JP2017108879A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To assist recognition of a winning state into a specific winning hole by a player or the like.SOLUTION: In a game machine (Pachinko game machine), various winning holes such as a start port, a big winning port or a normal winning port are provided in a game area. The number of entering balls of game balls into a specific winning hole included in the winning holes is counted, and a count value is displayed. For example, the number of entering balls of game balls into normal winning ports per unit time is counted relative to each normal winning port, and the result is displayed (540).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

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 lot of prize balls are paid out when game balls are entered (winning) in the big prize opening.

  In addition to the big winning opening, winning holes such as a starting opening and an ordinary winning opening are provided in the gaming area of the gaming machine so that the winning balls are paid out by entering the game balls.

JP 2013-111293 A

  Whether or not a game ball has entered the winning opening or the condition of entering the ball can be one of the matters of interest to the player or the like. Supporting the recognition of matters of interest seems to be preferable for players and the like.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that contributes to the recognition support of the matter of interest related to a winning opening.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is provided in a game area where a game ball can flow down, provided in a start area where a game ball can enter, and provided in the game area, and the game ball enters from the closed state and the closed state. A variable winning opening that can be changed to an easily open state, a normal winning opening that is provided in the gaming area and into which a game ball can be entered, and the variable winning prize based on the entering of the game ball into the starting opening. A determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game with the mouth open, and paying out the game ball based on the game ball entering the start port, the variable winning port and the normal winning port A payout means, and a control means capable of performing predetermined notification based on a game ball entering a specific winning opening including any one or more of the start opening, the variable winning opening and the normal winning opening; It is characterized by having.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to provide the gaming machine which contributes to the recognition support of the matter of interest regarding a prize opening.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a rear view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 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 a schematic block diagram of the game ball flow path which can be provided inside the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present 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 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 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the special figure fluctuation pattern table which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the fluctuation production pattern table which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the time change of the count value counted by special count processing. It is a figure which shows the example regarding the display of individual winning number information. It is a figure which shows the other example regarding the display of individual number-of-wins information. It is a figure which shows the example regarding the display of the separate number-of-wins information per unit time. It is a figure which shows the example regarding the display of the separate number-of-wins information per number of unit launches. It is a figure which shows the example regarding the display of total number-of-wins information. It is a figure which shows the other example regarding the display of total number-of-wins information. It is a figure which shows the example regarding the display of the total number-of-wins information per unit time. It is a figure which shows the example regarding the display of the total number-of-wins information per number of unit launches. It is a figure which shows the relationship between several count periods. It is explanatory drawing regarding a menu screen and a submenu screen. It is explanatory drawing regarding a submenu screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the historical information of the total number-of-wins information per number of unit launches. It is explanatory drawing regarding a customer waiting demonstration production. It is a figure which shows the indicator arrange | positioned in a normal winning opening and its vicinity. It is a figure which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention and shows the example of a display in test | inspection mode. It is a figure which shows the kind of count object winning opening.

  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.

  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 special winning opening 111, and a normal winning 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 ports 105 and 106 are installed below the image display unit 104 and form a start region through which game balls 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. In addition, 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, three) of gaming balls. A game ball to be paid out due to a winning of a game ball to the start port 105, the start port 106, the big winning port 111 or the normal winning port 112 is also referred to as a prize 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 first start port 105 and the second start port 106. 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 16 times). When the gaming machine 100 detects a gaming ball that has won a prize winning slot 111, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 14) of winning balls.

  One or more normal winning openings 112 are installed on the side or lower side of the image display unit 104. In the present embodiment, three normal winning holes 112 [1], 112 [2] and 112 [3] are provided on the left side of the image display unit 104 in the gaming area 103 as the normal winning holes 112, and the gaming area One normal winning opening 112 [4] is provided on the right side of the image display unit 104 in 103. However, the number of installation of the normal winning opening and the installation position of each normal winning opening can be changed variously. In the present embodiment, when it is simply described as the normal winning opening 112, it indicates any or all of the normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4]. Unlike the second start opening 106 and the big winning opening 111, the game balls can always enter the normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4]. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, three) of winning balls when detecting a winning at each of the normal winning openings 112. At the bottom of the gaming area 103, the game balls that have not won any of the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 111, and the normal winning ports 112 [1] to 112 [4] are collected. A recovery port 113 is provided. An information display unit 114 is provided in the lower right portion of the game board 101. It should be noted that the installation position of each component on the game board 101 can be arbitrarily changed from the above-mentioned ones, not limited to the normal winning opening.

  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.

<< Back configuration of gaming machine >>
With reference to FIG. 2, the back side structure of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the gaming machine 100 showing a rear configuration of the gaming machine 100. On the back surface of the gaming machine 100, a main control board 301, a prize ball control board 302, an effect control board 303, a power board 304 that supplies power to each board in the gaming machine 100, an output terminal board 305, and the like are provided. ing. Each of these boards (particularly the effect control board 303) may be formed from a plurality of printed boards. Further, a power plug 315 for supplying power to the power supply board 304 and a power switch (not shown) are also provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 100. The main control board 301 is provided with a RAM clear switch (not shown). When the power of the gaming machine 100 is off, the power is turned on by pressing the power switch while pressing the RAM clear switch, so that power is supplied to the gaming machine 100 and the RAM clear preparation state is entered. By pushing the RAM clear switch again, the game information of the gaming machine 100 can be initialized (RAM clear) (that is, the gaming machine 100 can be in the initial state). If the power is turned on by pressing the power switch without pressing the RAM clear switch, the gaming machine 100 is controlled based on the gaming information of the gaming machine 100 before the power is turned off.

<< 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 prize opening 111 (including a big hit game and may include a small prize game described later) are given a chance to obtain a prize ball by winning a game ball at the big prize opening 111. It can be said that it is more advantageous for the player than a game that does not involve opening the mouth 111 (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. The gate 108 is a right region in the game region 103 and is disposed above the special winning opening 111. Therefore, in the left strike, the game ball cannot pass through the gate 108, and only the right hit game ball can pass through the gate 108. In addition, the game board 101 is such that only the left-handed game balls can win the normal winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [3] and only the right-handed game balls can win the normal winning holes 112 [4]. Is formed.

  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 has a low probability non-power support game state (normal game state), a low probability power support game state, and a high probability non-power except for game states (including a jackpot game state) that are associated with the opening of the big prize opening 111. Any of the support game state and the high probability electric support game state may be taken. The gaming state in the initial state of the gaming machine 100 is a low probability non-electric support game 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 low probability non-electric support game state and the low probability electric support game state belong to the low probability game state. The high probability non-electric support game state and the high probability electric support game state belong to the high probability game 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).

  The low probability electric support game state and the high probability electric support game state belong to the electric support game state. In the electric support game state, the gaming machine 100 provides a game support function (hereinafter referred to as “electric support”) that involves opening and closing the electric tulip 107 (that is, the electric support is activated). When the electric support is given, compared with the time when it is not so, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened, the winning probability per common figure in the common figure determination (and therefore, the opening frequency of the electric tulip 107 is increased), and The opening time of the electric tulip 107 is increased, and as a result, in the electric support game state, it becomes easier for the game ball to win the second start port 106 than in the non-electric support game state where no electric support is given. In the electric support game state, a game is performed by the above-mentioned right strike, and the trigger for the special figure determination is mainly a winning to the second start opening 106.

  The low probability non-electric support game state and the high probability non-electric support game state belong to a non-electric support game state to which no electric support is given. In the non-electric support game state, the game is performed by left-handed as described above, and the trigger for the special figure determination is mainly a winning to the first start opening 105. As understood from the above description, the electric support game state is a game state in which the start condition (second start condition) is more easily established than the non-electric support game state. Therefore, the electric support game state is more advantageous to the player than the non-electric support game state with respect to the ease of establishment of the start condition.

<< 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. For example, the main control board 301, the prize ball control board 302, and the effect control board 303 in FIG. 2 form the main control section 401, the prize ball control section 402, and the effect control section 403 in FIG. 3, respectively, and the output in FIG. The terminal board 305 includes the board external information terminal board 491 of FIG.

[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, and DKt, and the main RAM 413 includes a storage area group including storage areas 413a and 413b.

  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 includes a first start port SW 414 a that detects a game ball won in the first start port 105, the second start port 106, and the big winning port 111, The start opening SW414b, the big winning opening SW416, the gate SW415 for detecting the game ball that has passed through the gate 108, and the normal winning opening SW417 for detecting the game balls that have won the normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4], respectively. [1] to 417 [4] and the frame count SW 418 are connected, and a detection signal indicating the detection result of each SW is sent to the main control unit 401.

