JP5200151B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to prevent a player from getting bored with a big hit presentation.
An effect unit 620 of a gaming machine 100 includes a special game effect selection unit 621. The special game effect selection unit 621 has a plurality of special game effects in a predetermined order, and when a special game is performed, a special game effect that is performed during the special game is a plurality of special game effects. Choose from. Specifically, the special game effect selection unit 621 can randomly select a special game effect to be performed first from a plurality of special game effect images, and a special game effect to be performed thereafter is based on the first special game effect. Select according to the above order.
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines whether or not to play a special game that is advantageous to a player when a start condition is satisfied, and performs a special game based on the determination result.

  Conventionally, there is a gaming machine in which a big hit lottery is performed when a game ball wins at a start opening provided on a game board, and three rows of symbols (for example, numbers 1 to 9) are changed by a variable display device. Such a gaming machine plays a jackpot game by stopping the three rows of symbols so that a specific combination (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is obtained when the jackpot is won. In the jackpot game, the gaming machine opens a grand prize opening (so-called “attacker”). During this time, the player can acquire a large number of prize balls by winning the game balls in the big prize opening.

  In addition, there was a gaming machine that produced a jackpot game during the jackpot game. For example, such a gaming machine has a plurality of types of jackpot round effects for R15 probability variation, and when winning per R15 probability variation, the jackpot round effect to be performed this time is selected from a plurality of types of jackpot round effects. (For example, see Patent Document 1 below). According to this gaming machine, when winning per R15 probability change, the jackpot round effect to be performed this time is selected by lottery from a plurality of types of jackpot round effects.

JP 2007-289285 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, the player may get bored with the jackpot effect and become bored with the game. For example, if the jackpot effect to be performed is determined by lottery, depending on the lottery result, the same jackpot effect as the previous jackpot effect may be performed this time. When the same jackpot effect is repeatedly performed in this way, the player gets bored with the jackpot effect and becomes bored with the game.

  In addition, there is a gaming machine that has a plurality of types of jackpot effects in the form of a story and plays a jackpot effect so that the story progresses one episode at a time every so-called “continuous change”. For example, such a gaming machine performs a jackpot effect corresponding to the first episode when the jackpot is won in the normal gaming state. If the jackpot is won again in the probability change gaming state or the short-time gaming state after the jackpot game, a jackpot effect equivalent to the second episode will be performed.

  However, in such a gaming machine, if a series is played, a jackpot presentation corresponding to the next story proceeds. However, if the series is finished, a jackpot presentation corresponding to the first episode is performed again. For this reason, for a player who has not continued, the jackpot production corresponding to the first episode will be repeated, and such a player gets bored with the jackpot production and becomes bored with the game. . A player who is bored with the game sometimes quits the game.

  The present invention provides a gaming machine capable of preventing a player from being bored by playing a special game effect and allowing the player to play for a long time in order to eliminate the above-described problems caused by the prior art. The purpose is to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention employs the following configuration. Reference numerals in parentheses indicate correspondence with the embodiments described below for easy understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. The gaming machine (100) according to the present invention has a judging means (612) for judging whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is to be played when the start condition is satisfied, and the special means by the judging means (612). A special game execution means (614) for performing the special game, and a plurality of special game effect images whose display order is determined in advance, and the special game execution means (614). Special game effect selection means (621) for selecting the special game effect image to be displayed in the special game from the plurality of special game effect images when the special game is performed, and the special game effect selection means Effect display means (620) for displaying the special game effect image selected by (621), and the special game effect selection means (621) The first special game effect image to be displayed can select any of the special game effect images from the plurality of special game effect images, and the special game effect image to be displayed thereafter is displayed first. The special game effect image is selected according to the display order.

  Further, in the above-described configuration, the information processing device further includes storage means (622) for storing information representing the special game effect image displayed by the effect display means (620), and the special game effect selection means (621) includes a predetermined number. When the condition is satisfied, the special game effect image to be displayed first may be selected based on the information stored by the storage means (622).

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the player from getting bored of the game by making the player enjoy the special game effect, and to have the player play for a long time.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the information display part of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the kind of jackpot production by the game machine of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the order of the junior large hit effect which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of a series of jackpot presentation which the game machine of this Embodiment performs. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure of the game machine of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the game machine of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the memory content of a counter storage area. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the memory content of the information storage area for special figure determination. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the memory content of the information storage area for common figure determination. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of the determination table per special figure. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the determination table per special figure. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of a special figure symbol determination table. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of a special symbol design determination table. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of a special figure fluctuation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of a special figure fluctuation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a special figure determination result storage area. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a prior determination result storage area. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a big winning opening open | release pattern table. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of the game machine of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a special figure change effect pattern table. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows an example of a jackpot production pattern table. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows an example of a jackpot production pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the main process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a timer interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a prior determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a jackpot lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a special figure fluctuation pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of an opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the process during open | release. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of an interval process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of an ending process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of an effect main process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of effect timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of command reception processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a special figure effect process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the jackpot presentation process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the jackpot production start process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a starting point junior large hit production | presentation lottery process. It is explanatory drawing (the 3) which shows an example of a jackpot production | presentation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing (the 4) which shows an example of a jackpot production | presentation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing (the 5) which shows an example of a jackpot production | presentation pattern table.

  Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiment described below, an example in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine will be described, but the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine. In addition, specific numerical values and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the present invention.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
First, a basic configuration of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 100 includes a game board 101. A launching unit for launching a game ball is disposed below the game board 101. The game ball launched by the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper part of the game area 103, and then falls within the game area 103. A large number of nails are provided in the game area 103, and the game ball collides with the nails when falling in the game area 103. As a result, the falling trajectory of the game ball changes, and the game ball falls in an unpredictable direction. Further, a windmill or the like for changing the falling trajectory of the game ball may be provided in the game area 103.

  An image display unit 104 is disposed in the center of the game board 101. A liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or the like can be used for the image display unit 104. The image display unit 104 displays a decorative symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol decorative symbol”) provided in correspondence with a special symbol representing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery. Furthermore, the image display unit 104 also displays an image related to the effect executed by the gaming machine 100 (hereinafter referred to as “effect image”). In addition, the image display unit 104 may display a decorative symbol (hereinafter referred to as a “general symbol decorative symbol”) provided in correspondence with the normal symbol representing the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. The jackpot lottery and the regular symbol lottery will be described later.

  In the game board 101, a first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are disposed below the image display unit 104 as a start region through which game balls can pass (winning is possible). The first start port 105 and the second start port 106 are provided with a switch for detecting a game ball. When a winning of a game ball at the first start port 105 or the second start port 106 is detected by this switch, the gaming machine 100 acquires determination information for special symbols (hereinafter referred to as “special drawing determination information”). . Then, a jackpot lottery (special symbol lottery) is performed using the special figure determination information. Further, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, three) of winning balls when a winning at the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106 is detected.

  The second starting port 106 is provided with a variable winning device (a so-called electric tulip, hereinafter referred to as “electric tulip”) 107. For example, the electric tulip 107 includes a pair of movable pieces. When the pair of movable pieces are closed, the movable pieces function to inhibit the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 106. On the other hand, when the movable piece is opened, the movable piece functions to assist the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 106. That is, the gaming machine 100 can increase / decrease the winning chance of the game ball to the second starting port 106 by opening / closing the electric tulip 107.

  For example, the gaming machine 100 normally has the electric tulip 107 closed. When it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 108, the gaming machine 100 obtains normal symbol determination information (hereinafter referred to as “general symbol determination information”). Then, a normal symbol lottery is performed using the information for determining a normal figure. When the lottery result of this normal symbol lottery is a specific result (in the present embodiment, when the winning is per common figure), the gaming machine 100 opens the electric tulip 107 for a predetermined period.

  In the game board 101, a big prize opening 109 is provided below the second start opening 106. The grand prize winning port 109 is also configured to open and close like the electric tulip 107. The big winning opening 109 blocks the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening 109 when it is closed, and guides the gaming ball into the big winning opening 109 only when it is opened. As a result, the game ball can win the big prize opening 109 only when the big prize opening 109 is opened.

  For example, the gaming machine 100 normally closes the special winning opening 109. The gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot lottery using the acquired special figure determination information, and when the jackpot is won, the jackpot 109 is opened for a predetermined period. The period during which the gaming machine 100 opens the special winning opening 109 depends on, for example, the type of winning jackpot. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls when it detects winning in the big winning opening 109.

  A normal winning opening 110 is arranged on the side of the image display unit 104 or below. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (e.g., eight) of winning balls when it detects winning in the normal winning opening 110. The first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, the normal winning port 110, and the like described above may be arranged at arbitrary positions in the game area 103 without being limited to the illustrated positions. At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 111 for collecting game balls that have not won any winning ports.

  An information display section 112 is provided at the lower right portion of the game board 101 to suggest game information related to the game to the player. The information display unit 112 can be a lamp display (for example, a dot display or a 7-segment display). The information display unit 112 displays a special symbol representing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, or displays a normal symbol representing the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery.

  The game board 101 is provided with a frame member 113 so as to surround the outer periphery of the game area 103. The frame member 113 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 on the upper, lower, left, and right sides and protrudes toward the player. The frame member 113 incorporates a speaker 114, an effect light unit 115, and the like. The effect light unit 115 includes a plurality of lamps and motors, and is configured to be able to change the light irradiation direction of the lamps in the vertical and horizontal directions by driving the motors.

  An operation handle 116 is provided at the lower right portion of the frame member 113. The operation handle 116 has a shape that protrudes toward the player side, and a firing instruction member 117 is provided on the outer periphery thereof. The firing instruction member 117 is rotatably supported by the operation handle 116. When the player causes the launching unit to launch a game ball, the player rotates the firing instruction member 117 clockwise. At this time, the player can adjust the launch intensity of the game ball according to the angle at which the launch instruction member 117 is rotated. The operation handle 116 is provided with a sensor for detecting that the player directly operates the firing instruction member 117. Thus, only when it is detected that the firing instruction member 117 is directly operated by the player, the gaming machine 100 causes the launching unit to launch a game ball.

  In the frame member 113, an effect button (chance button) 118, a cross key 119, a hit ball supply tray 120, and the like are provided below the game area 103. The effect button 118 and the cross key 119 constitute an operation accepting unit for accepting an operation from the player. The hitting ball supply tray 120 has a shape that can accommodate a game ball, and sends out the stored game ball to the launching unit. Further, although detailed explanation is omitted, a movable accessory 130 that operates during a predetermined performance is also provided in the vicinity of the image display unit 104.

(Details of information display section)
Next, details of the information display unit 112 will be described. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the information display unit of the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the information display unit 112 includes a special symbol display unit 201, a normal symbol display unit 202, a hold number display unit 203, and a round number display unit 204. For each of the display units 201 to 204, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display or the like can be used.

  Here, the 1st special symbol display part 201a displays the special symbol showing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery performed when the game ball won the 1st starting port 105. The second special symbol display unit 201b displays a special symbol representing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery performed when the game ball wins the second starting port 106. For example, the first special symbol display unit 201a and the second special symbol display unit 201b are LED indicators having eight LEDs, and display special symbols according to the lighting state of the eight LEDs.

  It is assumed that the jackpot of the present embodiment includes a first jackpot of 15 rounds and a second jackpot of four rounds. For example, when all the LEDs are turned on in the first special symbol display unit 201a and the second special symbol display unit 201b, the first jackpot is displayed. When the second, third, and sixth LEDs from the left are turned on, the second jackpot is shown. When the first, fourth, and seventh LEDs from the left are lit, a third jackpot is shown. Also, when only the rightmost LED is lit, it indicates a loss. In addition, there may be a plurality of patterns of lighting modes representing each jackpot. Each jackpot will be described later.

  Further, the first special symbol display unit 201a and the second special symbol display unit 201b do not display the lottery result immediately when the big win lottery is performed, but display the special symbol in a predetermined period before the lottery result is displayed. . At the time of variable display, the first special symbol display unit 201a and the second special symbol display unit 201b turn on or off each LED so as to flow from the left to the right in the drawing, for example.

  In addition, a normal symbol display unit 202 representing a lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is provided at the upper part of the special symbol display unit 201. For example, the normal symbol display unit 202 is an LED display having three LEDs, and displays a normal symbol by lighting any one of the three LEDs. It is assumed that there are per long opening and short opening per common figure in the present embodiment. When the LED corresponding to “◯” is turned on, it represents long open per unit. When the LED corresponding to “Δ” is turned on, it represents per short opening. When the LED corresponding to “x” is turned on, it indicates a loss (ordinary loss).

  Further, the normal symbol display unit 202 does not immediately display the lottery result when the normal symbol lottery is performed, but displays the normal symbol variably for a predetermined period before the lottery result is displayed. At the time of variation display, the normal symbol display unit 202 turns on / off each LED in the clockwise direction in the figure, for example, “O” → “X” → “Δ” → “O” →.

  On the left side of the normal symbol display unit 202, there is provided a holding number display unit 203 that indicates the number of stored special figure determination information and the number of general pattern determination information. The reserved number display unit 203 includes a first special symbol reserved number display unit 203a, a second special symbol reserved number display unit 203b, and a normal symbol reserved number display unit 203c. Here, the 1st special symbol reservation number display part 203a displays the number of information for the special figure determination acquired by winning to the 1st starting port 105. FIG. The second special symbol holding number display unit 203b displays the number of special figure determination information acquired by winning the second starting port 106. The normal symbol holding number display unit 203c displays the number of information for determining the general symbol.

  For example, each of the number-of-holds display sections 203a to 203c is an LED display having four LEDs, and displays the number of pieces of determination information according to the number of LEDs that are turned on. Note that the gaming machine 100 can store special figure determination information and universal figure determination information with a prescribed number (for example, four) as an upper limit.

  A round number display unit 204 is provided above the normal symbol display unit 202. The round number display unit 204 displays the number of rounds of the jackpot when the jackpot. As described above, in this embodiment, the first jackpot and the second jackpot are jackpots of 15 rounds. Therefore, the round number display unit 204 lights the LED corresponding to “15” at the jackpot. Since the third jackpot is a jackpot of four rounds, the round number display unit 204 lights the LED corresponding to “4” at the third jackpot.

