JP2023162853A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase interest of a game.SOLUTION: In a game machine that shifts a game state to a second game state when a first condition or a second condition is satisfied in a first game state, the first condition is that a special symbol variation is executed number of M times (M is a natural number) without winning a lottery and the second condition is that a special symbol variation is executed number of N times (N is a natural number, N is larger than M) without winning a lottery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24

Description

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

Conventionally, there is a gaming machine that is configured to switch the gaming state to a high base time saving state when special symbol variations are executed a predetermined number of times without winning a jackpot. (For example, see Patent Document 1). In such a gaming machine, if a jackpot cannot be won before the high base time saving state ends, the high base will be replayed once the special symbol change has been executed a predetermined number of times without winning the jackpot again. The configuration was such that switching to the time saving state was not executed.

JP 2021-112315 Publication

However, even with the above-mentioned gaming machines, there is still room for improvement in terms of technology for increasing the interest of gaming.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to improve the interest of games.

The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following application examples.

[Application example 1]
A gaming machine that shifts a gaming state to a second gaming state when a first condition or a second condition is satisfied in a first gaming state,
The first condition is that the special symbol fluctuations have been executed M (M is a natural number) times without winning,
The second condition is that the special symbol fluctuation is executed N (N is a natural number, N>M) times without winning the winning.
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Application example 2]
The gaming machine described in Application Example 1,
The second gaming state is the gaming state in which the fluctuating effects are digested faster than the first gaming state.
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Application example 3]
The gaming machine according to Application Example 1 or Application Example 2,
The second gaming state to which the first condition is satisfied is continued until S (S is a natural number) special symbol fluctuations are executed;
Continuing the second gaming state to which the second condition is satisfied until T (T is a natural number, T>S) special symbol fluctuations are executed;
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Application example 4]
The gaming machine described in Application Example 3,
The N is a value larger than the sum of the M and the S.
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Application example 5]
The gaming machine described in Application Example 3,
The T is larger than the reciprocal of the probability of winning in one lottery executed in the second gaming state multiplied by three;
A gaming machine characterized by:
[Application example 6]
The gaming machine described in Application Example 3,
The display mode of the variable production is different between the second gaming state to which the first condition is satisfied and the second gaming state to which the second gaming state is transitioned to by satisfying the second condition.
A gaming machine characterized by:

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the gaming machine. It is an enlarged view of display devices. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board side of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board side of the gaming machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a main ROM and a main RAM. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a sub-ROM and a sub-RAM. It is a diagram for explaining a jackpot determination table. It is an explanatory diagram of a jackpot type determination table. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a fluctuation pattern determination table in a non-time saving state. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a fluctuation pattern determination table in a time saving state. It is a flowchart of main control main processing. 3 is a flowchart of main side timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of special operation processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol standby processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol confirmation processing. It is a flowchart of gaming state management processing. It is a flowchart of special electric accessories processing. It is a flowchart of gaming state setting processing. It is a flowchart of sub-control main processing. 3 is a flowchart of sub-side timer interrupt processing. 3 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing. This is for explaining a display example of the first ceiling. This is for explaining a display example of the second ceiling. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the execution flow of a first ceiling and a second ceiling.

<First embodiment>
1. Structure of Gaming Machine FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the left-right direction of the gaming machine 1 will be explained so as to correspond to the left-right direction as seen from the player facing the gaming machine 1. Further, the forward direction of the gaming machine 1 will be explained as the direction from the gaming machine 1 toward the player, and the backward direction of the gaming machine 1 will be explained as the direction from the player toward the gaming machine 1.

The gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine that fires game balls based on a player's firing operation, and when a game ball wins a prize in a specific winning device, pays out a predetermined number of game balls to the player based on the winning. be. The game machine 1 includes a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2, and the game board 2 is attached to the inside of the game machine frame 50. The gaming machine frame 50 includes, in addition to a front frame (front frame part) 53, an outer frame (base frame part) that forms the outer shell of the gaming machine, and an inner frame to which the gaming board 2 is attached inside the outer frame. We are prepared. The front frame (front frame portion) 53 is a vertically rectangular unit disposed on the front side of the outer frame and the inner frame, and includes a handle 60, a batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and an excess ball tray (lower tray). ) 62, a production button 63, a sword member 64, a sword button 65, a frame lamp 66, a speaker 67, a select button 68, and a frame movable body 600. An opening is formed in the center of the front frame 53, and the gaming area 3 of the gaming board 2 can be viewed through the opening.

The handle 60 is arranged at the lower end of the right side of the front frame 53, and causes the game ball to be launched at a firing intensity that corresponds to the rotation angle. A batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 is provided below the front frame 53 and stores game balls. The surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 is arranged below the batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and stores game balls that cannot be accommodated in the batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61. The performance button 63 is an operation unit disposed near the batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and is operated (pressed) by the player during a performance performed as the game progresses. The sword member 64 is an operation part imitating the shape of a sword, and can be pushed downward by the player during performances performed as the game progresses. The sword button 65 is an operation unit provided at the upper end of the sword member 64, that is, at the end of the sword handle, and is operated (pressed) by the player during performances performed as the game progresses. Ru. The sword member 64 is configured to be able to perform two different operations: a first operation of pushing the entire sword member 64 downward, and a second operation of pressing the sword button 65 at the tip. The frame lamp 66 is arranged around the opening of the front frame 53, and performs a light emitting effect during a game or the like. The speakers 67 are arranged at the upper left and upper right of the front frame 53, and perform sound production during games and the like. The select button 68 is a so-called cross key, and is composed of a left button, a right button, an upper button, and a lower button, and allows various inputs. The frame movable body 600 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the upper part of the front frame 53. The frame movable body 600 is configured to be movable from a stored state in which it is stored inside the front frame 53 to an exposed state in which it projects above the front frame 53.

The game board 2 includes a game area 3, a rail member 4, a board lamp 5, an image display device 7, a center decoration 10, a fixed winning device (belly button) 19, and a normal variable winning device (electronic chew) 22. , a gate (through chucker) 28, a big winning device (attacker) 31, a general winning opening 27 (normal winning opening 27), an out opening 16, and display devices 40.

The game area 3 is an area where game balls shot by operating the handle 60 flow down, and a plurality of game nails for guiding the game balls are provided protrudingly. The rail member 4 is arranged at the left end of the game area 3 and guides the game ball launched by operating the handle 60 toward the upper side of the game area 3. The board lamp 5 is arranged on the back side of the game area 3, and emits light from the back side of the game area 3.

The image display device 7 is provided near the center of the gaming area 3 and includes a display screen 7a. The image display device 7 may be a liquid crystal display device, or may be another image display device such as an organic EL display device, a plasma display, a projector, or a dot matrix. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes a performance pattern display area in which performance patterns (decorative patterns) 8L, 8C, and 8R are variably displayed (also referred to as variable display), and a pending image display area in which pending images 9A and 9B are displayed. area, and a pending digested image display area in which the pending digested image 9C is displayed. The hold images 9A and 9B are images representing hold, and are also called hold icons 9A and 9B. The pending digested image 9C is an image representing the pending, and is also referred to as the pending image 9C or the pending icon 9C. Furthermore, since the pending digested image 9C does not, strictly speaking, indicate pending, it is also referred to as the variable image 9C or the variable icon 9C.

The performance symbol display area includes three symbol display areas: "left", "middle", and "right". A left presentation pattern (left decorative pattern) 8L is displayed in the left pattern display area. A medium performance pattern (medium decorative pattern) 8C is displayed in the medium pattern display area. A right effect pattern (right decorative pattern) 8R is displayed in the right pattern display area. The performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are composed of a plurality of symbols representing numbers from "1" to "9", for example. The variable display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, which will be described later. The image display device 7 displays a first special symbol displayed by a first special symbol display 41a and a second special symbol display 41b, which will be described later, by a combination of effect symbols displayed in the left, middle, and right symbol display areas. The result of variable display of the second special symbol (big hit lottery result) can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner to the player.

For example, in the case of winning a jackpot, the effect pattern is stopped and displayed as a zero number such as "777". If it is a miss, the effect pattern is stopped and displayed with a miss, such as "637". This makes it easier for the player to grasp the progress of the game. The player can grasp the jackpot lottery result not only on the first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b but also on the image display device 7. Note that the position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed. Furthermore, the manner in which the performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner may be a manner in which they are scrolled in the vertical direction, or may be in any other manner. The combination of performance symbols to be stopped and displayed according to each lottery result is not limited to the above and can be arbitrarily set. Hereinafter, the performance that displays the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will also be referred to as a "variable performance of performance symbols," a "variable display of decorative symbols," or simply a "variable performance." In addition, for this decorative pattern variation performance, the performance during the period from when the special symbol starts changing until it stops (also referred to as a special symbol variation period) is counted as one variation performance. Therefore, even if there is a case where the decorative pattern is temporarily stopped during the period from when the special pattern starts changing until it stops, the performance of the temporary stop is included in the fluctuating performance of the decorative pattern.

The image display device 7 can display on the display screen 7a, in addition to the performance symbol variation performance, a jackpot performance that is performed in parallel with a jackpot game (an example of a special game), a demonstration performance for waiting for customers, etc. In the performance symbol variation performance, performance images such as background images and character images may also be displayed in addition to the performance symbols. In addition to the production pattern, the image display device 7 also includes an identification display (fourth pattern, not shown) that can indicate that the special pattern is changing or indicate the lottery result of the special pattern. may be displayed on the display screen 7a. Note that the identification display (fourth symbol) may be displayed by a light emitting device such as an LED provided in the game area 3.

The reserved image display area is a first reserved display area that displays reserved images 9A according to the number of stored first special figures reserved, which will be described later, and a reserved image 9B that displays reserved images 9B according to the number of stored second special figures reserved, which will be described later. and a second hold display area. By displaying the holding images 9A and 9B, the stored number of first special figure holdings displayed on the first special figure holding display 43a, which will be described later, and the number of second special figure holdings displayed on the second special figure holding display 43b are determined. The number of memories can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner to the player. The pending digest image display area includes a pending digest display area that displays the pending digest image 9C. The pending digesting image 9C corresponds to the production symbols (production symbols 8L, 8C, 8R) currently being changed on the display screen 7a, and depending on the display of the pending digesting image 9C, the first special symbol pending or the second special symbol pending It is possible to clearly display to the player that the special drawing reservation has been completed ("extinction of special drawing reservation" to be described later).

The center decoration 10 is located near the center of the game area 3 and in front of the image display device 7. A stage part 11 is formed at the lower part of the center decoration body 10. The stage part 11 has a shape that can guide a game ball rolling on the upper surface of the stage part 11 to a first starting port 20, which will be described later. A warp portion 12 is provided at the lower left of the center decorative body 10. The warp section 12 includes an inlet section through which game balls flow in and an outlet section through which game balls flow out, and causes the game balls that flowed in through the inlet section to flow out to the stage section 11 through the exit section.

