the RAM 413 are output to the effect control unit 403 in an output process (see FIG. 4) described later.

  Referring to FIG. 5, determination per special figure is performed using a special figure determination table TAt including a determination table TAt1 per low probability special figure and a determination table TAt2 per high probability special figure. Each of the tables TAt1 and TAt2 has a predetermined determination value associated with the jackpot. When the high probability game flag is set to OFF at the time of determination per special figure, the main CPU 411 makes a determination per special figure using the table TAt1, and when the high probability game flag is set to ON. Determination per special figure is performed using the table TAt2. Then, the main CPU 411 determines that the jackpot has been won if the random number per special figure of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the jackpot, otherwise it is a loss (that is, the jackpot is won) Not). The gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is ON, and a low probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is OFF. Here, it is determined per special figure such that the winning probability of winning the jackpot (ie, the probability determined to play the jackpot game) is 890/65536 and 900/65536, respectively, in the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state. Assume that a table TAt is formed.

  In addition, the main CPU 411 determines whether or not a small hit is made in the special figure determination. The small hit is not a big hit, but is a specific lose represented by a special symbol in a mode different from a normal lose (a loss other than the small hit). The main CPU 411 determines that the winning unit is won when the random number per special figure of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the small unit. Here, regardless of ON / OFF of the high-probability game flag, the winning probability per unit is 64500/65536. However, the small hit occurs only in the determination per special symbol for the second special symbol (only in the determination per special symbol based on the establishment of the second start condition), and in the determination per special symbol for the first special symbol (first In the determination per special figure based on the establishment of the one start condition), no small win is won.

  In the special symbol determination, the main CPU 411 compares the special symbol determination table TZt with the special symbol random number of the determination target TT, and determines in which symbol the special symbol is stopped based on the comparison result. . There are a plurality of types of jackpots, and when the jackpot is won, the jackpot type is determined based on the comparison result.

  In the special figure fluctuation pattern determination, the special figure fluctuation pattern for the determination target TT is determined based on the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt and the random number per special figure, the special symbol random number, and the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the determination target TT. The determination of the special figure fluctuation pattern is synonymous with the selection or setting of the special figure fluctuation pattern. The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt includes a plurality of special figure fluctuation patterns, and one special figure fluctuation pattern for the determination target TT is selected in the special figure fluctuation pattern determination. Each special symbol variation pattern defines a variation pattern of a special symbol, and defines, for example, a variation time of the special symbol (the length of time during which the variation display of the special symbol is performed).

[Pre-judgment process in start-up switch process]
Further, the main CPU 411 executes a pre-determination process during the start port switch process (see FIG. 4). In the pre-determination process, the main CPU 411 sets, as a pre-determination target, the special-determination determination information that is stored in the special-determination determination information storage area 413a and is put on hold, and the pre-determination target is determined per special figure The special symbol design determination and the special symbol variation pattern determination are sequentially executed. The methods of the per-special determination, the special symbol design determination, and the special-figure variation pattern determination for the prior determination target (these determinations are collectively referred to as prior determination) are the same as those for the determination target TT. The result of the prior determination is stored in the main RAM 413. The result of the prior determination is included in a hold increase command (also referred to as a prior determination command), the hold increase command is set in the main RAM 413, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 403 in an output process described later. The holding increase command includes information indicating which of the holding information numbers U1 and U2 has increased in addition to the result of the prior determination. The pre-determination process for certain special figure determination information is executed in the start-up switch process before the special figure determination information is acquired and stored in the storage area 413a. Therefore, the prior determination for any special figure determination information is executed before the special figure determination is executed for the special figure determination information.

[1-2-4. Normal symbol processing]
The normal symbol processing (see FIG. 4) will be described. In the normal symbol processing, the main CPU 411 obtains the information for determining the common figure having the highest priority in the general-purpose information storage area 413b as the general-purpose determination target FF. To determine the usual figure. At this time, the information for determining the normal map which is the target FF for normal map determination is deleted from the storage area 413b. The common figure determination includes a common figure determination, a general symbol determination, and a general pattern variation pattern determination. Then, in the normal symbol processing, after the normal symbol variation display is performed for the variation time indicated by the general variation variation pattern selected by the general variation variation determination, the determination result of the universal symbol determination and the general symbol determination is shown. To stop the normal design. The result of the normal map determination can be stored in the main RAM 413. In the normal symbol process, when the general pattern determination information is not stored in the storage area 413b, the normal symbol process is terminated without performing the general symbol determination. Further, the normal symbol determination is not performed when the normal symbol variation display is performed and when the game for opening the electric tulip 107 is performed. However, it is not necessary to limit the execution of the normal determination when a game involving the opening of the special winning opening 111 is being performed.

  Note that the game that opens the electric tulip 107 that is executed based on the result of the normal determination is also referred to as an electric chew release game (auxiliary game) below.

  FIG. 6 shows a universal hit determination table FAt referred to in the normal hit determination. The table FAt is configured to have a predetermined determination value associated with each common map. The main CPU 411 determines that the winning per symbol is won when the random number per ordinary symbol of the ordinary map determination target FF matches the determination value associated with each ordinary symbol, and is otherwise lost ( In other words, it is determined that it is not won per ordinary figure). Here, the winning probability per game (that is, the probability that it is determined to play the electric-chu-open game) does not depend on the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 (thus, either the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state). However, it is assumed that the common figure determination table FAt is formed to have a certain probability of “95%”. However, the certain probability may be 100%.

In any case, the winning probability per common figure (that is, the probability determined to play an electric-chu-open game in the per-normal figure determination) is common to the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state.
However, it is also possible to configure the per-figure determination table FAt so that the winning probabilities per ordinary figure are different from each other in the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state.

  FIG. 7 shows a general symbol determination table FZt that is referred to in the general symbol determination. In the general symbol determination, the main CPU 411 compares the general symbol determination table FZt with the general symbol random number of the general symbol determination target FF, and based on the comparison result, the main symbol 411 determines in which symbol the normal symbol is stopped. judge. There are a plurality of types per common figure, and when winning per common figure, the type per common figure is determined based on the comparison result. If the type per map is different, the mode of electric chew release game is different. Here, it is assumed that there are per long opening and per short opening as per common figure. The time (for example, 3 seconds) for which the electric tulip 107 is opened in the long open period is longer than the time (for example, 1.5 seconds) in which the electric tulip 107 is opened in the short open period. In addition, here, in the case of winning per common figure, the probability that the type per common figure is per long opening and short opening is not dependent on the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 (thus, low probability gaming state and It is assumed that the normal symbol determination table FZt is formed so as to be 80% and 20%, respectively (in any of the high probability gaming states). In addition, the type per common figure may be only per long opening. In this case, when a winning is made for a normal figure, an electric chew release game is always performed for a long release.

In any case, when the winning per win is won, the opening mode of the electric tulip 107 (the mode of the electric chew release game) is determined under the common conditions between the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state. (The determination condition of the open mode of the electric tulip 107 is common between the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state).
However, the general symbol determination table FZt should be configured so that the opening mode of the electric tulip 107 is determined under different conditions between the low-probability gaming state and the high-probability gaming state when winning is won per common figure. Is also possible.

  FIG. 8 shows a general-purpose fluctuation pattern table FHt that is referred to in the general-purpose fluctuation pattern determination. In the normal pattern variation pattern determination, the main CPU 411 determines a general pattern variation pattern for the general map determination target FF based on the general map variation pattern table FHt and the general map variation pattern random number of the general map determination target FF. For the determination, a random number per common figure and / or a general symbol random number of the FF for which the common figure determination is performed may be referred to. The determination of the common map variation pattern is synonymous with the selection or setting of the general map variation pattern. The general-purpose fluctuation pattern table FHt includes a plurality of general-purpose fluctuation patterns, and one general-purpose fluctuation pattern for the normal-figure determination target FF is selected in the general-purpose fluctuation pattern determination. Each normal pattern variation pattern defines a variation pattern of a normal symbol, and defines, for example, a variation time of a normal symbol (a time during which variation display of a normal symbol is performed).

  Here, it is assumed that the common map variation pattern table FHt includes the common map variation patterns FHp_1 and FHp_2. The variation times of the normal symbols defined by the normal variation patterns FHp_1 and FHp_2 are 0.5 seconds and 1 second, respectively. Furthermore, here, the probability that the normal variation patterns FHp_1 and FHp_2 are selected in the normal variation pattern determination does not depend on the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 (therefore, either the low probability gaming state or the high probability gaming state). However, it is assumed that the normal variation pattern table FHt is formed so as to be 60% and 40%, respectively. The main CPU 411 displays the variation of the normal symbol for the variation time indicated by the selected regular pattern variation pattern, and then stops and displays the regular symbol in a manner indicating the result of the universal symbol determination and the common symbol determination. . It should be noted that the normal variation pattern FHp_1 may always be selected in the normal variation pattern determination. In this case, 0.5 seconds is always selected and determined as the variation time of the normal symbol.

In any case, the variation time of the normal symbol (the time during which the normal symbol variation display is performed) is determined under a common condition between the low-probability gaming state and the high-probability gaming state (the variation time of the ordinary symbol) The decision condition is common between the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state).
However, the normal pattern variation pattern table FHt may be configured so that the variation time of the normal symbol is determined under different conditions between the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state.

[1-2-5. Electric accessory control processing]
In the electric accessory control process (see FIG. 4), the big prize opening process and the electric chew process are sequentially executed. In the big prize opening process, when the result of the special figure determination indicates that the jackpot is won, the big prize opening 111 is opened and closed using the big prize opening opening pattern corresponding to the type of the big prize, and the result of the special figure judgment When is indicating a winning of a small winning, the large winning opening 111 is opened and closed using the small winning large opening opening pattern. In the big prize opening pattern table DKt, a big prize opening pattern defining the opening mode of the big prize opening 111 is stored for each type of jackpot, and a big prize opening pattern for small hits is also stored. The main CPU 411 realizes the big prize opening process with reference to the table DKt.

  The jackpot game with the opening of the big winning opening 111 is started after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner showing the jackpot. In the jackpot game, until the opening time of the big winning opening 111 reaches a predetermined maximum opening time (predetermined time; for example, 30 seconds) or until the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening 111 reaches a predetermined value (for example, ten). A round game that opens the grand prize winning hole 111 is executed Rmax times with a predetermined interval period (in other words, an interval time). Therefore, it can be considered that the jackpot game includes round games for Rmax. Rmax represents the number of rounds according to the type of jackpot. When a predetermined ending period (in other words, ending time; for example, 5 seconds) elapses after the last round game ends, the game state returns to a state in which special figure determination can be performed.

  In addition, the sorting member process is executed in the special winning opening process. In the distribution member process, the main CPU 411 performs an opening / closing operation of the distribution member 144 using a distribution member release pattern in a specific round during the big hit game. The distribution member release pattern table FKt stores a distribution member release pattern that defines the release mode of the distribution member 144. The main CPU 411 realizes the sorting member process with reference to the table FKt.

  In addition, during the execution of the jackpot game or after the jackpot game, the game state setting process (see FIG. 4) is executed in the big prize opening process. In the game state setting process, the main CPU 411 sets the state of various game flags including the high probability game flag stored in the main RAM 413. As described above, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is ON, and a low probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is OFF. In the game state setting process during the big prize opening process that is executed in response to the occurrence of the jackpot, the ON / OFF of the high probability game flag is set according to the gaming state at the time of the jackpot occurrence or the type of jackpot that has occurred. In addition, a high-probability game remaining number X indicating the remaining number of fluctuations of the special symbol that maintains the high-probability gaming state is set in the main RAM 413.

  The high probability remaining game count X set in the game state setting process is subtracted by “1” every time the special figure determination is executed when “X ≧ 1”, and becomes “X = 0”. The high probability game flag is set to OFF, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 becomes a low probability gaming state. In the initial state of the gaming machine 100, the high probability game flag is OFF and the number of times X is set to “0”.

  In addition, even when winning a small win, a game with the opening of the big winning opening 111 (this is called a small hit game) is executed, but the main control unit 401 is triggered by the winning of the small winning Do not change the game state (probability of winning the jackpot). In other words, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 does not change between before and after the small win.

  In the electric Chu process, the main CPU 411 opens and closes the electric tulip 107 based on the result of the common map determination. In the case of winning per common figure, the electric tulip 107 is opened only for a time corresponding to the type of common figure based on the result of the common symbol determination. Note that the electric chew process can be executed in any game state, including when a big hit game and a small hit game are being played. Therefore, when the special winning opening 111 is in the open state, the electric tulip 107 may be opened by the electric chewing process.

[1-2-6. Prize ball processing]
In the winning ball process, the main CPU 411 pays out a predetermined number of winning balls for winning at the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 111, and the normal winning port 112. Is set in the main RAM 413 as a prize ball command.

[1-2-7. Output processing]
In the output process, the main CPU 411 stores information (including the above-described commands) stored in the main RAM 413, etc., in each control unit (prize ball control unit 402 and effect control unit 403) connected to the main control unit 401. Output). A command related to the prize ball is output to the prize ball control unit 402, and a command related to the effect is output to the effect control unit 403. In the output process, the main CPU 411 may be able to transmit any information that it recognizes or holds (for example, information indicating the state of the high probability game flag) to the effect control unit 403. When the output process ends, the timer interrupt process also ends. When the timer interrupt process ends, the process executed by the main CPU 411 returns to the main process (see FIG. 4).

  As shown in FIG. 3, a board external information terminal board 491 is connected to the main control section 401, and the main control section 401 sends information indicating the contents stored in the main RAM 413 to the outside (through the board 491 ( For example, it can be output to a hall computer of a game facility.

[2. Prize ball control unit]
The prize ball control unit 402 (see FIG. 3) includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. Based on a payout instruction (prize ball command) from the main control unit 401, the prize ball is paid out using the payout unit 429. Do. Various SWs for detecting a game ball are connected to the prize ball control unit 402. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the prize ball control unit 402 includes a fixed position detection SW 424 that detects a game ball at a predetermined position, a payout ball detection SW425 that detects a paid game ball, A ball presence detection SW 426 for detecting whether or not there is a game ball and a full tank detection SW 427 for detecting that the upper plate 123 and the lower plate 125 are filled with game balls are connected. A detection signal indicating the result is sent to the prize ball control unit 402. The winning ball control unit 402 pays out a winning ball or stops paying out a winning ball based on a payout instruction output from the main control unit 401 or a detection signal input from the SWs 424 to 427. Further, the prize ball control unit 402 may output detection signals from the SWs 424 to 427 to the main control unit 401.