(Game progress in gaming machines)
Next, the flow of game progress in the gaming machine 100 will be described. When a game ball launched by the player operating the firing instruction member 117 wins the first start opening 105 or the second start opening 106, the gaming machine 100 acquires and stores special figure determination information. After that, when the special symbol start condition is satisfied, the gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot lottery using the stored special diagram determination information. When the big hit lottery is performed, the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 201 is changed (variably displayed).

  The gaming machine 100 changes the special figure decoration symbol on the display screen of the image display unit 104 when the special symbol is changed. At this time, a special drawing effect representing the degree of expectation for the jackpot is also performed. Here, the special figure effect includes a special figure fluctuation effect and a notice effect. For example, the special figure variation effect is an effect that represents the degree of expectation for the jackpot mainly using a special figure decoration symbol such as a reach effect or a pseudo-ream effect. In addition, the notice effect is a step-up notice effect, which shows the degree of expectation for the jackpot by the character and the dialogue of this character, etc., and plays an auxiliary role for the special figure change effect (for example, the special figure change effect can be developed) It is a production that gives notice of sex).

  After changing the special symbol for a predetermined period, the gaming machine 100 stops the special symbol so as to show the lottery result of the big hit lottery. If the jackpot lottery is lost, the gaming machine 100 stops the special symbol indicating the loss here. On the other hand, if the jackpot lottery is won, the special symbol indicating the jackpot is stopped and the jackpot game is started. In the jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 opens the big prize opening 109 for the number of rounds corresponding to the winning jackpot. If a game ball wins the grand prize opening 109 during the opening, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls. Further, the gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot presentation in the jackpot game. The jackpot production will be described later.

  After the jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 is in a high probability gaming state for a predetermined period. When in the high-probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot lottery with an increased probability of winning a jackpot. For example, when the gaming state is not a high-probability gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “low-probability gaming state”), the gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot winning probability of 1/200. On the other hand, in a high-probability gaming state, a jackpot lottery is performed with a probability of winning a jackpot of 1/40. Here, the period for setting the high-probability gaming state can be a period until a jackpot lottery is performed a predetermined number of times (60 times in the present embodiment) after the jackpot. When this period elapses, the gaming machine 100 returns to the low probability gaming state.

  Further, when a game ball launched by the player operating the firing instruction member 117 passes through the gate 108, the gaming machine 100 acquires and stores the information for determining the usual time. After that, when the normal symbol start condition is satisfied, the gaming machine 100 performs the normal symbol lottery using the stored general symbol determination information. When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol of the normal symbol display unit 202 is changed. When the normal symbol is changed for a predetermined period, the gaming machine 100 stops the normal symbol so as to show the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. If the normal symbol lottery is won per normal symbol, the gaming machine 100 stops the normal symbol indicating the normal symbol here and opens the electric tulip 107 for a predetermined period. In addition, when the gaming machine 100 changes the normal symbol, as in the case of the change of the special symbol, the gaming machine 100 changes the normal symbol decoration symbol on the display screen of the image display unit 104, or per normal symbol (for example, per long opening). You may perform a regular drawing that expresses your expectation of

  After the big hit game, the gaming machine 100 is in the auxiliary gaming state for a predetermined period. In the auxiliary game state, the winning chance of the game ball to the second start port 106 is increased. For example, when in the auxiliary gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a normal symbol lottery with a higher probability of winning for the common figure than when the gaming machine 100 is not in the auxiliary gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “non-auxiliary gaming state”). In addition, the opening time of the electric tulip 107 in the case where the winning is won per usual time is extended. Further, the gaming machine 100 may shorten the normal symbol variation time in order to increase the number of times of normal symbol lottery per unit time (for example, per minute). Here, the period of the auxiliary gaming state can be a period until a jackpot lottery is performed a predetermined number of times (30 or 100 times in the present embodiment) after the jackpot. When this period elapses, the gaming machine 100 returns to the non-auxiliary gaming state.

(About jackpot production)
Next, the jackpot effect that the gaming machine 100 performs in the jackpot game will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing types of jackpot effects by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 100 has a long jackpot effect performed in the first jackpot game and a short jackpot effect performed in the second jackpot or the third jackpot game. In the example of the present embodiment, there are 10 types of short jackpot effects, from short jackpot effect A to short jackpot effect J in total. In the example of FIG. 3, there is one type of long and big hit effect, but a plurality of types may be prepared in the same manner as the short and big hit effect.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the order of the junior large hit effect performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. When the gaming machine 100 satisfies a predetermined condition, the game machine 100 determines a starting point jackpot effect (short jackpot effect to be performed first) by lottery or the like from the above ten types of jackpot effects. As a result, the gaming machine 100 does not set the specific jackpot effect as the starting point short jackpot effect, but randomly determines any one from the short jackpot effect A to the jumble hit effect J as the starting point jackpot effect.

  For example, the gaming machine 100 determines the starting short jackpot effect when winning a so-called “big jackpot to start counting the number of consecutive chunks (for example, a big jackpot in a low probability gaming state and a non-auxiliary gaming state)”. If the jackpot is the second jackpot or the third jackpot, the gaming machine 100 performs the starting point jackpot effect in the jackpot game. If the jackpot is the first jackpot, the gaming machine 100 performs the starting short jackpot effect when the second jackpot or the third jackpot is first won in the current chain.

  Further, in the gaming machine 100, as shown by the arrows between the short hit performances in FIG. When the gaming machine 100 performs the starting point jackpot effect, each time it wins the second jackpot or the third jackpot, the gaming machine 100 performs the jackpot effect according to the order determined from the starting point jackpot effect. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the gaming machine 100 has made a short hit effect E as a start short hit effect.

  If the second jackpot or the third jackpot is won again in the current chain after performing the jackpot effect E, the gaming machine 100 performs the jackpot effect F in the jackpot game. Here, the short hit effect F is a short hit effect determined as the short hit effect next to the short hit effect E performed last time. If the second jackpot or the third jackpot is won again after performing the short jackpot effect F, the short jackpot effect G is performed next time.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of a series of jackpot effects performed by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, for example, the second big hit was won at time t1. Here, it is assumed that at the time t1, the low probability gaming state and the non-auxiliary gaming state are entered. For this reason, the second jackpot won at time t1 is a jackpot that starts counting consecutive Chang. At this time, the gaming machine 100 determines the start point short hit effect. In FIG. 5, the gaming machine 100 determines that the starting short jackpot effect is the short jackpot effect E, and performs the short jackpot effect E which is the starting short jackpot effect in the second jackpot jackpot game won at time t1.

  At time t2, which is a high-probability gaming state after the second jackpot at time t1, the next jackpot was won. In this case, since the gaming machine 100 has performed the short jackpot effect E in the previous second jackpot game, the short jackpot effect F is performed this time. At time t3, which is a high-probability gaming state after the third jackpot at time t2, the next was won the first jackpot. In the jackpot game of the first jackpot, the gaming machine 100 performs the jackpot effect regardless of the previous short jackpot effect.

  At time t4, which is a high-probability gaming state after the first jackpot at time t3, the next jackpot was won. In this case, since the gaming machine 100 is performing the short jackpot effect F in the previous jackpot game of the third jackpot (the third jackpot elected at time t2), the short jackpot effect G in the present jackpot game of the second jackpot. To do. As shown in FIG. 5, even when the first jackpot is straddled, each time the gaming machine 100 wins the second jackpot or the third jackpot in the series of consecutive chains from time t1 to time t4, the gaming machine 100 has been described with reference to FIG. So that the junior college hit production will proceed. Here, only the high-probability gaming state has been described as an example, but the same can be applied to a case where a win is won in the auxiliary gaming state. In other words, even if the gaming machine 100 wins the jackpot in the auxiliary gaming state, it continues the continuous change (counting up the number of consecutive changes), and the short jackpot effect is the same as the case of winning the jackpot in the high probability gaming state. To advance.

  Further, it is assumed that the gaming machine 100 has returned to the gaming state in which the gaming machine 100 is in the low probability gaming state and the non-auxiliary gaming state at the timing t5 after the timing t4. And at time t6 of time t5, the second big hit was won. In this case, the gaming machine 100 determines a new starting point short hit effect. In FIG. 5, the gaming machine 100 determines that the starting point short jackpot effect is the short jackpot effect B, and performs the short jackpot effect B which is the starting short jackpot effect in the second jackpot jackpot game won at time t6. Thereafter, the gaming machine 100 advances the short jackpot effect every time the second jackpot or the third jackpot is won as described above. In the present embodiment, a short hit effect produced immediately before (just before) a new start short hit effect is hereinafter referred to as an “end point short hit effect”. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, the short jackpot effect G performed from time t <b> 4 becomes the end point short jackpot effect.

  As described above, the gaming machine 100 can change the jackpot effect performed as the start point short jackpot effect by randomly determining the start point jackpot effect. Accordingly, the gaming machine 100 can increase the variation of the jackpot effect that can be shown to the player as the start point short jackpot effect, as compared with the case where the start point jackpot effect is fixed to a specific jackpot effect.

  Further, every time the gaming machine 100 wins the second jackpot or the third jackpot, the game machine 100 performs the short jackpot presentation of this time according to the previous short jackpot presentation from the starting short jackpot presentation. By these, the gaming machine 100 can prevent the same jackpot effect as the short jackpot effect performed last time from being performed this time. By these, the gaming machine 100 can prevent a certain jackpot effect from being biased, prevent the player from getting bored with the jackpot effect, and prevent the player from getting bored with the game. can do.

(Functional configuration of gaming machine)
Next, a functional configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine 100 includes a game control unit 610 and a rendering unit 620. The game control unit 610 has a function of controlling the progress of the game. For example, here, the game control unit 610 includes an acquisition unit 611, a special game determination unit 612, a symbol control unit 613, and a special game execution unit 614.

  The acquisition unit 611 has a function of acquiring determination information for making a determination related to a special game when a game ball passes through the start area on the game board 101. For example, in the present embodiment, the acquisition unit 611 acquires special figure determination information when a game ball wins at the first start port 105 or the second start port 106. Further, the acquisition unit 611 may acquire the information for determining the usual time when the game ball passes through the gate 108.

  The special game determination unit 612 makes a determination regarding a special game that is advantageous to the player based on the determination information acquired by the acquisition unit 611. Here, the special game can be a big hit that makes the player advantageous by opening the special winning opening 109. In addition, the special game may be a bonus game that makes the player advantageous by opening the gate 108. In the present embodiment, the special game determination unit 612 performs a jackpot lottery that can win various jackpots such as a first jackpot, a second jackpot, and a third jackpot based on the special figure determination information. In addition, as described above, when the acquisition unit 611 acquires the information for determining the general figure, the special game determination unit 612 performs a normal symbol lottery.

  Based on the determination result of the special game determination unit 612, the symbol control unit 613 has a function of changing the symbol for representing the determination result and then stopping to represent the determination result. For example, in the present embodiment, the symbol control unit 613 is connected to the special symbol display unit 201. And after changing the special symbol for representing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, it is stopped at the symbol representing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery. Further, as described above, when the special game determination unit 612 performs the normal symbol lottery, the symbol control unit 613 is connected to the normal symbol display unit 202 so that the normal symbol represents the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. Stop. Further, the symbol control unit 613 is connected to the image display unit 104, and after changing a plurality of rows of special symbol decorative symbols provided so as to correspond to the special symbol, the symbol control unit 613 is stopped with a combination representing the lottery result of the big hit lottery. Also good.

  The special game execution unit 614 has a function of performing a special game when the symbol representing the special game is stopped by the symbol control unit 613. For example, in this embodiment, the special game execution unit 614 is connected to the special winning opening 109. Then, when the symbol representing the jackpot is stopped, the operation of the jackpot 109 is controlled to open the jackpot 109 for a predetermined period, and the jackpot game is played. At this time, the special game execution unit 614 may open the big winning opening 109 in a different opening mode (for example, opening time) depending on the type of symbol representing the jackpot, that is, the type of winning jackpot.

  The game control unit 610 may include a high-probability game control unit 615 and an auxiliary game control unit 616. The high-probability game control unit 615 has a function of setting a high-probability game state in which a probability of determining that a special game is to be performed is higher than a low-probability game state for a predetermined period after the special game by the special game execution unit 614. For example, in the present embodiment, the high-probability game control unit 615 sets the high-probability gaming state until the 60-hit lottery lottery is performed after the jackpot, and sends information indicating the high-probability gaming state to the special game determination unit 612. Output. When the special game determination unit 612 receives information indicating that a high-probability game state is received from the high-probability game control unit 615, the special game determination unit 612 determines the probability of determining that a special game will be performed compared to other cases (for example, the jackpot Make a decision with a higher probability of winning.

  The auxiliary game control unit 616 has a function of setting an auxiliary game state that makes it easier for a game ball to win in the starting area than the non-auxiliary game state for a predetermined period after the special game by the special game execution unit 614. For example, the auxiliary game control unit 616 is connected to the electric tulip 107 in this embodiment. And when it is set as an auxiliary game state, the opening time of the electric tulip 107 is extended from the non-auxiliary game state, or the opening frequency of the electric tulip 107 is increased, so that the second start than the non-auxiliary game state. It is easy for a game ball to win a prize in the mouth 106. Further, for example, in the present embodiment, the auxiliary game control unit 616 keeps the auxiliary game state after the big hit until 30 or 100 big wins are drawn.

  Note that the game control unit 610 includes information indicating the determination result of the special game determination unit 612 (for example, information indicating whether or not the jackpot or information indicating the type of jackpot), and information regarding changes in symbols by the symbol control unit 613 (for example, Producing information related to the game, including information indicating whether or not the game is changing, information indicating the variation of the pattern), information related to the special game by the special game execution unit 614 (for example, information indicating that the game is a big hit game), etc. Output to the unit 620. The information related to the game includes information indicating that the high probability game state is set by the high probability game control unit 615, information indicating that the auxiliary game control unit 616 is the auxiliary game state, and the like.