The fixed winning device (belly button) 19 is arranged below the image display device 7 in the gaming area 3, and is located at a first starting hole (first starting winning hole, first ball entering hole) where the ease of entering the game ball always remains constant. (fixed starting port) 20. The winning of the game ball into the first starting hole 20 is an opportunity for a first special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery). In other words, the winning of the game ball into the first starting hole 20 is an opportunity for obtaining a jackpot random number and the like and determining a jackpot.

The normal variable prize winning device (electronic chew) 22 is arranged below the first starting hole 20 in the gaming area 3, and includes a second starting hole (second starting winning hole, second ball entering hole, variable starting hole) 21. ing. The winning of the game ball into the second starting hole 21 is an opportunity for a second special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery). The electric chew 22 includes a movable member 23 in front of the second starting port 21, and the second starting port 21 is opened and closed by the operation of the movable member 23. The movable member 23 is driven by an electric chew solenoid 24 (FIG. 3). A game ball can enter the second starting port 21 when the movable member 23 is in an open state. Note that the electric chew 22 only needs to enter the second starting port 21 more easily when the movable member 23 is in the open state than when the movable member 23 is in the closed state. It may be possible for the ball to enter the ball.

The gate (through chucker) 28 is arranged above the big prize winning device (attacker) 31 in the game area 3, and is configured to allow the game ball to pass through. Passage of the game ball to the gate 28 is an opportunity for a normal symbol lottery to determine whether or not to release the electric chew 22. In other words, the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 is a trigger for obtaining a normal symbol random number (a winning random number) and determining a winning number.

Here, the "special symbol lottery" means that when a game ball enters the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21, a random number for special symbol determination is acquired, and this acquired random number is used as a predetermined random number. It is a process of determining whether or not it is a jackpot by comparing it with the value corresponding to the "jackpot". The lottery result of this "jackpot" is not immediately notified to the player, but the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner on a first special symbol display 41a or a second special symbol display 41b, which will be described later, and a predetermined variation is made. When the time has elapsed, the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed (determined display), and the player is notified of the lottery result. In the image display device 7, a pattern matching game is performed in which performance symbols are variably displayed in synchronization with the variably displayed special symbols, and the jackpot lottery result is more effectively notified to the player by this symbol matching game. When counting repeated fluctuations of special symbols, it may be expressed as "rotation" or "fluctuation." For example, it may be expressed as "3 rotations after a jackpot" or "3 fluctuations after a jackpot." The number of changes in the special symbol is particularly managed as the "number of games".

In addition, "normal symbol lottery" means that when a game ball passes through the gate 28, a random number for determining a normal symbol is obtained, and this obtained random number is compared with a predetermined value corresponding to a "win". It is a process of determining whether or not it is a hit by doing so. Regarding the lottery result of this normal symbol, the lottery result is not announced immediately after the game ball passes through the gate 28, but the normal symbol is displayed fluctuating on the regular symbol display 42, which will be described later, and a predetermined fluctuation is performed. When the time has elapsed, the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result is displayed (lit or extinguished) and the player is notified of the lottery result.

The big winning device (attacker, special variable winning device) 31 is arranged on the upper right side of the first starting hole 20 in the game area 3, and includes a big winning hole (special winning hole) 30. The big prize opening 30 includes an opening/closing member (first special winning opening opening/closing member) 32 that allows or inhibits reception of game balls through a swing-type opening/closing operation. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by a big prize opening solenoid 33 (FIG. 3). A game ball can enter the big prize opening 30 when the opening/closing member 32 is in an open state.

The big winning hole sensor 30a (FIG. 3) detects the winning of a game ball into the big winning hole 30. The grand prize device 31 of this embodiment further includes a grand prize device ejection sensor (not shown) that counts the number of game balls discharged from the grand prize device 31.

The general winning hole 27 is provided at the lower part of the gaming area 3. The out port 16 is provided at the lower part of the game area 3, and discharges game balls that have not won in any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 3. The display devices 40 are arranged near the center on the right side of the game board 2. Details of the display devices 40 will be described later.

The gaming area 3 includes a left gaming area 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right gaming area 3B on the right side. A hitting method in which the game ball is launched so that it flows down the left game area 3A is called "left-handed hitting." On the other hand, a hitting method in which the game ball is launched so that it flows down the right game area 3B is called "right-handed hitting." In the gaming machine 1, it is possible to aim for winning in the first starting opening 20 by playing left-handed. On the other hand, the configuration is such that by hitting right, you can aim to pass through the gate 28 and win the second starting opening 21 and the big winning opening 30.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the displays 40. The displays 40 include a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol reservation display 43a, and a second special symbol reservation display 43b. , and a general figure reservation display 44. The first special symbol display 41a variably displays the first special symbol. The second special symbol display 41b variably displays the second special symbol. The normal symbol display 42 variably displays normal symbols. The first special symbol reservation display 43a displays the number of stored operation reservations (first special symbol reservation) of the first special symbol display 41a. The second special symbol reservation display 43b displays the number of stored operation reservations (second special symbol reservation) of the second special symbol display 41b. The normal symbol reservation display 44 displays the number of stored operation reservations (common symbol reservations) of the ordinary symbol display 42. The variable display of the first special symbol is triggered by the landing of a game ball into the first starting port 20. The variable display of the second special symbol is triggered by the landing of a game ball into the second starting port 21. Below, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are also collectively referred to as a "special symbol." Further, the first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b are also collectively referred to as the "special symbol display 41." In addition, the first special figure holding display 43a and the second special figure holding display 43b are also collectively referred to as the "special figure holding display 43."

The special symbol display device 41 displays a special symbol (identification information) in a variable manner (fluctuating display) and then stops displaying the special symbol (identification information). , jackpot lottery) results. The special symbol that is stopped and displayed (stop symbol, special symbol that is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display) is one special symbol that is selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by special symbol lottery. When the stopped symbol is a special symbol (jackpot symbol) with a predetermined jackpot stopping pattern, the big winning hole 30 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed (the type of won jackpot). A special game (jackpot game) is played. The opening pattern of the big winning hole 30 in the special game will be described later.

The special symbol display 41 is composed of eight LEDs arranged side by side, and displays a special symbol according to the result of the special symbol winning lottery depending on the lighting mode. For example, if you win a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described below), you can select one or two from the left as "○○●●○○●●" (○: lit, ●: off). , 5th and 6th LEDs are lit to display jackpot symbols. If it is a loss, a losing symbol such as "●●●●●●●○" with only the rightmost LED lit is displayed. A mode may be adopted in which all the LEDs are turned off as a losing symbol. Before the special symbols are stopped and displayed, the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner (variable display) for a predetermined variable time. For example, each LED may be turned on so that light repeatedly flows from left to right. The mode of the variable display is not limited to the above mode and can be any lighting mode as long as each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (lighted up display in a specific mode). For example, the variable display mode may be such that all the LEDs blink at the same time.

In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21, the values (numerical information) of various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers obtained for that winning are , is temporarily stored in the special figure reservation storage area 84e (FIG. 5). Specifically, if the prize is won at the first starting opening 20, it is stored as the first special figure reservation in the first special figure reservation storage area, and if it is the winning at the second starting opening 21, it is stored as the second special figure reservation. It is stored as a hold in the second special figure hold storage area. There is an upper limit to the number of special figure reservations that can be stored in each special figure reservation storage area 84e, and the upper limit in this embodiment is 4 for both the first special figure reservation storage area and the second special figure reservation storage area. It becomes. The special figure reservation stored in the special figure reservation storage area 84e is consumed when variable display of special symbols based on the special figure reservation becomes possible. "Extinguishing the special symbol reservation" refers to determining the jackpot random number etc. corresponding to the special symbol reservation and executing a variable display of the special symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, if the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of a game ball to the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, the variable display of the special symbol is executed. Even if a prize is won during execution of a medium or special game, the right to draw a jackpot for that prize can be reserved up to a predetermined number of prizes. The number of special figure reservations is displayed on the special figure reservation display 43. The first special figure holding display 43a and the second special figure holding display 43b each include, for example, four LEDs. Each special figure reservation display 43 displays the number of special symbols reserved by lighting up LEDs corresponding to the number of special symbols reserved.

The variable display of the normal symbols is triggered by the passage of the game ball to the gate 28. The normal symbol display device 42 notifies the result of the normal symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 by displaying the normal symbols variably (variably displaying) and then stop displaying them. The normal pattern that is stopped and displayed (the normal pattern that is stopped and the normal pattern that is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display) is one normal pattern that is selected from a plurality of types of normal patterns by a normal pattern lottery. When the normal pattern stopping pattern is a predetermined specific normal pattern (normal pattern with a predetermined stopping pattern, that is, a normal winning pattern), an auxiliary game that opens the second starting port 21 in an opening pattern according to the current game state. will be held. Note that the opening pattern of the second starting port 21 will be described later.

The normal symbol display device 42 is composed of two LEDs, and displays a normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery depending on the lighting mode. For example, if the lottery result is a win, a normal winning symbol with both LEDs lit, such as "○○" (○: lit, ●: off), is displayed. If the lottery result is a loss, a normal loss symbol such as "●○" with only the right LED lit is displayed. A mode in which all the LEDs are turned off as a normal losing symbol may be adopted. Before the normal symbols are stopped and displayed, the normal symbols are displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time. As for the variable display mode, for example, both LEDs may be lit alternately. The mode of the variable display is not limited to the above mode and can be any lighting mode as long as each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (lighted up display in a specific mode). For example, the variable display mode may be such that all the LEDs blink at the same time.

In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the gate 28, the value of the normal symbol random number (winning random number) obtained for the passage is stored as a normal symbol in the normal symbol retention storage area 84f (FIG. 5). Once it is memorized. There is an upper limit to the number of general figure reservations that can be stored in the ordinary figure reservation storage area 84f, and the upper limit value in this embodiment is four. The general symbol reservation stored in the ordinary symbol reservation storage area 84f is consumed when the variable display of the ordinary symbol based on the ordinary symbol reservation becomes possible. The extinguishing of a normal symbol reservation means to determine the normal symbol random number (winning random number) corresponding to the ordinary symbol reservation, and to execute a variable display of the ordinary symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, if the variable display of the normal symbols based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, when the variable display of the normal symbols is being executed or the auxiliary game is being executed, winnings will be won. Even if there is, it is possible to reserve the right to draw a normal symbol lottery for the passing of a predetermined number of symbols as an upper limit. The number of general drawings on hold is displayed on the general drawing holding display 44. The common picture reservation display 44 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of common pictures pending by lighting up the LEDs for the number of common pictures pending.

2. Electrical Configuration of Gaming Machine The electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be explained based on FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board side of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board side of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 80 (FIG. 3), a sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4), an image control board 100 (FIG. 4), a lamp control board 107 (FIG. 4), and an audio control board 106 (FIG. 4). FIG. 4) and a payout control board 110 (FIG. 3). The main control board 80 is a game control board that controls gaming profits such as jackpot lottery and game state transition, and constitutes a main control section. The sub-control board 90 is an effect control board that controls the effects to be executed as the game progresses, and together with the image control board 100, the lamp control board 107, and the audio control board 106, constitutes a sub-control unit. Note that the sub-control unit can be configured as long as it includes at least the sub-control board 90.

