JP5960768B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a pachinko machine.

In the gaming machine represented by the pachinko machine, as an effect suggesting the winning of the big hit, the combination of the effect symbols predetermined in the other columns excluding one row is stopped in the effect symbols displayed in a plurality of columns, Some have a reach effect in which the effect symbols are displayed in a row.
In addition, before performing this reach effect, a notice effect that increases the expectation of reach effect may be performed.
The following Patent Document 1 is exemplified as a gaming machine that performs this kind of notice effect.

The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 includes a pre-reading notice and a pseudo-continuous notice as a notice effect.
Here, the pre-reading notice is a notice effect for notifying that a reach effect will occur after the game. In addition, here, the pseudo-continuous notice is a notice effect that indicates that the reliability of the reach effect performed in the game is high by performing a variable display of the effect symbol that is normally performed only once in the game multiple times. is there.
When a prefetch notice occurs, there are a case where a big hit prefetch is notified and a case where a prefetch of a pseudo-continuous notice is notified (see FIG. 38). Further, the selection rate of the type of jackpot (number of rounds) and the number of pseudo-reams varies depending on the character appearing in the pre-reading notice (see FIG. 47).

JP 2014-138814 A

  In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it is clear whether the target of the notice is “winning” or “pseudo-ream” according to the development of the prefetch notice. In addition, there are only two types of characters that appear as one of the development modes, and in either case, this is a monotonous presentation system in which one suggests an advantageous development compared to the other. Therefore, the sense of expectation obtained may be reduced depending on the aspect of the pre-reading notice, which may impair the interest of the game.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a gaming machine that improves the interest of a game by a notice effect.

  According to the present invention, the control means for executing effects related to the symbol variation game, the symbols are displayed in a plurality of columns, and the symbol variation display is started in response to the start of the symbol variation game. The variable display is stopped by the end of the symbol, and a symbol display means for stopping and displaying the stop pattern composed of the symbol combinations is provided, and the effect performed by the control means includes one column among the plurality of columns. The combination of the symbols previously determined in the other columns except for is stopped, the reach effect in which the symbols are changed in the one row, and the reach effect in the symbol change game to be executed. A first notice effect that can be executed, a second notice effect that notifies that the reach effect can be performed after the symbol variation game to be executed, and the first notice effect or the second notice It is a common display effect that is performed before the execution of the first notice effect or the second notice effect in at least a part of the symbol variation game where the effect is performed, and from a common introduction mode to a plurality of development modes. A plurality of development modes are determined by lottery, and the distribution of the ratio of transition from the development effect to the first notice effect or the second notice effect is the development. Different gaming machines are provided for each aspect.

According to the above invention, since the development effect of the development mode that can be developed into either the first notice effect or the second notice effect is provided, when this development effect is performed, it develops to any notice effect. It is not possible to make a definite decision as to whether or not In addition, the distribution of the ratio of transition to the first notice effect or the second notice effect is different for each development mode, and the advance notice effect of the transition destination can be inferred from the development mode to some extent, Since it is not definitive which of the two notice effects is advantageous to the player, it cannot be determined whether or not the subsequent game will be advantageously developed.
Therefore, when the development effect is performed in the above-described development manner, the expectation of the notice presentation effect is not hindered, but the appeal of the development effect itself having various development aspects is combined, and the entertainment of the game is preferably improved. Can be made.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine that improves the interest of a game by a notice effect.

It is a front view of a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the game board installed in a gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol display apparatus arrange | positioned in a gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the main control structures of a gaming machine. It is a functional block diagram which shows the payout control structure of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart of a fluctuation start process. It is a flowchart of prefetch command determination processing. It is a flowchart of an effect pattern determination process. It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table used for development effect lottery. It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table used for development effect lottery. It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table used for development effect lottery. It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table used for development effect lottery. It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table used for development effect lottery. It is a figure which shows an example of the lottery table used for development effect lottery.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” refer to the gaming machine 10 on the front side (player side) as shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. ) Shall be designated in the state seen from.

<About the outline of the gaming machine 10>
The outline of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the effect pattern determination process.

The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment includes control means (effect control unit 220) and symbol display means (effect display device 80).
The effect control unit 220 causes an effect related to the symbol variation game to be executed.
The effect display device 80 displays symbols in a plurality of columns, starts symbol variation display in response to the start of the symbol variation game, stops variation display by the end of the symbol variation game, and is composed of symbol combinations. The stop pattern to be displayed is stopped.
Here, the symbol variation game is a concept including a special symbol variation game and a normal symbol variation game. In the present embodiment, the symbol variation game is described as a special symbol variation game, but the present invention may be similarly applied to a normal symbol variation game.

The effects performed by the effect control unit 220 include the following four effects.
(I) Reach effect: The combination of symbols predetermined in the other columns excluding one column among a plurality of columns is stopped, and the variable display of symbols is performed in one column.
(Ii) First notice effect: can be executed with a reach effect in the symbol variation game to be executed.
(Iii) Second notice effect: Notice that a reach effect can be performed after the symbol variation game to be executed.
(Iv) Development effect: A common display effect that is performed before execution of the first notice effect or the second notice effect in at least a part of the symbol variation game in which the first notice effect or the second notice effect is performed. From the introduction mode of the above, it develops into a plurality of development modes.

The reach production is drawn by the reach production lottery (step S106 in FIG. 8).
The first notice effect includes a pseudo-continuous effect lottery drawn by a pseudo-continuous effect lottery (step S110 in FIG. 8) and a first step-up notice effect drawn by a first step-up effect lottery (step S112 in FIG. 8). And a second step-up notice effect drawn by the second step-up effect lottery (step S114 in FIG. 8).
The second notice effect includes a prefetch notice effect that is selected by a prefetch effect lottery (step S108 in FIG. 8).

A plurality of development modes in the above-mentioned development effects are determined by the development effect lottery (step S116 in FIG. 8), and the distribution of the ratio of transition from the development effects to the first notice effect or the second notice effect varies depending on the development forms. It is characterized by being.
The details of each effect and the ratio distribution of the development mode of the development effect will be described in detail later.

  Since the development effect performed in the present embodiment has the characteristics described in the previous stage, it is possible to suitably improve the interest of the game in various development modes without impairing the expectation of the notice effect.

<About the structure of the gaming machine 10>
The structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the symbol display device 90 disposed in the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a payout control configuration of the gaming machine 10.

  The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine, and fires a game ball on a front area (hereinafter referred to as a gaming area 50a) of a gaming board 50 on which a large number of gaming nails (not shown) are erected. When a game ball enters a specific winning opening (for example, the big winning opening 55 or the like), a game in which a winning ball is obtained is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, the gaming machine 10 includes a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 15 that opens forward and backward, and an intermediate frame (not shown) that holds the game board 50 detachably on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15. And a front frame 20 configured to cover the front side of the game board 50 (medium frame).

The front frame 20 is rotatably supported on the left end side by a hinge mechanism 21 and can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23.
The front frame 20 includes a transparent member 25 disposed so as to cover the game area 50 a, and the game area 50 a and the game board 50 are transparently protected by the transparent member 25.
The front frame 20 includes an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 that store game balls. The upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are provided integrally with the front frame 20 so as to be spaced apart from each other.
The front frame 20 is provided with an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball receiving tray 29 so that the game balls stored in the upper ball receiving tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a by rotating the operation handle 31. It has become.

A pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are disposed on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20, respectively. Further, the upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34 and 36 of the front frame 20 are formed by a light-transmitting cover, and the illumination devices 35 (35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, and 35f) are respectively provided therein. 35 g). The speaker 33 and the illuminating device 35 can output sound or can be turned on or off in conjunction with effects or error notifications that occur during the game.
The front frame 20 is provided with a button 37 at the front portion of the upper ball tray 27. The button 37 can accept a player's operation performed to switch effects generated during the game or to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10 by the player.

  Below the lower ball receiving tray 29, a ball removal mechanism 39 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower ball receiving tray 29 downward is provided. By operating the ball removal mechanism 39, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball receiving tray 29 is opened, and the game ball is naturally dropped and discharged from the bottom opening.

The effect display device 80 is disposed substantially at the center of the game board 50. The effect display device 80 can display various effects including changes in effect symbols. Here, the effect symbol is a symbol displayed on the effect display device 80 in order to further enhance the interest of the game in the gaming machine 10, and is specifically composed of numbers, patterns, or a combination thereof.
In general, the player of the gaming machine 10 is intrigued by the fluctuating effect of the effect symbol displayed on the effect display device 80, and the effect display device 80 is arranged at a position that is easily visible to the player. ing.
As the effect display device 80, a liquid crystal display device in which a liquid crystal panel is housed in a housing case is generally adopted. However, the display device 80 is not limited to this, and various types of display devices such as a drum type and a dot matrix type are used. Can be adopted.