  The production unit 620 has a function of receiving information related to the game from the game control unit 610 and controlling the production performed by the gaming machine 100. The effect unit 620 is connected to the image display unit 104 and performs this effect by causing the image display unit 104 to display an image corresponding to the effect to be executed. For example, the effect unit 620 performs a jackpot effect when a jackpot game is played, and causes the image display unit 104 to display an effect image corresponding to the jackpot effect. In addition to the display by the image display unit 104, the effect unit 620 outputs music or the like according to the effect to be executed from the speaker 114, or lights the effect light unit 115 or the like according to the effect to be executed. You can also produce.

  The effect unit 620 includes a special game effect selection unit 621. The special game effect selection unit 621 has a plurality of special game effects (a jackpot effect in the present embodiment) in a predetermined order, and a special game (a jackpot game in the present embodiment) is performed. In addition, it has a function of selecting a special game effect to be performed in the special game from a plurality of special game effects.

  For example, in this embodiment, the special game effect selection unit 621 has a jackpot effect of a long jackpot effect and short jackpot effects A to J. The special game effect selection unit 621 is a jackpot to be performed in this jackpot game from among these jackpot effects, such as a long jackpot effect if the first jackpot, a short jackpot effect if the second jackpot or the third jackpot Select a production.

  Further, when selecting the short hit effect, the special game effect selection unit 621 first selects the start point short hit effect. The special game effect selection unit 621 can select any short hit effect from the short jackpot effects A to J as the start short hit effect, and randomly selects the start short hit effect from the short hit effects A to J. As a result, the special game effect selection unit 621 can vary the jackpot effect performed as the start short hit effect. In the present embodiment, when the winning jackpot game that is won in the low probability gaming state and the non-auxiliary gaming state is performed when it is not the high probability gaming state or the auxiliary gaming state, the starting short jackpot effect is performed. This is not limited to this.

  The special game effect selecting unit 621 selects the junior jackpot effect according to a predetermined order after the start point jackpot effect. For example, as described with reference to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, if the short hit bonus effect E is performed as the start short hit effect, the short hit effect F is selected as the next short hit effect. Next, the junior college hit effect G is selected. In this way, the special game effect selection unit 621 selects the short hit effect according to a predetermined order after the start point short hit effect.

  In addition, the rendering unit 620 may include a storage unit 622. Here, the storage unit 622 has a function of storing information representing a special game effect (a jackpot effect in the present embodiment) performed by the effect unit 620. For example, the storage unit 622 can store information indicating a special game effect performed within a predetermined period (for example, in a series of consecutive channels). And the memory | storage part 622 memorize | stores the information showing said special game effect until it satisfy | fills a predetermined condition (for example, until a big hit effect is started in the next continuous change).

  When the storage unit 622 is provided, the special game effect selection unit 621 selects a special game effect to be performed first (in this embodiment, the start point short hit effect) based on the information stored in the storage unit 622. For example, in this case, the special game effect selecting unit 621 selects the current start point short jackpot effect so that the previous start point short hit effect is different from the current start short jackpot effect. In addition, the special game effect selection unit 621 may select a short hit effect determined next to the previous end short hit effect as the current start short hit effect.

(Example of hardware configuration of gaming machine)
Next, an example of a detailed hardware configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 701 that controls the main progress of the game, a prize ball control unit 702 that controls the payout of prize balls, and an effect control unit 703 that controls the progress of the effect.

(1. Main control unit)
First, the main control unit 701 will be described. The main control unit 701 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 711, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 712, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 713, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like.

  The CPU 711 governs overall control of the main control unit 701. The ROM 712 stores programs and data related to the progress of the game. The RAM 713 is used as a work area for the CPU 711. The CPU 711 reads a program and data from the ROM 712, executes the read program while using the RAM 713 as a work area, and controls the main control unit 701.

  The main control unit 701 is connected to a switch (hereinafter abbreviated as “SW”) that detects a game ball in order to acquire information necessary to advance the game. For example, a first start port SW 714a that detects a game ball won in the first start port 105, a second start port SW 714b that detects a game ball won in the second start port 106, and a game ball that has passed through the gate 108 A gate SW 715 for detection, a big winning opening SW 716 for detecting a game ball won in the big winning opening 109, and a normal winning opening SW 717 for detecting a gaming ball won in the normal winning opening 110 are connected. A proximity switch or the like can be used for the various SWs 714 to 717. The various SWs 714 to 717 input a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the main control unit 701. The main control unit 701 stores special figure determination information (see FIG. 9) based on the detection signals input from the various SWs 714 to 717, stores general figure determination information (see FIG. 10), and awards. A prize ball payout instruction is given to the ball control unit 702.

  The main controller 701 is connected to an electric tulip solenoid 718 for opening / closing the electric tulip 107 and a big prize opening solenoid 719 for opening / closing the big prize opening 109. The electric tulip solenoid 718 and the special prize opening solenoid 719 convert the electric energy input from the main control unit 701 into a mechanical motion, and open / close the electric tulip 107 and the special prize opening 109.

  Further, the main control unit 701 is connected to an information display unit 112 for displaying information related to the game. As described above, the information display unit 112 includes the special symbol display unit 201 (the first special symbol display unit 201a and the second special symbol display unit 201b), the normal symbol display unit 202, the reserved number display unit 203, the round And a number display unit 204.

  The main control unit 701 performs display control of the first special symbol display unit 201a and the second special symbol display unit 201b so as to represent the lottery result of the jackpot lottery. In addition, the main control unit 701 performs display control of the normal symbol display unit 202 so as to represent the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. Display control of the number-of-holds display unit 203 is performed so as to represent the number of information for special figure determination and the number of information for general figure determination.

(Example of main control unit program and storage area)
Here, an example of a program stored in the ROM 712 and information stored in the RAM 713 when the program is executed will be described. Note that only characteristic features that are particularly important in the present embodiment will be described below. In addition to the program described below, the ROM 712 stores a number of programs (not shown), and the RAM 713 has a number of storage areas (not shown) in addition to the storage areas described below.

  The main processing program 712a is executed when power is supplied to the main control unit 701, and the main control unit 701 is initialized (for example, setting an interrupt cycle) or restored (for example, to the state at the time of the previous power shutdown). Recovery). Further, the main processing program 712 a generates backup information when the main control unit 701 is powered off, and stores this backup information in the RAM 713.

  For example, the RAM 713 is supplied with power by a backup power source (not shown) even if the gaming machine 100 is powered off for a certain period (for example, one day). Therefore, the RAM 713 can hold backup information for a certain period even when the power of the gaming machine 100 is shut off. The RAM 713 may be a nonvolatile RAM such as a FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) or a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory. In this case, the RAM 713 can hold backup information without requiring a backup power source.

  The timer interrupt processing program 712b is interrupt-executed with respect to the main processing program 712a at the set interrupt cycle. The timer interrupt processing program 712b sequentially executes subprograms such as a random number update processing program 712c, a switch processing program 712d, a symbol processing program 712i, an electric accessory control processing program 712l, a prize ball processing program 712p, and an output processing program 712q. .

  The random number update processing program 712c includes a random number for special symbol (hereinafter abbreviated as "random number per special symbol"), a special design random number (hereinafter abbreviated as "special symbol random number"), a special symbol variation pattern determination random number (hereinafter referred to as "random number per special symbol"). Such as “Special Figure Variation Pattern Random”), initial value random number, random number for normal symbol (hereinafter abbreviated as “random number per common symbol”), normal symbol for normal symbol (hereinafter abbreviated as “general symbol random number”), etc. The random number managed by the main control unit 701 is updated. In the RAM 713, a counter storage area 713a for managing the above various random numbers is set.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the counter storage area. In the counter storage area 713a, as a count value of a special design random number counter, a count value of a special design random number counter, a count value of a special design random number counter, a count value of a special design variation pattern random number counter, and an initial value The count value of the value random number counter is stored. In addition, the count value of the random number counter per ordinary figure and the count value of the ordinary figure random number counter are stored as the count value of the random number counter for ordinary symbols.

  The random number update processing program 712c increments each count value stored in the counter storage area 713a by “+1” each time it is executed once. Further, when the count value of the random number counter other than the random number counter per special figure reaches the upper limit value, the count value of the counter that has reached the upper limit value is returned to “0”. When the count value of the random number counter per special figure reaches the upper limit value, the count value of the random number counter per special figure is set to be the same value as the count value of the initial value random number counter at that time.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the random number counter per special figure and the initial value random number counter are counted in an integer range of “0 to 199”. The special figure random number counter and the special figure fluctuation pattern random number counter are counted in an integer range of “0 to 99”. In addition, it is assumed that the common symbol random number counter and the common symbol random number counter are counted in an integer range of “0 to 9”.

  The switch processing program 712d sequentially executes subprograms such as a start opening switch processing program 712e, a gate switch processing program 712f, a big winning opening switch processing program 712g, and a normal winning opening switch processing program 712h.

  The start port switch processing program 712e detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 105 or the second start port 106. Then, the counter storage area 713a is referred to at the timing when the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106 is detected, and the count value of the special counter per random number counter and the count of the special symbol random number counter are counted. The value and the count value of the special figure fluctuation pattern random number counter are acquired as special figure determination information. In the RAM 713, a special figure determination information storage area 713b for storing the acquired special figure determination information is set.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents stored in the special figure determination information storage area. The special figure determination information storage area 713b has special figure determination information storage areas TJ1 to TJ8. The special figure determination information storage areas TJ1 to TJ8 are associated with the count value of the acquired random number counter per special figure, the count value of the special figure random number counter, and the count value of the special figure variation pattern random number counter. It is stored as special figure determination information.

  The special figure determination information stored in the special figure determination information storage area 713b is the special figure determination information acquired by winning the first start port 105 or the second start port 106. Is also stored as special figure determination information acquired by (winning start port). In the special figure determination information storage areas TJ1 to TJ8, a maximum of four special figure determination information is stored for each start port of the first start port 105 and the second start port 106, up to a maximum of eight. Can be done.

  Moreover, the priority order for receiving the big hit lottery is set in the special figure determination information storage areas TJ1 to TJ8. In the illustrated example, a special figure determination with a young number such as a special figure determination information storage area TJ1, a special figure determination information storage area TJ2, a special figure determination information storage area TJ3,... A special figure determination information storage area TJ8. The priority for receiving the big hit lottery is set higher for the special figure determination information stored in the information storage area.

  In the present embodiment, the special figure determination information stored in the younger figure determination information storage area has a smaller number than the special figure determination information acquired earlier in time series. In the present embodiment, the special figure determination information acquired by winning the second start port 106 has a lower number than the special figure determination information acquired by winning the first start port 105. It is stored in the figure determination information storage area.

  In addition, when the special chart determination information is stored, the start port switch processing program 712e performs a jackpot lottery (special chart determination or special symbol design determination), special chart variation pattern determination, and the like, and the results thereof. May be stored in the preliminary determination result storage area 713e as a preliminary determination result. As a result, the main control unit 701 can obtain the jackpot lottery result and the special figure fluctuation pattern determination result of the stored special figure determination information before the start condition of each special figure determination information is satisfied. As described above, the game machine 100 obtains a series of effects (hereinafter referred to as “continuous effects”) over a plurality of special symbol variations by obtaining each special figure determination information before the start conditions are established. Can be done. In addition, the determination per special figure, the special symbol design determination, the special figure variation pattern determination, and the like will be described later.

  The gate switch processing program 712f detects the passage of the game ball to the gate 108. Then, the counter storage area 713a is referred to at the timing when the passage of the game ball to the gate 108 is detected, and the count value of the random number counter per common figure and the count value of the common symbol random number counter are used as the information for determining the normal figure. Get it. In the RAM 713, a general-purpose information storage area 713c for storing the acquired general-purpose information is set.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the contents stored in the common map determination information storage area. The general-purpose determination information storage area 713c includes general-purpose determination information storage areas FJ1 to FJ4. In the common symbol determination information storage areas FJ1 to FJ4, the acquired count value of the random number counter per common symbol and the count value of the regular symbol random number counter are stored in association with each other. The usual figure determination information storage areas FJ1 to FJ4 can store the usual figure determination information with an upper limit of four.

  Moreover, the priority order for receiving the normal symbol lottery is set in the general symbol determination information storage areas FJ1 to FJ4. In the illustrated example, the common figure determination information storage area FJ1 to the common figure determination information storage area FJ2... The common figure determination information storage area FJ4 are stored in the common figure determination information storage area having a smaller number. The priority for receiving the normal symbol lottery is set higher for the figure determination information. In the present embodiment, the information is stored in the common figure determination information storage area having a smaller number from the common figure determination information acquired earlier in time series.

  The big prize opening switch processing program 712g detects a game ball won in the big prize opening 109, and the normal prize opening switch processing program 712h detects a game ball won in the normal prize opening 110.

  The symbol processing program 712i sequentially executes a special symbol processing program 712j and a normal symbol processing program 712k. The special symbol processing program 712j uses the special symbol determination information stored in the special symbol determination information storage region TJ1 having the highest priority in the special symbol determination information storage region 713b when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. Then, the jackpot lottery (determination per special figure or special figure symbol determination) or special figure variation pattern determination is performed. In the RAM 713, a special figure determination result storage area 713d for storing these determination results is set.

  Specifically, first, the special symbol processing program 712j makes a per-special symbol determination that compares the per-special symbol determination table TAt stored in the ROM 712 with a random number per special symbol in the special symbol determination information. Here, the special figure determination table TAt stored in the ROM 712 will be described.

(Judgment table per special figure)
FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of an example of a special figure hit determination table. FIG. 11B is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of an example of the special figure determination table. The special figure determination table TAt has a low-accuracy special figure determination table TAt1 shown in FIG. 11A and a high-accuracy special figure determination table TAt2 shown in FIG.

  The special symbol processing program 712j uses the determination table TAt1 for the low probability special figure if the high probability gaming flag indicating the high probability gaming state (for example, the probability variation gaming state) is set to OFF at the time of the special symbol determination. To make a judgment per special figure. On the other hand, if the high-accuracy game flag is set to ON, the determination per special figure is made using the high-accuracy special figure determination table TAt2.

