JP5840255B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  Conventionally, the right to win a jackpot lottery is acquired on the condition that a game ball wins at the starting gate, and if the jackpot lottery is won by the jackpot lottery, the big winning port is opened, and the game ball is placed in the jackpot There is a game machine that can execute a special game that can win a large amount of prize balls by winning. Specifically, when a game ball is won at the start opening, it is stored in the special figure determination information storage area as special figure determination information, and the special figure determination stored in the special figure determination information storage area when the start condition is satisfied. The information is read and the big hit lottery is executed.

  The result of the big hit lottery is made to be recognized by the player by a fluctuating effect executed in an image display unit (liquid crystal display or the like) provided in the gaming machine. In order to improve the fun of the game, a lot of production patterns are stored in the variation production pattern table as variation productions showing the results of the jackpot lottery. When a game ball wins at the starting gate, A special variation pattern random number is acquired together with the design random number, and a specific variation effect is selected and executed from the variation effect pattern table.

  As one aspect of the variation effect, a game machine that performs a so-called pre-reading effect in which the content of the special figure determination information is determined in advance and the effect is performed based on the result of the prior determination is widely used. The pre-reading effect is executed from one of the special effects determination information stored in the special figure determination information storage area as the target of the display effect, and the variable effect executed before the variable effect based on the target display effect. The effect is continuously executed over a plurality of variable effects until the variable effect based on the hold display effect target is executed. Such a pre-reading effect can give the player a big expectation in advance, and the fun of the game is improved.

  As one of the pre-read effects, there is an effect using a reserved image, so-called reserved pre-read effect. The hold pre-reading effect is a pre-reading effect that gives a player a sense of expectation that the result of the jackpot lottery related to the special hold image is a big hit by displaying a special hold image from a plurality of hold images on the image display unit. Yes (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-167236 A

  As described above, such a reserved pre-reading effect is an effect for improving the interest of the game, but the reserved pre-reading effect is implemented in many gaming machines, for example, the color of a normal reserved image (for example, white) A special effect of giving a different sense of expectation to the player is widely performed by displaying a special reserved image of a color different from () (for example, blue, green, red). Therefore, the player is less interested in such a pre-reading effect, and the interest is hardly improved.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of maintaining the interest of the player and improving the interest of the game.

  In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a special game determination means for performing a special game determination as to whether or not to perform a predetermined special game based on determination information acquired when a start condition is established, A variation pattern determining means for selectively determining one of a plurality of types of variation patterns determined in advance based on a determination result of the special game determination, and a special symbol based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determining means The special symbol display means displays the result of the special game determination by variably displaying the special game display means, and stores the determination information when the start condition is satisfied. The hold storage means, the hold effect determining means for determining execution of the hold display effect using a plurality of continuous hold displays, and the hold display effect determined by the hold effect determining means Therefore, every time the start condition is satisfied, the hold display effect executing means for performing a hold display corresponding to the determination information held in the hold storage means, and the determination information stored in the hold storage means. Predetermining means for making a predetermination on the basis of the result of the prior determination by the prior determination means for each determination information corresponding to the hold display that constitutes the hold display effect. In the case of corresponding to the fluctuation pattern, the hold display effect executing means completes the hold display effect.

  Further, in the gaming machine having the above-described configuration, the hold display effect executing unit continues the hold display effect when none of the determination information corresponds to a specific variation pattern as a result of the prior determination by the prior determination unit. The probability of determining whether or not to continue the hold display effect by the determination is lower as the number of displayed hold displays is larger in the hold display constituting the hold display effect. It is desirable to be set to.

  According to the present invention, the interest of a player can be maintained and the interest of the game can be improved.

Front view of gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention Schematic enlarged view of the information display section in the gaming machine of FIG. Rear perspective view of the gaming machine of FIG. Block diagram of the part related to control of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention Explanatory diagram of counter storage area in main control unit of gaming machine Explanatory drawing of the information storage area for special figure determination in the main control part of the gaming machine Explanatory drawing of the information storage area for common figure determination in the main control part of the gaming machine Explanatory drawing of the judgment table per special figure in the main control part of the gaming machine Explanatory drawing of the special symbol judgment table in the main control part of the gaming machine Explanatory drawing of special figure fluctuation pattern table in main control section of gaming machine Explanatory drawing of the special figure determination result storage area in the main control unit of the gaming machine Explanatory drawing of the special winning opening opening pattern table in the main control unit of the gaming machine Explanatory drawing of the pre-determination information storage area in the main control part of a gaming machine Partial block diagram of gaming machine, including internal block diagram of production control unit Explanatory drawing of the special figure variation production pattern table in the production control unit of the gaming machine Explanatory drawing of the prior determination information storage area in the production control unit of the gaming machine Explanatory drawing of the production mode table in the production control unit of the gaming machine A diagram listing some of the processes executed by the main control unit of the gaming machine A diagram listing some of the processes executed by the effect control unit of the gaming machine The block diagram which shows the functional structure of the game machine concerning embodiment of this invention Flow chart showing the contents of timer interrupt processing Flow chart showing the contents of the start switch processing Flow chart showing the contents of the pre-determination Flow chart showing the contents of special symbol processing Flow chart showing the contents of the jackpot lottery process Flow chart showing the contents of special figure variation pattern judgment processing Flowchart showing details of processing during stoppage Flow chart showing the contents of the big prize opening process Flow chart showing contents of opening process Flow chart showing contents of processing during opening Flow chart showing the contents of interval processing Flow chart showing the contents of the ending process Flow chart showing contents of game state setting process Flow chart showing contents of production timer interruption process Flow chart showing the contents of command reception processing Flow chart showing contents of effect start processing Flow chart showing contents of effect end processing First flowchart showing the contents of the hold display effect process Fig. 1 showing an example of a four-character idiom production The figure which shows the example of the four-character idiom production pattern table TEj First flowchart showing the contents of the hold display effect determination process First flowchart showing contents of hold display effect selection processing First flowchart showing contents of hold display effect continuation determination process Second flowchart showing contents of hold display effect process Second flowchart showing contents of hold display effect determination process Second flowchart showing contents of hold display effect selection processing Second flowchart showing contents of hold display effect continuation determination process The flowchart which shows the modification of the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 2 showing an example of a four-character idiom production FIG. 3 showing an example of a four-character idiom production FIG. 4 showing an example of a four-character idiom production

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings to be referred to, the same part is denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant description regarding the same part is omitted in principle. In this specification, for the sake of simplification, information, signals, physical quantities, and state quantities corresponding to the symbols or signs are described by writing symbols or signs that refer to information, signals, physical quantities, state quantities, or members. Or names of members, etc. may be omitted or abbreviated. For example, when the code 105 is assigned to the “first start port”, the “first start port” may be expressed as “first start port 105” or simply “start port 105”. Sometimes.

  A preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail. The embodiment shown below is an example in which the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a gaming machine (so-called digipachi) belonging to the former first type.

<< Basic configuration of gaming machine >>
First, the 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 100 according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine 100 is a pachinko gaming machine, and includes each component shown in FIG. At a lower position of the game board 101, a launching unit for launching a game ball is disposed (the detailed structure of the launching unit is not shown). Note that the top, bottom, left and right refer to the top, bottom, left and right viewed from the player facing the game board 101 unless otherwise specified.

  In the gaming machine 100, the game ball launched upward by the driving of the launching unit rises between the rails 102a and 102b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103. Yes. The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown), and the game balls fall in an unspecified direction by the nails. A glass plate (not shown) that covers the game area 103 so as to be visible in front of the game board 101 (player side) is fixed to the frame member 113. Further, in the game board 101, a game ball fall path in the game area 103 includes a windmill that changes the fall direction of the game ball, a first start port 105, a second start port 106, an electric tulip 107, a gate 108, a large A winning port 109 and a normal winning port 110 are installed.

  An image display unit 104 composed of a liquid crystal display panel or the like is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game board 101. The image display unit 104 displays various effect images. For example, the image display unit 104 displays a decorative symbol provided in correspondence with a special symbol for representing the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, and an image related to an effect that is performed until the gaming machine 100 indicates the lottery result of the jackpot lottery Is displayed. The image display unit 104 may also display a symbol (ordinary decoration symbol) for representing a lottery result of the normal symbol lottery.

  A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are installed below the image display unit 104. The start openings 105 and 106 form a start area through which game balls can pass (winning is possible). When the game ball passes through the start port 105 or 106, that is, when the game ball wins the start port 105 or 106, the right to receive the big hit lottery is acquired. In addition, when the gaming machine 100 detects a winning game ball at the start port 105 or 106, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, three) of gaming balls. The game balls to be paid out are also called prize balls.

  An electric tulip 107 is provided in the vicinity of the second start port 106. The electric tulip 107 is in a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the second start port 106, and an open state (open state) that makes it easier to win the game ball in the second start port 106 than in the closed state. ) In either state. Switching between these states is performed by a solenoid provided in the electric tulip 107. The opening of the electric tulip 107 is also referred to as the opening of the electric tulip 107. The electric tulip 107 is opened based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the gate 108 arranged on the right side of the image display unit 104. Similarly to the start ports 105 and 106, the gate 108 forms a start region through which a game ball can pass (winning is possible).

  A big prize opening 109 is provided on the right side of the second start opening 106. The big prize opening 109 can be opened and closed like the electric tulip 107. Only in the state where the big winning opening 109 is opened, the game ball can win the big winning opening 109. The big winning opening 109 is normally closed, and when the big win is won by the big win lottery, the round is in an open state until a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds elapses or 9 winning games) is satisfied. Is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times). 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.

  One or more normal winning openings 110 are installed on the side or lower side of the image display unit 104. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, eight) of winning balls when detecting a winning in the normal winning opening 110. The first start port 105, the second start port 106, the gate 108, the big winning port 109, and the normal winning port 110 are not limited to the positions shown in FIG. 1, and may be arranged at arbitrary positions in the game area 103. . At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 111 for collecting game balls that have not won any of the first start port 105, the second start port 106, the big winning port 109 and the normal winning port 110. Yes.

  An information display unit 112 is provided in the lower right portion of the game board 101. Details of the information display unit 112 will be described later with reference to FIG. In addition, the installation position of the information display part 112 can be changed arbitrarily.

  A frame member 113 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 113 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on four sides of the game board 101 on the top, bottom, left, and right sides and protrudes from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side. 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 a plurality of motors, and the direction of light irradiation by the lamps can be changed up and down or left and right by driving the motors.

  An operation handle 116 is disposed at the lower right position 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. Only when the sensor detects that the firing instruction member 117 is directly operated by the player, the gaming machine 100 fires a game ball.

  In the frame member 113, an effect 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.

  On the game board 101, a movable accessory 130 that is driven at the time of production is provided. For example, when performing an effect using the movable accessory 130, the movable accessory 130 slides downward from the position shown in FIG. 1 and advances to the front surface of the image display unit 104. In this manner, the image display unit 104 is retracted to a storage space provided at the top.

<< Details of information display section >>
Next, details of the information display unit 112 will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic enlarged view of the information display unit 112. As shown in FIG. 2, the information display unit 112 includes a special symbol display unit 201, a normal symbol display unit 202, a hold display unit 203, a round number display unit 204, and a right-handed display unit 205. Each display unit 201 to 205 can be formed by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display.

  The special symbol display unit 201 includes a first special symbol display unit 201a and a second special symbol display unit 201b. The first special symbol display unit 201a displays a special symbol (hereinafter, also referred to as a first special symbol) indicating a lottery result of a jackpot lottery performed in response to the winning of a game ball at the first starting port 105. The second special symbol display unit 201b displays a special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as a second special symbol) indicating a lottery result of the jackpot lottery performed in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 106. For example, each of the display units 201a and 201b is an LED display having eight LEDs, and displays special symbols according to the lighting manner of the eight LEDs.

  The jackpots of the present embodiment include per 4R, per 16R length, and per 16R short. “R” in the jackpot indicates a round. For example, in the display unit 201a or 201b, when only the rightmost LED is lit, it indicates a loss, and when the first, second, fourth, and seventh LEDs from the left are lit, 4R When all the LEDs are lit, the per 16R length is indicated, and when the second, fifth, and sixth LEDs from the left are lit, the per 16R short is indicated. The 4R hit is a jackpot that allows the player to win four rounds of the ball. The 16R length is a jackpot that allows the player to win 16 rounds. The 16R short hit consists of four rounds with a relatively long opening time of the grand prize opening 109 and 12 rounds with a relatively short opening time of the big winning opening 109, and the player can actually play four rounds. A jackpot that can be earned. In addition, there may be a plurality of patterns of lighting modes representing each jackpot.

  Each of the first special symbol display unit 201a and the second special symbol display unit 201b does not immediately display the lottery result when the jackpot lottery is performed, but displays the special symbol variably for a predetermined time before the lottery result is displayed. . In the variable display, the display unit 201a or 201b turns on / off each LED so that, for example, it flows from left to right in the drawing. The lottery result of the big hit lottery is indicated by the lighting mode of the LED when the variation of the special symbol is stopped.

  In addition, when the special symbol stops at the symbol indicating the loss, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 104 stops at, for example, a so-called scatter pattern indicating the loss. The image display unit 104 can display a decorative symbol corresponding to the special symbol, and the displayed decorative symbol includes, for example, first to third decorative symbols. The loose eye corresponds to stopping the first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol with an unrelated symbol, and is a decorative pattern stop mode that does not develop into reach production.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stops at the symbol indicating 4R, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 104 is a blue decorative symbol indicating 4R (for example, “3, 3, 3” and “7, 7”). , 7 ”, etc., and stop at a slot of“ 2,2,2 ”. When the special symbol stops at the symbol indicating 16R length, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 104 is a red decorative symbol indicating 16R length (for example, “3, 3, 3” or “7, 7”). , 7 ”, stop at number slot.

  When the special symbol stops at a symbol indicating 16R short hit, the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 104 indicates a mode transition in which a decorative symbol indicating 16R short hit (for example, a character “chance” is written). Stops at the character symbol. Even if the special symbol is stopped at a symbol indicating 16R length, the decorative symbol indicating 4R is stopped on the image display unit 104, and thereafter (for example, before the jackpot game transition or after the jackpot game transition) In some cases, the promotion effect clearly indicates that it is per 16R length.

  The normal symbol display unit 202 displays a normal symbol indicating a lottery result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes through the gate 108. For example, the normal symbol display unit 202 includes three LEDs indicating “◯”, “Δ”, and “×”, and displays a normal symbol by lighting any one of the three LEDs. When the normal symbol lottery is won, the gaming machine 100 opens the electric tulip 107 for a predetermined time. When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol display unit 202 does not immediately display the lottery result, but displays the normal symbol in a predetermined time period before the lottery result is displayed. The normal symbol display unit 202 turns on and off three LEDs indicating “◯”, “Δ”, and “×” sequentially and repeatedly in the variable display.

  When the variation of the normal symbol stops, the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is represented by the lighting state of the LED of the normal symbol display unit 202. Assume that there is a per-long opening and a short-opening per common figure, which is a win in the normal symbol lottery. The time for the electric tulip 107 to be in the open state is longer per long opening than per short opening. The lighting of the LED corresponding to “◯” indicates that the winning is made per long opening, and the lighting of the LED corresponding to “Δ” is a winning per short opening. The lighting of the LED corresponding to “x” indicates a loss of normal symbol lottery. In the electric support game state described later, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened compared to the case of the non electric support game state, and even when the “△” LED is lit, Compared to the case, the opening time of the electric tulip 107 is made longer.

  The hold display unit 203 includes a first special symbol hold display unit 203a, a second special symbol hold display unit 203b, and a normal symbol hold display unit 203c. When a game ball wins the first starting port 105 during a change in the first or second special symbol, etc., the right of lottery lottery due to the winning is reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, 4) and within the gaming machine 100 Is memorized. The display unit 203a displays the number of jackpot lottery rights held based on the winning of the first start port 105 as the hold information number U1. Similarly, when a game ball wins the second starting port 106 during a change in the first or second special symbol, etc., the right of lottery lottery due to the winning is reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, 4) and the game It is stored in the machine 100. The display unit 203b displays the number of jackpot lottery rights held based on the winning of the second starting port 106 as the hold information number U2. Depending on the timing of winning a prize at the start port 105 or 106, the right of the big hit lottery may be suspended even if the first or second special symbol is not changing. When a game ball passes through the gate 108 while the normal symbol is changing (in other words, when winning the gate 108), the right of the normal symbol lottery by the winning is reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, 4) and It is stored in the gaming machine 100. The display unit 203c displays the number of reserved normal symbol lottery rights as the number of reserved information U3. Depending on the timing at which the game ball passes through the gate 108, the right of the normal symbol lottery may be suspended even if the normal symbol is not changing.

  The number-of-rounds display unit 204 displays the number of rounds for jackpots when the jackpot is won. For example, in the display unit 204, an LED representing “4” is turned on when it is around 4R, and an LED representing “16” is turned on when around 16R length or 16R short. The right-handed display unit 205 includes an LED that lights in a gaming state in which a game should be played by a right-handed game (an electric support game state and a jackpot gaming state described later), and the player is prompted to make a right-hand strike by turning on the LED. Is. “Right hit” means that a game ball is launched into a game area on the right side of the center line that divides the game area 103 left and right in the game area 103. On the other hand, left-handed strike means that a game ball is launched into the game area on the left side of the center line in the game area 103.

<< Back configuration of gaming machine >>
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the back side structure of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the gaming machine 100 showing a rear configuration of the gaming machine 100. On the back surface of the gaming machine 100, a main control board 301, a prize ball control board 302, an effect control board 303, a power board 304 that supplies power to each board in the gaming machine 100, an output terminal board 305, and the like are provided. ing. Those boards (particularly the effect control board 303) may be formed of a plurality of printed boards. Further, a power plug 315 for supplying power to the power supply board 304 and a power switch (not shown) are also provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 100.

  The frame member 113 is connected to the outer frame 330 via a hinge mechanism portion 320 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side when viewed from the player), and the other end side in the left-right direction (using the hinge mechanism portion 320 as a fulcrum) For example, the right side as viewed from the player can be turned away from the outer frame 330. By rotating the frame member 113 like a door around the hinge mechanism 320 as a fulcrum, the inner part of the outer frame 330 including the game board 101 can be opened. A lock mechanism (not shown) that fixes the other end side to the outer frame 330 is provided on the other end side of the frame member 113 (for example, the right side when viewed from the player).

<< Basic operation of gaming machine >>
Next, the basic operation of the gaming machine 100 will be described. When the gaming ball wins the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106, the gaming machine 100 performs a big win lottery according to the starting port where the gaming ball has won. When the game ball wins the first start opening 105 and wins the jackpot lottery, the gaming machine 100 variably displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 201a. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the variable display, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery. On the other hand, when the game ball wins the second start opening 106 and wins the jackpot lottery, the gaming machine 100 variably displays the second special symbol on the second special symbol display unit 201b. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the big hit lottery.

  When the gaming machine 100 variably displays the special symbol (first or second special symbol), the gaming machine 100 variably displays a decorative symbol (for example, three numbers) on the image display unit 104 in accordance with the special symbol (first or second special symbol). At the same time, the decorative design is stopped and displayed. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol indicating a jackpot (that is, when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery), a combination indicating a jackpot (for example, a so-called doublet such as “7, 7, 7”) Press to stop the decorative design.

  When the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed with a combination indicating a jackpot, the gaming machine 100 enters a jackpot gaming state. In the jackpot game state, a jackpot game is performed in which the jackpot 109 is opened for a round corresponding to the winning jackpot (for example, 16 rounds). When a game ball wins the big prize opening 109 while the big prize opening 109 is opened, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls. The jackpot lottery is not performed during the jackpot game state. The jackpot gaming state ends when the winning prize opening 109 for the winning round is completed. In the jackpot game state, the game is played by right-handed.