  The effect display device 80 displays an effect symbol in the approximate center of its display area, and further displays the effect symbols on the left and right sides of the effect symbol, respectively. That is, the effect display device 80 displays effect symbols on “left”, “middle”, and “right”, respectively, and the displayed effect symbols form one or more columns. By scrolling these effect symbols in the up-down direction or the left-right direction, the effect symbols are variably displayed in the display area of the effect display device 80.

The symbol display device 90 is disposed at a position that is less visible to the player than the effect display device 80, such as the lower right side of the effect display device 80. Further, the display area of the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of the effect display device 80.
In the symbol display device 90, a plurality of lamps are arranged. The lamp used in the symbol display device 90 in the present embodiment is a light emitting diode (hereinafter referred to as LED). The symbol display device 90 shows various information depending on the arrangement of the light emitting LEDs, and includes a special symbol display device 91 and a normal symbol display device 92.

  The special symbol display device 91 displays the lottery result (special symbol) of the special symbol variation game by the light emission patterns of a plurality of (for example, 16) LEDs. More specifically, the special symbol display device 91 of the present embodiment is controlled by the first special symbol display device 91a controlled by the first special symbol display control unit 151 and the second special symbol display control unit 152. And a second special symbol display device 91b. As shown in FIG. 3, the first special symbol display device 91 a is composed of eight LEDs on the left side of the 16 LEDs constituting the special symbol display device 91. Further, the second special symbol display device 91b is composed of eight right-side LEDs among the 16 LEDs constituting the special symbol display device 91.

  The normal symbol display device 92 displays the lottery result (ordinary symbol) of the normal symbol variation game by the light emission patterns of the LEDs (for example, two) less than the special symbol display device 91.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the symbol display device 90 also includes an LED that is not used for the display of the special symbol display device 91 or the normal symbol display device 92. In addition to the lottery results of the special symbol variation game or the normal symbol variation game, these LEDs can also display information such as the number of lottery results stored on hold and the number of rounds of the jackpot game.

  Here, the special symbol refers to a data group that can be selected for display on the special symbol display device 91 or a symbol that can be displayed on the special symbol display device 91 (light emission pattern of LED in the special symbol display device 91). Hereinafter, special symbols may be abbreviated as “special symbols”. Here, the special symbol variation game is a special symbol display device 91 for indicating a lottery result (a big hit / no lottery result) for releasing the special electric accessory 65 and the special electric accessory 66 (so-called attacker). This means that a specific special symbol is stopped and displayed after variably displaying. In this specification, the execution of the special symbol variation game refers to the display (variation display and stop display) of the special symbol variation game on the special symbol display device 91, and a series of internal processing performed for the display. Sometimes referred to as execution.

  Here, the normal symbol refers to a data group that can be selected for display on the normal symbol display device 92 or a symbol that can be displayed on the normal symbol display device 92 (light emission pattern of LED in the normal symbol display device 92). In the following, a normal symbol may be abbreviated as “common figure”. Here, the normal symbol variation game is a variable symbol display on the normal symbol display device 92 in order to indicate a lottery result (normal lottery result per ordinary symbol) for releasing the ordinary electric accessory 61 (so-called electric tulip). This means that a specific normal symbol is stopped after being displayed. In this specification, the execution of the normal symbol variation game refers to the display of the normal symbol variation game (variation display and stop display) on the normal symbol display device 92, and a series of internal processing performed for the display. Sometimes referred to as execution.

  In the present embodiment, the plurality of lamps arranged in the symbol display device 90 are LEDs, but the type of lamp is not limited to this. The arrangement of the lamps is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1, and various arrangements can be adopted.

On the front surface of the game board 50, a large number of game nails (not shown), windmills 52, decorative members, and the like are arranged, so that a game area 50a is drawn so that the launched game ball rolls. It is made. Further, on the left side and the upper side of the game area 50a, curved outer rails 51 and inner rails 53 provided for guiding game balls launched by the rotation operation of the operation handle 31 to the upper part of the game area 50a are arranged. Has been. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 as viewed from the center of the game area 50a.
Here, the windmill 52 is a mechanism for changing the direction in which the game ball is dropped, and is a nail-like one.

  The gaming machine 10 can increase or decrease the launch of the game ball according to the magnitude of the rotation operation amount (for example, the rotation angle) of the operation handle 31. A game is played in one of the first flow path X (so-called left-handed) in which the game ball that has been launched weaker and the second flow path Y (so-called right-handed) in which the game ball that has been launched more strongly rolls. Various obstacles are arranged in the game area 50a so that the ball rolls.

In the game area 50a, various winning holes (for example, a large winning hole 55) are arranged, and behind each winning hole, various switches (for example, a count switch SW4, etc.) for detecting a game ball that has entered are arranged. Has been. In the following description, winning means that a game ball enters a specific winning opening.
In the present embodiment, the above-described various switches are arranged at positions where the player cannot visually recognize them, and are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  In FIG. 2, as a main winning opening, a large winning opening 55, a large winning opening 56, a first starting opening 57, a second starting opening 59, an operation gate 63, and a normal winning opening 67 (67a, 67b, 67c) are illustrated. To do. The winning award shown here is an example, and the number and arrangement thereof may be changed as appropriate.

The first start port 57 is arranged at the center lower part (below the effect display device 80) of the game area 50a, and is generally called “navel”.
Behind the first start port 57, a first start port switch SW1 for detecting a game ball that has entered is disposed.
A start condition for starting a special symbol variation game by detecting a game ball entering the first start port 57 by the first start port switch SW1, and a payout condition for paying out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls And are given.
In the present embodiment, the game area 50a enters the first start port 57 when the game ball rolls from the first flow path X rather than when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y. Various obstacles are arranged to make it easier. That is, the first start port 57 is provided in the first flow path X mainly on the left side of the game area 50a.

The second start port 59 is disposed in the lower right part of the game area 50a (the lower right side of the effect display device 80), and the ordinary starter 61 is attached to the second start port 59. The ordinary electric accessory 61 is an opening / closing member that can be switched to an open state in which a game ball can easily enter the second starting port 59 or a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the ball. Transition to one of the closed states. The control of the ordinary electric accessory 61 will be described in detail later.
Behind the second start port 59, a second start port switch SW2 for detecting an incoming game ball is arranged. By detecting the game ball that has entered the second start port 59 with the second start port switch SW2, the start condition of the special symbol variation game and the payout condition of the prize ball are given.
In the present embodiment, the game area 50a enters the second start port 59 when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y, rather than when the game ball rolls from the first flow path X. Various obstacles are arranged to make it easier. That is, the second start port 59 is provided in the second flow path Y mainly on the right side of the game area 50a.

The operation gate 63 is disposed above the second start port 59 (on the right side of the effect display device 80). Behind the operation gate 63, a normal symbol variation switch SW3 for detecting a passed game ball is disposed. The actuating gate 63 can be given a starting condition for the normal symbol variation game by detecting the entered game ball with the normal symbol variation switch SW3.
In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the detection of the normal symbol variation switch SW3 is not a prize ball payout condition. That is, even if a game ball enters the operation gate 63 of this embodiment, the prize ball is zero.
Further, the operation gate 63 may be a so-called gate type winning opening in which the passed game ball rolls again in the game area 50a after passing. In this case, passing through the operation gate 63 is also referred to as “entrance ball” in this specification.

  The special winning opening 55 is arranged above the second start opening 59 (lower right side of the effect display device 80). A special electric accessory 65 that opens and closes by the operation of the actuator AC2 is disposed in the opening of the special winning opening 55. Behind the big winning opening 55 is a count switch SW4 that detects a game ball that has entered. When the count switch SW4 detects a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 55, a payout condition for the prize ball is given.

  The big prize opening 56 is arranged above the big prize opening 55 (on the right side of the effect display device 80). A special electric accessory 66 that opens and closes by the operation of the actuator AC3 is disposed in the opening of the special winning opening 56. A count switch SW6 is arranged behind the special winning opening 56. When the count switch SW6 detects a game ball that has entered the special winning opening 56, a payout condition for the prize ball is given.