The main control board 80 includes a game control microcomputer 81 and an input/output circuit 87. The game control microcomputer 81 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the main control board 80, and controls the progress of the game of the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a main ROM 83 that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a main RAM 84 that is used as a work memory, and a main CPU 82 that executes the programs stored in the main ROM 83. Contains. Details of the data stored in the main ROM 83 and details of the storage area provided in the main RAM 84 will be described later. The main ROM 83 may be configured as an external ROM. The game control microcomputer 81 sends and receives data to and from other boards etc. via an input/output circuit (I/O port section) 87. The input/output circuit 87 may be built into the game control microcomputer 81.

Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87 and a relay board 88. The main control board 80 receives signals output from each sensor and outputs signals to each solenoid. The sensors connected via the relay board 88 include the first starting port sensor 20a, the second starting port sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the large winning port sensor 30a, the general winning port sensor 27a, and the out counter 25. Illustrated. Examples of the solenoids connected via the relay board 88 include the electric chew solenoid 24 and the big prize opening solenoid 33. The first starting port sensor 20a is provided inside the first starting port 20, and detects a game ball that has entered the first starting port 20. The second starting port sensor 21a is provided inside the second starting port 21, and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the second starting port 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 28. The big winning hole sensor 30a is provided inside the big winning hole 30, and detects the game ball that has entered the big winning hole 30. The general winning hole sensor 27a is provided inside the general winning hole 27, and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the general winning hole 27. The out counter 25 is provided at the most downstream side of the game board 2 and detects all the game balls launched into the game area 3. The electric chew solenoid 24 drives the movable member 23 of the electric chew 22. The big prize opening solenoid 33 drives the opening/closing member 32 of the big winning device 31.

Display devices 40 are connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol pending display 43a, a second special symbol pending display 43b, and a normal symbol pending. Display control for the display 44 is performed.

The external terminal board 70 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 sends information to the external terminal board 70 such as prize ball information, door or frame opening information, the number of changes in the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first starting port 20, and the second starting port 21. It outputs information such as whether the game ball has won a prize or a jackpot, as well as a security signal.

A payout control board 110 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 for monitoring payout. A prize ball payout device 120, a rental ball payout device 130, and a card unit 135 are connected to the payout control board 110, and a shooting device 112 is connected via a shooting control circuit 111. The prize ball payout device 120 pays out prize balls. The payout control board 110 drives the prize ball motor 121 of the prize ball payout device 120 based on a signal from the game control microcomputer 81 to pay out prize balls. The paid out prize balls are detected by the prize ball sensor 122 for counting. The rental ball payout device 130 pays out rental balls. The payout control board 110 drives the ball rental motor 131 of the rental ball payout device 130 based on a signal from the card unit 135 connected to the gaming machine 1 to pay out rental balls. The paid-out rental balls are detected by the rental ball sensor 132 for counting. The card unit 135 is arranged adjacent to the gaming machine 1, and outputs information regarding ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card. The firing device 112 includes a handle 60 (FIG. 1), a firing motor 113, a touch switch 114, and a firing volume 115. When the player operates the handle 60, the firing device 112 detects the contact of the handle 60 with the touch switch 114, and detects the amount of rotation of the handle 60 with the firing volume 115. Then, the firing motor 113 is driven so that the game ball is fired with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the firing volume 115.

A sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4) is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the sub control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection that allows only the transmission of signals from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. That is, a unidirectional circuit (for example, a circuit using a diode), not shown, is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a communication direction regulating means.

The sub-control board 90 includes a production control microcomputer 91 and an input/output circuit 96. The production control microcomputer 91 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the sub-control board 90, and controls the production of the game of the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The performance control microcomputer 91 includes a sub-ROM 93 that stores programs for controlling the performance as the game progresses, a sub-RAM 94 that is used as a work memory, and a sub-ROM that executes the programs stored in the sub-ROM 93. It includes a CPU 92. Details of the data stored in the sub-ROM 93 and details of the storage area provided in the sub-RAM 94 will be described later. The sub ROM 93 may be configured as an external ROM. The production control microcomputer 91 sends and receives data to and from other boards etc. via an input/output circuit (I/O port section) 96. The input/output circuit 96 may be built into the production control microcomputer 91. An image control board 100 , an audio control board 106 , a lamp control board 107 , and a relay board 108 are connected to the sub-control board 90 via an input/output circuit 96 .

The image control board 100 includes an image control microcomputer 101, an input circuit 105a, and an output circuit 105b. The image control microcomputer 101 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the image control board 100, and controls the display of the image display device 7 according to a program. The image control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, and a RAM 104. In addition to programs for display control, the ROM 103 stores still image data and video data displayed on the image display device 7, including characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. image data such as background images, etc.) are stored. RAM 104 is used as a memory for expanding image data. CPU 102 executes a program stored in ROM 103. The production control microcomputer 91 causes the image control microcomputer 101 to control the display of the image display device 7 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The image control microcomputer 101 reads image data from the ROM 103 based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 91, and performs display control based on the read image data.

A speaker 67 is connected to the audio control board 106, and the performance control microcomputer 91 outputs audio, music, and sound effects from the speaker 67 via the audio control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80. etc. is output. Acoustic data such as audio output from the speaker 67 is stored in the sub ROM 93 of the sub control board 90. Note that the voice control board 106 may include a CPU, and may cause the CPU to execute voice control based on commands. Furthermore, the audio control board 106 may be equipped with a ROM, and may store acoustic data in the ROM. Alternatively, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100 and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 may be caused to perform audio control. Furthermore, the acoustic data may be stored in the ROM 103 of the image control board 100.

The frame lamp 66 and the board lamp 5 are connected to the lamp control board 107, and are controlled. The production control microcomputer 91 controls the lighting of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107 based on commands received from the main control board 80. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 91 creates light emission pattern data (data that determines lighting/extinguishing, light emission color, etc., also referred to as lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5, and creates a light emission pattern. Light emission of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the board lamp 5 is controlled according to the data. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 of the sub control board 90 is used to create the light emission pattern data. Note that the lamp control board 107 may include a CPU, and may cause the CPU to execute lamp lighting control based on commands. In this case, the lamp control board 107 may be equipped with a ROM, and data regarding the light emission pattern and the operation pattern may be stored in the ROM.

A production button 63, a select button 68, and a frame movable body 600 are connected to the relay board 108. When the production button 63 is pressed (pressed down) by the player, it outputs a switch signal to the sub-control board 90 via the relay board 108. Further, the production control microcomputer 91 operates the production button 63 based on the command received from the main control board 80. The production button 63 can not only be operated by pressing, but also changeable between a normal position (buried position) in which the upper surface of the button body protrudes slightly, and a protruding position in which most of the button body protrudes. It has become. In other words, as one of the effects, the effect button 63 is raised up. The performance control microcomputer 91 creates position change data (drive data) for changing the position of the performance button 63, and controls the operation of the performance button 63 according to the position change data. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create the position change data. When the select button 68 is pressed (pressed down) by the player, it outputs a switch signal to the sub-control board 90 via the relay board 108.

The performance control microcomputer 91 operates the frame movable body 600 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The frame movable body 600 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the upper part of the front frame 53 (FIG. 1). The performance control microcomputer 91 creates operation pattern data (drive data) that determines the operation mode of the frame movable body 600, and controls the operation of the frame movable body 600 according to the operation pattern data. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create the operation pattern data. Note that a touch sensor or the like that is provided on the front frame 53 and outputs a detection signal when a human body comes into contact with it may be connected to the relay board 108.

3. Data Configuration of Gaming Machine The data configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be explained based on FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5(A) is a diagram for explaining the main ROM 83. FIG. 5(B) is a diagram for explaining storage areas provided in the main RAM 84. FIG. 6(A) is a diagram for explaining the sub ROM 93. FIG. 6(B) is a diagram for explaining storage areas provided in the sub-RAM 94.

The main ROM 83 (FIG. 5(A)) is provided with a program storage area 83a and a table storage area 83b. The table storage area 83b includes a jackpot determination table, a reach determination table, a normal symbol hit determination table, a normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination table, a jackpot type determination table, a fluctuation pattern determination table, an electric chew opening pattern determination table, and a big winning opening pattern. Judgment tables, etc. are stored. These determination tables are referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in main control main processing (described later) that the game control microcomputer 81 executes.

The main RAM 84 (FIG. 5(B)) includes a command set area 84a, a flag set area 84b, a counter set area 84c, a special operation status set area 84d, a special figure reservation storage area 84e, and a general figure reservation memory. A region 84f is provided.

The command set area 84a is an area (output buffer) where commands output from the main control unit side to the sub control unit side are set in the main control main processing (described later), and includes advance determination commands, pending pitch count commands, A fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, an opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a game state designation command, a customer waiting command, an emergency command, etc. are set.

The flag set area 84b is an area where flags indicating the status of the gaming machine and the gaming status are set in the main control main processing (described later), such as a jackpot flag, jackpot end flag, probability change flag, time saving flag, ceiling flag, etc. is set.

The counter set area 84c is an area where counters used in main control main processing (described later) are set, including a random number counter, a round counter, a probability variable counter, a time saving counter, a ceiling counter, a game counter, and the like.

The special operation status setting area 84d is an area where a status in special operation processing, which will be described later, is set. The special figure reservation storage area 84e includes a first special figure reservation storage area in which the first special figure reservation is stored, and a second special figure reservation storage area in which the second special figure reservation is stored. The first special figure reservation storage area stores random value groups (reservation information) such as random numbers per special symbol corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth of the first special figure reservation. A first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided for storage. The second special figure reservation storage area includes a first memory for storing random value groups (reservation information) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth pieces of the second special figure reservation. A storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided.

The normal symbol reservation storage area 84f stores a group of random numbers (reservation information) such as normal symbol random numbers (hit random numbers) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth symbols of the ordinary symbol reservation. A first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided for.

The sub ROM 93 (FIG. 6(A)) is provided with a program storage area 93a and a table storage area 93b. The table storage area 93b stores a look-ahead performance pattern determination table, a basic performance pattern determination table, a chance-up performance pattern determination table, a stop symbol pattern determination table, and the like. These decision tables are referred to by the production control microcomputer 91 in sub-control main processing (described later) that the production control microcomputer 91 executes.

The sub-RAM 94 (FIG. 6(B)) is provided with a command storage area 94a, an effect command set area 94b, a counter set area 94c, and a work area 94d.

The command storage area 94a is an area (input buffer) in which commands input from the main control unit side are stored in sub-control main processing (described later), including advance judgment commands, pending pitch count commands, fluctuation start commands, and fluctuation commands. A stop command, an opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a game state designation command, a customer waiting command, etc. are stored.

The effect command set area 94b is an area where commands output from the sub-control board 90 to the image control board 100, the audio control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the relay board 108 are set in the sub-control main processing (described later). It is an output buffer) in which a variable performance start command, a fluctuation before end command, a variable performance end command, an opening performance start command, a round performance start command, an ending performance start command, etc. are set.