  After the jackpot gaming state ends, the gaming machine 100 returns to the gaming state in which the jackpot lottery is performed. For example, after the jackpot gaming state ends, the game changes to the probability changing gaming state. The gaming machine 100 is a model in which the gaming state is set to the probable changing gaming state after the end of the jackpot gaming state until the special symbol is changed a predetermined number of times (that is, until the jackpot lottery is performed for the predetermined number of times). Suppose there is. Such a model is generally called an ST machine. However, the gaming machine 100 may not be an ST machine. That is, for example, the gaming machine 100 may be a probability change machine that can selectively take a probability change jackpot and a normal jackpot as a jackpot. In the probability change machine, if the winning jackpot is won, after the jackpot gaming state ends, the probability changing gaming state is maintained until the next jackpot is won, but if the winning jackpot is normally won, after the jackpot gaming state ends, the probability changing gaming state is entered. Don't be.

<< Game state of gaming machine >>
The gaming machine 100, except for the jackpot gaming state during the jackpot game, is a normal gaming state that is a low probability non-electric support game state, a high probability electric support game state that can also be referred to as a probability variation game state, and a high probability non-electric support game. One of the game states is taken. The electric support is an abbreviation for an electric chew support function, and details will be described later.

  The normal gaming state belongs to the low probability gaming state. In the low-probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot lottery using a determination table per low-probability special chart (see table TAt1 in FIG. 8 to be described later), and in this embodiment, for example, a jackpot with a probability of 1/200 A lottery lottery will be held.

  The high probability electric support game state and the high probability non-electric support game state belong to the high probability game state. In the high-probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a jackpot lottery using a determination table per high-probability special chart (see table TAt2 in FIG. 8 described later), and here, as an example, the jackpot is won with a probability of 5/200 A lottery lottery will be held. That is, in the high probability gaming state, the jackpot is won with a five times higher probability than in the low probability gaming state.

  The high probability electric support game state belongs to the electric support game state. In the electric support game state, the gaming machine 100 provides a game support function (hereinafter referred to as “electric support”) that involves opening and closing the electric tulip 107 (that is, the electric support is activated). The specific contents of the electric support will not be described in detail because it is a publicly known technology. For example, when the electric support is given, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened compared to when the electric support is not provided, An increase in the winning probability of the lottery (thus, an increase in the opening frequency of the electric tulip 107) and an increase in the opening time of the electric tulip 107 are achieved.

  In the electric support game state, as the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery increases, it becomes easier for the game ball to win the second starting port 106 than in the non-electric support game state where no electric support is given. In the electric support game state, a game is played by the above-mentioned right strike, and the opportunity for the big hit lottery is mainly winning the second start opening 106.

  The normal gaming state or the high probability non-electric support game state belongs to a non-electric support game state to which no electric support is given. In the non-electric support game state (particularly, the normal game state), the game is performed by left-handing as described above, and the big win lottery is mainly a winning to the first start opening 105.

  The gaming machine 100 changes the gaming state in response to the occurrence of the jackpot, and further changes the gaming state when a predetermined number of jackpot lotteries are performed after the gaming state is changed. In the present embodiment, the following gaming state is set as an example. That is, after the jackpot game is over, the gaming state is set to a high probability electric support game state until 70 fluctuations are finished, and then is set to a high probability non-electric support game state until 4 fluctuations are finished. The game state is set to the normal game state. When i is an arbitrary natural number, i fluctuation refers to i special symbol fluctuations (i.e. i jackpot lottery).

  It should be noted that the game state is shifted to a low probability gaming state to which electric support is granted (that is, low probability electric support game state) or a high probability gaming state to which electric support is not given (that is, high probability non-electric support game state). The gaming machine 100 may be configured so that a so-called latent probability variation jackpot that shifts the gaming state can be taken as a jackpot.

  In addition, when it is possible to take a big hit to shift to the high probability non-electric support game state, it may be possible to take a small win. The small hit is a specific lose represented by a special symbol different from a normal lose (a loss other than the small hit). When winning a small win, a small win game with the opening of the big winning opening 109 is executed. The opening mode of the jackpot 109 in the small hit game and the opening mode of the jackpot 109 in the jackpot game of the latent probability change jackpot are made similar to the opening mode, and the effects during and after the game are also similar to each other. Production. Thereby, it is possible to conceal to the player whether the gaming state is set to the high probability gaming state or the low probability gaming state, and it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

<< Internal structure of gaming machine >>
Next, the internal configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a part related to control in the gaming machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 400 provided in the gaming machine 100 includes a main control unit 401 that controls the progress of the game, a prize ball control unit 402 that controls the payout of prize balls, and an effect that controls the contents of the effect. And a control unit 403. In addition to the control unit 400, each component shown in FIG. 4 is provided in the gaming machine 100. For example, a main control unit 401, a prize ball control unit 402, and an effect control unit 403 in FIG. 4 are formed by the main control board 301, the prize ball control board 302, and the effect control board 303 in FIG. 3, respectively, and the output in FIG. The terminal board 305 includes the board external information terminal board 491 of FIG.

[1. Main control unit]
The main control unit 401 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 411, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 412, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 413, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The The CPU 411 reads various programs related to the progress of the game from the ROM 412 and executes the read programs using the RAM 413 as a work area.

  The main controller 401 is connected to various switches (hereinafter abbreviated as “SW”) for detecting a game ball. For example, as shown in the figure, the main control unit 401 is connected to a first start port SW414a, a second start port SW414b, a gate SW415, a big winning port SW416, and a normal winning port SW417.

  The first start port SW 414 a detects a game ball that has won the first start port 105. The second start port SW 414 b detects a game ball that has won the second start port 106. The gate SW 415 detects the game ball that has passed through the gate 108. The special winning opening SW416 detects a game ball that has won the special winning opening 109. The normal winning opening SW417 detects a game ball that has won the normal winning opening 110.

  Each of the SWs 414a and 414b and the SWs 415 to 417 outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the main control unit 401, and the main control unit 401 receives a jackpot lottery based on the input detection signal. Special figure determination information (see FIG. 6A) corresponding to the right for the game is stored, a big hit lottery is performed using the special figure determination information, and a prize ball is paid out to the prize ball control unit 402 Give instructions.

  As the SWs 414a, 414b, 415, 416 and 417, proximity switches or the like can be employed. Further, when a plurality of first start ports 105 are provided on the game board 101, a first start port SW 414 a is provided for each of the plurality of first start ports 105. The same applies to the case where a plurality of the second start opening 106, the gate 108, the big winning opening 109 or the normal winning opening 110 are provided.

  The main control unit 401 is connected to various solenoids that drive the electric combination on the game board 101. For example, as shown in the figure, the main controller 401 is connected to an electric tulip solenoid 418 that opens and closes the electric tulip 107 and a big prize opening solenoid 419 that opens and closes the big prize opening 109.

  The main control unit 401 inputs or does not input an electric signal to the electric tulip solenoid 418 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery, and inputs or does not input an electric signal to the big prize opening solenoid 419 based on the lottery result of the big hit lottery And The solenoids 418 and 419 perform the opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 107 and the opening / closing operation of the special prize opening 109 by converting the electric signal supplied from the main control unit 401 into a mechanical motion, respectively.

  Further, various display units in the information display unit 112 in FIG. 2 are connected to the main control unit 401. In FIG. 4, a state in which the first special symbol display unit 201a, the second special symbol display unit 201b, the normal symbol display unit 202, and the hold display unit 203 are connected to the main control unit 401 is illustrated, thereby preventing the complication of the drawing. Therefore, illustration of the round number display unit 204 and the right-handed display unit 205 is omitted.

  The main control unit 401 performs display control of the first special symbol display unit 201a or the second special symbol display unit 201b based on the lottery result of the jackpot lottery, and the display control of the normal symbol display unit 202 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. I do. Furthermore, the main control unit 401 controls the display content of the hold display unit 203 based on the number of hold information U1, U2, and U3.

  Here, various processes realized by the CPU 411 of the main control unit 401 executing a program in the ROM 412 and examples of information set (that is, stored) in the RAM 413 will be described. Note that the processes, programs, tables, and storage areas described below with respect to the main control unit 401 are only a part of the processes performed by the CPU 411, the programs and tables in the ROM 412, and the storage areas in the RAM 413, and various other types. Various processes, programs, tables, and storage areas are executed by the CPU 411 or prepared in the ROM 412 or the RAM 413. As shown in FIG. 4, the ROM 412 stores tables TAt, TZt, THt, FAt, FZt, FHt, and DKt, and the RAM 413 has storage areas 413a to 413j.

  The CPU 411 executes main processing by the main processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). When power is supplied to the gaming machine 100, the main process is executed. In the main process, the CPU 411 performs initial setting of built-in devices such as a CTC (timer counter) of the main control unit 401, and stores setting information indicating setting contents in the setting storage area 413a. For example, the setting information includes information indicating a cycle for executing a timer interrupt process to be described later.

  In the main process, whether or not the gaming machine 100 is turned off is monitored. When the power is turned off, backup information is generated and the backup information is stored in the backup storage area 413b. The RAM 413 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 RAM 413 can hold the backup information stored in the backup storage area 413b for a certain period even when the power of the gaming machine 100 is shut off. Note that a nonvolatile RAM such as a FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) or a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory may be adopted as the RAM 413. In this case, the RAM 413 can hold the backup information stored in the backup storage area 413b without a backup power source.

  The CPU 411 executes timer interrupt processing according to the timer interrupt processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the timer interrupt process, a random number update process, a switch process, a special symbol process, a normal symbol process, an electric accessory control process, a prize ball process, and an output process are sequentially executed. The timer interrupt process is interrupted with respect to the main process at the cycle stored in the setting storage area 413a by the main process.

  The CPU 411 executes random number update processing by a random number update processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the random number update process, the CPU 411 updates the count value of a counter for acquiring various random numbers such as a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number. For example, each time the random number update process is executed once, “1” is added to the count value of each random number counter stored in the counter storage area 413c. Note that the arbitrary random number in the present embodiment takes only an integer value unless otherwise specified.

――― Counter storage area; Fig.5――
FIG. 5 shows an example of the contents stored in the counter storage area 413c. The counter storage area 413c includes a main control unit 401 that includes a random number counter C1 per special figure, a special figure random number counter C2, a special figure variation pattern random number counter C3, a random number counter C4 per common figure, and a general figure random number counter C5. The count values of various random number counters to be managed are stored. The counters C1 to C5 respectively count a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, a special fluctuation pattern random number, a random number per common figure, and a common figure random number.

  Each time the random number update process is executed, the CPU 411 updates each count value by adding “1” to the count values of the random number counters C1 to C5 in the counter storage area 413c. In the random number update process, the CPU 411 returns the count value of any one of the random number counters C1 to C5 to “0” when the count value of any counter reaches a predetermined value, and then performs the same count up. I do. In the present embodiment, as an example, a random number per special figure is counted within a range of “0 to 199”, and a special figure random number and a special figure variation pattern random number are counted within a range of “0 to 99”. Shall be allowed to. The random numbers per common figure and the random numbers of common symbols are counted within a range of “0 to 9”, for example.

  In the random number update process, the CPU 411 may further count the initial value random number. Here, the initial value random number is used to determine which value the counter value of the counter C1 is returned to when the random number per special figure reaches a predetermined value (“199” in the example of the present embodiment), for example. It is a random number. In this case, when the count value of the counter C1 indicating the random number per special figure reaches a predetermined value, the CPU 411 sets the initial value random number at that time to the count value of the counter C1, and thereafter performs the same count-up. .

  The CPU 411 executes switch processing by a switch processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the switch process, a start opening switch process, a gate switch process, a big winning opening switch process, and a normal winning opening switch process are sequentially executed.

  The CPU 411 executes the start port switch process according to the start port switch processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). The start port switch process includes first and second start port switch processes. In the first start port switch process, the CPU 411 obtains the count values of the counters C1 to C3 in the counter storage area 413c at the timing when the first start port SW 414a detects a game ball winning the first start port 105, Special figure determination information storage area of the RAM 413 including special figure determination information (special figure holding information) including the acquired count values of the counters C1 to C3 as a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number It is stored in 413d. In the second start port switch process, the CPU 411 obtains the count values of the counters C1 to C3 in the counter storage area 413c at the timing when the game ball winning the second start port 106 is detected by the second start port SW 414b. Special figure determination information storage area of the RAM 413 including special figure determination information (special figure holding information) including the acquired count values of the counters C1 to C3 as a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number It is stored in 413d.

――― Information storage area for special figure determination (Special figure hold information storage area); Fig. 6――
FIG. 6A shows an example of the stored contents of the special figure determination information storage area 413d (see FIG. 6B later). The special figure determination information storage area 413d includes special figure determination information storage areas TJ1 to TJ8 which are eight special figure determination information storage areas TJ. In the storage areas TJ1 to TJ8, the count values of the counters C1 to C3 acquired at the timing when the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 105 or the second starting port 106 is detected, that is, acquired at the timing. A random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number are stored in association with each other, and one random number per special figure, one special figure random number, and one special figure variation pattern random number are one set. One special figure determination information is formed.

  Further, in the storage areas TJ1 to TJ8, it is also stored whether the winning that triggered the acquisition of the special figure determination information is due to the first start port 105 or the second start port 106. . The storage area 413d can store each of the special figure determination information based on the winning of the first starting port 105 and the special figure determination information based on the winning of the second starting port 106 with a predetermined number as an upper limit. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number is four. Therefore, the storage areas TJ1 to TJ8 can store up to eight pieces of special drawing determination information, with the upper limit being four for each of the first starting port 105 and the second starting port 106. . The number of special figure determination information triggered by winning at the first start port 105 in the storage area 413d corresponds to the above-described number of hold information U1. The number of special figure determination information triggered by winning at the second start port 106 in the storage area 413d corresponds to the above-mentioned number of hold information U2.

  In addition, the storage areas TJ1 to TJ8 are set with a priority order for receiving a jackpot lottery. In the example of FIG. 6A, the special figure determination information storage area TJ with a smaller number associated with the symbol “TJ”, such as the storage area TJ1, the storage area TJ2, the storage area TJ3,. The higher the priority for receiving the big hit lottery, the higher the special figure determination information stored in.

  In the present embodiment, basically, the special figure determination information storage area TJ having a smaller number is stored from the special figure determination information acquired by winning first in terms of time. However, the special figure determination information acquired by winning the second starting port 106 is stored in the reserved information storage area having a smaller number than the special figure determining information acquired by winning the first starting port 105. Shall be.

  The CPU 411 executes gate switch processing according to the gate switch processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the gate switch process, the CPU 411 acquires the count values of the counters C4 and C5 in the counter storage area 413c at the timing when the game ball that has passed through the gate 108 is detected by the gate SW415, and the acquired count values of the counters C4 and C5. Is stored in the general-purpose information storage area 413i of the RAM 413, for example.

――― Information storage area for general map determination (general information hold information storage area); Fig. 7――
FIG. 7A shows an example of the contents stored in the general-purpose determination information storage area 413i (see FIG. 7B later). The storage area 413i can store the common map determination information up to a predetermined number. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number is four. Corresponding to this, the storage area 413i is formed from the common figure determination information storage areas FJ1 to FJ4 which are four common figure determination information storage areas FJ. In each of the storage areas FJ1 to FJ4, the count values of the counters C4 and C5 acquired at the timing when the passing of the game ball to the gate 108 is detected, that is, the random numbers per normal map and the normal map acquired at the timing Symbol random numbers are stored in a state of being associated with each other, and one set of random numbers per common symbol and one common symbol random number form one piece of information for determining common symbols. The number of information for routine determination in the storage area 413i corresponds to the number U3 of reserved information.

  In addition, priorities for receiving the normal symbol lottery are set in the storage areas FJ1 to FJ4. In the example shown in the drawing, the priority for receiving the normal symbol lottery is set higher for the common symbol determination information stored in the common symbol determination information storage area FJ with a smaller number associated with the symbol “FJ”. In the present embodiment, the information is stored in the common figure determination information storage area FJ having a smaller number from the common figure determination information acquired earlier in time.

  The CPU 411 executes the special winning opening switch processing by the special winning opening switch processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the big prize opening switch process, the CPU 411 detects a game ball won in the big prize opening 109 by the big prize opening SW416.

  The CPU 411 executes the normal winning opening switch processing by the normal winning opening switch processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the normal winning opening switch process, the CPU 411 detects a game ball won in the normal winning opening 110 by the normal winning opening SW 417.

  The CPU 411 executes special symbol processing by a special symbol processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the special symbol processing, the CPU 411 sequentially executes determination per special symbol, special symbol determination, and special symbol variation pattern determination using the special symbol determination information stored in the special symbol determination information storage area 413d. These determination results are stored in the special figure determination result storage area 413e. Based on these determination results, the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 201 is displayed in a variable manner and stopped. The jackpot lottery may be considered to include special symbol determination and special symbol determination (see FIG. 18).

  In the special symbol processing, the CPU 411 determines the special figure determination information of the storage area TJ1 set with the highest priority in the special figure determination information storage area 413d as a determination target (the determination target) TT (FIG. 6B). Reference), and the special figure determination information, the special symbol design determination, and the special figure variation pattern determination are sequentially executed using the special figure determination information of the determination target TT. With the start of the special symbol process for the determination target TT, the CPU 411 also performs a special figure storage shift process for moving the special figure determination information stored in the storage area TJi + 1 to the storage area TJi, as shown in FIG. Execute (where i is an arbitrary integer). At this time, the special figure determination information that is the determination target TT is erased from the storage area 413d and transferred to another storage area (the variation storage unit 1006b described later).

  In the special symbol process, the CPU 411 first performs a per-special symbol determination that involves a comparison between the special symbol determination table TAt stored in the ROM 412 and a random number per special symbol of the determination target TT.

――― Judgment table per special figure; Fig.8――
FIG. 8 shows an example of the special figure determination table TAt. As shown in FIG. 8, the determination table TAt per special figure includes a determination table TAt1 per low probability special figure and a determination table TAt2 per high probability special figure. Each of the tables TAt1 and TAt2 has a predetermined determination value associated with the jackpot.

  When the high probability game flag is set to OFF at the time of determination per special figure (that is, at the time of big hit lottery), the CPU 411 performs determination per special figure using the table TAt1, and sets the high probability game flag to ON. If it has been determined, the table TAt2 is used to determine per special figure. Then, the CPU 411 determines that the jackpot has been won if the random number per special figure of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the jackpot, and if not, it is a loss (that is, the jackpot is won). Not). The gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is ON, and a low probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is OFF.

  The random number per special figure takes any integer value within the numerical value range “0 to 199”. In the table TAt1, only the determination value “0” is assigned to the jackpot. On the other hand, in the table TAt2, a total of five judgment values consisting of judgment values of “0”, “1”, “2”, “3” and “4” are assigned to the jackpot. For this reason, when the determination per special figure is performed using the table TAt1, the winning probability of winning the jackpot (winning probability of the jackpot lottery) is 1/200, while the determination per special figure is performed using the table TAt2. In this case, the jackpot winning probability (winning lottery winning probability) is 1/40 (= 5/200).

  If it is determined that the jackpot is won in the special symbol processing, the CPU 411 compares the special symbol determination table TZt stored in the ROM 412 with the special symbol random number of the determination target TT, and determines the type of jackpot based on the comparison result. The special symbol design is determined.

――― Special symbol design table; Fig.9――
FIG. 9 shows an example of the special symbol design determination table TZt. As shown in FIG. 9, the special symbol design determination table TZt includes a first special symbol design determination table TZt1 and a second special symbol design determination table TZt2. In each of the tables TZt1 and TZt2, a predetermined determination value is associated with each type of jackpot (each per 16R length, each per 16R short, and each per 4R). When the determination target TT is the special figure determination information acquired when the game ball is won at the first start opening 105, the determination target TT is the game ball to the second start opening 106 using the table TZt1. In the case of the special figure determination information acquired with the winning of the special prize, the special symbol design determination is performed using the table TZt2.

