JP5607216B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been a gaming machine in which a big hit lottery is performed when a game ball wins at a start opening provided in a game board, and three rows of symbols (for example, numbers 1 to 9) are changed by a variable display device. If the jackpot lottery is won, the changed three rows of symbols are stopped in a specific combination (for example, a so-called “zolo”). Then, a jackpot game is performed in which a big winning opening (so-called “attacker”) provided on the game board is opened. The player can obtain a large number of prize balls by winning the game balls in the open big prize opening.

  Also, in recent years, a game that can take a low-probability gaming state and a high-probability gaming state (for example, a so-called “probability gaming state”) in which a jackpot lottery with a higher probability of winning the jackpot than the low-probability gaming state is achieved. The machine is also widely used. For example, if such a gaming machine wins a specific jackpot to be shifted to the high probability gaming state, the gaming machine is set to the high probability gaming state after the jackpot. When the high-probability gaming state is set, the player is suggested to be in the high-probability gaming state by performing in the high-probability gaming state effect mode (for example, the probability variation effect mode). Thereby, the player can play a game in anticipation of winning the next jackpot (so-called “ream Chang”).

  However, there are some players who feel bored in the game during the high-probability gaming state and feel like a digestion work until the next jackpot is won. For this reason, in recent years, there is a gaming machine that performs a hidden effect without explicitly indicating that a high-probability gaming state has been entered (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). According to such a gaming machine, it is possible to entertain the game while maintaining a player's tension like “Is it a high probability game state or a low probability game state”?

JP 2004-65388 A

  However, in the above prior art, a player cannot enjoy a speedy game, and the period until winning the next jackpot may be prolonged, and the game may be bored.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing a player from being bored by a game and allowing the player to play for a long time in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the conventional technology.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the gaming machine according to the present invention has a special one of a plurality of special games including a first special game and a second special game when a start condition is satisfied. Based on the determination result of the special game determination means for determining whether or not to play a game and the determination result of the special game determination means, the symbol display means causes the symbol to fluctuate for a predetermined variation time and then stops to represent the determination result When the special game symbol indicating that the special game is to be performed is determined by the symbol control means and the special game determination means, and the special game symbol indicating that the special game is to be performed is stopped by the symbol control means. When the first special game is performed by the special game executing means and the special game executing means, the start condition is established more than the non-auxiliary game state for a predetermined period after the first special game. When the second special game is performed by the special game execution means, the first advantageous game in which a predetermined period after the second special game is set to the first auxiliary game state is set. When the first auxiliary gaming state after the first special game is performed by the state control means and the first advantageous gaming state control means is terminated, the starting condition is established more than the non-auxiliary gaming state. The second advantageous gaming state control means that makes the second auxiliary gaming state easy and that the variation time is relatively shorter than the first auxiliary gaming state, and the second advantageous gaming state control means makes the second special gaming state control means the second special gaming state control means. And a non-auxiliary game state control means for setting the non-auxiliary game state when the first auxiliary game state after the game is performed is ended.

  Further, in the above invention, the first mode effect executing means for continuously performing the first mode effect during the period when the first advantageous game state control means is in the first auxiliary game state, and the second advantageous game. During the period when the second auxiliary gaming state is set by the state control means, second mode effect executing means for performing a second mode effect different from the first mode effect, and the non-auxiliary game by the non-auxiliary gaming state control means. And a third mode effect executing means for performing a third mode effect different from the first mode effect and the second mode effect.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the player from being bored by the game and to make the game longer.

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 game state and production mode which the game machine of this Embodiment can take. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the production | presentation which the gaming machine of this Embodiment performs in a latent production mode. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows a specific example of the production | presentation in the latent production mode by the game machine of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows a specific example of the production | presentation in the latent production mode by the game machine of this Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 3) which shows a specific example of the production | presentation in the latent production mode by the game machine of this Embodiment. 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 (the 3) which shows an example of a special figure fluctuation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing (the 4) which shows an example of a special figure fluctuation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing (the 5) which shows an example of a special figure fluctuation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing (the 6) 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 fluctuation 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 the jackpot presentation process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of effect mode setting processing. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of a fluctuation effect process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of the fluctuation production pattern setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the processing content of effect mode change processing. It is explanatory drawing which shows a specific example of switching of BGM at the time of the production | generation mode transition by the image / audio control part of this Embodiment.

  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 contents of the present invention are not limited. Further, specific numerical values and the like shown in the following embodiments are merely examples, and do not limit the contents of 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 gaming board 101. At a lower position of the game board 101, a launching unit for launching a game ball is provided. The game ball launched by the launching unit rises between the rail 102a and the rail 102b. Then, after reaching the upper part of the game area 103, the game area 103 falls.

  A large number of nails (not shown) are provided in the game area 103. When the game ball falls in the game area 103, the game ball collides with these nails to change the fall trajectory, so that the game ball falls in various directions. 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 near the center of the game board 101. A liquid crystal display (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like can be used for the image display unit 104. The image display unit 104 displays various effect images. For example, the image display unit 104 displays a decorative symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol decorative symbol”) provided corresponding to a special symbol for representing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery. In addition, the image display unit 104 displays an image related to the effects that the gaming machine 100 performs until the jackpot lottery result is shown. The image display unit 104 may also display a decorative symbol provided corresponding to the normal symbol for representing the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery (hereinafter referred to as “common symbol decorative symbol”).

  A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are provided below the image display unit 104. The first start port 105 and the second start port 106 are start regions 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 that has passed. When the gaming machine 100 detects a winning game ball at the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106 with this switch, the gaming machine 100 obtains a right to receive a jackpot lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special drawing determination information”). Then, a jackpot lottery (special symbol lottery) is performed using this special figure determination information. Specific contents of the special figure determination information will be described later. When the gaming machine 100 detects a game ball won in the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106, the gaming machine 100 may also pay out a predetermined number (for example, three) of winning balls.

  The second starting port 106 is provided with an 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.

  A gate 108 is provided on the left side of the image display unit 104. Similarly to the first start port 105 and the second start port 106, the gate 108 is also a start region through which a game ball can pass (winning is possible). When the gaming machine 100 detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108, the gaming machine 100 acquires a right to receive a normal symbol lottery (information for determining a general symbol). Then, a normal symbol lottery is performed using this general pattern determination information. The gaming machine 100 normally closes the electric tulip 107. When the normal symbol lottery is won per common symbol, the electric tulip 107 is opened for a predetermined period.

  In addition, a big winning port 109 is provided below the second starting port 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. The gaming machine 100 normally closes the special winning opening 109. Then, when a big win is won in the big win lottery, the big winning opening 109 is opened for a predetermined period. When the gaming machine 100 detects a game ball that has won a prize winning port 109, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prize balls.

  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 (for example, eight) of winning balls when detecting a 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 unit 112 is provided in the lower right portion of the game board 101. As will be described later with reference to FIG. 2, the information display unit 112 is used to suggest game information regarding 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). For example, 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 on the top, bottom, left, and right of the game board 101 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 a player fires 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. The gaming machine 100 fires a game ball only when it is detected by this sensor that the firing instruction member 117 is directly operated by the player.

  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 which shows the lottery result of the jackpot lottery performed when the game ball won the 1st starting opening 105. The second special symbol display unit 201b displays a special symbol indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery performed by winning the game ball at the second starting port 106. For example, the 1st special symbol display part 201a and the 2nd special symbol display part 201b are LED indicators which have eight LED, and display a special symbol by the lighting mode of eight LED.

  It is assumed that the jackpot of the present embodiment includes a probability variation length of 15 rounds, a probability variation per short of 4 rounds, and a normal short hit. 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 probability variation length is indicated. When the second, third, and sixth LEDs from the left are lit, the probability variation short hit is indicated. When the first, fourth, and seventh LEDs from the left are turned on, a short hit is usually indicated. Further, 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 immediately display the lottery result when the big win lottery is performed, and the special symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined period before that. 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 left to right in the drawing, for example.

  In addition, a normal symbol display unit 202 indicating a lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is provided on the upper portion 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 lit, long open per unit is indicated. When the LED corresponding to “Δ” is lit, short open per unit is indicated. When the LED corresponding to “x” is turned on, it indicates a loss (ordinary loss).

  Also, the normal symbol display unit 202 does not immediately display the lottery result when the normal symbol lottery is performed, but before that, the normal symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined period. At the time of the change 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, a reserved number display unit 203 is provided. 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 the information for special figure determination memorize | stored by winning to the 1st starting port 105. FIG. The second special symbol reservation number display unit 203b displays the number of special figure determination information stored by winning the second starting port 106. The normal symbol hold number display unit 203c displays the number of stored general symbol determination information.

  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 stored according to the number of LEDs that are turned on. ing. Note that the gaming machine 100 has predetermined information for special figure determination by winning a prize at the first start opening 105, special figure determination information by winning a prize at the second start opening 106, and general figure determination information. It is assumed that a number (for example, 4) can be stored at the upper limit.

  In the present embodiment, the number of special figure determination information stored by winning the first starting port 105 is hereinafter referred to as “first special figure hold number”. The number of special figure determination information stored by winning at the second starting port 106 is hereinafter referred to as “second special figure hold number”. In addition, a combination of the first special figure reservation number and the second special figure reservation number is hereinafter referred to as a “special figure reservation number”. For example, if the first special figure hold number is “4” and the second special figure hold number is “1”, the special figure hold number is “5”.

  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, since the probability variation length is a big hit of 15 rounds, the round number display unit 204 lights the LED corresponding to “15” when the probability variation length is reached. Since the probable short hit and the normal short hit are big rounds of four rounds, the round number display unit 204 lights the LED corresponding to “4” at the big hits.

(Game progress in gaming machines)
Next, the flow of game progress in the gaming machine 100 will be described. The gaming machine 100 launches a game ball into the game area 103 when the launch instruction member 117 is operated by the player. If the launched game ball wins the first start opening 105 or the second start opening 106, special figure determination information is acquired and a big hit lottery is performed. When the big hit lottery is performed, the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 201 is changed.

  When the special symbol is changed, the gaming machine 100 performs a variable effect to show the degree of expectation for the jackpot by changing the special symbol decoration symbol (for example, three columns of numbers) on the display screen of the image display unit 104. I also do it. Specific contents of the variation effect will be described later. The gaming machine 100 changes the special symbol and the special symbol decoration symbol for a predetermined period, and then stops them so as to indicate the lottery result of the jackpot lottery. For example, if the jackpot is lost, the special symbol is stopped at the lost symbol. Further, in this case, the special figure decorative design is stopped at a break (for example, “1, 3, 2”). On the other hand, if the jackpot is won, the special symbol is stopped at the jackpot symbol. Further, in this case, the special figure decorative design is stopped at the double-eyed (for example, “1 · 1 · 1”).