  Further, a launching unit 428 is connected to the prize ball control unit 402. The award ball control unit 402 detects the operation of launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 428 (operation by the player) and controls the launch of the game ball. The launcher 428 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 402 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 428, the game ball 103 is intermittently fired by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, and the game area 103 of the game board 101 is played. Launch a game ball. The prize ball controller 402 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 492, and various information handled by the prize ball controller 402 can be output to the outside through the board 492.

[3. Production control unit]
The effect control unit 403 includes a sub CPU 431, a sub ROM 432, and a sub RAM 433 (see FIG. 3). The effect control unit 403 includes an image / sound control unit (not shown) that performs display control of the image display unit 104 and sound output control of the speaker 115, lighting control of the effect light unit 116 and the board lamp 135 on the game board 101, and A lamp control unit (not shown) that performs drive control of the frame movable accessory 117 and the panel movable accessory 130 is provided. In addition, the effect control unit 403 is connected with an effect button 121 and a cross key 122 for receiving an operation from the player. The effect control unit 403 can perform an effect corresponding to the input operation content from the player with respect to the effect button 121 and the cross key 122.

  The effect control unit 403 realizes an arbitrary effect including a change effect using an effect realizing element (effect means). That is, the production control unit 403 controls the production realization element to cause the production realization element to perform a desired production (the main body of the production in this expression is the production realization element, but in the description of this embodiment, The effect control unit 403 is regarded as the main subject of the effect). The effect realization element includes all or part of the image display unit 104, the speaker 115, the effect light unit 116, the movable frame accessory 117, the effect button 121, the panel lamp 135, and the movable panel accessory 130. The variation effect refers to an effect executed by the effect control unit 403 at the start and end of the variation during the special symbol variation display, and includes an effect suggesting the determination result of the special symbol determination. It should be noted that suggestions, notifications, notifications, notifications, etc. due to effects may be considered to be for players unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise specified, the display of arbitrary images and designs (decorative designs, etc.) under the control of the effect control unit 403 refers to those displays on the image display unit 104, and sound and audio output from the speaker 115. Sound and sound output.

  FIG. 9 lists the main processes performed by the effect control unit 403. When power is supplied to the effect control unit 403, the effect main process is executed by the sub CPU 431. In the effect main process, initial setting of various devices in the effect control unit 403 is performed and the setting result is stored in the sub RAM 433. The sub CPU 431 interrupts and executes the effect timer interrupt process for the effect main process at the cycle set in the effect main process. In the effect timer interrupt process, the sub CPU 431 sequentially executes an effect random number update process, a command reception process, and an operation reception process.

  The effect control unit 403 is provided with an effect random number counter that counts effect random numbers. In the effect random number update process, an effect random number is added by adding “1” to the count value of the effect random number counter. Update the count value of the counter. In the effect random number counter, when the count value exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, the count value is returned to “0”, and thereafter the same count up is performed. The count value of the effect random number counter can be referred to as the value of the effect random number used in various effects.

  In the command reception process, the sub CPU 431 executes a special drawing effect process, a general drawing effect process, and a hit effect process.

  The special figure effect process includes an effect start process and an effect end process. The sub CPU 431 starts the variation effect by executing the effect start process in response to the reception of the variation start command from the main control unit 401, and then performs the effect in response to the reception of the variation stop command from the main control unit 401. The variation effect is ended by executing the end process. The effect start process includes a variable effect content determination process. In the variation effect content determination process, the sub CPU 431 determines the content of the variation effect based on the effect random number, the command received from the main control unit 401, or the like. Specifically, for example, a variation effect pattern table (special drawing variation effect pattern table) including a plurality of variation effect patterns (special drawing variation effect pattern) each defining the contents of the variation effect is stored in the sub ROM 432 in advance. In the variation effect content determination process, the content of the variation effect is determined by selecting and determining one variation effect pattern from the variation effect pattern table based on the variation start command or the like.

  Further, when receiving a hold increase command from the main control unit 401, the sub CPU 431 stores information based on the hold increase command in the sub RAM 433 and performs a hold increase process in the command reception process. In the hold increase process, a hold image corresponding to the prior determination target is additionally displayed on the image display unit 104. The reserved image corresponding to the advance determination target is later deleted from the image display unit 104 or shifted to a specific display position when the change start command is received when the advance determination target is the determination target TT. . The sub CPU 431 can also perform a pre-reading notice effect for the prior determination target based on the hold increase command.

  The ordinary drawing effect process (see FIG. 9) is executed by the sub CPU 431 when a command related to a normal symbol is received from the main control unit 401. A command related to the normal symbol is transmitted from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 at the start and end of the variation of the normal symbol. In the ordinary drawing effect process, the ordinary drawing effect is executed when the normal symbol changes.

  The winning effect process (see FIG. 9) is executed by the sub CPU 431 when a command related to the winning effect is received from the main control unit 401. That is, for example, when a special symbol and a decorative symbol are stopped and displayed in a manner in which the determination target TT has won a jackpot or a jackpot and indicates a jackpot or a jackpot, a command related to a win effect is sent from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit. The sub CPU 431 executes a win effect to be performed during the big hit game or the small hit game based on the reception result of the command.

  In the operation accepting process (see FIG. 9), the sub CPU 431 operates based on a signal from the effect button 121 or the cross key 122 to determine whether the player has made an operation on the effect button 121 or the cross key 122 (whether or not an operation has been input and details of the operation). ) The effect control unit 403 can perform an effect according to the recognized operation state.

<< About the type of jackpot >>
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating types of jackpots. As types of jackpots, there are special A, general A, special B and special C. The number of rounds of special A, communication A, special B, and special C are 6, 6, 6, and 2, respectively. Note that “R” in the jackpot indicates a round.

  FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the jackpot game. When the special symbol and the decorative symbol are stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the winning of the jackpot, after a predetermined opening period, the round game is executed Rmax times corresponding to the number of rounds after a predetermined interval period. The jackpot game ends when the ending period elapses. In other words, the jackpot game can be considered to be configured to include round games for Rmax. Each round game has a predetermined value (hereinafter referred to as an upper limit count value; for example, 10) until the opening time of the grand prize opening 111 reaches a predetermined maximum opening time or the number of game balls won in the big winning opening 111 It is a game that opens the grand prize opening 111 until.

  A period during which a round game is played is called a round. However, when the concept of “period” is particularly noted, a round can also be referred to as a round period in particular. Also, the i-th round in the jackpot game is called the i-th round (i is an integer), and the last round in the jackpot game is called the final round. Therefore, the final round in the jackpot game of Special A, A and B is the sixth round, and the final round in the jackpot game of Special C is the second round (see FIG. 10).

  The effect control unit 403 performs a predetermined opening effect and an ending effect in the opening period and the ending period, respectively, and performs a predetermined in-round effect between the opening period and the ending period. More specifically, for example, when the main CPU 411 stops the special symbol in a manner indicating a big hit, it outputs a change stop command to the effect control unit 403, and then outputs an opening command as a command related to the win effect. When the main CPU 411 ends the opening of the special winning opening 111 in the final round, the main CPU 411 transmits an ending command as a command related to the winning effect. When the effect control unit 403 receives the opening command, the effect control unit 403 executes a predetermined opening effect during the opening period, and then executes a predetermined effect during the round from the first round period to the final round period, and when receiving the ending command, the ending period A predetermined ending effect is executed at.

  The period in which the jackpot game is executed is called a jackpot game period. The jackpot game period refers to the period from the start of the opening period to the end of the ending period. However, it can be considered that only the period between the opening period and the ending period is a jackpot gaming period (that is, the opening period and the ending period can be considered not to belong to the jackpot gaming period). In the period from the start time of the opening period to the end time of the ending period, special figure determination and special symbol variation display are not performed. If the special figure determination information is stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413a, the special figure determination using the stored special figure determination information as the determination target TT is executed after the end of the ending period.

  Referring to FIG. 10, in the special symbol per determination for the first special symbol (in special symbol per determination based on the establishment of the first start condition), when the big hit is won, the ratio that the big hit becomes special A, total A Are 75% and 25%, respectively. In the special symbol determination for the first special symbol, the special B and special C jackpots are not won. In the determination per special symbol for the second special symbol (in the determination per special symbol based on the establishment of the second start condition), when the jackpot is won, the ratio that the big hit becomes special B and special C is 50 respectively. %, 50%. In the determination per special symbol for the second special symbol, no special A or a big A jackpot will be won. The special symbol design determination table TZt is formed so that the type of jackpot for the first and second special symbols is determined at the above-described ratio.

  As the specified maximum opening time, which is the maximum opening time of the big winning opening 111 in each round game, a predetermined short opening time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and a predetermined middle opening time longer than the short opening time (for example, 0.3) Second to 1.5 seconds) and a predetermined long opening time (for example, 30 seconds) longer than the middle opening time. Of the six round games that make up the jackpot game of each of Special A, Special A and Special B, the prescribed maximum opening time in five round games is the long opening time, and the prescribed maximum opening in the remaining one round game Time is short open time. A jackpot game including a lot of round games having a long maximum opening time as a specified maximum opening time has a larger number of winning balls that can be obtained by winning the winning prize slot 111 in the jackpot game, which is more advantageous to the player. In round games where the short open time is the specified maximum open time, it is practically difficult to enter a game ball into the grand prize opening 111 (at most, even if there is a ball), special A, pass A It can be said that the number of rounds of the special B jackpot game is substantially “5”. The specified maximum opening time for the two round games that constitute the special C jackpot game is the middle opening time. The details of the big winning opening opening pattern for each type of jackpot will be described later in conjunction with the small winning big opening opening pattern (FIG. 12).

  During a jackpot game, a game ball entering the V area 141 (in other words, a game ball passing through the V area 141) is referred to as a “V prize”. As will be apparent from the description below, V wins are easy for special A to C jackpot games, whereas V wins are difficult for big A hit games (ie, the former In comparison between the jackpot game and the latter jackpot game, the former jackpot game is easier to win the V prize than the latter jackpot game, and the latter jackpot game is more difficult to win the V prize than the former jackpot game. is there).

  If there is a V win during any type of jackpot game, after the jackpot game ends, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to a high probability gaming state, and then the next jackpot (that is, immediately before the jackpot game) If the number of changes in the special symbol (that is, the number of times that the special symbol has been suspended through the change display) is greater than or equal to the high probability given number without the occurrence of the next jackpot as seen from the jackpot generated in FIG. Set the gaming state to a low probability gaming state. If there is no V prize during the jackpot game, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the low probability gaming state after the jackpot game is over.

The high-probability number of times refers to the number of changes in the special symbol that maintains the high-probability gaming state. That relates to certain jackpot, after completion of the bonus game, including the generation of V prize, special symbols while varying only i _k times, and special symbols are gaming state with high probability gaming state fluctuates by i _k times after when the result is a low probability gaming state, a high probability granted count for the jackpot is i _k times (i _k is an integer). Since a big hit is more likely to occur in the high probability gaming state than in the low probability gaming state, the higher the number of high probability grants, the more advantageous for the player.

  The number of high-probability assignments for special A-special C and special A big hits is 80 times. Therefore, after the end of the special A-special C or special A jackpot game including the occurrence of a V prize, when the number of changes in the special symbol reaches 80 without any other jackpots (in other words, the special figure determination) 80 times), the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is shifted from the high probability gaming state to the low probability gaming state. However, the gaming machine 100 is configured such that it is virtually impossible to generate a V prize in the big A hit game.

  Therefore, the game state changes triggered by the jackpot are summarized as follows.

V wins are easy in special A to C jackpot games, and V wins usually occur if a right-hand hit is continued during the jackpot game.
After the special A to special C jackpot game including the occurrence of the V winning is completed, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the high probability gaming state, and then the next jackpot (that is, the jackpot generated immediately before). If the number of changes in the special symbol becomes equal to or greater than the number of times of giving a high probability (that is, when it reaches 80), the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the low probability gaming state.
If there is no V-winning during the special A or special B jackpot game, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the low probability gaming state after the jackpot game ends.

In the big hit game of A, V winning is difficult and practically impossible.
After the end of the A hit game that does not include the occurrence of the V prize, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the low probability gaming state.
If a V-winning occurs during the jackpot game of A, after the jackpot game ends, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to a high probability gaming state, and then the next jackpot (that is, If the number of changes in the special symbol is greater than or equal to the number of high-probability grants (that is, 80 times) without the occurrence of the next jackpot as seen from the jackpot generated immediately before), the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the low-probability game Set to state. In the event that a V prize is generated during the big hit game of A, a predetermined error notification may be performed using the image display unit 104 and the speaker 115.

  In order to realize the setting of these gaming states, in the gaming state setting process associated with the big hits of special A to special C or through A, if there is a V prize during the big winning game, the high probability gaming flag is turned ON and If the high probability remaining game count X is set to “80” and there is no V prize during the jackpot game, the high probability game flag is turned OFF and the high probability game remaining count X is set to “0”. . As already described, the high probability remaining game number X set in the game state setting process is decremented by “1” every time the special figure determination is executed when “X ≧ 1”. When X = 0 ″, the high probability game flag is set to OFF, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 becomes the low probability gaming state.

  FIG. 12 shows the special winning opening opening pattern in the special hit game of special A to special C and A and the special winning opening release pattern in the special winning game. In FIG. 12, symbol “OP” represents an opening period, symbol “IT” represents an interval period, and symbol “ED” represents an ending period. In the opening period, the interval period, and the ending period, the special winning opening 111 is closed.

  The special prize opening patterns for special A and special B are the same as each other. In each jackpot game of special A and special B, the specified maximum opening time in the first to fifth rounds is a long opening time (for example, 30 seconds), and the specified maximum opening time in the sixth round is a short opening time (for example, 0) .2 seconds). On the other hand, in the big hit game of A, the specified maximum opening time in the second to sixth rounds is the long opening time, and the specified maximum opening time in the first round is the short opening time.

  In the special C jackpot game, the specified maximum opening time in the first and second rounds is the middle opening time. In the special C jackpot game, the length of the middle opening time may be the same or different between the first and second rounds. Here, for example, in the special C jackpot game, the middle opening times of the first and second rounds are 1.5 seconds and 0.3 seconds, respectively.