  In the special symbol processing, the CPU 411 determines that the special symbol random number of the determination target TT is a determination value associated with each 16R length, a determination value associated with each 16R short, and a determination value associated with each 4R. If they match, it is determined that the winning is per 16R length, per 16R short, and per 4R.

  In the table TZt1, among the numerical values “0 to 99” that can be taken by the special symbol random numbers, a total of five determination values “0 to 4” are assigned per 16R length. Therefore, when the table TZt1 is used, the probability (ratio) of 16R length per jackpot is 5% (= 5/100). Further, in the table TZt1, a total of 35 determination values “5-39” are assigned per 16R short, and a total of 60 determination values “40-99” are assigned per 4R. Accordingly, when the table TZt1 is used, the probability (ratio) of 16R short per jackpot is 35% (= 35/100), and the probability (ratio) of 4R per jackpot is 60% (= 60/100). ).

  On the other hand, in the table TZt2, a total of 40 determination values “0 to 39” are assigned per 16 lengths, a total of 60 determination values “40 to 99” are assigned per 4R, and 16R No judgment value is assigned to the short hit. Therefore, when the table TZt2 is used, the probability (ratio) per 16 lengths in jackpot is 40% (= 40/100), and the probability (ratio) per 4R in jackpot is 60% (= 60/100). ), And the probability (ratio) of 16R short per hit is 0% (= 0/100).

  As described above, in the special symbol determination based on the winning at the second starting port 106, it is easier to win per 16R length than the special symbol determination based on the winning at the first starting port 105. That is, the special symbol determination based on the winning at the second starting port 106 is more advantageous for the player than the special symbol determination based on the winning at the first starting port 105. In the electric support game state, since electric support is provided, in most cases, special symbol determination using the table TZt2 is performed. Therefore, in the electric support game state, there is almost no winning per 16R short.

  Further, in the special symbol processing, the CPU 411 compares the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt with the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the determination target TT, and performs special figure fluctuation pattern determination for selecting and judging the special figure fluctuation pattern based on the comparison result. Do.

――― Special map variation pattern table; Fig.10 ―――
FIG. 10 shows an example of the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt. The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt includes a first special figure fluctuation pattern table THt1 and a second special figure fluctuation pattern table THt2 used in the non-electric support game state, and a third special figure fluctuation pattern table THt3 used in the electric support game state. And a fourth special figure variation pattern table THt4.

  Each of the tables THt1 to THt4 is configured by associating predetermined determination values with all or part of the special figure variation patterns THp1 to THp7. Here, each of the special symbol variation patterns THp1 to THp7 defines a variation pattern of the special symbol, and defines, for example, a time for varying the special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “variation time”). Special figure fluctuation patterns THp1 and THp7 are special figure fluctuation patterns in which normal loss effects are performed, and special figure fluctuation patterns THp2 to THp6 are special figure fluctuation patterns in which reach effects are performed (see FIG. 15). The determination value corresponding to the special figure fluctuation pattern THp7 exists only in the table THt3. The special symbol fluctuation times in the special figure fluctuation patterns THp1 to THp7 are 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 60 seconds, 70 seconds, 90 seconds, and 1 second, respectively.

  In the non-electric support game state, the CPU 411 that performs the special symbol processing selects the table THt1 when the determination result of the special figure determination is lost, and selects the table THt2 when the determination result of the special figure determination is the big hit. Select. On the other hand, in the electric support game state, the CPU 411 that performs the special symbol processing selects the table THt3 when the determination result of the special figure determination is lost, while the table 411 when the determination result of the special figure determination is the big hit. Select THt4. Thereafter, when the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the special figure fluctuation pattern THpi in the selection table, the CPU 411 sets the special figure fluctuation pattern corresponding to the determination target TT as the special figure fluctuation pattern. A special figure variation pattern THpi is selected and set (where i is an integer from 1 to 7).

  In the table THt1, for the special figure variation patterns THp1, THp2, THp3, THp4, THp5, a total of 81 determination values “0-80” and a total of 9 determination values “81-89”, a total of 6 Determination values “90 to 95”, a total of three determination values “96 to 98”, and one determination value “99” are assigned. In the table THt2, for the special figure variation patterns THp2, THp3, THp4, THp5, THp6, a total of 5 judgment values “0-4” and a total of 10 judgment values “5-14”, a total of 25, respectively. Determination values “15 to 39”, a total of 50 determination values “40 to 89”, and a total of 10 determination values “90 to 99”.

  In the table THt1, no determination value is assigned to the special figure variation pattern THp6. That is, in the table THt1, the special figure fluctuation pattern THp6 in which the premier reach effect (the jackpot finalizing effect) is performed is not selected. In the table THt2, no determination value is assigned to the special figure variation pattern THp1. That is, in the table THt2, the special figure fluctuation pattern THp1 in which the normal loss effect is performed is not selected. In the non-electric support game state in which the tables THt1 and THt2 are used, a special figure variation pattern with a long variation time is more easily selected at the time of a big hit and is not easily selected at the time of a loss. Then, the determination values in the tables THt1 and THt2 are determined so that the reliability with respect to the big hit becomes higher as the special figure variation pattern having a longer variation time.

  In the table THt3, a total of five judgment values “90 to 94” and a total of five judgment values “95 to 99” are assigned to the special figure fluctuation patterns THp4 and THp5, respectively, and the special figure fluctuation patterns THp1 and THp7 are assigned. A total of 90 common determination values “0 to 89” are assigned to each of the above. In the table THt3, determination values are not assigned to the special figure fluctuation patterns THp2, THp3, and THp6.

  The handling of the special figure variation patterns THp1 and THp7 in the table THt3 will be described. In the case where the judgment result of the special figure determination is lost in the electric support game state and the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the judgment target TT belongs to the judgment value “0 to 89”, only when there is no second start opening hold When the special figure fluctuation pattern THp1 is selected and set as the special figure fluctuation pattern corresponding to the determination target TT, and there is one or more second start port hold, the special figure fluctuation pattern THp7 corresponds to the determination target TT. Selected and set as Here, the second starting port hold refers to information for determining the special figure by winning the second starting port 106 stored in the special figure determining information storage area 413d.

  The variation of the special figure variation pattern THp7 is performed in the electric support game state in which a state in which one or more second start opening hold is stored frequently occurs, and in such a state, a quick game This is to make it possible. On the other hand, in the electric support game state, when there is no second start opening hold, the time for making the game ball win the second start opening 106 by changing the special figure change pattern THp1 having a change time of 10 seconds. This makes it difficult for players to create a disadvantageous situation. Even in the electric support game state, if special figure determination information corresponding to the first start port 105 is recorded, the special symbol may be changed based on the special figure determination information. However, execution of such variation is disadvantageous for the player in view of the table TZt in FIG. The table THt3 as described above is formed so that such an unfavorable situation is less likely to occur.

  On the other hand, in the table THt4, for the special figure variation patterns THp4, THp5, and THp6, a total of 30 determination values “0-29” and a total of 60 determination values “30-89”, respectively, a total of 10 determinations. The value “90 to 99” is assigned. In the table THt4, no determination value is assigned to the special figure fluctuation patterns THp1 to THp3.

  In the tables THt3 and THt4, the special figure fluctuation patterns THp2 and THp3 having relatively low reliability are not selected as the special figure fluctuation patterns for reach production, and only the special figure fluctuation patterns THp4 to THp6 having relatively high reliability are selected. It can be selected. That is, in the electric support game state that is advantageous to the player, only a highly reliable reach that can raise the player is performed.

――― Special drawing judgment result storage area; Fig.11 ――――
FIG. 11 shows an example of the special figure determination result storage area 413e. In the storage area 413e, determination results per special figure, special symbol determination, and special figure variation pattern determination for the determination target TT are stored in a state of being associated with each other.

  In addition, you may make it memorize | store the information which shows the symbol showing both the determination result of special symbol determination, and the determination result of special symbol determination in the memory | storage area 413e. Specifically, for example, when the determination result of the special symbol determination and the special symbol determination indicates a loss per 16R length, per 16R short time, per 4R, “1”, “2”, The symbols “3” and “−” may be stored.

  The CPU 411 executes normal symbol processing by the normal symbol processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the normal symbol processing, the CPU 411 sequentially executes the universal symbol determination, the universal symbol determination, and the normal symbol variation pattern determination using the common symbol determination information stored in the general symbol determination information storage area 413i. These determination results are stored in the common figure determination result storage area 413j. Based on these determination results, the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display unit 202 is displayed in a variable manner and stopped. It can be considered that the normal symbol lottery includes the determination of the normal symbol and the determination of the normal symbol (see FIG. 18).

  In the normal symbol processing, the CPU 411 sets the general symbol determination information in the storage region FJ1 set with the highest priority in the general symbol determination information storage region 413i as the normal symbol determination target FF (see FIG. 7B). Obtaining and using the information for determining the normal map of the FF for the normal map determination, the normal symbol per unit determination, the general symbol determination, and the general pattern variation pattern determination are sequentially executed. With the start of the normal symbol processing for the common symbol determination target FF, the CPU 411 shifts the common symbol determination information stored in the storage area FJi + 1 to the storage area FJi as shown in FIG. 7B. The process is also executed (where i is an arbitrary integer). At this time, the information for normal map determination which has become the normal map determination target FF is erased from the storage area 413i and transferred to another storage area (not shown).

  In the per-standard determination, the CPU 411 determines that the per-standard random number of the general-purpose determination target FF is the determination value defined in the per-standard determination table FAt and the per-standard map as in the per-specific map determination. It is determined whether or not it matches the associated determination value. Then, the CPU 411 determines that the winning figure is won per universal figure if the random number per ordinary figure of the ordinary figure determination target FF matches the determination value associated with the ordinary figure, otherwise it is lost per universal figure. Is determined. In the normal symbol determination table FZt, a determination value associated with each long opening and a determination value associated with each short opening are defined. In the case of winning the symbol, the CPU 411 compares the symbol number of the target symbol FF with the criterion value in the table FZt in the symbol determination, and the symbol symbol number of the symbol FF is long. If it matches with the judgment value associated with the opening, it is determined that the winning is made for the long opening, while the common symbol random number of the normal figure determination target FF is associated with the short opening and If they match, it is determined that the short win is won.

  In the normal pattern variation pattern determination, the CPU 411 selects a general pattern variation pattern that defines the variation time of the normal symbol from the general diagram variation pattern table FHt based on whether or not the electric support is provided. The CPU 411 controls the display of the normal symbols based on the stored contents of the universal symbol determination result storage area 413j in which the determination results of the universal symbol determination, the universal symbol determination, and the universal symbol variation pattern determination are stored. 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 CPU 411 executes the electric accessory control process by the electric accessory control processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the electric accessory control process, the big prize opening process and the electric chew process are sequentially executed.

  The CPU 411 executes the special winning a prize mouth processing by the special winning a prize mouth processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the big prize opening process, the CPU 411 opens and closes the big prize opening 109 based on the result of the special symbol process. In the big prize opening opening pattern table DKt in the ROM 412, a plurality of big winning opening opening patterns DKp1 to DKp3 that define the opening manner of the big winning opening 109 for each type of jackpot are stored. When the processing result of the special symbol processing indicates a jackpot, the big winning opening 109 is opened and closed using a big winning opening opening pattern corresponding to the type of the big winning. The patterns DKp1 to DKp3 correspond to per 16R length, per 16R short, and per 4R, respectively. Each of the patterns DKp1 to DKp3 defines the number of rounds Rmax in jackpot, the opening time of the big winning opening 109, the opening time, the interval time, and the ending time in each round. The round numbers Rmax per 16R length, 16R short, and 4R are 16, 16, and 4, respectively.

  The special winning opening processing program causes the game state setting processing program to be executed as a subprogram. In the game state setting process by the game state setting process program, the CPU 411 sets game flags such as a high-probability game flag and an electric support game flag that determine the game state in the game flag storage area 413f (details will be described later).

  The CPU 411 executes electric-chu processing by the electric-chu processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the electric chew process, the CPU 411 opens and closes the electric tulip 107 based on the result of the normal symbol process.

  The CPU 411 executes prize ball processing by a prize ball processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the prize ball processing, the CPU 411 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls for winning at each of the first start opening 105, the second start opening 106, the big winning opening 109, and the normal winning opening 110. The payout instruction is set in the prize ball information storage area 413g as a prize ball command.

  The CPU 411 executes output processing according to the output processing program in the ROM 412 (see FIG. 18). In the output processing, the CPU 411 sends information indicating the storage contents of each storage area set in the RAM 413 to each control unit (including the prize ball control unit 402 and the effect control unit 403) connected to the main control unit 401. Output.

  Further, the above-described start port switch processing program executes a pre-determination processing program that realizes pre-determination processing as a subprogram (see FIG. 18). In the pre-determination process by the pre-determination process program in the ROM 412, the CPU 411 determines for each special figure determination information stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413 d by the same special symbol determination as in the special symbol process described above. The special symbol design determination and the special symbol variation pattern determination are sequentially executed, and these determination results are stored in the prior determination information storage area 413h.

――― Preliminary judgment information storage area; Fig.13 ―――
FIG. 13 shows an example of the advance determination information storage area 413h. In the pre-determination information storage area 413h, special figure determination, special figure design determination, and special figure variation pattern determination for each special figure determination information stored in the storage areas TJ1 to TJ8 of the special figure determination information storage area 413d. The determination result is stored.

  In addition, you may make it memorize | store the information which shows the symbol showing both the determination result of special symbol determination, and the determination result of special symbol determination in the prior determination information storage area 413h. Specifically, for example, when the determination result of special figure determination and special symbol determination for the special figure determination information to be determined in advance indicates a loss per 16R length, per 16R short, 4R, the storage area 413h, The symbols “1”, “2”, “3”, and “−” may be stored, respectively.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a board external information terminal board 491 is connected to the main control section 401, and the main control section 401 sends information indicating the storage contents in the RAM 413 to the outside (for example, through the board 491). Can be output to a hall computer).

[2. Prize ball control unit]
Referring to FIG. 4, the prize ball control unit 402 includes a CPU 421, a ROM 422, a RAM 423, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. Based on the payout instruction (prize ball command) from the main control unit 401, the CPU 421 reads various programs related to the payout of prize balls from the ROM 422, executes the read program using the RAM 423 as a work area, The prize balls are paid out according to the payout instructions.

  Various SWs for detecting a game ball are connected to the prize ball control unit 402. For example, as shown in the drawing, the prize ball control unit 402 includes a fixed position detection SW 424 for detecting a game ball at a predetermined position, a payout ball detection SW425 for detecting a paid game ball, and a hit ball provided on the front surface of the frame. A ball presence detection SW 426 that detects whether there is a game ball in the supply tray 120 and a full tank detection SW 427 that detects that the hitting ball supply tray 120 is filled with the game ball are connected.

  Each of SW 424 to 427 outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the prize ball control unit 402. The winning ball control unit 402 pays out a winning ball or stops paying out a winning ball based on a payout instruction output from the main control unit 401 or a detection signal input from the SWs 424 to 427. Further, the prize ball control unit 402 may output detection signals input from the SWs 424 to 427 to the main control unit 401.

  In addition, a launching unit 428 and a payout unit 429 are connected to the prize ball control unit 402. The award ball control unit 402 detects the operation of launching a game ball with respect to the launch unit 428 (operation by the player) and controls the launch of the game ball. The launcher 428 launches a game ball for a game, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the prize ball control unit 402 detects a game operation by the sensor of the launch unit 428, the game ball 103 is intermittently fired by driving a solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation, and the game area 103 of the game board 101 is played. Launch a game ball.

  The prize ball control unit 402 is connected to a payout unit 429 for paying out a prize ball. The payout unit 429 includes a payout drive motor for paying out a predetermined number of game balls from a storage unit (not shown) that stores game balls. The prize ball control unit 402 controls the payout unit 429 to drive the payout drive motor, thereby to each winning port (the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109, the normal winning port 110). The payout of prize balls corresponding to the winnings of will be realized. The prize ball controller 402 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 492, and various information handled by the prize ball controller 402 can be output to the outside through the board 492.

[3. Production control unit]
Next, the effect control unit 403 of the gaming machine 100 will be described.

[3-1. Director of Production]
FIG. 14 is a partial block diagram of the gaming machine 100 including an internal block diagram of the effect control unit 403. The effect control unit 403 includes an effect control unit 403a that controls the entire effect control unit 403, an image / audio control unit 403b that performs display control of the image display unit 104 and sound output control of the speaker 114, an effect light unit 115, and A lamp control unit 403c for performing lighting control of the board lamp 135 on the game board 101 and driving control of the movable accessory 130 is provided.

  The production control unit 403a includes a CPU 431, a ROM 432, a RAM 433, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 431 reads out various programs relating to the control of effects performed by the gaming machine 100 from the ROM 432, and executes the read programs using the RAM 433 as a work area.

  In addition, an effect button 118 and a cross key 119 for receiving an operation from a player are connected to the effect control unit 403a. When the effect button 118 is operated (ie, pressed) by the player, the effect button 118 outputs a control signal indicating that effect to the effect control unit 403a. The cross key 119 includes a plurality of keys, and outputs a control signal corresponding to the key operated (that is, pressed) by the player to the effect control unit 403a. Based on the control signal input from the effect button 118 and the cross key 119, the effect supervision unit 403a sets an operation command indicating that the operation by the player has been accepted and the operation content in the RAM 433.

  Here, an example of a program executed by the CPU 431 of the production control unit 403a and an example of information set (i.e., stored) in the RAM 433 by executing each program will be described. Note that the processing, programs, tables, and storage areas shown below for the production control unit 403a are only a part of the processing performed by the CPU 431, the programs and tables in the ROM 432, and the storage areas in the RAM 433, and various other types. Various processes, programs, tables, and storage areas are executed by the CPU 431 or prepared in the ROM 432 or the RAM 433. As shown in FIG. 14, tables TEt, Mt, OEt, and FEt are stored in the ROM 432, and storage areas 433 a to 433 d are set in the RAM 433.

  The CPU 431 executes the effect main process by the effect main process program in the ROM 432 (see FIG. 19). The production main process is executed in response to the supply of power to the production control unit 403a. In the effect main processing, the effect supervising unit 403a performs initial setting of a built-in device such as CTC in the effect supervising unit 403a and stores the setting contents in the setting storage area 433a.

  The CPU 431 executes the effect timer interrupt process by the effect timer interrupt process program in the ROM 432 (see FIG. 19). The effect timer interrupt process is interrupted and executed with respect to the effect main process at a predetermined cycle stored in the setting storage area 433a by the effect main process. In the effect timer interruption process, a command reception process, an operation reception process, and a command transmission process are sequentially executed.

  The CPU 431 executes command reception processing by a command reception processing program in the ROM 432. In the command reception process, the CPU 431 causes various subprograms in the ROM 432 to be executed. The various processes executed in association with the command reception process include a special drawing effect processing program in the ROM 432, a special drawing effect processing program and a special jackpot effect processing program, a special drawing effect process and a big hit effect processing (FIG. 19).

  The special figure effect process includes an effect start process and an effect end process, and the special figure variation effect pattern selection process is included in the effect start process. In the special figure fluctuation effect pattern selection process, the CPU 431 selects and determines a special figure fluctuation effect pattern from the special figure fluctuation effect pattern table TEt stored in the ROM 432 based on a command received from the main control unit 401 or the like.

――― Special drawing variation production pattern table; Fig.15 ―――
FIG. 15 shows an example of the special figure variation effect pattern table TEt. In the table TEt, a plurality of special figure variation effect patterns that define the effect contents of the variation effects such as the normal lose effect and the reach effect are stored. The table TEt in FIG. 15 stores seven different special figure fluctuation effect patterns TEp1 to TEp7, and the special figure fluctuation patterns THp1 to THp7 are associated with the special figure fluctuation effect patterns TEp1 to TEp7 on a one-to-one basis. ing.