The counter set area 94c is an area where counters used in the sub-control main process (described later) are set, including a random number counter, a first special symbol reservation performance counter, a second special symbol reservation performance counter, and a regular symbol reservation performance counter. , a variable performance counter, a time saving performance counter, a game counter, etc. are set.

The work area 94d is a work area that implements temporary storage for calculations and the like. Note that the other areas except the work area 94d are backed up by a power source (not shown), and their contents are retained even if the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off.

Here, various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the gaming machine 1 will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 81 acquires a "jackpot random number," a "jackpot type random number," a "reach random number," a "fluctuation pattern random number," and a "normal symbol random number (hit random number)" at timings described later. It is configured as follows. Both are acquired as the value of the random number counter in the counter set area 84c of the main RAM 84. A plurality of random number counters are prepared corresponding to each random number counter.
The “jackpot random number” is a random number used for lottery to determine whether or not it is a jackpot (jackpot determination), and takes a value in the range of 0 to 65535.
The “jackpot type random number” is a random number used for lottery of the winning jackpot type (jackpot type determination), and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127.
"Reach Random Number" is a random number used to determine whether or not to generate a reach in the performance symbol variation performance that indicates the result when the jackpot judgment is a loss, and has a value in the range of 0 to 127. Take. Reach is a state in which there is only one fluctuating performance symbol remaining among multiple performance symbols (decorative symbols), and it depends on which symbol the fluctuating performance symbol is stopped and displayed. This is a state in which a combination of performance symbols indicates a jackpot (for example, a state of "7↓7"). Note that the performance symbols that are displayed in a stopped state in the ready-to-win state may be displayed as if they are shaking within the display screen 7a.

The "variation pattern random number" is a random number used to determine a variation pattern including variation time, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127.
The "normal symbol random number (winning random number)" is used for a lottery (normal symbol lottery) to determine whether or not to play an auxiliary game that opens the electric chew 22. Normal symbol random numbers take values in the range from 0 to 255.
The “jackpot random number,” “jackpot type random number,” “reach random number,” and “fluctuation pattern random number” are acquired based on the ball entering the starting hole (first starting hole 20 or second starting hole 21). The random number group obtained based on the ball entering the first starting port 20 is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area, and the random number group obtained based on the ball entering the second starting port 21 is stored in the first special symbol holding storage area. 2 is stored in the special figure reservation storage area. The “normal symbol random number (winning random number)” is obtained based on passing through the gate 28. The acquired normal symbol random number value is stored in the ordinary symbol retention storage area 84f.

Next, various random numbers acquired by the performance control microcomputer 91 in the gaming machine 1 will be explained.
The performance control microcomputer 91 is configured to obtain a "pre-read performance random number" and a "chance up random number". Both are acquired as the value of the random number counter in the counter set area 94c of the sub-RAM 94. A plurality of random number counters are prepared corresponding to each random number counter.

The "pre-read effect random number" is a random number used to determine the pre-read effect during the variable effect, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127. The "pre-read effect random number" is acquired based on the output of a preliminary determination command from the main control section to the sub-control section. The obtained random number group is stored in the sub-RAM 94.

The "chance up random number" is a random number used to determine the chance up performance during the variable performance, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127. The "chance up random number" is acquired based on a fluctuation start command being output from the main control unit to the sub control unit. The obtained random number value is stored in the sub-RAM 94.

4. Description of various tables FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the jackpot determination table.
In the jackpot determination table, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the acquired jackpot random number value (any of 0 to 65535) corresponds to a "jackpot" or a "loss" in the main control main processing (described later). This is the table that is referenced to do this. The jackpot determination in the jackpot determination table is performed based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. For example, it is shown that in the "low probability state", if the jackpot random number value is "0 to 205", it is determined to be a "jackpot", and in other cases, it is determined to be a "lose". That is, in the low probability state, the probability of winning the jackpot is approximately 1/319.7. Further, for example, it is shown that in the "high probability state", if the jackpot random number value is "0 to 1999", it is determined to be a "jackpot", and in other cases, it is determined to be a "lose". That is, in the high probability state, the probability of winning the jackpot is approximately 1/32.8.

The reach determination table indicates whether the reach random value (one of 0 to 127) acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) corresponds to "reach" or "no reach". This is a table that is referenced to determine the The reach determination in the reach determination table is performed based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, in the "non-time saving state", if the reach random value is "0 to 13", it is determined that there is a "reach", and if the reach random value is "a number other than 0 to 13 (14 to 127)" ”, it is determined that there is no reach. In addition, in the "time saving state", if the reach random value is "0 to 5", it is determined that there is a "reach", and if the reach random value is "a number other than 0 to 5 (6 to 127)", it is determined that there is a reach. is determined to be "out of reach".

The normal symbol winning determination table indicates whether the normal symbol random number value (any of 0 to 255) acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) corresponds to a "win" or a "loss". This is a table that is referenced to determine whether the The determination in the normal symbol hit determination table is performed based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, in the "non-time saving state", if the normal symbol random number value is "0 to 2", it is determined to be a "win", and if the normal symbol random number value is "a number other than 0 to 2 (3 to 255 )”, it is determined as a “lose”. In addition, in the "time saving state", if the normal symbol random number value is "0 to 254", it will be determined as a "win", and if the normal symbol random number value is "a number other than 0 to 254 (255)", it will be determined as a "win". , it is judged as a "lose".

In the normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination table, the game control microcomputer 81 determines how many seconds the normal symbol fluctuation time is according to the gaming state (non-time saving state or time saving state) in the main control main processing (described later). This is the table referenced for this purpose. In this embodiment, in the "non-time saving state", the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is determined to be "30 seconds", and in the "time saving state", the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is determined to be "1 second".

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the jackpot type determination table. The jackpot type determination table is referred to by the gaming control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) to determine the "jackpot type" according to the acquired jackpot type random value (any of 0 to 127). This is the table that will be used.

In FIG. 8, when winning in the lottery of the first special symbol (special symbol 1), the jackpot type is determined to be "4R probability variable jackpot" regardless of the jackpot type random number value. On the other hand, if you win in the lottery of the second special symbol (special symbol 2), if the jackpot type random number is "0 to 37", the jackpot type is determined to be "10R probability variable jackpot", and the jackpot type random number is In the case of "38 to 75", the jackpot type is determined to be "7R probability variable jackpot", and in the case of the jackpot type random number value to be "76 to 127", the jackpot type is determined to be "4R probability variable jackpot". In addition, in the jackpot type determination table, the "opening (OP) command", "round designation command", and "ending (ED) command" of the special game may also be specified.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a fluctuation pattern determination table in a non-time saving state.
In FIG. 9, for example, a prize is won in the first starting slot 20 in a non-time-saving state, the jackpot determination table determines that it is a "lose", the reach determination table determines that there is a "reach", and the number of reserved balls is "1 to 2". ”, and when the fluctuation pattern random number value is “93 to 127”, it is shown that the fluctuation pattern is determined to be “P7”.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fluctuation pattern determination table in a time saving state. FIG. 10(A) is a fluctuation pattern determination table in a high probability state and a time saving state, that is, in a special time executed after a jackpot game. FIG. 10(B) is a fluctuation pattern determination table in the time saving state at the first ceiling. FIG. 10C is a fluctuation pattern determination table in the time saving state at the second ceiling. Figures 10 (B) and (C) show that the fluctuation time when the basic performance pattern is a no-reach loss is 2 seconds shorter at the second ceiling than at the first ceiling. . Note that the first ceiling and the second ceiling will be described later.

In FIG. 10, for example, if a prize is won in the second starting slot 21 in a high probability state and a time saving state, and it is determined as a "jackpot" in the jackpot determination table, and "10R probability variable jackpot" in the jackpot type determination table, , it is shown that the variation pattern is determined to be "P53".

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, once the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time is also determined. In addition, when reaching a reach, it is also determined whether the reach will be a normal reach or a super reach (SP reach). Super reach is a reach effect that has a longer fluctuation time after reach than normal reach, and is a reach effect that is progressively executed after normal reach. Here, three types of super reach (SP1, SP2, SP3) with different variation times are set.

The electric chew opening pattern determination table is referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) to determine the opening pattern of the electric chew 22 according to the gaming state (non-time saving state or time saving state). This is the table that will be used. In the present embodiment, when the electric chew 22 is in the "non-time saving state", the opening pattern of the electric chew 22 is determined to be the "opening pattern 11", and when it is in the "time saving state", the opening pattern is determined to be the "opening pattern 12". In the opening pattern 11, the electric chew 22 is opened once for an opening time of 0.2 seconds. In the opening pattern 12, the electric chew 22 is opened three times, each opening time is 2.0 seconds, and the interval (opening interval) is 1.0 seconds. However, the opening of this electric chew 22 is closed even if the opening time remains if a predetermined number of game balls are won (regular winning number, maximum 10).

The big winning hole opening pattern determination table is a table that is referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in order to determine the opening pattern of the big winning hole 30 in the main control main processing (described later). In this embodiment, in the case of a "4R jackpot", it is determined that the pattern is "open pattern 21". In the "opening pattern 21", in the 1st to 4th R, the big prize opening 30 is opened once and the opening time is 29.5 seconds (long opening). Moreover, in the case of "7R jackpot", it is determined as "opening pattern 22". In the "opening pattern 22", in the 1st to 7th R, the big prize opening 30 is opened once for an opening time of 29.5 seconds (long opening). In the case of "10R jackpot", it is determined as "opening pattern 23". In the "opening pattern 23", in the 1st to 10th R, the big prize opening 30 is opened once for an opening time of 29.5 seconds (long opening).

5. Explanation of jackpots, etc. In the gaming machine 1, there are "jackpots" and "losses" as a result of jackpot drawings (special symbol drawings). In the case of a "jackpot", the "jackpot symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 41. At the time of "losing", the "losing symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 41. When a jackpot is won, a "jackpot game" is executed in which the jackpot (big jackpot 30) is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of jackpot. A jackpot game is an example of a special game. A jackpot game includes multiple round games (unit open games), an opening (OP) before the first round game starts, and an ending (ED) after the final round game ends. There is. Each round game starts with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round game, and ends with the start of the next round game. The closing time (interval time) of the big prize opening between round games is included in the open round game before the closing.

There are multiple types of jackpots. There are three types of jackpots: ``10R probability variable jackpot'', ``7R probability variable jackpot'', and ``4R probability variable jackpot.'' The "probable variable jackpot" becomes a high-probability time-saving state (high-probability, high-base state) after the jackpot game.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 8, the distribution rate of the jackpot in the lottery of the first special symbol (special symbol 1) is always a 4R probability variable jackpot, regardless of the random number of the jackpot type. On the other hand, the distribution rate of jackpots in the lottery for the second special symbol (special symbol 2) is 38/128 (approximately 30%) for the 10R probability-variable jackpot, 38/128 (approximately 30%) for the 7R probability-variable jackpot, and 38/128 (approximately 30%) for the 4R probability-variable jackpot. The probability of a jackpot is 52/128 (approximately 40%). In this way, in the gaming machine 1, the jackpot lottery that is performed when a game ball enters the second starting port 21 is more popular than the jackpot lottery that is performed when a game ball enters the second starting port 21 (first special symbol lottery). The lottery (the lottery of the second special symbol) is set to be more advantageous for the player.