  There is no concept of round in the small win game, but the big winning opening opening pattern in the small winning game (opening mode of the big winning opening 111) is the big winning opening opening pattern (special winning opening 111 of the special winning jack 111). Open mode) or the same. The similarity here means that the player cannot easily distinguish the former from the latter when comparing the opening mode of the big prize opening 111 in the special C jackpot game and the opening mode of the big prize opening 111 in the small hit game. To the extent that the former and the latter are similar. For example, in the small win game, after opening the big winning hole 111 for Ta seconds, the big winning hole 111 is closed for the interval period between the first and second rounds of the special C big hit game, and then the big winning hole 111 may be released for Tb seconds to end the small hit game. At this time, “(Ta, Tb) = (1.5, 0.3)” or “(Ta, Tb) = (1.4 , 0.3) ". In addition, the big winning opening opening pattern in the small hit game is closer to the big winning opening opening pattern in the special C jackpot game than the special winning opening opening pattern in the special A, special B or tsu A big hit game. I can say that.

  In a specific round constituting each jackpot game of special A to special C and through A, the V region 141 is released according to a predetermined distribution member release pattern. Since the V region 141 is not released in the small hit game, the small probability game state does not shift from the low probability game state to the high probability game state.

  FIGS. 13A to 13C show the sorting member release patterns in a specific round. The distribution member 144 is maintained in a closed state except for a specific round. The main CPU 411 performs an opening / closing process of the sorting member 144 while the special winning opening 111 is opened in a specific round. Here, the specific round is the first round.

  More specifically, for example, the sorting member 144 is moved from the closed state after a predetermined waiting time (for example, 0.1 second) has elapsed since the special winning opening 111 is switched from the closed state to the open state in a specific round. The state is switched to the open state, and then the open state is switched to the closed state when the special winning opening 111 is closed in a specific round. Therefore, the long open time in a specific round of Special A or Special B is 30 seconds, the short open time in a specific round of Special A is 0.2 seconds, and When the middle opening time in a round is 1.5 seconds and the waiting time is 0.1 seconds, the opening time of the sorting member 144 in a specific round is during the special A or special B jackpot game. 29.9 seconds and 1.4 seconds in the special C jackpot game, but 0.1 seconds in the big A jackpot game (however, in a specific round, the game to the big prize winning hole 111 Suppose that the number of incoming balls has not reached the upper limit count value). When the sorting member 144 is released for 29.9 seconds or 1.4 seconds, it is easy to enter the game ball into the V region 141, so that the special A to special C jackpot is easy to win V Even if the sorting member 144 is released for 0.1 second, it is difficult to allow the game ball to enter the V region 141. It can be said (see FIG. 10).

  Actually, the short opening time and the distribution member opening pattern are determined and the big winning opening so that it is substantially impossible to generate the V winning in a specific round during the big hit game of A 111 internal structures are designed. It is possible that a game ball may enter the big prize opening 111 in a specific round during the big hit game of A, but after the ball is generated, the game ball passes over the guide member 143 and is distributed. The length or the like of the guide member 143 is determined so that the sorting member 144 is switched from the open state to the closed state before reaching. Note that there is no waiting time. In addition, in order to ensure that game balls that have entered the big prize opening 111 in a specific round during the special C jackpot game will surely enter the V area 141, the opening of the first round big prize opening 111 is started. From the timing to immediately before the opening start timing of the second winning prize opening 111 is regarded as the first round period, the timing at which the sorting member 144 is switched from the open state to the closed state in the first round as a specific round, You may make it set within the interval period in 1 round.

  In this way, the V region 141 functions as a probability variation function activation switch for setting the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to a high probability gaming state (in order to turn on the high probability gaming flag), and the probability variation function switch is turned on. When the game is performed (when a game ball enters the V area 141), the high probability game flag is turned ON, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 becomes the high probability game state.

<< Direction and game flow related to jackpot >>
As described above, the jackpot game with the opening of the big prize opening 111 is started after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the jackpot, but at the start of the round, the game ball to the round start gate 109 is started. Passing is required. That is, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner showing a big hit, the big hit game is started on condition that the game ball passes to the round start gate 109.

With reference to FIG. 14, the flow of the game related to the jackpot will be described. Introducing t _i as symbol for timing. Unless otherwise specified, it is assumed that the timing t _{i + 1} is a timing later than the timing t _{i with} respect to an arbitrary integer i. 14 is stored in the main RAM 413, and these flags are set to ON or OFF by the main CPU 411. In the initial state of the gaming machine 100, the winning game flag, the finalizing flag, and the round start flag are all set to OFF.

When the special figure determination information 1100 that has won the jackpot is acquired as the determination target TT and the special figure determination is performed, the special symbol variation display with respect to the special figure determination information 1100 is started at timing t ₁ . In synchronization with this, a variation start command including the result of the special figure determination is transmitted to the effect control unit 403. Thereafter, the change display of the special symbol for the special figure determination information 1100 is stopped at timing t ₂ , and in synchronization with this, the fluctuation stop command for the special figure determination information 1100 is transmitted to the effect control unit 403. The effect control unit 403 starts the change effect for the special figure determination information 1100 in response to the reception of the change start command, and ends the change effect in response to the reception of the change stop command. Since special symbol determination information 1100 is assumed that the winning jackpot, at timing t _2, stop in a manner that special symbol and decoration symbol indicates jackpot (mode indicating that the jackpot game is performed) Display Is done. The period during which the special symbol variation display for the special figure determination information 1100 is performed (in other words, the period during which the variation effect is performed) is referred to as a variation period 1200. In the fluctuation period 1200, the winning game flag, the finalizing flag, and the round start flag are all OFF.

From the timing _{t 2} to time _{t 3,} referred to as a definite display period 1220 the period having the predetermined length of confirmation display time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) min. The main control unit 401 sets the determining flag to ON only during the fixed display period 1220, and continues the special symbol stop display while the determining flag is set to ON. In addition, the decorative symbols are also stopped and displayed during the fixed display period 1220. Further, in the fixed display period 1220, the LED display as the right-handed display unit in the information display unit 114 is turned on.

At timing t ₃ when the determined display time from the timing t ₂ has elapsed, the main control unit 401 switches from OFF to ON per game flag with switching OFF the confirmation flag from ON, further, the performance control unit the opening command Output to 403. The effect control unit 403 that has received the opening command can perform a predetermined opening effect.

In the round start gate switch process by the main control unit 401, it is monitored whether or not a game ball has passed through the round start gate 109. When the winning game flag is ON, a game to the round start gate 109 is performed. When the passage of the sphere is detected, the round start flag is set to ON. The round start flag once set to ON is maintained ON until a later ending period. When a round game is performed, a large number of game balls can pass through the round start gate 109 one after another, but their passing when the round start flag is ON is ignored. In the example of FIG. 14, at the timing _{t 4,} the round start flag is switched to ON from OFF.

When the round start flag is switched from OFF to ON, the main control unit 401 starts a jackpot game composed of round games for Rmax rounds from the switching timing. Thus, in the example of FIG. 14, the jackpot game is started at the timing t _4. The start of the jackpot game here means the start of the opening of the big prize opening 111 in the first round constituting the jackpot game. When the round start flag is switched from OFF to ON, the jackpot game may be started after a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed from the switching timing. During the predetermined time, the effect control unit 403 can perform a predetermined effect.

  The main control unit 401 transmits a round start command to the effect control unit 403 when starting the big hit game (starting to open the big winning opening 111 in the first round). When the round start command is received, the effect control unit 403 ends the execution of the opening effect and starts executing the effect during the round instead.

In the final round, when the opening time of the grand prize opening 111 reaches the specified maximum opening time, or when the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening 111 reaches a predetermined upper limit count value (for example, 10), the big prize is won. Mouth 111 is closed and the final round ends. At a timing t ₅ is the end timing of the last round, the main control unit 401 transmits an ending command to the effect control unit 403. Period from the timing t ₅ to time t ₆ is the ending period 1240 having a length of a predetermined ending time (e.g. 5 seconds) min. When receiving the ending command, the effect control unit 403 ends the effect during the round and executes a predetermined ending effect. In the ending period 1240 (for example, immediately before the end of the ending period 1240), the main control unit 401 switches both the winning game flag and the round start flag from ON to OFF, and an LED as a right-handed display unit in the information display unit 114 Turn off the display. After the timing t _6, if it is been long as or special symbol determination information acquired pending special symbol determination information, via a new special symbol determination, the variation of special symbol display, transmission and reception of fluctuation start command and Fluctuation production is executed. Note that the LED display as the right-handed display unit is turned on in the high probability gaming state and turned off in the low probability gaming state.

  In this way, in the gaming machine 100, when the game ball passes the round start gate 109 after the operation of the predetermined condition device, the big hit game is performed (specifically, the big winning opening 111 is opened in the first round). Will be started). As a result of determining that the determination target TT has won the jackpot by the special figure determination for the determination target TT, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode indicating a jackpot (a mode indicating that the jackpot game is performed) It corresponds to the work of the condition device.

  Even if a small win is won, after a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode indicating a small win, the small hit game is started on the condition that the game ball passes through the round start gate 109. (That is, the opening of the big winning opening 111 in the small hit game may be started). However, in this case, after the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a small hit, if the passage of the game ball through the round start gate 109 is not detected even after a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) has elapsed, at that time Start a small hit game. Alternatively, the passage of the gate 109 may not be requested for the start of the small hit game. That is, for example, after a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode showing a small hit, a small hit game starts when a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses regardless of whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 109. You may be made to do. In the following, after a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode indicating a small hit, after a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed, the small hit game starts regardless of whether or not the game ball has passed to the gate 109. In other words, it is assumed that the big winning opening 111 is opened by the small winning big opening opening pattern.

<< Directing for the first time of Special 1 >>
In the low-probability gaming state, the jackpot generated by the special figure determination for the first special symbol (special figure determination based on the establishment of the first start condition) is particularly referred to as the special one first hit, and the effect related to the first special bonus is described. To do. The special figure determination information 1100 shown in FIG. 14 may represent special figure determination information acquired based on the establishment of the second start condition. The special figure determination for the special figure determination information 1100 is a high-probability gaming state. The special figure determination information 1100 is the special figure determination information acquired based on the establishment of the first start condition, and the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 1100 is a low-probability game. Assuming that it was executed in the state, the effects related to the first special will be described.

  Under this assumption, when the opening command is received after the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed for the special figure determination information 1110 in a manner indicating a big win, the effect control unit 403 executes a predetermined V acquisition challenge effect opening effect. To do.

FIG. 15 shows an example of an opening effect with a V acquisition challenge effect. In the opening effect with V acquisition challenge effect, after a predetermined V acquisition challenge effect is executed, either a predetermined V acquisition success effect or a V acquisition failure effect is executed, and then a gate pass instruction effect is executed. .
The V acquisition challenge effect is an effect suggesting whether or not a jackpot game (special A jackpot game) that is easy to win V is performed based on the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 1110. The V acquisition success effect is an effect suggesting that a jackpot game that is easy to win a V based on the result of the special figure determination for the special figure determination information 1110 (special A jackpot game) is performed. This is an effect suggesting that a jackpot game that is difficult to win V (a jackpot game of A) is performed based on the result of the special chart determination for the special chart determination information 1110.

  For example, in the V acquisition challenge effect, a moving image display indicating whether or not a game task can be achieved is performed. At this time, in the V acquisition success effect, a moving image display indicating that the task is achieved is performed, while in the V acquisition failure effect, a moving image display indicating that the task is not achieved is performed. When the special figure determination information 1110 is won as a special A jackpot, a V acquisition success effect is performed, and when the special figure determination information 1110 is won as a special A jackpot, the V acquisition failure effect is performed. Is done.

The gate passing instruction effect is an effect that prompts the player to pass the game ball to the round start gate 109 by right-handed, for example, to make a right-hand hit and pass the game ball to the round start gate 109. Including a display of an urging image 1410 and an audio output. Typically, for example, when a player who has stopped launching a game ball before the symbol variation stop timing t ₂ (see FIG. 14) performs a right-handed game ball launch through viewing a gate pass instruction effect. round start flag is turned oN through the passage of the game ball into the round starting gate 109, results in the jackpot game is started (Fig. 14, assuming that caused this passage is at a timing t ₄ ing).

  In addition, when the special figure determination information 1110 is won as a big hit of special A or A, the V acquisition challenge effect is not displayed after the special symbol fluctuation is stopped, but after the special symbol fluctuation is displayed. The V acquisition success effect or the V acquisition failure effect may be further performed.

  Referring to FIG. 16, after a big hit game is started through an opening effect with a V acquisition challenge effect, a predetermined V prize effect may be performed when a V prize is obtained. The V winning effect suggests that there has been a V winning and that the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is changed to a high probability gaming state after the jackpot game.

  When the passing of the game ball to the round start gate 109 is detected at any timing during the execution of the opening effect with V acquisition challenge effect (that is, when a round start command is received), the effect control unit 403 At that time, the execution of the opening effect with the V acquisition challenge effect ends. Even in this case, when there is a V prize, it is preferable to perform a predetermined V prize effect. For the jackpot game that involves the execution of the V prize-winning effect, during the ending period, the image display suggests that the effect in the rush mode will be performed (thus becoming a high-probability gaming state) (in FIG. 16, the characters “rush mode rush!”) Is displayed). The rush mode will be described later.

<< Directing mode >>
With reference to FIG. 17, the effect control unit 403 selects and sets one effect mode from a plurality of predetermined effect modes, based on the command received from the main control unit 401. The effect mode selected here may be hereinafter referred to as a target effect mode. The effect control unit 403 performs various effects including a variable effect in the target effect mode. The plurality of effect modes include a normal mode and a rush mode as first and second effect modes. Although a plurality of effect modes other than the first and second effect modes may be included in the plurality of effect modes, here, only the normal mode as the first effect mode and the rush mode as the second effect mode are noted. To do. The effect control unit 403 can execute different effects between the normal mode and the rush mode. The target effect mode is the normal mode in the low probability gaming state and the rush mode in the high probability gaming state.