  The determination table TAt1 per low-accuracy special figure and the determination table TAt2 per high-specialty figure are configured by associating a determination value that determines the winning probability for the big hit with the big hit. In the present embodiment, as an example, the determination value “0 (one)” is assigned to the big hit in the low-accuracy special figure determination table TAt1. On the other hand, in the high-accuracy special figure determination table TAt2, the determination value “0 to 4 (five)” is assigned to the big hit.

  The special symbol processing program 712j determines that the jackpot has been won if the random number per special symbol matches the determination value associated with the jackpot. When the random number per special figure does not match the judgment value of the jackpot, it is judged as lost. As described above, the random number per special figure acquired in the present embodiment is any integer from 0 to 199. For this reason, when the determination per special figure is performed using the low-accuracy special figure determination table TAt1, the jackpot is won with a probability of 1/200. Further, when the determination per special figure is performed using the high-accuracy special figure determination table TAt2, the jackpot is won with a probability of 5/200 (= 1/40). As a result, in the gaming machine 100, when using the high-accuracy special figure determination table TAt2, the determination per special figure with a higher probability of winning the jackpot is performed.

  When the special symbol winning is won in the special symbol determination, the special symbol processing program 712j then compares the special symbol determination table TZt stored in the ROM 712 with the special symbol random number of the special symbol determination information. Make symbol determination. Here, the special symbol determination table TZt stored in the ROM 712 will be described.

(Special figure determination table)
FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of an example of a special symbol design determination table. FIG. 12-2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of an example of the special symbol design determination table. The special symbol symbol determination table TZt has a first special symbol symbol determination table TZt1 shown in FIG. 12A and a second special symbol symbol determination table TZt2 shown in FIG.

  The special symbol processing program 712j uses the first special symbol determination table TZt1 if the special symbol determination information used for the special symbol determination is acquired by winning the first starting port 105. To do. On the other hand, if the special symbol determination information used for the special symbol determination is acquired by winning the second start port 106, the special symbol determination is performed using the second special symbol determination table TZt2.

  The first special symbol determination table TZt1 and the second special symbol determination table TZt2 indicate the winning probabilities for each jackpot for each jackpot (first jackpot, second jackpot, and third jackpot in this embodiment). It is configured by associating the determined determination values. In the present embodiment, as an example, in the first special symbol determination table TZt1, a determination value “0 to 4 (five)” is assigned to the first big hit, and a determination value “5 to 39” is assigned to the second big hit. (35) "and the determination value" 40 to 99 (60) "is assigned to the third jackpot. On the other hand, in the second special symbol determination table TZt2, the determination value “0 to 39 (40 pieces)” is assigned to the first jackpot, the determination value is not assigned to the second jackpot, and the determination value is assigned to the third jackpot. “40 to 99 (60)” is assigned.

  The special symbol processing program 712j determines that the first jackpot has been won if the special symbol random number matches the determination value associated with the first jackpot. If the special symbol random number matches the determination value associated with the second jackpot, it is determined that the second jackpot has been won. If the special symbol random number matches the determination value associated with the third jackpot, it is determined that the third jackpot has been won.

  As described above, the special symbol random number acquired in the present embodiment is any integer from 0 to 99. Therefore, when the special symbol determination is performed using the first special symbol determination table TZt1, the first big hit is won with a probability of 5/100, and the second big hit is won with a probability of 35/100. The third jackpot is won with a probability of 60/100. In addition, when the special symbol determination is performed using the second special symbol determination table TZt2, the first big hit is won with a probability of 40/100, and the third big hit is won with a probability of 60/100. It has become.

  Of the jackpots that can be won in the gaming machine 100, the first jackpot is the jackpot with the longest period for opening the jackpot 109. For this reason, the special symbol determination that is more advantageous to the player is performed when the second special symbol determination table TZt2 in which the probability of winning the first jackpot is set high is used.

  When the special symbol processing program 712j performs determination per special symbol or special symbol determination (only at the time of big hit), the special symbol variation pattern table THt stored in the ROM 712 and the special symbol variation in the special symbol determination information A special figure fluctuation pattern judgment for comparing the pattern random number is performed. Here, the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt stored in the ROM 712 will be described.

(Special figure variation pattern table)
FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of an example of a special figure variation pattern table. FIG. 13-2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of an example of the special figure variation pattern table. The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt includes a loss special figure fluctuation pattern table THt1 shown in FIG. 13A and a hit special figure fluctuation pattern table THt2 shown in FIG.

  The special symbol processing program 712j performs the special symbol variation pattern determination using the special symbol variation pattern table THt1 for loss if the determination result of the determination per special symbol is lost. On the other hand, if the determination result of the special figure hit determination is a big hit, the special figure fluctuation pattern determination is performed using the special drawing fluctuation pattern table THt2 for winning.

  The special figure fluctuation pattern table for loss THt1 and the special figure fluctuation pattern table for hits THt2 are configured in association with the special figure fluctuation patterns THp1 to THp6 and determination values that determine the respective winning probabilities. Here, the special symbol variation patterns THp1 to THp6 define special symbol variation modes. For example, the special symbol variation time can be defined as shown in the figure.

  The special symbol processing program 712j determines that a special symbol variation pattern having a determination value matching the special symbol variation pattern random number in the special symbol determination information is won in the special symbol variation pattern determination. Note that in the gaming machine 100, the special figure variation pattern that defines a long-term variation time is more likely to be determined at the time of a big hit and is difficult to be determined at the time of a loss. In other words, the determination values of the special figure fluctuation patterns THp1 to THp6 are determined such that the expectation for the big hit becomes higher as the special figure fluctuation pattern having a longer fluctuation time.

(Special drawing judgment result storage area)
The special symbol processing program 712j stores the determination results of special symbol determination, special symbol determination, and special symbol variation pattern determination in the special symbol determination result storage area 713d. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of an example of the special figure determination result storage area. In the special figure determination result storage area 713d, the determination result of special figure determination, the determination result of special figure determination, and the determination result of special figure variation pattern determination are stored in association with each other.

  The special figure determination result storage area 713d may store information indicating symbols representing both the determination result of the special figure determination and the determination result of the special symbol determination. For example, in this case, the symbol “1” is stored for the first jackpot, and the symbol “2” is stored for the second jackpot. In addition, the symbol “3” is stored in the third jackpot. In case of losing, the symbol “-” is stored.

  The special symbol processing program 712j performs display control of special symbols based on the contents stored in the special symbol determination result storage area 713d. For example, after changing the special symbol for the fluctuation time indicated by the special symbol variation pattern, the special symbol is stopped at a symbol representing both the determination result of the special symbol determination and the determination result of the special symbol determination.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a prior determination result storage area. As described above, when the special figure determination information is stored, the main control unit 701 performs a lottery lottery (determination per special figure or special figure symbol determination), special figure variation pattern determination, and the like. Can be stored in the preliminary determination result storage area 713e as a preliminary determination result. The pre-judgment result storage area 713e stores a jackpot lottery result, a special figure variation pattern judgment result, and the like for each special figure judgment information stored in the special figure judgment information storage areas TJ1 to TJ8.

  The normal symbol processing program 712k uses the general symbol determination information stored in the general symbol determination information storage region FJ1 having the highest priority in the general symbol determination information storage region 713c when a predetermined start condition is satisfied. The normal symbol lottery is performed. In the RAM 713, a general-purpose determination result storage area 713f for storing these determination results is set.

  In the determination per hit figure, the normal symbol processing program 712k, like the determination per special figure, determines the random number per reference figure in the reference figure determination information and the determination value associated with the per reference figure in the per figure determination table FAt. Make a judgment per common figure to determine whether they match. If it matches with the judgment value associated with each ordinary figure, it is judged that the player has been won per ordinary figure. When winning per common figure, the common symbol random number in the universal figure determination information is associated with any type of common figure (per long opening or per short opening) in the general symbol determination table FZt. The common symbol determination is performed to determine whether the value matches.

  Further, the normal symbol processing program 712k performs a normal drawing from the general symbol variation pattern table FHt based on the determination result of the normal symbol determination or the setting state of the auxiliary game flag (ON or OFF) indicating the auxiliary game state. Determine the variation pattern. When the normal symbol processing program 712k performs the universal symbol determination, the universal symbol determination, the universal symbol variation pattern determination, etc., these determination results are stored in the universal symbol determination result storage area 713f, and the normal symbol determination result storage area Based on the content stored in 713f, normal symbol display control is performed. For example, after changing the normal symbol for the fluctuation time indicated by the normal pattern change pattern, the normal symbol is stopped at a symbol that represents both the determination result of the normal symbol determination and the determination result of the normal symbol determination.

  The electric accessory control processing program 712l sequentially executes sub-programs such as a special prize opening processing program 712m and an electric tulip processing program 712o. The special winning opening processing program 712m sets a special winning opening opening pattern from the special winning opening opening pattern table KPt1 based on the processing result of the special symbol processing program 712j, and opens and closes the special winning opening 109 according to this special winning opening opening pattern. Let

(Big prize opening pattern table)
Here, the special winning opening opening pattern table KPt1 stored in the ROM 712 will be described. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the special winning opening opening pattern table. The big prize opening pattern table KPt1 is configured by associating the big prize types with the big prize opening patterns DKp1 to DKp3. Here, the big winning opening opening patterns DKp1 to DKp3 define the opening manner of the big winning opening 109 in each jackpot. Specifically, for example, the big winning opening opening patterns DKp1 to DKp3 define the number of rounds in each jackpot, the opening time of the big winning opening 109 in each round, the opening time, the interval time, and the ending time. ing.

  Further, the special winning opening processing program 712m causes the gaming state setting processing program 712n to be executed as a subprogram. The game state setting processing program 712n causes the RAM 713 to set a high-probability game flag for setting the jackpot game to a high probability game state, an auxiliary game flag for setting the auxiliary game state, and the like.

  The electric tulip processing program 712o sets the electric tulip opening pattern from the electric tulip opening pattern table KPt2 based on the processing result of the normal symbol processing program 712k and the setting state (ON / OFF) of the auxiliary game flag, Therefore, the electric tulip 107 is opened and closed.

  The prize ball processing program 712p is used for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls for winning at each of the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, and the normal winning port 110. A payout instruction (prize ball command) is set in the RAM 713.

  The output processing program 712q sends information (for example, commands) indicating the storage contents of each storage area set in the RAM 713 to each control unit (for example, the prize ball control unit 702 or the effect control unit 703) connected to the main control unit 701. Output.

  Further, the main control unit 701 may output information indicating the storage contents of each storage area set in the RAM 713 to the outside (for example, a hall computer in a game arcade) via the board external information terminal board 791. For example, the main control unit 701 can realize its function by the main control board.

(2. Prize ball control unit)
Next, the winning ball control unit 702 will be described. The prize ball controller 702 includes a CPU 721, a ROM 722, a RAM 723, an input / output interface (not shown), and the like. The CPU 721 controls the entire prize ball control unit 702. The ROM 722 stores programs and data related to payout of prize balls. The RAM 723 is used as a work area for the CPU 721. The CPU 721 reads a program and data from the ROM 722, executes the read program while using the RAM 723 as a work area, and controls the prize ball control unit 702. As a result, the prize ball control unit 702 functions to pay out a prize ball based on a payout instruction (prize ball command) from the main control unit 701.

  The prize ball control unit 702 is connected to various SWs for detecting a game ball. For example, the prize ball control unit 702 includes a fixed position detection SW 724 that detects a game ball at a predetermined position, a payout ball detection SW725 that detects a game ball that has been paid out, and a hit ball supply tray 120 provided on the front surface of the frame. A ball presence detection SW 726 for detecting presence / absence of a game ball and a full tank detection SW 727 for detecting that the hitting ball supply tray 120 is filled with game balls are connected.

  The various SWs 724 to 727 input a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the prize ball control unit 702. The winning ball control unit 702 pays out a winning ball or stops paying out a winning ball based on a payout instruction output from the main control unit 701 and detection signals input from various SWs 724 to 727. The prize ball control unit 702 may output detection signals input from the various SWs 724 to 727 to the main control unit 701.

  In addition, the winning ball control unit 702 is connected to a launching unit 728 and a payout unit 729. The prize ball control unit 702 detects the operation of launching the game ball with respect to the launch unit 728 and controls the launch of the game ball. The launching unit 728 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 702 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 728, the prize ball control unit 702 drives a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation to intermittently fire the game ball, thereby playing the game area 103 of the game board 101. Launch a game ball.

  The prize ball control unit 702 controls the payout unit 729 to pay out the number of prize balls at the time of winning. The payout unit 729 includes a payout drive motor for paying out a predetermined number from a storage unit (not shown) that stores game balls. The winning ball control unit 702 drives the payout driving motor and wins the payout unit 729 to each winning port (first starting port 105, second starting port 106, large winning port 109, normal winning port 110). The number of prize balls corresponding to the played game ball is paid out.

  Also, the prize ball control unit 702 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 792, and can output various information executed by the prize ball control unit 702 to the outside. For example, the prize ball control unit 702 can realize its function by a prize ball control board.

(3. Production control unit)
Next, the effect control unit 703 will be described. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. The effect control unit 703 includes an effect control unit 703 a that controls the entire effect control unit 703, an image / sound control unit 703 b that performs display control of the image display unit 104 and sound output control of the speaker 114, lamp lighting control, and movable A lamp control unit 703c for controlling the driving of the accessory 130.

(3-1. Director of Production)
First, the production control unit 703a will be described. The production control unit 703a includes a CPU 731, a ROM 732, a RAM 733, an RTC (Real-Time Clock) 734, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 731 controls the entire production control unit 703a. The ROM 732 stores programs and data for controlling the effect control unit 703. The RAM 733 is used as a work area for the CPU 731. The CPU 731 reads the program and data from the ROM 732, executes the read program while using the RAM 733 as a work area, and controls the production control unit 703a.