The big winning opening 55 is opened by the opening operation of the special electric player 65 during the big hit game that is won in the special symbol variation game caused by the first starting opening 57, and the game ball enters. Permissible. In addition, the special winning opening 56 is opened by the opening operation of the special electric accessory 66 during the big hit game that is won in the special symbol variation game caused by the second starting opening 59, and the game ball enters. Spheres are acceptable.
Regardless of which jackpot game is played, the player's chances of winning a prize ball can be greatly increased. In this embodiment, when the game ball rolls from the second flow path Y, it is easier to enter the big winning opening 55 or the big winning opening 56 than when rolling from the first flow path X. Various obstacles are placed in the area.

  The normal winning opening 67 (67a, 67b, 67c) is arranged at the lower left portion of the effect display device 80. Behind the normal winning opening 67, a normal winning opening switch SW5 for detecting a game ball that has entered is disposed. By detecting the game ball that has entered the normal winning port 67 with the normal winning port switch SW5, a payout condition for the winning ball can be given.

  The out port 69 is disposed at the lowermost part of the game area 50a. The game balls that have not entered the above-described winning gates (in the case where the operating gate 63 is of a gate type, the gaming balls that have passed through the operating gate 63 and have not won other winning ports are included). It falls into 69 and is processed as an out ball.

<About the control configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Subsequently, a control configuration of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a main control configuration of the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a payout control configuration of the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the change start process.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the prefetch command determination process.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the effect pattern determination process.

  The functions illustrated in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 are functions necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and even if functions not illustrated here are added to the gaming machine 10. Good. Further, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have all of the functions illustrated here, and some functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

The gaming machine 10 includes a board (not shown) inside itself and electrically connects various functions including the functions shown in FIG. 4 or 5 to the board and the board. Realized by processing with functional parts. More specifically, the board includes a CPU (not shown) that executes control operations in a predetermined procedure, a ROM (not shown) that stores a control program for the CPU, and writing and reading of necessary data. A RAM (not shown) is provided. Various functions can be realized by executing a control program read from the ROM by the CPU and writing or reading various data in the RAM.
Note that the various functions shown in FIG. 4 or 5 can be realized with only one board, functions that can be realized by transferring various data between a plurality of boards, and not mounted on the board and the board. Functions that can be realized by electrically connecting these functional parts are mixed. There may be various hardware configurations for realizing these various functions, and the hardware configuration is not necessarily limited to one.

  The main control unit 100 includes a main control unit 100 that controls the game in an integrated manner. The main control unit 100 is a component that functions as a so-called main board having a function that affects or may affect the game result. As shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 100 has a number of functions, and these functions are connected to each other. However, the configuration shown here is an example, and this is not necessarily the case. It is not limited to.

Main functions of the main control unit 100 include a drawing lottery control unit 130, a general drawing lottery control unit 170, a gaming state control unit 140, a symbol display control unit 150, a sub-command generation unit 110, and the like.
The special figure lottery control unit 130 has a function of controlling other components in relation to the special symbol variation game or a function of managing a jackpot game.
The regular drawing lottery control unit 170 has a function of controlling other components or a function of managing a winning game in relation to the normal symbol variation game.
The gaming state control unit 140 has a function of managing the presence / absence of the probability variation state and the presence / absence of the variation state, and controlling the granting and release (transition to the normal state).
The symbol display control unit 150 has a function of causing the symbol display device 90 to display a special symbol selected as a result of the special symbol variation game or a normal symbol selected as a result of the normal symbol variation game. The generation unit 110 generates each command (for example, a variation pattern or a prefetch command) used to determine an effect performed in connection with the special symbol variation game, and transmits the generated command to the effect control unit 220.

Further, the gaming machine 10 includes an effect control unit 220 and a payout control unit 230 in addition to the functions of the main control unit 100.
The effect control unit 220 has a function of controlling effects related to games played by the gaming machine 10, particularly special symbol variation games.
The payout control unit 230 has a function of controlling the payout of prize balls given as prizes for winning at each winning opening.

  Each function listed in the previous and previous stages will be described in more detail below.

<About random numbers for jackpot determination and special figure hold>
The main control unit 100 includes a first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 111, a second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 112, and a special figure reservation control unit 120.

The first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 111 holds the lottery value acquired by winning the game ball in the first start port 57 in a reserved manner. The second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 112 holds the lottery value acquired by winning the game ball at the second start port 59 in a reserved manner.
When the lottery value is stored on hold in the second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 112, the special figure selection unit 132 regardless of whether the lottery value is stored on hold on the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 111 In addition, the lottery determination can be made based on the lottery value stored on hold in the second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 112.

More specifically, the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 111 is for jackpot determination used as a lottery value for the special symbol variation game when the first start opening switch SW1 detects the winning of the first start opening 57. A random number is acquired and stored in a dedicated storage area (holding storage). The upper limit number of lottery values that can be stored on hold by the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 111 is determined in advance. In the present embodiment, the upper limit number is four.
The second special figure lottery value acquiring unit 112 acquires a jackpot determination random number used as a lottery value for the special symbol variation game when the second start opening switch SW2 detects the winning of the second start opening 59, and is dedicated. In the storage area (holding storage). The upper limit number of lottery values that can be stored on hold by the second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 112 is determined in advance. In the present embodiment, the upper limit number is four.

  When the special figure lottery control section 130 is not performing the control related to the special symbol variation game or the control related to the big hit game, the special figure hold control section 120 performs the first special figure lottery value acquisition section 111 or the second in a predetermined cycle. The lottery value (random number for jackpot determination) stored on hold by the special figure lottery value acquisition unit 112 is read.

  Here, the random number refers to a series of numbers that are random and have the same appearance frequency as a whole. When the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is operating, a random number is always generated inside the player machine, and the random number is used for various lottery processes. As a random number generation method, there are a method of generating by a dedicated IC (hardware method), a method of generating by a dedicated program (software method), or a method of generating by a combination thereof. In this embodiment, several types of random numbers including the above-mentioned jackpot determination random number are used. However, any of the methods described above may be used to generate these random numbers.

  Further, the special figure hold control unit 120 according to the present embodiment can store each command generated in the variation start process in a dedicated storage area (not shown), hold it, and hold it until a predetermined timing. . The variation start process and the effect pattern determination process related to this will be described in detail later.

Each command held in the special symbol hold control unit 120 is read every time the special symbol variation game is finished, and is used for the next special symbol variation game, an effect related to the special symbol variation game, or the like.
At this time, each command generated by the variation start process due to the lottery value acquired from the second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 112 is changed according to the lottery value acquired from the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 111. It is processed in preference to each command generated by the processing.

<About jackpot lottery and jackpot games>
The special drawing lottery control unit 130 is a function for managing the big hit lottery and the big hit game, and has a big hit lottery unit 131, a special drawing selection unit 132, and a big hit game control unit 133.

The big hit lottery section 131 (big hit lottery means) has a function of performing a big hit lottery.
The special figure selection unit 132 has a function of selecting a special symbol corresponding to the lottery result by the big hit lottery unit 131.
The big hit game control unit 133 (big hit game control means) has a function of executing a big hit game after a special symbol (design) is stopped when the lottery by the big hit lottery unit 131 is won.
In the following, these functions will be described in more detail.

The jackpot lottery unit 131 performs a jackpot winning lottery using a lottery value (random number for jackpot determination) acquired in response to winning of a game ball at the first start port 57 or the second start port 59. The winning probability of the lottery performed by the big hit lottery unit 131 is lower in the normal state than in the probability variation state, and is higher in the probability variation state than in the normal state.
Here, “predetermined processing is performed upon winning” means that the predetermined processing can be subsequently executed on the condition that a winning is detected. That is, even if a winning is detected, the predetermined process does not necessarily have to be executed. For example, in this embodiment, when the lottery value hold number of the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 111 exceeds the upper limit, the winning detected by the first start switch SW1 or the second special figure lottery value acquisition unit A winning detected by the second start port switch SW2 when the number of lottery value reservations 112 exceeds the upper limit does not become a start condition for the special symbol variation game.

The special symbol selection unit 132 selects a special symbol based on the result of the lottery lottery by the jackpot lottery unit 131, and displays the selected special symbol as the symbol display control unit 150 (the first special diagram display control unit 151 or the second special diagram). Display to the display control unit 152) to display the special symbol display device 91 (the first special symbol display device 91a or the second special symbol display device 91b).
The selection here includes a case where the lottery value used in the winning / failing lottery and the number of types of special symbols prepared in advance are the same and are uniquely “determined” without “selection”.