  Referring to FIG. 18, in the rush mode (when the rush mode is set to the target effect mode), therefore, in the high-probability gaming state, the effect control unit 403 indicates that the player should make a right strike. The right-handed instruction directing prompting is continuously performed. In the high-probability gaming state, the main control unit 401 causes the LED display as a right-handed display unit to be continuously turned on. For this reason, in the rush mode (in the high-probability gaming state), the game is advanced by a right stroke. On the other hand, in the normal mode (when the normal mode is set as the target effect mode), therefore, in the low-probability gaming state, the right-handed instruction effect is not performed and the LED display as the right-handed display unit is turned off. I'm damned For this reason, in the normal mode (in the low-probability gaming state), the game is advanced by left-handed.

<< Special Figure Variation Pattern Table >>
FIG. 19 is a schematic configuration diagram of the special figure variation pattern table THt stored in the main ROM 412. The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt includes a normal mode special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_a and a rush mode special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_b. In the initial state of the gaming machine 100, the special figure variation pattern determination is performed using the table THt_a, that is, based on the table THt_a and the random number per special figure, the special figure random number, and the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the determination target TT. The special figure fluctuation pattern for the determination target TT is determined.

  After the special A, special B or special C jackpot game, it is assumed that the game is controlled in the high probability game state, and in the high probability game state, the special figure variation pattern determination is performed using the table THt_b. A machine 100 is configured.

In order to realize this, the special figure variation pattern using the table THt_b in the special figure determination from the first time to the reference number of times HK _REF from the end of the jackpot game of any of special A to special C The table THt_b is used for each of the special A to special C so that the determination is performed, and the special map determination is performed using the table THt_a in the (HK _REF +1) th and subsequent special map determinations. And the table THt_a are associated with each other. Here, the reference number of times HK _REF is the number of fluctuations of a special symbol in which a high probability gaming state is maintained after a jackpot game with a V prize, that is, 80 times. If a V win is not generated in any jackpot game of special A to special C, the special figure variation pattern determination may be performed using the table THt_a immediately after the jackpot game. As long as it is not interrupted (unless the right handing is stopped carelessly), the gaming machine 100 is configured such that a V winning is generated with a probability of 100% during the big hit game of any of special A to special C. In the following, it is assumed that a V prize is always generated during a jackpot game of any of Special A to Special C unless otherwise specified.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 is configured so that the special figure variation pattern determination is performed using the table THt_a in the low probability gaming state.

  In order to realize this, the table THt_a is associated with the total A so that the special figure variation pattern determination is performed using the table THt_a after the big A big hit game. If a V-winning game occurs in a big hit game of A, the special figure variation pattern determination may be performed using the table THt_b after the big hit game. It is assumed that the gaming machine 100 is configured such that no V prize can be generated, and unless otherwise noted, no V prize is always generated during a big hit game of A.

  Referring to FIGS. 20A and 20B, a variable HK is introduced. HK represents the number of changes in the special symbol calculated from the end of the jackpot game that occurred most recently. Here, it is considered that the jackpot game most recently generated is the jackpot game 1510. However, it is assumed that a V winning is generated during the jackpot game 1510, and therefore, after the jackpot game 1510, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is set to a high probability gaming state.

Then, from the end of the jackpot game 1510, “HK = i” until the (i + 1) th special symbol variation display is started after the i-th special symbol variation display is started. (I is an integer). Or you may think as follows. From the end of the jackpot game 1510, after the i-th special figure determination is performed, until the (i + 1) -th special figure determination is performed, “HK = i” (i is an integer). . After the jackpot game 1510, “HK ≦ HK _REF = 80” is a high probability game state, and “HK> HK _REF = 80” is a low probability game state. However, “HK = 80” means that the high probability gaming state means that after the jackpot game 1510, the 80th special figure determination is performed in the high probability gaming state, and the 80th special figure. The high probability game flag is set at an arbitrary timing after the start of the special symbol variation display based on the determination result and before the 81st special symbol determination (which may be the timing during the 80th special symbol variation display). It can be switched from ON to OFF.

  FIG. 20B shows the relationship between the number of fluctuations HK after the jackpot game 1510 and the remaining number X of high-probability games. Immediately after the jackpot game 1510, when the special figure determination has not been performed yet, “(HK, Z) = (0, 80)”, and thereafter, every time the number of fluctuations HK increases by 1, the high probability game remaining When the number of times X decreases by 1 and “X = 0”, the high probability game flag is set to OFF.

――― Special mode fluctuation pattern table for normal mode ―――
FIG. 21 shows the configuration of the normal mode special figure variation pattern table THt_a. The table THt_a includes special figure variation patterns THp_a11 to THp_a15, THp_a23 to THp_a25, THp_a41, THp_a51, THp_a61, and THp_a81.

  Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience, when the determination target TT is the special figure determination information acquired based on the establishment of the first start condition (that is, based on the game ball entering the first start port 105), the determination target TT is When the determination target TT is special information determination information TT acquired based on the establishment of the second start condition (that is, based on the game ball entering the second start port 106), The determination target TT is referred to as a special 2 determination target TT.

  When the special figure variation pattern determination is performed for the special 1 determination target TT using the table THt_a (that is, in the normal mode and the low probability gaming state), the special figure determination result for the special 1 determination target TT is lost (small Special figure fluctuation pattern random numbers or the like, the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_a11, THp_a12, THp_a13, THp_a14, THp_a15 are 95%, 3.7%, 1%, 0.2%, respectively. The table THt_a is formed so as to be selected with a probability of 0.1%. The special symbol fluctuation times defined by the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_a11, THp_a12, THp_a13, THp_a14, and THp_a15 are 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 40 seconds, 60 seconds, and 90 seconds, respectively.

  When the special figure variation pattern determination is performed for the special 1 determination target TT using the table THt_a (that is, in the normal mode and the low probability gaming state), the special figure determination result for the special 1 determination target TT is special A or The table THt_a is selected so that the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_a23, THp_a24, and THp_a25 are selected with a probability of 20%, 30%, and 50% using special figure fluctuation pattern random numbers, etc. Is formed. The special symbol variation times defined by the special symbol variation patterns THp_a23, THp_a24, and THp_a25 are 40 seconds, 60 seconds, and 90 seconds, respectively.

  When the special figure variation pattern determination is performed on the special 2 determination target TT using the table THt_a (that is, in the normal mode and the low probability gaming state), the result of the special figure determination on the special 2 determination target TT is lost (small The special figure fluctuation pattern THp_a41 is always selected, and when the result of the special figure judgment for the special 2 determination target TT shows the big hit of the special B, the special figure fluctuation pattern THp_a51 is always As shown, when the result of the special figure determination for the special 2 determination target TT indicates the special C jackpot, the special figure variation pattern THp_a61 is always selected and the special figure determination target TT for the special 2 determination target TT is selected. The table THt_a is formed so that the special figure variation pattern THp_a81 is always selected when the result of the figure determination indicates a small hit.

  The variation time of the special symbol defined by the special symbol variation pattern THp_a41, THp_a51, THp_a61, THp_a81 is all 1 second to 360 seconds. Specifically, when the special figure fluctuation pattern THp_a41, THp_a51, THp_a61, THp_a81 is selected, the fluctuation time of the special symbol is selected and determined from 120 seconds to 360 seconds based on the special figure fluctuation pattern random number. And the variation time of the special symbol is about 4 minutes.

  The reason why the special symbol variation time due to the special symbol variation patterns THp_a41, THp_a51, THp_a61, and THp_a81 is so long will be described later.

  FIG. 21 shows an outline of effects executed corresponding to each special figure variation pattern of the table THt_a (the table THt_a does not actually include data defining these effects). ). A variation effect executed corresponding to each special figure variation pattern of the table THt_a will be described.

  With reference to FIG. 22, the effect control unit 403 can perform an effect including display of the first to third decorative symbols in the variable effect. In FIG. 21, SZL, SZR, and SZC respectively represent a first decorative symbol (left symbol), a second decorative symbol (right symbol), and a third decorative symbol (middle symbol).

When the effect control unit 403 receives a change start command indicating that the special figure change pattern THp_a11 or THp_a12 has been selected, the effect control unit 403 executes a basic lose effect in the change effect. In the basic losing effect, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner indicating losing without performing the reach effect described later.
When the effect control unit 403 receives the change start command indicating that the special figure change patterns THp_a13 to THp_a15 are selected, the effect control unit 403 executes the reach effect with reach in the change effect. In the lose effect with reach, after performing a predetermined reach effect, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a loss.
When the effect control unit 403 receives a change start command indicating that the special figure change patterns THp_a23 to THp_a25 have been selected, the effect control unit 403 executes the reach-equipped numerical symbol set effect in the change effect. In the numerical pattern matching effect with reach, after performing a predetermined reach effect, the numerical pattern matching effect is performed (see FIG. 24A) in which the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where they are aligned with a common numerical symbol. . The numerical pattern matching effect is an effect that suggests that a special A, A or B special jackpot game is performed.

  Referring to FIG. 23, the production control unit 403 assigns the numbers “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “4” to each of the first to third decorative symbols according to the result of the special figure determination. 8 types of numerical symbols with 5 ”,“ 6 ”,“ 7 ”,“ 8 ”, special symbol SP1 with character“ charge ”, and special symbol SP2 with character“ small ” Any one of them can be stopped and displayed.

  24 (a) to 24 (c) show examples of the above-described numerical symbol alignment effect and examples of a first special symbol alignment effect and a second special symbol alignment effect described later.

  When the effect control unit 403 receives a change start command indicating that the special figure change pattern THp_a41 has been selected, the effect control unit 403 executes the basic lose effect in the change effect. In the basic loss effect by the special figure fluctuation pattern THp_a41, the fluctuation display of the first to third decorative symbols is started in response to the reception of the fluctuation start command, and the special symbol fluctuation time determined by the special figure fluctuation pattern determination ( Until the fluctuation stop command is received after the average of 4 minutes), the high-speed fluctuation display of the first to third decorative symbols is maintained without performing the reach effect, and when the fluctuation stop command is received, The third decorative symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a loss.

  When the effect control unit 403 receives a change start command indicating that the special figure change pattern THp_a51, THp_a61, or THp_a81 is selected, the effect control unit 403 executes the dedicated effect in the change effect. In the special effects by the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_a51, THp_a61, and THp_a81, all of the first to third decorative symbols are displayed in response to the reception of the fluctuation start command, and are determined by the special figure fluctuation pattern determination. Until the fluctuation time of the special symbol (average 4 minutes) elapses and the fluctuation stop command is received, the high-speed fluctuation display of the first to third decorative symbols is maintained without performing a reach effect or the like.

However, in the special effect by the special figure variation pattern THp_a51, when the variation stop command is received, the above-described numeric symbol alignment effect (FIG. 24 (a)) is displayed in which the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed with the common numeric symbols aligned. )).
In the special effect by the special symbol variation pattern THp_a61, when the variation stop command is received, the first special symbol alignment effect (see FIG. 24B) that stops and displays the first to third decorative symbols in a state aligned with the special symbol SP1. Do. The first special symbol matching effect is an effect suggesting that a special C jackpot game is performed.
In the special effect by the special figure variation pattern THp_a81, when the fluctuation stop command is received, the second special symbol alignment effect (see FIG. 24C) is displayed in which the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the special symbols SP2 are aligned. Do. The second special symbol matching effect is basically an effect suggesting that a small hit game is performed. However, in the high-probability gaming state, the second special symbol matching effect is an effect that suggests winning of either special C jackpot or small win, that is, special C jackpot game or small hit game. It may function as an effect suggesting that (details will be described later).

Note that the reach effect is an effect that suggests that the degree of expectation of execution of the jackpot game with respect to the determination target TT is higher than the predetermined expectation degree KT _REF . The expected degree of execution of the jackpot game (hereinafter also referred to as the jackpot expectation) is the probability (statistical probability) that one piece of special figure determination information (in this case, the determination target TT) has been won. Represents. If a specific effect is performed on one noticed special figure determination information, the expected degree of jackpot for the special figure determination information is the expected degree of jackpot for the specific effect (the specific effect is It can also be said that the assigned special figure determination information is a winning probability. The predetermined expectation degree KT _REF may be a predetermined expectation degree that is greater than or equal to 0 and less than 1. For example, the predetermined expectation degree KT _REF indicates a predetermined probability OTK as a jackpot winning probability or is a predetermined value greater than the probability OTK (For example, 5 times the probability OTK). The probability OTK is “890/65536” if the special figure determination is performed in the low probability gaming state, and is “900/65536” if the special figure determination is performed in the high probability gaming state (FIG. 5). reference). In the variation effect, the execution of the reach effect may be considered to suggest that the expectation of the jackpot of the determination target TT is higher than the non-execution of the reach effect.

Effect Q ₂ to which is performed for a certain one of JP diagram determination information Q ₁ is, it may suggest the expectations jackpot. For any one of JP diagram determination information Q _1, the probability effect Q ₂ is performed on the special symbol determination information Q ₁ and result is a "loss" of the hit determination special symbol in "r" The probability that the result of the determination per special figure is “big hit” and the effect Q ₂ is executed on the special figure determination information Q ₁ is expressed by “v”. Then, the expectation degree of jackpot of the special figure determination information Q ₁ and the expectation degree of jackpot suggested by the production Q ₂ are expressed by an expectation calculation formula “(100 × v / (r + v)) [%]”. .

  For example, a common normal reach effect is performed during the variation effect when the special map variation patterns THp_a13 and THp_a23 are selected, and a common SP reach effect is performed during the variation effect when the special diagram variation patterns THp_a14 and THp_a24 are selected. A common SPSP reach effect is performed during the change effect when the figure change patterns THp_a15 and THp_a25 are selected. As derived from the table THt_a in FIG. 21 and the above-described expectation calculation formula, the expectation of jackpot suggested by the SP reach effect is higher than that suggested by the normal reach effect, and the expectation of jackpot suggested by the SPSP reach effect is It is even higher than that suggested by SP Reach Production.

――― Special map variation pattern table for rush mode ―――
FIG. 25 shows the configuration of the special map variation pattern table THt_b for rush mode. The table THt_b includes special figure variation patterns THp_b11, THp_b21, THp_b41 to THp_b44, THp_b53, THp_b54, THp_b61 to THp_b64, and THp_b81 to THp_b84.