  The frame count SW 418 is a switch for counting the total number of game balls launched in the game area 103 by the launching unit 428 (in other words, game balls input to the game area 103). A game ball launched into the game area 103 is either a winning ball or a non-winning ball. A winning ball refers to a game ball that has won a prize in any winning gate. The start opening 105, the start opening 106, the big winning opening 111, and the normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4] are all winning openings. A non-winning ball refers to a game ball that has entered the collection port 113 without winning any of the winning ports.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, all the winning balls and non-winning balls may be configured to pass through a predetermined game ball flow path 150 inside the gaming machine 100. In this case, the frame count SW 418 is distributed as a game ball distribution. By detecting the game balls passing through the path 150, the total number of winning balls and non-winning balls (that is, the total number of game balls launched into the game area 103) can be detected.

  Referring to FIG. 4B, in the case where a winning ball and a non-winning ball are configured to pass through different paths in the gaming machine 100, the following may be performed. That is, all the winning balls pass through a predetermined game ball flow passage 151 inside the gaming machine 100 and all the non-winning balls inside the gaming machine 100 are different from the game ball flow passage 151. The first frame count SW 418a that detects a game ball (that is, a winning ball) that passes through the game ball flow passage 151 and a game ball that passes through the game ball flow passage 152 (that is, a non-winning ball). ) To detect the total number of winning balls and non-winning balls (that is, games played in the game area 103) based on the detection results of the frame counts SW418a and 418b. The total number of spheres) may be detected.

  The frame count SW 418 may be provided in a game frame including the inner frame 11 and the door frame 12 so that the common frame count SW 418 can be used for a plurality of types of game boards 101.

  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 controller 401 is connected to an electric tulip solenoid 420 that opens and closes the electric tulip 107 and a big prize opening solenoid 421 that opens and closes the big prize opening 111. 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 common figure determination, and uses the big prize opening solenoid 421 based on the result of the special figure determination to Open and close operation 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. 5 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. 5). 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. In addition, a random number counter C4 for counting a random number per common figure and a general symbol random number counter C5 for counting a random number of common symbols are provided. In the random number update process, the count value of each random number counter is “1”. Is added to update the count value of each random number counter. In each of the random number counters C1 to C5, 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. 5). In the switch process, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes a start opening switch process, a gate switch process, a big winning opening switch process, a normal winning opening switch process, and a frame count 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 obtains the count values of the counters C4 and C5 at the timing when the passing of the game ball to the gate 108 is detected, and uses the obtained count values of the counters C4 and C5 as a random number and a common number per figure. The common figure determination information included as a symbol random number is stored in the general figure 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 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 individually detects the game balls that have won the normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4] by the normal winning openings SW417 [1] to 417 [4]. In the frame count switch process, the main CPU 411 detects a game ball that has passed through the game ball flow passage 150 (or a game ball that has passed through the game ball flow passages 151 and 152) using the frame count SW 418 (FIG. 4A and FIG. (See (b)).

[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. 5) described later.

  With reference to FIG. 6, determination per special figure is performed using a special figure determination table TAt including a low probability special figure determination table TAt1 and a high probability special figure determination table TAt2. 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 so that the winning probability of winning the jackpot (that is, the probability determined to play the jackpot game) is 1/300 and 1/30 in the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state, respectively. Assume that a table TAt is formed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 may be formed so that a small hit can occur, and in this case, the main CPU 411 also determines a small hit 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. For example, it is possible to reduce the winning probability per unit to 1/399 without depending on ON / OFF of the high probability game flag.

  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 based on the comparison result, in what symbol (what manner) the special symbol is used. Determine whether to stop. 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. 5). 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. 5) will be described. In the normal symbol processing, the main CPU 411 obtains the information for determining the common figure set with the highest priority in the general-purpose information storage area 413b as the general-purpose determination target FF, and determines the general-purpose determination in the main ROM 412. Based on the table and the FF for which the normal pattern is determined, a general pattern determination consisting of a general pattern determination, a general symbol determination, and a general pattern variation pattern determination is executed. Display stop display. The information for determining the normal map that has become the target FF for normal map determination is deleted from the storage area 413b. 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 (auxiliary game) for opening the electric tulip 107 is performed. In the determination per common figure, it is determined whether or not the winning per common figure is won. When winning per common figure, the type per common figure is determined by the universal symbol determination. There are two types of per map: per long open and short open. The time for the electric tulip 107 to be in the open state is longer per long opening than per short opening. The main CPU 411 displays the variation of the normal symbol for the variation time based on the result of the normal pattern variation pattern determination, and then stops and displays the normal symbol in a manner showing the result of the normal symbol hit determination and the general symbol determination.

[1-2-5. Electric accessory control processing]
In the electric accessory control process (see FIG. 5), the big prize opening process and the electric chew process are sequentially executed. In the special winning a prize opening process, when the result of the special figure determination indicates that a big win is won, the special winning opening 111 is opened and closed using a big winning opening opening pattern corresponding to the type of the big win. 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. When the gaming machine 100 is configured so that a small winning can occur, the big winning opening opening pattern for the small winning is also stored in the big winning opening pattern table DKt, and the result of the special figure determination shows the winning of the small winning When the player wins, the special winning opening 111 is opened and closed using the small winning special winning opening opening pattern. 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 game state setting process (see FIG. 5) is executed in the big prize opening process during the jackpot game or after the jackpot game. In the game state setting process, the main CPU 411 sets the state of various game flags stored in the main RAM 413 including the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag. 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. The gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is an electric support game state when the electric support game flag is ON, and a non-electric support game state when the electric support game 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 high-probability game flag and the electric support game flag are turned on according to the game state at the time of the jackpot occurrence or the type of jackpot that has occurred / OFF is set, and a high probability game remaining number X indicating the remaining number of fluctuations of the special symbol in which the high probability gaming state is maintained and an electric number indicating the remaining number of fluctuations in the special symbol in which the electric support game state is maintained. The number of remaining support games J 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. The electric support game remaining number J set in the game state setting process is decremented by “1” every time the special figure determination is executed when “J ≧ 1”, and becomes “J = 0”. The electric support game flag is set to OFF, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 becomes a non-electric support game state. In the initial state of the gaming machine 100, the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are OFF, and “0” is set to the number of times X and J.

  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 gaming state (probability of winning the jackpot and whether or not to give power support). In other words, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 (the jackpot winning probability and the presence / absence of electric support) does not change between before and after the small win. In the small hit game, for example, the opening of the special winning opening 111 with a short opening time (for example, 0.2 seconds) is repeated a plurality of times.

  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 usual figure, the electric tulip 107 is opened for a predetermined time.

[1-2-6. Prize ball processing]
In the prize ball processing, the main CPU 411 has a predetermined number of prizes for each of the first start openings 105, the second start openings 106, the big winning openings 111, and the normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4]. A payout instruction for paying out a prize ball 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.

  The commands output to the effect control unit 403 in the output process include the above-described variation start command, variation stop command, and hold increase command, as well as a normal winning command, a first starting port winning command, a second starting port winning command, Includes a grand prize winning command and a frame count command. Game balls to the normal winning openings 112 [1], 112 [2], 112 [3], 112 [4] through the normal winning openings SW417 [1], 417 [2], 417 [3], 417 [4]. Is detected, the first, second, third, and fourth ordinary winning commands are output from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 in the output process. Each time the first starting port SW414a, the second starting port SW414b, and the big winning port SW416 detect a game ball entering the first starting port 105, the second starting port SW106, and the big winning port 111, respectively. The first start port winning command, the second start port winning command, and the big winning port winning command are output from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 in the output process. Every time the passage of a winning ball or a non-winning ball to the game ball flow passage 150 is detected by the frame count SW 418 (or every time a passage of a winning ball to the game ball flow passage 151 is detected, and a non-winning ball Frame count command is output from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 in the output process (every time the passage to the game ball flow path 152 is detected).

  In the output process, the main CPU 411 may transmit arbitrary information recognized or held by itself (for example, information indicating the state of the electric support game flag and 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. 5).

  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. 7 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, an operation reception process, and a special effect 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 receiving process, the sub CPU 431 executes a special drawing effect process, a general drawing effect process, a hit effect process, a customer waiting effect process, and a special count 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 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 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 customer waiting effect process, execution control of the customer waiting effect is performed, and in the special count process, a process based on reception of a normal winning command or the like is executed. Details thereof will be described later.

  In the operation acceptance process, the sub CPU 431 recognizes the operation state (the presence / absence of an operation input and the content of the operation) of the player on the effect button 121 or the cross key 122 based on a signal from the effect button 121 or the cross key 122. The effect control unit 403 can perform an effect according to the recognized operation state.

  In the special effect process, a predetermined effect using the result of the special count process is executed. Details thereof will be described later.

  Several embodiments of the gaming machine 100 based on the above contents are listed below. The contents described above are applied to the following embodiments unless otherwise specified and no contradiction occurs.