The jackpot game in the present embodiment is controlled by the jackpot game control unit 133.
First, after winning the big win in the special winning symbol lottery unit 131, the special symbol changing game displayed on the special symbol display device 91 is stopped and the special winning symbol selected by the special symbol selecting unit 132 is stopped and displayed. Be started.
Before the big hit game is started, the big hit game control unit 133 issues a command to the special figure holding control unit 120, the universal figure holding control unit 160, etc., and the processing related to the big hit lottery or the processing related to the big lottery is performed. Issue a command to pause.
When the jackpot game is started, the jackpot game control unit 133 issues a command regarding an opening effect indicating the start of the jackpot game to the effect control unit 220. The effect control unit 220 executes the opening effect for a predetermined time (opening time) in accordance with the command of the big hit game control unit 133.
After the opening effect is completed, a round game in which the special winning opening 55 is opened is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined number of times (number of rounds) as an upper limit. One round game is until the grand prize opening 55 or the grand prize opening 56 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times (the number of times of opening and closing). The game ball is released until the (game win upper limit) game balls are won or until a specified time (round game time) elapses. In the round game, a round effect is performed.

  The big hit game control unit 133 gives a special electric role control unit 190 a command including the number of rounds, the number of times of opening / closing, the upper limit of the number of winnings, the round game time, and the like as control information in order to open the big winning port 55 or the big winning port To transmit. The special electric combination control unit 190 operates the actuator AC2 or the actuator AC3 according to the command received from the big hit game control unit 133 to open the special electric combination item 65 or the special electric combination item 66. In addition, the special electric power control unit 190 counts the number of game balls won in the big prize opening 55 or the big prize opening 56 while the special electric combination 65 or the special electric combination 66 is opened. Monitoring is based on the detection of the switch SW6, and when the winning upper limit is reached, the actuator AC2 or the actuator AC3 is operated to close the special electric accessory 65 or the special electric accessory 66.

The big hit game control unit 133 issues a command related to the effect related to the round game to the effect control unit 220. The effect control unit 220 executes the round effect according to the command of the big hit game control unit 133.
When the round game of the specified number of rounds is completed, the jackpot game control unit 133 issues a command regarding the ending effect indicating the end of the jackpot game to the effect control unit 220. The effect control unit 220 executes the ending effect for a predetermined time (ending time) according to the command of the jackpot game control unit 133, and the jackpot game is ended.
In the big hit game of the present embodiment, since the game ball rolls in the second flow path Y is easier to win the big winning opening 55, so-called right-handed is more advantageous for the player.

<About game state control>
The gaming state control unit 140 is a function for controlling the gaming state, and includes a winning probability control unit 141 and a variable speed control unit 142.
The winning probability control unit 141 gives a probability change state when the probability change state is established, and the variable control unit 142 gives a change state when the change state is established.
The establishment conditions of the probability variation state and the variation state differ depending on the type of the gaming machine 10, and the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment uses the completion of the big hit game due to a specific special symbol as the establishment condition of both.

Here, the probability variation state means that the winning probability of the winning / losing lottery by the big hit lottery unit 131 is higher than the normal state.
In the following description, a jackpot to which a probability variation state is given after the jackpot game is ended may be expressed as “probability variation jackpot”, and a jackpot to which a probability variation state is not given may be represented as “non-probability variation jackpot”.

There are generally three types of probability variation methods: loop method, ST method, and falling lottery method.
The probability change of the loop method means a probability change that shifts to a probability change state after a jackpot game related to a probability change jackpot and continues at least until the next jackpot.
ST method probability change is also referred to as "special time probability change" or "number cut probability change", etc., and after the big hit game related to the probability change big hit, after transitioning to the probability change state, a big hit lottery in a predetermined number of special symbol fluctuation games This refers to the probability of shifting to the normal state when not winning. Hereinafter, the predetermined number of times is referred to as “predetermined number of ST games”.
The probability change of the falling lottery system is a lottery (falling lottery) to determine whether or not to fall from the probabilistic state to the normal state in a special symbol variation game that is performed after the big hit game related to the probability variation jackpot. This refers to a certain change that shifts to the normal state when winning.
Any of the above-described probability variation methods mounted on the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment may be used.

Further, the variable state here means that (i) the winning probability of the open lottery of the ordinary electric accessory 61 is higher than the normal state, and (ii) the opening time per time of the ordinary electric accessory 61 is normal. (Iii) at least one of the number of times the normal electric accessory 61 is opened is increased from the normal state according to the number of times the normal electric accessory 61 has been won in the open lottery. Say. In the present embodiment, when the variable state is given, all of the above three are executed.
Note that at least one of the above (ii) and (iii) is referred to as “electric chew support” or “electric support”.

The winning probability control unit 141 shifts from the probability variation state to the normal state in the special symbol variation game in which the probability variation state termination condition is satisfied.
Here, the end condition of the probability variation state differs depending on the assigned probability variation method.
For example, in the case of a loop method, the end condition is that a big hit game is performed. Also, if the ST method is probabilistic, end a predetermined number of special symbol variation games after the transition to the probable variation state or a big hit game is performed before the predetermined number of times is reached Condition. Further, in the case of the probability change of the falling lottery method, the end condition is to win the falling lottery or to play a big hit game before winning the falling lottery.

The change control unit 142 shifts from the change state to the normal state in the special symbol change game where the end condition of the change state is satisfied.
The termination condition of the variable state in this embodiment is that a special symbol variation game is performed a predetermined number of times after the shift to the variable state.

<About winning lottery and winning games>
The gaming machine 10 includes a general drawing lottery value acquisition unit 113 and a general drawing hold control unit 160.
When the normal symbol variation switch SW3 detects the winning of the operating gate 63, the normal symbol lottery value acquiring unit 113 acquires a random number for hit determination used as a lottery value for the normal symbol variation game, and stores it in a dedicated storage area. (Hold storage). The upper limit number of lottery values that can be held by the normal lottery value acquisition unit 113 is determined in advance. In the present embodiment, the upper limit number is four.
The general-plot hold control unit 160 does not perform the control related to the normal symbol variation game or the control related to the win game, or the special-plot lotion control unit 130 performs the control related to the big win game. When there is not, the lottery value (random number for winning determination) stored on hold by the ordinary lottery value acquisition unit 113 is read at a predetermined cycle.

  The general figure hold control unit 160 monitors the number of lottery values stored on hold in the general drawing lottery value acquisition unit 113. Further, the general symbol hold control unit 160 may issue a command to the symbol display control unit 150 so as to display the number of lottery values being monitored on the symbol display device 90 or cause the symbol display device 80 to display the command. As such, a command may be issued to the effect control unit 220.

  The gaming machine 10 includes a general drawing lottery control unit 170 and a normal electric role control unit 180. The regular drawing lottery control unit 170 has a function of managing a winning lottery and a winning game, and includes a winning lottery unit 171, a universal drawing selecting unit 172, and a winning game control unit 173.

  The winning lottery unit 171 uses the random number for winning determination read from the general drawing lottery value acquiring unit 113 by the general drawing hold control unit 160 to determine whether or not to change the ordinary electric accessory 61 to the open state. I do. The winning probability of the lottery performed by the winning lottery unit 171 is lower in the normal state than in the variable state, and is higher in the variable state than in the normal state. .

The normal symbol selection unit 172 selects a normal symbol based on the result of the open lottery by the winning lottery unit 171, and transmits the selected normal symbol to the symbol display control unit 150 (general symbol display control unit 153). It is displayed on the symbol display device 92. One of the two LEDs corresponding to the normal symbol display device 92 hits and one of them corresponds to the disengagement, and the normal symbol display control unit 153 emits either one according to the normal symbol selected by the normal symbol selection unit 172. Let
The selection here is the same as the selection by the special figure selection unit 132, and the lottery values used in the open lottery and the number of types of special symbols prepared in advance are the same, and “selection” is not performed. In some cases, it is uniquely determined.

  When the winning game control unit 173 wins the winning lottery by the winning lottery unit 171, the winning game control unit 173 transmits a command to the normal electric role control unit 180 and operates the actuator AC 1 to open the normal electric combination 61 under a predetermined release condition. .

The normal electric combination control unit 180 controls the normal electric combination 61 so that the time for taking the open state increases per unit time after the big hit game ends.
It should be noted that the control of the ordinary electric role control unit 180 described in this paragraph specifically shows an aspect of controlling the ordinary electric accessory 61 when the variable state is given. That is, the control of the normal electric role control unit 180 is caused by the provision of the variable state by the variable control unit 142.