  When the special figure variation pattern determination is performed for the special 1 determination target TT using the table THt_b (that is, in the rush mode and the high probability gaming state), the special figure determination result for the special 1 determination target TT is lost (small The special figure fluctuation pattern THp_b11 is always selected when the special figure variation pattern THp_b11 is selected. The table THt_b is formed so that is selected. The special symbol variation times defined by the special symbol variation patterns THp_b11 and THp_b21 are both 15 seconds.

  When the special figure variation pattern determination is performed for the special 2 determination target TT using the table THt_b (that is, in the rush mode and the high probability gaming state), the special figure determination result for the special 2 determination target TT is lost (small Special figure fluctuation pattern random numbers or the like, the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_b41, THp_b42, THp_b43, and THp_b44 are 49.7%, 50%, 0.2%, and 0.1%, respectively. A table THt_b is formed so as to be selected by probability. The special symbol fluctuation times defined by the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_b41, THp_b42, THp_b43, and THp_b44 are 3 seconds, 6 seconds, 40 seconds, and 60 seconds, respectively.

  When the special figure variation pattern determination is performed for the special 2 determination target TT using the table THt_b (that is, in the rush mode and the high probability gaming state), the special figure determination result for the special 2 determination target TT is special B. The table THt_b is formed so that the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_b53 and THp_b54 are selected with a probability of 30% and 70%, respectively, using a special figure fluctuation pattern random number or the like when showing a big hit. The special symbol variation times defined by the special symbol variation patterns THp_b53 and THp_b54 are 40 seconds and 60 seconds, respectively.

  When the special figure variation pattern determination is performed for the special 2 determination target TT using the table THt_b (that is, in the rush mode and the high probability gaming state), the special figure determination result for the special 2 determination target TT is special C. A table is used so that special figure fluctuation patterns THp_b61, THp_b62, THp_b63, and THp_b64 are selected with a probability of 40%, 40%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, using a special figure fluctuation pattern random number or the like when showing a big hit. THt_b is formed. The special symbol variation times defined by the special symbol variation patterns THp_b61, THp_b62, THp_b63, and THp_b64 are 3 seconds, 6 seconds, 40 seconds, and 60 seconds, respectively.

  When the special figure variation pattern determination is performed for the special 2 determination target TT using the table THt_b (that is, in the rush mode and the high probability gaming state), the special figure determination result for the special 2 determination target TT is a small hit. When using the special figure fluctuation pattern random numbers, the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_b81, THp_b82, THp_b83, and THp_b84 are selected with a probability of 49.7%, 50%, 0.2%, and 0.1%, respectively. Thus, a table THt_b is formed. The special symbol fluctuation times defined by the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_b81, THp_b82, THp_b83, and THp_b84 are 3 seconds, 6 seconds, 40 seconds, and 60 seconds, respectively.

  FIG. 25 shows an outline of effects executed corresponding to each special figure variation pattern of the table THt_b (the table THt_b does not actually include data defining these effects). ). A variation effect executed in correspondence with each special figure variation pattern of the table THt_b will be described.

When the effect control unit 403 receives a change start command indicating that the special figure change pattern THp_b11 has been selected, the effect control unit 403 executes a basic lose effect in the change effect. In the basic losing effect, as described above, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner indicating losing without performing the reach effect.
When the effect control unit 403 receives a change start command indicating that the special figure change pattern THp_b21 has been selected, the effect control unit 403 executes a dedicated effect in the change effect. In the special effect by the special figure variation pattern THp_b21, after the start of the variation display of the first to third decorative symbols, the above-described numerical symbol alignment effect (FIG. 24) is performed in response to the reception of the variation stop command without executing the reach effect. (See (a)).

When the effect control unit 403 receives a change start command indicating that the special figure change pattern THp_b41 or THp_b42 is selected, the effect control unit 403 executes the above-described basic lose effect in the change effect.
When the effect control unit 403 receives a change start command indicating that the special figure change pattern THp_b43 or THp_b44 has been selected, the effect control unit 403 executes the reach effect with reach in the change effect. In the reach effect with reach, as described above, after performing the predetermined reach effect, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a loss.
When the effect control unit 403 receives a change start command indicating that the special figure change pattern THp_b53 or THp_b54 has been selected, the effect control unit 403 executes the reachable numerical symbol matching effect in the change effect. In the numerical design with a reach with a reach, the above-mentioned numerical design with the effect (see FIG. 24A) is performed after a predetermined reach.

The special effects variation patterns THp_b61, THp_b62, THp_b81, and THp_b82 are all the effect effects that are executed when reach is selected.
In non-reach special effects, the display of the first to third decorative symbols is started in response to the reception of the variation start command, and the variation is suspended after the variation time of the special symbol determined by the special diagram variation pattern determination has elapsed. Until the command is received, the second special symbol matching effect is received when the change stop command is received after maintaining the high-speed fluctuation display of the first to third decorative symbols without performing the reach effect or the like (FIG. 24C). See).

  The special effects variation pattern THp_b63, THp_b64, THp_b83, and THp_b84 are all the special effects with reach. In the special effect with reach, in response to the reception of the change start command, the display of the first to third decorative symbols is started, and then the predetermined reach effect is performed. Then, when the change stop command is received, the second special symbol is aligned. An effect (see FIG. 24C) is performed.

  When the table THt_b is used, the second special symbol matching effect is executed when the special C is a big hit or a small hit. That is, in the high-probability gaming state, the second special symbol matching effect is an effect that suggests winning of either special C jackpot or small win, that is, either special C jackpot game or small hit game. It functions as an effect that suggests that. For this reason, when the second special symbol matching effect is executed, the player cannot distinguish or difficult to distinguish whether a special C jackpot or a small jackpot has occurred.

  A description will be given of the reach effect when the table THt_b is used. A common weak reach effect is performed during the variation effect when the special pattern variation patterns THp_b43, THp_b53, THp_b63, and THp_b83 are selected. Reach production is performed. As is derived from the table THt_b in FIG. 25 and the above-described expectation calculation formula, the expectation of jackpot suggested by the strong reach effect is higher than that suggested by the weak reach effect.

  In addition, when the special C jackpot occurrence and the small hit occurrence are compared with reference to the table THt_b, the special effect with reach is more easily executed in the special C jackpot occurrence than in the small hit occurrence, When the small hit occurs, the reach-free special effect is more easily executed than when the special C big hit occurs. For this reason, the expectation degree of special C jackpot (expectation degree (probability) that special C jackpot game is performed) when the second special symbol matching production is performed through the reach production is the second without the reach production. This is higher than the expectation of jackpot of special C when special symbol matching production is performed.

<< Prize ball performance in rush mode >>
In the high-probability gaming state, a right-handed game is played, and the trigger for obtaining the special figure determination information is mainly a prize at the second starting port 106. Then, in the special figure determination for the special figure determination information acquired based on the winning at the second starting port 106, a small hit occurs with a very high probability (about 98.4% in the example of FIG. 5). The game ball is fired by the launching unit 428 during the opening time of the big winning opening 111 in the small hit game (in this embodiment, the total opening time of the two big winning openings 111 is 1.8 seconds). Longer than the interval (0.6 seconds in this embodiment). Therefore, if the right-handed game is continued in the high-probability gaming state, it is expected that several game balls will enter the big winning opening 111 every time a small-hit game does not occur. Only a prize ball is expected to be paid out.

Specifically, the gaming machine 100 is configured to satisfy the following design values.
Assuming that right handedness is continued in the high probability gaming state,
The expected value of the number of game balls entering the big winning opening 111 in one small hit game is represented by “RRa”, and
The number of prize balls to be paid out when one game ball enters the big prize opening 111 is represented by “RRb”, and
When “RRc” is expressed as the expected value of the number of wins in the special figure determination for 80 times, “RRa × RRb × RRc” is a plurality of small hits executed as a result of the special figure determination for 80 times. This represents the expected value of the prize ball to be paid out in the game.
On the other hand, assuming that the right-hand hit is continued during the jackpot game,
When the expected value of the number of game balls entering the big winning opening 111 in the special hit game of special A, special A or special B is expressed by “RRd”, “RRd × RRb” is special A, custom A or special This represents the expected value (for example, 600) of prize balls to be paid out in the big hit game of B.

  Then, the gaming machine 100 is configured such that the expected value “RRa × RRb × RRc” is equal to or similar to the expected value “RRd × RRb”, or equal to or greater than the expected value “RRd × RRb”. Good. In other words, the gaming machine 100 is configured such that in a plurality of small hit games executed as a result of the special figure determination for 80 times, a payout of the same amount of prize balls as that for a single big hit game is expected. .

  On the other hand, for example, the game board 101 including the arrangement positions of the start port 106, the electric tulip 107 and the gate 108 so that most of the right-handed game balls enter the start port 106 during closing of the grand prize winning port 111. Is designed, and a universal figure determination table TAt, a universal symbol determination table FZt, and a universal figure variation pattern table FHt (FIGS. 6 to 8) are designed, and the entrance to the start port 106 is entered. By setting the number of award balls to be paid out based on 1 as one, the expected value of award balls to be paid out for one game ball that is right-handed while the special winning opening 111 is closed is close to 1 and less than 1 It can be a value (for example, 0.98).

  Then, in the high-probability gaming state, if the right hit is continued, even if no big win is generated, the real winning balls are increased by the occurrence of a plurality of small hits. The actual winning prize ball is obtained by subtracting the number of game balls launched into the game area 103 from the number of awarded prize balls. In this way, in the high probability gaming state, due to frequent small hits, the payout rate when the big hit game is not performed (the “number of award balls paid out” is set to “the number of game balls launched into the game area 103”). Divided by "number") is higher than 100%.

  In order to ensure such game play (see FIG. 5), in the special figure determination in the high probability gaming state (however, the special figure determination for the special 2 determination target TT), it is determined that the winning probability (small hit game is performed) The probability of winning (64500/65536) is sufficiently higher than the winning probability of winning a jackpot (probability of being determined to play a jackpot game; 900/65536) and the probability of being a loser excluding the jackpot (also with a small hit game) The probability that it is determined that no jackpot game will also be performed; (65536-64500-900) / 65536) is sufficiently higher.

  On the other hand, how to determine the winning probability per regular figure and the variation time of normal symbols between the low probability gaming state where a left-handed game should be played and the high probability gaming state where a right-handed game should be played Are common (FIGS. 6 to 8). Then, even in a low-probability gaming state, there is a possibility that the player may make a right strike aiming at winning a prize ball by a small hit game. However, as described with reference to FIG. 21, in the low probability game state, the variation time of the second special symbol is very long (average of about 4 minutes), and the variation time is random between 120 seconds and 360 seconds. To be determined.

  For this reason, the right-handed game in the low-probability gaming state becomes tedious for the player, and as a result, the right-handed game in the low-probability gaming state is refrained. In addition to the fun / boring of the game, in the low-probability gaming state, the variation time of the second special symbol is randomly determined between 120 seconds and 360 seconds, so the player can hit the jackpot at any timing. It cannot be predicted whether the game will occur, and even if the start of game balls is started after confirming the start of the small hit game, the game balls cannot reach the big prize opening 111 during the small hit game. If the right strike is continuously executed in the low-probability gaming state, the game ball can be made to enter the big winning hole 111 in the small hit game, but in the low-probability gaming state, the small hit game only once every four minutes on average. Is not performed, the player's ball will be greatly reduced during the four minutes.

  For these reasons, even in the low probability gaming state, even if the player makes a right strike in order to obtain a prize ball by a small hit game, the payout rate is less than 100%. When the right-handed continuous execution is detected in the low-probability gaming state (for example, when the passage of a predetermined number or more of gaming balls to the gate 108 is detected within a certain time), the effect control unit 403 Based on a signal from the main control unit 401 indicating the detection result, notification (display and / or sound notification) that prompts the player to make a left strike may be performed.

  Since the table THt_b of FIG. 25 is used in the high probability gaming state, the variation time of the second special symbol is shorter than in the low probability gaming state. That is, in the high probability gaming state, the variation time is determined as a variation time of the second special symbol on the condition that a shorter time is more easily determined than in the low probability gaming state. It can also be expressed as follows. The expected value of the number of small hits per unit time is higher in the high-probability gaming state than in the low-probability gaming state (however, in the low-probability gaming state, left-handed or right-handed is continuously executed and high-probability gaming In the state, it is assumed that the right-handed is continuously executed). Apart from the high or low winning probability of the jackpot, from this point of view, it can be said that the high probability gaming state is more advantageous to the player than the low probability gaming state.

<< Display of frequency information in rush mode >>
Referring to FIG. 26A, in the rush mode (in the high probability game state), the effect control unit 403 can display the number information KJ based on the high probability remaining game number X on the image display unit 104. The number-of-times information KJ functions as information that suggests the number of remaining fluctuations of the special symbol and the decorative symbol in which the game is controlled in the high-probability gaming state, and includes a numerical value representing the number of remaining fluctuations. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 26 (b), when the number information KJ indicates “i” at a certain timing (where i is a positive integer), one special figure determination is performed from the timing as a starting point. When it is executed and the variable display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is started, the numerical value indicated by the number-of-times information KJ is decreased from “i” to “i−1”.

  The number-of-times information KJ is essentially a big hit from a predetermined number of times corresponding to the high-probability remaining game number X itself, that is, the high-probability giving number “80” for the special A to special C (see FIGS. 20A and 20B). This represents the number of differences obtained by subtracting the number of changes HK of the special symbol from the end of the game 1510. However, the production control unit 403 and the number-of-times information KJ indicating the number of times different from the number of differences can be displayed. Hereinafter, the number information KJ indicating the number of times different from the difference number is referred to as false number information, and the number information KJ indicating the same number as the difference number is referred to as true number information.

  Referring to FIG. 27, an example of a specific transition of the number information KJ in the high probability gaming state is shown. Now, it is assumed that, as an example of the jackpot game 1510 in FIG. 20A, a special A or special B jackpot game 1710 is performed, and a V prize is generated in the jackpot game 1710. Then, after the jackpot game 1710, a high probability game state is set. In the game state setting process executed while the jackpot game 1710 is being executed or at the end of the jackpot game 1710, “80” is set to the high probability remaining game count X. The effect control unit 403 sets the value indicated by the number-of-times information KJ to “80” immediately after any special A or special B jackpot game including the jackpot game 1710. In FIG. 27, the number information KJ during the execution of the special A or special B jackpot game is also “80”, but the number information KJ is not displayed during the execution of the special A or special B jackpot game. May be. The effect control unit 403 may continuously display the number-of-times information KJ in the high-probability gaming state after the special A or B jackpot game. However, even in a high-probability gaming state, the number-of-times information KJ may be hidden when a predetermined effect (such as a reach effect) is being executed.