<< First Embodiment >>
A gaming machine 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. First, the type of jackpot assumed in the first embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating types of jackpots according to the first embodiment. There are special A and special B as jackpot types. The number of rounds for special A and special B is 7 and 16, respectively. Note that “R” in the jackpot indicates a round. The larger the number of rounds, the more the number of award balls that can be obtained by winning in the big winning opening 111 in the jackpot game, which is more advantageous to the player. In the determination per special symbol for the first special symbol (in the special symbol determination based on the establishment of the first start condition), when the jackpot is won, the ratio that the big hit becomes special A and special B is 90 respectively. %, 10%. In the judgment per special figure for the second special symbol (in the judgment per special figure based on the establishment of the second start condition), when the jackpot is won, the ratio of the jackpot to be special A and special B is 50 respectively. %, 50%. 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.

  After the special A or special B jackpot game is finished, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the high probability electric support game state, and then the next jackpot (that is, the next jackpot as seen from the jackpot generated immediately before). If the number of changes in the special symbol (that is, the number of times that the special symbol has been changed and stopped through the change display) is equal to or greater than the high-probability number of times and the number of times that the electric support is granted, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 Is set to the low probability non-electric support game state.

The high-probability number of times refers to the number of changes in the special symbol that maintains the high-probability gaming state. In other words, for a certain jackpot, after the jackpot game is over, while the special symbol fluctuates by i _k times, the gaming state becomes a high probability gaming state, and after the special symbol fluctuates by i _k times, the low probability gaming state when it is a high probability granted number corresponding to 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 times when the electric support is given refers to the number of times the special symbol is maintained to maintain the electric support game state. That relates to certain jackpot, after completion of the jackpot gaming, non conductive support game after while, the and special symbol is gaming state and conductive support gaming state fluctuates by i _d times the special symbol is varied by i _d times when it is a state, support grant number electrostatic corresponding to the jackpot is i _d times (i _d is an integer). Since the starting condition is more easily established in the electric support game state than in the non-electric support game state, the more the number of electric support grants, the more advantageous for the player.

  The number of high-probability grants and power support grants for special A or special B jackpots are both 50 (see FIG. 8). Therefore, after the special jackpot game of special A or special B is over, if the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 50 without any other jackpots occurring (in other words, the special figure judgment is performed 50 times), the game The gaming state of the machine 100 is shifted from the high probability electric support game state to the low probability non-electric support game state.

  In the gaming state setting process associated with the special A or B jackpot, both the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are turned ON, and both the high probability game remaining number X and the electric support game remaining number J are set to “50”. Is done. That is, the high probability remaining game count X and the electric support game remaining count J set in the game state setting process executed with a certain jackpot are respectively the high probability grant count and the electric support grant corresponding to the jackpot. It matches the number of times.

  As can be seen from FIG. 8, the special symbol determination based on the establishment of the second start condition is relatively more advantageous to the player than the special symbol determination based on the establishment of the first start condition (ie, more Easy to get many prize balls). Here, “relatively advantageous” means that the expected value of the number of winning balls obtained by winning the big winning opening 111 in the jackpot game executed based on the establishment of the second starting condition is executed based on the establishment of the first starting condition. This means that the number of winning balls obtained by winning the winning prize 111 in the jackpot game is larger than the expected value. “Expected value of the number of winning balls obtained by winning the jackpot game 111 in the jackpot game” is the expected value of the number of rounds in the jackpot game or the maximum value of the total opening time of the jackpot 111 in the jackpot game It may be read as a value.

  FIG. 9 shows the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_a1 for loss and the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_a2 for jackpot included in the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt in the main ROM 412. The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt_a1 for loss includes special figure fluctuation patterns THp_a11 to THp_a15. The jackpot special figure variation pattern table THt_a2 includes special figure variation patterns THp_a23 to THp_a26. Here, it is assumed that when the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a low-probability non-electric support game state, the special figure fluctuation pattern determination is performed using the special figure fluctuation pattern tables THt_a1 and THt_a2. When the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the high probability electric support game state, the special figure fluctuation pattern determination is performed using a special figure fluctuation pattern table different from the tables THt_a1 and THt_a2, but illustration and explanation thereof are omitted. . However, even when the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the high probability electric support gaming state, the special figure variation pattern determination may be performed using the tables THt_a1 and THt_a2. In the following, for the sake of concrete description, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is considered to be a low-probability non-electric support game state unless otherwise specified, but the various operations described below (including various effects) are not probable. It is also possible to play in a game state other than the electric support game state.

  When the result of the determination per special figure for the determination target TT indicates a loss (that is, no big hit), the special figure variation pattern determination is performed using the table THt_a1, and the result of the determination per special figure and the determination of the special symbol design for the determination target TT. When special A or special B is jackpot, special figure variation pattern determination is performed using the table THt_a2.

When the result of determination per special figure for the determination target TT indicates a loss, special figure fluctuation pattern random numbers or the like are used, and special figure fluctuation patterns THp_a11, THp_a12, THp_a13, THp_a14, and THp_a15 are 90%, 7.3%, The table THt_a1 is formed so as to be selected with a probability of 2%, 0.5%, and 0.2%. 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, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, and 60 seconds, respectively.
When the result of the special figure determination and the special symbol determination for the determination target TT indicates the big hit of special A or special B, a special figure fluctuation pattern random number or the like is used, and the special figure fluctuation patterns THp_a23, THp_a24, THp_a25, and THp_a26 are respectively , 15%, 30%, 50%, and 5% are selected so that the table THt_a2 is formed. The special symbol variation times defined by the special symbol variation patterns THp_a23, THp_a24, THp_a25, and THp_a26 are 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 60 seconds, and 90 seconds, respectively.

  FIG. 10 shows a variation effect pattern table HEt_a included in the variation effect pattern table in the sub ROM 432. When the special figure fluctuation pattern determination is performed using the special figure fluctuation pattern tables THt_a1 and THt_a2, the fluctuation effect content determination process is performed using the fluctuation effect pattern table HEt_a.

  The variation effect pattern table HEt_a includes the variation effect patterns HEp_a11 to HEp_a15 and HEp_a23 to HEp_a26 that are associated one-to-one with the special figure variation patterns THp_a11 to THp_a15 and THp_a23 to THp_a26.

  Therefore, when the special figure variation patterns THp_a11 to THp_a15 and THp_a23 to THp_a26 are selected for the determination target TT, the presentation control unit 403 receives the variation start command including information indicating the selection result, respectively. Then, the variation effect patterns HEp_a11 to HEp_a15 and HEp_a23 to HEp_a26 are selected, and the variation effect by the selected variation effect pattern is executed. That is, for example, a variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_a11 is executed when the special diagram variation pattern THp_a11 is selected, and a variation effect by the variation effect pattern HEp_a12 is performed when the special diagram variation pattern THp_a12 is selected.

  The variation effects by the variation effect patterns HEp_a13, HEp_a14, and HEp_a15 are variation effects that are executed when the determination target TT is lost, and include a weak reach effect, a medium reach effect, and a strong reach effect, respectively. The fluctuation effects by the fluctuation effect patterns HEp_a23, HEp_a24, HEp_a25, and HEp_a26 are the fluctuation effects that are executed when the determination target TT is a big hit, and each of them has a weak reach effect, a medium reach effect, a strong reach effect, and a premium reach effect. Including. The weak reach production, medium reach production, strong reach production, and premier reach production are predetermined reach productions different from each other. The variation effect by the variation effect patterns HEp_a11 and HEp_a12 is a variation effect that is executed when the determination target TT is lost, and is a normal loss effect that does not include a reach effect.

  The effect control unit 403 may perform reach effect after the temper effect that temporarily stops the change display of the first and second decorative symbols among the first to third decorative symbols in the variable effect. it can. Strictly, the decorative symbol is not temporarily stopped, but the decorative symbol is displayed on the image display unit 104 in such a manner that the player can recognize that the decorative symbol has stopped. This is a variation display mode of a decorative pattern that is slightly varied.

The reach effect is an effect suggesting 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 that one noticed special figure determination information (in this case, the determination target TT) has won the jackpot (for the special figure determination) The probability that the information is information determined to play a jackpot game in the special figure determination). 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 “1/300” if the special figure determination is performed in the low probability gaming state, and “10/300” if the special figure determination is performed in the high probability gaming state (FIG. 6). 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.

An effect Q ₂ (for example, weak, medium, strong, or premier reach effect) that is executed for one particular figure determination information Q ₁ may indicate the degree of expectation of 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)) [%]”. . Since the premium reach effect can be executed only when the determination target TT is a jackpot, the expectation degree of the jackpot suggested by the premium reach effect is 100%.

  Next, the special count process and the special effect process (see FIG. 7) will be described in detail.