  The RTC 734 counts and outputs real time. The RTC 734 is supplied with power by a backup power source (not shown) even if the gaming machine 100 is powered off for a certain period (for example, one day). For this reason, the RTC 734 can continue the timing operation for a certain period even when the power of the gaming machine 100 is shut off. Here, the RTC 734 is provided in the production control unit 703a, but may be provided in the main control unit 701, the image / sound control unit 703b, or the like. Further, the RTC 734 may be arranged independently and configured to output information indicating the actual time measured with respect to the production control unit 703a and the like.

  In addition, an effect button 118 and a cross key 119 for receiving an operation from a player are connected to the effect supervision unit 703a. The effect button 118 and the cross key 119 input a control signal corresponding to a key operated (for example, pressed) by the player to the effect control unit 703a.

(Examples of programs and storage areas of the production control department)
Here, an example of the program stored in the ROM 732 and information stored in the RAM 733 by executing these programs will be described. Note that only characteristic features that are particularly important in the present embodiment will be described below. In addition to the programs described below, the ROM 732 stores a number of programs (not shown), and the RAM 733 has a number of storage areas (not shown) in addition to the storage areas described below.

  The effect main processing program 732a is executed when power is supplied to the effect control unit 703a, and the effect control unit 703a for initial setting of the effect control unit 703a (for example, setting of an interrupt cycle) or a random number for effect production. The count value of the random number counter to be managed is updated (for example, “+1” is incremented every time it is executed once).

  The effect timer interrupt processing program 732b is interrupted and executed with respect to the effect main processing program 732a at the set interrupt cycle. The effect timer interrupt processing program 732b sequentially executes subprograms such as a command reception processing program 732c, an operation reception processing program 732g, and a command transmission processing program 732h.

  The command reception processing program 732c receives various commands transmitted from the main control unit 701, and performs processing according to the received commands. For example, the command reception processing program 732c sequentially executes sub-programs such as the special drawing effect processing program 732d, the general drawing effect processing program 732e, and the hit effect processing program 732f.

  The special figure effect processing program 732d performs a process related to the special figure effect when a command related to the special symbol is received from the main control unit 701. For example, the special figure effect processing program 732d selects one special figure fluctuation effect pattern from the special figure fluctuation effect pattern table TEt and sets it in the RAM 733, or selects one notice effect pattern from the notice effect pattern table YEt. RAM 733 is set.

(Example of special figure variation effect pattern table)
Here, an example of the special figure variation effect pattern table TEt will be described. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the special figure variation effect pattern table. The special figure fluctuation effect pattern table TEt is configured by associating special figure fluctuation patterns THp1 to THp6 with special figure fluctuation effect patterns TEp1 to TEp6 that define different special figure fluctuation effects. For example, when the special figure effect processing program 732d sets the special figure fluctuation effect pattern, the special figure fluctuation effect pattern associated with the special figure fluctuation pattern included in the special figure fluctuation start command is stored in the special figure fluctuation effect pattern table TEt. Judging from the inside, this special figure variation effect pattern is set in the RAM 733.

  When the special figure effect processing program 732d sets a special figure fluctuation effect pattern or a notice effect pattern, it generates a special figure effect start command for starting the special figure effect represented by these patterns and causes the RAM 733 to set it.

  Returning to FIG. 17, when the command related to the normal symbol is received from the main control unit 701, the general diagram effect processing program 732 e performs the process related to the general symbol effect. For example, the ordinary drawing effect processing program 732e causes the RAM 733 to set one ordinary drawing effect pattern from the ordinary drawing effect pattern table FEt when the ordinary drawing change start command is received. Then, a general drawing effect start command for starting the general drawing effect determined by the normal drawing effect pattern is generated and set in the RAM 733.

  The jackpot effect processing program 732f performs a process related to the jackpot effect when a command related to the jackpot is received from the main control unit 701. For example, the jackpot presentation processing program 732f causes the RAM 733 to set a jackpot presentation pattern from the jackpot presentation pattern table OEt when an opening command transmitted at the start of the jackpot is received.

(An example of a jackpot production pattern table)
Here, an example of the jackpot effect pattern table OEt will be described. FIG. 19A is an explanatory diagram (part 1) of an example of a jackpot effect pattern table. FIG. 19-2 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of an example of the jackpot effect pattern table. The jackpot effect pattern table OEt includes a short jackpot effect pattern table OEt1 shown in FIG. 19-1 and a long jackpot effect pattern table OEt2 shown in FIG. 19-2.

  The jackpot effect pattern table OEt1 is composed of jackpot effect patterns OEp1 to OEp10 representing the respective jackpot effects from the jumble effect A to J. For example, the short jackpot effect A is a jackpot effect that displays a character A introduction image that introduces the character A to the player. The short jackpot effect B is a jackpot effect that displays a character B introduction image that introduces the character B to the player. Similarly, the short jackpot effects C to J are jackpot effects in which character introduction images for introducing different characters are displayed.

  Further, in the short jackpot effect pattern table OEt1, determination values are associated with the jackpot effect patterns OEp1 to OEp10. This determination value defines the probability for each short hit effect to be determined as the start short hit effect. In the present embodiment, the sum of the determination values associated with the jackpot effect patterns OEp1 to OEp10 is “100”. For example, the jackpot effect processing program 732f obtains an effect random number at the time of winning the jackpot to start counting consecutive chunks, and uses this effect random number and the short jackpot effect pattern table OEt1 to determine the start short jackpot effect A lottery for the starting point junior college.

  In the start point short jackpot lottery, the jackpot rendering processing program 732f subtracts the numerical value of the judgment value associated with each jackpot performance pattern from the numerical value (an integer of 0 to 99) acquired as a random number for rendering. Go. At this time, the jackpot effect pattern OEp1 → the jackpot effect pattern OEp2 →... Each time the determination value is subtracted, it is determined whether or not the calculated value thus calculated is 0 or less. And when it determines with becoming 0 or less, the short hit effect of the jackpot effect pattern with which the determination value subtracted at the end was matched is determined as a start short hit effect.

  Also, if the jackpot effect processing program 732f is in a high probability game state or an auxiliary game state at the time of winning the second jackpot or the third jackpot, the short jackpot effect determined next to the previous short jackpot effect in the current jackpot game. I also do it. Further, the jackpot effect processing program 732f performs a long jackpot effect represented by the jackpot effect pattern OEp20 of the long jackpot effect pattern table OEt2 when the first jackpot effect is won.

  The operation reception processing program 732g receives a control signal from the effect button 118 or the cross key 119, generates an operation command corresponding to the control signal, and sets it in the RAM 733. The command transmission processing program 732h generates various commands based on the special figure variation effect pattern and the jackpot effect pattern set in the RAM 733, and these commands are generated at a predetermined timing in the image / audio control unit 703b and the lamp control unit 703c. To send to.

(3-2. Image / Audio Control Unit)
The image / sound controller 703b includes a CPU 741, a ROM 742, a RAM 743, a VRAM 744, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 741 controls the entire image / sound controller 703b. The ROM 742 stores a program, data, and the like for outputting an image and sound related to the effect instructed by the effect control unit 703a. The RAM 743 is used as a work area for the CPU 741.

  For example, production data is stored in the ROM 742. Here, the production data is image data that represents a decorative design (special design decoration design or general design design), image data that represents a background image, image data that represents a production image for reach production, or for various notice effects. It includes image data representing the effect image. Further, the production data includes BGM (Background music) audio data, sound data of sound effects, and the like.

  The CPU 741 reads the image data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect supervising unit 703 a from the effect data, generates display data from the image data, and stores it in the VRAM 744. Further, the CPU 741 reads the image data of the background image corresponding to the effect mode set by the effect supervising unit 703a from the effect data, generates display data from this image data, and stores it in the VRAM 744. At the time of generating the display data, the CPU 741 uses a hidden surface removal method such as a Z buffer method, for example, so that the background image is on the back side with respect to the special figure decoration symbol or the like. Since the Z buffer method is a known technique, a description thereof is omitted here. The display data stored in the VRAM 744 is output to the image display unit 104 at a predetermined timing. As a result, an image represented by the display data is displayed on the display screen of the image display unit 104.

  Further, the CPU 741 reads audio data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect supervising unit 703 a from the effect data, generates audio output data, and stores the data in the RAM 743. The audio output data stored in the RAM 743 is output to the speaker 114 at a predetermined timing. As a result, the sound represented by the sound output data is output from the speaker 114.

(3-3. Lamp control unit)
The lamp control unit 703c includes a CPU 751, a ROM 752, a RAM 753, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 751 governs overall control of the lamp control unit 703c. The ROM 752 stores a program, data, and the like for controlling the lighting of the lamp related to the effect instructed by the effect supervising unit 703a and controlling the driving of the movable accessory 130. The RAM 753 is used as a work area for the CPU 751.

  For example, the ROM 752 stores control data. Here, the control data includes drive control data for driving the movable accessory 130 and lighting control data for lighting each lamp of the effect light unit 115 and the panel lamp Lp. The CPU 751 reads drive control data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect supervising unit 703a from the control data and stores it in the RAM 753, and sends a control signal corresponding to the drive control data to the motor of the movable accessory 130 at a predetermined timing. input. Accordingly, the lamp control unit 703c can drive the movable accessory 130. The lamp control unit 703c is also connected to an accessory sensor S1 that detects the position of the movable accessory 130, receives a detection signal from the accessory sensor S1, and drives the movable accessory 130 based on the detection signal. It can also be controlled.

  Further, the CPU 751 reads lighting control data related to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect supervising unit 703a from the control data and stores it in the RAM 753. The control signal corresponding to the lighting control data is output at a predetermined timing at the effect light unit 115 or the like. Input to the lighting control circuit of the panel lamp Lp. Accordingly, the lamp control unit 703c can turn on the effect light unit 115 and the panel lamp Lp.

  In the present embodiment, the production control unit 703 is configured such that the production control unit 703a, the image / audio control unit 703b, and the lamp control unit 703c are provided as different boards, but these are incorporated on the same printed board. May be. However, each function is independent even when they are incorporated on the same printed circuit board.

  Note that, for example, the above-described game control unit 610 can realize its function by the CPU 711 of the main control unit 701 executing a program stored in the ROM 712. Further, the effect unit 620 described above can realize its function by the CPU 731 of the effect control unit 703 a executing a program stored in the ROM 732.

(Processing performed by game machines)
(1. Processing performed by the main control unit)
Next, an example of detailed processing performed by the gaming machine 100 to realize the above-described operation will be described. First, processing performed by the main control unit 701 of the gaming machine 100 will be described. Each process of the main control unit 701 described below is performed by the CPU 711 of the main control unit 701 executing a program stored in the ROM 712.

(Main process)
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the main processing. For example, the main control unit 701 starts executing the main process when power is supplied and the main control unit 701 is activated. The main process is continuously executed while the main control unit 701 is activated. In the main process, first, the main control unit 701 waits for 1000 ms (step S2001) and permits access to the RAM 713 (step S2002).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the RAM clear switch is ON (step S2003). If the RAM clear switch is ON (step S2003: Yes), the RAM is cleared (step S2004). Since the RAM clear is a known technique, a detailed description is omitted, but the main control unit 701 discards (clears) the backup information stored in the RAM 713 by the RAM clear. In this case, the main control unit 701 is activated in a predetermined initial state (for example, a state where the auxiliary game flag is OFF and the high probability game flag is OFF).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets a work area on the RAM 713 (step S2005), and performs initial setting of the peripheral part (step S2006). In step S2006, for example, the main control unit 701 transmits an initial setting command for instructing each peripheral unit such as the prize ball control unit 702 and the effect control unit 703 to perform predetermined initial settings.

  On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch is OFF (step S2003: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the backup flag indicating that the backup information is stored in the RAM 713 is set to ON (step S2007). ). If the backup flag is set to OFF (step S2007: No), the process proceeds to step S2004. If the backup flag is set to ON (step S2007: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether the checksum is normal (step S2008). If there is an abnormality in the checksum (step S2008: No), the process proceeds to step S2004.

  If the checksum is normal (step S2008: Yes), the main control unit 701 performs a recovery process for recovering to the previous power-off state based on the backup information stored in the RAM 713 (step S2009). ). In the restoration process, the main control unit 701 transmits an initial setting command for instructing each peripheral unit such as the prize ball control unit 702 and the effect control unit 703 to perform predetermined initial settings. In the restoration process, the main control unit 701 may transmit backup information and the like to the prize ball control unit 702 and the effect control unit 703.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets a CTC (timer counter) cycle (for example, 4 ms) in the RAM 713 (step S2010). The main control unit 701 performs a timer interrupt process, which will be described later, at the cycle set here. Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a power-off monitoring process for monitoring the cut-off of the power supplied to the main control unit 701 (step S2011). Although illustration and detailed description are omitted, in the power shutdown monitoring process, the main control unit 701 monitors the power shutdown and generates backup information based on the information stored in the RAM 713 when the power is shut off. Then, this backup information is stored in the RAM 713.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 updates the special figure fluctuation pattern random number to increment the count value of the special figure fluctuation pattern random number counter by “+1” (step S2012), and sets the interrupt prohibition setting of the timer interruption process. (Step S2013). The timer interrupt process is interrupted with respect to the main process, but this interrupt execution is restricted while the interrupt prohibition setting is set. Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs initial value random number updating to increment the count value of the initial value random number counter by “+1” (step S2014). And the interruption permission setting which cancels the interruption prohibition setting of a timer interruption process is performed (step S2015), it transfers to step S2011, and the steps from step S2011 to S2015 are repeated thereafter.

(Timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the timer interrupt processing. As described above, the main control unit 701 interrupts and executes the timer interrupt process with respect to the main process at a set predetermined cycle (for example, every 4 ms). In the timer interrupt process, first, the main control unit 701 performs a random number update process for incrementing the count values of various random number counters managed by the main control unit 701 by “+1” (step S2101). As described above, the main control unit 701 returns the count value to a predetermined value when the count value reaches the upper limit value.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes switch processing for detecting with various switches (step S2102). In this switch process, the main control unit 701 detects a game ball that has won a prize at the start port (first start port 105, second start port 106), a start port switch process (described later), A gate switch process for detecting, a big prize opening switch process for detecting a game ball won in the big prize opening 109, a normal prize opening switch process for detecting a game ball won in the normal prize opening 110, and the like are performed.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes symbol processing relating to special symbols and normal symbols (step S2103). Here, the symbol process includes a special symbol process (described later) regarding a special symbol, a normal symbol process regarding a normal symbol, and the like. For example, in the special symbol process, the main control unit 701 performs a jackpot lottery to control display of the special symbol. Further, in the normal symbol processing, the main control unit 701 performs normal symbol lottery to control display of normal symbols.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes an electric accessory control process related to the operation control of the special winning opening 109 and the electric tulip 107 (step S2104). Here, the electric accessory control process includes a special prize opening process (described later) for controlling the operation of the special prize opening 109, an electric tulip process for controlling the operation of the electric tulip 107, and the like. For example, in the big prize opening process, the main control unit 701 controls the operation of the big prize opening 109 based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery. In the electric tulip process, the main control unit 701 controls the operation of the electric tulip 107 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes prize ball processing related to prize ball payout control (step S2105). In the winning ball process, the main control unit 701 issues a winning ball command to instruct the winning ball control unit 702 to pay out a predetermined number of winning balls when a game ball wins a prize winning hole 109 or a normal winning hole 110. Set in the RAM 713.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes an output process for outputting the commands set in the RAM 713 to the prize ball control unit 702, the effect control unit 703, and the like by the processes of steps S2101 to S2105 (step S2106). The timer interrupt process ends. When the timer interrupt process ends, the main control unit 701 returns to the main process.

(Start-up switch processing)
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the start port switch processing. In the start port switch process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the first start port SW 714a is turned on (step S2201). If the first starter SW 714a is not ON (step S2201: No), the process proceeds to step S2206.

  If the first start port SW 714a is ON (step S2201: Yes), the main control unit 701 counts the number of special figure determination information acquired for the game ball won in the first start port 105 (hereinafter referred to as “the first figure”). It is determined whether U1 (referred to as “first special figure determination information count”) is less than 4 (U1 <4) (step S2202). If the number of first special figure determination information U1 is 4 or more (step S2202: No), the process proceeds to step S2206.

  If the first special figure determination information number U1 is less than 4 (step S2202: Yes), the main control unit 701 adds a value obtained by adding “1” to the first special figure determination information number U1 to the new first special figure determination information number U1. One special figure determination information number U1 is set (step S2203). Subsequently, the counter storage area 713a is referred to, and the count values of the special figure random number counter, the special figure random number counter, and the special figure variation pattern random number counter at that time are acquired as special figure determination information. The figure determination information is stored in the special figure determination information storage area 713b (step S2204). Then, a preliminary determination process (described later) is performed using the acquired special figure determination information (step S2205), and the process proceeds to step S2206.

  Next, the main control unit 701 determines whether the second start port SW 714b is turned on (step S2206). If the second start port SW 714b is not ON (step S2206: No), the start port switch process is terminated. If the second start port SW 714b is ON (step S2206: Yes), the number of special figure determination information acquired for the game ball won in the second start port 106 (hereinafter referred to as “second special figure determination”). It is determined whether or not U2 (referred to as “number of information”) is less than 4 (U2 <4) (step S2207). If the second special figure determination information number U2 is 4 or more (step S2207: No), the start port switch process is terminated.

  If the number of second special figure determination information U2 is less than 4 (step S2207: Yes), the main control unit 701 adds a value obtained by adding “1” to the second special figure determination information number U2 to a new first It is set as 2 special figure determination information number U2 (step S2208). Subsequently, the counter storage area 713a is referred to, and the count values of the special figure random number counter, the special figure random number counter, and the special figure variation pattern random number counter at that time are acquired as special figure determination information. The figure determination information is stored in the special figure determination information storage area 713b (step S2209). Then, a preliminary determination process is performed using the acquired special figure determination information (step S2210), and the start port switch process is terminated.

  When storing the special figure determination information in step S2209, the main control unit 701 acquires the special figure determination information acquired here by winning the special start determination information in the first start port 105. Rather, it is stored in a special figure determination information storage area that has a higher priority. Then, the special figure determination information acquired by winning the first starting port 105 is shifted one by one to the special figure determination information storage area where the priority is lowered.

(Preliminary judgment processing)
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the prior determination processing. In the pre-determination process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a high-probability game flag indicating that a high-probability gaming state is set (step S2301). If the high-accuracy game flag is set to ON (step S2301: Yes), the high-accuracy special figure hit determination table TAt2 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2302), and the process proceeds to step S2304. If the high probability game flag is set to OFF (step S2301: No), the low probability special figure determination table TAt1 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2303), and the process proceeds to step S2304.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs determination per special figure (step S2304). In the determination per special figure, the main control unit 701 uses the random number value per special figure in the special figure determination information to be determined this time and the determination value in the determination table per special figure set in step S2302 or step S2303. Compare. Then, it is determined whether the value of the random number per special figure matches the determination value associated with the jackpot in the special figure determination table. If they match, it is determined that it is a big hit. If they do not match, it is determined to be lost. The main control unit 701 sets the determination result thus derived in the RAM 713.

  If it is determined in step S2304 that the game is a big hit, the main control unit 701 continues to perform special symbol design determination. In the special symbol determination, the main control unit 701 responds to the value of the special symbol random number of the special symbol determination information to be determined this time and the winning start opening that triggered the acquisition of the special symbol determination information. The special symbol design determination tables are compared to determine the jackpot type associated with the determination value that matches the special symbol random number value, and the derived determination result is set in the RAM 713.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether the determination result in step S2304 is a big hit (step S2305). If it is a big hit (step S2305: Yes), the winning special figure fluctuation pattern table THt2 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2306), and the process proceeds to step S2308. If it is a loss (step S2305: No), the special figure variation pattern table for loss THt1 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2307), and the process proceeds to step S2308.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs special figure fluctuation pattern determination (step S2308). In the special figure fluctuation pattern determination, the main control unit 701 determines the special figure fluctuation pattern random value of the special figure determination information to be determined this time and the determination value of the special figure fluctuation pattern table set in step S2306 or step S2307. And compare. As a result, the main control unit 701 determines a special figure variation pattern associated with a determination value that matches the value of the special figure variation pattern random number, and sets the determination result in the RAM 713. Then, the determination result of step S2304 and the determination result of step S2308 are associated with each other and stored in the RAM 713 as the prior determination result of the special figure determination information to be determined this time (step S2309). Then, a preliminary determination command representing the current preliminary determination result is generated and set in the RAM 713 (step S2310), and the preliminary determination process is terminated.

(Special symbol processing)
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special symbol processing. In the special symbol process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a winning game flag indicating that the jackpot is being set is set to ON (step S2401). If the winning game flag is set to ON (step S2401: Yes), the special symbol process is terminated. If the winning game flag is not set to ON (step S2401: No), it is determined whether the special symbol is changing (step S2402). If the special symbol is changing (step S2402: YES), the process proceeds to step S2411.

  If the special symbol is not changing (step S2402: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the second special figure determination information number U2 is 1 or more (U2 ≧ 1) (step S2403). If the number of second special figure determination information U2 is 1 or more (step S2403: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the second special figure determination information number U2 is used as new second special figure determination information. As the number U2 (step S2404), the process proceeds to step S2407.

  Also, if the second special figure determination information number U2 is less than 1 (step S2403: No), the main control unit 701 determines that the first special figure determination information number U1 is 1 or more (U1 ≧ 1). Is determined (step S2405). If the first special figure determination information number U1 is 1 or more (step S2405: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the first special figure determination information number U1 is set as new first special figure determination information. As the number U1 (step S2406), the process proceeds to step S2407.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a jackpot lottery process (described later) (step S2407), and performs a special figure variation pattern setting process (described later) (step S2408). Then, the variation of the special symbol based on the processing result of the jackpot lottery processing and the processing result of the special diagram variation pattern setting processing is started (step S2409). Here, the main control unit 701 changes the special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 201b when the game ball wins the big hit lottery based on the special symbol determination information acquired by winning the second starting port 106. Let When the big winning lottery is performed based on the special symbol determination information acquired by winning the first starting port 105, the special symbol is changed in the first special symbol display unit 201a.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 generates a special figure change start command and sets it in the RAM 713 (step S2410). For example, here, the special figure change start command can be a command that represents a jackpot lottery result, a special figure change pattern, a game flag setting (for example, an auxiliary game flag or a highly-probable game flag is turned ON or OFF), and the like. When the main control unit 701 performs the output process, the main control unit 701 transmits the special figure change start command to the effect control unit 703 and the like.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed (step S2411). In step S2411, for example, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the variation time determined by the special diagram variation pattern set at the start of variation of the special symbol this time has elapsed. If the predetermined fluctuation time has not elapsed (step S2411: No), the special symbol process is terminated. If the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed (step S2411: Yes), the special symbol is stopped so as to indicate the lottery result of the big hit lottery performed at the start of the fluctuation (step S2412).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 generates a special figure change stop command and sets it in the RAM 713 (step S2413). For example, the special figure variation stop command can be a command that represents a jackpot lottery result, a special figure variation pattern, setting of a game flag (for example, ON or OFF of an auxiliary game flag or a highly probable game flag), and the like. When the main control unit 701 performs the output process, the main control unit 701 transmits the special figure fluctuation stop command to the effect control unit 703 and the like. Then, a stopped process (described later) is performed (step S2414), and the special symbol process is terminated.

  If the number U1 of first special figure determination information U1 is less than 1 in step S2405 (step S2405: No), the main control unit 701 sets a customer waiting command in the RAM 713 (step S2415), and performs special symbol processing. finish.

(Large lottery processing)
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot lottery process. In the jackpot lottery process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not a high-probability game flag indicating that the game state is a high-probability game state is set to ON (step S2501). If the high-accuracy game flag is set to ON (step S2501: Yes), the high-accuracy special figure hit determination table TAt2 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2502). If the high probability game flag is set to OFF (step S2501: No), the low probability special figure determination table TAt1 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2503).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 makes a judgment per special figure (step S2504). As described above, in the determination per special figure, the main control unit 701 determines the random number value per special figure in the special figure determination information to be determined this time and the special figure determination table set in step S2502 or step S2503. Compare with the judgment value. Then, it is determined whether the value of the random number per special figure matches the determination value associated with the jackpot in the special figure determination table. If they match, it is determined that it is a big hit. If they do not match, it is determined to be lost. The main control unit 701 sets the determination result thus derived in the RAM 713.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether the determination result of the special figure determination is a big hit (step S2505). If it is not a big hit (step S2505: No), the determination result of the special figure hit determination is determined to be lost, and a lost symbol representing the lost is set in the RAM 713 (step S2506), and the big hit lottery process is terminated.

  If it is a big hit in step S2505 (step S2505: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether the special figure determination information to be determined this time has been acquired by winning the first start port 105. Determination is made (step S2507). If it is acquired by winning the first starting port 105 (step S2507: Yes), the first special symbol determination table TZt1 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2508). If it is acquired by winning the second starting port 106 (step S2507: No), the second special symbol determination table TZt2 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2509).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs special symbol design determination (step S2510). In the special symbol determination, the main control unit 701 uses the special symbol random number value of the special symbol determination information to be determined this time and the determination value of the special symbol determination table set in step S2508 or step S2509. Compare. Thus, the main control unit 701 determines the jackpot type associated with the determination value that matches the value of the special symbol random number. Then, the main control unit 701 sets a jackpot symbol representing the determination result of the special symbol determination in the RAM 713 (step S2511), and ends the jackpot lottery process. For example, when setting the jackpot symbol, the main control unit 701 selects the first jackpot symbol when the first jackpot is won, the second jackpot symbol when the second jackpot is won, If the jackpot is won, the third jackpot symbol is set in the RAM 713.

(Special figure variation pattern setting process)
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special figure variation pattern setting process. In the special figure variation pattern setting process, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot (step S2601). If it is a big hit (step S2601: Yes), the winning special figure fluctuation pattern table THt2 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2602), and the process proceeds to step S2604. If it is a loss (step S2601: No), the special figure variation pattern table for loss THt1 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2603), and the process proceeds to step S2604.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs special figure fluctuation pattern determination (step S2604). As described above, in the special figure fluctuation pattern determination, the main control unit 701 determines the special figure fluctuation pattern random value of the special figure determination information to be determined this time and the special figure fluctuation set in step S2602 or step S2603. The judgment value in the pattern table is compared. As a result, the main control unit 701 determines the special figure fluctuation pattern associated with the determination value that matches the value of the special figure fluctuation pattern random number, and sets the special figure fluctuation pattern that is the determination result in the RAM 713 ( Step S2605), the special figure variation pattern setting process is terminated.

(Processing during stoppage)
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the suspension processing. In the stop process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not an auxiliary game flag indicating ON is in an auxiliary game state is set to ON (step S2701). If the auxiliary game flag is set to OFF (step S2701: NO), the process proceeds to step S2705. If the auxiliary game flag is set to ON (step S2701: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the count value Yh of the auxiliary game counter is set as a new count value Yh (step S2702). Then, it is determined whether the count value Yh has become “0” (step S2703).

  If the count value Yh becomes “0” (step S2703: YES), the main control unit 701 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF (step S2704), and proceeds to step S2705. If the count value Yh is not “0” (step S2703: No), the process proceeds to step S2705.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the high probability game flag is set to ON (step S2705). If the highly probable game flag is set to OFF (step S2705: No), the process proceeds to step S2709. If the high probability game flag is set to ON (step S2705: Yes), a value obtained by subtracting “1” from the count value Yk of the high probability game counter is set as a new count value Yk (step S2706). Then, it is determined whether the count value Yk is “0” (step S2707).

  If the count value Yk becomes “0” (step S2707: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the high-probability game flag to OFF (step S2708), and proceeds to step S2709. If the count value Yk is not “0” (step S2707: No), the process proceeds to step S2709.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether the special symbol is stopped at the jackpot symbol (whether the jackpot is won) (step S2709). If the jackpot symbol is not stopped (step S2709: NO), the stopping process is terminated as it is. If the jackpot symbol is stopped (step S2709: YES), it is determined whether the auxiliary game flag is set to ON (step S2710). That is, in step S2710, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is won in the auxiliary gaming state. If the auxiliary game flag is set to OFF (step S2710: No), the process proceeds to step S2712.