  If the jackpot is won, the gaming machine 100 plays the jackpot game after the jackpot symbol is stopped. For example, in the jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 opens the jackpot 109 for the number of rounds corresponding to the type of the jackpot that has been won. In the present embodiment, the winning prize opening 109 is opened for 15 rounds when winning per probability variation length, and for 4 rounds when winning per probability variation short and normal short.

  When a game ball wins the big winning opening 109, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prize balls. The gaming machine 100 also performs a jackpot presentation during the jackpot game. In the present embodiment, the long jackpot effect is performed during the jackpot game per probability variation length, and the short jackpot effect is performed during the jackpot game of probability variation short hit and normal short hit. For this reason, in the gaming machine 100, the player cannot discriminate whether the winning is based on the promising short win or the normal winning win based on the contents of the big hit effect.

  In addition, when winning per probability variation length and probability variation short, the gaming machine 100 enters a high probability gaming state after this jackpot game. 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 1/100 as the winning probability for the jackpot.

  On the other hand, in a high-probability gaming state, a jackpot lottery is performed with the winning probability for jackpot being 1/10. For example, the gaming machine 100 maintains a high probability gaming state until the next jackpot is won. Further, the gaming machine 100 may be in a high-probability gaming state only for a period until a predetermined number of jackpot lotteries are performed, such as a so-called “ST machine” type gaming machine.

  Further, if the game ball passes through the gate 108, the gaming machine 100 acquires information for determining the general symbol and performs a normal symbol lottery. When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol of the normal symbol display unit 202 is changed. After changing the normal symbol for a predetermined period, the gaming machine 100 stops the normal symbol to show the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. For example, as described above, if the gaming machine 100 is won per long opening, the symbol “○” is won, if it is won per short opening, the “△” symbol is lost, and “×” is lost. "Display the symbol.

  If the winning is per long opening or short opening, the gaming machine 100 opens the electric tulip 107 for a predetermined period after these symbols stop. If winning per long opening, the electric tulip 107 is opened for a longer period than when winning per short opening. Although a detailed description is omitted in the present embodiment, the gaming machine 100 displays the general symbol decoration symbol corresponding to the normal symbol on the image display unit 104, and changes these according to the variation and stop of the normal symbol. It may be stopped.

  Further, the gaming machine 100 is in an auxiliary gaming state for a predetermined period after the big hit game. When in the auxiliary gaming state, the gaming machine 100 increases the chance of winning the game ball to the second starting port 106 as compared to when not in the auxiliary gaming state (hereinafter referred to as “non-auxiliary gaming state”). For example, when in the auxiliary gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a normal symbol lottery with a higher probability of winning per regular figure than in the 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 to increase the number of times of normal symbol lottery that can be performed per unit time (for example, per minute).

  The period of the auxiliary gaming state may be a period until winning the next jackpot or a period until a predetermined number of jackpot lotteries are performed. For example, in the present embodiment, after the jackpot game per probability variation length and probability variation short, the auxiliary gaming state is set until the next jackpot is won. Usually, after a short hit jackpot game, the game is in an auxiliary game state until five jackpot lotteries. When this period elapses, the gaming machine 100 returns to the non-auxiliary gaming state. The gaming machine 100 can also combine a high-probability gaming state and an auxiliary gaming state.

(About gaming state and production mode of gaming machines)
Here, the gaming state and effect mode that the gaming machine 100 can take will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a gaming state and an effect mode that can be taken by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 100 includes a normal gaming state 311 that is a low-probability gaming state and a non-auxiliary gaming state, a short-time gaming state 312a that is a low-probability gaming state and an auxiliary gaming state, a high-probability gaming state, and There are four gaming states, a first probability variation gaming state 312b that is an auxiliary gaming state and a second probability variation gaming state 313 that is a high probability gaming state and an auxiliary gaming state.

  Here, the first probability variation gaming state 312b and the second probability variation gaming state 313 are both high-probability gaming state and auxiliary gaming state gaming state, but the second probability variation gaming state 313 is more than the first probability variation gaming state 312b. Furthermore, the game state is advantageous for the player. For example, the gaming machine 100 makes the variation time of the special symbol shorter in the second probability variation gaming state 313 than in the first probability variation gaming state 312b. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can increase the number of lottery lotteries that can be performed per unit time (for example, per minute) in the second probability variation gaming state in the second probability variation gaming state, and is advantageous in that it increases the gaming efficiency. Can be.

  Although the details of the variation time (special diagram variation pattern) in each gaming state will be described later, the gaming machine 100 selects the special diagram variation pattern from the normal variation pattern table when in the normal gaming state 311. When the time-short game state 312a or the first probability variation game state 312b is selected, the special figure variation pattern is selected from the time-short variation pattern table. When in the second probability variation game state 313, a special figure variation pattern is selected from the probability variation variation pattern table. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can regulate the effects performed in each gaming state.

  For example, the gaming machine 100 is activated in the normal gaming state 311 after so-called “RAM clear”. When in the normal gaming state 311, the performance is performed in the normal performance mode 321. If a normal win is won (arrow (1) in FIG. 3), the gaming machine 100 enters the short-time gaming state 312a until the big winning lottery is performed five times after this jackpot game (a period of the auxiliary gaming state). When in the short-time gaming state 312a, the latent effect mode 322 is performed. When the jackpot lottery is performed five times in the short-time gaming state 312a, the gaming machine 100 enters the normal gaming state 311 by ending the auxiliary gaming state (arrow (2) in FIG. 3) and enters the normal performance mode 321.

  In addition, if the winning is based on the probability variation short (arrow (3) in FIG. 3), the gaming machine 100 enters the first certain variation gaming state 312b for a predetermined period after the big winning game. Here, the period during which the first probability variation gaming state 312b is reached differs depending on the type of probability variation short-term winning when the first probability variation gaming state 312b is achieved. As shown in FIG. 3, per probability variation shortage of the gaming machine 100 per first probability variation short, second probability variation short, third probability variation short per, fourth probability variation short per, and fifth probability variation per short There is.

  When winning the first winning odds short, the gaming machine 100 will be in the first positive changing gaming state 312b until the big winning lottery is performed once. If the player wins the 2nd chance change short game, the game will be in the 1st chance change gaming state 312b until the big win lottery is performed twice. If the player wins the third probability variation short, the first probability variation gaming state 312b is entered until the big winning lottery is performed three times. When winning the 4th probability variation short win, it will be in the 1st probability variation gaming state 312b until the big hit lottery is performed 4 times. When winning the 5th probability variation short win, it will be in the 1st probability variation gaming state 312b until the big hit lottery is performed 5 times. The gaming machine 100 also produces the latent effect mode 322 in the first probability variation gaming state 312b, similarly to the time-short gaming state 312a.

  Here, when comparing the short-time gaming state 312a and the first probability variation gaming state 312b, except for performing a jackpot lottery with different winning probabilities for winning the jackpot, a point that is produced in the auxiliary gaming state or the latent performance mode 322 Are common. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 does not clearly indicate to the player whether the time-short gaming state 312a or the first probability variation gaming state 312b. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 can give the player a sense of expectation that “it may be in a high-probability gaming state” while performing in the latent effect mode 322.

  When the number of jackpot lottery is performed in the first probability variation game state 312b (arrow (4) in FIG. 3), the gaming machine 100 enters the second probability variation game state 313. When in the second probability variation game state 313, the probability variation effect mode 323 is performed. In addition, even when the gaming machine 100 is won per probability variation length (arrow (5) in FIG. 3), the gaming machine 100 enters the second probability variation gaming state 313 after this jackpot game. That is, in this case, the gaming machine 100 clearly indicates immediately after the jackpot game without concealing that it has entered the high probability gaming state.

(Production performed by the game machine in the latent performance mode)
Next, an example of an effect performed by the gaming machine 100 in the latent effect mode 322 will be described. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an effect performed in the latent effect mode by the gaming machine of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the gaming machine 100 can perform seven types of variation effects from the first latent effect pattern to the seventh latent effect pattern in the latent effect mode 322. The variation effect from the first latent effect pattern to the seventh latent effect pattern is a variation effect for the latent effect mode 322, and the gaming machine 100 does not perform these in other effect modes.

  The variation effect shown by the first latent effect pattern is a variation effect that suggests that the current symbol variation will be a big hit. In the latent effect mode 322, when the big jackpot is won in the current jackpot lottery, the gaming machine 100 performs the variation effect of the first latent effect pattern with the current symbol variation. Hereinafter, the condition for performing the variation effect of the first latent effect pattern in this way is referred to as “execution condition A”.

  The variation effect indicated by the second latent effect pattern is a variation effect that suggests that the current pattern variation shifts to the probability variation effect mode 323. The gaming machine 100 loses a big hit in the current jackpot lottery in the latent performance mode 322, and if this jackpot lottery is the last jackpot lottery in the first certain variation game state 312b, the second latent performance in the current symbol variation. Perform pattern variation effects. Hereinafter, the condition for performing the variation effect of the second latent effect pattern in this way is referred to as “execution condition B”.

  The variation effect shown by the third latent effect pattern is a variation effect that does not make a transition to the probability variation effect mode 323 after temporarily appearing as if it has shifted to the probability variation effect mode 323 with the current symbol variation. When the gaming machine 100 loses a big hit in the current jackpot lottery in the latent performance mode 322, and this jackpot lottery is the last jackpot lottery in the short-time gaming state 312a, Perform fluctuating effects. Hereinafter, the condition for performing the variation effect of the third latent effect pattern is referred to as “execution condition C”.

  The variation effect shown by the fourth latent effect pattern is a variation effect that suggests that the next symbol variation will be a big hit. Although details will be described later, for example, the gaming machine 100 makes a prior determination when storing the special figure determination information. Thereby, when the gaming machine 100 stores the special figure determination information, the gaming machine 100 can acquire information indicating whether the special figure determination information is a big hit. In the latent effect mode 322, the gaming machine 100 loses a big jackpot in the current jackpot lottery, and when the next symbol change is a big jackpot, the gaming machine 100 performs a variation effect of the fourth latent effect pattern on the current symbol change. Hereinafter, the condition for performing the variation effect of the fourth latent effect pattern in this way is referred to as “execution condition D”.