[Special count processing]
FIG. 11 shows temporal changes in the count value FC [i] and WC counted in the special count process. In the special counting process, in the counting period from a predetermined start timing T _S to a predetermined end timing T _E , based on the reception result of the first to fourth normal winning commands and the reception result of the frame count command, the normal winning opening 112 A count value FC [i] is generated by counting the number of game balls won in the normal winning slot 112 for each time, and a count value WC is generated by counting the number of game balls launched into the game area 103. (I is an integer). The process of counting the count value FC [i] and WC in the count period is referred to as a count up process.

Count value FC [i] indicates the ordinary winning count value of the winning openings 112 [i] from the predetermined start timing _{T S.} That is, the count value FC [i] in a certain timing after the timing T _S represents the total number of gaming balls were finished in ordinary winning holes 112 [i] in the timing T _S until the timing. The count value FC [i] at the timing T _S is zero, and the count value FC [i] at the timing T _E is particularly represented by FC _E [i]. The count value FC _E [i] represents the winning count value of the normal winning opening 112 [i] in the counting period, that is, the total number of game balls won in the normal winning opening 112 [i] in the counting period. Since the count value FC [i] is derived for each normal winning opening 112, the count values FC [1] to FC [4] corresponding to the normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4] are individually obtained in the special counting process. Will be derived.

Count value WC is viewed from a predetermined start timing T _S, the total number of game balls are struck in game area 103 Firing 428 (game ball entered the game region 103 in other words). That is, the count value WC at a certain timing after the timing T _S represents the total number of game balls that were launched in game area 103 at the timing T _S until the timing. Since all the game balls launched into the game area 103 are detected by the frame count SW 418, the total number of game balls launched into the game area 103 using the received content of the frame count command based on the detection result of the frame count SW 418. The number can be counted. The count value WC at the timing T _S is zero, and the count value WC at the timing T _E is expressed as WC _E in particular. The count value WC _E indicates the total number of game balls launched in the game area 103 during the count period (in other words, game balls input to the game area 103).

Start timing T _S may be any timing after the start of the game machine 100. After the start of the count period, when a predetermined time (e.g. 10 minutes) has elapsed it may be handled as the timing T _E. In this case, the count period has a length corresponding to the predetermined time. Alternatively, after the start of the count period, the time when the count value WC has reached a predetermined value _{WC REF} (for example, 1000) may also be treated as a timing _{T E.} In addition, there are various methods for determining the timing T _S , etc., which will be described in detail later. Incidentally, when the count period ends at the timing T _E, the performance control unit 403 may perform the counting reset process. In the count reset process, zero is substituted for all of the count values FC [1] to FC [4] and WC.

[Special Winning Numbers]
In the special effect process, the effect control unit 403 can perform a special effect of a predetermined number of winnings based on the game ball entering the normal winning port 112 (game ball winning to the winning port and game to the winning port) Sphere entry is synonymous). Specifically, for example, a winning number special effect can be performed based on the count value FC [i]. The prize number special effect includes an effect by display. Here, it is assumed that the display in the prize number special effect is a display on the image display unit 104.

――― Display of information on individual winnings ―――
The special prize number effect may include display of individual prize number information. The individual number-of-wins information is information corresponding to the number of game balls received in the normal winning port 112 for each normal winning port 112.

  12 (a) and 12 (b) show examples of winning number special effects including display of individual winning number information. 12 (a) and 12 (b) includes display of individual winning number information 510 and 510 'on the image display unit 104. Individual winning number information 510 and 510 'includes information individually indicating the current count values FC [1] to FC [4]. In the individual winning number information 510 in FIG. 12A, the current count values FC [1] to FC [4] are displayed as numerical values. In the individual winning number information 510 ′ in FIG. Count values FC [1] to FC [4] are displayed as four bar images having lengths corresponding to the current count values FC [1] to FC [4].

FIGS. 13A and 13B show other examples of winning number special effects including display of individual winning number information. 13 (a) and 13 (b) includes display of individual winning number information 520 and 520 ′ on the image display unit 104. The individual winning number information 520 and 520 ′ includes first product information indicating the product (FC [1] × D [1]) of the current count value FC [1] and the predetermined value D [1], respectively, Second product information indicating the product of the count value FC [2] and the predetermined value D [2] (FC [2] × D [2]), the current count value FC [3] and the predetermined value D [3] Product information (FC [3] × D [3]) and the product of the current count value FC [4] and the predetermined value D [4] (FC [4] × D [4 ]) Indicating the fourth product information. Here, the predetermined value D [i] represents the number of winning balls to be paid out when one game ball wins the normal winning slot 112 [i] (for example, D [1] = 3, D [2] ] = 6, D [3] = 8, D [4] = 5). Thus, the product in certain timing (FC [i] × D [ i]) , in the start timing T _S until the timing, are paid out to winning of game ball into the ordinary winning holes 112 [i] award Represents the total number of balls. That is, by displaying the individual winning number information 520, 520 ′, the number of winning balls (first product information to fourth number) paid out based on the winning of the game balls into the normal winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4]. Product information) is displayed for each of the normal winning openings 112. In the individual winning number information 520 in FIG. 13A, the i-th product information is displayed as a numerical value, but in the individual winning number information 520 ′ in FIG. 13B, the i-th product information is the product (FC [i ] × D [i]) is displayed as a bar image having a length corresponding to the length.

  During the counting period, the effect control unit 403 can update and display the individual winning amount information (for example, the individual winning amount information 510, 510 ', 520, or 520' described above) one after another.

  In addition, the effect control unit 403 may display the individual winning number information per unit time on the image display unit 104 in the special winning number effect.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, for example, the count period may have a length corresponding to a unit time. In this case, the count period is counted at the end of the count period and / or after the end of the count period. Individual winning number information 540 individually indicating the values FC _E [1] to FC _E [4], or products (FC _E [1] × D [1]), (FC _E [2] × D [2]) Also, individual winning amount information 550 individually indicating (FC _E [3] × D [3]) and (FC _E [4] × D [4]) may be displayed on the image display unit 104. Each of the information 540 and 550 is individual winning number information per unit time. As shown in FIG. 14 (a), in the display of the individual winning number information 540, the number of game balls that enter the normal winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4] per unit time (for example, 10 minutes) is individually indicated. (As shown in FIG. 12B, the number of entered balls may be represented by a bar image). As shown in FIG. 14 (b), in the display of the individual winning number information 550, a prize per unit time (for example, 10 minutes) based on the entering of game balls into the normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4]. The number of balls is shown for each normal winning opening 112 (as shown in FIG. 13B, the number of winning balls may be expressed by a bar image).

  In addition, the effect control unit 403 may display, on the image display unit 104, individual winning number information per unit number of winnings in the special winning number effect. The number of unit launches refers to the number of units of game balls launched into the game area 103 (in other words, game balls input into the game area 103). If the number of unit launches is 1000, displaying individual winning number information per unit launching number on the image display unit 104 means displaying individual winning number information per 1000 count values WC on the image display unit 104. Point to.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, for example, the count period may end when the count value WC reaches a predetermined value WC _REF (for example, 1000) after the start of the count period. In this case, at the end of the count period and / or after the end of the count period, individual winning amount information 540a that individually indicates the count values FC _E [1] to FC _E [4] or a product (FC _E [1 ] × D [1]), (FC _E [2] × D [2]) and (FC _E [3] × D [3]), (FC _E [4] × D [4]) are shown individually. The individual winning number information 550a may be displayed on the image display unit 104. Each of the information 540a and 550a is individual winning number information per unit number of hits. As shown in FIG. 15A, in the display of the individual winning number information 540a, the number of game balls that enter the normal winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4] per unit number of hits is individually shown (FIG. 15). The number of entered balls may be represented by a bar image as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15 (b), in the display of the individual winning number information 550a, the number of winning balls per unit number of hits based on the entering of game balls into the normal winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4] is normal. It is shown for each winning opening 112 (as shown in FIG. 13B, the number of winning balls may be expressed by a bar image).

――― Display of the total number of winning prizes ―――
The winning number special effect may include display of the total winning number information. The total number-of-wins information is information according to the number of game balls received in the entire normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4].

  FIGS. 16A and 16B show examples of winning number special effects including display of total winning number information. 16 (a) and 16 (b) includes display of overall winning number information 610 and 610 'on the image display unit 104. Each of the total winning number information 610 and 610 'includes information indicating the total of the current count values FC [1] to FC [4]. In the total winning number information 610 in FIG. 16A, the total of the current count values FC [1] to FC [4] is displayed as a numerical value. In the total winning number information 610 ′ in FIG. The total of the current count values FC [1] to FC [4] is displayed as a bar image having a length corresponding to the total.