6. Description of gaming state The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 will be explained. The game control microcomputer 81 can perform "probability variation control" and "variation time shortening control" on the special symbols displayed on the special symbol display 41 and the normal symbols displayed on the normal symbol display 42, respectively. It is. Here, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 performs probability variation control on the special symbols on the special symbol display 41 is referred to as a "high probability state," and the state in which probability variation control is not performed is simply referred to as a "normal probability state." (non-high probability state, low probability state). The game control microcomputer 81 performs jackpot judgment using a jackpot judgment table (FIG. 7) in which the number of jackpot random numbers determined as jackpots is higher in a high probability state than in a normal probability state, as probability fluctuation control for special symbols. By doing this, a high probability state is achieved. Therefore, the high probability state has a higher probability of hitting the jackpot than the normal probability state. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 executes probability variation control on the special symbols on the special symbol display 41, compared to the case where the probability variation control is not executed, The probability that the display result (stopping symbol) of the variable display of the special symbol will be a jackpot symbol is increased.

In addition, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 controls the special symbols on the special symbol display 41 to shorten the fluctuation time is referred to as a "time-saving state", and the state in which the fluctuation time is not controlled to shorten is simply referred to as a "non-time-saving state". That's what it means. In the time saving state, the variation time of the special symbol (the time from the start of the variable display to the time of derivation and display of the display result) is shorter than in the non-time saving state. The game control microcomputer 81 uses a variation pattern determination table (FIGS. 9 and 10) that is determined so that a variation pattern with a short variation time is selected more often in a time-saving state than in a non-time-saving state. Determine the fluctuation pattern that has occurred. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 executes the variable time reduction control for the special symbols on the special symbol display 41, compared to the case where the variable time reduction control is not executed, the variation of the special symbol A short variation time is more likely to be selected as the display variation time. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace at which the reserved special drawings are consumed becomes faster, and effective winnings in the starting opening (winnings that can be stored as reserved special drawings) are more likely to occur. This allows players to aim for a jackpot while the game progresses smoothly. It should be noted that the game control microcomputer 81 may perform probability fluctuation control and fluctuation time reduction control simultaneously, or only one of them, for the special symbols on the special symbol display 41. In particular, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, regarding the transition to the time-saving state (time-saving gaming state), a time-saving mode is entered after a jackpot game, b time-saving mode is entered when the ceiling is reached without winning a jackpot, and a special time-saving state is entered. It has c time saving which shifts when the symbol becomes a specific symbol.

The game control microcomputer 81 executes probability variation control and variation time shortening control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42 in parallel with variation time shortening control for the special symbols on the special symbol display 41. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the probability fluctuation control and the fluctuation time reduction control for the normal symbols in the time-saving state, but does not perform them in the non-time-saving state. The game control microcomputer 81 uses a normal symbol hit determination table in which the number of normal symbol random numbers (winning random numbers) that are determined to be hits is greater in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state, as probability fluctuation control for the normal symbols. Then, make a hit judgment (normal pattern judgment). Therefore, in the time saving state, the winning probability is higher than in the normal symbol normal probability state. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 executes probability variation control on the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, compared to the case where the probability variation control is not executed, the normal symbol display 42 The probability that the display result of the variable display of the normal symbol (stopped symbol) becomes a winning symbol is increased. In the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-time saving state. Here, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 30 seconds in the non-time saving state, but it is 1 second in the time saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chew 22 in the auxiliary game is longer than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes open time extension control on the electric chew 22. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the electric chew 22 is opened in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes control to increase the number of times the electric chew 22 is opened. Under the situation where the game control microcomputer 81 is executing probability fluctuation control and fluctuation time shortening control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, and control for extending the opening time and increasing number of openings for the electric chew 22, Compared to the case where these controls are not executed, the electric chew 22 is opened more frequently, and the game ball enters the second starting port 21 more frequently. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of fired balls, increases. Therefore, a state where these controls are being executed is called a "high base state", and a state where these controls are not being executed is called a "low base state". In a high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have. Note that the high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control that supports winning to the second starting port 21 by the electric chew 22) is being executed. The high base state (electric support control state) does not need to execute all of the above controls. That is, among the probability fluctuation control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, the variation time shortening control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, the opening time extension control for the electric chew 22, and the control for increasing the number of openings for the electric chew 22. It is only necessary that by executing one or more controls, the electric chew 22 can be opened more easily than when the controls are not executed. Further, the high base state (electric support control state) may be controlled independently without being associated with the time saving state.

In the gaming machine 1, the gaming state after the jackpot game by winning the 4R probability variable jackpot, 7R probability variable jackpot, and 10R probability variable jackpot is a high probability state and a time saving state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "high probability high base state", "high probability time saving state", or "probability variable gaming state". The high probability/high base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (in this case, 50 times) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 24, in the low probability state (normal probability state), if the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (950 and 1900 times in this case) without winning the jackpot, the low probability state Changed to state (normal probability state) and time-saving state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "low probability high base state", "low probability time saving state" or "time saving gaming state". The low probability/high base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (here, 350 or 999 times) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

In the low probability state (normal probability state), the low probability high base time saving state that changes when variable display of special symbols is executed 950 times without winning the jackpot is called "first ceiling" and "first ceiling". 1 ceiling state.
In addition, in the low probability state (normal probability state), the low probability high base time saving state that is changed when the variable display of special symbols is executed 1900 times without winning the jackpot is the "second ceiling", This will be referred to as the "second ceiling state."
Furthermore, the number of times the special symbol changes (here, 950 times and 1900 times), which are the activation conditions for the first ceiling and the second ceiling, are respectively expressed as "number of times the first ceiling is reached" and "second ceiling reached." This will be referred to as "number of times."

When playing the gaming machine 1 for the first time, the gaming state after the power is turned on is a low probability state and a low base state (non-electric support control state). This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "low probability low base state". The low-probability, low-base state is sometimes referred to as a "normal gaming state" or a "low-probability non-time-saving state (also simply referred to as a non-time-saving state)." Further, the state in which a special game (big hit game) is being executed will be referred to as a "special game state (big hit game state)".

In a high base state such as a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state, the game can be progressed more advantageously if the game ball enters the right game area 3B (FIG. 1) by hitting right. Due to the electric support control, the electric chew 22 is opened more easily than in the low base state, and it is easier to win a prize in the second starting port 21 than to win a prize in the first starting port 20. be. Therefore, in the high base state, the game ball is hit to the right in order to enter the second starting port 21 while passing the game ball to the gate 28 which is the trigger for the normal symbol lottery. This allows you to get more starting prizes (winning into the starting hole) than if you hit left-handed. In addition, in the gaming machine 1, even during the jackpot game, the game is played with the right hand. On the other hand, in the low base state, the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the left game area 3A (FIG. 1) by hitting the ball to the left. Since the electric support control is not executed, the electric chew 22 is more difficult to open than in the high base state, and it is easier to win a prize in the first starting port 20 than to win a prize in the second starting port 21. This is because For this reason, in the low base state, the game ball is hit to the left in order to cause the game ball to enter the first starting port 20. This allows you to win more starting prizes than if you hit right-handed.

7. Operation of the game control microcomputer 81 The operation of the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 (FIG. 3) will be explained based on FIGS. 11 to 18. Counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 are provided in the main RAM 84.

[Main control main processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of main control main processing. When the game machine 1 is powered on, the game control microcomputer 81 reads a program for executing main control main processing from the main ROM 83. In the main control main processing, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs initialization processing (step S001). In the initialization process, for example, settings of the main CPU 82 and reset of various flags, statuses, counters, etc. are performed. The initial value of the flag is "0", that is, "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the initialization process is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

After the initialization process, the game control microcomputer 81 prohibits the interruption of the interrupt process (step S002), and performs the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (step S003). In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random number counter values (jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, variable pattern random number, normal symbol random number) to 1. Add and update. When each random number counter value reaches the set upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be changed randomly. Further, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit such as a counter IC.

After the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 allows an interrupt of the interrupt process (step S004). While interrupts are enabled, main side timer interrupt processing (step S005) can be executed. The main side timer interrupt process is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the main CPU 82 at a predetermined period (for example, a 4 msec period). That is, the main side timer interrupt process is executed at predetermined intervals (for example, every 4 msec). Then, after the main side timer interrupt processing ends and until the next main side timer interrupt processing starts, the updating processing of various counter values by the normal symbol / special symbol main random number updating processing is repeatedly executed. . Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the main CPU 82 in the interrupt disabled state, the main side timer interrupt processing is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is enabled.

[Main side timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the main side timer interrupt processing (step S005 in FIG. 11). In the main side timer interrupt process, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs a random number update process (step S101). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random number counter values. This random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process performed in the main control main process (FIG. 11) described above. In other words, the update processing of various random number counter values is performed during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt processing and other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt processing until the start of the next main side timer interrupt processing). It is carried out both.

After the random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs an input process (step S102). In the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 reads detection signals detected by various sensors attached to the game machine 1. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 stores payout data for paying out prize balls according to the winning holes, that is, the first starting hole 20, the second starting hole 21, the big winning hole 30, and the general winning hole 27, into the main RAM 84. set in the output buffer of

After the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a starting port sensor detection process (step S103). In the starting port sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game ball passes through the gate 28, acquires the value of the normal symbol random number counter, and stores the acquired random value in the regular symbol holding storage area 84f of the main RAM 84. Among the first to fourth storage areas, the normal symbol is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current number of reserved balls. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game ball enters the first starting port 20 and determines the value of the jackpot random number counter, the value of the jackpot type random number counter, the value of the reach random number counter, and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter. get. The game control microcomputer 81 stores the obtained random number group in a storage area corresponding to the current number of special figure 1 reserved balls among the first to fourth storage areas of the first special figure reserved storage area. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game ball enters the second starting port 21, and determines the value of the jackpot random number counter, the value of the jackpot type random number counter, the value of the reach random number counter, and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter. get. The game control microcomputer 81 stores the obtained random value group in the storage area corresponding to the current number of special figure 2 reserved balls among the first to fourth storage areas of the second special figure reserved storage area.