  After the jackpot game 1710, when the first special figure determination is performed in the main control unit 401, the number X is decreased from “80” to “79” and the effect control unit 403 indicates the result of the special figure determination. When the command is received, the count information KJ also decreases from “80” to “79”. In the example of FIG. 27, the result of the first special figure determination after the big hit game 1710 indicates a loss other than the small hit.

After the jackpot game 1710, when the second special figure determination is performed in the main control unit 401, the number of times X decreases from “79” to “78”, and the production control unit 403 indicates the result of the special figure determination. When the command is received, the count information KJ also decreases from “79” to “78”. In the example of FIG. 27, since the result of the second special figure determination after the big hit game 1710 indicates the winning of the small hit, the small hit game 1710 _KA [1] based on the result of the special figure determination is performed. During the execution of the small hit game 1710 _KA [1], the number of times X is maintained at “78” and the number of times information KJ is also maintained at “78”.

Similarly, after the jackpot game 1710, when the third special figure determination is performed, the number X decreases from “78” to “77”, and the number information KJ also decreases from “78” to “77”. In the example of FIG. 27, since the result of the third special figure determination after the big hit game 1710 indicates the winning of the small hit, the small hit game 1710 _KA [2] based on the result of the special figure determination is performed. During the execution of the small hit game 1710 _KA [2], the number of times X is maintained at “77” and the number of times information KJ is also maintained at “77”.

  Thereafter, the special figure determination is repeated a plurality of times, and when the 35th special figure determination is performed from the end of the jackpot game 1710, the number X is reduced from “46” to “45” and the number information KJ is also “ Decrease from “46” to “45”. Here, it is assumed that the result of the 35th special figure determination after the jackpot game 1710 indicates that the special C jackpot is won. Then, a special C jackpot game 1720 based on the result of the special figure determination is performed. It is assumed that after the jackpot game 1710, no other jackpot game is played until the jackpot game 1720 is played, and a V prize is generated in the jackpot game 1720. Then, “80” is set to the high probability remaining game count X in the game state setting process executed during the execution of the jackpot game 1720 or at the end of the jackpot game 1720. However, at this time, the production control unit 403 is. The displayed number-of-times information KJ is maintained at “45”.

Then, after the jackpot game 1720, when the first special figure determination is performed, the number X decreases from “80” to “79”, while the number information KJ decreases from “45” to “44”. . In the example of FIG. 27, since the result of the first special figure determination after the big hit game 1720 indicates the winning of the big hit, the small hit game 1720 _KA [1] based on the result of the special figure determination is performed. During the execution of the small hit game 1720 _KA [1], the number of times X is maintained at “79” and the number of times information KJ is also maintained at “44”.

Thereafter, the special figure determination is repeated a plurality of times, and when the special figure determination for the 32nd time is performed from the end of the jackpot game 1720, the number X is reduced from “49” to “48” and the number information KJ is “ Decrease from “14” to “13”. In the example of FIG. 27, since the result of the 32nd special figure determination after the big hit game 1720 indicates the winning of the big hit, the small hit game 1720 _KA [n] based on the result of the special figure determination is performed. The number of times X is maintained at “48” while the small hit game 1720 _KA [n] is being executed and until the next special figure determination is performed. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 27, the effect control unit 403 executes an extra effect that increases the displayed number information KJ from “13” to “23” with the execution of the small hit game 1720 _KA [n]. .

  Thereafter, when the 33rd special figure determination is performed from the end of the jackpot game 1720, the number X decreases from “48” to “47” and the number information KJ decreases from “23” to “22”. In the example of FIG. 27, the result of the 33rd special figure determination after the big hit game 1720 indicates a loss other than the small hit.

  Subsequently, when the 34th special figure determination is performed from the end of the jackpot game 1720, the number X decreases from “47” to “46” and the number information KJ decreases from “22” to “21”. . Here, it is assumed that the result of the 34th special figure determination after the jackpot game 1720 indicates the winning of the special B jackpot. Then, a special B jackpot game 1730 based on the result of the special figure determination is performed. It is assumed that after the jackpot game 1720, no other jackpot game is played until the jackpot game 1730 is played, and a V prize is generated in the jackpot game 1730. Then, “80” is set to the high probability remaining game count X in the game state setting process executed when the jackpot game 1730 is being executed or at the end of the jackpot game 1730. At this time, the effect control unit 403 executes an extra effect that increases the displayed number-of-times information KJ from “21” to “80” with the execution of the jackpot game 1730 as an opportunity. Of the extra effects, the effect of increasing the number-of-times information KJ to 80, which is the number of high-probability grants, triggered by the execution of the special A to C jackpot game is particularly referred to as a full extra effect.

  The way of changing the high probability remaining game number X after the jackpot game 1730 and the way of changing the displayed number information KJ are the same as those in the jackpot game 1710.

  In the example of FIG. 27, the number-of-times information KJ displayed after the special A or special B jackpot game 1710 and before the special C jackpot game 1720 is performed is true number information, and the special C jackpot game 1720 The number-of-times information KJ displayed before the special B jackpot game 1730 is played is fake number-of-times information. As described above, the effect control unit 403 displays the true number information after the special A or special B jackpot is performed, and displays the false number information after the special C jackpot game is performed. Is possible.

The effect control unit 403 executes an extra effect that increases the value of the displayed number information KJ from “13” to the same value “48” as the number of times X, triggered by the execution of the small hit game 1720 _KA [n]. In this case, the true number information is displayed after the small hit game 1720 _KA [n].

  In the high probability gaming state, the contents of the variation effect performed at the time of winning the small win and the contents of the variation effect performed at the time of winning the special C jackpot are the same, and the stop pattern of the decorative symbols is the same as that at the time of winning the small bonus and the special C jackpot It is common at the time of winning (see FIG. 25), and further, the contents of the effects that are performed during the winning game with the opening of the grand prize winning hole 111 include the opening effect and the ending effect, and the bonus game of special bonus C and special bonus game of special C It is common among them. In addition, the big winning opening opening pattern is the same or similar between the small hit game and the special C big hit game. Therefore, when the player wins the jackpot or special C jackpot, whether the player wins the jackpot or the special C jackpot only by looking at the contents of the production and the open mode of the big prize opening 111 Is indistinguishable or difficult to discriminate. For this reason, if the number of times information KJ does not increase after the special C jackpot game, it is assumed that the winning is probably the jackpot.

  Thus, in the gaming machine 100, it can be made difficult to determine whether the number-of-times information KJ displayed after the special C jackpot game is true number information or fake number information. In order to guarantee this, when a special C jackpot is generated in a high probability gaming state and a special C jackpot game is played, the V acquisition challenge effect described above, V The winning success effect and the gate pass instruction effect are not executed (see FIG. 15), and even if there is a V prize, the V winning effect (see FIG. 16) is not executed. The same applies to the low probability gaming state.

  In addition, since the above-mentioned V acquisition challenge production or the like is an effect of inquiring whether or not to transition from the low-probability gaming state to the high-probability gaming state, a special jackpot of Special A, Special B, or A is generated in the high-probability gaming state In this case, when the corresponding jackpot game is performed, the V acquisition challenge effect and the V acquisition success effect or the V acquisition failure effect are not executed, and even if there is a V prize, the V prize effect is not executed (V prize effect) May be executed). However, if a special jackpot of special A, special B, or A is generated in the high probability gaming state, the gate passing instruction effect may be executed when the corresponding jackpot game is performed.

[Example of extra production]
FIG. 28 (a) shows a specific example of an extra effect that can be triggered by the execution of the small hit game _1720KA [n]. When the result of the special figure determination for the special 2 determination target TT in the high-probability gaming state indicates a small hit, based on the change start command indicating the result of the special figure determination, the change due to the reach non-special effect or the special effect with reach The effect is executed (see FIG. 25), and the second special symbol matching effect is executed at the final stage of the variation effect. The second small per game ₁₇₂₀ KA after special symbol matching effect [n] but are to be made, the performance control unit 403, after the second special symbol matching effect, large by small prize game ₁₇₂₀ KA [n] The number-of-times information KJ to be displayed is increased by an extra effect at an arbitrary timing until all the winning openings 111 are finished (typically, for example, during the execution of the small hit game 1720 _KA [n]). In the addition effect, it is preferable to display how many times the value of the number information KJ is increased (in FIG. 28A, “+10” indicates that the value is increased by 10).

In addition, it is possible that an extra effect may be executed when the special C jackpot game is executed. In this case, the small hit game 1720 _KA [n] in FIG. 27 may be replaced with a special C big hit game. In other words, when the result of the special figure determination for the special 2 determination target TT indicates a special C jackpot in the high-probability gaming state, on the basis of the change start command indicating the special figure determination result, no reach special effect or reach The variation effect by the special effect is executed (see FIG. 25), and the second special symbol matching effect is executed at the final stage of the variation effect. The special C jackpot game will be performed after the second special symbol matching effect, but after the second special symbol matching effect, the production control unit 403 opens the special winning jackpot 111 by the special C jackpot game. At an arbitrary timing until all of them are finished (typically, for example, during execution of a special C jackpot game), the number-of-times information KJ to be displayed is increased by an extra effect. Also in this case, it is preferable to display how many times the value of the frequency information KJ is increased in the extra effect.

  In the extra effect, the increased number of times information KJ does not exceed the high probability remaining game number X. That is, in the extra effect, the number information KJ can be increased within a range in which the number information KJ does not exceed the high probability remaining game number X. When the small hit game or special C jackpot game is executed, the value of the number-of-times information KJ can be increased to a value less than the number of times X, or can be increased to the value of the number of times X.

  FIG. 28B shows a specific example of the full addition effect that can be triggered by the execution of the jackpot game 1730. When the result of the special figure determination for the special 2 determination target TT indicates a special B jackpot in the high-probability gaming state, based on the change start command indicating the result of the special figure determination, the variable effect by the numerical symbol uniform effect with reach Is executed (see FIG. 25), and the numerical symbol matching effect is executed at the final stage of the variation effect. The jackpot game 1730 will be performed after this number symbol matching effect, but the rendering control unit 403 may perform any timing after the number symbol matching effect until the jackpot game 111 is completely opened by the jackpot game 1730. , The number-of-times information KJ to be displayed is increased to “80” by the full addition effect. For example, on the condition that a V winning is generated during the jackpot game 1730, a full extra effect is executed during the ending period of the jackpot game 1730, or when a V win is detected, the full extra effect is executed. If no V prize is generated during the jackpot game 1730, the full addition effect is not performed. After the full addition effect, in the ending period of the jackpot game 1730, etc., an image display that suggests that the effect in the rush mode continues (thus, the high probability game state continues) (in FIG. 28 (b), the character “rush mode” "Continue !!" is displayed.

  According to the present embodiment, the number information KJ (fake number information) different from the high probability remaining game number X is displayed as information suggesting the remaining number of fluctuations of the special symbol and the decorative symbol in which the game is controlled in the high probability game state. May be. Specifically, for example, the number information KJ of “20” may be displayed even though “X = 60” is true. At this time, the player determines that the high-probability gaming state will end with another 20 fluctuations, thereby increasing the sense of tension and making the game more tense. Needless to say, tension is an emotion corresponding to the opposite of boredom, and is useful for improving the fun of gaming.

  On the other hand, an extra effect can be executed by using a small hit game or a big hit game as an opportunity, and the number-of-times information KJ is increased in the extra effect. As a result, the player can feel great joy with respect to the extra effect that reduces the increased tension. The game is interesting because of the ups and downs of emotion that relaxes the tension after the tension increases. If the jackpot game is used only as an opportunity to perform an extra effect, the probability of jacking up / relaxing will be lower because the jackpot probability is considerably lower than the jackpot probability. In the embodiment, since it is possible to perform an extra effect with a small hit game as an opportunity, it is possible to increase the frequency of uplifting / relaxing tension and to increase the fun of the game.

  In addition, by configuring the gaming machine 100 as described above, it is considered that even if the number of times information KJ is reduced, it is easy for a player to have a sense of expectation that an additional presentation will be performed at some timing. . When the value of the number of times information KJ becomes smaller, if the player begins to feel like giving up on continuing the rush mode, the fun of the subsequent games will decrease, but the number of times information KJ will decrease. However, if the rush mode can continue to be expected, the game in the rush mode can be enjoyed with tension until just before the rush mode is completely over.

[Flowchart for extra production]
With reference to FIGS. 29 to 31, the flow of the operation of the effect control unit 403 in the portion related to the execution of the extra effect will be described. The operation shown in FIGS. 29 to 31 is realized by repeating the command reception process.

  With reference to FIG. 29, the operation after the special A or special B jackpot game 1710 is performed will be described. As described above, it is assumed that a V prize is generated during the jackpot game 1710, and a V prize command indicated by the occurrence is output from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 during the jackpot game 1710. . When the jackpot game 1710 ends (step S10), the effect control unit 403 sets the target effect mode to the rush mode in step S11, and substitutes “80” for the number X ′ in step S12 and the number information KJ. Is set to “80”, and the number-of-times information KJ is displayed in the subsequent step S13. The number of times X ′ is a high probability remaining game number managed and recognized by the effect control unit 403 and has the same value as the high probability remaining game number X managed and recognized by the main control unit 401. In the rush mode (in the high probability gaming state), the number information KJ is continuously displayed while being appropriately updated.

  In step S14 following step S13, the effect control unit 403 waits for the reception of the change start command, and when receiving the change start command, subtracts 1 from each of X ′ and KJ in step S15, and changes in step S16. After executing the variation effect content determination process for determining the content of the variation effect based on the start command, the execution of the determined variation effect is started in step S17. When the execution of the variation effect is started, the updated number information KJ is displayed in step S18. When the change stop command is received after the execution of the determined change effect is started (Y in step S19), the change effect is ended in step S20. At the end of the variation effect, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the result of the special figure determination.