  If the auxiliary game flag is set to ON (step S2710: Yes), that is, if a win is won in the auxiliary game state, the main control unit 701 sets the auxiliary game win flag to ON (step S2711). Subsequently, it is determined whether the winning jackpot is the first jackpot (whether the first jackpot symbol has been stopped) (step S2712). If it is the first jackpot (step S2712: Yes), the first jackpot game flag is set to ON (step S2713), and the process proceeds to step S2717.

  If it is not the first jackpot (step S2712: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the winning jackpot is the second jackpot (step S2714). If it is the second jackpot (step S2714: Yes), the second jackpot game flag is set to ON (step S2715), and the process proceeds to step S2717. If it is not the second jackpot (step S2714: No), the third jackpot game flag is set to ON (step S2716), and the process proceeds to step S2717.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 resets the count value Yk of the highly probable game counter and the count value Yh of the auxiliary game counter to “0” (step S2717), and turns off the high probability game flag and the auxiliary game flag. Setting is made (step S2718). Subsequently, a big winning opening opening pattern corresponding to the winning jackpot is set (step S2719). Then, opening is started (step S2720), an opening command is set in the RAM 713 (step S2721), and the stopped process is ended.

(Large winnings processing)
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the special prize opening process. In the big prize opening process, first, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the winning game flag (the first big hit game flag, the second big hit game flag, or the third big hit game flag) is set to ON (step S2801). . If the winning game flag is OFF (step S2801: No), the special winning a prize mouth process is ended as it is.

  If the winning game flag is ON (step S2801: YES), it is determined whether the opening is being performed (step S2802). If it is during opening (step S2802: Yes), an opening process (described later) is performed (step S2803), and the process proceeds to step S2804. If the opening is not in progress (step S2802: NO), the process proceeds to step S2804.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether the special winning opening 109 is being opened (during round) (step S2804). If the special winning opening 109 is being opened (step S2804: Yes), the below-opening process is performed (step S2805). If the special winning opening 109 is not being opened (step S2804: NO), the process proceeds to step S2806.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether it is during the interval (step S2806). If it is during the interval (step S2806: Yes), an interval process (described later) is performed (step S2807), and the process proceeds to step S2808. If it is not during the interval (step S2806: NO), the process proceeds to step S2808.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether ending is in progress (step S2808). If it is during ending (step S2808: Yes), an ending process described later is performed (step S2809), and the big prize opening process is terminated. If it is not in the ending (step S2808: No), the special winning opening process is terminated.

(Opening process)
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the opening process. In the opening process, the main control unit 701 first determines whether a predetermined opening time has passed for each jackpot type (step S2901). If the opening time has not elapsed (step S2901: No), the opening process is terminated as it is.

  If the opening time has elapsed (step S2901: YES), the main control unit 701 ends the opening (step S2902), sets the count value R of the round number counter to 1 (step S2903), and the round progress command Is set in the RAM 713 (step S2904). For example, here, the round progress command includes information indicating the count value R (how many rounds) of the round number counter. When the main control unit 701 executes the output process, the main control unit 701 transmits this round progress command to the effect control unit 703a. Subsequently, the main control unit 701 starts to open the first prize opening 109 (step S2905), and ends the opening process.

(Processing during opening)
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the releasing process. In the opening process, the main control unit 701 first determines whether the opening time has elapsed (step S3001). If the opening time has not elapsed (step S3001: No), the main control unit 701 has won a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls in the large winning opening 109 during the opening of the large winning opening 109 this time. Is determined (step S3002). If there is no prescribed number of winnings (step S3002: No), the open process is terminated as it is.

  When the opening time has elapsed (step S3001: Yes), or when a predetermined number of winnings have been made (step S3002: Yes), the main control unit 701 closes the big winning opening 109 (step S3003). Then, it is determined whether or not the count value R of the round number counter matches Rmax of the set big opening opening pattern (step S3004). As described above, for example, Rmax is “15” for the first jackpot and the second jackpot, and Rmax is “4” for the third jackpot.

  If the count value R of the round number counter does not coincide with Rmax (step S3004: No), the main control unit 701 starts an interval (step S3005) and ends the releasing process. If the count value R of the round number counter matches Rmax (step S3004: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines that the final round has ended, and starts ending (step S3006).

  When the ending is started, the main control unit 701 sets an ending command in the RAM 713 (step S3007), and ends the releasing process. This ending command includes information indicating the current jackpot ending time. When the main control unit 701 executes the output process, the main control unit 701 transmits this ending command to the effect control unit 703a.

(Interval processing)
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the interval processing. In the interval process, the main control unit 701 first determines whether a predetermined interval time has elapsed (step S3101). If the interval time has not elapsed (step S3101: No), the interval process is terminated as it is.

  If the interval time has elapsed (step S3101: Yes), the main control unit 701 ends the interval (step S3102), and sets a value obtained by adding “1” to the count value R of the round number counter as a new count value R. (Step S3103). Then, a round progress command is set in the RAM 713 (step S3104). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 starts opening the next round big winning opening 109 (step S3105), and ends the interval process.

(Ending process)
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the ending process. In the ending process, the main control unit 701 first determines whether a predetermined ending time has elapsed (step S3201). If the ending time has not elapsed (step S3201: No), the ending process is terminated as it is.

  If the ending time has elapsed (step S3201: Yes), the main control unit 701 ends the ending (step S3202), and resets the count value R of the round number counter to “0” (step S3203). Then, a game state setting process (described later) for setting the game state after the current jackpot game is performed (step S3204). Then, the winning game flag is set to OFF (step S3205), and the ending process is ended.

(Game state setting process)
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the game state setting process. In the game state setting process, first, the main control unit 701 sets the high probability game flag to ON (step S3301), and then sets “60” to the count value Yk of the high probability game counter (step S3302). Next, the auxiliary game flag is set to ON (step S3303), and it is determined whether or not the auxiliary game win flag is set to ON (step S3304).

  If the auxiliary game winning flag is set to ON (step S3304: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the auxiliary game winning flag to OFF (step S3305), and sets the count value Yh of the auxiliary game counter to “ 100 ”is set (step S3306), and the gaming state setting process is terminated. If the winning flag during the auxiliary game is set to OFF (step S3304: No), it is determined whether the jackpot to be terminated this time is the first jackpot (step S3307). If it is the first big hit (step S3307: Yes), the process proceeds to step S3306. If it is not the first big hit (step S3307: No), “30” is set to the count value Yh of the auxiliary game counter (step S3308), and the game state setting process is terminated.

(2. Processing performed by the production control unit)
Next, processing performed by the effect control unit 703 of the gaming machine 100 will be described. Each process of the effect control unit 703 described below is performed by the CPU 731 of the effect control unit 703a executing a program stored in the ROM 732.

(Direction main processing)
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect main process. For example, the production control unit 703a starts executing the production main process when power is supplied and the production control unit 703a is activated. The main production process is continuously executed while the production control unit 703a is activated. In the effect main process, the effect control unit 703a first performs an initial setting process (step S3401). For example, in the initial setting process, when the production control unit 703a receives an initial setting command from the main control unit 701, the production control unit 703a performs a predetermined initial setting such as setting an interruption period of an after-mentioned production timer interruption process.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a performs an effect random number update process (step S3402), and thereafter repeats the effect random number update process. In the effect random number update process, the effect control unit 703a updates the effect random numbers managed by the effect control unit 703a. For example, the effect supervising unit 703a increments the count value of the effect random number counter set in the RAM 733 by “+1” by the effect random number update process.

(Production timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect timer interruption process. For example, the effect supervising unit 703a performs this effect timer interrupt process with respect to the effect main process at a predetermined period set by the initial setting process (for example, every 4 ms). In the effect timer interrupt process, the effect control unit 703a first performs a command reception process (described later) (step S3501). Although details will be described later, in the command reception process, the effect supervising unit 703a receives various commands from the main control unit 701 and performs a process according to the received command.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a performs an operation reception process (step S3502). In the operation accepting process, the effect supervising unit 703 a generates an operation command corresponding to the pressed button or key when the effect button 118 or the cross key 119 is pressed, and sets the generated operation command in the RAM 733. Subsequently, the production control unit 703a performs command transmission processing (step S3503). In the command transmission process, the production control unit 703a transmits the command set in the RAM 733 to the image / sound control unit 703b and the lamp control unit 703c by performing the command reception process and the operation reception process.

(Command reception processing)
FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the command reception processing. In the command reception process, first, the effect supervising unit 703a determines whether or not a prior determination command indicating a prior determination result has been received from the main control unit 701 (step S3601). If a prior determination command has not been received (step S3601: NO), the process proceeds to step S3604. If a prior determination command has been received (step S3601: YES), the storage content of the preliminary determination result storage area set in the RAM 733 is stored in the preliminary determination result of the main control unit 701 based on the received prior determination command. Updating is performed so as to synchronize with the stored contents of the area (step S3602). Then, a pending increase command is generated and set in the RAM 733 (step S3603). For example, the pending increase command may be a command that indicates that the number of special figure determination information has increased or a prior determination result of the increased special figure determination information.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a special symbol command related to the special symbol has been received from the main control unit 701 (step S3604). For example, the special symbol command can be a special symbol variation start command or a special symbol variation stop command. If no special symbol command has been received (step S3604: NO), the process proceeds to step S3606. If a special symbol command has been received (step S3604: YES), a special symbol effect process (described later) related to the special symbol effect is performed based on the received special symbol command (step S3605). Although the details will be described later, in the special figure production process, the production supervision unit 703a starts the special figure production or ends the special drawing production.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a normal symbol command related to a normal symbol is received from the main control unit 701 (step S3606). For example, here, the normal symbol command can be a universal symbol change start command or a universal symbol variation stop command. If the normal symbol command has not been received (step S3606: NO), the process proceeds to step S3608. If the normal symbol command has been received (step S3606: YES), the general symbol effect process related to the normal symbol effect is performed based on the received normal symbol command (step S3607).

  For example, in the ordinary drawing production process, the production supervision unit 703a receives the ordinary drawing change start command from the main control unit 701, and determines the contents of the ordinary drawing production based on the received ordinary drawing change start command. . Then, a general drawing effect start command for starting this general drawing effect is generated and set in the RAM 733. Further, in the ordinary drawing effect processing, the effect supervising unit 703a receives the ordinary drawing variation stop command from the main control unit 701, generates a usual drawing effect end command for ending the currently performed ordinary drawing effect, and the RAM 733. Set to. Note that the processing in steps S3606 and S3607 is not necessary if the gaming machine does not perform the usual drawing effect.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a jackpot command related to jackpot has been received from the main control unit 701 (step S3608). For example, here, the jackpot command may be an opening command, a round progress command, or an ending command. If the jackpot command has not been received (step S3608: NO), the process proceeds to step S3610. If a jackpot command has been received (step S3608: YES), a jackpot effect process (described later) is performed based on the received jackpot command (step S3609), and the process proceeds to step S3610.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a customer waiting command has been received from the main control unit 701 (step S3610). If the customer waiting command has not been received (step S3610: NO), the command receiving process is terminated. If a customer waiting command has been received (step S3610: Yes), a customer waiting effect process for displaying a customer waiting demo screen or the like is performed (step S3611), and the command receiving process is terminated.

(Special drawing processing)
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special drawing effect process. In the special figure production process, first, the production supervision unit 703a determines whether a special figure change start command has been received from the main control unit 701 (step S3701). If the special figure change start command has not been received (step S3701: NO), the process proceeds to step S3708. If a special figure change start command has been received (step S3701: YES), the received special figure change start command is analyzed (step S3702), and information represented by this special figure change start command is acquired. As described above, the special figure change start command includes information indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, the special symbol change time when displaying the lottery result (special figure fluctuation pattern), the gaming state at the time of the jackpot lottery, etc. It is included. In step S3702, these pieces of information are acquired.

  Subsequently, the production supervision unit 703a performs a special figure variation production pattern setting process (step S3703). In the special figure variation effect pattern setting process, the effect supervision unit 703a sets, in the RAM 733, a special figure variation effect pattern representing the effect contents of the special figure variation effect to be performed this time, based on various information acquired in step S3702.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a performs a special symbol decoration design setting process for setting a combination of special symbol decoration symbols to be stopped (step S3704). For example, in the special figure decoration design setting process, the effect supervising unit 703a has a lottery result of the big hit lottery, and a special figure variation effect pattern representing a normal loss effect is set in the special figure variation effect pattern setting process. In such a case, a combination of special figure decoration symbols that become disjointed (for example, “3 · 1 · 5”) is set in the RAM 733. If the lottery result of the big hit lottery is lost, and a special figure variation effect pattern that represents a reach effect is set in the special figure change effect pattern setting process, a reach loss (for example, “7 / 8.7”) is obtained. The combination of figure decoration symbols is set in the RAM 733.

  Further, when the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, a combination of special figure decorative symbols that become a doublet (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”) is set in the RAM 733. Further, here, when it is the first big hit, it may be an odd number of double eyes, and when it is the second big hit or the third big hit, it may be an even number of double eyes. Furthermore, even if it is the 1st big hit, it is good also as an even-numbered slot with a predetermined probability. As described above, when the first big hit is an even-numbered slot, the gaming machine 100 can give the player surprise and joy by performing the promotion effect thereafter.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a sets the notice effect pattern in the RAM 733 by the notice effect pattern setting process (step S3705), generates a special figure effect start command for starting the special figure effect, and sets it in the RAM 733 ( Step S3706). For example, here, the special figure production start command represents the special figure variation production pattern set in step S3603, the combination of the special figure decoration design set in step S3604, or the notice production pattern set in step S3605. It can be a command. Further, the special drawing effect start command may include information representing the current effect mode.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a special figure change stop command has been received (step S3707). If the special figure change stop command has not been received (step S3707: No), the special figure effect process is terminated. If a special figure change stop command has been received (step S3707: YES), an effect mode change process related to the transition of the effect mode is performed (step S3708). Note that the processing of step S3708 is not necessary if the gaming machine does not have an effect mode. Then, a special figure effect end command for ending the special figure effect being performed is set in the RAM 733 (step S3709), and the special figure effect process is ended.