  The variation effect refers to an effect executed by the effect control unit 403 at the time of the variation of the special symbol and the end of the variation, and may be specifically referred to as a special diagram variation effect. In the gaming machine 100, an arbitrary effect including a variable effect is realized using an effect realizing element. The effect realization element includes at least one of image display by the image display unit 104, sound output by the speaker 114, light emission by the effect light unit 115, light emission by the panel lamp 135, and driving of the movable accessory 130.

  The variation effect patterns include a variation effect pattern related to a special symbol (that is, a special diagram variation effect pattern) and a variation effect pattern related to a normal symbol (that is, an ordinary diagram variation effect pattern). Since the variation effect related to the special symbol is mainly discussed, the special diagram variation effect pattern table and the special diagram variation effect pattern may be hereinafter referred to as a variation effect pattern table and a variation effect pattern.

  The normal lose effect is a normal lose effect that is associated with the special figure variation patterns THp1 and THp7 and appears most frequently. Reach production means that, for example, when three decorative symbols (first decorative symbol to third decorative symbol) are changed, the first decorative symbol and the second decorative symbol are aligned on the effective line, and then the third decorative symbol is arranged. This is an effect in which only the symbol is changed, and the fluctuation time is longer than that of the normal loss production, so that the expectation for the big hit is increased.

  The reach production includes a normal reach production, a low reliability reach production, a medium reliability reach production, a high reliability reach production, and a premier reach production. The premier reach production is a production showing the jackpot decision. In the variation effect patterns TEp2 to TEp6, the greater the numerical value (any one of 2 to 6) associated with the symbol TEp, the higher the reliability with respect to the jackpot.

  In the command reception process, the CPU 431 determines that the stored content of the special figure determination result storage area 433b in the effect control unit 403a is the special figure determination of the main control unit 401 based on a command (for example, a change start command) received from the main control unit 401. The storage contents of the storage area 433b can be updated so as to be the same as the storage contents of the result storage area 413e. In the variation effect pattern selection process, a variation effect pattern corresponding to the special figure variation pattern is selected and selected using the table TEt of FIG. 15 based on the information indicating the special figure variation pattern in the updated storage area 433b. The result can be included in the storage area 433b. Then, the CPU 431 sets (that is, stores) a variation effect start command including information indicating the selected variation effect pattern in the transmission command storage area 433d so that a variation effect corresponding to the selected variation effect pattern is realized. .

  In the command reception process, the CPU 431 determines the advance determination information storage area 413h of the main control unit 401 and the advance determination information of the production control unit 403a based on a command received from the main control unit 401 (for example, an advance determination command described later). The contents stored in the storage area 433c are synchronized. By this synchronization, the storage content of the storage area 433c can be made the same as that of the storage area 413h. However, each special figure variation effect pattern corresponding to each special figure variation pattern in the storage region 413h can be stored in the storage area 433c (see FIGS. 13, 15, and 16).

――― Preliminary information storage area; Fig.16 ―――
FIG. 16 shows an example of the advance determination information storage area 433c. The prior determination information storage area 433c is provided with storage areas tj1 to tj8 corresponding to the storage areas TJ1 to TJ8 of FIG. In the storage areas tj1 to tj8, the determination results of special figure determination and special symbol determination for the special figure determination information stored in the storage areas TJ1 to TJ8 and the selection results of the variation effect pattern are stored. The variation effect pattern selection result for certain special figure determination information is the variation effect pattern selected by the variation effect pattern selection process based on the special figure variation pattern for the special figure determination information and the variation effect pattern table TEt. (See FIGS. 13, 15 and 16).

  For example, in FIG. 16, the variation effect pattern TEp2 for the normal reach effect is stored in the storage area tj1, the change effect pattern TEp1 for the normal lose effect is stored in the storage area tj2, and the high reliability reach effect effect is stored in the storage area tj3. A variation effect pattern TEp5 is stored. Further, in the storage area tj3, information indicating “per 16R length” is stored as the determination result of the special symbol determination and the special symbol determination. The effect control unit 403 can also perform a series of continuous effects over a plurality of variable effects based on the stored contents of the storage area 433c.

  The ordinary drawing effect process (see FIG. 19) is executed by the CPU 431 when a command related to a normal symbol is received from the main control unit 401. For example, in the ordinary drawing effect process, the CPU 431 selects one ordinary figure variation effect pattern from the ordinary diagram variation effect pattern table FEt and receives it in the RAM 433 when the ordinary diagram change start command is received from the main control unit 401. Set. Then, the CPU 431 generates a command for starting a general drawing effect determined by the set normal drawing fluctuation effect pattern, and sets the command in the RAM 433. The usual figure fluctuation effect pattern table FEt stores a plurality of usual figure fluctuation effect patterns. Each ordinary figure variation effect pattern defines the contents of the effect of the ordinary figure effect that is performed when the normal symbol changes.

  The jackpot effect pattern table OEt in the ROM 432 stores a plurality of jackpot effect patterns. In each jackpot effect pattern, the contents of the jackpot effect performed during the jackpot game are defined. In the jackpot effect process (see FIG. 19), the effect control unit 403 selects and executes a jackpot effect pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot from the table OEt.

  The CPU 431 executes an operation reception process by the operation reception process program in the ROM 432 (see FIG. 19). In the operation reception process, the CPU 431 receives control signals from the effect button 118 and the cross key 119, and sets (that is, stores) an operation command indicating that there is a player operation in the transmission command storage area 433d.

  The CPU 431 executes command transmission processing by a command transmission processing program in the ROM 432 (see FIG. 19). In the command transmission process, the CPU 431 transmits various commands stored in the transmission command storage area 433d from the effect control unit 403a to the image / audio control unit 403b or the lamp control unit 403c. The image / audio control unit 403b and the lamp control unit 403c realize an effect according to the command from the effect control unit 403a using the effect realizing element.

  Further, the CPU 431 can set the effect mode using the effect mode table Mt. Based on the command received from the main control unit 401 or the like, the CPU 431 selects and sets the effect mode from a plurality of registration modes defined in the effect mode table Mt. The plurality of registration modes include a normal mode, a probability change mode, and a special mode.

――― Direction mode table; Fig.17 ――――
FIG. 17 shows an example of the effect mode table Mt. As shown in FIG. 17, in the effect mode table Mt, mode flags are associated with the normal mode, the probability variation mode, and the special mode. When the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the normal gaming state, the value of the mode flag is set to “0”, and at this time, the effect mode becomes the normal mode. When the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is the high probability electric support game state, the value of the mode flag is set to “1”, and at this time, the effect mode becomes the probability variation mode. When the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability non-electric support game state, the value of the mode flag is set to “2”, and at this time, the effect mode is a special mode.

  As can be understood from the above description of the game state transition after the jackpot game ends, the effect mode is set to the probability change mode until 70 fluctuations have elapsed after the jackpot game ends, and after the jackpot game ends, 71 The special mode is set from the fluctuation to the 74th fluctuation. The effect control unit 403 can execute different effects between the normal mode, the probability variation mode, and the special mode.

[3-2. Image / sound control unit]
Referring to FIG. 14, the image / sound control unit 403b includes a CPU 441, a ROM 442, a RAM 443, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 441 reads out various programs in accordance with instructions from the production control unit 403a from the ROM 442, and uses the RAM 443 as a work area to execute the read programs, thereby realizing the production instructed to be executed from the production management unit 403a. .

  The ROM 442 stores production data. The effect data includes image data such as a background image, a decorative design image, a character image, a hold image, a notice effect image, sound data such as sound effects and BGM, and the like.

  The CPU 441 can control the display content of the image display unit 104. For example, the CPU 441 reads image data corresponding to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect control unit 403a from the ROM 442, and causes the image display unit 104 to display an image based on the read image data. At this time, the CPU 441 can superimpose a plurality of images on the display screen of the image display unit 104. When a plurality of images overlap at the same position on the display screen of the image display unit 104, a layer in which these images are stacked in a hierarchical structure is set. For example, a background image is set in the lower layer, a decorative design is set in the upper layer, and a preview image is set in the upper layer. Thereby, it is possible to display so that the decorative design can be seen in front of the background image and the preview image can be seen in front of the decorative design.

  In addition, the CPU 441 reads audio data corresponding to the effect instructed to be executed by the effect supervising unit 403a from the ROM 442, and causes the speaker 114 to output sound based on the read audio data.

  Further, when the button effect is executed, the CPU 441 sets a predetermined effective period for the button effect, and is defined by the button effect when an operation input to the effect button 118 is detected within the effective period. The read image data is read from the ROM 442, and an image based on the read image data is displayed on the image display unit 104, and / or the sound data defined by the button effect is read from the ROM 442, and the sound based on the read sound data is reproduced. Output from the speaker 114.

[3-3. Lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 403c includes a CPU 451, a ROM 452, a RAM 453, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The CPU 451 reads out various programs according to instructions from the production control unit 403a from the ROM 452, and executes the read programs using the RAM 453 as a work area.

  The lamp control unit 403c can perform lighting control of the effect light unit 115 and the panel lamp 135 and drive control of the movable accessory 130 based on the command received from the effect control unit 403a. When the movable accessory 130 includes a lamp, the drive control of the movable accessory 130 includes lighting control of the lamp in the movable accessory 130. In addition, an accessory sensor (not shown) for detecting the position of the movable accessory 130 is connected to the lamp controller 403c, and the lamp controller 403c drives the movable accessory 130 based on a detection signal of the accessory sensor. Control can be performed.

<< About reliability >>
Here, the explanation of the term “reliability” will be supplemented. In the case where certain effect Q ₂ for a certain one of JP diagram determination information Q ₁ is carried out, the probability that special symbol determination information Q ₁ is elected jackpot, i.e., based on the special symbol determination information Q ₁ The expected value (expected value in probability theory) determined to be a big hit in the special figure determination is called the big hit reliability, the reliability of the special figure determination information Q ₁ , or the reliability of the effect Q ₂ . Effect Q ₂ are to be located in the notice made during variation of the special symbols that correspond to special symbol determination information Q ₁ (the announcement attraction), fluctuations before the start of the special symbols that correspond to special symbol determination information Q ₁ Can be a pre-reading notice (pre-reading notice effect).

For one Japanese view determination information Q _1, expressed as a probability "r" to effect Q ₂ is performed on the result of a "loss" and special symbol determination information to Q ₁ determination per special symbol, The probability of the effect Q ₂ being executed for the special figure determination information Q _{1 when} the result of the special figure determination is “big hit” is represented by “v”. Then, the reliability of the jackpot when the effect Q ₂ is performed on the special figure determination information Q ₁ is (100 × v / (r + v))%.

For example, (see table THt1 and THt2 in FIG. 10) in the non-conductive support gaming state, one special symbol variation pattern THp3 JP diagram determination information Q ₁ is a "loss" and a special symbol determination information Q ₁ probability assigned r is "(199/200) × (6/100) ", 1 single special symbol fluctuation pattern of a to and special symbol determination information Q ₁ a Japanese view determination information Q ₁ is "jackpot" Since the probability v that THp3 is assigned is “(1/200) × (10/100)”, the jackpot reliability when the special figure variation pattern THp3 is assigned to the special figure determination information Q ₁ ( The reliability of the special figure determination information Q _{1 and} the reliability of the effect by the special figure variation pattern THp3) is about 0.8%. Similarly example, the reliability of the jackpot when JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp5 is assigned to special symbol determination information Q ₁ (special symbol reliability of the determination information Q _1, reliability of the effect by JP diagram fluctuation pattern THp5 Degree) is about 20%.

<< Functional configuration of gaming machine >>
Next, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, the gaming machine 100 includes a random number generation means 1001, a random number storage means 1002, a random number acquisition means 1003, a first special symbol start opening prize detection means 1004, a second special symbol start opening prize detection means 1005, and an information storage. Means 1006, special game determination means 1007, hold display control means 1008, determination result storage means 1009, and hold display effect content storage means 1010 are provided.

  The random number generation unit 1001 is a unit that executes a random number generation process, and the CPU 411 in FIG. 4 functions as the random number generation unit 1001. The random number generation process corresponds to a random number update process executed by the CPU 411, and the random number generation unit 1001 generates a random number by updating a plurality of numerical values in a loop at high speed. The random numbers generated by the random number generation means 1001 include at least a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number.

  The random number storage unit 1002 is a unit that stores various random numbers every time the random number generation unit 1001 generates various random numbers, and the counter storage area 413 c in FIG. 4 functions as the random number storage unit 1002.

  The random number acquisition means 1003 is a means for acquiring various random numbers from the random number storage means 1002 according to the detection timing based on the first special symbol start opening prize detection means 1004 and the second special symbol start opening prize detection means 1005. The CPU 411 functions as the random number acquisition unit 1003.

  The first special symbol start opening prize detection means 1004 is a detection means for detecting that a game ball has won the first start opening 105, and the first start opening SW 414a in FIG. 4 is the first special symbol start opening prize detection means 1004. Function as.

  The second special symbol start opening prize detection means 1005 is a detection means for detecting that a game ball has won the second start opening 106, and the second start opening SW 414b in FIG. 4 is the second special symbol start opening prize detection means 1005. Function as.

  The information storage unit 1006 is a storage unit that stores the random number acquired by the random number acquisition unit 1003 (particularly, a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number) as special figure determination information. The information storage unit 1006 includes a hold storage unit 1006a and the fluctuation storage unit 1006b. The special figure determination information storage area 413d of FIG. 4 functions as the hold storage means 1006a.

  The special figure determination information based on the winning of the game balls to the first start opening 105 and the second start opening 106 is first stored in the hold storage means 1006a, and the special figure determination information set with the highest priority is stored in the hold. The data is transferred from the means 1006a to the fluctuation storage means 1006b. Further, as the special figure determination information set with the highest priority is moved, the priority order of the other special figure determination information stored in the hold storage unit 1006a is incremented one by one. Note that only one special figure determination information can be stored in the fluctuation storage means 1006b, and the special figure determination information with the highest priority stored in the hold storage means 1006a is stored in the fluctuation storage means. When the special figure determination information is not stored in 1006b, the information is transferred to the fluctuation storage unit 1006b.

  The special game determination means 1007 makes various determinations based on the establishment of the start condition (game ball winning with respect to the first start port 105 or the second start port 106). The CPU 411 in FIG. 4 functions as special game determination means 1007.

  The special game determination unit 1007 includes the variation determination unit 1007a and the prior determination unit 1007b. The fluctuation determination unit 1007a sequentially executes special figure hit determination, special symbol design determination, and special figure fluctuation pattern determination using the special figure determination information stored in the fluctuation storage unit 1006b. The prior determination means 1007b uses the special figure determination information stored in the hold storage means 1006a in advance (before each special figure determination information is transferred to the fluctuation storage means 1006b), and the special figure determination / special pattern design. Determination and special figure fluctuation pattern determination are sequentially executed.

  The hold display control unit 1008 executes display control (hold display control) of the hold image with respect to the image display unit 104. The hold image displayed by the hold display control means includes a display image (details will be described later) constituting a hold display effect and a display image (for example, a normal hold image not related to the hold display effect) that does not constitute the hold display effect. is there. The effect generalization unit 403a in FIG. 4 functions as the hold display control unit 1008. In particular, in the present embodiment, the image constituting the hold display effect is executed by the hold display control means 1008 included in the hold display control means 1008 by the hold display effect determining means 1008a, the hold display effect selecting means 1008b, and the hold display effect executing means 1008c. Is done.

  The hold display effect determining unit 1008a determines whether or not to execute the hold display effect. Whether to execute the hold display effect is determined based on a predetermined condition (details of the determination will be described later). When the hold display effect determining unit 1008a determines to execute the hold display effect, the hold display effect selecting unit 1008b selects the hold display effect.

  The hold display effect selection means 1008b selects one hold display effect from a plurality of predetermined hold display effects (details of selection will be described later).

  The hold display effect selected by the hold display effect selection means 1008b is executed by the hold display effect execution means 1008c. For example, in the lower part of the image display unit 104, the hold display that constitutes the hold display effect is displayed from left to right in the order of higher priority (hold use) (see FIGS. 49 and 50).

  The determination result storage unit 1009 includes the fluctuation determination result storage unit 1009a and the hold determination result storage unit 1009b. The variation determination result storage unit 1009a stores determination result information by the variation determination unit 1007a, that is, special figure per unit determination, special symbol determination, and special figure variation pattern determination result corresponding to the variation. The hold determination result storage unit 1009b stores the determination result information by the pre-determination unit 1007b, that is, the results of the determination per special figure, the special symbol determination, and the special figure variation pattern determination corresponding to each hold. The determination result storage area 433b of FIG. 14 functions as the fluctuation determination result storage means 1009a, and the prior determination information storage area 433c functions as the hold determination result storage means 1009b.

  The hold display effect content storage means 1010 is information indicating whether or not the hold display effect is being executed, information indicating the content of the hold display effect being executed, and information indicating the degree of completion of the hold display effect being executed. Is a storage means for storing. The RAM 433 in FIG. 14 functions as the hold display effect content storage unit 1010.

<< Operation flowchart of gaming machine >>
Next, a flow of processing performed by the gaming machine 100 to realize the above-described operation will be described along a flowchart.

[1. Processing performed by the main control unit]
First, processing performed by the main control unit 401 will be described. Each process of the main control unit 401 described below is realized by the CPU 411 of the main control unit 401 executing a program stored in the ROM 412.

――― Timer interrupt processing; Fig.21 ―――
The timer interrupt process performed by the main control unit 401 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of the timer interrupt process. When the supply of power is started, the main control unit 401 starts executing main processing including start-up processing and power-off monitoring processing. The main control unit 401 continuously executes this main process while power is supplied. The main control unit 401 interrupts and executes a timer interrupt process at a predetermined period (for example, 4 ms) with respect to the main process.

  As shown in FIG. 21 (see also FIG. 18), in the timer interrupt process, the main control unit 401 performs the random number update process in step S1, the switch process in step S2, the special symbol process in step S3, and the normal symbol in step S4. The process, the electric accessory control process at step S5, the prize ball process at step S6, and the output process at step S7 are sequentially executed. The random number update process, the switch process, the special symbol process, the normal symbol process, the electric accessory control process, the prize ball process, and the output process in steps S1 to S7 are performed with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 13 and FIG. The contents described above for the processing may be included.

  First, in the random number update process in step S1, the main control unit 401 updates random numbers used for various lotteries.

  The switch process in the subsequent step S2 (see also FIG. 18) is a start-port switch process (see FIG. 22) for detecting a game ball won at the first start-up port 105 or the second start-up port 106, and a game ball that has passed through the gate 108. A gate switch process that detects a game ball that has won a prize winning port 109, a normal prize opening switch process that detects a game ball that has won a normal prize opening 110, and the like.

  Thereafter, in the special symbol process of step S3, the main control unit 401 performs a big hit lottery, displays the special symbols in a variable manner according to the result of the big win lottery, and then stops the special symbol.

  After that, in the normal symbol processing in step S4, the main control unit 401 performs the normal symbol lottery, displays the normal symbol variably according to the result of the normal symbol lottery, and then stops the normal symbol.

  Thereafter, the electric accessory control process in step S5 (see also FIG. 18) is a big prize opening process (see FIG. 28) for controlling the operation of the special prize opening 109, and an electric chew process for controlling the operation of the electric tulip 107. (Not shown).

  Thereafter, in the winning ball process of step S6, the main control unit 401, for example, with respect to the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 109 or the normal winning port 110, predetermined A prize ball command for instructing the payout of the number of prize balls is set in the RAM 413.