<About payout control>
The gaming machine 10 includes a payout control unit 230 that controls the payout mechanism unit 70 communicating with the upper ball tray 27 and can pay out the prize balls to the upper ball tray 27. More specifically, the main control unit 100 transmits a command to the payout control unit 230 so as to pay out a predetermined prize ball in response to a winning detection by each winning port switch. Then, the payout control unit 230 controls the payout mechanism unit 70 based on the command received from the main control unit 100. The payout mechanism 70 is disposed behind the front frame 20 and cannot be visually recognized when the front frame 20 is closed.
In the present embodiment, specifically, three prize balls are detected by detection by the first start port switch SW1, two prize balls are detected by detection by the second start port switch SW2, and detection is performed by the count switch SW4 or the count switch SW6. 15 prize balls and 8 prize balls and payout conditions are set in advance by detection by the normal winning opening switch SW5.
The prize ball payout conditions listed here are merely examples, and may be set as appropriate according to the embodiment.

<About variation start processing and effect pattern determination processing of special symbol variation game>
Subsequently, processing for determining an effect pattern related to the special symbol variation game (effect pattern determination processing) will be described. The effect pattern determination process is closely related to the change start process performed in the first stage of the special symbol change game, and will be described here.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing order of the variation start processing in the special symbol variation game.
The variation start process is started when the jackpot lottery unit 131 reads out the big hit determination random number (lottery value) acquired by the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 111 or the second special figure lottery value acquisition unit 112 ( Step S302).

Subsequently, when the probability change state is set (Yes in step S304), the big hit lottery unit 131 performs a big hit lottery using the big hit determination random number read in S302 and the positive change lottery table (not shown) (step S306). .
In the normal state (No in step S304), the big hit lottery unit 131 performs a big hit lottery using the big hit determination random number and the normal lottery table (not shown) read in step S302 (step S308).
When winning in the jackpot lottery executed in S306 or S308 (Yes in step S310), the special symbol selection unit 132 acquires the jackpot symbol for the jackpot symbol, and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the acquired jackpot symbol for the jackpot symbol table (Not shown) is selected (step S310).
On the other hand, if the winner is selected in the jackpot lottery executed in S306 or S308 (No in step S310), whether the acquisition destination of the lottery value that triggered the loss is the first special figure lottery value acquisition unit 111 or the second special feature. Depending on whether it is the drawing lottery value acquisition unit 112, the special figure selection unit 132 determines the off symbol (step S314).

Subsequently, the variation pattern determination unit 115 determines a variation pattern used for determining a display effect such as a reach effect (step S316). Note that the variation pattern determination unit 115 is included in the sub-command generation unit 110.
In the variation pattern determined here, the time from the start of the effect design to the end (stop display) of the variation design is defined. More specifically, the fluctuation pattern determination unit 115 determines the presence / absence of various notice effects (reach effects, pseudo-continuous effects, etc.) by lottery, and the fluctuation pattern includes information indicating the fluctuation times of the various notice effects. Yes.

In addition, in the lottery result of the reach production by the fluctuation pattern determination unit 115, when the reach production is not performed (normal variation), the reach production performed in the normal variation time (normal reach), or the reach production executed for a longer time than the normal reach. (SP reach) is included.
Here, the reach effect is a combination of effect symbols (for example, the same effect symbol) determined in advance in other columns except for one column among a plurality of columns. This is a display effect.

In addition, in the lottery result of the pseudo-continuous effect by the variation pattern determining unit 115, when the pseudo-continuous effect is not performed (no pseudo-continuous effect), and when the pseudo-continuous effect is performed, the variation display of the effect symbol performed in the pseudo-continuous effect is displayed. The number of times (pseudo sequence n) is included. In the following description, when “pseudo continuous n (where n is an integer from 1 to 4)” is described, it means the number of display variations of the effect symbol performed in the pseudo continuous effect.
Here, the pseudo-rendition effect is a notice that the expected value for winning the big hit increases as the number of the effect symbol variation display increases, intermittently repeating the effect symbol variation display for one special symbol variation game. This refers to an effect, and the pseudo-continuous effect in this embodiment is performed up to four times. In many cases, the pseudo-continuous effect of the present embodiment develops into a reach effect after the effect, but some pseudo-continuous effects may not develop into a reach effect.

Subsequently, the command determination unit 116 determines a prefetch command used for determination of the prefetch effect due to various conditions (step S318).
Here, the pre-reading effect is a notice that suggests that the expectation of winning a big hit in the special symbol variation game in which the reach effect is performed by notifying that the reach effect will be performed after the special symbol variation game. Directing.
Note that the pre-reading effect of the present embodiment causes the effect display device 80 to display a different background display or appearance character than usual. Then, until a special symbol variation game using the lottery result is performed, a pre-reading effect is performed across a plurality of special symbol variation games. The look-ahead effects in the above-described modes are examples, and as a modification, the display modes (generally reserved) corresponding to each of the lottery results stored in the special figure reservation control unit 120 are stored. A look-ahead effect that suggests the expected value of winning a big hit, depending on the color and behavior of the ball.
Hereinafter, the process of step S318 (prefetch command determination process) will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The prefetch command determination unit 116 makes the following determination using the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 115 and the special symbol selected by the special diagram selection unit 132.
(I) Judgment whether or not a probability variation state is given in the special symbol variation game (step S202)
(Ii) Determining whether or not the jackpot lottery is lost or which type of jackpot is won in the special symbol variation game (step S204)
(Iii) Judgment whether or not a variation pattern is determined in the special symbol variation game (step S206)
Here, the type of jackpot includes probability variation jackpots, non-probability variation jackpots, or the number of rounds given to each jackpot game.

Next, the prefetch command determination unit 116 determines whether or not to execute a prefetch effect based on the success or failure of the determination described in the previous stage (step S208).
In the lottery of step S208 in the present embodiment, when the determination in S202 is affirmed, that is, when the special symbol variation game that has obtained the lottery result is in a probabilistic state, the fact that the prefetch effect is not executed is drawn. In other words, if the determination in S202 is affirmative, the lottery in S208 is not performed, or the probability of selecting whether or not the pre-reading effect can be performed is set to zero in the lottery table used for the lottery in S208 when there is a certain variation state. Has been.

  Then, the prefetch command determination unit 116 generates a prefetch command including the following information obtained by the processing from S202 to S208, and outputs the generated prefetch command to the effect control unit 220 (step S210).

Each command including the variation pattern determined as described above and the prefetch command is transmitted to the effect control unit 220 at a predetermined timing (step S320).
Here, the predetermined timing is a timing at which a series of processes relating to the previous special symbol variation game is completed. If the predetermined timing has been reached when the processing from S302 to S318 is completed, the sub-command generation unit 110 immediately transmits the variation pattern and the prefetch command to 220. In addition, when the predetermined timing has not been reached at the time when the processing from S302 to S318 is completed, the sub-command generating unit 110 holds each command in the special figure holding control unit 120, and reaches the predetermined timing. Hold until.

Next, an effect pattern determination process by the effect control unit 220 will be described in detail.
The effect control unit 220 has a special symbol selected by the special diagram selection unit 132, a variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 115, a prefetch command determined by the prefetch command determination unit 116, or a player who has received the button 37. Various effects are executed based on the operation and the like. The effect control unit 220 may variably switch the effect according to the player's operation received from the button 37. Further, the effect control unit 220 may control a so-called effect gimmick, although not shown in FIG.

The effect control unit 220 uses the special symbol selected by the special symbol selection unit 132 or the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 115 to change the effect of the effect symbol (for example, reach effect) or the like. The effect display device 80, the illumination device 35, or the speaker 33 is caused to execute the determined effect. The production control unit 220 in the present embodiment acquires the special symbol selected by the special diagram selection unit 132 via the sub command generation unit 110.
The effect mode determined by the effect control unit 220 includes the background and color displayed on the effect display device 80 and the sound output by the speaker 33 (in addition to the development mode of the symbol variation effect in the effect display device 80). Music), the luminescent color and intensity of the lighting device 35, the timing of accepting the operation of the button 37, and the like.

The effect control unit 220 receives the input of the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination unit 115 (YES in step S102) and the special symbol selected by the special diagram selection unit 132 (YES in step S104). A lottery process is performed.
In other words, the standby state is maintained while the variation pattern input is not accepted (NO in step S102) or the special symbol input is not accepted (NO in step S104).

When the variation pattern and the special symbol are input, first, the aspect of reach production is determined by lottery (step S106). More specifically, in the lottery in step S106, the reach effect mode is selected by lottery based on the variation time determined by the input variation pattern. More specifically, the lottery in step S106 is a process referred to as so-called sub-distribution, and is a process of selecting any one of a plurality of reach effects with the same variation time.
In addition, when one mode is associated with one variation time, it is possible to uniquely determine the mode of reach production from the variation pattern. Processing that is uniquely determined may be included.