  The variation effect shown by the fifth latent effect pattern is a variation effect that suggests that the symbol variation will be a big hit in subsequent and subsequent symbol variations. In the latent effect mode 322, the gaming machine 100 loses a big jackpot in the jackpot lottery up to the next time, and when the jackpot lottery performed thereafter is a big hit, performs a variation effect of the fifth latent effect pattern with the current symbol variation. The condition for performing the variation effect of the fifth latent effect pattern is hereinafter referred to as “execution condition E”.

  The variation effect indicated by the sixth latent effect pattern is a variation effect suggesting that the game state is a high probability game state. In the gaming machine 100, if there is no big hit in the special figure determination information stored in the latent effect mode 322 and the game is in the first probability variation gaming state 312b, the variation effect of the sixth latent effect pattern in the current symbol variation. I do. Hereinafter, the condition for performing the variation effect of the sixth latent effect pattern in this way is referred to as “execution condition F”.

  The variation effect shown by the seventh latent effect pattern is a variation effect that is performed when the conditions for performing the first latent effect pattern to the sixth latent effect pattern are not satisfied. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 performs the variation effect of the seventh latent effect pattern in the symbol variation in which the variation effect from the first latent effect pattern to the sixth latent effect pattern is not performed in the latent effect mode 322. Hereinafter, the condition for performing the variation effect of the seventh latent effect pattern is referred to as “execution condition G”.

  Furthermore, it may be added as an execution condition that the timing for winning the big hit is the latent effect mode 322 to the latent effect pattern that suggests a big hit in the subsequent symbol variation. For example, it is suggested that the variation effect of the fifth latent effect pattern becomes a big hit by the next symbol variation. For this reason, when the latent effect mode 322 ends before the next symbol change (for example, when the latent effect mode 322 ends with the next symbol change), the fifth latent effect pattern changes. The production may not be performed. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can indicate to the player that it will be a big hit within a limited period such as in the latent effect mode 322. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 can specifically indicate to the player the timing of the jackpot, such as when it will be a jackpot, and the player's expectation is higher than when vaguely suggesting that it will be a jackpot. It can be further enhanced.

(A specific example of directing in the latent display mode by a gaming machine)
Next, a specific example of the effect in the latent effect mode 322 by the gaming machine 100 will be described. 5-1 is explanatory drawing (the 1) which shows a specific example of the production | presentation in the latent production mode by the game machine of this Embodiment. 5-2 is explanatory drawing (the 2) which shows a specific example of the production | presentation in the latent production mode by the game machine of this Embodiment. FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of a change effect that shifts to the probability change effect mode 323 with the current symbol change, that is, the change effect of the second latent effect pattern described above.

  As shown in FIG. 5A (1), the gaming machine 100 displays special figure decoration symbols Z <b> 1 to Z <b> 3 on the image display unit 104. For example, the special figure decoration symbols Z1 to Z3 represent any number from “1” to “9”. The gaming machine 100 indicates a lottery result of the big hit lottery to the player by a combination of numbers represented by the special-design decorative symbols Z1 to Z3.

  In addition, the gaming machine 100 displays the background image H on the back of the special figure decoration symbols Z1 to Z3 on the display screen of the image display unit 104. As the background image H, a different image is prepared for each effect mode. The gaming machine 100 can indicate the current effect mode to the player by the displayed background image H. In the example shown in FIG. 5A (1), the gaming machine 100 indicates the latent effect mode 322 by displaying a background image H representing a bag.

  When the big hit lottery is performed, the gaming machine 100 starts the variation effect and starts the variation of the special figure decoration symbols Z1 to Z3. The lower white arrows in FIG. 5-1 (2) indicate that the decorative symbols Z1 to Z3 to which each corresponds are changed. In each figure from FIG. 5-1 (3) to FIG. 5-2 (5) described below, it is assumed that the special-fitting decorative symbols Z1 to Z3 are changed as in FIG. 5-1 (2). These illustrations are omitted.

  Subsequently, the gaming machine 100 performs an effect in which the heel of the background image H is opened, a rival character appears at the tip of the opened heel, and the rival character and the hero character compete (FIG. 5-1 ( 3)). In the case of shifting to the probability variation effect mode 323 (in the case of the second latent effect pattern), an effect that the hero character wins by this game is performed (FIG. 5-2 (4)). Although illustration is omitted, when the transition to the probability variation effect mode 323 is not made (in the case of the third latent effect pattern), an effect that the main character is defeated by this game is performed.

  After that, the gaming machine 100 suggests the transition to the probability variation effect mode 323 (FIG. 5-2 (5)), and finally stops the special-fitting decorative symbols Z1 to Z3 and shows the player the lottery result of the jackpot lottery. (FIG. 5-2 (6)), the current symbol variation is terminated. Note that each variation effect from the first latent effect pattern to the sixth latent effect pattern is the same as the effect of the content until the timing when the background image H is opened (timing immediately before the above FIG. 5-1 (3)). It has become. This makes it difficult for the gaming machine 100 to determine which variation effect is being performed by the player until this timing, and maintains the player's sense of tension and expectation.

  5-3 is explanatory drawing (the 3) which shows a specific example of the production | presentation in the latent production mode by the game machine of this Embodiment. In the above-described second latent effect pattern, a rival character appears when the heel is opened. For example, in the case of the first latent effect pattern, when the heel is opened as shown in FIG. 5-3 (1). The effect that a heroine character appears is performed. Although illustration is omitted, since the gaming machine 100 performs a variation effect of the first latent effect pattern when winning the jackpot, after the effect of FIG. ~ Z3 is stopped.

  Further, for example, in the case of the fourth latent effect pattern, as shown in FIG. 5-3 (2), the effect that the fellow character appears when the bag is opened is performed. Although illustration is omitted, since the gaming machine 100 performs a variation effect of the fourth latent effect pattern when it loses the jackpot, the special-design decorative pattern Z1 is a combination that shows a loss after the effect of FIG. 5-3 (2). ~ Z3 is stopped. Although illustration is omitted, the gaming machine 100 performs an effect in which a fellow character appears similarly in the fifth latent effect pattern. Here, the fellow character says a line indicating when the heroine (appears at the time of the big hit) is met. Then, in the variation effect of the fourth latent effect pattern, by saying a line indicating that it is closer in time series than the change effect of the fifth latent effect pattern, the player has the impression that the jackpot is intuitively close. Can be given to.

  Also in the case of the sixth latent effect pattern, after the effect that the fellow character appears when the heel is opened as shown in FIG. ~ Z3 is stopped. Here, the fellow character says a line indicating the temperature, for example, saying that “a hot day does not continue recently” to show that it is in a high probability gaming state. Although it is suggested here that it is a high-probability gaming state, mimicking the temperature, it is more direct, such as “maybe a chance” or “may be in a high-probability gaming state”. It may be expressed as

(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. As shown in FIG. 6, the gaming machine 100 includes an acquisition unit 610, a special game determination unit 620, a symbol control unit 630, a special game execution unit 640, a game state control unit 650, a pre-determination unit 660, And an effect execution unit 670.

  The acquisition unit 610 has a function of acquiring a right to receive a special game determination when a start condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, special figure determination information for receiving a jackpot lottery when a game ball wins at the first start port 105 or the second start port 106 is acquired. The acquisition unit 610 may acquire the general-purpose determination information when the game ball passes through the gate 108.

  The acquisition unit 610 includes a storage unit 611. The storage unit 611 has a function of storing a right for receiving a special game determination. For example, the storage unit 611 stores special figure determination information. In this case, the storage unit 611 stores the special figure determination information until a big hit lottery is performed based on the special figure determination information. The storage unit 611 can store a plurality of rights. In the present embodiment, up to four special figure determination information can be stored for each start port. When a plurality of rights are stored in this way, the storage unit 611 sets and stores a determination order for receiving a determination by the special game determination unit 620 for each right.

  The special game determination unit 620 has a function of performing a special game determination based on the right acquired by the acquisition unit 610. In the present embodiment, a big hit lottery is performed based on the special figure determination information stored in the storage unit 611. When a plurality of special figure determination information is stored, a big hit lottery is performed based on the special figure determination information in which the above-mentioned determination order comes first. As described above, the jackpots to be won in the jackpot lottery of the present embodiment include the probability variation per length, the probability variation per short, and the normal short per hit, and the probability variation per short from the first probability variation per short to the fifth probability variation per short. There are five types.

  Further, the special game determination unit 620 can vary the probability of determining that a special game is to be performed. For example, in the aforementioned low probability gaming state, a jackpot lottery that wins a jackpot with a probability of 1/100 is performed, and in a high probability gaming state, a jackpot lottery that wins a jackpot with a probability of 1/10 is performed. In this case, the special game determination unit 620 performs a jackpot lottery according to the game state set by the game state control unit 650. Note that the special game determination unit 620 may perform the normal symbol lottery when the acquisition unit 610 acquires the information for determining the general symbol.

  The symbol control unit 630 has a function of causing the special game determination result to be stopped after changing the symbol for a predetermined variation time based on the special game determination result by the special game determination unit 620. In this Embodiment, it connects with the special symbol display part 201, and after changing a special symbol, it stops with the symbol which shows a jackpot lottery result. Further, the symbol control unit 630 may be connected to the image display unit 104, and may be stopped by a combination indicating the big hit lottery result after the special symbol decoration symbols Z1 to Z3 are changed.

  In addition, the symbol control unit 630 can vary the symbol for a variation time corresponding to the gaming state set by the gaming state control unit 650. For example, when the game state is the second probability variation game state 313, the variation time is relatively shorter than that when the game state is the first probability variation game state 312b. Further, when the game state is the short-time game state 312a or the first probability variation game state 312b, the variation time may be changed in a relatively shorter time than when the normal game state 311 is selected.

  The special game execution unit 640 has a function of performing a special game after the symbol control unit 630 stops the symbol when it is determined by the special game determination unit 620 that the special game is to be performed. In this embodiment, when the jackpot is won and the jackpot symbol is stopped, the jackpot game is played by controlling the opening and closing of the jackpot 109. For example, when a winning symbol is won per probability variation length and the symbol per probability variation length is stopped, a 15-round jackpot game is played. If the winning symbol for winning odds or winning shorts is won and the winning symbol for winning odds or normal winning symbols is stopped, a 4-round jackpot game is played.