  Thereafter, in the output process of step S7, the main control unit 401 outputs various commands indicating information set in the RAM 413 by the processes of steps S1 to S6 to the prize ball control unit 402 and the effect control unit 403. A command related to the prize ball is output to the prize ball control unit 402, and a command related to the effect is output to the effect control unit 403. When the output process ends, the timer interrupt process also ends. When the timer interrupt process ends, the process executed by the main control unit 401 returns to the main process.

――― Starter switch processing; Fig.22 ―――
With reference to FIG. 22, the contents of the start port switch process included in the switch process of step S2 of FIG. 21 will be described. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process. In the start port switch process, the main control unit 401 first determines whether or not the first start port SW 414a is turned on (step S211). If the first start port SW414a is not ON (No in step S211), the process proceeds to step S216. In SW 414a, SW 414a is turned ON when a game ball to be detected by itself is detected, and SW 414a is turned OFF when a game ball to be detected by itself is not detected. The same applies to SW 414b and SW 415 to SW 417 (see FIG. 4).

  If the first start port SW 414a is ON (Yes in step S211), the main control unit 401 has the hold information number U1 less than a predetermined maximum hold number U1max (for example, “4”) stored in the ROM 412 in advance. It is determined whether or not (step S212). The number of held information U1 corresponds to the number of special figure determination information triggered by winning in the first start port 105 in the special figure determination information storage area 413d. If “U1 <U1max” is not satisfied (No in step S212), the process proceeds to step S216.

  On the other hand, if “U1 <U1max” (Yes in step S212), the main control unit 401 adds “1” to the hold information number U1 (step S213), and each counter C1 to C3 in the counter storage area 413c. And the special figure determination information storage area 413d including the acquired count values of the counters C1 to C3 as a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number. (Step S214).

  After acquiring and storing the special figure determination information, the main control unit 401 performs a preliminary determination process (see FIG. 23) based on the stored special figure determination information (step S215), and then proceeds to step 216. In step S216, the main control unit 401 determines whether or not the second start port SW414b is turned on (step S216). If the second start port SW 414b is not ON (No in step S216), the start port switch process is terminated.

  If the second start port SW 414b is ON (Yes in step S216), the main control unit 401 has the hold information number U2 less than a predetermined maximum hold number U2max (for example, “4”) stored in the ROM 412 in advance. It is determined whether or not (step S217). The number of held information U2 corresponds to the number of special figure determination information triggered by winning in the second start port 106 in the special figure determination information storage area 413d. If “U2 <U2max” is not satisfied (No in step S217), the start port switch process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if “U2 <U2max” (Yes in step S217), the main control unit 401 adds “1” to the number of pending information U2 (step S218), and each counter C1 to C3 in the counter storage area 413c. And the special figure determination information storage area 413d including the acquired count values of the counters C1 to C3 as a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number. (Step S219). At this time, the main control unit 401 determines that the priority order of the special figure determination information acquired in response to the winning at the second start port 106 is acquired as a trigger for winning in the first starting port 105. The storage contents of the storage area 413d are controlled so as to be higher than the priority of the information for use. Accordingly, when the special figure determination information acquired in response to the winning at the first starting port 105 is in the storage area 413d, the special figure determination information is transferred to the storage area TJ having a lower priority in step S219. Will be shifted.

  When the special figure determination information is acquired and stored in step S219, the main control unit 401 performs a preliminary determination process (see FIG. 23) based on the stored special figure determination information (step S220), and the start port switch process. Exit.

――― Preliminary judgment processing; Fig.23 ―――
Next, with reference to FIG. 23, the contents of the advance determination process executed in step S215 or S220 of FIG. 22 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the details of the prior determination process.

  In the prior determination process, the main control unit 401 first determines whether or not the high-probability game flag is ON (step S2101). The high probability game flag is a flag in the RAM 413 that is set to ON or OFF in a process described later. At the start of execution of the main process, the high probability game flag is OFF. As described above, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is ON, and a low probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is OFF.

  If the high probability game flag is ON (Yes in step S2101), the main control unit 401 selects the high probability special figure determination table TAt2 (see FIG. 8) (step S2102), while the high probability game flag is OFF. If so (No in step S2101), the low probability special chart determination table TAt1 (see FIG. 8) is selected (step S2103).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 401 compares the special figure determination table selected in step S2102 or step S2103 with the random number per special figure of the special figure determination information as a prior determination target, thereby determining the special figure determination. Is performed (step S2104). In this determination per special figure, it is determined whether or not the random number per special figure to be determined in advance matches the determination value associated with the jackpot in the selected determination table per special figure. It is determined whether or not is winning the jackpot. If the prior determination process in FIG. 23 is executed via step S214 in FIG. 22, the special figure determination information stored in step S214 becomes a prior determination target, and the prior determination in FIG. If the process is to be executed via step S219 in FIG. 22, the special figure determination information stored in step S219 is subject to prior determination.

  If it is determined in step S2104 that the pre-determination target is a big hit as a result of performing the determination per special figure, special symbol determination that should be called a win symbol determination is performed on the pre-determination target. At this time, the main controller 401 determines the special symbol determination table TZt1 (see FIG. 9) when the prior determination target is the special symbol determination information acquired in response to the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 105. ) Is selected, and the special symbol determination table TZt2 (see FIG. 9) is selected when the prior determination target is the special symbol determination information acquired in response to the winning of the game ball at the second starting port 106. . Then, the main control unit 401 compares the special symbol random number to be determined in advance with the determination value in the selected special symbol determination table to determine the type of jackpot to be determined in advance.

  Thereafter, the main control unit 401 performs special figure variation pattern determination processing (described later) (step S2105). Further, the main control unit 401 stores information in which the processing result of step S2104 and the processing result of step S2105 are associated with each other in the RAM 413 (preliminary determination information storage area 413h in FIG. 13) as a preliminary determination result for the preliminary determination target. (Step S2106). Then, a preliminary determination command representing the current preliminary determination result is generated and set in the RAM 413 (step S2107), and the preliminary determination process is terminated.

――― Special symbol processing; Fig.24 ―――
Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the contents of the special symbol process executed in step S3 of FIG. 21 will be described. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol process.

  In the special symbol process, the main control unit 401 first determines whether or not the in-confirmation flag is ON (step S311). The time when the in-confirmation flag is ON belongs to the special symbol confirmation period. The fixed period of the special symbol is a period for allowing the player to recognize the stopped special symbol until a predetermined fixed display time elapses after the change of the special symbol is stopped. The in-determined flag is a flag in the RAM 413 that is set to ON or OFF in a process described later. At the start of execution of the main process, the finalizing flag is OFF. If the determining flag is ON (Yes in step S311), the process proceeds to step S327.

  On the other hand, if the determining flag is OFF (No in step S311), it is determined whether the jackpot game flag is ON (step S312). The jackpot game flag is a flag in the RAM 413 that is set to ON or OFF in a process described later. As will be apparent from the description below, when the current gaming state is a jackpot gaming state, the jackpot gaming flag is turned ON. At the start of execution of the main process, the jackpot game flag is OFF.

  If the big hit game flag is ON (Yes in step S312), the special symbol process is terminated without changing the special symbol. If the jackpot game flag is OFF (No in step S312), the main control unit 401 determines whether or not the special symbol is being variably displayed (step S313). If the special symbol is variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S323. On the other hand, if the special symbol is not being variably displayed (No in step S313), the main control unit 401 determines whether or not the number of held information U2 is 1 or more (step S314).

  If the number of held information U2 is 1 or more (Yes in step S314), the main control unit 401 subtracts “1” from the number of held information U2 (step S315), and proceeds to step S318. If the number of held information U2 is 0 in Step S314 (No in Step S314), the main control unit 401 determines whether or not the number of held information U1 is 1 or more (Step S316). In step S316, if the number of pending information U1 is 0 (No in step S316), the special symbol process is terminated. If the hold information number U1 is 1 or more (Yes in step S316), the main control unit 401 subtracts “1” from the hold information number U1 (step S317), and proceeds to step S318.

  In step S318, the main control unit 401 executes the special figure storage shift process described with reference to FIG. Thereby, the special figure determination information in the storage area TJ1 before the process of step S318 becomes the current determination target TT.

  After the special figure storage shift process, the main control unit 401 executes a big hit lottery process (see FIG. 25) and a special figure variation pattern determination process (see FIG. 26) for the determination target TT (steps S319 and S320). When the special figure fluctuation pattern is determined by the special figure fluctuation pattern determination process, the special symbol fluctuation display of the special symbol display unit 201 is started based on the determined special figure fluctuation pattern (step S321). At this time, if the current determination target TT is information for determining a special figure by winning the first starting port 105, the first special symbol of the first special symbol display unit 201a is displayed in a variable manner to determine the current determination target. When TT is information for determining a special symbol by winning at the second starting port 106, the second special symbol of the second special symbol display unit 201b is variably displayed.

  The main control unit 401 sets a change start command in the RAM 413 in accordance with the start of special symbol change display (step S322). After setting the variation start command, the process proceeds to step S323. The variation start command set here includes information indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery process in step S319 and information indicating the special figure variation pattern determined (selected) in step S320. Further, information indicating the current gaming state, information indicating which of the first starting port 105 and the second starting port 106 the winning of the jackpot lottery process (ie, the determination target TT) in step S319 is, etc. , It may be included in the change start command. This variation start command is output to the effect control unit 403 when the output process is executed in step S7 of FIG.

  In step S323, the main control unit 401 determines whether a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed since the start of the special symbol fluctuation display. The predetermined fluctuation time here is defined by the special figure fluctuation pattern determined (selected) in step S320 immediately before the start of fluctuation display in step S321. If the predetermined fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in step S323), the main control unit 401 ends the special symbol process as it is.

  On the other hand, when the predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed (Yes in step S323), the main control unit 401 stops and displays the special symbol being displayed in the special symbol display unit 201 (step S324), and a change stop command is displayed in the RAM 413. Setting is made (step S325). The variation stop command set here is output to the effect control unit 403 when the output process shown in step S7 of FIG. 21 is executed. The change stop command may include the same information as the change start command.

  After setting the change stop command in the RAM 413, the main control unit 401 turns on the in-confirm flag (step S326), and proceeds to step S327. In step S327, the main control unit 401 executes a stop process described later with reference to FIG. 27, and thereafter ends the special symbol process.

――― Large lottery processing; Fig.25 ―――
Next, the contents of the jackpot lottery process executed in step S319 of FIG. 24 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot lottery process. In the jackpot lottery process, the above-described special symbol determination and special symbol design determination are executed.

  Specifically, in the jackpot lottery process, first, the main control unit 401 determines whether or not the high probability game flag is ON. If the high probability game flag is ON (Yes in step S3101), the main control unit 401 selects the determination table TAt2 (see FIG. 8) per high probability special figure (step S3102), and if the high probability game flag is OFF. If (No in step S3101), the determination table TAt1 (see FIG. 8) per low probability special figure is selected (step S3103).

  Subsequently, the main control unit 401 uses the special figure determination table TAt selected in step S3102 or S3103 to perform special figure determination in step S3104. In other words, if the random number per special figure in the special figure determination information as the determination target TT matches the determination value (determination value associated with the jackpot) in the selected special figure determination table TAt, the jackpot (I.e., winning the jackpot lottery). Otherwise, it is determined that the game is lost (i.e., it is not a jackpot). The determination result of the determination per special figure is set in the RAM 413.

  In the special symbol hit determination, if it is a big hit (Yes in step S3105), the special symbol symbol determination is performed (step S3106). In the special symbol determination, the special symbol random number of the special symbol determination information as the determination target TT is compared with the special symbol determination table TZt1 or TZt2 (see FIG. 9). It is determined which type of jackpot (per 16R length, per 16R short, per 4R) in the determination table TZt1 or TZt2 matches the determination value. At this time, if the determination target TT is information for determining the special figure by winning the first start port 105, the table TZt1 is used, and the determination target TT is the information for determining the special figure by winning the second start port 106. In some cases, table TZt2 is used. Then, a symbol representing the determination result of the special symbol symbol determination is set in the RAM 413 (step S3107), and the jackpot lottery process is terminated. The symbol set at the jackpot time is a jackpot symbol representing the jackpot.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the special figure per step determination in step S3104 is not a big hit (No in step S3105), a symbol indicating a loss (lost symbol) is set in the RAM 413 (step S3108), and the big hit lottery process is terminated.

――― Special map variation pattern judgment processing; Fig. 26 ―――
Next, with reference to FIG. 26, the contents of the special figure variation pattern determination process executed in step S320 of FIG. 24 will be described. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special figure variation pattern determination process. In step S320 of FIG. 24, special figure fluctuation pattern determination processing is executed for the determination target TT. The special figure variation pattern determination process of FIG. 25 can also be executed in step S2105 of FIG. However, in step S2105 of FIG. 23, a special figure variation pattern determination process is executed on the prior determination target. In the following, a special figure variation pattern determination process for the determination target TT will be described for concrete description.

  In the special figure fluctuation pattern determination process, the above-described special figure fluctuation pattern determination is executed. Specifically, in the special figure fluctuation pattern determination process, first, the main control unit 401 determines whether or not the determination result of the special figure determination for the determination target TT is a big hit (step S3201). If it is a big hit (Yes in step S3201), the special figure variation pattern table THt2 or THt4 (see FIG. 10) for the big hit is selected (step S3202). At this time, the table THt2 is selected in the non-electric support game state, and the table THt4 is selected in the electric support game state.

  If the determination result of the special figure determination for the determination target TT is not a big hit (No in step S3201), that is, if it is a loss, the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt1 or THt3 (see FIG. 10) for the loss is selected (step 10). S3203). At this time, the table THt1 is selected in the non-electric support game state, and the table THt3 is selected in the electric support game state.

  Thereafter, the main control unit 401 compares the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt selected in step S3202 or S3203 with the special figure fluctuation pattern random number of the determination target TT. The special figure fluctuation pattern determination for determining which special figure fluctuation pattern corresponds to the table THt is performed (step S3204), the determination result is set in the RAM 413 (step S3205), and the special figure fluctuation pattern determination process is terminated. .

――― Processing during stop; Fig.27 ―――
Next, with reference to FIG. 27, the contents of the stop process executed in step S327 of FIG. 24 will be described. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process.

  In the stop process, the main control unit 401 first determines whether or not a predetermined fixed display time has elapsed since the change of the special symbol was stopped (step S3301). If the predetermined fixed display time has not elapsed (No in step S3301), the stopping process is ended as it is.

  On the other hand, if the predetermined fixed display time has elapsed (Yes in step S3301), the main control unit 401 turns off the determining flag (step S3302) and then determines whether the electric support game flag is ON. Is determined (step S3303). The electric support game flag is a flag in the RAM 413 that is set to ON or OFF in a process described later. At the start of execution of the main process, the electric support game flag is OFF. The gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is an electric support game state when the electric support game flag is ON, and a non-electric support game state when the electric support game flag is OFF.

  When the electric support game flag is not ON (No in step S3303), the process proceeds to step S3308. On the other hand, when the electric support game flag is ON (Yes in step S3303), the electric support game remaining number J is set to “1”. Subtraction is performed (step S3304). The electric support game remaining count J indicates the remaining number of fluctuations of the special symbol in which the electric support game state is maintained. The number of remaining electric support games J is set to “0” at the start of execution of the main process, and set to, for example, “70” after the jackpot (see FIG. 33; details will be described later).

  After subtracting the remaining electric support game number J, the main control unit 401 determines whether the remaining electric support game number J is “0” (step S3305). When “J = 0” (Yes in step S3305), the electric support game flag is turned OFF (step S3306), and right-handed notification end processing for turning off the right-handed display unit 205 is executed ( Step S3307) and the process proceeds to Step S3308. On the other hand, if “J = 0” is not satisfied (No in step S3305), the process directly proceeds to step S3308.

In step S3308, the main control unit 401 determines whether or not the high probability game flag is ON. If the high probability game flag is OFF (No in step S3308), the main control unit 401 proceeds to step S3312. On the other hand, when the high probability game flag is ON (Yes in step S3308), “1” is subtracted from the high probability game remaining number X (step S3309).
The high probability remaining game count X indicates the remaining number of fluctuations of the special symbol in which the high probability game state is maintained. The high probability remaining game count X is set to “0” at the start of execution of the main process, and is set to, for example, “74” after the big hit (see FIG. 33; details will be described later).

  After subtracting the high probability remaining game count X, the main control unit 401 determines whether the high probability remaining game count X is “0” (step S3310). If “X = 0” (Yes in step S3310), the high-probability game flag is turned OFF (step S3311), and then the process proceeds to step S3312. On the other hand, if “X = 0” is not satisfied (No in step S3310), the process directly proceeds to step S3312.

  In step S3312, the main control unit 401 confirms the result of the jackpot lottery process for the determination target TT. If the result does not represent the jackpot (No in step S3312), the main process ends.

  On the other hand, if the result of the jackpot lottery process for the determination target TT represents a jackpot, the jackpot game flag is turned ON (step S3313), and a right-handed notification start process for lighting the right-handed display unit 205 is executed (step S3313). S3314), “0” is set to the remaining number of times J and X (step S3315), the electric support game flag and the high probability game flag are turned off (step S3316), and the special winning opening opening pattern table DKt (see FIG. 12) is displayed. With reference to, a big winning opening opening pattern is set based on the type of jackpot (step S3317). Thereafter, the opening of the jackpot game is started (step S3318), the opening command is set in the RAM 413 (step S3319), and the in-stop process is terminated.

――― Normal symbol processing ―――
Next, the contents of the normal symbol processing executed in step S4 of FIG. 21 will be described (illustration of the flowchart is omitted). In the normal symbol processing of step S4, the main control unit 401 uses the general symbol determination information when the general symbol determination information is stored in the general symbol determination information storage area 413i and the normal symbol is not changing. The normal symbol lottery including the normal symbol determination and the normal symbol determination is executed, and the normal symbol variation pattern determination is performed based on the presence or absence of the electric support, and the normal symbol variation display is performed according to the determined normal symbol variation pattern. To start.

  In synchronization with the start of the fluctuation display, the main control unit 401 sets, in the RAM 413, a common figure change start command including information indicating the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery and information indicating the determined normal figure change pattern. When the predetermined fluctuation time defined by the normal pattern fluctuation pattern has elapsed after the start of the normal symbol fluctuation display, the main control unit 401 stops the normal symbol fluctuation display and sets a normal figure fluctuation stop command in the RAM 413. The usual figure change start command and the usual figure change stop command set as described above are output to the effect control unit 403 when the output process shown in step S7 of FIG. 21 is executed.

――― Large winnings processing; Fig.28 ―――
Next, with reference to FIG. 28, the contents of the special winning opening process included in the electric accessory control process of step S5 of FIG. 21 will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special winning opening process. A jackpot game is played during the period when the jackpot game flag is ON. The period in which the jackpot game is played starts from the opening period in which the opening process is executed, and ends with the end of the ending period in which the ending process is executed. Between the opening period and the ending period, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 109 is repeated for the number of rounds. The period during which the big prize opening 109 between adjacent rounds is closed is an interval period. The opening mode of the special winning opening 109 in the special winning opening process of FIG. 28 follows the special winning opening opening pattern set in step S3317 of FIG. 27 (see FIG. 12). In the big winning opening opening pattern set in step S3317, the length of the opening period, the interval period, and the ending period are defined as the opening time, the interval time, and the ending time, and the number of rounds Rmax and the big winning opening in each round are defined. An opening time of 109 is also defined.

  In the big prize opening process, the main control unit 401 first determines whether or not the big hit game flag is set to ON (step S511). If the big hit game flag is OFF (No in step S511), the main control unit 401 ends the big prize opening process as it is.

  If the jackpot game flag is ON (Yes in step S511), the main control unit 401 determines whether the opening is currently in progress (step S512). If the opening is in progress (Yes in step S512), the main control unit 401 performs the opening process (step S513), and then proceeds to step S514. If the opening is not in progress (No in step S512), the process proceeds to step S514. Migrate directly.