(Big jackpot processing)
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot effect process. In the jackpot effect process, the effect control unit 703a first determines whether an opening command has been received from the main control unit 701 (step S3801). If the opening command has not been received (step S3801: NO), the process proceeds to step S3803. If the opening command has been received (step S3801: YES), a jackpot effect start process (described later) for starting the jackpot effect is performed (step S3802).

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a round progress command has been received from the main control unit 701 (step S3803). If no round progress command has been received (step S3803: NO), the process proceeds to step S3805. If a round progress command has been received (step S3803: YES), a jackpot presentation process is performed (step S3804). For example, the jackpot effect is an effect composed of a plurality of round effects, and the effect supervising unit 703a starts a round effect or the like according to the round that has progressed in the process during the jackpot effect.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether an ending command has been received from the main control unit 701 (step S3805). If the ending command has not been received (step S3805: NO), the jackpot effect process is terminated. If an ending command has been received (step S3805: Yes), a jackpot effect end process is performed (step S3806), an effect mode setting process for setting the effect mode is performed (step S3807), and the jackpot effect process is performed. finish.

(Big jackpot start process)
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot presentation start process. In the jackpot presentation start process, first, the presentation supervision section 703a determines whether or not the jackpot is won in the high-probability gaming state or the auxiliary gaming state (step S3901). In step S3901, for example, if the most recently received special figure change start command includes information indicating the high probability gaming state or the auxiliary gaming state, the effect supervising unit 703a is in the high probability gaming state or the auxiliary gaming state. It is determined that the jackpot is won.

  If it is not a high-probability gaming state or an auxiliary gaming state at the time of winning the jackpot (step S3901: No), the production supervising unit 703a performs a starting point jackpot effect lottery process (described later) for determining a starting short jackpot effect (step S3902). ) Based on the result of this processing, the starting point short hit effect is determined (step S3903). In addition, when the production control unit 703a determines the current start point short hit effect, information representing the current start short hit effect is stored in the RAM 733 or the like until the next start short hit effect is determined.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether the winning jackpot is the first jackpot (step S3904). If the winning jackpot is the first jackpot (step S3904: Yes), the jackpot effect pattern OEp20 representing the long jackpot effect in the long jackpot effect pattern table OEt2 is set in the RAM 733 (step S3905), and the process proceeds to step S3907.

  If it is not the first jackpot (step S3904: No), the production supervision unit 703a determines that the winning jackpot is the second jackpot or the third jackpot, and displays a jackpot performance pattern representing the starting short jackpot performance determined in step S3903. It is set in the RAM 733 (step S3906). Subsequently, a jackpot presentation start command for starting the jackpot presentation represented by the jackpot presentation pattern set in the RAM 733 is generated and set in the RAM 733 (step S3907), and the jackpot presentation start process is terminated.

  In addition, if it is a high-probability gaming state or an auxiliary gaming state at the time of winning the jackpot (step S3901: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a determines whether the winning jackpot is the first jackpot (step S3908). If the winning jackpot is the first jackpot (step S3908: YES), the process proceeds to step S3905.

  If it is not the first jackpot (step S3908: No), the production supervision section 703a determines that the winning jackpot is the second jackpot or the third jackpot, and whether or not the starting short jackpot presentation has been executed in this consecutive chain Is determined (step S3909). If the start short hit effect has not been executed (step S3909: NO), the process proceeds to step S3906. If the starting point jackpot effect has been executed (step S3909: Yes), the jackpot effect pattern of the short hit effect determined next to the previous short hit effect (the most recent short hit effect) is set in the RAM 733. (Step S3910), the process proceeds to Step S3907. The production supervision unit 703a stores information representing the current short hit effect in the RAM 733 until the next short hit effect is performed.

(Starting junior college hit production lottery process)
FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the start point junior large bonus production lottery process. In the start point junior lottery effect lottery process, first, the production supervising unit 703a determines whether or not the previous start point junior big hit effect is stored (step S4001). If the previous start point jumble effect is not stored (step S4001: No), the process proceeds to step S4005. For example, since the production supervising unit 703a does not back up various information related to the production when the power is turned off, the previous start point short jackpot production may not be stored in the case of the first big win after the gaming machine 100 is activated. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S4005.

  If the previous start point jackpot effect is stored (step S4001: Yes), the production control unit 703a sets so that the short jackpot effect that is the previous start point jackpot effect is not the current start point jackpot effect. (Step S4002). For example, in step S4002, the effect supervising unit 703a sets “0” as the determination value associated with the jackpot effect pattern of the previous start short jackpot effect in the short hit effect pattern table OEt1. An example of detailed contents of the setting in step S4002 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 41-1 to 41-3.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether or not the previous end junior large hit production is stored (step S4003). If the previous end short-term hit effect is not stored (step S4003: No), the process proceeds to step S4005. In step S4003, as in step S4001, for example, the production control unit 703a proceeds to step S4005 at the time of first winning after the gaming machine 100 is activated.

  If the previous end short hit effect is stored (step S4003: Yes), the production control unit 703a sets the short hit effect that has become the previous end short hit effect not to be the current start short hit effect. (Step S4004). In step S4004, as in step S4002, the production supervising unit 703a sets “0” as the determination value associated with the jackpot production pattern of the last end point short jackpot production in the short jackpot production pattern table OEt1. An example of detailed contents of the setting in step S4004 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 41-1 to 41-3.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a acquires the count value of the current effect random number counter as an effect random number (step S4005), and uses the acquired effect random number and the short hit effect effect pattern table OEt1 to shorten the start point. The jackpot effect determination is performed (step S4006), and the start point short jackpot effect lottery process is terminated.

  For example, in step S4006, the effect supervising unit 703a subtracts the numerical values of the determination values associated with the jackpot effect patterns OEp1 to OEp10 of each short hit effect pattern table OEt1 from the numerical value acquired as the effect random number. . At this time, the jackpot effect pattern OEp1 → the jackpot effect pattern OEp2 →... Then, each time the determination value is subtracted, it is determined whether the calculated value is 0 or less. When it is determined that the value is 0 or less, the short jackpot effect of the jackpot effect pattern associated with the last subtracted determination value is determined as the starting short jackpot effect. The determination result of step S4006 is determined as the starting point junior large hit effect in step S3903.

(Excluded settings for the last starting point jackpot and end jackpot directing)
Next, an example of the setting performed by the production control unit 703a in step S4002 and step S4004 will be described so that the junior jackpot production performed in the previous start point junior jackpot production and the end point junior jackpot production is not the current start junior jackpot production. . FIG. 41A is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of an example of a jackpot effect pattern table. FIG. 41-2 is an explanatory diagram (part 4) illustrating an example of the jackpot effect pattern table. FIG. 41C is an explanatory diagram (part 5) of an example of the jackpot effect pattern table.

  As shown in FIG. 41A, for example, it is assumed here that the previous start point short hit effect is the short hit effect E of the big hit effect pattern OEp5. In this case, the effect supervision unit 703a sets the determination value associated with the jackpot effect pattern OEp5 in the short jackpot effect pattern table OEt1 to “0” in step S4002. As a result, the probability that the starting point short hit effect determination is determined to be the short hit effect E is “0”.

  Next, the effect supervising unit 703a sets the determination value of the jackpot effect pattern OEp5 to “0”, so that the sum of the determination values of the short jackpot effect pattern table OEt1 becomes “100”, the jackpot other than the jackpot effect pattern OEp5 A predetermined value is added to the determination values of the effect patterns OEp1 to OEp4 and OEp6 to OEp10. In the example of FIG. 41A, “+2” is added to the determination value of the jackpot effect pattern OEp1, and “+1” is added to the determination values of the jackpot effect patterns OEp2 to OEp4 and OEp6 to OEp10. As a result, even if the jackpot effect pattern OEp5 is set to “0”, the sum of the judgment values in the short jackpot effect pattern table OEt1 becomes “100”.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 41-2, for example, it is assumed here that the previous short-term end jackpot effect is the jackpot effect G of the jackpot effect pattern OEp7. In this case, in step S4004, the effect supervising unit 703a sets the determination value associated with the jackpot effect pattern OEp7 in the short jackpot effect pattern table OEt1 to “0”. As a result, the probability of being determined as the junior big hit effect G in the start point short hit effect determination is “0”.

  Next, the effect supervising unit 703a sets the determination value of the jackpot effect pattern OEp7 to “0”, so that the sum of the determination values of the short jackpot effect pattern table OEt1 becomes “100” (previous hit effect pattern OEp5 A predetermined value is added to the determination values of the jackpot effect patterns OEp1 to OEp4, OEp6, and OEp8 to OEp10 other than the start point short jackpot effect) and the jackpot effect pattern OEp7. In the example of FIG. 41-2, “+2” is added to the determination values of the jackpot effect patterns OEp1 to OEp3, and “+1” is added to the determination values of the jackpot effect patterns OEp4, OEp6, OEp8 to OEp10. As a result, even if the jackpot effect pattern OEp7 is set to “0”, the sum of the determination values in the short jackpot effect pattern table OEt1 becomes “100”.

  As a result of step S4002 shown in FIG. 41-1 and FIG. 41-2 step S4004, the short hit performance pattern table OEt1 used in the start short hit effect determination in step S4005 in this case is as shown in FIG. 41-3. By making the starting point jackpot effect determination using the short hit effect pattern table OEt1 shown in FIG. 41-3, the effect supervising unit 703a excludes the short hit effect C and the short hit effect G from the current starting short hit effect. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, in order to simplify the process of assigning the judgment value for the portion excluding the previous start point jackpot effect and the end point jackpot effect, the judgment value is distributed almost equally to the other short jackpot effects. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the production supervision unit 703a may reduce the distribution of the judgment value for the junior large jackpot effect performed in the previous consecutive game, and may increase the distribution of the determination value for the minor jackpot production that is not performed in the previous consecutive game. Good. If it carries out like this, it will become difficult to select this junior large hit effect as a starting point short hit effect of this time. In this case, the gaming machine 100 makes it difficult to generate the short jackpot effect made in the previous consecutive game in this consecutive game, and prevents the player from getting bored with this shorter bonus game. Can entertain.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 100, the jackpot effect performed as the starting short jackpot effect is varied. Accordingly, the gaming machine 100 can increase the variation of the jackpot effect that can be shown to the player as the start point short jackpot effect, as compared with the case where the start point jackpot effect is fixed to a specific jackpot effect. For example, the gaming machine 100 can vary the jackpot effect performed as the start point short jackpot effect by randomly selecting the start point short jackpot effect. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 can prevent the player from getting bored with the jackpot effect and entertain the jackpot effect. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 can prevent the player from being bored by the game and allow the player to play the game for a long time.

  Furthermore, in the gaming machine 100, after the start point short jackpot effect, the jackpot effect different from the previous jackpot effect is performed according to a predetermined order. This can prevent the gaming machine 100 from performing the same jackpot effect as the short jackpot effect performed last time. By these, the gaming machine 100 can prevent a certain jackpot effect from being biased, prevent the player from getting bored with the jackpot effect, and prevent the player from getting bored with the game. can do.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 does not use the previous start point short hit effect as the current start short hit effect. This prevents the gaming machine 100 from advancing the jackpot effect in the same series as the previous series and prevents the same jackpot effect from being repeated. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 can further enhance the jackpot effect for the player, prevent the player from getting bored, and allow the player to play the game for a long time.

  The gaming machine 100 is configured so that the most recent short jackpot presentation is not the current start short jackpot presentation. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can prevent the same short hit effect from being performed twice in succession. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 can prevent the same jackpot effect from being repeatedly performed and entertain the player with the jackpot effect. Therefore, the gaming machine 100 can prevent the player from getting bored and allow the player to play the game for a long time.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 determines the starting point short jackpot effect when winning the jackpot for starting the counting of the number of consecutive chunks. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can change the start short hit effect when the so-called “yame time” is sandwiched. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 can entertain a jackpot effect for a new player as well as the previous player. Further, since the gaming machine 100 determines the jackpot effect in accordance with a predetermined order after the starting short jackpot effect, the processing of the gaming machine 100 is compared with the case where the jackpot effect is determined by lottery every time the jackpot is won. The burden can be reduced, and power consumption and heat generation of the gaming machine 100 can be reduced.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the player from being bored by enjoying the special game effect, and to allow the player to play for a long time.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game machine 701 Main control part 703 Production control part 703a Production control part 703b Image / sound control part 703c Lamp control part

Claims (4)

A determination means for determining whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed when the start condition is satisfied;
Special game execution means for performing the special game when the determination means determines that the special game is to be performed;
A plurality of special game effect image beforehand display order Gajo Me is looped, when the special game has been performed by the special game execution means, the special game effect image to be displayed in the bonus game Special game effect selection means for selecting from among the plurality of special game effect images;
Effect display means for displaying the special game effect image selected by the special game effect selection means while the special game is being performed ;
With
The special game effect selection means is:
First select any of the special game effect image of the plurality of special game effect image as the special game presentation showing the image start special game effect image to be displayed, as a starting point the origin special game effect image, since A gaming machine, wherein the special game effect image to be displayed is selected according to the display order. Storage means for storing information representing the special game effect image displayed by the effect display means;
The special game effect selection means is:
When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the gaming machine according to claim 1, based on the stored information, and selects the previous SL starting a special game effect image by said storing means. The special game effect selecting means stores information related to the start point special game effect image selected last time, and excluding the previous start point special game effect image indicated by the stored information, of the plurality of special game effect images. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an arbitrary special game effect image is selected as a current start point special game effect image. The special game effect selecting means selects the special game effect image to be displayed last according to the display order as the start point special game effect image with the start point special game effect image as a start point and information on the end point special game effect image. The arbitrary special game effect image of the plurality of special game effect images is selected as a current start point special game effect image, excluding the end point special game effect image stored and stored. The gaming machine according to any one of 3 to 3.

Images