The game control microcomputer 81 performs a preliminary judgment of a jackpot in the starting port sensor detection process. Based on the random number group described above, it is determined in advance whether or not it is a jackpot, and if it is a jackpot, the type of jackpot and the fluctuation pattern. Then, a preliminary determination command is created from the preliminary determination result and set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs normal operation processing (step S104). In the normal operation process, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the operation of the electric chew 22. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol is "0" or not, and if the number of reserved balls is 1 or more, it refers to the normal symbol hit determination table. Make a hit judgment. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 selects a variation pattern by referring to the normal symbol variation pattern determination table. The game control microcomputer 81 starts the variable display of normal symbols by setting the selected normal symbol variation pattern. Thereafter, the variable display is stopped, and in the case of a "win", an electric chew opening pattern is set with reference to the electric chew opening pattern determination table, and the electric chew 22 is activated.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special operation processing (step S105). This special operation process will be described later.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a pending ball number process (step S106). The game control microcomputer 81 first reads out the number of special symbol 1 reserved balls, the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls, and the number of normal symbol reserved balls stored in the main RAM 84. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the number of reserved balls command in the command set area (output buffer) 84a of the main RAM 84. The number of reserved balls command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 90 of the number of reserved balls, and includes information regarding the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1, the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2, and the number of regular symbol reserved balls. .

After processing the number of reserved balls, the game control microcomputer 81 performs output processing (step S107). In the output process, the game control microcomputer 81 outputs the commands and the like set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 in each of the above processes to the sub control board 90. After the output process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs other processes (step S108). In other processes, for example, the second special figure holding display 43b is controlled to display the number based on the number of reserved balls for special figure 2, which will be described later, and the first special figure is displayed based on the number of reserved balls for special figure 1. The hold display 43a is controlled to display the number.

[Special operation processing]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the special operation process (FIG. 12: step S105). Here, the processing related to the special symbol display 41 and the grand prize device (big prize device 31) is divided into four stages, and each stage is divided into "1", "2", "3", and "3" of the "special operation status", respectively. 4". When the "special operation status" is "1" (step S1301: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 performs special symbol standby processing (step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, jackpot determination, variation pattern selection, etc. are executed. When the "special operation status" is "2" (step S1301: NO, step S1303: YES), special symbol fluctuation processing is performed (step S1304). In the special symbol fluctuation processing, output of a fluctuation stop command etc. is executed after the fluctuation time has elapsed. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the special symbol fluctuation time has elapsed and ended, and if the fluctuation time has elapsed, sets a fluctuation stop command and performs the special operation. Set the status to "3". When the "special operation status" is "3" (steps S1301, S1303: NO, step S1305: YES), special symbol confirmation processing is performed (step S1306). In the special symbol confirmation process, the output of an opening command, etc. is executed at the time of a jackpot. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first executes a game state management process. The gaming state management process is a process for managing the ST number (the number of fluctuations controlled by the variable probability gaming state) and the time saving number (the number of fluctuations controlled by the time saving gaming state). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "1" when the jackpot flag is OFF. On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is ON, a jackpot opening pattern is set according to the type of jackpot won. After setting the opening pattern, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a game state reset process. The game state reset process is a process for resetting the probability change flag and the time saving flag. After the game state reset process, a jackpot opening command is set in order to start the jackpot game. After that, set the special operation status to "4". When the "special operation status" is "4" (steps S1301, S1303, S1305: NO), special electric accessory processing is performed (step S1308). In the special electric accessory processing, a jackpot game is executed. Specifically, the opening of the big prize opening 30 is controlled according to an opening pattern based on a round counter, and a round designation command and an ending command are set. Also, at the end of the jackpot, a time saving counter and a probability change counter are set.

[Special symbol standby processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the special symbol standby process (FIG. 13: Step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls is "0" (step S1401). If the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is "0" (step S1401: YES), that is, the random value group acquired due to winning in the second starting opening 21 is stored in the second special figure reservation storage area. If there is no such file, the process moves to step S1407. When the special figure 2 reserved ball number is "1" or more (step S1401: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes a hit determination process (step S1402). The hit determination process is a process of determining whether or not it is a jackpot by referring to the jackpot determination table (FIG. 7).

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a variation pattern selection process (step S1403). In the fluctuation pattern selection process, the fluctuation pattern determination table (FIG. 9, FIG. 10) is referred to, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (time-saving state or non-time-saving state), the determination result of the hit determination process (step S1402), and the reserved balls are determined. After a variation pattern selection process in which a variation pattern is selected based on the number and variation pattern random number, the special figure 2 reserved ball number is decremented (step S1404). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 changes the storage location of the reservation information (various random numbers) stored in the first to fourth storage areas of the second special figure reservation storage area from the current position to the side from which it is read out. At the same time, the reservation information stored in the farthest location from the read side in the second special figure reservation storage area is cleared (step S1405). For example, if pending information is stored in the first to third storage areas, the pending information stored in the third storage area is cleared and the pending information is stored in the first to fourth storage areas. If so, the pending information stored in the fourth storage area is cleared. Through the above steps, the second special figure reservations are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9B (the leftmost reserved image 9B among the four reserved images 9B) corresponding to the first storage area of the second special figure reserved storage area is reserved. It is shifted to the digested image display area side and displayed as the held digested image 9C. In addition, the reserved images 9B (the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th reserved images 9B from the left among the 4 reserved images 9B) corresponding to the 2nd to 4th storage areas of the 2nd special figure reserved storage area are 1 on the left side, respectively. (Figure 1). Thereby, the player can recognize that one second special figure reservation has been used up. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special figure 2 fluctuation start processing (step S1406). In the special figure 2 variation start process, a variation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, a variation display of the second special symbol is started, and a variation time timer is set. A variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process is set in the variation time timer. Further, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "2". In addition, the variation start command (special figure 2 variation start command) set in the special figure 2 variation start process includes information regarding the special figure stop symbol data set in the hit determination process (step S1402) and the variation pattern selection process ( Information regarding the fluctuation pattern set in step S1403) (including information regarding fluctuation time) is included.

In step S1401, if the number of reserved balls for special drawing 2 is "0" (step S1401: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 is "0" ( Step S1407). If the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is "0" (step S1407: YES), that is, the random value group acquired due to winning in the first starting opening 20 is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area. If there is no such file, the process moves to step S1413. When the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is "1" or more (step S1407: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes a hit determination process (step S1408). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a variation pattern selection process (step S1409). In the fluctuation pattern selection process, the fluctuation pattern determination table (FIG. 9, FIG. 10) is referred to, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (time-saving state or non-time-saving state), the determination result of the hit determination process (step S1408), and the reserved balls are determined. A variation pattern is selected based on the number and the variation pattern random number. After the fluctuation pattern selection process, the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is decremented (step S1410). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 shifts the storage locations of the various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage areas of the first special figure reservation storage area by one position from the current position to the side where they are read out. , clears the reservation information stored in the farthest location from the read side in the first special figure reservation storage area (step S1411). Through the above steps, the first special figure reservations are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9A (the rightmost reserved image 9A among the four reserved images 9A) corresponding to the first storage area of the first special figure reserved storage area is reserved. It is shifted to the digested image display area side and displayed as the held digested image 9C. In addition, the reserved images 9A (the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th reserved images 9A from the right among the 4 reserved images 9A) corresponding to the 2nd to 4th storage areas of the 1st special figure reserved storage area are 1 on the right side, respectively. (Figure 1). Thereby, the player can recognize that one first special symbol reservation has been used up. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special figure 1 fluctuation start processing (step S1412). In the special figure 1 variation start process, a variation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, and a variation display of the first special symbol is started, and a variation time timer is set. A variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process is set in the variation time timer. Further, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "2". In addition, the variation start command (special figure 1 variation start command) set in the special figure 1 variation start process includes information regarding the special figure stop symbol data set in the hit determination process (step S1408) and the variation pattern selection process ( Information regarding the fluctuation pattern set in step S1409) (including information regarding fluctuation time) is included.

In step S1407, when the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 is "0" (step S1407: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets a customer waiting command (step S1413) and ends this process. As described above, according to the special symbol standby process of this embodiment, the variable display of the special symbol based on the first special symbol reservation is executed only when the second special symbol reservation is "0". That is, the extinguishment of the second special figure reservation is executed in priority to the extinguishment of the first special figure reservation. Furthermore, according to the jackpot type determination table (FIG. 8) of this embodiment, the lottery based on the second special symbol reservation results in a jackpot that is more profitable for the player than the lottery based on the first special symbol reservation. It looks like this.

[Special design confirmation process]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the special symbol determination process (step S1306 in FIG. 13).
In the special symbol confirmation process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a game state management process (step S1901). The game state management process will be described later.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the jackpot flag is ON (step S1902). The jackpot flag is stored in the flag set area 84b of the main RAM 84. If it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (step S1902: YES), the process moves to step S1903. On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is not ON (step S1902: NO), that is, if the jackpot flag is OFF, the special operation status is set to "1" (step S1907), and the special symbol confirmation process is executed. finish.

In step S1903, the game control microcomputer 81 sets an opening pattern. The opening pattern is as described above, and the opening pattern 21 is set for a 4R jackpot, the opening pattern 22 is set for an 8R jackpot, and the opening pattern 23 is set for a 10R jackpot.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a game state reset process (step S1904). This process is a process of resetting the probability change flag, time saving flag, and ceiling flag.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening command (step S1905), sets the special operation status to "4" (step S1906), and ends the special symbol confirmation process.

[Game state management processing]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the gaming state management process (FIG. 16: Step S1901).
In the game state management process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the probability change flag is ON (step S2001). If it is determined that the probability variation flag is ON (step S2001: YES), the probability variation counter is decremented (step S2002), and the process moves to step S2003. On the other hand, if it is determined that the probability variation flag is not ON (step S2001: NO), that is, if the probability variation flag is OFF, the process moves to step S2010.

In step S2003, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the probability change counter is "0" or not. If it is determined that the probability variation counter is "0" (step S2003: YES), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (step S2004), and the process moves to step S2005. On the other hand, if it is determined that the probability variation counter is not "0" (step S2003: NO), the process proceeds to step S2005 without executing the process of step S2004.

In step S2005, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time saving flag is ON. If it is determined that the time saving flag is ON (step S2005: YES), the time saving counter is decremented (step S2006), and the process moves to step S2007. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time saving counter is not ON (step S2005: NO), that is, if the time saving counter is OFF, the process moves to step S2009.

In step S2007, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the time saving counter is "0". If it is determined that the time saving counter is "0" (step S2007: YES), the time saving flag is turned off (step S2008) and the process moves to step S2009. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time saving counter is not "0" (step S2007: NO), the process of step S2008 is not executed and the process moves to step S2009.

In step S2010, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the ceiling flag is ON. If it is determined that the ceiling flag is ON (step S2010: YES), the ceiling counter is decremented (step S2011), and the process moves to step S2012. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ceiling flag is not ON (step S2010: NO), that is, if the ceiling flag is OFF, the process moves to step S2005.

In step S2102, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the ceiling counter is "950". If it is determined that the ceiling counter is "950" (step S2012: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the time saving flag (step S2017) and sets the time saving counter to "350" (step S2012). S2018), the process moves to step S2009.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the ceiling counter is not "950" (step S2012: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the ceiling counter is "0" (step S2013). If it is determined that the ceiling counter is "0" (step S2013: YES), the process moves to step S2014. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ceiling counter is not "0" (step S2012: NO), the process moves to step S2005.

In step S2014, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the time saving flag. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time saving counter to "999" (step S2015), turns off the ceiling flag (step S2016), and moves to step S2009.
In step S2009, the gaming control microcomputer 81 sets a gaming state designation command, and ends the gaming state management process.