  The gaming state control unit 650 has a function of controlling the gaming state of the gaming machine 100. The game state control unit 650 sets a predetermined game state based on the special game determination result by the special game determination unit 620 and the number of special game determinations. In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 3, the normal game state 311, the short-time game state 312 a, the first probability variable game state 312 b, and the second probability variable game state 313 can be set. In particular, the game state control unit 650 sets the first probability change game state 312b in different periods after the big hit game by each probability change short win. Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, the timing of transition from the first probability variation gaming state 312b to the second probability variation gaming state 313 after each probability variation short hit is different.

  The prior determination unit 660 has a function of performing prior determination on the right stored in the storage unit 611. In the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is based on the special figure determination information stored in the storage unit 611. Further, the prior determination unit 660 may obtain the symbol variation time by prior determination.

  The effect execution unit 670 has a function of performing a predetermined effect during symbol variation by the symbol control unit 630 based on the special game determination result by the special game determination unit 620 and the preliminary determination result by the preliminary determination unit 660. . For example, the effect execution unit 670 first determines whether the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot. If it is determined that the game is a jackpot, based on the jackpot lottery result, an effect that suggests that the current symbol change will be a jackpot is performed.

  If the jackpot lottery result is not a jackpot, it is determined based on the prior determination result whether the next symbol variation will be a jackpot. If it is determined that this will be a big hit, an effect is suggested that suggests that the next symbol change will be a big hit with the current symbol change. If the next symbol change does not result in a big win, it is determined whether there are any stored right in the storage unit 611 that is a big hit. An effect suggesting that is stored. Thereby, in the gaming machine 100, even if it is not a big win due to the current symbol variation, the player's sense of expectation is indicated by suggesting that the next symbol variation or the symbol variation due to the right in memory will be a big hit. It is possible to increase the chance of performing an effect that can increase the image quality.

  Further, the effect execution unit 670 has a plurality of effect modes as shown in FIG. 3 and can perform different effects in each effect mode to increase the variations of effects. When performing the production in the new production mode from the next symbol variation, the production execution unit 670 starts playing the music (BGM) for the destination production mode from the current symbol variation, and the next symbol variation occurs. You may make it become the predetermined part of this music (for example, it overlaps with singing) when it starts. By doing in this way, the gaming machine 100 can further raise the player's mood at the time of transition to the effect mode, and can enhance the 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 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 production.

(1. Main control unit)
First, the main control unit 701 will be described. The main control unit 701 is a CPU (Central
It has a 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 the program and data from the ROM 712 and executes the read program while using the RAM 713 as a work area.

  The main controller 701 is connected to various switches (hereinafter abbreviated as “SW”) for detecting a game ball. For example, the main control unit 701 is connected to a first start port SW714a and a second start port SW714b. Here, the first start port SW 714 a is a SW that detects a game ball won in the first start port 105, and the second start port SW 714 b is a SW that detects a game ball won in the second start port 106.

  Further, the main control unit 701 is connected to a gate SW 715, a special winning opening SW 716, and a normal winning opening SW 717. Here, the gate SW 715 is a SW that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108. The special winning opening SW 716 is a SW for detecting a game ball won in the special winning opening 109, and the normal winning opening SW 717 is a SW for detecting a gaming ball won in the normal winning opening 110.

  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. In addition, proximity switches etc. can be used for various SW714-717.

  The main controller 701 is connected to various solenoids that operate the electric accessory. For example, an electric tulip solenoid 718 and a prize winning solenoid 719 are connected to the main control unit 701. Here, the electric tulip solenoid 718 is a solenoid that opens and closes the electric tulip 107, and the big prize opening solenoid 719 is a solenoid that opens and closes the big prize opening 109. The various solenoids 718 to 719 convert the electric energy input from the main control unit 701 into a mechanical motion, and open and close the electric tulip 107 and the big prize opening 109.

  Furthermore, an information display unit 112 is connected to the main control unit 701. 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 show the lottery result of the big hit lottery. In addition, the main control unit 701 performs display control of the normal symbol display unit 202 so as to indicate the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. Further, the main control unit 701 performs display control of the hold number display unit 203 so as to indicate the number of stored special figure determination information and common figure determination information.

(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 by executing the program 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, the special symbol random number counter is assumed to count in the range of an integer of “0 to 99”. In addition, it is assumed that the normal symbol random number counter counts 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.

  In addition, the priority order (determination 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, the start port switch processing program 712e, when the special figure determination information is stored, makes a big hit lottery (special figure determination or special figure symbol determination), special figure variation pattern determination, etc. The determination result is stored in the determination result storage area 713e as a determination result. As a result, the main control unit 701 can obtain the jackpot lottery result and the special figure variation pattern judgment result by the special figure judgment information at the time when the special figure judgment information is stored. 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 showing 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 to perform a big hit lottery Special figure design determination) and special figure variation pattern judgment. 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 determination per special symbol based on the special symbol determination table TAt stored in the ROM 712 and the 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 makes a judgment per special figure using the judgment table TAt1 based on the low probability special figure if the high probability gaming flag indicating that the high probability gaming state is set to OFF at the time of special figure judgment. Let it be done. On the other hand, if the high-accuracy game flag is set to ON, the determination per special figure is performed using the high-specific 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 (1)” is associated with 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 9 (10 pieces)” is associated with 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 99. 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 1/100. 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 10/100 (= 1/10).

  When the determination result per special symbol is a big hit, the special symbol processing program 712j performs special symbol determination based on the special symbol determination table TZt stored in the ROM 712 and the special symbol random number of the special symbol determination information. . 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 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 are configured by associating each jackpot with a determination value that determines each winning probability. In the present embodiment, in the first special symbol determination table TZt1, the determination value “0 to 19 (20 pieces)” per probability variation length, and the determination value “20 to 24 ( 5)) ”. The determination value “25 to 29 (5 pieces)” is associated with the second probability variation short distance, and the determination value “30 to 34 (5 pieces)” is associated with the third probability variation short distance. The determination value “35 to 44 (10 pieces)” is associated with the fourth probability variation short distance, and the determination value “45 to 59 (15 pieces)” is associated with the fifth certain variation short distance. Then, the determination value “60 to 99 (40 pieces)” is associated with the normal short hit.

  Further, in the second special symbol determination table TZt2, the determination value “0 to 49 (50 pieces)” corresponds to the probability variation length, and the determination value “50 (1 piece)” corresponds to the first probability variation length. It is attached. The determination value “51 (one)” is associated with the second certainty variation short distance, and the determination value “52 (one)” is associated with the third certainty variable variation. The determination value “53 (1 piece)” is associated with the fourth probability variation short distance, and the determination value “54 to 59 (6 pieces)” is associated with the fifth certain variation short distance. Then, the determination value “60 to 99 (40 pieces)” is associated with the normal short hit.

  The special symbol processing program 712j determines that the jackpot associated with the determination value corresponding to the special symbol random number has been won. As described above, the special symbol random number acquired in the present embodiment is any integer from 0 to 99. For this reason, when the special symbol determination is performed using the first special symbol determination table TZt1, it is won per probability variation with a probability of 20/100, and per first probability variation with a probability of 5/100. Win. Win with a probability of 5/100 per second probability variation, and win with a probability of 5/100 per third probability variation. Win with a probability of 10/100 per 4th probability variation, and win with a probability of 15/100 per 5th probability variation. And it is usually won per short with a probability of 40/100.

  In addition, when the special symbol determination is performed using the second special symbol determination table TZt2, it is won per probability variation with a probability of 50/100, and is elected per first probability variation with a probability of 1/100. To do. Win with a probability of 1/100 per second probability variation, and win with a probability of 1/100 per third probability variation. Win with a probability of 1/100 per 4th probability change, and win with a probability of 6/100 per 5th probability variation. And it is usually won per short with a probability of 40/100.

  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 of the special symbol determination information The special figure variation pattern is determined based on the pattern random number. 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. FIG. 13C is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of an example of the special figure variation pattern table. FIG. 13-4 is an explanatory diagram (part 4) of an example of the special figure variation pattern table. FIG. 13-5 is an explanatory diagram (part 5) of an example of the special figure variation pattern table. FIG. 13-6 is an explanatory diagram (part 6) of an example of the special figure variation pattern table.

  The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt includes a loss normal fluctuation pattern table THt1 shown in FIG. 13-1, a big hit normal fluctuation pattern table THt2 shown in FIG. 13-2, a lost time short fluctuation pattern table THt3 shown in FIG. The jackpot short-time variation pattern table THt4 shown in FIG. 13-4, the loss probability variation pattern table THt5 shown in FIG. 13-5, and the jackpot probability variation pattern table THt6 shown in FIG. 13-6.

  In the normal game state 311, the special symbol processing program 712j makes the special-figure variation pattern determination using the loss normal variation pattern table THt1 if it is a loss and the big hit normal variation pattern table THt2 if it is a big hit. Further, in the short-time game state 312a and the first probability variation game state 312b, the special figure variation pattern determination is performed using the short-time variation pattern table THt3 if lost and the short-term variation pattern table THt4 if big hit. In the second probability variation gaming state 313, the special figure variation pattern determination is performed using the loss probability variation variation pattern table THt5 if it is a loss, and the jackpot probability variation variation pattern table THt6 if it is a big hit.

  In the special figure fluctuation pattern determination, the special symbol processing program 712j compares the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the special figure determination information to be determined this time with the determination value of the special figure fluctuation pattern table used this time. Then, a special figure fluctuation pattern having a determination value that matches the special figure fluctuation pattern random numbers is derived as a determination result of the special figure fluctuation pattern determination. For this reason, in the case of a loss in the short-time gaming state 312a or the first probability variation gaming state 312b, the special figure fluctuation pattern THp21 becomes the determination result of the special figure fluctuation pattern. In the case of a loss in the second probability variation game state 313, the special figure fluctuation pattern THp31 becomes the determination result of the special figure fluctuation pattern. Here, the fluctuation time determined by the special figure fluctuation pattern THp31 is shorter than the special figure fluctuation pattern THp21.

  For this reason, in the 2nd probability change game state 313, compared with the time-short game state 312a and the 1st probability change game state 312b, the fluctuation | variation of the special symbol at the time of a loss will be completed in a short time. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can increase the efficiency of the game in the second probability variation gaming state 313 as compared to the time-short gaming state 312a and the first probability variation gaming state 312b, and the second probability variation gaming state 313 is changed to the time-short gaming state 312a and the first probability variation gaming state 312b. The gaming state is more advantageous for the player than the one-probability changing gaming state 312b. From the player's point of view, in the 2nd probability variation game state 313, if the lottery result of the big hit lottery is lost, the current symbol variation will be completed quickly and the next symbol variation will be entered, so enjoy the speedy game. Can do. In addition, it is possible to enjoy a game with less stress by reducing the fuzziness at the time of losing.