  FIGS. 17A and 17B show other examples of winning number special effects including display of overall winning number information. 17 (a) and 17 (b) includes display of total winning number information 620 and 620 'on the image display unit 104. The total number-of-wins information 620 and 620 ′ includes the product of the current count value FC [1] and the predetermined value D [1] (FC [1] × D [1]) and the current count value FC [ 2] and the predetermined value D [2] (FC [2] × D [2]) and the product of the current count value FC [3] and the predetermined value D [3] (FC [3] × D [3]) and information indicating the sum of the current count value FC [4] and the product of the predetermined value D [4] (FC [4] × D [4]). In other words, the display of the total winning number information 620, 620 'indicates the total number of winning balls paid out based on the winning of game balls into the normal winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4]. In the total winning number information 620 in FIG. 17A, the total number of winning balls (the sum of the above four products) is displayed as a numerical value. In the total winning number information 620 ′ in FIG. The total number of winning balls (the sum of the above four products) is displayed as a bar image having a length corresponding to the total number of winning balls.

  During the counting period, the effect control unit 403 can update and display the total winning number information (for example, the total winning number information 610, 610 ', 620, or 620' described above) one after another.

  Further, the effect control unit 403 may display the total number of winning information per unit time on the image display unit 104 in the special number of winnings effect.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, for example, the count period may have a length corresponding to a unit time. In this case, the count period is counted at the end of the count period and / or after the end of the count period. Total winning number information 640 indicating the sum of the values FC _E [1] to FC _E [4], or the product (FC _E [1] × D [1]), (FC _E [2] × D [2]) Also, the total winning number information 650 indicating the sum of (FC _E [3] × D [3]) and (FC _E [4] × D [4]) may be displayed on the image display unit 104. Each of the information 640 and 650 is total winning number information per unit time. As shown in FIG. 18 (a), the display of the total winning number information 640 indicates the number of game balls that have entered the general winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4] per unit time (for example, 10 minutes). (As shown in FIG. 16B, the number of entered balls may be expressed by a bar image). As shown in FIG. 18 (b), in the display of the total winning number information 650, per unit time (for example, 10 minutes) based on the entering of the game balls into the entire normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4]. The number of winning balls is indicated (as shown in FIG. 17B, the number of winning balls may be expressed by a bar image).

  Further, the effect control unit 403 may display, on the image display unit 104, information on the total number of winnings per unit number of winnings in the special number of winnings effect. If the number of unit launches is 1000, displaying the total winning number information per unit number of hits on the image display unit 104 means displaying the total winning number information per 1000 count values WC on the image display unit 104. Point to.

Referring to FIGS. 19A and 19B, for example, the count period may end when the count value WC reaches a predetermined value WC _REF (for example, 1000) after the start of the count period. In this case, at the end of the count period and / or after the end of the count period, the total winning number information 640a indicating the sum of the count values FC _E [1] to FC _E [4] or the product (FC _E [1 ] × D [1]), (FC _E [2] × D [2]) and (FC _E [3] × D [3]), (FC _E [4] × D [4]) The total winning number information 650a may be displayed on the image display unit 104. Each of the information 640a and 650a is information on the total number of winnings per unit launch. As shown in FIG. 19A, the display of the total winning number information 640a shows the number of game balls that have entered the general winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4] per unit number of hits (FIG. 16). As shown in (b), the number of entered balls may be represented by a bar image). As shown in FIG. 19B, in the display of the total winning number information 650a, the number of winning balls per unit number of hits based on the entering of the game balls into the entire normal winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4] is shown. (As shown in FIG. 17B, the number of prize balls may be represented by a bar image).

  In the special prize number effect, both the individual prize number information and the total prize number information may be displayed simultaneously or in a switched manner. In the winning special effect, the gaming machine 100 may be configured such that only individual winning number information or only total winning number information can be displayed. In the case where the gaming machine 100 is configured so that only the total number-of-wins information can be displayed in the special number-of-winning effects, only one normal winning port SW connected to the main control unit 401 is sufficient. That is, a predetermined game ball flow passage (not shown) through which only game balls that have entered the normal winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4] pass in common is provided in the gaming machine 100, and the one normal prize is received. What is necessary is just to detect the game ball which passes the said game ball flow path by mouth SW.

  By performing the special number-of-winning effect, the player or the like can easily grasp the degree of winning of the game ball in the normal winning opening. In particular, for example, for an inspector who wants to check the winning status of a game ball in a normal winning opening, it is considered that the special effect for the number of winnings will be very useful.

  Hereinafter, in Examples EX1_1 to EX1_12 belonging to the first embodiment, further detailed technology, modification technology, or application technology for the above-described technology of the first embodiment will be described. The above descriptions are also applied to the examples EX1_1 to EX1_12 as long as there is no contradiction. However, in the examples EX1_1 to EX1_12, the descriptions of the examples EX1_1 to EX1_12 are given priority for matters that contradict each of the above descriptions. . Further, as long as there is no contradiction, any two or more of the embodiments EX1_1 to EX1_12 may be combined.

[Example EX1_1]
Example EX1_1 will be described. After the count period starts, the count period may not be ended until the gaming machine 100 is turned off. That is, for example, after the gaming machine 100 is switched from the power-off state to the power-on state, a timing at which a predetermined standby time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed or a timing at which the first frame count command is received by the effect control unit 403. begins counting up process handled as the start timing T _S, then be up to the gaming machine 100 is again power-off state to continue the count period may be a count-up process to continue execution. 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.

[Example EX1_2]
An example EX1_2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b). There may be a plurality of count periods. A predetermined gap time may exist as shown in FIG. 20 (a) between two time periods that are adjacent in time, or may not exist as shown in FIG. 20 (b). The latter case (FIG. 20 (b)) of, so that the start timing T _S of the end timing T _E of the j-th count period the (j + 1) -th count period coincides (j is an integer).

For example, after the gaming machine 100 is switched from the power-off state to the power-on state, the effect control unit 403 uses the timing at which the first frame count command is received by the effect control unit 403 as the start timing of the first count period. The timing at which a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has passed since the timing T _S or the timing at which the count WC has reached a predetermined value WC _REF (for example, 1000) is _treated as T _S , and the end timing T of the first count period T The first count period may be ended by treating as _E. When the first count period ends, zero is substituted for all of the count values FC [1] to FC [4] and WC by the count reset process.

For example, the second count period may be started simultaneously with the end of the first count period. The same applies to the third and subsequent count periods. That is, the jth count period, which is the second and subsequent count periods, may be as follows. The (j-1) -th end of the count period and to initiate the j-th count period at the same time, the j-th start timing T _S from a predetermined time count period (e.g. 10 minutes) elapsed time or count WC There may be finished the j-th count period cover the timing reaches a predetermined value WC _{REF (for} example, 1000) as the end timing T _E of the j-th count period. When the j-th count period ends, zero is substituted for all of the count values FC [1] to FC [4] and WC by the count reset process.

[Example EX1_3]
Example EX1_3 will be described. The above-mentioned special prize number effect can be performed at any timing such as during the execution period of the variable effect, but the execution of the special prize number effect is restricted (prohibited) when a predetermined specific effect is being performed. You may make it do.

  For example, the specific effect may include an arbitrary reach effect. In other words, during the execution of the reach effect, the execution of the special prize number effect may be restricted (prohibited). During the execution of the reach production that suggests that the expectation of the jackpot is high, it is considered that the game will be more interesting if the player's attention is directed to the reach production by restricting the execution of the special prize number. It is done. The specific effects may include only some reach effects (for example, strong and premier reach effects with a particularly high expectation of jackpot) among the weak, medium, strong, and premier reach effects.

  For example, the specific effect may include a jackpot effect executed during the jackpot game. That is, during execution of the jackpot game, execution of the winning number special effect may be restricted (prohibited). This is to have the player enjoy the jackpot game and the jackpot production that are pleasing to the player.

  Further, for example, the specific effect may include an effect that is executed when the game is controlled in the high probability electric support game state. That is, when the game is controlled in the high probability electric support game state, the execution of the winning number special effect may be restricted (prohibited). This is to allow the player to enjoy the game in a gaming state advantageous to the player (here, the high probability electric support game state) in comparison with the low probability non-electric support game state.

[Example EX1_4]
Example EX1_4 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 it is detected that the effect button 121 is pressed when the customer waiting effect flag is ON, the effect control unit 403 displays a predetermined menu image composed of a plurality of items including the item 710 on the image display unit 104 (so-called “so-called” effect display flag). Menu screen). The player can select any of a plurality of items using the cross key 122. The display of the menu image and the display of a submenu image to be described later may be considered as a kind of customer waiting effect that can be executed in the customer waiting effect process. In the state where the menu image is displayed, when the item 710 relating to “ordinary winning count” is selected using the cross key 122 and pressing of the effect button 121 is detected in the selected state, the effect control unit 403 A predetermined submenu image 720 including items 721 to 725 is displayed on the image display unit 104 (a so-called submenu screen is displayed).

  The submenu image 720 includes items 721 to 724. When the submenu image 720 is displayed, the operator (player or inspector) can select any of the items 721 to 724 using the cross key 122.