  Further, in the present embodiment, there are cases where an input of a special symbol corresponding to the big hit winning and an input of a variation pattern corresponding to a normal variation are accepted. In this case, in the lottery of step S106, a display effect that is a big hit without a reach effect is selected, and in the following description, such a display effect is referred to as a “rush effect”.

Next, the mode of the prefetch effect is determined by lottery based on the input prefetch command (step S108).
The lottery result (prefetch effect mode) by the lottery in step S108 includes a prefetch effect A and a prefetch effect B. In addition, the lottery result by the lottery in step S108 may include, for example, a display effect indicating that the pre-reading effect is not performed (the fact that the lottery is lost in step S208).

Next, the mode of the pseudo-continuous production is determined by lottery (step S110).
The lottery result by the lottery in step S110 (a mode of pseudo-continuous production) includes a pseudo-continuous production A and a pseudo-continuous production B. The lottery in step S110 is also a process called a so-called sub-distribution, and is a process of selecting one of a plurality of pseudo continuous effect modes given the same fluctuation time (pseudo continuous number of times).
In addition, when one aspect is associated with one pseudo-continuous number, it is possible to uniquely determine the pseudo-continuous effect aspect from the variation pattern, but this lottery in step S110 Such uniquely determined processing may be included. In addition, the lottery result by the lottery in step S110 may include, for example, a display effect indicating that the pseudo-continuous effect is not performed (the fact that the lottery is lost in the pseudo-continuous effect lottery in step S316).

Next, the mode of the first step-up effect is determined by lottery (step S112), and the mode of the second step-up effect is determined by lottery (step S114). Here, the first step-up effect and the second step-up effect are a notice effect in which a display effect different from the symbol display is progressed through a plurality of stages, and the expected value for winning a big hit increases as the progress progresses. is there.
The aspect of the effect determined by the lottery in step S112 and step S114 includes the number of stages where the effect finally progresses.
The first step-up effect and the second step-up effect in this embodiment are different in the number of progressing stages. The first step-up effect has a maximum of four stages, and the second step-up effect has a maximum of two stages. It has become. Further, characters and backgrounds appearing in the first step-up effect and the second step-up effect are displayed in different modes.
The aspect of the 1st step-up effect and the 2nd step-up effect mentioned here is an example, and is not limited to this. Moreover, in this embodiment, although two types of step-up notice effects were illustrated, it may be single and may be three or more types.

The start of the pre-reading effect, the execution of the pseudo-continuous effect, the execution of the first step-up effect, and the execution of the second step-up effect do not overlap in the same special symbol variation game.
This can also be realized by a method in which the lottery in step S112 and step S114 is not performed when the received variation pattern includes “pseudo ream n”, and the first after the lottery in step S112 and step S114 is performed. It can also be realized by a method of regulating the step-up effect or the second step-up effect. In this embodiment, any method may be adopted.

Next, the development mode of the development effect is determined by lottery (step S116). Here, the development effect is a common display effect that can be performed before the start of the pre-reading effect, the execution of the pseudo-continuous effect, the execution of the first step-up effect, and the execution of the second step-up effect.
More specifically, in the lottery (development effect lottery) in step S116, according to the notice effect (pre-reading effect, pseudo-continuous effect, first step-up effect or second step-up effect) executed in the special symbol variation game. A lottery is performed with reference to different lottery tables to determine the presence / absence of development effects and the development mode. The characteristics of each lottery table will be described in detail later.

It is assumed that the lottery in step S116 in this embodiment is not performed in the special symbol variation game in which any of the pre-reading effect, the pseudo-continuous effect, the first step-up effect, or the second step-up effect is not performed. That is, the development effect is not executed in such a special symbol variation game.
However, this aspect is an example, and a common development effect may be performed in a special symbol variation game in which any of the pre-reading effect, the pseudo-continuous effect, the first step-up effect, or the second step-up effect is not performed.

The effect pattern determination process described so far is executed from the start to the end of the special symbol variation game. That is, the control means (effect control unit 220) determines which effect is to be executed before the symbol variation display in the symbol variation game (special symbol variation game) starts and stops.
The effect control unit 220 is determined to perform either the first notice effect (pseudo-continuous effect, the first step-up effect or the second step-up effect) or the second notice effect (prefetch effect) in the symbol variation game. Then, the development mode of the development effect is determined by lottery with different lottery probabilities (lottery tables) depending on whether the determined first notice effect or second notice effect. Further, the effect control unit 220 causes the determined first notice effect or the second notice effect to be executed after executing the development effect in the selected development mode.

In addition, the processing order of the above-described effect pattern determination process is an example, and is executed by a modification example in which some processes are replaced, some processes are performed in parallel, and some processes are omitted. Also good.
For example, although the lottery (step S116) regarding the aspect of the development effect is executed after the other lottery, the aspect of the development effect is executed before the other lottery, and the lottery is caused by the development aspect selected by the lottery. Another lottery may be performed using a different lottery table (lottery probability).

<Development production lottery>
9 to 14 are diagrams showing a lottery table used for the development effect lottery (step S116 in FIG. 8).
Note that the lottery tables shown in FIGS. 9 to 14 simply show the concept, and are actually stored in a predetermined storage area as data that can be processed by a CPU (not shown).

  More specifically, FIG. 9 is a lottery table referred to when the prefetch effect A is executed, and FIG. 10 is a lottery table referred to when the prefetch effect B is executed. FIG. 11 is a lottery table that is referred to when the pseudo-continuous effect A is executed, and FIG. 12 is a lottery table that is referred to when the pseudo-continuous effect B is executed. FIG. 13 is a lottery table referred to when the first step-up effect is executed, and FIG. 14 is a lottery table referred to when the second step-up effect is executed.

In the lottery table, each item defined as a condition for the development effect lottery is described in the row direction (lateral direction) item.
Among them, the “special symbol” means a special symbol selected by the special symbol selector 132 in the special symbol variation game in which the development effect lottery is performed. In addition, the “losing”, “probability variation”, and “non-probability variation” included in the “special symbol” are a special symbol corresponding to the lottery winning selection by the big hit lottery unit 131, a special symbol corresponding to the probability variable big hit, It means a special symbol corresponding to a probable big hit.
Further, the “pseudo sequence” means the type of pseudo sequence effect defined in the variation pattern. In addition, “no pseudo train”, “pseudo train 1”, “pseudo train 2”, “pseudo train 3”, and “pseudo train 4” included in the “pseudo train” perform a pseudo train effect as a result of lottery. This indicates that the pseudo-continuous effect is to be performed when the number of times of variable display is 1 to 4 times.
Further, “reach” means the type of reach production defined by the variation pattern. In addition, “normal variation”, “normal reach”, and “SP reach” included in “reach” indicate the contents of reach production performed in the special symbol variation game.

  In addition, although the production | presentation control part 220 in this embodiment is demonstrated so that the aspect of a development production | presentation may be drawn lottery based on the reach production prescribed | regulated with the received variation pattern, or a pseudo-continuous production, this is an example. For example, the lottery in step S116 may be performed based on the reach effect aspect selected in step S106 or the pseudo-continuous effect aspect determined in step S110.

In the lottery table described above, the type of the development aspect of the development effect is described in the column direction (vertical direction) item.
Among them, “early” or “middle” indicates that the development effect is executed in the “early” or “middle” in the special symbol variation game where the development effect is performed. “None” indicates that the development effect is not performed. Further, “first development mode”, “second development mode”, and “third development mode” indicate the types of development modes of the development effects performed in the “early stage” or “middle stage”.

As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, a plurality of pre-reading effects (second notice effects) are provided, and the development effect is changed to any one of a plurality of pre-reading effects at a different ratio for each development mode of the development effect. It is set to migrate.
More specifically, the development effect is created with a different lottery table (lottery probability) depending on whether the pre-reading effect A (one second notice effect) or the pre-reading effect B (other second notice effect) is shifted. A development mode is drawn.

As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a plurality of pseudo-continuous effects (continuous notice effects) are provided, and any one of a plurality of pseudo-continuous effects from the developed effects at a different ratio for each development mode of the developed effects. Is set to migrate.
More specifically, the development effect is created with different lottery tables (lottery probabilities) depending on whether the pseudo-continuous effect A (one continuous notice effect) or the pseudo-continuous effect B (other continuous notice effect) is shifted to. A development mode is drawn.

In the development effect lottery performed using the lottery table as described above, either the pseudo-continuous effect (continuous notice effect) or the prefetch effect (second notice effect) is selected from the development effect performed in a part of the development mode. It is preferable to be able to migrate only to.
In the present embodiment, each lottery table described above is set so that when the development effect is performed in the “middle stage”, only the prefetch effect A or the prefetch effect B can be transferred. In other words, some of the development modes are selected by lottery due to the pre-reading effect (second notice effect) and not drawn by other effects (first notice effect).