[Special electric accessory processing]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the special electric accessory processing (step S1308 in FIG. 13).
In the special electric accessory processing, first, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the jackpot end flag is ON (step S2101). If it is determined that the jackpot end flag is ON (step S2101: YES), an ending process is executed (step S2102), and the special electric accessory process is ended. In the ending process, it is determined whether the ending time has elapsed or not, and if it has elapsed, the jackpot end flag is turned OFF, the jackpot flag is turned OFF, the special operation status is set to "1", and the game state is set. After executing the process (step S2103), the special electric accessory process is ended. The game state setting process will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot end flag is not ON (step S2101: NO), that is, if the jackpot end flag is OFF, the process moves to step S2104.

In step S2104, it is determined whether or not a prize has been won in the big prize opening. This process is a process for determining whether or not there is a winning in the big winning hole 30 based on the signal from the big winning hole sensor 30a. If it is determined that a prize has been won in the big winning opening (step S2104: YES), a big winning opening command is set (step S2105), and the process moves to step S2106. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no prize in the big winning opening (step S2104: NO), the process proceeds to step S2106 without executing the process of step S2105.

In step S2106, it is determined whether the big prize opening is open. This process is a process for determining whether or not the big prize opening 30 is open. If it is determined that the big winning hole is open (step S2106: YES), the big winning hole closing process is executed (step S2107), and the special electric accessory process is ended. The big winning opening closing process is a process of determining whether the closing conditions of the big winning opening 30 are satisfied or not, and closing the big winning opening 30 if the closing conditions are satisfied. On the other hand, if it is determined that the big winning hole is not open (step S2106: NO), that is, if the big winning hole is closed, the process moves to step S2108.

In step S2108, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not it is the big winning opening opening period. This process is a process for determining whether or not it is the opening period of the big winning a prize opening 30. If it is determined that it is the big winning hole opening period (step S2108: YES), the big winning hole opening process is executed (step S2110), a round designation command is set (step S2111), and the special electric accessory Finish the process. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not the big winning opening opening period (step S2108: NO), a round process is executed (step S2109), and the special electric accessory process is ended. In the round process, it is determined whether or not the round has ended, and at the end of the round, the round counter is decremented, and when the round counter reaches "0", an ending command is set and the jackpot end flag is turned ON.

[Game status setting process]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the gaming state setting process (step S2103 in FIG. 19).
In the game state setting process, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the probability change flag (step S2201), sets the probability change counter to 50 (step S2202), turns on the time saving flag (step S2203), and sets the time saving counter to 50. (Step S2204), turns on the ceiling flag (Step S2205), sets "1900" in the ceiling counter (Step S2206), sets a gaming state designation command (Step S2207), and executes the gaming state setting process. finish.

8. Operation of the production control microcomputer 91 The operation of the production control microcomputer 91 provided on the sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4) will be described based on FIGS. 19 to 21. Counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the production control microcomputer 91 are provided in the sub-RAM 94.

[Sub control main processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the sub-control main processing. When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the performance control microcomputer 91 reads a program for executing the sub-control main process from the sub-ROM 93. In the sub-control main processing, the production control microcomputer 91 first performs initialization processing (step S4000). In the initialization process, for example, settings of the sub CPU 92, reset of various flags, statuses, counters, etc. are performed. The initial value of the flag is "0", that is, "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the initialization process is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

After the initialization process, the performance control microcomputer 91 prohibits the interruption of the interrupt process (step S4001), and performs the random number update process (step S4002). In this random number update process, the production control microcomputer 91 adds 1 to the random number counter value and updates it. When each random number counter value reaches the set upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be changed randomly. Furthermore, instead of adding up the random numbers one by one, two or more may be added. Each random number may be a so-called hardware random number.

After the random number update process, the production control microcomputer 91 allows the interruption of the interrupt process (step S4003). While interrupts are enabled, sub-side timer interrupt processing (step S4004) can be executed. The sub-side timer interrupt process is executed based on interrupt pulses that are repeatedly input to the sub CPU 92 at predetermined intervals. That is, the sub-side timer interrupt process is executed at predetermined intervals. Then, the random number update process is repeatedly executed between the end of the sub-side timer interrupt process and the start of the next sub-side timer interrupt process.

[Sub-side timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the sub-side timer interrupt processing (step S4004 in FIG. 19). The production control microcomputer 91 first performs received command analysis processing (step S4100). Details of the received command analysis process will be described later. After the received command analysis process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a variable performance process (step S4110). The process during variable performance is a process for setting a pre-variation end command at a specific timing during a variable performance to cause the display screen 7a to execute a specific display performance. After the process during the variable performance, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a switch process (step S4120). In the switch processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs settings of the display contents of the display screen 7a based on the switch data (edge data and level data) output from the effect button 63. After the switch process, the production control microcomputer 91 performs a command transmission process (step S4130). In the command transmission process, the production control microcomputer 91 sends various commands set in the production command set area 94b (output buffer) of the sub-RAM 94 by the received command analysis process to the image control board 100, the audio control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. , is transmitted to the relay board 108. The image control board 100 that has received various commands uses the image display device 7 to execute display effects according to the received commands. Furthermore, the audio control board 106 that has received various commands executes audio production to output audio from the speaker 67 in accordance with the received commands. The lamp control board 107 that has received the various commands executes a lamp effect that controls the light emission of the board lamp 5 and the frame lamp 66 in accordance with the received commands. After the command transmission process, the production control microcomputer 91 performs other processes (step S4140), and ends this process. Other processes include random number update processing and the like.

[Received command analysis processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the received command analysis process (step S4100 in FIG. 22). The performance control microcomputer 91 first determines whether or not a preliminary determination command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4180). If it has been received (step S4180: YES), prefetch effect determination processing is performed (step S4190). The "pre-reading effect determination process" is a process of determining whether or not to perform the pre-reading effect and the pre-reading effect pattern in the case of executing the pre-reading effect. Specifically, the performance control microcomputer 91 acquires the value of the counter of the pre-read performance random number, and performs the pre-read performance by referring to the acquired random number value and the pre-read performance pattern determination table stored in the sub ROM 93. Whether or not to do so, and a prefetch effect pattern in the case of performing a prefetch effect are determined. On the other hand, if it has not been received (step S4180: NO), the above-mentioned prefetch effect determination process is skipped. The look-ahead performance is a performance that suggests that there is a high possibility that the pending information newly stored in the special figure pending storage area 84e includes a jackpot, and is executed during the variable performance.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a command for the number of reserved balls has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4200). If it has been received (step S4200: YES), a hold display process is performed (step S4210). In the hold display process, information is set in the counter set area 94c of the sub-RAM 94 based on information regarding the number of special figure 1 held balls, the number of special figure 2 held balls, and the number of normal pattern held balls included in the number of held balls command. The values of the first special symbol reservation performance counter, the second special symbol reservation performance counter, and the regular symbol reservation performance counter are updated. Thereby, information on each number of reserved balls can be held not only on the main control board 80 side but also on the sub control board 90 side. Furthermore, the production control microcomputer 91 controls the pending image 9A displayed on the display screen 7a, Update 9B. On the other hand, if the pending pitch count command has not been received (step S4200: NO), the above-described pending display process is skipped.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a variation start command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4220). If it has been received (step S4220: YES), a variable effect start process is performed (step S4230). "Variation performance start processing" is a process of selecting a fluctuation performance pattern (content) to be executed during special symbol fluctuation. On the other hand, if it has not been received (step S4220: NO), the above-described variable effect start process is skipped.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4240). If it has been received (step S4240: YES), a variable effect end process is performed (step S4250). "Fluctuation performance end processing" is a process for stopping the fluctuation performance executed during special symbol fluctuation. In the fluctuating performance end process, the performance control microcomputer 91 sets a counter etc. based on the analysis result of the fluctuation stop command, and also sets a fluctuating performance end command for ending the fluctuating performance. As a result, the effect pattern corresponding to the special figure 1 or special figure 2 which is changing is stopped and displayed. In addition, when the fluctuation stop command is not received (step S4240: NO), the above-mentioned fluctuation production end process is skipped.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a winning related command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4260). The winning-related commands include a jackpot opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a small win opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, and the like. Here, if it has been received (step S4260: YES), a win-related effect pattern determination process corresponding to each command is performed (step S4270). For example, when receiving an opening command for a jackpot, select an opening production pattern preset corresponding to the jackpot type, and send an opening production start command to the sub RAM 94 to start the selected opening production. Set it in the production command set area 94b. When the opening effect start command set in the effect command set area 94b is transmitted to the image control board 100 in the command transmission process (step S4130 in FIG. 18), the image control board 100 reads out a predetermined opening effect image, The image is displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. The same applies to other commands. On the other hand, if it has not been received (step S4260: NO), the process of step S4270 is skipped.

Finally, in step S4280, the production control microcomputer 91 executes other processes and ends the received command analysis process.

9. Example of presentation of this embodiment Below, an example of presentation of this embodiment is shown. In particular, display examples when the first ceiling and the second ceiling are reached will be explained along with the flow of the game.

[Example of display on the first ceiling]
FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining a display example of the first ceiling. FIG. 22 shows an example of a display when the number of special symbol fluctuations executed without winning a jackpot in the normal probability state reaches the first ceiling, which is 950, and the state is shifted to the time-saving gaming state due to the first ceiling. , shown in chronological order. Therefore, the explanation will start from the point in time when a variation performance is executed in which the number of special symbol variations executed without winning a jackpot in the normal probability state is 949 times.

First, as shown in FIG. 22(A), a variation effect is executed in which the number of special symbol variations executed without winning a jackpot in the normal probability state is 949 times. Here, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Additionally, a first ceiling reaching frequency difference display TC1 is displayed that indicates the remaining number of fluctuations up to the first ceiling reaching frequency. In addition, the explanation will be continued assuming that the result of the lottery that triggered this variable performance was a loss.

Next, as shown in FIG. 22(B), the performance symbols that were fluctuating at high speed in FIG. 22(A) stop at the losing symbols. Here, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are stopped at "2", "9", and "3", respectively. Additionally, a first ceiling reaching frequency difference display TC1 is displayed that indicates the remaining number of fluctuations up to the first ceiling reaching frequency. As a result, the number of special symbol fluctuations executed without winning a jackpot in the normal probability state has reached the first ceiling, so that from the next fluctuation performance onwards, it will be executed in the same manner as the first ceiling.

Next, as shown in FIG. 22(C), a first ceiling start effect is executed. Here, a message image TS1 is displayed that reads, "Run into the first ceiling!! Aim to the right!"

Next, as shown in FIG. 22(D), the first variation effect in the first ceiling state is executed. Here, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Also displayed are a first ceiling remaining number of times image TN1 showing the number of remaining variations in the first ceiling state, and a right-handed hitting image RH for encouraging the player to play right-handed. Furthermore, the background image during the variation effect is different from that during the low probability state shown in FIG. 22(A).