When the effect button 121 is pressed while the item 721 corresponding to “count start” is selected, the effect control unit 403 regards the pressing timing as the start timing T _S or the first after the pressing. starts to count up process captures the timing of the frame count command was received with the start timing T _S. The count period started by selecting the item 721 and pressing the effect button 121 may end when a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed from the start of the count period, or the count value WC is the predetermined value WC. _The process may be terminated when _REF is reached, or may be terminated when a pressing operation of the effect button 121 with the item 722 selected is input.

  When the effect button 121 is pressed while the item 722 corresponding to “count reset” is selected, the effect control unit 403 performs a count reset process.

  When the effect button 121 is pressed while the item 723 corresponding to “count display setting” is selected, the effect control unit 403 displays the sub items 723a, 723b, and 723c in the sub menu image 720 as shown in FIG. Is displayed, and the cross key 122 and the effect button 121 accept operations for selecting and specifying any of the sub items 723a, 723b, and 723c. When an operation for selecting and specifying the item 723a corresponding to “display OFF”, the item 723b corresponding to “display ON”, and the item 723c corresponding to “forced always ON” is input, the effect control unit 403 is managed by itself. “0”, “1”, and “2” are assigned to the winning special effect flag to be respectively performed.

When “0” is assigned to the winning number special effect flag, the effect control unit 403 always restricts (prohibits) the execution of the winning number special effect. That is, when the winning number special effect flag is “0”, display by the winning number special effect (including display of individual winning number information and total winning number information) is not performed.
When “1” is assigned to the winning number special effect flag, the effect control unit 403 permits execution of the winning number special effect. Therefore, when the winning number special effect flag is “1”, display by the winning number special effect (including display of individual winning number information and total winning number information) is performed according to the above-described method. However, under the situation as shown in the example EX1_3, the execution of the winning number special effect may be temporarily restricted (prohibited).
When “2” is assigned to the winning number special effect flag, the effect control unit 403 always executes the winning number special effect. Accordingly, when the winning number special effect flag is “2”, display by the winning number special effect (including display of individual winning number information and total winning number information) is always performed according to the above-described method, and is shown in Example EX1_3. Even under such circumstances, the execution of the special prize winning effect is not restricted (prohibited). This is useful for a person (inspector, etc.) who wants to continuously monitor the winning status of the game ball in the normal winning opening.

  Referring again to FIG. 21, when the effect button 121 is pressed while the item 724 corresponding to “count history” is selected, the effect control unit 403 displays a count history.

  The effect control unit 403 generates history information of individual winning number information per unit time (for example, information 540 in FIG. 14A) generated through special counting processing, and individual winning number information per unit launch number (for example, FIG. 15 ( History information of information 540a) of a), history information of total winning number information per unit time (for example, information 640 of FIG. 18A), and total winning number information per unit launch number (for example, FIG. 19A) ) Information 640a) can be stored in a specific RAM area for a certain period (for example, for one week).

  On the effect control board 303, a real-time clock is mounted and a backup battery (not shown) serving as a power source for the real-time clock is mounted. The specific RAM area is a partial RAM area that constitutes the sub RAM 433, and even if the power supply (main power supply) of the gaming machine 100 is cut off, the stored contents of the specific RAM area are held based on the power from the backup battery. .

  For example, when the above-mentioned fixed period is one week, the history information of the individual winning number information per unit time is a collection of individual winning number information per unit time generated by the special counting process in the last one week. It is. The same applies to the history information of the individual winning number information per unit number, the history information of the total number of winning information per unit time, and the history information of the total number of winning information per unit number. In the count history display, these history information may be displayed in a graph, for example.

  FIG. 23 shows an example of a count history display for the history information of the total number-of-wins information per unit launch number. In the example of FIG. 23, the history information for one week is shown as a graph.

  By making it possible to hold and display such history information, it becomes possible for a player or the like to easily grasp the history of the winning status of the game ball to the normal winning opening.

[Example EX1_5]
Embodiment EX1_5 will be described with reference to FIG. When the customer waiting effect flag is ON, the effect control unit 403 can execute a predetermined customer waiting demonstration effect. The demonstration effect includes, for example, display of a moving image that introduces the features of the gaming machine 100. The customer waiting demonstration effect may be executed when a predetermined demonstration waiting time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after the customer waiting effect flag is switched from OFF to ON.

  The effect control unit 403 may perform a count reset process when starting the customer waiting demonstration effect (or when switching the customer waiting effect flag from OFF to ON). There is a possibility that the player may be replaced with the execution of the customer waiting demonstration effect, and in this case, the count value FC [i] of the game by the previous player and the WC cannot be transferred to the game by the subsequent player. is there.

[Example EX1_6]
Example EX1_6 will be described. When receiving the customer waiting command, the production control unit 403 starts measuring the elapsed time from the reception time of the customer waiting command, and the elapsed time is received for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) without receiving the frame count command. When the value reaches, count reset processing may be performed. In other words, after receiving a customer waiting command, if a game ball is not launched into the game area 103 for a certain period of time, a count reset process may be performed. There is a possibility that the player may be changed over a certain period of time, and in that case, the count value FC [i] of the game by the previous player and the WC cannot be transferred to the game by the subsequent player. is there.

[Example EX1_7]
Example EX1_7 will be described. Any or all of four values (for example, FC _E [1] to FC _E [4]) indicated by the individual winning number information per unit time, and four values indicated by the individual winning number information per unit number ( For example, any or all of FC _E [1] to FC _E [4]), a value (for example, the sum of FC _E [1] to FC _E [4]) indicated by the total winning number information per unit time, or When the value (for example, the sum of FC _E [1] to FC _E [4]) indicated by the total winning number information per unit number is less than a predetermined lower limit value, the effect control unit 403 goes to the normal winning opening 112. A predetermined notification for notifying a player or the like that there are too few winnings may be made. The notification can be realized by displaying an image on the image display unit 104 and / or outputting a sound from the speaker 115.

[Example EX1_8]
Example EX1_8 will be described. The effect control unit 403 can perform a plurality of effects including an effect suggesting the expected degree of jackpot of the determination target TT during the execution period of the variable effects. When performing the prize number special effect during the execution of the variable effect, any specific effect (for example, on the image display unit 104) is selected from among the plurality of effects in order to secure time necessary for the process of the prize number special effect. Mini character moving image display) may not be executed. In the case where the prize number special effect is not performed during the execution period of the variable effect, the specific effect can be executed during the execution period of the variable effect.

[Example EX1_9]
Example EX1_9 will be described. The method of determining the count period is not limited to the above-described one, and an arbitrary period may be set as the count period. For example, although contradicting the description of the embodiment EX1_3, the period for which the jackpot game is executed or the period including the period is set as the count period, and the individual winning amount information or the total winning number information is displayed during the counting period. You may make it perform prize number special production including.

[Example EX1_10]
Example EX1_10 will be described. As described above, the special prize number effect is an effect executed based on the game ball entering the normal winning port 112, and is displayed in a predetermined display (display of individual prize number information, display of overall prize number information). Etc.). In the above description, the display in the winning number special effect is performed on the image display unit 104, but the display in the winning number special effect may be performed by any specific display means provided in the gaming machine 100.

  For example, when the image display unit 104 is provided with a plurality of display screens separated from each other (such as a main liquid crystal display screen and a sub liquid crystal display screen), any one of the plurality of display screens is a specific display unit. good. In addition, for example, arbitrary information (numerical value) is provided at an arbitrary position of the game frame including the inner frame 11 and the door frame 12 (for example, the upper or side of the game board 101 or the inside of the case of the effect button 121). A display capable of displaying information or the like may be provided, and the display may be used as specific display means.

  As shown in FIG. 25 or, for example, in the game board 101, a display 171 composed of a 7-segment display, a liquid crystal display or the like is provided in the vicinity of the normal winning opening 112 for each of the normal winning openings 112. You may use as a specific display means.

[Example EX1_11]
Example EX1_11 will be described. The special number-of-winning effect is an effect of performing predetermined special notification based on the game ball entering the normal winning port 112, but the special notification means may include means other than display. For example, the special notification may be realized by sound output from the speaker 115.

  That is, for example, the effect control unit 403 may cause the speaker 115 to output a predetermined sound when receiving a normal winning command. The predetermined sound may be different from each other among the plurality of normal winning ports 112. That is, when receiving the first to fourth normal winning commands, the production control unit 403 may output predetermined first to fourth sounds from the speaker 115, respectively. The sound to the fourth sound may be different from each other.

[Example EX1_12]
Example EX1_12 will be described. The frame count SW 418 is a type of detection means for detecting the total number of game balls launched into the game area 103 (in other words, game balls input to the game area 103). It is not limited. For example, the predetermined area is an area on the game board 101 through which a game ball launched into the game area 103 always passes (for example, the entrance area of the game area 103 located above the rails 102a and 102b). A board count SW (not shown) for detecting a game ball that has passed through the area may be provided, and the board count SW may be used as the detecting means.