As described in the previous section, there is an advanced aspect that can be shifted only to the pre-reading effect, and therefore it can be inferred that the advance notice effect is the pre-reading effect when the advanced effect is performed in the advanced aspect. However, since there are two types of pre-reading effects, it cannot be estimated which one will be performed.
In other words, the development effect lottery in this embodiment improves the player's interest by making it possible to roughly guess, and makes a specific prefetch effect (for example, the expected value of the big hit winning is not possible) The player's willingness is prevented from being reduced by guessing that a small look-ahead effect) has been drawn.
Therefore, the interest of the game can be suitably improved in various development modes without obstructing the expectation of the notice effect.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. 10, when the prefetch effect A is performed, the development effect of the third development mode is not performed, but when the prefetch effect B is performed, the development effect of the third development mode is performed. Can be done. Therefore, when the development effect of the third development mode is performed on the “middle stage”, it is definitely estimated that the notice effect of the transition destination is the pre-reading effect B.
At this time, it is preferable that the prefetch effect B is set to have a larger value than the prefetch effect A. As a result, the player's willingness does not decrease due to the above estimation, but the expectation for the big win can be increased.

In addition, as described above, the first notice effect includes a pseudo-continuous effect (continuous notice effect) in which the symbol change display is intermittently repeated in one symbol change game. The lottery (step S110) related to the rendition has the following characteristics.
That is, as shown in FIG. 11 or FIG. 12, when transitioning from the development effect to the pseudo-continuous effect, the expected value of the number of display of the variable display in the pseudo-continuous effect differs for each development mode determined by the lottery.

More specifically, when the pseudo-continuous effect A is performed (when the lottery table in FIG. 11 is referred to), two or more fluctuation displays (“pseudo-continuous 2”, “pseudo-continuous 3”, “pseudo-continuous 4”) ) In the first development mode is a three-time or more fluctuation display (“pseudo-run 3”, “pseudo-run 4”), and the second development mode is in a four-time (maximum number) fluctuation display (“pseudo-run 4”). )) Is associated with each third development mode.
Further, when the pseudo-continuous effect B is performed (when the lottery table of FIG. 12 is referred to), all the development modes are associated with two or more fluctuation displays, but the third development mode> second development. Aspect> In order of the first development aspect, the expected value of the number of times is set to increase.
Since the setting is as described above, when a transition is made from the development effect to the pseudo-continuous effect, the number of times of variation display in the pseudo-continuous effect can be estimated to some extent by the development mode.

  In addition, as already mentioned, the first notice effect is a step-up notice effect in which a display effect different from the variable display of the symbol progresses through a plurality of stages, and the expected value for winning a big hit increases with each progress. (First step-up effect and second step-up effect) are included.

  More specifically, the lottery table shown in FIG. 13 is a lottery table that is referred to when the first step-up effect in which the number of stages advanced in step S112 is determined to be four is executed. When the lottery in step S116 is performed using the lottery table and it is determined that the development effect is to be performed (when development modes other than the development effect “none” are selected), the development effect is generated in the selected development mode. After being executed, the process proceeds to the fourth stage of the first step-up effect. That is, the effect before the third stage of the first step-up effect is omitted.

  The lottery table shown in FIG. 14 is a lottery table that is referred to when the second step-up effect in which the number of stages advanced in step S114 is determined to be two stages is executed. When the lottery in step S116 is performed using the lottery table and it is determined that the development effect is to be performed (when development modes other than the development effect “none” are selected), the development effect is generated in the selected development mode. After being executed, the second stage of the second step-up effect is executed. That is, the first stage effect of the second step-up effect is omitted.

Here, the case where the final stage of the first step-up effect and the second step-up effect is drawn is mentioned here, but the above-described process may be executed when the midway stage is drawn.
For example, when it is determined in step S112 that the number of stages in which the first step-up effect progresses is three, and it is determined in step S116 that the development effect is performed in the lottery, After the development effect is executed, the third step of the first step-up effect may be entered.

  The processing described so far can be summarized and expressed as follows. That is, the step-up notice effect (first step-up effect and second step-up effect) performed after transition from the development effect may be performed in a plurality of stages in the step-up notice effect performed without the development effect. It may start from the stage or the final stage.

It can be obtained by the development effect by providing a difference between the aspect of the step-up notice effect performed by shifting from the development effect as in the above processing and the aspect of the step-up notice effect performed without the development effect. It can enhance the interest.
In addition, by shortening the execution time of the development effect and the step-up notice effect that has occurred, it is possible to increase the game execution speed and increase the sense of game speed.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 14, in any of the notice effects, when the “special figure” is “probable variation” or “non-probability variation”, that is, the big hit lottery unit 131 In the special symbol variation game won in the case of “no pseudo-ream” and “normal variation”, the development effect is not performed.
In this case, the effect control unit 220 of the present embodiment executes a dedicated “collision effect”, so that the development effect is set so as not to interfere with the effect.

  Since the development aspect of the development effect is determined by the development effect lottery having the characteristics described above, each notice effect executed by the gaming machine 10 (the effect control unit 220) is an interest of the player. Can be suitably increased.

  In the development effect lottery described above, the development mode of the development effect is determined without considering the game state (probability change state or shortage state) controlled by the game state control unit 140. The development aspect of the development effect may be determined in consideration of the presence / absence of the change and the presence / absence of the variable state. That is, in each lottery table shown in FIG. 9 to FIG. 14, the presence / absence of the probability variation state and the presence / absence of the variation state may be added to the items in the row direction (lateral direction).

  Moreover, the lottery probability shown in each lottery table shown in FIGS. 9 to 14 is an example, and is not limited to this. Therefore, these lottery probabilities may be set as appropriate in accordance with the gameability of the gaming machine 10.

<Relationship between occurrence probability of each notice effect and winning probability of jackpot game>
So far, each notice effect controlled by the effect control unit 220 in the present embodiment has been described. The relationship between the occurrence probability of these notice effects and the winning probability of the jackpot game affects the gameability of the gaming machine 10. Hereinafter, two patterns that can be taken by the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment are shown, and the game playability in each case will be described.

  The first pattern is set as follows. That is, when the development effect is performed, the probability of shifting to the first notice effect is set higher than the probability that the first notice effect is performed without going through the development effect. The probability that the big hit game is executed when the first notice effect is performed is set to be higher when the development effect is performed than when the development effect is not performed.

  In this pattern, when comparing the case where the development effect is routed with the case where it is not, the former is more likely to lead to a big hit win from the first notice effect. Embracing. In addition, the expectation is further increased at the time when the development mode that easily shifts to the first notice performance (the development performance performed in the “early stage” in the present embodiment) is performed. That is, the interest of the player can be increased step by step.

  The second pattern is set as follows. That is, when the development effect is performed, the probability of shifting to the first notice effect is set higher than the probability that the first notice effect is performed without going through the development effect. The probability that the big hit game is executed when the first notice effect is performed is set to be lower when the development effect is performed than when the development effect is not performed.

  When the development effect occurs in the pattern, the frequency of shifting to the first notice effect increases, while the probability that the first notice effect itself leads to a big win is reduced. Therefore, at the time when the development effect is introduced, the player has a slight sense of expectation, but at the time when the development mode (the development effect performed in the “early stage” in this embodiment) is easily shifted to the first notice effect. Expectation is reduced to some extent. Furthermore, if the winning of the big hit game becomes clear, the interest will increase again. That is, the interest of the player goes up and down in the same symbol variation game, and the interest of the game can be enhanced by the drop.

  Regardless of which of the two patterns described above, the gaming machine 10 (production control unit 220) of the present embodiment can realize a notice effect that can appropriately arouse the interest of the player.

Although the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has been described as a so-called pachinko machine, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called slot machine.
At this time, the symbol variation game is symbol variation on the reel unit, the continuous notice effect (first notice effect) is a reel rotation effect during so-called freeze control, and the second notice effect is bonus game or ART (assist replay). It is a sign production of (time).