(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 a symbol indicating both the determination result of the special symbol determination and the determination result of the special symbol determination. For example, in this case, “0” per probability variation, “1” per first probability variation, “2” per second probability variation, “3” per third probability variation, “3” per fourth probability variation, “ “5” is stored for “4”, fifth probability variation short, “6” for normal short, and “−” for other cases (losing).

  The special symbol processing program 712j performs special symbol display control 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 the symbol indicating 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 jackpot lottery (determination per special figure or special 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 common 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. To make a normal symbol lottery. 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. It makes the common symbol determination which determines whether it corresponds with a value.

  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 ordinary symbol processing program 712k performs the universal symbol determination, the universal symbol determination, the universal pattern variation pattern determination, etc., these determination results are stored in the universal symbol determination result storage area 713f, and the universal symbol determination result storage area Based on the content stored in 713f, normal symbol display control is performed. For example, after the normal symbol is changed for the fluctuation time indicated by the normal symbol variation pattern, the normal symbol is stopped at the symbol indicating both the determination result of the universal 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 winning opening opening pattern table KPt1 is configured by associating the big winning opening opening patterns DKp1, DKp2 with types of jackpots. In the present embodiment, the big winning opening opening pattern DKp1 is a large winning opening opening pattern for long winning (per probability variation length), and the large winning opening opening pattern DKp2 is for short winning (probable short variation and normal short winning). It is considered as a big prize opening pattern.

  Here, the big winning opening opening patterns DKp1 and DKp2 define the opening manner of the big winning opening 109 in each jackpot. Specifically, for example, the winning opening opening patterns DKp1 and DKp2 define the number of rounds in each jackpot, the opening time of the 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. Thus, 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 in front of the frame body. 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). Control is performed to pay out the number of prize balls corresponding to the played game balls.

  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 production 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 703a that controls the entire effect control unit 703, an image / sound control unit 703b that performs display control of the image display unit 104 and audio 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. Furthermore, an effect button 118 and a cross key 119 for receiving an operation from the player are connected to the effect control 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 such as 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 subprograms such as a variation effect processing program 732d, a general-purpose effect processing program 732e, and a jackpot effect processing program 732f. The variation effect processing program 732d causes the processing related to the variation effect to be performed when a command related to the special symbol is received from the main control unit 701. For example, the variation effect processing program 732d selects one variation effect pattern from the variation effect pattern table TEt and causes the RAM 733 to set it.

(Example of variation production pattern table)
Here, an example of the variation effect pattern table TEt will be described. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the variation effect pattern table. The variation effect pattern table TEt is configured by associating the special effect variation patterns THp11 to THp16, THp21 to THp22, and THp31 to THp32 with the variation effect patterns TEp1 to TEp15 that define different variation effects. Here, the variation effect patterns TEp7 to TEp13 are the variation effect patterns corresponding to the first to seventh latent effect patterns shown in FIG.

  For example, when the variation effect processing program 732d sets the variation effect pattern, the variation effect pattern associated with the special figure variation pattern included in the special figure variation start command is determined from the variation effect pattern table TEt. The effect pattern is set in the RAM 733. In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 4, the execution conditions for the changing effects are associated with the changing effects patterns TEp7 to TEp13. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can perform a variation effect from the second latent effect pattern to the sixth latent effect pattern under the execution conditions described in FIG. When the variation effect processing program 732d sets the variation effect pattern, the variation effect processing program 732d generates a variation effect start command for starting the variation effect determined by the variation effect pattern 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 symbol effect processing program 732 e performs a 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 presentation processing program 732f causes a process for jackpot presentation to be performed when a command for 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.

  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 variation effect pattern and the jackpot effect pattern set in the RAM 733, and transmits these commands to the image / audio control unit 703b and the lamp control unit 703c at a predetermined timing. Let

(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 effect data includes decorative symbols (special symbol decorative symbols and universal symbol decorative symbols), image data for various effects (for example, variable effects), and the like. Further, the production data includes sound data such as BGM (Background music) and sound effects.

  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. When 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-purpose decorative design. 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, the image indicated 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 indicated 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 a movable accessory sensor S1 that detects the position of the movable accessory 130. The lamp control unit 703c receives a detection signal from the movable accessory sensor S1, and based on the detection signal, the lamp control unit 703c receives the detection signal. The driving 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, and a control signal corresponding to the lighting control data is output at a predetermined timing. 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.

  For example, the acquisition unit 610, the special game determination unit 620, the symbol control unit 630, the special game execution unit 640, the game state control unit 650, and the prior determination unit 660 described above are stored in the ROM 712 by the CPU 711 of the main control unit 701. The function can be realized by executing the program. In addition, the above-described effect execution unit 670 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. 19 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 S1901) and permits access to the RAM 713 (step S1902).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether the RAM clear switch is ON (step S1903). If the RAM clear switch is ON (step S1903: Yes), the RAM is cleared (step S1904). Although detailed description is omitted because it is a known technique, the main control unit 701 discards (clears) the backup information stored in the RAM 713 by clearing the RAM. 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 S1905), and performs initial setting of the peripheral part (step S1906). In step S1906, for example, the main control unit 701 transmits an initial setting command 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 S1903: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the backup flag indicating that the backup information is stored is set to ON (step S1907). ). If the backup flag is OFF (step S1907: NO), the process proceeds to step S1904. If the backup flag is ON (step S1907: YES), it is determined whether the checksum is normal (step S1908). If there is an abnormality in the checksum (step S1908: No), the process proceeds to step S1904.

  If the checksum is normal (step S1908: Yes), the main control unit 701 performs a recovery process for recovering to the previous power-off state based on the backup information (step S1909). Further, the main control unit 701 may transmit the above-described initial setting command and backup information to the winning ball control unit 702 and the effect control unit 703 in the recovery process.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets a CTC (timer counter) cycle (for example, 4 ms) in the RAM 713 (step S1910). The main control unit 701 performs a timer interrupt process (described later) at the period set here. Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a power-off monitoring process for monitoring power-off (step S1911). Although illustration and detailed explanation are omitted, the main control unit 701 monitors the power supply interruption by the power supply interruption monitoring process, generates backup information when the power supply is interrupted, and stores the backup information in the RAM 713. .

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a special figure fluctuation pattern random number update for incrementing the count value of the special figure fluctuation pattern random number counter by “+1” (step S1912), and sets an interrupt prohibition setting for the timer interruption process. (Step S1913). 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 S1914). Then, the interrupt permission setting for canceling the interrupt prohibition setting of the timer interrupt process is performed (step S1915), the process proceeds to step S1911, and the steps from step S1911 to S1915 are repeated thereafter.

(Timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the timer interrupt processing. The main control unit 701 executes this timer interrupt process with respect to the main process at a 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 S2001). When the count value reaches the upper limit value by counting up, the count value that has reached the upper limit value is returned to a predetermined value.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 executes switch processing for detecting by various switches (step S2002). 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 S2003). 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. 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 S2004). 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 relating to prize ball payout control (step S2005). 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, etc. by the processes of steps S2001 to S2005 (step S2006). 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. 21 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 S2101). If the first starter SW 714a is not ON (step S2101: No), the process proceeds to step S2106.

  If the first start port SW 714a is ON (step S2101: Yes), the main control unit 701 counts the number of special figure determination information acquired for the game ball won at the first start port 105 (hereinafter referred to as “the first start port SW 714a”). It is determined whether U1 (referred to as “first special figure determination information count”) is less than 4 (U1 <4) (step S2102). If the number of first special figure determination information U1 is 4 or more (step S2102: No), the process proceeds to step S2106.

  If the first special figure determination information number U1 is less than 4 (step S2102: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets a value obtained by adding “+1” to the first special figure determination information number U1 to the new first special figure determination information U1. The number of figure determination information U1 is set (step S2103). 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 S2104). Then, a preliminary determination process (described later) is performed using the acquired special figure determination information (step S2105), and the process proceeds to step S2106.

  Next, the main control unit 701 determines whether the second start port SW 714b is turned on (step S2106). If the second start port SW 714b is not ON (step S2106: No), the start port switch process is terminated. If the second start port SW 714b is ON (step S2106: 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 U2 (referred to as “number of information”) is less than 4 (U2 <4) (step S2107). If the number of second special figure determination information U2 is 4 or more (step S2107: No), the start port switch process is terminated.

  If the second special figure determination information number U2 is less than 4 (step S2107: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets a value obtained by adding “+1” to the second special figure determination information number U2 as a new second special figure determination value U2. The figure determination information number U2 is set (step S2108). 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 S2109). Then, a preliminary determination process is performed using the acquired special figure determination information (step S2110), and the start port switch process is terminated.

  When storing the special figure determination information in step S2109, the main control unit 701 acquires the special figure determination information acquired here by winning the special start determination information at 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. 22 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 S2201). If the high-accuracy game flag is set to ON (step S2201: Yes), the high-accuracy special figure hit determination table TAt2 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2202), and the process proceeds to step S2204. If the high probability game flag is set to OFF (step S2201: No), the low probability special figure determination table TAt1 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2203), and the process proceeds to step S2204.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs determination per special figure (step S2204). In the determination per special figure, the main control unit 701 uses the value of the random number per special figure in the special figure determination information to be determined this time and the determination value of the determination table per special figure set in step S2202 or step S2203. 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 S2204 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 performs a special figure variation pattern setting process (described later) (step S2205). Then, the processing result of step S2204 and the processing result of step S2205 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 S2206). Then, a preliminary determination command representing the current preliminary determination result is generated and set in the RAM 713 (step S2207), and the preliminary determination process is terminated.

(Special symbol processing)
FIG. 23 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 the winning game flag indicating ON is being set to ON (step S2301). If the winning game flag is set to ON (step S2301: Yes), the special symbol process is terminated. If the winning game flag is not set to ON (step S2301: No), it is determined whether the special symbol is changing (step S2302). If the special symbol is changing (step S2302: YES), the process proceeds to step S2311.

  If the special symbol is not changing (step S2302: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the second special figure determination information number U2 is 1 or more (U2 ≧ 1) (step S2303). If the second special figure determination information number U2 is 1 or more (step S2303: Yes), the value obtained by subtracting "-1" from the second special figure determination information number U2 is set as the new second special figure determination information number. As U2 (step S2304), the process proceeds to step S2307.