  FIG. 30 shows an operation flowchart of the effect control unit 403 after the end of the change effect in step S20. It progresses to step S30 after completion | finish of the fluctuation production of step S20. In the flowchart of FIG. 30, for the sake of simplification of illustration and explanation, it is assumed that a V winning is always generated during the special A to special C jackpot game (the V winning during the special A to special C jackpot game). (The illustration of the flowchart in the case where no occurrence has occurred is omitted). In addition, it is assumed that no V prize is generated during the big A game of the total A (the illustration of the flowchart in the case where the V prize is generated during the big A game of the common A is omitted). Also, here, attention is paid only to the extra effect that can be executed when the big hit or the small hit occurs, and description of other effects such as the effect during the round is omitted.

  In step S30, the effect control unit 403 proceeds to step S31 when the result of the special figure determination indicates a big hit of special A or special B based on the current fluctuation stop command of the determination target TT, and the special figure determination If the result of step S indicates a special jackpot of special C, the process proceeds to step S41. If the result of special figure determination indicates a jackpot of total A, the process proceeds to step S51. If so, the process proceeds to step S61. When the result of the special figure determination indicates a loss other than the small hit, the process proceeds to step S67.

  In step S31, the effect control unit 403 waits for reception of the round start command (see FIG. 14), and after receiving the round start command, receives the V winning command (Y in step S32), and proceeds to step S33. Substitute “80” for X ′. Thereafter, when an ending command is received (Y in step S34), a full addition effect (step S35) is executed, and then the process returns to step S13 in FIG. In the full addition effect, the number-of-times information KJ is increased to “80” as described above.

  In step S41, the effect control unit 403 waits for reception of the round start command, and after receiving the round start command, when receiving the V winning command (Y in step S42), the process proceeds to step S43 and the number X ′ is set to “80”. Is substituted. Thereafter, in step S44, an extra effect determination process for determining whether or not an extra effect is performed is performed. After that, when an ending command is received (Y in step S45), if it is determined in step S44 that an additional effect is to be executed (Y in step S46), the additional effect is performed in step S47, and then, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the process returns to step S13, but if it is not determined in step S44 to execute the extra effect (N in step S46), the process returns to step S13 without performing the extra effect. In the extra effect in step S47, the number-of-times information KJ is increased according to the result of the extra effect determination process.

  In step S51, the effect control unit 403 waits for reception of the round start command. When the round start command is received (Y in step S51), the process proceeds to step S52, and “0” is substituted for the number X ′. Thereafter, when an ending command is received (Y in step S53), the target effect mode is set to the normal mode (step S54), and the effect in the rush mode is finished.

  In step S61, the effect control unit 403 confirms the success or failure of “X ′> KJ”. If “X ′> KJ” is not satisfied, the additional effect cannot be executed. On the other hand, if “X ′> KJ” is satisfied, an extra effect determination process is performed in step S62. After step S62 or S63, when an ending command in a small hit game is received (Y in step S64), if it is determined in step S62 that an extra effect is to be executed (Y in step S65), the process proceeds to step S66. The process proceeds to step S67 after performing the additional effect. On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S62 that the additional effect is to be executed, or if it is determined in step S63 that the additional effect is not performed (N in step S65). ) Proceed to step S67 without performing an extra effect. In step S67, the success or failure of “X ′ = 0” is confirmed. If “X ′ = 0”, the target effect mode is set to the normal mode (step S68), and the effect in the rush mode is finished. If “X ′ = 0” is not true (ie, “X ′> 0”), the process returns to step S13.

  FIG. 31 shows a flowchart of the extra effect determination process. In the additional effect determination process, first, in step S111, it is determined whether or not the additional effect is to be executed by lottery using the random numbers for effects. At this time, regardless of the values of X ′ and KJ, it may be determined whether or not the extra effect is executed with a certain probability, but here, whether or not the extra effect is executed is determined with the following probability.

  In other words, if “KJ ≧ 30”, it is determined that the extra effect is executed with a predetermined first probability, and if “30> KJ ≧ 10”, the extra effect is executed with a predetermined second probability. If it is determined and “10> KJ ≧ 1”, it is determined to execute an additional effect with a predetermined third probability, and if “KJ = 0”, a predetermined fourth probability is determined. The lottery regarding whether or not to execute the extra effect is performed so that it is determined that the extra effect is executed. Here, for an arbitrary integer i, the (i + 1) th probability is higher than the i-th probability, and the fourth probability is 100%. As a result, when the player's feeling of tension that the number of times information KJ approaches zero and the rush mode is not over has increased, an additional effect is performed with a higher probability. You will be greeted with greater joy. In other words, the degree of uplifting / relaxation of tension (the degree of undulation of emotion) can be increased, and the fun of the game is increased.

  Further, when the number information KJ is relatively large and the difference “(X′−KJ)” is relatively small, it may be determined that the extra effect is not always executed. This is because it is considered that it is difficult for a player to obtain great pleasure for executing the extra presentation even if the extra presentation that increases the minority information KJ by a small amount when the number information KJ is relatively large. Specifically, for example, whenever the value of the count information KJ is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (eg, 30) and the difference “(X′−KJ)” is equal to or less than a predetermined difference reference value (eg, 9). You may make it determine with not adding an effect.

  It progresses to step S112 after the process of step S111. If it is not determined in step S111 that the additional effect is to be executed (N in step S112), the additional effect determination process is finished, but if it is determined that the additional effect is to be executed (Y in step S112), step After performing the process of S113, the extra effect determination process is completed.

  In step S113, the amount of increase in the value of the number-of-times information KJ in the extra effect is determined. At this time, a condition that the number information KJ after the increase in value does not exceed the high probability remaining game number X is imposed, and after satisfying the condition, an arbitrary value is increased by lottery using a random number for performance. It can be determined as a quantity. For example, if the difference “(X′−KJ)” is 10 or more, a multiple of 10 may be determined as the increase amount. If the difference “(X′−KJ)” is less than 10, the difference “(X′−KJ)” is determined. KJ) ”may be determined as the increase amount.

  The configuration and operation of the gaming machine 100 described above will be referred to as a basic embodiment for convenience. Hereinafter, among a plurality of embodiments, a modification technique to the above-described basic embodiment will be described. As long as there is no description and there is no contradiction, the matters described in the basic examples apply to each example described later, and in each example, the description in each example is given priority for items that contradict the basic example. . As long as there is no contradiction, the matters described in any of the plurality of embodiments described below can be applied to any other embodiment (that is, any two or more of the plurality of embodiments). It is also possible to combine these embodiments).

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. In the case of performing an extra effect triggered by a small hit game or a big hit game, in the corresponding variable effect, the first to third decorative symbols are special symbols SP1 (the symbols with the letters “charge”; see FIG. 23). You may make it stop-display in the state which aligned, ie, you may make it perform the 1st special symbol alignment effect of FIG.24 (b). The first special symbol matching effect at this time functions as an effect suggesting that an extra effect is performed with a small hit game or a big hit game as an opportunity.

  In order to realize this, an extra effect determination process may be performed when determining the content of the variation effect based on the variation start command. More specifically, for example, in the high-probability gaming state, when the result of the special figure determination for the determination target TT indicates a small hit or a special C jackpot, a change start command including the special figure determination result is received. Then, the production control unit 403 performs an additional production determination process in the variation production content determination process. If it is determined in this additional effect determination process that the additional effect is to be executed, it is determined that the first special symbol matching effect (corresponding to the “charge” symbol) is to be performed in the variation effect for the determination target TT. Is determined to perform the second special symbol matching effect (corresponding to the “small” symbol) in the variation effect for the determination target TT. However, when it is determined that the extra effect is to be executed, it may be determined that the second special symbol matching effect is to be performed. For example, when it is determined that the extra effect is to be executed, the second special symbol alignment is determined so that the first special symbol alignment effect is determined with a probability of 70% and the probability of the variation with respect to the determination target TT is 30%. It may be determined that the production is performed.

  The effect control unit 403 performs the first or second special symbol matching effect at the final stage of the changing effect for the determination target TT according to the content determined here. Note that when this method is adopted, the processing in steps S44 and S62 in FIG. 30 is not executed.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. The effect control in which the fake number information is displayed as the number of times information KJ described in the basic embodiment is referred to as fake presence control. The gaming machine 100 may be able to execute effect control (hereinafter, referred to as fake-free effect control) in which true number information is always displayed as the number information KJ.

  In the gaming machine 100 to which the fake-free effect control is applied, in the high probability gaming state, the value of the displayed number information KJ is always matched with the high probability remaining game number X. In order to realize this, when a jackpot of any of special A to special C occurs in the high probability gaming state, the full bonus effect is always performed with the jackpot game based on the generated jackpot. In this case, since “KJ = X” is always obtained, the extra effect is not executed with the small hit game as an opportunity.

  In addition, when the fake-free effect control is applied and the special figure determination result shows a special C jackpot, the first special symbol matching effect (at the final stage of the variable effect based on the special figure determination result ( "Charge" symbol) should be performed, and when the special symbol determination result shows a small hit, the second special symbol uniform effect at the final stage of the variable effect based on the special symbol determination result (Corresponding to “small” symbols) may be performed.

[Third embodiment]
A third embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. The gaming machine 100 may be configured so that it can be selected according to the input operation content to the operation means whether to perform the fake presence control or the fake absence control. The operation means here includes an effect button 121 and a cross key 122.

  This will be described with reference to FIG. The condition that the winning game (big hit game or small hit game) is not being executed, the number of held information U1 and U2 are both zero, and the variation of the special symbol is stopped is referred to as a temporary game stop determination condition. When the condition is satisfied, there is a possibility that the game is stopped (game stop is temporarily determined).

  When the provisional game stop determination condition is established, the main control unit 401 transmits a customer waiting command to the effect control unit 403. The effect control unit 403 manages the customer waiting effect flag that is OFF when the customer waiting command is not received. In the customer waiting effect process that can be executed by the effect control unit 403, when the customer waiting command is received, the effect control unit 403 starts measuring the elapsed time from the reception time of the customer waiting command, and the elapsed time is a predetermined time ( For example, the customer waiting effect flag is turned ON when the time reaches 2 seconds. However, the measurement is stopped when the hold increase command or the change start command is received (that is, when the provisional game stop determination condition is not satisfied), and the measurement time is initialized to zero. In addition, when the hold increase command or the change start command is received when the customer waiting effect flag is ON, the effect control unit 403 switches the customer waiting effect flag to OFF.

  When the depression of the effect button 121 is detected when the customer waiting effect flag is ON, the effect control unit 403 can display a predetermined menu image (menu screen) on the image display unit 104, and the menu image is displayed. When a predetermined operation is input to the operation means while being displayed, either fake effect control or fake effect control is selected according to the input operation content. The effect control unit 403 executes an effect according to the effect control selected here. In the initial state of the gaming machine 100, the presence control with fake may be selected, or the control with no fake may be selected. In this way, the effect control unit 403 can control whether or not to display the fake count information based on the input operation content to the operation means. The player may perform an operation to select fake presence control or fake absence control according to his / her preference.

  Even when the customer waiting effect flag is OFF, under certain conditions, selection operations for fake presence control and fake absence control may be accepted. For example, when a special hit game of special A or special B is being executed, the effect control unit 403 displays an image prompting one of the fake presence control and the fake no effect control on the image display unit 104, Subsequent effects may be performed by effect control selected according to the input operation content to the operation means. Or, for example, every time a special symbol variation display is started in a low-probability gaming state, an operation to the operation means is accepted for a certain period of time (for example, 5 seconds). It may be determined whether to perform control or fake-free production control.

[Fourth embodiment]
A fourth embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. Selection of the presence control with fake or the control without fake may be performed only by an administrator of the gaming machine 100 (such as a clerk at a gaming facility where the gaming machine 100 is installed).

  For example, a specific setting device (not shown) capable of switching the state in a plurality of stages is provided on the back surface of the effect control board (not shown) on which the effect control unit 403 is mounted, and according to the setting content for the specific setting device, Either fake presence control or fake absence control may be selected and adopted. When the gaming machine 100 is used for a game by a player, the effect control unit 403 executes an effect according to the effect control selected here.

  A volume setting device (not shown) mounted on the effect control board may also function as the specific setting device. The volume setting device is volume adjusting means that can be operated by the administrator of the gaming machine 100 and cannot be operated by the player. The volume here refers to the volume of sound output from the speaker 115. Note that the volume control means that can be operated by the player is provided separately in the gaming machine 100 and is generally realized by the cross key 122.

  Alternatively, for example, the presence control with fake or the control without fake may be selected according to the operation content to the operation means that can be performed only by the administrator of the gaming machine 100.

  This will be described with reference to FIGS. 33 (a) and 33 (b). By pressing a power switch (not shown) provided in the gaming machine 100, the gaming machine 100 can be switched between a power-on state and a power-off state. The power-on state of the gaming machine 100 is a state in which power for driving the gaming machine 100 is supplied to the gaming machine 100 and the gaming machine 100 operates. The power-off state of the gaming machine 100 means that the power is As a result, the operation of the gaming machine 100 is stopped without being supplied to the gaming machine 100. When the gaming machine 100 is switched from a power-off state to a power-on state by pushing a power switch while pushing a RAM clear switch (not shown) provided on a main control board on which the main control unit 401 is mounted, A clear preparation state is entered (see FIG. 33A). By pressing the RAM clear switch again in the RAM clear preparation state, the game information of the gaming machine 100 can be initialized (RAM clear). That is, the gaming machine 100 can be brought into an initial state.

  When the effect button 121 is pressed in the RAM clear preparation state, the effect control unit 403 causes the image display unit 104 to display an initial setting menu image as shown in FIG. An operation using the operation means is accepted. When a predetermined operation is input to the operation means while the initial setting menu image is displayed, either fake effect control or fake effect control is selected according to the input operation content. When the gaming machine 100 is used for a game by a player, the effect control unit 403 executes an effect according to the effect control selected here.

[Fifth embodiment]
A fifth embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. You may make it comprise the gaming machine 100 which operate | moves by the fake presence control which always operates by the fake presence control which cannot select the fake presence control or the fake absence control.

[Sixth embodiment]
A sixth embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. The gaming machine 100 is attached to an island structure (island equipment) of a gaming facility, and a data display is installed on the island structure.