  In step S514, the main control unit 401 determines whether or not the special winning opening 109 is being opened. If the special winning opening 109 is being opened (Yes in step S514), the process during opening is performed (step S515), and then the process proceeds to step S516. However, if the special winning opening 109 is not being opened (in step S514). No), the process proceeds directly to step S516.

  In step S516, the main control unit 401 determines whether the current interval is in progress. If it is during the interval (Yes in step S516), after performing the interval process (step S517), the process proceeds to step S518, but if not in the interval (No in step S516), the process proceeds directly to step S518.

  In step S518, the main control unit 401 determines whether the ending is currently in progress. If it is during ending (Yes of step S518), an ending process will be performed (step S519) and a special winning opening process will be complete | finished. If the ending is not in progress (No in step S518), the special winning opening process is terminated.

――― Opening processing; Fig.29 ―――
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the contents of the opening process. In the opening process, the main control unit 401 first determines whether a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the opening was started (step S5101). If the opening time has not elapsed (No in step S5101), the opening process is terminated.

  If the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step S5101), the main control unit 401 ends the opening (step S5102), and sets “1” to the round number R indicating the number of the current round. (Step S5103). Then, the opening of the first prize winning opening 109 is started (step S5104), and the opening process ends.

――― Processing during opening; Fig.30 ―――
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the contents of the opening process. In the opening process, the main control unit 401 first determines whether or not a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the opening of the special winning opening 109 in the current round is started (step S5201). If the predetermined release time has not elapsed (No in step S5201), the main control unit 401 will release a specified number (for example, 10) of game balls to the special winning opening 109 while the special winning opening 109 is opened in the current round. It is determined whether or not there is a winning (step S5202). If there is no prescribed number of winnings (No in step S5202), the in-release process is terminated.

  When the predetermined opening time has elapsed (Yes in step S5201) or when a predetermined number of winnings have been made (Yes in step S5202), the main control unit 401 closes the big winning opening 109 (step S5203). Then, it is determined whether or not the round number R matches Rmax (see FIG. 12) of the set special winning opening action pattern (step S5204).

  If the round number R does not match Rmax (No in step S5204), the interval is started (step S5205), and the open process is terminated. If the round number R matches Rmax (Yes in step S5204), it is determined that the final round has been released, and ending is started (step S5206). When the ending is started, the main control unit 401 sets an ending command in the RAM 413 (step S5207) and ends the releasing process. The ending command includes information on the ending period of the jackpot this time. The ending command is transmitted to the effect control unit 403 when the output process shown in step S7 of FIG.

――― Interval processing; Fig.31 ―――
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the contents of the interval process. In the interval process, the main control unit 401 first determines whether a predetermined interval time has elapsed since the start of the current interval (step S5301). If the interval time has not elapsed (No in step S5301), the interval process is terminated as it is.

  If the interval time has elapsed (Yes in step S5301), the main control unit 401 ends the interval (step S5302), and adds “1” to the round number R (step S5303). Then, the main control unit 401 starts to open the R-round big winning opening 109 (step S5304), and ends the interval process.

――― Ending processing; Fig.32 ―――
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending process. In the ending process, the main control unit 401 first determines whether a predetermined ending time has elapsed since the ending was started (step S5401). If the ending time has not elapsed (No in step S5401), the ending process is terminated.

  If the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step S5401), the main control unit 401 ends the ending (step S5402) and sets “0” to the round number R (step S5403). Then, a game state setting process (see FIG. 33) for setting the game state after the current jackpot game is performed (step S5404). Thereafter, the jackpot game flag is set to OFF (step S5405), right-handed notification end processing for turning off the right-handed display unit 205 is executed (step S5406), and the ending processing is ended.

――― Game state setting processing; Fig.33 ―――
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the contents of the game state setting process. In the game state setting process, the main control unit 401 first sets the electric support game flag to ON (step S5404a) and sets “70” to the electric support game remaining count J (step S5404b). Then, a right-handed notification start process for lighting the right-handed display unit 205 is executed (step S5404c). Further, the high probability game flag is set to ON (step S5404d), and the high probability game remaining number X is set to “74” (step S5404e), and the game state setting process is terminated.
[2. Processing performed by the Director General]
Next, the process performed by the production control unit 403a of the production control unit 403 will be described. In addition, each process of the production | presentation supervision part 403a shown below is implement | achieved when the CPU431 of the production supervision part 403a runs the program memorize | stored in ROM432, for example.

――― Direction timer interruption processing; Fig.34 ―――
With reference to FIG. 34, the production timer interruption process performed by the production control unit 403a will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect timer interruption process. The production control unit 403a continuously performs a predetermined production main process (not shown) during activation, and performs an production timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 34 for a predetermined period (for example, the production main process). 4ms) interrupt execution.

  As shown in FIG. 34 (see also FIG. 19), in the effect timer interrupt process, the effect control unit 403a sequentially executes the command reception process in step S11, the operation reception process in step S12, and the command transmission process in step S13. . The command reception process, the operation reception process, and the command transmission process in steps S11 to S13 may include the contents described above with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17 and FIG.

  The contents of the command reception process in step S11 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the operation accepting process in step S12 following step S11, when the effect button 118 or the cross key 119 accepts an operation from the player, the effect supervising unit 403a sets an operation command including information indicating that in the RAM 433. To do. Thereafter, in the command transmission process in step S13, the effect supervising unit 403a transmits a command indicating information set in the RAM 433 in each process in steps S11 and S12 to the image / audio control unit 403b or the lamp control unit 403c. When the command transmission process ends, the effect timer interrupt process also ends. When the effect timer interruption process ends, the process executed by the effect supervision unit 403a returns to the effect main process. The image / sound control unit 403b and the lamp control unit 403c operate according to the command input to itself by the command transmission process, thereby realizing the effect indicated by the command.

――― Command reception processing; Fig.35 ―――
The command reception process in step S11 of FIG. 34 will be described using FIG. FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process. In the command reception process of FIG. 35, the effect supervising unit 403a first determines whether or not a prior determination command has been received from the main control unit 401 (step S111). The prior determination command indicates a determination result of the preliminary determination process (see FIG. 23) of the main control unit 401. In the output process (see FIG. 21) in the timer interrupt process of the main control unit 401, the main control unit 401 Sent from

  If a prior determination command has not been received (No in step S111), the process proceeds to step S114. If the advance determination command has been received (Yes in step S111), the storage content of the advance determination information storage area 433c (see FIG. 16) is updated based on the advance determination command (step S112). Based on the prior determination command, a hold increase command indicating that the number of hold information (U1 or U2) has increased by “1” is set in the RAM 433 (step S113), and the process proceeds to step S114. The prior determination command also includes information indicating which of the holding information numbers U1 and U2 has increased. The hold increase command is transmitted to the image / audio control unit 403b in the command transmission process (see FIG. 34), so that the hold image corresponding to the prior determination target is newly displayed on the image display unit 104. The hold increase command includes information indicating the display mode of the hold image.

  In step S114, the production control unit 403a determines whether or not a change start command has been received from the main control unit 401. The change start command is a command set in the special symbol process of the main control unit 401 (see step S322 in FIG. 24). If the change start command has not been received (No in step S114), the process directly proceeds to step S116. If the change start command has been received (Yes in step S114), the effect supervising unit 403a performs the effect start process for starting the change effect corresponding to the change start command (step S115), and then proceeds to step S116. Transition. The effect start process will be described later (see FIG. 36).

  In step S116, the production control unit 403a determines whether a change stop command has been received from the main control unit 401. The change stop command is a command set in the special symbol process of the main control unit 401 (see step S325 in FIG. 24). If the fluctuation stop command has not been received (No in step S116), the process directly proceeds to step S118. If the change stop command has been received (Yes in step S116), the effect supervising unit 403a performs an effect end process for ending the executed change effect (step S117), and then proceeds to step S118. The effect end process will be described later (see FIG. 37).

  In step S118, the production control unit 403a determines whether a normal symbol command has been received from the main control unit 401. As the normal symbol commands, there are a common symbol variation start command and a common symbol variation stop command set in the normal symbol processing of the main control unit 401. If the normal symbol command has not been received (No in step S118), the process directly proceeds to step S120. If the normal symbol command has been received (Yes in step S118), the production supervision unit 403a performs the ordinary drawing production process (step S119), and then proceeds to step S120. Although details are omitted, in the normal drawing production process, for example, after starting the execution of the general drawing production dependent on the general drawing change start command in response to the reception of the general drawing change start command, the normal drawing fluctuation stop command is received. Along with this, the general drawing production is stopped.

  In step S120, the production control unit 403a determines whether an opening command has been received from the main control unit 401 (step S120). The opening command is a command set in the stop process of the main control unit 401 (see step S3319 in FIG. 27). If the opening command has not been received (No in step S120), the process directly proceeds to step S122. If the opening command has been received (Yes in step S120), the production supervising unit 403a starts a jackpot presentation process for executing a jackpot presentation that is a big hit presentation (step S121), and proceeds to step S122. . The jackpot production may be determined for each type of jackpot.

  In step S122, the production control unit 403a determines whether an ending command has been received from the main control unit 401 (step S122). The ending command is a command set in the releasing process of the main control unit 401 (see step S5207 in FIG. 30). If the ending command has not been received (No in step S122), the command reception process is terminated as it is. When the ending command has been received (Yes in step S122), the effect supervision unit 403a stops the jackpot effect process being executed while performing the ending effect process for executing the predetermined ending effect (step S123). ), The command reception process is terminated.

――― Direction start processing; Fig.36 ―――
Next, the effect start processing shown in step S115 of FIG. 35 will be described using FIG. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect start process. In the effect start process, the effect supervising unit 403a first analyzes the change start command received in the command reception process of FIG. 35 to obtain information indicating the lottery result of the jackpot lottery included in the change start command and the special Information indicating the figure variation pattern is acquired (step S1101).

  Then, using the special drawing variation effect pattern table TEt shown in FIG. 15, based on the analysis result of the variation start command, a variation effect pattern selection process for selecting any one of the variation effect patterns TEp1 to TEp7 is executed. (Step S1102). Subsequently, a hold decrease command indicating that the number of hold information (U1 or U2) has decreased by “1” is set in the RAM 433 (step S1103). The hold reduction command is transmitted to the image / audio control unit 403b in the command transmission process (see FIG. 34), so that the hold image that should correspond to the current variation effect is deleted from the image display unit 104 or a specific display. The display position of another reserved image is also shifted.

  After setting the hold reduction command, the effect supervision unit 403a sets a change effect start command in the RAM 433 (step S1104), and ends the effect start process. The variation effect start command defines the content of the variation effect by the variation effect pattern selected in step S1102. The variation effect start command is transmitted to the image / audio control unit 403b and the lamp control unit 403c in the command transmission process (see FIG. 34), so that the variation effect based on the selected variation effect pattern is started.

――― Direction end processing; Fig.37 ―――
Next, the effect end process shown in step S117 of FIG. 35 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect end process. In FIG. 37, the production control unit 403a first determines whether or not information indicating a big hit is included in the change start command or the change stop command (step S1201). When the variation start command or the variation stop command includes information indicating a big hit (Yes in step S1201), the mode flag is set to “1” corresponding to the probability variation mode (step S1202), and the mode remaining variation count M Is set to “70” (step S1203), and the process proceeds to step S1211. The mode remaining fluctuation count M represents the remaining fluctuation count of the special symbol until the effect mode is changed.

  On the other hand, if the variation start command or the variation stop command does not include information indicating a big hit (No in step S1201), whether or not the mode flag is “1” indicating the probability variation mode or “2” indicating the special mode. Is determined (step S1204). When the mode flag is neither “1” nor “2” (No in step S1204), the process proceeds to step S1211.

  If the mode flag is “1” or “2” (Yes in step S1204), “1” is subtracted from the remaining mode variation count M (step S1205). Thereafter, in step S1206, it is determined whether or not the mode remaining variation count M is “0”. If the mode remaining variation count M is not “0” (No in step S1206), the process proceeds to step S1211.

  In step S1206, if the mode remaining fluctuation count M is “0” (Yes in step S1206), it is determined in step S1207 whether or not the mode flag is “1” indicating the probability variation mode. If the mode flag is “1” (Yes in step S1207), “2” indicating the special mode is set in the mode flag (step S1208), and the mode remaining fluctuation count M is set to “4” (step S1207). S1209), the process proceeds to step S1211.

  In step S1207, if the mode flag is not “1” indicating the probability change mode (No in step S1207), that is, if the mode flag is “2” indicating the special mode, “0” indicating the normal mode in the mode flag. Is set (step S1210), the process proceeds to step S1211.

  In step S1211, the effect supervising unit 403a sets a change effect end command for ending the change effect in the RAM 433, and ends the effect end process. The variable effect end command is transmitted to the image / audio control unit 403b and the lamp control unit 403c in the command transmission process (see FIG. 34), and the variable effect ends.

[3. Processing performed by holding effect control means]
Next, the hold increase command setting process shown in step S113 of FIG. 35 will be described with reference to FIGS. The hold increase command setting process is executed by the hold display control means 1008 shown in FIG. Each process of the hold display control unit 1008 is realized, for example, when the CPU 431 of the effect supervising unit 403 a executes a program stored in the ROM 432. In the following description, “hold display” is a display for causing the player to recognize the presence of the hold executed by the hold display control means 1008, and is synonymous with the “hold image” displayed on the display unit 104. Shall be used. “Change” indicates “change in special symbol”. “Hold” indicates “pending special symbol”.

――― First example of hold display effect determination processing; Fig.38 ―――
With reference to FIG. 38, a first example of the hold display effect process performed by the hold display control means 1008 in step S113 of FIG. 35 will be described. FIG. 38 is a first flowchart showing the contents of the hold display effect process. The hold display control means 1008 determines whether or not there is a hold display effect being executed for the hold display effect target (step S611).

  The hold display effect is an effect that is executed using a plurality of continuous hold images displayed on the image display unit 104, and is an effect in which a plurality of hold images are integrated to give a predetermined idea to the player. . The display on the image display unit 104 is ended for each hold image constituting the hold display effect as the special symbol corresponding to each hold image starts or stops changing.

  As described above, when the upper limit numbers of the special figure determination information based on the first start port 105 and the second start port 106 stored in the hold storage unit 1006a are set to “4”, the hold determination result is stored. The upper limit number of determination results corresponding to the special figure determination information based on the first start port 105 and the second start port 106 stored in the means 1009b is also “4”. In this case, the hold display effect is a hold display effect that uses a maximum of four hold images as a unit. Hereinafter, in this specification, it is described that the hold display effect is composed of four hold images, but the present invention is naturally applicable to a hold display effect composed of two or three hold images.

  Specific holding display effects include a four-character idiom effect, an English word effect, a person name effect, and the like. FIG. 39 is a diagram showing an example of a four-character idiom production. As shown in FIG. 39 (a), when the number of holds is 0 during the execution of the variation, when the game ball is won at the first start port 105 or the second start port 106, the four-character idiom effect is generated. It is possible to start. Assuming that a four-character idiom production of “Tenka Musou” starts when a new game ball is won, as shown in FIG. 39B, “Tenka Musou” is configured as the first reserved image. A hold image including the first character “heaven” is displayed. Thereafter, the game balls for the first start port 105 or the second start port 106 are sequentially “down”, “none”, “double” as shown in FIGS. 39C to 39E in accordance with winnings. By displaying the reserved image including the characters, the four-character idiom of “Tenka Musou” is completed using the four reservations, that is, the four-character idiom production is completed.

  FIG. 40 shows an example of a four-character idiom effect pattern table TEj (details of FIG. 40 will be described later). The four-character idiom effect pattern table TEj is stored in the ROM 432. In the following, “four-character idiom production” is used synonymously with “hold display production”.

  The table TEj stores a plurality of hold display effect patterns THp8 to THp12 that define the effect contents of the hold display effect using a plurality of four-character idioms. Each four-character idiom may be set to a different jackpot reliability individually or for each plurality. For example, in this example, THp8 and THp9 have the lowest jackpot reliability, THp10 and THp11 jackpot reliability are higher than THp8 and THp9 jackpot reliability, and THp12 jackpot reliability is set to the highest. .

  It is determined with reference to the hold display effect content storage unit 1010 whether there is a hold display effect being executed. Specifically, if the hold display effect execution flag is ON, it is determined that the hold display effect is being executed, and if the hold display effect flag is OFF, it is determined that the hold display effect is not being executed. If the hold display effect is being executed (Yes in step S611), the hold display effect continuation determination process is executed (step S617). Details of the hold display effect continuation determination process will be described later (see FIG. 43).

  If the hold display effect is not being executed (No in step S611), the process proceeds to step S612. In step S612, the hold display effect determination unit 1008a determines whether or not to perform the hold display effect as a pre-reading notice. When the hold display effect is performed (Yes in step S612), the process proceeds to step S613. When the hold display effect is not performed (No in step S612), the process proceeds to step S615. Details of the hold display effect determination process will be described later (see FIG. 41).

  In step S613, the hold display effect selecting unit 1008b selects the hold display effect to be executed, and the process proceeds to step S614. Details of the hold display effect selection process will be described later (see FIG. 42).

  In step S614, the hold display effect executing unit 1008c starts executing the hold display effect selected by the hold effect selecting unit 1008b. Specifically, a hold increase command including information indicating that the first character of the characters constituting the four-character idiom is displayed as a hold image is transmitted. As a result, the first character constituting the four-character idiom is displayed on the image display unit 104 as a reserved image, and the player can recognize the start of the four-character idiom production.

  In step S615, the hold display control unit 1008 determines a hold image, and proceeds to step S616. The hold image determined in this step is a hold image that gives a predetermined idea to the player alone, such as a normal hold image (white hold image) or a special hold image (red hold image). .

  In step S616, the hold display control unit 1008 displays the hold image determined in step S615. Specifically, a hold increase command including information indicating that the hold image determined in step S615 is displayed as a hold image is transmitted.

――― Holding display effect judgment processing; Fig.41 ―――
Next, the hold display effect determination process shown in step S612 of FIG. 38 will be described using FIG. FIG. 41 is a first flowchart showing the contents of the hold display effect determination process.

  In FIG. 41, the hold display effect determination means 1008a first determines whether or not the current gaming state is a non-electric support gaming state (step S6111). If the current gaming state is a non-electric support game state (Yes in step S6111), the process proceeds to step S6112, and if the current gaming state is not a non-electric support game state (that is, an electric support game state) (step (No in S6111) The process proceeds to step S6114. Information indicating whether the current gaming state is a non-electric support game state or an electric support game state (information indicating ON / OFF of the electric support game flag) is sent from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 in step S7 of FIG. A command is sent to the user.

  In step S6112, the hold display effect determination unit 1008a refers to the determination result storage unit 1009, and relates to one or more holds that have a higher priority than the hold time of the change display and / or the hold display effect target. It is determined whether or not the remaining time of the fluctuation time is longer than the threshold time. If the remaining time of the variation time is equal to or greater than the threshold time (Yes in step S6112), the process proceeds to step S6113. If the remaining time of the variation time is less than the threshold time (No in step S6112), the process proceeds to step S6116, and the display is suspended. A production non-execution command is transmitted. When the hold display control means 1008 receives the hold display effect non-execution command, the hold display control means 1008 executes the process of step S615 of FIG.

  When the above-described four-character idiom effect is executed as the hold display effect, it is desirable to execute the four-character idiom effect in a state where the four-character idiom can be completed, in other words, in a state where four holds can be accumulated. In the non-electric support game state, as described above, the game is played by left-handed, and the winning of the big hit lottery is mainly the winning of the game ball to the first start opening 105. In general, it is not possible to win a game ball for the first starting port 105 with high frequency. Therefore, when the four-character idiom effect is executed when the remaining time of the variation time is less than the threshold time, the four-character idiom is displayed before the next reserved image is displayed (before a new game ball wins the first start opening 105). There is a high possibility that the hold related to the production will be consumed (that is, the hold image disappears).