  Also, if the second special figure determination information number U2 is less than 1 (step S2303: 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 S2305). If the number of first special figure determination information U1 is 1 or more (step S2305: Yes), the value obtained by subtracting "-1" from the first special figure determination information number U1 is set as the new first special figure determination information number. As U1 (step S2306), the process proceeds to step S2307.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs a jackpot lottery process (described later) (step S2307), and performs a special figure variation pattern setting process (described later) (step S2308). Then, the variation of the special symbol based on the processing result of the jackpot lottery process and the processing result of the special figure variation pattern setting process is started (step S2309). Here, the main control unit 701 fluctuates the special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 201b when the big ball is drawn by the special symbol determination information acquired by winning the game ball at the second starting port 106. Let When the big hit 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 S2310). For example, 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. The main control unit 701 transmits this special figure change start command to the effect control unit 703 and the like when performing the output process.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed (step S2311). In step S2311, 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 S2311: No), the special symbol process is terminated. If the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed (step S2311: Yes), the special symbol is stopped so as to show the lottery result of the big hit lottery performed at the start of the fluctuation (step S2312).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 generates a special figure change stop command and sets it in the RAM 713 (step S2313). For example, the special figure fluctuation stop command can be a command that represents a jackpot lottery result, a special figure fluctuation 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 performing the output process, the main control unit 701 transmits this special figure fluctuation stop command to the effect control unit 703 and the like. Then, a stopped process (described later) is performed (step S2314), and the special symbol process is terminated.

  If the first special figure determination information number U1 is less than 1 in step S2305 (step S2305: No), the main control unit 701 sets a customer waiting command in the RAM 713 (step S2315), and performs special symbol processing. finish.

(Large lottery processing)
FIG. 24 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 S2401). If the high-accuracy game flag is set to ON (step S2401: Yes), the high-probability special figure determination table TAt2 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2402). If the high probability game flag is set to OFF (step S2401: No), the low probability special figure determination table TAt1 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2403).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs special figure hit determination (step S2404). 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 S2402 or step S2403. 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 or not the determination result of the special figure hit determination is a big hit (step S2405). If it is not a big hit (step S2405: 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 S2406), and the big hit lottery process is terminated.

  If it is a big hit in step S2405 (step S2405: 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 S2407). If it is acquired by winning the first starting port 105 (step S2407: Yes), the first special symbol determination table TZt1 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2408). If it has been acquired by winning the second start port 106 (step S2407: No), the second special symbol determination table TZt2 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2409).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs special symbol determination (step S2410). 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 S2408 or step S2409. 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 symbol determination in the RAM 713 (step S2411), and ends the jackpot lottery process. For example, when setting the jackpot symbol, the main control unit 701 stores the jackpot symbol (for example, “0” or “1”) according to the type of the jackpot selected as shown in FIGS. 12-1 and 12-2 in the RAM 713. Set to.

(Special figure variation pattern setting process)
FIG. 25 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 normal gaming state 311 (step S2501). The main control unit 701 sets the high probability game flag to ON when in the high probability game state, and sets the auxiliary game flag to ON when in the auxiliary game state. In step S2501, the main control unit 701 determines that the normal gaming state 311 is established if both the high-probability gaming flag and the auxiliary gaming flag are OFF.

  If it is the normal gaming state 311 (step S2501: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether the lottery result of the big win lottery is a big win (step S2502). If it is not a big hit (step S2502: No), the loss normal variation pattern table THt1 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2503), and the process proceeds to step S2512. If it is a big hit (step S2502: Yes), the big hit normal variation pattern table THt2 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2504), and the process proceeds to step S2512.

  If it is determined in step S2501 that the game state is not the normal game state 311 (step S2501: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the game state is the second probability variation game state 313 (step S2505). The main control unit 701 has a latent game counter, and the count value N of the latent game counter is a value of “1” or more in the first probability variable gaming state 312b and the short-time gaming state 312a. For this reason, in step S2505, the main control unit 701 is in the second probability variable gaming state 313 when both the high probability game flag and the auxiliary game flag are ON, and the count value N is less than “1” (N <1). Is determined.

  If the game state is the second probability variation gaming state 313 (step S2505: Yes), the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot (step S2506). If it is not a big hit (step S2506: No), the loss probability variation pattern table THt5 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2507), and the process proceeds to step S2512. If it is a big hit (step S2506: Yes), the big hit probability variation pattern table THt6 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2508), and the process proceeds to step S2512.

  If it is determined in step S2505 that the second probability variation gaming state 313 is not set (N ≧ 1) (step S2505: No), the main control unit 701 determines whether the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot (step S2509). If it is not a big hit (step S2509: No), the loss time variation pattern table THt3 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2510), and the process proceeds to step S2512. If it is a big hit (step S2509: Yes), the big hit hour / short variation pattern table THt4 is set in the RAM 713 (step S2511), and the process proceeds to step S2512.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 performs special figure fluctuation pattern determination (step S2512). 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 determination of the special figure fluctuation pattern table set as described above. Compare the value. 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 S2513), the special figure variation pattern setting process is terminated.

(Processing during stoppage)
FIG. 26 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 the auxiliary game flag indicating the auxiliary game state is set to ON (step S2601). If the auxiliary game flag is set to OFF (step S2601: No), the process proceeds to step S2605. If the auxiliary game flag is set to ON (step S2601: Yes), a value “−1” from the count value Yh of the auxiliary game counter is set as a new count value Yh (step S2602). Then, it is determined whether the count value Yh has become “0” (step S2603).

  If the count value Yh becomes “0” (step S2603: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF (step S2604), and proceeds to step S2605. If the count value Yh is not “0” (step S2603: No), the process proceeds to step S2605.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the high probability game flag is set to ON (step S2605). If the highly probable game flag is set to OFF (step S2605: No), the process proceeds to step S2609. If the highly probable game flag is set to ON (step S2605: Yes), a value “−1” from the count value Yk of the highly probable game counter is set as a new count value Yk (step S2606). Then, it is determined whether the count value Yk has become “0” (step S2607).

  If the count value Yk becomes “0” (step S2607: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the high-probability game flag to OFF (step S2608), and proceeds to step S2609. If the count value Yk is not “0” (step S2607: NO), the process proceeds to step S2609.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether the count value N of the latent game counter is “1” or more (N ≧ 1) (step S2609). If the count value N is not “1” or more (step S2609: NO), the process proceeds to step S2611. If the count value N is “1” or more (step S2609: Yes), the value “−1” from the count value N is set as a new count value N (step S2610), and the process proceeds to step S2611.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether the special symbol is stopped at the jackpot symbol (whether the jackpot is won) (step S2611). If the jackpot symbol is not stopped (step S2611: No), the stopping process is terminated as it is. If the jackpot symbol has been stopped (step S2611: Yes), it is determined whether it is a long hit (per probability variation length in this embodiment) (step S2612). If long hit (step S2612: Yes), the long hit game flag is set to ON (step S2613), and the process proceeds to step S2615. If it is not long hit (step S2612: No), in this embodiment, if it is a probable short hit or normal short hit, the short hit game flag is set to ON (step S2614), and the process proceeds to step S2615.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 resets the count value Yk, the count value Yh, and the count value N to “0” (step S2615), and sets the high probability game flag and the auxiliary game flag to OFF (step S2616). ). Subsequently, a big winning opening opening pattern corresponding to the winning jackpot is set (step S2617). Specifically, when the long winning game flag is set to ON, the big winning opening opening pattern DKp1 is set, and when the short winning game flag is set to ON, the big winning opening opening pattern DKp2 is set. Then, opening is started (step S2618), an opening command is set in the RAM 713 (step S2619), and the stopped process is ended.

(Large winnings processing)
FIG. 27 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 a winning game flag (long winning game flag or short winning game flag) is set to ON (step S2701). If the winning game flag is OFF (step S2701: NO), the big prize opening process is terminated as it is.

  If the winning game flag is ON (step S2701: YES), it is determined whether the opening is in progress (step S2702). If it is during opening (step S2702: Yes), an opening process (described later) is performed (step S2703), and the process proceeds to step S2704. If the opening is not in progress (step S2702: NO), the process proceeds to step S2704.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether the special winning opening 109 is being opened (during round) (step S2704). If the special winning opening 109 is being opened (step S2704: YES), the below-described opening process is performed (step S2705). If the special winning opening 109 is not being opened (step S2704: NO), the process proceeds to step S2706.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether it is during the interval (step S2706). If it is during the interval (step S2706: Yes), an interval process (described later) is performed (step S2707), and the process proceeds to step S2708. If it is not during the interval (step S2706: NO), the process proceeds to step S2708.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether ending is in progress (step S2708). If it is during ending (step S2708: Yes), an ending process described later is performed (step S2709), and the big prize opening process is terminated. If it is not in the ending (step S2708: No), the special winning opening process is terminated.

(Opening process)
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the opening process. In the opening process, the main control unit 701 first determines whether or not a predetermined opening time has elapsed according to the type of jackpot (step S2801). If the opening time has not elapsed (step S2801: No), the opening process is terminated.

  If the opening time has elapsed (step S2801: YES), the main control unit 701 ends the opening (step S2802), sets the count value R of the round number counter to 1 (step S2803), and the round progress command Is set in the RAM 713 (step S2804). 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 S2805), and ends the opening process.

(Processing during opening)
FIG. 29 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 S2901). If the opening time has not elapsed (step S2901: 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 S2902). If there is no specified number of winnings (step S2902: NO), the process during opening is ended as it is.

  When the opening time has elapsed (step S2901: YES), or when a predetermined number of winnings have been made (step S2902: YES), the main control unit 701 closes the big winning port 109 (step S2903). 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 S2904). As described above, for example, Rmax is “15” per probability variation length, and Rmax is “4” per probability variation per short and normal per short.

  If the count value R of the round number counter does not coincide with Rmax (step S2904: No), the main control unit 701 starts an interval (step S2905) and ends the open process. If the count value R of the round number counter matches Rmax (step S2904: YES), the main control unit 701 determines that the final round has ended, and starts ending (step S2906).

  When the ending is started, the main control unit 701 sets an ending command in the RAM 713 (step S2907) 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. 30 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 S3001). If the interval time has not elapsed (step S3001: No), the interval process is terminated as it is.

  If the interval time has elapsed (step S3001: Yes), the main control unit 701 ends the interval (step S3002), 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 S3003). Then, a round progress command is set in the RAM 713 (step S3004). Subsequently, the main control unit 701 starts to open the next round big prize opening 109 (step S3005), and ends the interval process.