<< Second Embodiment >>
A gaming machine 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment and the third embodiment to be described later are embodiments based on the first embodiment, and matters not specifically described in the second and third embodiments are the same as those in the first embodiment unless there is a contradiction. The description (including various examples belonging to the first embodiment) also applies to the second and third embodiments. In the second and third embodiments, the description of the second and third embodiments is given priority for matters that contradict the first embodiment.

  The gaming machine 100 can operate in any of a plurality of operation modes, and the plurality of operation modes include a normal operation mode and an inspection mode. Regarding the gaming machine 100, all the operations and effects described above are operations and effects in the normal operation mode, and the player plays a game in the normal operation mode. The inspection mode is an operation mode used by a store clerk in the gaming facility where the gaming machine 100 is installed or an inspector who wants to confirm the operation of the gaming machine 100 (hereinafter referred to as an inspector or the like). The 100 players are basically not seen by a general player.

  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. The main control board 301 is provided with a RAM clear switch (not shown). When the gaming machine 100 is switched from the power-off state to the power-on state by pressing the power switch without pressing the RAM clear switch, the gaming machine 100 operates in the normal operation mode. At this time, the gaming machine 100 is controlled based on the gaming information of the gaming machine 100 immediately before the power is turned off.

  Referring to FIG. 26A and the like, when the gaming machine 100 is switched from the power-off state to the power-on state by pressing the power switch while pressing the RAM clear switch, the gaming machine 100 enters the RAM clear preparation state. FIG. 26A shows a display example of the image display unit 104 in the RAM clear preparation state. 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 displays an initial setting menu as shown in FIG. 26B on the image display unit 104, and uses the effect button 121 and the cross key 122. The selection and designation operation by an inspector or the like is accepted. When an operation for selecting and specifying the item “ordinary winning examination” is input while the initial setting menu is displayed, the operation mode of the gaming machine 100 becomes the examination mode, and the effect control unit 403 displays the operation control unit 403 in FIG. A normal winning examination image 810 as shown in c) is displayed on the image display unit 104. Note that when the gaming machine 100 is switched from the power-off state to the power-on state by pushing the power switch while pressing the RAM clear switch, the operation mode of the gaming machine 100 may be considered as the inspection mode. The method of entering the inspection mode described here is merely an example, and may be arbitrarily changed.

  The normal winning examination image 810 includes an item 811 indicating “count start”, an item 812 indicating “reset”, an item 813 indicating “count history”, and an item 814 indicating “end”. An inspector or the like can select any of items 811 to 814 using the cross key 122.

When performance button 121 is pressed in the state where the item 811 has been selected, the performance control unit 403, the first frame count command after the capture timing of the pressing the start timing T _S or the depression has been received to start the count-up process captures the timing and start timing T _S. The count period started by selecting the item 811 and pressing the effect button 121 may end when a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed from the start of the count period, or the count value WC is the predetermined value WC. _The process may be terminated when _REF is reached, or may be terminated when an operation for selecting the item 812 and pressing the effect button 121 is input.

  The production control unit 403 can perform the special prize amount production described in the first embodiment after starting the count-up process in the inspection mode. The total winning number information can be displayed. The display of the individual winning number information and the total winning number information may be performed in a state where the normal winning examination image 810 is displayed. Note that the prize number special effect in the inspection mode is referred to for inspection or the like, and therefore has a meaning as a mere “notification” rather than “effect”. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the term “winning number special effect” may be read as “winning number special notification” or the like.

  When the effect button 121 is pressed while the item 812 corresponding to “count reset” is selected, the effect control unit 403 performs count reset processing.

  When the effect button 121 is pressed while the item 813 corresponding to “count history” is selected, the effect control unit 403 displays the count history. The count history display is as described in the first embodiment (see FIG. 23). The count history display may be performed only in the inspection mode among the normal operation mode and the inspection mode.

  When the effect button 121 is pressed while the item 814 corresponding to “END” is selected, the effect control unit 403 ends the display of the normal winning examination image 810 and displays the initial setting menu on the image display unit 104. To display.

  Predetermined display (including display of individual winning number information and total winning number information) based on the game ball entering the normal winning opening 112 is performed in the normal operation mode in the first embodiment, and in the second embodiment. Then, although it is performed in the inspection mode, in the gaming machine 100, the display may be executed in both the normal operation mode and the inspection mode or only in one of them. In any case, the gaming machine 100 can switch between permitting and prohibiting the display. By this switching, the player or the inspector can respond to the desire regarding the presence or absence of the display.

  For example, when a predetermined display (including display of individual winning number information and total winning number information) based on the game ball entering the normal winning opening 112 is performed only in the inspection mode, the display is permitted in the inspection mode. In the normal operation mode, the display is prohibited. In addition, for example, when a predetermined display (including display of individual winning number information and total winning number information) based on a game ball entering the normal winning opening 112 can be performed in the normal operation mode, Through the selection operation (see FIGS. 21 and 22), the display can be switched between permitted and prohibited.

<< Third Embodiment >>
A gaming machine 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The effect control unit 403 may perform a predetermined special notification based on a game ball entering a predetermined count target winning opening installed in the game area 103. The counting target winning opening (specific winning opening) includes an arbitrary winning opening in which one or more winning balls will be paid out when a game ball enters the counting target winning opening. The special notification is the special prize amount effect described in the first and second embodiments (display of individual prize number information (see FIGS. 12 to 15), display of overall prize number information (see FIGS. 16 to 19), etc.) And is realized by display on the image display unit 104, sound output from the speaker 115, and the like.

  Referring to FIG. 27, the counting target winning holes are any one or more of the normal winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4], the big winning holes 111, the first start opening 105, and the second start opening 106. It may include a winning opening. In the first and second embodiments, one or more or all of the normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4] are included in the counting target winning opening.

  Hereinafter, examples EX3_1 to EX3_6 belonging to the third embodiment will be described in order to supplement the explanation regarding the count target winning a prize. As long as there is no contradiction, any two or more of the embodiments EX3_1 to EX3_6 may be combined.

[Example EX3_1]
An embodiment EX3_1 in which the big winning opening 111 is included in the counting target winning openings will be described. When the counting target winning opening is the grand winning opening 111, the description in the first and second embodiments and the “normal winning opening 112” and “normal winning opening” in each drawing referred to in the first and second embodiments are provided. 112 [1] -112 [4] ”,“ ordinary winning opening 112 [i] ”and similar descriptions are read as“ big winning opening 111 ”, and the descriptions in the first and second embodiments and the first and second In each drawing referred to in the second embodiment, the terms “ordinary prize opening”, “ordinary prize winning”, “big prize opening”, and “large prize winning prize” are read, respectively, and descriptions in the first and second embodiments The technique of the first and second embodiments may be applied to the big prize opening 111 after replacing “normal prize command” and “first to fourth ordinary prize commands” with “large prize opening prize command”. .

That way, the count value FC [i], as well as indicating the winning count value of the winning opening 111 from a predetermined start timing _{T S,} the count value _FC E [i] is the special winning hole 111 in the count period The effect control unit 403 receives the special number of winning balls described in the first and second embodiments based on the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 111 in the special effect process. Production can be performed.

Here, since the game area 103 has only one big winning opening 111, the count values FC [i] and FC _E [i] are the count values FC [1] and FC _E [1], respectively. In addition, in the display of the individual winning number information which is one form of the winning number special effect, information according to the number of game balls received in one large winning opening 111 is displayed.

  However, a plurality of large winning holes 111 may be provided in the game area 103. In this case, the same special winning number effect as that for the plurality of ordinary winning holes 112 (display of individual winning number information or overall winning numbers). Display of numerical information) can be performed on a plurality of large winning openings 111.

[Example EX3_2]
An example EX3_2 in which the first start port 105 is included in the count target winning port will be described. When the count target winning opening is the first start opening 105, the description in the first and second embodiments and the “ordinary winning opening 112” and “ordinary winning prize” in each drawing referred to in the first and second embodiments. The mouths 112 [1] to 112 [4], the “ordinary winning opening 112 [i]” and similar descriptions are read as the “first starter 105”, and the descriptions and first descriptions in the first and second embodiments are also given. In each of the drawings referred to in the first and second embodiments, “normal winning opening”, “normal winning prize”, “first starting opening”, “first starting opening winning”, respectively, are read, and first and second The description of the “normal winning command” and the “first to fourth normal winning commands” in the embodiments is replaced with “first starting opening winning command”, and the technique of the first and second embodiments is replaced with the first starting opening. 105 may be applied.