  On the other hand, if the remaining time of the fluctuation time is less than the threshold time, it is determined that the hold display effect is not executed, and the game character is not won at the first start port 105, so that the four-letter idiom effect may be terminated. Can be lowered.

  In step S6113, the hold display effect determining unit 1008a determines whether or not to execute the hold display effect. If it is determined that the hold display effect is to be executed (Yes in step S6113), the process proceeds to step S6115 and the hold display effect is determined. Send an execution command. The hold display control unit 1008 that has received the hold display effect execution command controls the hold display effect selection unit 1008b to execute the hold display effect selection process. On the other hand, if it is determined not to execute the hold display effect (No in step S6113), the process proceeds to step S6116.

  In step S6114, the hold display effect determination unit 1008a determines whether to execute the hold display effect. If it is determined to execute the hold display effect (Yes in step S6114), the process proceeds to step S6115. On the other hand, if it is determined not to execute the hold display effect (No in step S6114), the process proceeds to step S6116.

  When the current game state is the electric support game state, as described above, the game is played by right-handed, and the chance of the big hit lottery is mainly the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 106. In general, it is possible to win a game ball with respect to the second start port 106 at a high frequency, and it can be said that the four-character idiom can be completed in a short time. Accordingly, if the current gaming state is the electric support game state, it is determined whether or not the hold display effect is to be executed regardless of the remaining time of the above-described variation time. However, as in the non-electric support game state (as shown in step S6112), it is determined whether or not the remaining time of the variation time is equal to or greater than the threshold time, and the remaining time of the variation time is equal to or greater than the threshold time. In this case, it may be determined whether or not to execute the hold display effect.

  The determination of the execution of the hold display effect in step S6113 and step S6114 is performed based on the determination result information stored in the determination result storage unit 1009. For example, the determination result information included in the hold of the hold display effect target is included in the determination result information. The determination may be made based on the figure variation pattern, or the effect control unit 403 may separately generate a hold display effect determination random number, acquire information corresponding to the random number, and determine. .

  In addition, the execution determination probability of the hold display effect (probability of determining to execute the hold display effect) in step S6113 and step S6114 may be the same probability or a different probability. The execution determination probability in the electric support game state in which a game ball can be won at a high frequency with respect to the start port may be set to be higher than in the non-electric support game state.

  Note that in the description of FIGS. 41 to 43, the on-hold display effect target is on-hold constituting the on-hold display effect. Specifically, in a state where there are two holds, when the hold display effect is started from the third hold, the third hold is the hold display effect target. In addition, when there are two holds, the hold display effect starts from the second hold, and when the third hold enters, the second hold and the third hold are the hold display effects. It is a target. In FIG. 43, “hold display effect target” is described as “effect target”.

――― Hold display effect selection processing; Fig.42 ―――
Next, the hold display effect selection process shown in step S613 of FIG. 38 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 42 is a first flowchart showing the contents of the hold display effect selection process.

  42, the on-hold display effect selection means 1008b first determines whether or not the current gaming state is a high-probability gaming state (step S6121). If the current gaming state is a high probability gaming state (Yes in step S6121), the process proceeds to step S6122, and if the current gaming state is a low probability gaming state (No in step S6121), the process proceeds to step S6123. Information indicating whether the current gaming state is the high probability gaming state or the low probability gaming state (information indicating ON / OFF of the high probability gaming state flag) is sent from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 in step S7 of FIG. A command is sent to the user.

  In S6122 and S6123, the hold display effect selection means 1008b performs a hold display effect selection lottery, and determines one hold display effect by the lottery. Specifically, one four-character idiom is selected from the five four-character idioms shown in FIG. The probability that each four-character idiom is selected as the four-character idiom may be different individually or in a plurality of stages. Further, depending on the gaming state (whether or not it is a high-probability gaming state), the probability that each four-character idiom is selected as a four-character idiom effect may be different individually or in multiple stages.

  FIG. 40 is a table TEj showing an example of selection probabilities of four-character idioms in the high probability gaming state and the low probability gaming state. The four-character idiom pattern table TEj includes a low probability four-character idiom pattern table TEj1 and a high probability four-character idiom pattern table TEj2. In the low-probability gaming state, the probability of winning the jackpot is low, and it is unlikely that a highly reliable four-letter idiom will be completed. Therefore, as shown in the low-probability four-character idiom pattern table TEj1, the selection probability of the four-character idiom with the lowest reliability is set high according to the reliability of the four-character idiom, and the four-character idiom with the highest reliability is set. The selection probability is set low. Of course, the allocation of the selection probabilities of the four-character idioms is not limited to the example of FIG. 40, and can be set to an arbitrary probability.

  On the other hand, in the high probability gaming state, the winning probability of the jackpot is high, and the possibility of completing the four-character idiom is higher than in the low probability gaming state. Therefore, as shown in the pattern table TEj2, the selection probability of the four-character idiom having the highest reliability is set to a higher probability than the low-probability gaming state, and the selection probability of the four-character idiom having the lowest reliability is the low-probability game. It is set at a lower probability than the state. Details of the reliability of the four-character idiom and the completion of the four-character idiom will be described later.

  In step S6122, the hold display effect selection unit 1008b refers to the high-probability four-character idiom pattern table TEj2, executes a selection lot of the hold display effect, and proceeds to step S6124. In step S6123, the hold display effect selection unit 1008b has a low probability. With reference to the four-character idiom pattern table TEj1, a selection lottery for holding display effects is executed, and the process proceeds to step S6124.

  The selection lottery of the hold display effect in step S6122 and step S6123 is performed based on the determination result information stored in the determination result storage unit 1009. For example, the special drawing included in the determination result information related to the hold of the hold display effect target It is good also as determining based on a fluctuation pattern, and it is good also as the production | generation control part 403 producing | generating the random number for holding | maintenance display production | generation selection separately, acquiring the information corresponding to the said random number, and carrying out lottery.

  In step S6124, the hold display effect determination unit 1008a transmits a hold display effect execution command. The hold display control unit 1008 that has received the hold display effect execution command controls the hold display effect selection unit 1008b to execute the hold display effect selection process.

――― On-hold display effect continuation processing; Fig.43 ―――
Next, the hold display effect continuation determination process shown in step S617 of FIG. 38 will be described using FIG. FIG. 43 is a first flowchart showing the contents of the hold display effect continuation determination process executed in step S617.

  In step S6131, the hold display effect executing unit 1008c specifies the degree of completion of the hold display effect being executed, and the process proceeds to step S6132. The degree of completion of the hold display effect is specified with reference to the hold display effect content storage means 1010. In the case of the four-character idiom production, it is specified how many reserved images are displayed among the four reserved images constituting the four-character idiom on the image display unit 104. Hereinafter, for simplification of explanation, among the four reserved images constituting the four-character idiom, a case where one reserved image has been displayed is a perfection degree A, and two reserved images have been displayed. A case in which the degree of completion B and three on-hold images have been displayed is described as a degree of completion C, and a case in which four (all) on-hold images have been displayed.

  In step S6132, the hold display effect executing unit 1008c specifies the current gaming state, and the process proceeds to step S6133. Specifically, as in step S6121 of FIG. 42, it is specified whether the current gaming state is a high probability gaming state or a low probability gaming state.

  In step S6133, the hold display effect executing means 1008c specifies the reliability of the jackpot of the hold display effect being executed, and proceeds to step S6134. Specifically, based on the information indicating the content of the on-hold display effect being executed stored in the on-hold display effect content storage means 1010, the current gaming state identified in step S6132, and the information indicating the reliability of the four-character idiom. The reliability of the jackpot of the hold display effect being executed is specified. Information indicating the reliability of the four-character idiom is stored in the ROM 432. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, among the four-character idioms shown in FIG. 40, “Fighting and fighting” and “First advance and retreat” are low reliability, “World Warriors” and “First generation first generation” are medium reliability, and “World invincibility” are A case of high reliability will be described as an example.

  In step S6134, the hold display effect execution means 1008c determines whether or not the hold display effect target is a big hit. If the hold display effect target is a big hit (Yes in step S6134), the process proceeds to step S6135. If the hold display effect target is not a big win (No in step S6134), the process proceeds to step S6136.

  In step S6135, the hold display effect execution means 1008c performs a hold display effect continuous lottery. The hold display effect continuation lottery may be set so that it is determined that the hold display effect is continued with different probabilities according to the degree of completion of the hold display effect and the reliability of the hold display effect. Specifically, when the hold display effect is incomplete (completeness is completeness A to C), the higher the completeness is, that is, the completeness C is displayed with low probability compared to the completeness A. It is set to be determined to continue the production. In addition, the higher the reliability of the hold display effect is set, that is, the high-reliability four-character idiom is set to be determined to continue the hold-display effect with a lower probability than the low-reliability four-character idiom. . With this configuration, the closer the hold display effect is to completion, the harder it is to continue the four-character idiom production, and the more reliable four-character idiom production is less likely to be continued than the less reliable four-character idiom production. Is done.

  In addition, although it was decided to carry out the hold display effect continuous lottery based on both the degree of completion of the hold display effect and the reliability of the jackpot, the hold display based on either the degree of completion of the hold display effect and the reliability of the jackpot It is good also as performing an effect continuation lottery. Further, when the degree of completion of the hold display effect is the degree of completion D, there is no effect that should be continued, so it may be determined that the hold display effect is not continued.

  If the hold display effect is continued (Yes in step S6135), the process proceeds to step S6138. If the hold display effect is not continued (No in step S6135), the process proceeds to step S6139.

  In step S6136, the hold display effect executing means 1008c determines whether or not the special figure change pattern included in the determination result information of the hold display effect target is a specific change pattern. Here, as the specific variation pattern serving as the threshold value, a different threshold value may be set in accordance with either or both of the degree of completion of the hold display effect and the reliability of the jackpot.

  For example, when the completeness of the low-reliability four-character idiom is the completeness A, the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information of the hold display effect target is any one of THp2 to THp6 (see FIG. 10). If the completion degree of the low-reliability four-letter idiom is the completion degree B, the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information of the hold display effect target is any of THp3 to THp6 If the completion degree of the low-reliability four-character idiom is the completion degree C, the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information of the hold display effect target is any of THp4 to THp6. It is determined whether or not.

  Further, when the perfection level of the medium reliability four-character idiom is the perfection degree A, it is determined whether or not the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information of the hold display effect target is any one of THp3 to THp6. If it is determined and the completeness of the four-character idiom with medium reliability is the completeness B, whether or not the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information of the hold display effect target is any of THp4 to THp6 If the completion level of the medium-reliability four-letter idiom is the completion degree C, it is determined whether or not the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information of the hold display effect target is THp5 or THp6. judge.

  Further, when the completeness of the high-reliability four-letter idiom is the completeness A, it is determined whether or not the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information of the hold display effect target is any of THp4 to THp6. If the completion degree of the high-reliability four-letter idiom is completion degree B, it is determined whether or not the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information of the hold display effect target is THp5 or THp6. When the completeness of the high-reliability four-character idiom is the completeness C, it is determined whether or not the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information of the hold display effect target is THp6. If the special figure fluctuation pattern is a specific fluctuation pattern (Yes in step S6136), the process proceeds to step S6137, and if the special figure fluctuation pattern is not a specific fluctuation pattern (No in step S6136), the process proceeds to step S6139.

  In step S6137, the hold display effect execution means 1008c performs a hold display effect continuous lottery. The flow of the hold display effect continuous lottery process is the same as that in step S6135. However, the hold display effect continuation determination (step S6135) in the case where the hold display effect target is a big hit is higher in probability than the hold display effect continuation determination (step S6137) in the case where the hold display effect target is not a big win. It is set to be determined to continue, and the four-character idiom effect is easily continued when the hold display effect target is a big hit.

  The hold display effect continuation determination in step S6135 and step S6137 is performed based on the determination result information stored in the determination result storage unit 1009. For example, the special figure variation included in the determination result information related to hold of the hold display effect target It is good also as determining based on a pattern, and it is good also as the production | generation control part 403 producing | generating the random number for holding | maintenance display production | generation continuation separately, and acquiring and determining the information corresponding to the said random number.

  In step S6138, the hold display effect executing means 1008c executes a hold display effect continuation process. Specifically, if the perfection level of the four-character idiom is a perfection degree A, a reserve increase command for displaying the second character as a reserved image among the characters constituting the four-character idiom is transmitted. If the degree of completion is B, a hold increase command for displaying the third character as a hold image among the characters constituting the four-character idiom is transmitted. If the degree of completion is C, a hold increase command for displaying the fourth character as a hold image among the characters constituting the four-character idiom is transmitted.

  In step S6139, the hold display effect execution unit 1008c determines a hold image, and transmits a hold increase command including information indicating that the hold image is displayed as the hold image (step S6140). Steps S6139 and S6140 may be the same processing as the processing of steps S615 and S616 of FIG. 38, or may be processing specific to the case where the hold display effect is not continued.

  As an example of a specific process when the hold display effect is not continued, a normal hold image is displayed to indicate that the hold display effect is not continued. In addition, a hold change command for changing a hold image that is already displayed on the image display unit 104 and that constitutes a hold display effect may be transmitted. The hold display control unit 1008 that has received the hold change command displays a hold image corresponding to the command on the image display unit 104 as a hold image. For example, when the hold images “Kan” and “嘩” are displayed and the hold display effect is not continued (“Up” is not displayed as a hold image), both “Ken” and “K” are usually displayed. Change to a reserved image or a special reserved image. In particular, when both are changed to a normal hold image or a special hold image, the player can recognize the end of the hold display effect.

  In addition, in this flowchart, when the jackpot hold is included in the hold display effect target, it is not determined whether or not the special figure variation pattern is a specific variation pattern, but the determination is executed. It is good. In that case, a different threshold may be set as a specific variation pattern serving as a threshold in the same manner as in step S6136, depending on either or both of the degree of completion of the hold display effect and the reliability of the jackpot. Further, a threshold different from that in step S6136 may be set. For example, when the completeness of the high-reliability four-character idiom is the completeness A, it is determined whether or not the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information of the hold display effect target is any of THp2 to THp6 It is good to do.

――― Second example of hold display effect determination processing; Fig.44 ―――
With reference to FIG. 44, the 2nd example of the hold display effect process which each part of the hold display control means 1008 performs in step S113 of FIG. 35 is demonstrated. FIG. 44 is a second flowchart showing the contents of the hold display effect process. The hold display control means 1008 determines whether or not there is a hold display effect being executed for the hold display effect target (step S711). If the hold display effect is being executed (Yes in step S711), the hold display effect continuation determination process is executed (step S717). Details of the hold display effect continuation determination process will be described later (see FIG. 47).

  If the hold display effect is not being executed (No in step S711), the process proceeds to step S612. In step S712, the hold display effect determination unit 1008a determines whether or not the hold display effect is performed as a post-reading notice. When performing a hold display effect as a pre-reading advance notice, as described above, it is executed using a plurality of continuous hold images including a target hold to be notified of the possibility of a “big hit”. When performing a hold display effect as a reading notice, it does not include a hold for which the possibility of becoming a “big hit” is notified, and a plurality of continuous hold images having a lower priority (priority for receiving a big win lottery) than this It is executed using

  If a hold display effect is to be performed (Yes in step S712), the process proceeds to step S713. If a hold display effect is not to be performed (No in step S712), the process proceeds to step S715. Details of the hold display effect determination process will be described later (see FIG. 45).

  In step S713, the hold display effect selecting unit 1008b selects the hold display effect to be executed, and the process proceeds to step S714. . Details of the hold display effect selection process will be described later (see FIG. 46).

  In step S714, the hold display effect executing unit 1008c starts executing the hold display effect selected by the hold effect selecting unit 1008b. Specifically, a hold increase command including information indicating that the first character of the characters constituting the four-character idiom is displayed as a hold image is transmitted. As a result, the first character constituting the four-character idiom is displayed on the image display unit 104 as a reserved image, and the player can recognize the start of the four-character idiom production.

  In step S715, the hold display control unit 1008 determines a hold image, and proceeds to step S716. The hold image determined in this step is a hold image that gives a predetermined idea to the player alone, such as a normal hold image (white hold image) or a special hold image (red hold image). .

  In step S716, the hold display control unit 1008 displays the hold image determined in step S715. Specifically, a hold increase command including information indicating that the hold image determined in step S715 is displayed as a hold image is transmitted.

――― Holding display effect judgment processing; Fig.45 ―――
Next, the hold display effect determination process shown in step S712 of FIG. 44 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 45 is a second flowchart showing the contents of the hold display effect determination process.

  In FIG. 45, the hold display effect determination unit 1008a first determines whether or not the variation pattern included in the determination result information to be notified is a specific variation pattern (step S7111). If the special figure fluctuation pattern to be notified is a specific fluctuation pattern (for example, THp2 to THp6 in the special figure fluctuation pattern table THt in FIG. 10) (Yes in step S7111), the process proceeds to step S7112, and the special figure fluctuation to be notified is changed. If the pattern is not a specific variation pattern (No in step S7111), the process proceeds to step S7117, and a hold display effect non-execution command is transmitted. When the hold display control unit 1008 receives the hold display effect non-execution command, the hold display control unit 1008 executes the process of step S715 of FIG.

  In step S7112, the hold display effect determination unit 1008a determines whether or not the current gaming state is a non-electric support game state. If the current gaming state is the non-electric support game state (Yes in step S7112), the process proceeds to step S7113, and if the current gaming state is not the non-electric support game state (that is, the electric support game state) (step (No in S7112) The process proceeds to step S7115.

  In step S <b> 7113, the hold display effect determination unit 1008 a refers to the determination result storage unit 1009, and sets the change time of the change and / or one or more holds with higher priority than the hold of the hold display effect determination target. It is determined whether or not the remaining time of the fluctuation time is longer than the threshold time. If the remaining time of the variation time is equal to or greater than the threshold time (Yes in step S7113), the process proceeds to step S7114. If the remaining time of the variation time is less than the threshold time (No in step S7113), the process proceeds to step S7117.

  When the above-described four-character idiom production is executed as the hold display effect, the four-character idiom can be completed before the notice target hold is digested (before the notice-target special map change display effect is started). In other words, it is desirable to execute the four-character idiom production in a state where four holds can be accumulated. In the non-electric support game state, as described above, the game is played by left-handed, and the winning of the big hit lottery is mainly the winning of the game ball to the first start opening 105. In general, it is not possible to win a game ball for the first starting port 105 with high frequency. Therefore, when the four-character idiom effect is executed when the remaining time of the variation time is less than the threshold time, the notice target is displayed before the next reserved image is displayed (before a new game ball wins the first start opening 105). There is a high probability that the hold will be digested.

  On the other hand, if the remaining time of the fluctuation time is less than the threshold time, it is determined that the hold display effect is not executed, and the game character is not won at the first start port 105, so that the four-letter idiom effect may be terminated. Can be lowered.

  In step S7114, the hold display effect determination unit 1008a determines whether or not to execute the hold display effect. If it is determined that the hold display effect is to be executed (Yes in step S7114), the process proceeds to step S7116 and the hold display effect is determined. Send the execution command. The hold display control unit 1008 that has received the hold display effect execution command controls the hold display effect selection unit 1008b to execute the hold display effect selection process. On the other hand, if it is determined not to execute the hold display effect (No in step S7114), the process proceeds to step S7117.

  In step S7115, the hold display effect determination unit 1008a determines whether or not to execute the hold display effect. If it is determined to execute the hold display effect (Yes in step S7115), the process proceeds to step S7116. On the other hand, when it determines with not performing a holding | maintenance display effect (No of step S7115), it transfers to step S7117.