(Ending process)
FIG. 31 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 S3101). If the ending time has not elapsed (step S3101: No), the ending process is terminated.

  If the ending time has elapsed (step S3101: Yes), the main control unit 701 ends the ending (step S3102), and resets the count value R of the round number counter to “0” (step S3103). Then, a game state setting process (described later) for setting the game state after the current jackpot game is performed (step S3104). Then, the winning game flag is set to OFF (step S3105), and the ending process is ended.

(Game state setting process)
FIG. 32 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 determines whether or not the current jackpot is a probability change (per probability variation length and probability variation short) (step S3201). If it is not a positive change (step S3201: No), here, if it is a normal short hit, the auxiliary game flag is set to ON (step S3202), and the count value Yh of the auxiliary game counter is set to “5” ( Step S3203) and the process proceeds to Step S3209.

  If it is a probability change hit (step S3201: Yes), the main control unit 701 sets the high probability game flag to ON (step S3204), and sets the count value Yk of the high probability game counter to “10000” (substantially the next A value that continues until the big hit is set (step S3205). Subsequently, the auxiliary game flag is set to ON (step S3206), the count value Yh of the auxiliary game counter is set to “10000” (a value that substantially continues until the next big hit) (step S3207), and step The process moves to S3208.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 determines whether or not the current jackpot is a probable variable length (step S3208). If it is per probability variation length (step S3208: Yes), the gaming state setting process is terminated as it is. If it is not per probability variation length (step S3208: No), here, if it is per probability variation short, the process proceeds to step S3209.

  Subsequently, the main control unit 701 sets the count value N of the latent game counter to a value corresponding to the current jackpot (step S3209), and ends the game state setting process. Specifically, in step S3209, the main control unit 701 sets “1” if the current jackpot is the first probability variation short hit, and sets “2” if the current jackpot is the second probability variation short hit. “3” is set if the current jackpot is the third probability change short hit, and “4” is set if the current jackpot is the fourth probability change short hit. If the big hit this time is the fifth most probable short hit or the normal short hit, the count value N is set to “5”.

(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. In addition, each process of the production | presentation control part 703 demonstrated below is performed when CPU731 of the production control part 703a runs the program memorize | stored in ROM732.

(Direction main processing)
FIG. 33 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, first, the effect supervising unit 703a performs an initial setting process (step S3301). For example, in the initial setting process, when the effect supervising unit 703a receives an initial setting command from the main control unit 701, the effect supervising unit 703a performs predetermined initial setting such as setting an interrupt period of an effect timer interrupt process to be described later.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a performs an effect random number update process (step S3302), 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, by the effect random number update process, the effect supervising unit 703 a counts up the count value of the effect random number counter set on the RAM 733 by “+1”.

(Production timer interrupt processing)
FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect timer interruption process. For example, the effect supervision unit 703a interrupts the effect main process at the 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 S3401). Although details will be described later, in the command receiving 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 S3402). 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 S3403). 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. 35 is a flowchart showing the processing content of the command reception processing. In the command reception process, first, the production supervising unit 703a determines whether a pre-determination command indicating a pre-determination result is received from the main control unit 701 (step S3501). If the prior determination command has not been received (step S3501: NO), the process proceeds to step S3504. If the advance determination command has been received (step S3501: Yes), the storage content of the advance determination result storage area set in the RAM 733 is stored in the advance determination result of the main control unit 701 based on the received advance determination command. Updating is performed so as to synchronize with the stored contents of the area (step S3502). Then, a pending increase command is generated and set in the RAM 733 (step S3503). For example, the pending increase command can 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 S3504). For example, the special symbol command can be a special symbol variation start command or a special symbol variation stop command. If a special symbol command has not been received (step S3504: NO), the process proceeds to step S3506. If a special symbol command has been received (step S3504: YES), a variation effect process (described later) related to a variation effect is performed based on the received special symbol command (step S3505). Although the details will be described later, in the variation effect process, the effect supervision unit 703a starts the variation effect or ends the variation effect being performed.

  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 S3506). 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 S3506: No), the process proceeds to step S3508. If the normal symbol command has been received (step S3506: Yes), the general symbol effect process related to the normal symbol effect is performed based on the received normal symbol command (step S3507).

  For example, in the ordinary drawing production process, the production supervising 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 general drawing effect process, the production control unit 703a receives a general drawing change stop command from the main control unit 701, generates a general drawing effect end command for ending the currently performed normal drawing effect, and the RAM 733. Set to. Note that the processing in steps S3506 and S3507 is not necessary for a gaming machine that does not perform the usual drawing effect.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a jackpot command related to the jackpot is received from the main control unit 701 (step S3508). For example, here, the jackpot command can be an opening command, a round progress command, or an ending command. If the jackpot command has not been received (step S3508: NO), the process proceeds to step S3510. If a jackpot command has been received (step S3508: YES), a jackpot effect process (described later) is performed based on the received jackpot command (step S3509), and the process proceeds to step S3510.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a customer waiting command has been received from the main control unit 701 (step S3510). If the customer waiting command has not been received (step S3510: NO), the command receiving process is terminated. If a customer waiting command has been received (step S3510: Yes), a customer waiting effect process for displaying a customer waiting demonstration screen or the like is performed (step S3511), and the command receiving process is terminated.

(Big jackpot processing)
FIG. 36 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 S3601). If the opening command has not been received (step S3601: NO), the process proceeds to step S3603. If an opening command has been received (step S3601: YES), a jackpot presentation start process for starting the jackpot presentation is performed (step S3602). For example, in step S3602, the production supervising unit 703a starts a long winning effect in the case of the probability variation per unit, and starts a short hit effect in the case of the probability variation per unit or normal short per unit.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a round progress command has been received from the main control unit 701 (step S3603). If no round progress command has been received (step S3603: NO), the process proceeds to step S3605. If a round progress command has been received (step S3603: YES), a big hit production process is performed (step S3604). 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 corresponding 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 S3605). If the ending command has not been received (step S3605: NO), the jackpot effect process is terminated. If an ending command has been received (step S3605: Yes), a jackpot effect end process is performed (step S3606), and an effect mode setting process (described later) for setting the effect mode is performed (step S3607). The production process ends.

(Direction mode setting process)
FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect mode setting process. In the production mode setting process, first, the production supervision unit 703a determines whether or not the jackpot that has been completed this time is a chance per probability variation (step S3701). If it is per probability variation length (step S3701: Yes), the probability variation effect mode flag indicating the probability variation effect mode 323 is set to ON (step S3702), and the count value n of the effect mode counter is set to “10000”. Then, the effect mode setting process is terminated. Although details will be described later, the count value n of the effect mode counter is used at the time of transition to the effect mode or when determining the change effect pattern.

  If it is not per probability variation length (step S3701: No), here, if it is per probability variation per unit or normal short perception, the production control unit 703a sets the latent production mode flag indicating that it is the latent production mode 322 to ON. Then (step S3704), the count value n of the effect mode counter is set according to the jackpot that has ended this time (step S3705). In step S3705, the production control unit 703a sets “1” for the first probability variation, “2” for the second probability variation, and “3” for the third probability variation. Is set to a value of “4” in the case of the fourth probability variation per short, and “5” in the case of the fifth probability variation per short or a normal short perception.

(Variation effect processing)
FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the variation effect processing. In the change effect process, the effect control unit 703a first determines whether a special figure change start command has been received from the main control unit 701 (step S3801). If a special figure change start command has not been received (step S3801: NO), the process proceeds to step S3806. If a special figure change start command has been received (step S3801: YES), the received special figure change start command is analyzed (step S3802), 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 S3802, these pieces of information are acquired.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a performs a change effect pattern setting process (described later) (step S3803). In the variation effect pattern setting process, the effect supervision unit 703a sets, in the RAM 733, a variation effect pattern that represents the contents of the effect of the variation effect performed this time, based on various information acquired in step S3802.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a performs a special figure decoration design setting process for setting a combination of special figure decoration symbols to be stopped (step S3804). For example, in the special figure decoration design setting process, the effect supervising unit 703a breaks down when the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is lost and the variation effect pattern representing the normal lose effect is set in the variation effect pattern setting process. A combination of special figure decoration symbols to be eyes (for example, “3, 1, 5”) is set in the RAM 733. If the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is lost, and the variation effect pattern representing the reach effect is set by the variation effect pattern setting process, the special figure decorative pattern that becomes reach lose (for example, “7 / 8.7”) is displayed. The combination is set in the RAM 733.

  In addition, when the lottery result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, a combination of the special figure decoration symbols that become a doublet (for example, “7, 7, 7”) is set in the RAM 733. Further, here, odd per unit of variation may be used when the per unit of variation is probable, and even per unit of variation when the per unit of variation is short or normal per unit. Furthermore, even if it is per probability variation length, it is good also as an even-numbered slot with a predetermined probability. As described above, when the odd-numbered per-variable length is selected, the gaming machine 100 can give the player surprise and joy by performing the promotion effect thereafter.

  Subsequently, the effect supervising unit 703a generates a change effect start command for starting the change effect and sets it in the RAM 733 (step S3805). For example, here, the variation effect start command can be a command representing the combination of the variation effect pattern set in step S3803 and the special figure decoration symbol set in step S3804. The change production start command may include information representing the current production mode.

  Subsequently, the production control unit 703a determines whether a special figure change stop command has been received (step S3806). If the special figure change stop command has not been received (step S3806: NO), the change effect process ends. If a special figure change stop command has been received (step S3806: YES), an effect mode change process (described later) relating to the transition of the effect mode is performed (step S3807). Then, a change effect end command for ending the change effect being performed is set in the RAM 733 (step S3808), and the change effect process is ended.

(Variation production pattern setting process)
FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation effect pattern setting process. In the variation effect pattern setting process, the effect supervising unit 703a first determines whether the special symbol variation pattern of the current symbol variation is the special diagram variation pattern THp21 based on the analysis result of the special diagram variation start command (step S3901). ).

  If it is not the special figure fluctuation pattern THp21 (step S3901: No), the special figure fluctuation pattern and the fluctuation effect pattern have a one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, the production control unit 703a displays the fluctuation effect pattern corresponding to the special figure fluctuation pattern. The RAM 733 is set (step S3902), and the variation effect pattern setting process is terminated.