That way, the count value FC [i], as well as indicating the winning count value of the first start hole 105 from a predetermined start timing _{T S,} the count value _FC E [i] is the first start hole in the count period 105 The total number of game balls won in the game is represented, and the effect control unit 403 is described in the first and second embodiments based on the game ball entering the first start port 105 in the special effect process. A special number of winnings can be produced.

Here, since only one first start port 105 is installed in the game area 103, the count values FC [i] and FC _E [i] are the count values FC [1] and FC _E [1], respectively. In the display of the individual winning number information which is one form of the winning number special effect, information corresponding to the number of game balls received in one first starting port 105 is displayed.

  However, a plurality of first start openings 105 may be provided in the game area 103, and in this case, the same prize number special effect as that for the plurality of ordinary prize openings 112 (display of individual prize quantity information and overall Display of the number-of-winning information) can be performed on the plurality of first start openings 105.

[Example EX3_3]
An example EX3_3 in which the second start port 106 is included in the count target winning port will be described. When the counting target winning opening is the second start opening 106, the “ordinary winning opening 112” and “ordinary winning prize” in the drawings referred to in the first and second embodiments and the drawings referred to in the first and second embodiments. The mouth 112 [1] to 112 [4], the “ordinary winning opening 112 [i]” and the description similar thereto are read as “the second starting port 106”, and the description and the first in the first and second embodiments. In each of the drawings referred to in the first and second embodiments, “ordinary winning opening”, “ordinary winning”, “second starting opening”, and “second starting opening winning” respectively are read, and the first and second In the embodiment, the descriptions “normal winning command” and “first to fourth normal winning commands” are replaced with “second starting opening winning command”, and the technique of the first and second embodiments is replaced with the second starting opening. 106 may be applied.

That way, the count value FC [i], as well as indicating the winning count value of the second start hole 106 from a predetermined start timing _{T S,} the count value _FC E [i], the second start hole in the count period 106 The total number of game balls won in the game is represented, and the effect control unit 403 is described in the first and second embodiments based on the game ball entering the second start port 106 in the special effect process. A special number of winnings can be produced.

Here, since only one second start port 106 is installed in the game area 103, the count values FC [i] and FC _E [i] are the count values FC [1] and FC _E [1], respectively. In the display of the individual winning number information which is a form of the winning number special effect, information according to the number of game balls received in one second starting port 106 is displayed.

  However, a plurality of second start openings 106 may be provided in the game area 103, and in this case, the same prize number special effect as that for the plurality of ordinary prize openings 112 (display of individual prize number information and the whole Display of the number-of-winning information) can be performed on the plurality of second starting ports 106.

[Example EX3_4]
Example EX3_4 will be described. Arbitrary m winning ports out of the normal winning ports 112 [1] to 112 [4], the large winning port 111, the first starting port 105, and the second starting port 106 are the first to mth counting targets. It may function as a winning opening (m is an integer of 2 or more).

  In this case, the individual winning number information may be displayed for each of the first to m-th counting target winning ports, or the total winning number information may be displayed for the entire first to m-th counting target winning ports. You may display.

[Example EX3_5]
Example EX3_5 will be described. By including all of the normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4], the large winning opening 111, the first starting opening 105, and the second starting opening 106 in the counting target winning opening, the safe ball number information in the special winning prize production. May be displayed on the image display unit 104 or the like.

Some safe piece count information in (there may at the timing _{T E} in FIG. 11) specific timing in a period of up to a certain time from a predetermined start timing _{T S,} ordinary winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4], a large This represents the total number of winning balls paid out based on the game balls entering the winning opening 111, the first starting opening 105 and the second starting opening 106.

  The effect control unit 403 receives reception results of the first to fourth ordinary winning commands, the big winning opening winning command, the first starting opening winning command and the second starting opening winning command, and predetermined values E [1] to E [7. ], The safe ball count information can be derived. Here, E [1] to E [4] represent the number of prize balls to be paid out when one game ball is won in each of the normal winning openings 112 [1] to 112 [4]. E [5], E [6], and E [7] respectively indicate the number of prize balls to be paid out when one game ball is won at the big winning opening 111, the first starting opening 105, and the second starting opening 106. Represent.

  Further, the difference ball number information may be displayed on the image display unit 104 or the like in the special prize number effect. The difference ball number information is obtained by subtracting the count value WC from the value of the safe ball number information.

[Example EX3_6]
Example EX3_6 will be described. The normal winning holes 112 [1] to 112 [4], the first starting port 105 and the second starting port 106 are included in the counting target winning port, while the grand winning port 111 is excluded from the counting target winning ports. Base information may be displayed on the image display unit 104 or the like in several special effects.

Based information in a certain time (which may be a timing _{T E} in FIG. 11) is usually winning opening 112 [1] in the period until a specific time from the predetermined start timing _{T S} to 112 [4], the first start hole 105 and the total number of prize balls paid out based on the game balls entering the second starting port 106 are counted as a count value WC during the period (the number of game balls launched into the game area 103 during the period). Represents the value divided by. However, this period does not include the period in which jackpot games are played.

<< Consideration of Invention >>
The invention embodied in each of the above embodiments will be considered.

A gaming machine W _{1 according} to one aspect of the present invention is provided in a gaming area where a gaming ball can flow down, is provided in a starting area where a gaming ball can enter, and is provided in the gaming area. Based on the variable winning opening which can be changed to an open state in which the game ball can easily enter, the normal winning opening provided in the game area where the game ball can enter, and the entry of the game ball into the start opening And determining means for determining whether or not to execute a special game in which the variable winning opening is in an open state, and a game based on a game ball entering the starting opening, the variable winning opening and the normal winning opening Based on a payout means (for example, a payout unit 429) for paying out a ball, and a predetermined number of game balls entered into a specific winning opening including any one or more of the start opening, the variable winning opening, and the normal winning opening Control means capable of performing notification (for example, production control unit 403) It is characterized by.

  As a result, the player or the like can easily grasp the winning condition of the game ball to the specific winning opening. In particular, for example, it is considered that the predetermined display is very useful for an inspector who wants to check the winning status of a game ball in a specific winning opening.

Specifically, for example, regarding the gaming machine W ₁ , the control means, in the predetermined notification, information according to the number of game balls that have entered the specific prize opening (eg, individual winning number information, total winning number) Information) can be notified.

More specifically, for example, regarding the gaming machine W ₁ , the control means uses, as the information, first information (eg, 540, 550) corresponding to the number of game balls that have entered the specific winning opening per unit time. , 640, 650), or second information (eg, 540a, 550a, 640a, 650a) corresponding to the number of game balls entered into the specific winning opening per unit number of game balls input to the game area ) Can be notified.

For example, regarding the gaming machine W ₁ , the specific winning opening may include the normal winning opening.

Further, for example, regarding the gaming machine W ₁ , the specific prize opening is composed of a plurality of specific prize openings, and the control unit is configured to perform the above-mentioned for each of the specific prize openings or for the whole of the plurality of specific prize openings. It is preferable that information can be notified.

The example relates to a gaming machine W _1, it may permit and switching of prohibition of the predetermined notification is possible.

Determining means in the gaming machine W ₁ is the gaming machine 100 is realized by the main control unit 401, for example. The control means in the gaming machine W ₁ is realized by the effect control unit 403 in the gaming machine 100, for example.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, the big prize opening 111 belongs to a variable prize opening. The second start port 106 is a kind of start port, but also belongs to a variable winning port in each of the embodiments described above. It should be noted that a second start port that does not belong to the variable winning port can also be provided in the game area 103.

  In the description of each of the embodiments described above, 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. Strictly speaking, 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.

  The gaming machine 100 described above belongs to a so-called ST machine, but when a specific jackpot is won, the gaming machine 100 may be a loop machine in which the high probability gaming state is completely or substantially maintained until the next jackpot is won. . Further, the gaming machine 100 may be configured as other types of gaming machines (for example, gaming machines classified as VST machines or V-loop machines, or gaming machines classified as old type two-type mixing machines). good.

  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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game machine 104 Image display part 105,106 Start opening 111 Large winning opening 112 Normal winning opening 401 Main control part (determination means)
403 Production control unit (control means)

Claims (2)

Provided in a game area where game balls can flow down, and a start port through which game balls can enter;
A variable winning opening that is provided in the game area and can be changed between a closed state and an open state in which a game ball can easily enter from the closed state;
An ordinary winning opening provided in the gaming area and into which a gaming ball can enter;
A determination means for determining whether or not to execute a special game in which the variable prize opening is in an open state based on a game ball entering the start opening;
Payout means for paying out game balls based on the game balls entering the start opening, the variable winning opening and the normal winning opening;
Control means capable of performing a predetermined notification based on a game ball entering a specific winning opening including any one or more of the start opening, the variable winning opening, and the normal winning opening. A featured gaming machine. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is capable of notifying information according to a number of game balls entering the specific winning a prize in the predetermined notification.

Images