Next, as shown in FIG. 22(E), the performance symbols that were fluctuating at high speed in FIG. 22(D) are fixed and stopped. Here, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are stopped at "0", "1", and "4", respectively. Also displayed are a first ceiling remaining number of times image TN1 showing the number of remaining variations in the first ceiling state, and a right-handed hitting image RH for encouraging the player to play right-handed. Further, the background image at the time of definite stop is different from that at the time of the normal probability state shown in FIG. 22(B). After this, until a jackpot is won or when 349 special pattern fluctuations are executed, the first ceiling state ends, and if it ends after 349 special pattern fluctuations are executed, the state returns to the normal probability state. will be migrated.
The above is an example of the display on the first ceiling.

[Example of display on second ceiling]
FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a display example of the second ceiling. FIG. 23 shows an example of a display when the number of special symbol fluctuations executed without winning a jackpot in the normal probability state reaches 1900 times, which is the number of times the second ceiling is reached, and the state is shifted to the time-saving gaming state due to the second ceiling. , shown in chronological order. Therefore, the explanation will start from the point in time when a variation performance is executed in which the number of special symbol variations executed without winning a jackpot in the normal probability state is 1899 times.

First, as shown in FIG. 23(A), a variation effect is executed in which the number of special symbol variations executed without winning a jackpot in the normal probability state is 1899 times. Here, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are fluctuating at high speed. Further, a second ceiling reaching frequency difference display TC2 is displayed, which indicates the remaining number of variations up to the second ceiling reaching frequency. In addition, the explanation will be continued assuming that the result of the lottery that triggered this variable performance was a loss.

Next, as shown in FIG. 23(B), the performance symbols that were fluctuating at high speed in FIG. 23(A) stop at the losing symbols. Here, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are stopped at "5", "8", and "2", respectively. Further, a second ceiling reaching frequency difference display TC2 is displayed, which indicates the remaining number of variations up to the second ceiling reaching frequency. As a result, the number of special symbol fluctuations performed without winning a jackpot in the normal probability state has reached the number of times the second ceiling has been reached, so that from the next fluctuation performance onwards, the performance will be performed in the same manner as at the second ceiling.

Next, as shown in FIG. 23(C), a second ceiling start effect is executed. Here, a message image TS2 is displayed that reads, "Run into the second ceiling!! Aim to the right!"

Next, as shown in FIG. 23(D), the first variation effect in the second ceiling state is executed. Here, instead of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R, the performance symbols 8LS, 8CS, and 8RS are fluctuating at high speed. Note that the performance symbols 8LS, 8CS, and 8RS are the images of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R reduced in size, respectively, but the fonts and decorative parts of the symbols may be changed as appropriate. Also displayed are a second ceiling remaining number of times image TN2 indicating the number of remaining fluctuations in the second ceiling state, and a right-handed hitting image RH for encouraging the player to play right-handed. Note that the second remaining ceiling number image TN2 is an image in a different form from the first remaining ceiling number image TN1 shown in FIG. Furthermore, the background image during the variable effect is different from the normal probability state shown in FIG. 23(A) and the first ceiling state shown in FIG. 22(D).

Next, as shown in FIG. 23(E), the performance symbols that were fluctuating at high speed in FIG. 23(D) are fixed and stopped. Here, the production symbols 8LS, 8CS, and 8RS are stopped at "3", "1", and "5", respectively. Also displayed are a second ceiling remaining number of times image TN2 indicating the number of remaining fluctuations in the second ceiling state, and a right-handed hitting image RH for encouraging the player to play right-handed. Furthermore, the background image at the time of definite stop is different from that in the normal probability state shown in FIG. 22(B) and in the second ceiling state shown in FIG. 22(E). After this, until a jackpot is won or when 998 special pattern fluctuations are executed, the second ceiling state ends, and if it ends after 998 special pattern fluctuations are executed, it returns to the normal probability state. will be migrated. The above is a display example of the second ceiling.
As described above, the display modes of the variable effect in the first ceiling state and the variable effect in the second ceiling state are different. Note that the display mode may be the same, or portions other than the above-mentioned portions may be displayed in different modes.

10. Examples of effects, modifications, and aspects of the first and second embodiments

[Effect example]
Examples of the effects of this embodiment are shown below.
[Effect 1]
In the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment described above, when the special symbol variation is executed 950 times without winning a jackpot in the normal probability state, it shifts to the first ceiling state, and when it is executed 1900 times, it shifts to the second ceiling state. Both the first ceiling state and the second ceiling state were time-saving gaming states (FIGS. 16 and 24). According to this configuration, even if the player fails to win the jackpot at the first ceiling, it is possible to aim for the jackpot at the second ceiling, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

Note that the normal probability state corresponds to the "first gaming state", the first ceiling state and the second ceiling state correspond to the "second gaming state", 950 times is "M times", and 1900 times is "N times". ” respectively.

[Effect 2]
In the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment described above, the first ceiling state and the second ceiling state are configured to be low probability high base time saving states. According to this configuration, in the first ceiling state and the second ceiling state, it is possible to aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls, so it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

[Effect 3]
The gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment is configured so that the first ceiling state is a time-saving gaming state that continues up to 350 times and the second ceiling state continues up to 999 times (FIGS. 16 and 24). According to this configuration, the normal state, the first ceiling state, and the second ceiling state are arranged to be advantageous to the player in this order, which increases the possibility of stimulating the player's desire to play and increases his interest in the game. can be improved.

[Effect 4]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, after not winning a jackpot in the first ceiling state, if 600 special symbol fluctuations are executed without winning a jackpot in the normal probability state, the state shifts to the second ceiling state. (Fig. 16). According to this configuration, after the end of the first ceiling state and before the start of the second ceiling state, the variable performance in the normal state is executed for a while, so that intonation is created in the game and the interest of the game is improved. I can do it.

[Effect 5]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot in the normal probability state is 1/319.7, and in the second ceiling state, the special symbol fluctuations occur up to 999 times, which is more than three times the reciprocal of the jackpot probability. It is configured to be executed (FIGS. 7 and 16). If the lottery is held three times as many times as the reciprocal of the jackpot probability (319.7 in this case), the probability of not winning the jackpot even once is about 5%, so according to this configuration, the maximum number of special draws is 999. In the second ceiling state where the figure fluctuation is executed, it is possible to win the jackpot with a probability of over 95%, increasing the possibility that the player will have a feeling of expectation of winning the jackpot, and increasing the interest of the game. can.

[Effect 6]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the display modes are different between the variable effect in the first ceiling state and the variable effect in the second ceiling state (FIGS. 22 and 23). According to this configuration, there is a high possibility that the player's expectations regarding the second ceiling state can be further increased, and the interest in the game can be improved.

[Modified example]
A modification of this embodiment is shown.
[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, when 950 special pattern fluctuations are executed without winning a jackpot in the normal probability state, the state shifts to the 350 time saving state (first ceiling state), and 1900 special pattern fluctuations are executed. Then, the system was configured to shift to the time saving state (second ceiling state) again. On the other hand, each number of times described above may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, for example, the second ceiling state may be started immediately after the first ceiling state ends.

[Modification 2]
In the embodiment described above, the display modes are different between the variable effect in the first ceiling state and the variable effect in the second ceiling state. On the other hand, parameters such as the BGM and the level of expectation at reach time may be changed. Further, a mode may be adopted in which the player can arbitrarily set the display mode of the variable performance, BGM, the above-mentioned parameters, and the like.

[Modification 3]
In the embodiment described above, the first ceiling and the second ceiling are executed when the conditions are satisfied. On the other hand, a configuration may be adopted in which the ceiling state is executed three or more times, for example, a third ceiling, a fourth ceiling, and so on.

[Example of mode]
The gaming machine of this embodiment can realize the following aspects.
[Aspect 1]
A gaming machine that shifts a gaming state to a second gaming state when a first condition or a second condition is satisfied in a first gaming state,
The first condition is that the special symbol fluctuations have been executed M (M is a natural number) times without winning,
The second condition is that the special symbol fluctuation is executed N (N is a natural number, N>M) times without winning the winning.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 2]
The gaming machine according to aspect 1,
The second gaming state is the gaming state in which the fluctuating effects are digested faster than the first gaming state.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 3]
The gaming machine according to aspect 1 or aspect 2,
The second gaming state to which the first condition is satisfied is continued until S (S is a natural number) special symbol fluctuations are executed;
Continuing the second gaming state to which the second condition is satisfied until T (T is a natural number, T>S) special symbol fluctuations are executed;
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 4]
The gaming machine according to aspect 3,
The N is a value larger than the sum of the M and the S.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 5]
The gaming machine according to aspect 3,
The T is larger than the reciprocal of the probability of winning in one lottery executed in the second gaming state multiplied by three;
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 6]
The gaming machine according to aspect 3,
The display mode of the variable production is different between the second gaming state to which the first condition is satisfied and the second gaming state to which the second gaming state is transitioned to by satisfying the second condition.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Other variations]
Among the various display effects described above, a configuration that does not include some effects or effects other than those described above may be included.

Although the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment has been described using a pachinko gaming machine as an example, it is not limited to this. For example, instead of a pachinko game machine, the present invention may be applied to a reel type game machine such as a slot machine, an arranged ball game machine, or a mahjong ball game machine. When the gaming machine 1 is a slot machine, the gaming medium may be changed from gaming balls to gaming medals.

Although the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment described above is a gaming machine equipped with a payout device for paying out balls, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the gaming machine 1 described above, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine that is not equipped with a payout device, such as a so-called enclosed gaming machine.

Furthermore, two or more production examples and/or modifications among the plurality of production examples and/or modifications described above may be combined. Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 may include a sub-display device in addition to the image display device 7. In this case, the above-described display effect may be executed on the sub display device.

Although the present aspect has been described above based on the embodiments and modified examples, the embodiments of the above-described aspect are for facilitating understanding of the present aspect, and do not limit the present aspect. This aspect may be modified and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and this aspect includes equivalents thereof.

1...Game machine 7...Image display device 7a...Display screen 81...Microcomputer for game control 91...Microcomputer for performance control 101...Microcomputer for image control

Claims (6)

A gaming machine that shifts a gaming state to a second gaming state when a first condition or a second condition is satisfied in a first gaming state,
The first condition is that the special symbol fluctuations have been executed M (M is a natural number) times without winning,
The second condition is that the special symbol fluctuation is executed N (N is a natural number, N>M) times without winning the winning.
A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to claim 1,
The second gaming state is the gaming state in which the fluctuating effects are digested faster than the first gaming state.
A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The second gaming state to which the first condition is satisfied is continued until S (S is a natural number) special symbol fluctuations are executed;
Continuing the second gaming state to which the second condition is satisfied until T (T is a natural number, T>S) special symbol fluctuations are executed;
A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to claim 3,
The N is a value larger than the sum of the M and the S.
A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to claim 3,
The T is larger than the reciprocal of the probability of winning in one lottery executed in the second gaming state multiplied by three;
A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to claim 3,
The display mode of the variable production is different between the second gaming state to which the first condition is satisfied and the second gaming state to which the second gaming state is transitioned to by satisfying the second condition.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images