  If it is the special figure variation pattern THp21 (step S3901: Yes), it is determined whether the count value n of the effect mode counter is “1” (step S3903). The special figure variation pattern THp21 is set in the short time gaming state 312a or the first probability variation gaming state 312b. For this reason, when it becomes the special figure fluctuation pattern THp21, the effect mode is the latent effect mode 322. The count value n is “1” in the latent effect mode 322 in the case of the last change in the latent effect mode 322.

  Therefore, if the count value n is “1” (step S3903: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a determines whether or not the high probability gaming state is based on the analysis result of the special figure change start command (step S3904). If it is a high probability gaming state (step S3904: Yes), the variable effect pattern TEp7 (second latent effect pattern) is set in the RAM 733 (step S3905), and the variable effect pattern setting process is terminated. If it is a low probability gaming state (step S3904: No), the variation effect pattern TEp8 (third latent effect pattern) is set in the RAM 733 (step S3906), and the variation effect pattern setting process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the count value n is not “1” (step S3903: No), the production control unit 703a determines whether or not the next big hit lottery will be a big win based on the prior determination result (step S3907). If the next jackpot lottery wins (step S3907: Yes), the variable effect pattern TEp9 (fourth latent effect pattern) is set in the RAM 733 (step S3908), and the variable effect pattern setting process is terminated. If the next big hit lottery does not result in a big win (step S3907: No), it is determined whether there is a big hit in the subsequent big hit lottery (step S3909).

  If there is a winning jackpot in the subsequent jackpot lottery (Step S3909: Yes), the effect supervising unit 703a sets the change effect pattern TEp10 (fifth latent effect pattern) in the RAM 733 (Step S3910), and the change effect pattern. The setting process ends. If there is no jackpot in the jackpot lottery after the next (step S3909: No), it is determined whether the game state is a high probability gaming state (step S3911).

  If it is a high-probability gaming state (step S3911: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a sets the variation production pattern TEp11 (sixth latent production pattern) in the RAM 733 (step S3912), and ends the variation production pattern setting process. If it is a low probability gaming state (step S3911: No), the variation effect pattern TEp12 (seventh latent effect pattern) is set in the RAM 733 (step S3913), and the variation effect pattern setting process is terminated.

(Direction mode change process)
FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect mode change process. In the effect mode changing process, the effect supervising unit 703a first sets a value “−1” from the count value n of the effect mode counter as a new count value n (step S4001), and the count value n is “0”. It is determined whether or not (step S4002). If the count value n is not “0” (step S4002: No), the effect mode changing process is terminated.

  When the count value n becomes “0” (step S4002: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a determines whether the latent production mode flag is set to ON (step S4003). If the latent effect mode flag is OFF (step S4003: No), the process proceeds to step S4007. If the latent effect mode flag is ON (step S4003: Yes), the latent effect mode flag is set to OFF (step S4004), and it is determined whether the high probability gaming state is set (step S4005).

  If it is a high probability gaming state (step S4005: Yes), the production supervision unit 703a sets the probability variation production mode flag to ON (step S4006), sets the count value n to “10000” (step S4007), The effect mode change process is terminated. If it is not the high probability gaming state (step S4005: No), the normal performance mode flag is set to ON (step S4008), and the process proceeds to step S4007.

(Specific production control when changing to production mode)
Next, a specific example of BGM switching at the time of transition to the effect mode by the image / sound control unit 703b will be described. FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of BGM switching at the time of transition to the effect mode by the image / sound control unit of the present embodiment. In FIG. 41, from time t1, the gaming machine 100 starts the variation effect of the second latent effect pattern, and starts the variation of the special figure decoration symbols Z1 to Z3. A display example of the image display unit 104 by the image / sound control unit 703b at this time is as shown in FIG. At this time, the image / sound control unit 703b reproduces the BGM for the latent effect mode 322 (latent effect mode BGM) and outputs the latent effect mode BGM from the speaker 114.

  After that, at time t2, the image / sound control unit 703b opens the heel of the background image H in the image display unit 104, and a rival character appears at the tip of the opened heel. Display to win. A display example of the image display unit 104 by the image / sound control unit 703b at this time is as shown in FIG. At this time, the image / sound controller 703 b switches from the latent effect mode BGM to the game BGM and outputs the game BGM from the speaker 114.

  Thereafter, at time t3, the image / sound control unit 703b performs a display in the image display unit 104 to clearly indicate that the main character has won the rival character. A display example of the image display unit 104 by the image / sound control unit 703b at this time is as shown in FIG. Then, at time t4 immediately after time t3, the image / sound control unit 703b performs a display that clearly indicates that the probability changing effect mode 323 is set in the image display unit 104. A display example of the image display unit 104 by the image / sound control unit 703b at this time is as shown in FIG. At this time, the image / audio control unit 703b switches from the game BGM to the probability variation effect mode BGM, and outputs the probability variation effect mode BGM from the speaker 114.

  Thereafter, at time t5, the image / sound controller 703b stops the special symbol decoration symbols Z1 to Z3 in the image display unit 104 in a combination indicating the jackpot lottery result and suggests the jackpot lottery result to the player. A display example of the image display unit 104 by the image / sound control unit 703b at this time is as shown in FIG. Then, from time t6 after time t5, the gaming machine 100 performs a big hit lottery and starts a variation effect in the probability variation effect mode 323. For example, it is assumed here that the variation effect started from time t6 is based on the special figure determination information stored up to time t5.

  Here, for example, the probability variation effect mode BGM is a song in which a song portion is started after a prelude for a predetermined period. The image / sound control unit 703b starts the reproduction of the probability variation effect mode BGM from the time t4 so that the time t6 when the first variation effect is started in the probability variation effect mode 323 overlaps the singing of the probability variation effect mode BGM. Specifically, the image / sound control unit 703b indicates to the player the period T1 from the time t4 when the transition to the probability changing effect mode 323 is clearly specified to the time t5 when the changing effect is ended, and the jackpot lottery result. The reproduction of the probability variation effect mode BGM is started so that the period combined with the predetermined symbol determination period T2 coincides with the time required to complete the prelude of the probability variation effect mode BGM.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 100, when the winning per winning change is won, the most probable second changing game state 313 is obtained through the first changing game state 312b for a predetermined period. The period in which the first probability variation game state 312b is set is determined by the number of jackpot lotteries in the first probability variation game state 312b, and the length of the period varies depending on the type of probability variation short winning. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can give a sense of expectation for the transition to the second probability variable gaming state 313 in addition to the expectation that will be a big hit by the current symbol variation at the time of symbol variation in the first probability variation gaming state 312b. , You can entertain the game.

  Further, in the gaming machine 100, in the short time gaming state 312a, the latent effect mode 322 is rendered in the same manner as in the first probability variation gaming state 312b. In the time-short game state 312a, after the time-short game state 312a, the game state 311 is changed to the normal game state 311 instead of the second probability variable game state 313. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can also give the player a sense of crisis with respect to the transition to the normal gaming state 311 when the symbols change in the latent effect mode 322, and keep the player feeling tense and entertain the game. be able to.

  In the gaming machine 100, the length of the period for setting the short-time gaming state 312a is set to be the same as the period for setting the first probability changing gaming state 312b by hitting the fifth probability changing shortage. Here, the fifth probability variation short hit is the probability variation short winning per 1st probability variation gaming state 312b of the longest period among probability variation short. As a result, even if the gaming machine 100 is usually won in a short win, the period during which the player can maintain the expectation after the normal big win can be extended, and the player becomes bored with the game. Can be played for a long time.

  Further, in the gaming machine 100, when the big change is not made due to the current symbol variation, a variation effect suggesting a prior determination result or a gaming state is performed. For this reason, even if the gaming machine 100 does not win a jackpot due to the current symbol variation, it can be suggested that the gaming machine 100 is a jackpot due to the symbol variation after the next time or is in a high probability gaming state. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can increase the frequency of performing an effect that can increase the player's expectation, and can entertain the game.

  In the gaming machine 100, it may be suggested that the current symbol variation will be a big hit, the next symbol variation may be a big hit, or may indicate that the game state is a high probability gaming state. The same content variation effect is performed until a predetermined timing. Therefore, the player cannot determine what is suggested until this timing is reached. Thereby, the gaming machine 100 can maintain the expectation for the content suggested by the player until this timing, and can entertain the game.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 100, when performing an effect in a new effect mode from the next symbol variation, playback of the music (BGM) for the destination effect mode is started from the current symbol variation, and the next symbol variation starts. When it was done, it was made to be a predetermined part of this song (for example, overlapped with singing). Thus, when the gaming machine 100 starts the first variation effect in the new effect mode, the gaming machine 100 can reproduce the rising part of the music for the effect mode. For this reason, the gaming machine 100 can start the fluctuating effect in the new effect mode in a state where the player's mood is raised, and the effect of the effect due to the effect mode transition can be enhanced. In particular, if the production mode of the transition destination is a production mode that can increase the sense of expectation for the big hit like the probability variation production mode 323, the player's mood can be further enhanced, so that the game can be further enjoyed. I can do it.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine according to the present invention, the player can be prevented from being bored by the game and can be played 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 (2)

A special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform any one of a plurality of special games including a first special game and a second special game when the start condition is satisfied;
Based on the determination result of the special game determination means, the symbol control means for stopping the symbol display means to show the determination result after changing the symbol at a predetermined fluctuation time;
When the special game determination means determines that any special game is to be performed and the special control symbol indicating that the special game is to be performed is stopped by the symbol control means, the special game execution means performs the special game. When,
When the first special game is performed by the special game execution means, the predetermined period after the first special game is set to the first auxiliary game state in which the start condition is more easily established than the non-auxiliary game state , When the second special game is performed by the special game execution means, a first advantageous game state control means for setting a predetermined period after the second special game as the first auxiliary game state ;
When the first auxiliary game state after the first special game is performed me by the first beneficial gaming state control means Ru is terminated, the easier the starting condition is satisfied than unassisted gaming state, And a second advantageous gaming state control means for setting a second auxiliary gaming state in which the variation time is relatively shorter than the first auxiliary gaming state ;
A non-auxiliary gaming state control means for setting the non-auxiliary gaming state when the first auxiliary gaming state after the second special game is performed by the first advantageous gaming state control means;
A gaming machine comprising: First mode effect execution means for continuously performing the first mode effect during the period in which the first advantageous game state control means is in the first auxiliary game state ;
A second mode effect executing means for performing a second mode effect different from the first mode effect during the period when the second advantageous game state control means is in the second auxiliary game state ;
A third mode effect executing means for performing a third mode effect different from the first mode effect and the second mode effect during the period when the non-assist gaming state control means is in the non-assist gaming state;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images