  FIG. 34 shows an external view of the data display 20. The data display 20 is electrically connected to the main control unit 401 of the gaming machine 100. For example, the data display 20 is connected to the main control unit 401 via the board external information terminal board 491 (see FIG. 3), and can display various information related to the gaming history of the gaming machine 100. Specifically, for example, it is possible to display start number information 21 indicating a value corresponding to the number of fluctuations HK and display jackpot occurrence number information 22 indicating the number of occurrences of a big hit on the day.

  The main control unit 401 transmits a variation stop signal to the data display device 20 every time the variation display of one special symbol is completed. For example, when a change stop command is transmitted to the effect control unit 403, a change stop signal is transmitted to the data display 20 in synchronization with the transmission. Each time the data display 20 receives the fluctuation stop signal, the data display 20 increases the value of the start number information 21 displayed by itself by one.

  Further, the main control unit 401 can transmit one jackpot signal to the data display device 20 when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the winning of the jackpot. Each time the data display 20 receives a jackpot signal, it increments the value of the jackpot occurrence count information 22 displayed by itself by one.

  In addition, after receiving the jackpot signal, the data display unit 20 transmits a signal indicating that when the next special symbol variation starts (for example, a variation start transmitted in synchronization with the transmission of a variation start command to the effect control unit 403). Signal) from the main control unit 401, the value of the start number information 21 displayed by itself is initialized to zero. Thereby, the start count information 21 shows the same value as the variation count HK or a value smaller by one.

  If the main control unit 401 outputs a jackpot signal to the data display 20 even when a special C jackpot is generated, the player can determine whether a special jackpot has been generated or not. It can be easily discriminated from the data display 20 whether there is any. In order to make this determination impossible, the main control unit 401 outputs a jackpot signal to the data display device 20 only when a special A, special B, or A big jackpot is generated, and outputs a jackpot signal when a special C jackpot occurs. You may make it not output to the data display 20.

[Seventh embodiment]
A seventh embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. After a special jackpot game of special A to special game C, the game state of the gaming machine 100 is changed from the high probability game state when the special symbol variation for 80 times is finished without generating a new jackpot. Transition to low probability gaming state. There is a high possibility that one or more special figure determination information based on the establishment of the second start condition is stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413a at this transition timing. When 21 special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_a is applied, a very long fluctuation time is determined.

  In order to avoid this, in the special figure determinations of the 81st to 84th times after the special hit game of special A to special C, a special figure fluctuation pattern table (THt_b in FIG. 25 may be different from the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_a). ) Is used to determine the special figure variation pattern. As a result, the second special symbol can be determined under a condition that a time shorter than that when the special diagram variation pattern table THt_a is used is easily determined as the variation time of the second special symbol. It is better to determine the fluctuation time of.

[Eighth embodiment]
An eighth embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. Although only special A to special C and general A are listed as the types of jackpots, the gaming machine 100 may be configured so that other types of jackpots can occur.

  For example, in the special figure determination for the first or second special symbol, when the jackpot is won, it may be determined that a jackpot game consisting of 16R round games and easy V winning is performed (this determination). Will be played after the special symbol is stopped and displayed). Alternatively, in the special figure determination for the first or second special symbol, when the jackpot is won, it may be determined that a jackpot game consisting of 2R round games and difficult to win V is performed (this determination). Will be played after the special symbol is stopped and displayed).

[Ninth embodiment]
A ninth embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. The first and second big prize openings may be provided as the big prize opening 111. Of the first and second prize winning openings, only the second prize winning opening has the structure of the prize winning opening 111 in the basic embodiment, and the V area 141 or the like is not provided in the first prize winning opening. In one round, only one of the first and second prize winning openings is opened.

  Referring to FIG. 35, in this case, in the special jackpot games of special A to special C and through A, the second big prize opening is opened in the first and second rounds, and the first big prize opening in the other rounds. It is only necessary to open the second big prize opening in the small hit game (see FIG. 12). If it does so, it will become impossible or difficult to distinguish small win game and special C big hit game from the open mode of the big prize opening.

[Tenth embodiment]
A tenth embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. The gaming machine 100 that performs the above-described gaming state control is generally referred to as a VST machine, but the gaming machine 100 may be configured as a type of gaming machine that is not classified as a VST machine. For example, the gaming machine 100 may be an ST machine that is not classified as a VST machine. In ST machines that are not classified as VST machines, V winning is not a condition in order to change the gaming state to a high probability gaming state.

When the gaming machine 100 is configured as an ST machine (an ST machine that is not classified as a VST machine), the following may be performed.
When a special jackpot is won in the special symbol determination for the first special symbol, the special symbol determination table TZt is modified so that the jackpot becomes a big jackpot of special A with a probability of 100%.
The V area 141 and the like are deleted from the inside of the big winning opening 111 (the concept of V winning is lost).
Regardless of whether the winning of any of special A to special C is won, the high probability remaining game count X is always set to “80” and the high probability gaming flag is turned ON in the gaming state setting process.

[Eleventh embodiment]
An eleventh embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. In order to start a round, the gaming machine 100 may be configured so that it is not necessary to pass a game ball to the round start gate 109. In this case, when the round start gate 109 is deleted from the gaming machine 100 and any kind of jackpot is generated, after a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the jackpot, a predetermined time has elapsed. The first round is started.

[Twelfth embodiment]
A twelfth embodiment of the gaming machine 100 will be described. As a method of notifying the frequency information KJ, a method of displaying the frequency information KJ on the image display unit 104 has been described. However, a means for informing the frequency information KJ is arbitrary. For example, the count information KJ may be displayed on a display different from the image display unit 104 (for example, a display provided at an arbitrary position of a game frame including the inner frame 11 and the door frame 12). The player may be notified by sound output from the speaker 115.

<< Consideration of Invention >>
Consider the invention embodied in the embodiments described above.

A gaming machine W _{1 according} to one aspect of the present invention is provided in a gaming area where a game ball can flow down, and a variable prize opening (which can be changed between a closed state and an open state in which the game ball can easily enter from the closed state ( Example: Grand prize opening 111) and multiple specials including first special game (ex: special B or special C jackpot game) and second special game (ex: small hit game) depending on the establishment of predetermined start conditions A determination means for determining whether or not to play a game, and when the determination is made, a predetermined symbol is variably displayed on the symbol display means, and is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating the determination result of the determination means. When it is determined by the symbol display control means and the determination means that the first special game is to be performed, a game for opening and closing the variable prize opening in a predetermined first special game release pattern is performed as the first special game. By the first special game execution means and the determination means. A second special game executing means for performing a game for opening and closing the variable prize opening in a predetermined second special game release pattern as the second special game when it is determined to perform the second special game; A payout means (for example, a payout unit 429) for paying out a game ball based on a game ball entering the variable prize opening during execution of the first special game or the second special game, and the first special game An advantageous gaming state (e.g., high probability gaming state) that is advantageous to the player until the actual number of variations (e.g., variation number HK), which is the number of variations of the symbol from the end of execution of the game, reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 80 times) ), A game state control means capable of controlling the game, and an effect execution means for performing a predetermined effect using the predetermined effect means. In the determination by the determination means in the advantageous game state, the second special game And do The determined probability (e.g., the winning probability per jackpot) is higher than the probability determined to play the first special game (e.g., the jackpot winning probability), and the first special game is also the second. It is higher than the probability that it is determined that no special game will be played (eg, the probability of losing other than small hits), and the effect execution means is the number of times of difference between the predetermined number of times and the actual number of changes (eg, high probability remaining game The number of times information different from the number of times X) (eg fake number of times information) can be notified.

  Thereby, for example, when the true difference count is 60, it is possible to notify 20 times information. At this time, the player determines that the advantageous gaming state will end with another 20 fluctuations, thereby increasing the sense of tension and making the game more tense. Needless to say, tension is an emotion corresponding to the opposite of boredom, and is useful for improving the fun of gaming.

Specifically, for example, the gaming machine W _1, the provided game region, game ball from a closed state and the closed state ball entrance easy open state and to change, variable starting opening (eg second start hole 106), an auxiliary game determining means for determining whether or not to perform an auxiliary game (for example, an electric chew release game) for opening the variable start port based on the establishment of a predetermined condition, and the auxiliary When the game determination is made, the variable start port further comprises normal symbol display control means for variably displaying a predetermined normal symbol on the normal symbol display means and stopping and displaying in a manner indicating the result of the auxiliary game determination. The start condition is established by entering a game ball into the game, and the game state control means can control the game in the normal game state or in the advantageous game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The auxiliary game determination means is the normal game The time during which the symbol display is performed is determined according to a common condition in the normal game state and the advantageous game state, and the probability that the auxiliary game is determined to be performed in the auxiliary game determination is determined as the normal game state and They may be common to each other in the advantageous gaming state.

Further, for example, in the gaming machine W ₁ , the effect execution means executes an effect (for example, an extra effect) of increasing the numerical value indicated by the number-of-times information triggered by the execution of the first special game or the second special game. It may be possible.

Further, for example, in the gaming machine W ₁ , when the first number information (for example, fake number information) as the number information is notified, second number information (for example, true number information) that matches the difference number is provided. The special game execution means determines that the first special game is to be performed by the determination means, or the specific special game (eg, special B jackpot game) or the specific special game. A non-specific special game (for example, special C jackpot game) different from the above can be executed, and the production execution means notifies the second number of times information after the specific special game is performed, while the non-specific special game It is preferable that the one-time information can be notified after a special game is performed.

Further, for example, in the gaming machine W _1, the presentation execution section, the count information, the game advantageously gaming state is controlled, it may be broadcast as the information indicative of the remaining variation time count of the symbol.

In addition, for example, the gaming machine W ₁ further includes an operation unit that receives an input of a predetermined operation from a player, and the effect execution unit notifies the number-of-times information different from the number of differences based on the input content of the operation. It is good to be able to control whether or not.

The determination means, the first special game execution means, the second special game execution means, the game state control means, the auxiliary game determination means, and the normal symbol display control means in the gaming machine W ₁ are, for example, by the main control unit 401 in the gaming machine 100. Realized.
The symbol displayed and controlled by the symbol display control means may be considered as a special symbol in the gaming machine 100, or may be considered as a decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol. Thus, the symbol display control means in the gaming machine W ₁ is the gaming machine 100 is realized by the main control unit 401 or the performance control unit 403, for example.
Demonstration execution means in the gaming machine W ₁ is the gaming machine 100 is realized by the performance control unit 403 for example, or be realized by the performance control unit 403 and the effect achieved elements (presentation means).

  In the description of the above embodiment, it may be considered that the first starting condition or the second starting condition is satisfied when a game ball enters (wins) the starting port 105 or 106. The following may be considered. That is, a game ball entering the starting port 105 or 106 (specifically, the detected ball is detected by the starting port SW 414a or 414b) corresponds to the establishment of a predetermined acquisition condition. Special figure determination information is acquired. After that, when the acquired special figure determination information reaches the state of being read as the determination target TT from the special figure determination information storage area 413a in the special symbol processing, this corresponds to the establishment of the start condition, and when the start condition is satisfied Special figure determination is performed on the special figure determination information.

<< Deformation, etc. >>
The embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims. The above embodiment is merely an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the meaning of the term of the present invention or each constituent element is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. The specific numerical values shown in the above description are merely examples, and as a matter of course, they can be changed to various numerical values.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to other gaming machines such as slot machines that are not classified as pachinko gaming machines. In a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball is used as a game medium, while in a slot machine, a coin is used as a game medium.

100 gaming machine 105 start port 106 start port (variable start port)
111 Grand Prize Exit (Variable Prize Exit)
401 Main control unit (determination means, first special game execution means, second special game execution means, game state control means)
403 Production control unit (production execution means)

Claims (4)

A variable winning opening that is provided in a game area where a game ball can flow down, and can be changed between a closed state and an open state where the game ball can easily enter from the closed state;
A determination means for determining whether or not to perform any of a plurality of special games including the first special game and the second special game by establishing a predetermined start condition;
When the determination is made, a symbol display control means for displaying a predetermined symbol in a variable manner on the symbol display means and stopping and displaying in a manner indicating the determination result of the determination means;
When it is determined by the determination means that the first special game is to be performed, a first special game execution means for performing, as the first special game, a game for opening and closing the variable prize opening in a predetermined first special game release pattern. When,
Second special game execution means for performing, as the second special game, a game for opening and closing the variable prize opening in a predetermined second special game release pattern when the determination means determines that the second special game is to be performed. When,
A payout means for paying out a game ball based on a game ball entering the variable prize opening when executing the first special game or the second special game;
A game state control means capable of controlling the game in an advantageous game state advantageous to the player until the actual number of times of change, which is the number of times of change of the symbol from the end of execution of the first special game, reaches a predetermined number of times;
An effect executing means for performing a predetermined effect using the predetermined effect means,
In the determination by the determination means in the advantageous gaming state, the probability that it is determined that the second special game is performed is higher than the probability that it is determined that the first special game is performed, and the first special game is also Higher than the probability that the second special game is not performed,
The effect execution means can notify the number-of-times information different from the difference number between the predetermined number of times and the actual number of changes. A variable start port provided in the gaming area and capable of changing between a closed state and an open state in which a game ball can easily enter the closed state;
An auxiliary game determination means for determining whether or not to perform an auxiliary game for setting the variable start port to the open state based on establishment of a predetermined condition;
When the auxiliary game determination is made, it further comprises normal symbol display control means for variably displaying a predetermined normal symbol on the normal symbol display means, and stopping and displaying in a manner indicating the result of the auxiliary game determination,
The start condition is established by the game ball entering the variable start port,
The gaming state control means is capable of controlling a game in a normal gaming state or in the advantageous gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state,
The auxiliary game determination means determines a time during which the normal symbol variation display is performed according to a common condition in the normal game state and the advantageous game state, and determines that the auxiliary game is performed in the auxiliary game determination. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the probability of being played is common to the normal gaming state and the advantageous gaming state. The said effect execution means can perform the effect which increases the numerical value which the said frequency | count information shows on the occasion of execution of the said 1st special game or the said 2nd special game, The Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned. Game machines. There are a time when the first number of times information as the number of times information is notified, and a time when the second number of times information matching the difference number of times is notified,
The special game execution means can execute a specific special game or a non-specific special game different from the specific special game when the determination means determines that the first special game is performed.
The effect execution means is capable of notifying the second number of times information after the specific special game has been performed, and capable of notifying the first number of information after the non-specific special game has been performed. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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