  When the current game state is the electric support game state, as described above, the game is played by right-handed, and the chance of the big hit lottery is mainly the winning of the game ball to the second starting port 106. In general, it is possible to win a game ball with respect to the second start port 106 at a high frequency, and it can be said that the four-character idiom can be completed in a short time. Accordingly, if the current gaming state is the electric support game state, it is determined whether or not the hold display effect is to be executed regardless of the remaining time of the above-described variation time. However, as in the non-electric support game state (as shown in step S7113), it is determined whether or not the remaining time of the variation time is equal to or greater than the threshold time, and the remaining time of the variation time is equal to or greater than the threshold time. In this case, it may be determined whether or not to execute the hold display effect.

  The determination of execution of the hold display effect in step S7114 and step S7115 is performed based on the determination result information stored in the determination result storage unit 1009. For example, the special figure variation included in the determination result information related to the hold of the notice target The determination may be made based on the pattern, or the effect control unit 403 may separately generate a hold display effect determination random number, acquire information corresponding to the random number, and determine. .

  In addition, the execution determination probability of the hold display effect (probability of determining to execute the hold display effect) in step S7114 and step S7115 may be the same probability or different probabilities. The execution determination probability in the electric support game state in which a game ball can be won at a high frequency with respect to the start port may be set to be higher than in the non-electric support game state.

  44 to 47, the notice target is a hold having a higher priority than the hold constituting the hold display effect. Specifically, in a state where there are two holds, when the hold display effect is started from the third hold, the advance notice target is the second hold.

――― Hold display effect selection processing; Fig.46 ―――
Next, the hold display effect selection process shown in step S713 of FIG. 44 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 46 is a second flowchart showing the contents of the hold display effect selection process.

  In FIG. 46, the hold display effect selection means 1008b first determines whether or not the current gaming state is a high-probability gaming state (step S7121). If the current gaming state is a high probability gaming state (Yes in Step S7121), the process proceeds to Step S7122, and if the current gaming state is a low probability gaming state (No in Step S7121), the process proceeds to Step S7123.

  In S7122 and S7123, the hold display effect selection means 1008b performs a hold display effect selection lottery, and determines one hold display effect by the lottery. Specifically, as in FIG. 42, one four-character idiom is selected from the five four-character idioms shown in FIG. The probability that each four-character idiom is selected as the four-character idiom may be different individually or in a plurality of stages. Further, depending on the gaming state (whether or not it is a high-probability gaming state), the probability that each four-character idiom is selected as a four-character idiom effect may be different individually or in multiple stages.

  In step S7122, the on-hold display effect selection means 1008b refers to the high-probability four-character idiom pattern table TEj2 to execute the on-hold display effect selection lottery and proceeds to step S7124. In step S7123, the on-hold display effect selection means 1008b has a low probability. With reference to the four-character idiom pattern table TEj1, a selection lottery for holding display effects is executed, and the process proceeds to step S7124.

  The selection lottery of the hold display effect in step S7122 and step S7123 is performed based on the determination result information stored in the determination result storage unit 1009. For example, the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information related to the hold of the notice target Alternatively, the effect control unit 403 may separately generate a hold display effect selection random number, acquire information corresponding to the random number, and draw a lottery.

  In step S7124, the hold display effect determination unit 1008a transmits a hold display effect execution command. The hold display control unit 1008 that has received the hold display effect execution command controls the hold display effect selection unit 1008b to execute the hold display effect selection process.

――― Hold display effect continuation processing; Fig.47 ―――
Next, the hold display effect continuation determination process shown in step S717 of FIG. 44 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 47 is a second flowchart showing the contents of the hold display effect continuation determination process executed in step S717.

  In step S7131, the hold display effect executing unit 1008c specifies the degree of completion of the hold display effect being executed, and the process proceeds to step S7132. The degree of completion of the hold display effect is specified with reference to the hold display effect content storage means 1010. In step S7132, the on-hold display effect executing unit 1008c specifies the current gaming state, and proceeds to step S7133. Specifically, as in step S7121 of FIG. 46, it is specified whether the current gaming state is a high probability gaming state or a low probability gaming state.

  In step S7133, the hold display effect execution unit 1008c specifies the reliability of the jackpot display effect being executed, and the process proceeds to step S7134.

  In step S7134, the hold display effect executing means 1008c determines whether or not the advance notice target is a big hit. If the notice target is a big hit (Yes in step S7134), the process proceeds to step S7135. If the notice target is not a big hit (No in step S7134), the process proceeds to step S7136.

  In step S7135, the hold display effect executing means 1008c performs a hold display effect continuous lottery. As in step S6135 of FIG. 43, the hold display effect continuous lottery is determined to continue the hold display effect with different probabilities according to both or one of the degree of completion of the hold display effect and the reliability of the hold display effect. It may be set. If the hold display effect is to be continued (Yes in step S7135), the process proceeds to step S7138. If the hold display effect is not to be continued (No in step S7135), the process proceeds to step S7139.

  In step S7136, the hold display effect execution unit 1008c determines whether or not the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information to be notified is a specific variation pattern. When the special figure fluctuation pattern included in the determination result information of the notification target is a specific fluctuation pattern (Yes in step S7136), the process proceeds to step S7137, and the special figure fluctuation pattern included in the determination result information of the notification target is specific. If it is not a variation pattern (No in step S7136), the process proceeds to step S7139. Here, as the specific variation pattern serving as the threshold value, a different threshold value may be set according to both or either of the degree of completion of the hold display effect and the reliability of the jackpot, as in step S6136 of FIG. Good.

  In step S7137, the hold display effect execution means 1008c performs a hold display effect continuous lottery. The flow of the hold display effect continuous lottery process is the same as that in step S7135. However, the hold display effect continuation determination (step S7135) when the notice target is a big hit is determined to continue the hold display effect with a higher probability than the hold display effect continuation determination (step S7137) when the notice target is not a big win. The four-character idiom production is facilitated when the notice target is a big hit.

  The hold display effect continuation determination in step S7135 and step S7137 is performed based on the determination result information stored in the determination result storage unit 1009. For example, in the special figure variation pattern included in the determination result information related to the hold of the notice target. The effect control unit 403 may separately generate a hold display effect continuation random number, obtain information corresponding to the random number, and make a determination.

  In step S7138, the hold display effect executing means 1008c executes the hold display effect continuation process. Specifically, as in step S6138 of FIG. 43, if the completeness of the four-character idiom is completeness A, a hold increase command for displaying the second character of the characters constituting the four-character idiom as a hold image is transmitted. To do. If the degree of completion is B, a hold increase command for displaying the third character as a hold image among the characters constituting the four-character idiom is transmitted. If the degree of completion is C, a hold increase command for displaying the fourth character as a hold image among the characters constituting the four-character idiom is transmitted.

  In step S7139, the hold display effect execution unit 1008c determines a hold image, and transmits a hold increase command including information indicating that the hold image is displayed as the hold image (step S7140). Steps S7139 and S7140 may be the same processing as the processing of steps S715 and S716 of FIG. 44, or may be processing specific to the case where the hold display effect is not continued.

――― Additional information about hold display effect processing ――――
In the above-described embodiment, in the hold display effect continuation determination process, the step of determining whether or not the hold display effect target (effect target) includes a jackpot hold or whether or not the notice target is a jackpot. Although provided, the step may not be provided. In that case, in step S6134 or step S7134, it is determined whether or not the special figure fluctuation pattern included in the hold display effect target or the special figure fluctuation pattern to be notified is a specific fluctuation pattern. FIG. 48 is a flowchart showing a modification of FIG. 43 when no jackpot determination step is provided. 47 may be similarly modified.

  As shown in FIG. 48, after determining whether or not a specific fluctuation pattern is included in the special figure fluctuation pattern of the hold display effect target (step S8134), the hold display effect continuation determination process (steps S8135 and S8136), respectively. Execute. Then, in the hold display effect continuation determination (step S8135) in the case where the specific variation pattern is included in the special display variation pattern of the hold display effect target, the specific variation pattern is not included in the special display variation pattern of the hold display effect target. In this case (step S8136), it is set so as to be determined to continue with higher probability than the hold display continuation determination. According to this configuration, it is possible to execute a certain process regardless of whether or not the jackpot hold is included in the hold display effect target.

  Further, in the hold display effect continuation determination process, the hold display effect continuation determination in the case where the hold display effect target includes the jackpot hold and the notice target is the jackpot, the hold display effect target does not include the jackpot hold In addition, it has been stated that it is determined that it will be determined to continue with higher probability than the hold display continuation determination when the notice target is not a jackpot, but if the notice display target includes a jackpot hold and the notice target is a jackpot In such a case, the probability that the hold display effect is continued may be set to 100%. In addition, in the modified example (see FIG. 48) in which the jackpot determination is not performed as described above, the probability that the hold display effect is continued when the special figure variation pattern to be notified is a specific variation pattern is set to 100%. It is good to do.

  Further, according to the hold display effect continuation determination process described above, the hold display effect is displayed three times in total from when the hold image of the first character constituting the four-character idiom is displayed until the hold image of the fourth character is displayed. Although the continuation determination process is executed, it may be executed only partially. For example, whether or not to display the hold image for the fourth character is always displayed until the hold image for the third character is displayed after the hold image for the first character constituting the four-character idiom is displayed. The above-described hold display effect continuation determination process may be executed only for.

  In the above embodiment, even when the big win lottery is triggered mainly by winning the game ball with respect to the first starting port 105 (so-called left-handed), the big hit lottery is triggered mainly by the game ball against the second starting port 106. Even in a state where a winning is performed (so-called right-handed), the hold display effect process is executed, but only one of them may be executed. In particular, when right-handed, a plurality of game balls can be won in the second starting port 106 in a short period of time, and the end of the four-character idiom production due to the lack of winning of the game ball with respect to the second starting port 106 is prevented. It is.

  In addition, as shown in the first example, in particular, in the high probability gaming state, the specific variation pattern random number and the special figure determination information related to the four reserved images constituting the four-character idiom There is a high possibility that special figure determination information having a random number per specific (big hit) special figure is included, and the possibility that a four-character idiom effect will be completed can be increased.

  Note that, as described above, in the above embodiment, the game ball is insufficiently won for the start openings 105 and 106, specifically, “Ten” is displayed as the hold image of the first priority hold. After that, when the variable display effect related to the hold image of “Ten” is started without a game ball winning in the start openings 105 and 106, the four-character idiom effect is ended. Good. In other words, in this example, when a winning display is made at the start openings 105 and 106 after the variable display effect related to the hold display of “heaven” is started, the winning (the special figure determination acquired due to the winning) ("Information") may be displayed as a reserved image to indicate completion of the four-character idiom production.

  In the above embodiment, when the game ball wins the start opening 105, 106, it is determined whether or not to start the four-character idiom production from the reserved image corresponding to the winning, and the four-character idiom production is configured. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the game ball B wins the first start port 105, the holding display related to the game ball A that won the first start port 105 before the game ball B is changed to an initial of a four-character idiom. It is good also as starting a four-character idiom production (refer FIG. 49). According to this configuration, for example, when the special figure determination information acquired by winning the game ball B with respect to the first starting port 105 includes a random number per jackpot special figure, the four-letter idiom production is subsequently started. Therefore, the possibility of completing the four-character idiom production can be increased.

  In this case, the timing at which “below” is displayed on the hold display relating to the game ball B may be simultaneously with the hold change timing of the game ball A, or the first start port 105 after the game ball B is won. May be the timing for performing a hold display (a hold image constituting a four-character idiom or a normal hold image) related to the game ball C (FIG. 49 is a diagram showing the former). .

  In the above embodiment, in the four-character idiom production, the first to fourth characters are displayed in order from the first character constituting the four-character idiom. However, the display order may be random. Especially in a left-handed game machine (a game machine that can hold eight when left-handed), the game ball is divided into a winning for the first starting port 105 and a winning for the second starting port 106. It is valid. This will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 50 (a), in the state in which six reserved images are displayed, a special jackpot random number per jackpot is added to the special chart determination information based on the winning of a new game ball at the start opening 105 or 106. Is included (that is, when the seventh hold is a big hit), for example, the hold display effect executing means 1008c executes the four-character idiom effect using the fourth hold to the seventh hold. decide.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 50B, the normal hold image is displayed as the seventh hold, and the sixth hold image is changed to “none”. For the sake of simplification of explanation, it is assumed that there is no winning for the new game ball starting openings 105 and 106. Next, when the hold is digested, the fifth hold image (expression based on FIG. 50A) is changed to “below” as shown in FIG. When the hold is further digested, the fourth hold image (expression based on FIG. 50A) is changed to “heaven” as shown in FIG. When the hold is further digested, as shown in FIG. 50 (e), the seventh reserved image (expression based on FIG. 50 (a)) is changed to “double” to complete the four-character idiom.

  According to the said structure, each holding image which comprises a four-character idiom can be displayed in arbitrary orders. Therefore, as the four-character idiom production, it is possible to produce an effect indicating that the degree of expectation of the jackpot is high with respect to the hold related to the hold image that has been changed last, and in particular, as shown in FIG. By adopting a configuration in which the four-character idiom production is completed by the change, it is possible to produce an effect indicating that the degree of expectation of jackpot is high with respect to the hold of the last character (fourth character).

  In addition, according to this configuration, as shown in FIG. 40, the four-character idiom configuration such as “first advance and retreat” and “first generation and first generation”, or “world underwhelming” and “world invincibility” has a plurality of identical characters. It is possible to improve the interest of the game by setting different jackpot reliability between the idioms. That is, when “1” and “1” are displayed as the reserved images, the reliability depends on whether the next reserved image is “advance” or “retreat”, “world” or “price”. Because it is different, it is possible to attract the player's interest.

  Further, as described above, in the case of a four-character idiom having two common characters in the structure of the four-character idiom, the four-character idiom effect selected by the hold display effect selecting means 1008b by displaying the third character hold image. Is recognized, but in the case of four-character idioms that have three characters in common, such as “Tenka Musou” and “Tenka Invincible”, the four-character idiom is held until the fourth character on-hold image is displayed. Since the four-character idiom effect selected by the display effect selecting means 1008b cannot be recognized, it is possible to attract the player's interest for a longer time.

  In addition, in a gaming machine that can hold eight when left-handed, a character string effect or continuous picture effect using five or more consecutive hold displays may be selected only when left-handed. .

  When the four-character idiom is completed in the four-character idiom production, a predetermined effect (executed only when the four-character idiom is completed) may be executed. For example, a transition is made to a special effect mode (particularly, an effect mode in which the reliability of the jackpot is higher than in the normal effect mode), and the background of the image display unit 104 is changed to a background corresponding to the special effect mode. Execute. Further, the same four-character idiom as the completed four-character idiom may be displayed on the image display unit 104. Even when the four-character idiom is not completed in the four-character idiom production, the transition to the special production mode or the display of the four-character idiom on the image display unit 104 may be executed. Further, the hold image for the hold display effect or the notice object may be changed from a hold image constituting a four-character idiom to a normal hold image or a special hold image (for example, a blue hold image).

  Moreover, in the said Example, linguistic (character string) effects, such as a four-character idiom effect, an English word effect, and a person name effect, are illustrated as an on-hold display effect, and the case where a four-character idiom effect is mainly performed as an on-hold display effect. As described above, the hold display effect may not be a linguistic effect. For example, it may be a visual (continuous picture) effect. Specifically, for example, when visual presentation is performed using four consecutive hold displays, one image may be divided into four and each divided picture may be displayed as a hold image sequentially. Alternatively, the four divided pictures may each be formed as a single picture, but the four pictures may be integrated to generate a certain idea (for example, a four-frame cartoon).

  FIG. 51 shows an example of the former hold display effect, in which the horse picture is divided into four and each divided picture is displayed as a hold image. In the said structure, it becomes easy to recognize what picture the player divided | segmented by displaying each divided picture in a line without gap as much as possible. Similarly to the four-character idiom effect, a plurality of pictures may be stored as a hold display effect, and different jackpot reliability may be set for each picture.

  The above-described hold display effect using a plurality of continuous hold displays is not executed simultaneously with other hold display effects. That is, in the case of the hold display, the display of the special hold image that has been conventionally performed and the display of the hold image of the first character of the four-character idiom are not performed simultaneously. However, it is not excluded that a reserved image of a plurality of colors is stored as a reserved image of each character constituting the four-character idiom. Further, as described above, in the case where the four-character idiom effect is executed by the change in hold, the special hold image may be changed and the one hold image constituting the four-character idiom may be displayed. Alternatively, one reserved image constituting the four-character idiom may be changed to a special reserved image.

  When a reserved image of a plurality of colors is stored as a reserved image of each character constituting the four-character idiom, for example, each character has a plurality of reserved images having different character colors and / or background colors, and the character color is It can be assumed that the character color “Tenka Invincible” in red is more reliable than the blue “Tenka Invincible”. Also, as the production mode, the character colors of the characters constituting the four-character idioms are unified (for example, the reserved images “blue” and “bottom” are displayed in blue), and the reserved images of other character colors ( For example, the character color may be changed to “heaven” or “below” in red. As another aspect, the character color of part or all of each character constituting the four-character idiom is set to a different character color, and the reliability is different depending on whether the character color is finally unified or not unified. It is good also as reliability. When different character colors are used, as the four-character idiom is completed, a reserved image with a highly reliable character color may be displayed (for example, “heaven” with a blue character color, “bottom” with a yellow character color) ”,“ None ”in red.

  In addition, the four-character idiom selected in the case where the result of determination per special figure is out of determination may be stored in the four-character idiom effect pattern table TEj (see FIG. 40) shown in FIG. In that case, in order to produce an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation, it is desirable that the character composition is partially in common with the four-letter idiom that can be selected when the result of the special figure determination is a jackpot determination. In addition, in the case where the above-mentioned “Tenka Musou” and “Tenka Invincible” are partly in common and both do not make sense as a four-character idiom, The selected four-character idiom may be a four-character idiom that does not make sense as a four-character idiom (for example, “progressive advance”). Can be recognized.

  In the above-described embodiment, the hold display effect uses a plurality of hold displays. As a result, when the game ball does not win the first start port 105 or the second start port 106, the hold display effect is not completed. Therefore, as a modified example, each hold image constituting the hold display effect may be displayed at the display position of the hold display regardless of the winning of the game ball with respect to the first start port 105 or the second start port 106. Alternatively, each hold image that constitutes the hold display effect may be displayed at a position outside the display position of the hold display and associated with each hold display position (for example, the upper area of the hold display position). According to this configuration, it is possible to execute the hold display effect even when the game ball does not win the first start port 105 or the second start port 106.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Game machine 1001 Random number generation means 1002 Random number storage means 1003 Random number acquisition means 1004 1st special symbol start opening prize detection means 1005 2nd special symbol start opening prize detection means 1006 Information storage means 1006a Reservation storage means 1006b The variable storage means 1007 Special Game determination means 1007a Fluctuation determination means 1007b Retention determination means 1008 Retention display control means 1008a Retention display effect determination means 1008b Reservation display effect selection means 1008c Retention display effect execution means 1009 Determination result storage means 1009a Relevance determination result storage means 1009b Retention determination Result storage means 1010 On-hold display effect content storage means

Claims (2)

Special game determination means for performing a special game determination as to whether or not the determination information acquired as a result of establishment of the acquisition condition is special determination information for performing a special game advantageous to the player;
Storage means capable of storing the special game determination right;
Prior determination means for performing a prior determination as to whether or not to perform the special game before the special game determination is performed;
Production control means for performing a predetermined production;
With
The production control means includes
A hold display means for displaying a hold image indicating that the right is held in the order in which the acquisition conditions are satisfied;
Based on the establishment of the acquisition condition, a hold effect determining means capable of determining execution of a hold display effect using a plurality of special hold images;
Have
The hold display means sequentially displays each special hold image as the hold image on the display means whenever the acquisition condition is satisfied, when execution of the hold display effect is determined by the hold effect determination means. A gaming machine characterized in that it is possible . The hold effect determining means can determine the end of the hold display effect based on the result of the prior determination before all of the plurality of special hold images are displayed on the display means. The gaming machine according to claim 1.