This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1) Control means for executing effects related to the symbol variation game, symbols are displayed in a plurality of columns, the symbol variation display is started in response to the start of the symbol variation game, and the symbol variation game ends. And the symbol display means for stopping and displaying the stop pattern constituted by the combination of symbols, and the effect performed by the control means excludes one of the plurality of columns. The combination of symbols predetermined in the other columns is stopped, and the reach effect in which the symbol variation display is performed in the one column, and the reach effect can be executed in the symbol variation game to be executed. The first notice effect, the second notice effect for notifying that the reach effect can be performed after the symbol variation game to be executed, and the first notice effect or the second notice effect are performed. Development that is a common display effect that is performed before execution of the first notice effect or the second notice effect in at least a part of the symbol variation game that is developed from a common introduction mode to a plurality of development modes A plurality of development modes are determined by lottery, and the distribution of the ratio of transition from the development effect to the first notice effect or the second notice effect is determined for each development mode. Different gaming machines.
(2) The first notice effect includes a continuous notice effect in which the symbol change display is intermittently repeated in the one symbol change game, and the transition from the development effect to the continuous notice effect is performed. The gaming machine according to (1), wherein an expected value of the number of times of display of the symbol change display in the continuous notice effect is different for each of the development modes determined by lottery.
(3) The first notice is provided with a jackpot lottery means for performing a jackpot winning lottery and a jackpot game control means for executing a jackpot game after the symbol stop display when the lottery by the jackpot lottery means is won. The effects include a step-up notice effect in which a display effect different from the symbol variation display progresses through a plurality of stages, and the expected value for winning the jackpot increases each time it progresses. (1) or (2), wherein the step-up notice effect that is performed after the transition is started from the middle stage or the final stage of the plurality of stages that can be performed in the step-up notice effect that is performed without passing through the development effect. The gaming machine described in 1.
(4) The second notice effect is provided in a plurality of ways, and the development effect is shifted from the development effect to one of the second notice effects in a different ratio for each of the development aspects of the development effect. The continuous notice effect is provided in a plurality of ways, and the development effect is shifted from the development effect to any one of the continuous notice effects at a different ratio for each development mode of the development effect, and a part of the development (2) or (2) subordinate to (2), wherein the development effect performed in an aspect can be shifted only to either the continuous notice effect or the second notice effect. Game machines.
(5) comprising a jackpot lottery means for performing a lottery winning lottery, and a jackpot game control means for executing a jackpot game after a stop display of the symbol when winning the lottery by the jackpot lottery means, The probability of transition to the first notice effect when set is higher than the probability that the first notice effect is performed without going through the development effect, and the first notice effect is performed. The probability that the jackpot game is executed in the event that the game is played is set to be higher when the development effect is performed than when the development effect is not passed. The gaming machine described in 1.
(6) comprising a jackpot lottery means for performing a jackpot winning lottery, and a jackpot game control means for executing a jackpot game after a stop display of the symbol when winning the lottery by the jackpot lottery means, The probability of shifting to the first notice effect when the development effect is performed is set higher than the probability that the first notice effect is performed without going through the development effect, and the first notice effect The probability that the jackpot game is executed when the development effect is performed is set to be lower when the development effect is performed than when the development effect is not performed, any of (1) to (4) A gaming machine according to any one of the above.
(A) When the control means determines to perform either the first notice effect or the second notice effect in the symbol variation game, the determined first notice effect or the second notice effect is determined. The first notice is determined after the lottery is drawn with different drawing probabilities to determine the development mode of the development effect, and the development effect is executed in the selected development mode. The gaming machine according to (1), wherein an effect or the second notice effect is executed.
(B) The gaming machine according to (a), in which some of the development modes are lottery caused by the second notice effect and are not drawn by the first notice effect.
(C) There are a plurality of the second notice effects, and the development effects are selected with different lottery probabilities depending on whether the second notice effect or the other second notice effect is shifted to. The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the development mode is selected by lottery.
(D) A plurality of the continuous notice effects are provided, and the development aspects of the development effects with different lottery probabilities due to the transition to one of the continuous notice effects or the other continuous notice effects. The gaming machine according to (2), in which is drawn.

10 gaming machine 15 outer frame 20 front frame 21 hinge mechanism 23 cylinder lock 25 transparent member 27 upper ball tray 29 lower ball tray 31 operation handle 32 upper frame portion 33 (33a, 33b) speaker 34, 36 left right frame portion 35 (35a) 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g) Illuminating device 37 Button 39 Ball removal mechanism 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 55, 56 Grand prize opening 57 First start opening 59 Second start Mouth 61 Normal electric accessory 63 Actuating gate 65, 66 Special electric accessory 67 (67a, 67b, 67c) Normal winning opening 69 Out port 70 Dispensing mechanism 80 Production display device 90 Symbol display device 91 Special symbol display device 91a First Special symbol display device 91b Second special symbol display device 92 Normal symbol display device SW1 First start switch SW2 Second Start port switch SW3 Normal symbol variation switch SW4, SW6 Count switch SW5 Normal winning port switch AC1, AC2, AC3 Actuator 100 Main control unit 110 Sub command generation unit 111 First special figure lottery value acquisition unit 112 Second special figure lottery value acquisition Unit 113 Normal drawing lottery value acquisition unit 115 Fluctuation pattern determination unit 116 Prefetch command determination unit 120 Special figure hold control unit 130 Special figure lottery control unit 131 Big hit lottery unit 132 Special figure selection unit 133 Big hit game control unit 140 Game state control unit 141 Winning probability control unit 142 Variation control unit 150 Symbol display control unit 151 First special figure display control unit 152 Second special figure display control unit 153 Universal figure display control unit 160 Universal figure hold control part 170 Universal figure lottery control part 171 Lottery unit 172 Common figure selection unit 173 Per game control unit 180 Normal power control unit 190 Special Role controller 220 effect control unit 230 payout controller X first passage Y second flow path

Claims (6)

Control means for executing effects related to the symbol variation game;
Display symbols in a plurality of columns, start the symbol variation display in response to the start of the symbol variation game, stop the variation display by the end of the symbol variation game, and stop including the combination of symbols Pattern display means for stopping and displaying the pattern,
In the production performed by the control means,
Reach effect in which the combination of the symbols predetermined in the other columns excluding one column among the plurality of columns is stopped, and the symbols are displayed in a variable manner in the one row,
A first notice effect that can be executed with the reach effect in the symbol variation game to be executed;
A second notice effect for notifying that the reach effect can be performed after the symbol variation game to be executed;
In at least a part of the symbol variation game in which the first notice effect or the second notice effect is performed, a common display effect that is performed before the execution of the first notice effect or the second notice effect, And development effects that develop from an introduction mode into multiple development modes,
The plurality of development modes are determined by lottery,
A gaming machine in which a distribution of a ratio of transition from the development effect to the first notice effect or the second notice effect is different for each of the development modes. The first notice effect includes a continuous notice effect that intermittently repeats the change display of the symbol in one symbol change game.
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein when transitioning from the development effect to the continuous notice effect, the expected value of the number of times of display of the symbol variation in the continuous notice effect differs for each of the development modes determined by lottery. A jackpot lottery means for performing a jackpot winning lottery;
When winning the lottery by the jackpot lottery means, comprises a jackpot game control means for executing a jackpot game after the stop display of the symbol,
The first notice effect includes a step-up notice effect in which a display effect different from the variation display of the symbol progresses through a plurality of stages, and the expected value for winning the jackpot increases with each progress. ,
The step-up notice effect performed in transition from the development effect starts from an intermediate stage or a final stage of the plurality of stages that can be performed in the step-up notice effect performed without the development effect. 2. The gaming machine according to 2. A plurality of the second notice effects are provided, and the development effects are shifted from the development effects to any one of the second notice effects at a different ratio for each of the development aspects of the development effects.
The continuous notice effect is provided in a plurality of ways, and transitions from the development effect to any one of the continuous notice effects at a different ratio for each of the development aspects of the development effect,
The development effect performed in some of the development modes is dependent on claim 2 or claim 2 so that only one of the continuous notice effect and the second notice effect can be transferred. The gaming machine according to claim 3. A jackpot lottery means for performing a jackpot winning lottery;
When winning the lottery by the jackpot lottery means, comprises a jackpot game control means for executing a jackpot game after the stop display of the symbol,
The probability of transition to the first notice effect when the development effect is performed is set higher than the probability that the first notice effect is performed without going through the development effect, and
The probability that the jackpot game is executed when the first notice effect is performed is set to be higher when the development effect is performed than when the development effect is not performed. 5. The gaming machine according to any one of 4. A jackpot lottery means for performing a jackpot winning lottery;
When winning the lottery by the jackpot lottery means, comprises a jackpot game control means for executing a jackpot game after the stop display of the symbol,
The probability of transition to the first notice effect when the development effect is performed is set higher than the probability that the first notice effect is performed without going through the development effect, and
The probability that the jackpot game is executed when the first notice effect is performed is set to be lower when the development effect is performed than when the development effect is not performed. 5. The gaming machine according to any one of 4.

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