JP5991306B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and in particular, can be applied to a so-called seven machine, a winged article, a right article, or a ball-type gaming machine such as an arrangement ball.

A ball-type gaming machine (pachinko machine) usually has a start winning device and a big winning device arranged in a game area. In such a gaming machine, determination of success / failure is performed using a random number for determination acquired when a game ball enters the start winning device, and a symbol variable game is started using a special symbol display means. Is done. Then, when the execution time of the symbol variable game has elapsed, the result of the determination of success or failure is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means. Also, this kind of gaming machine is usually
In addition to the special symbol display means, there is provided an effect display means for performing a symbol variation effect or a jackpot game effect using an effect symbol (pseudo symbol, etc.). “Result” is notified.

When the result of the determination is “winning”, the gaming machine starts a big hit game, and an open operation is performed on the big winning device in the closed state. After the opening operation is started, the opening operation is once completed when a predetermined number of game balls are won in the big winning device or a predetermined time has elapsed, and one “big hit round” is completed. To do. When this “big hit round” is repeated a predetermined number of times (number of rounds), this gaming machine ends the big hit game. Hereinafter, a game ball entering a start prize device may be referred to as a “start prize”.

By the way, even when a new random number for determination is acquired during the execution of the symbol variation game or jackpot game, it is not in a state where a new symbol variation game can be started immediately. Until the start timing of the base symbol variation game comes, it is stored in the hold storage means as hold (hold information). The hold storage means stores the determination random number obtained due to the start winning as a hold (hold information) while limiting the predetermined upper limit number, and digests the determination random number (hold). When the timing arrives, the random number to be processed first is read from the random numbers for determination stored in the holding storage means, and is used as a target for determination of success or failure.

Among such gaming machines, prior determination (so-called hold prefetching) is performed on the determination random number stored in the hold storage means as hold (hold information) prior to the start of the symbol variation game based on the hold. An effect that suggests the result of prior judgment (so-called prefetching effect)
Is performed by effect display means or the like. Specifically, the so-called “pending notice effect” or the so-called “
A gaming machine that performs “continuous notice effect” or the like as “prefetch effect” has been proposed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-8597 A

However, this kind of look-ahead production has become uniform, and it is difficult to enhance the game entertainment. That is, the conventional “look-ahead effect” is limited to suggesting “successful occurrence of big hits”, and it is difficult to increase the player's expectation. Therefore, the advent of a new production method that can enhance the entertainment interest of the game machine while making use of the reservation prefetch function of the gaming machine is desired.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of enhancing the gaming interest while making use of the hold prefetching function.

The gaming machine according to claim 1,
Based on the game ball entering the starting port, a special symbol is variably displayed until a predetermined variation time elapses, and a symbol variation game is executed to execute a symbol variation game indicating the result of winning or losing as the variation display ends. Execution means;
Effect execution means for executing a predetermined effect in accordance with the symbol variation game;
A jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game capable of acquiring a prize ball based on the entry of a game ball into the jackpot when the result of the symbol variation game is a winning;
When a game ball enters the starting port during the execution of the symbol variation game or the jackpot game, the symbol variation game corresponding to the entered ball is to be executed after the currently executed symbol variation game or jackpot game ends. Holding storage means for storing as holding;
Pre-determining means for making a pre-determination of holding stored in the holding storage means
A gaming machine equipped with
A hold that is being executed in accordance with a certain symbol variation game and is scheduled to be more advantageous to the player than the result of the certain symbol variation game in the hold stored in the hold storage means. Is included, a predetermined special effect is generated during the execution of the effect ,
When the predetermined special effect occurs during the execution of an effect tailored to a certain symbol variation game, after the effect according to the effect pattern selected at the start of the certain symbol variation game is replaced with another effect, It is configured to be generated as an effect in accordance with the certain symbol variation game .

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a gaming machine capable of enhancing the gaming interest while making use of the hold prefetching function.

It is a front view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. In the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention, it is a perspective view showing an outer frame, a main body frame, a front frame, a dish member (an upper dish member, a lower dish member). It is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a main body frame and the like in the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows the game board of the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows roughly the display screen of the effect display apparatus of the game machine which concerns on each Example. (A) And (c) is a front view which shows schematically the variable start prize-winning apparatus. (A) is a front view schematically showing a lower display device of a gaming machine according to each embodiment, and (b) is a special symbol variable display mode executed by the lower display device of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. (C) is explanatory drawing which shows the variable display mode of the auxiliary | assistant symbol performed on the display screen of the presentation display apparatus of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on Examples 1-3. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used by the special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st big hit lottery) of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used by the special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd big hit lottery) of the game machine which concerns on each Example. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of a pseudo | simulation symbol. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a holding | maintenance situation, a symbol variation game, a symbol variation effect, etc. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a holding | maintenance situation, a symbol variation game, a symbol variation effect, etc. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a holding | maintenance situation, a symbol variation game, a symbol variation effect, etc. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that a command was output from the main control part in the gaming machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game control process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the normal electric accessory game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of the game machine which concerns on Examples 1-3. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the success / failure determination process of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol change start process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the variation pattern table for jackpots which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the fluctuation pattern table for deviation concerning each Example (except Example 3). It is a flowchart which shows the big hit game process of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the jackpot game end of the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the production control processing of the gaming machine according to each embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process at the time of occurrence of a hold in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process at the time of holding | maintenance generation | occurrence | production. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the process at the time of holding | maintenance generation | occurrence | production. It is a flowchart which shows the symbol change effect process of the game machine which concerns on each Example (except Example 3). It is a flowchart which shows the replacement possible time monitoring process of each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect performed with the game machine which concerns on a modification. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect performed with the game machine which concerns on Example 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a deviation variation pattern table according to the second embodiment. In Example 3, it is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship of a holding | maintenance situation, a symbol change game, a symbol change effect, etc. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect performed with the game machine which concerns on Example 3. FIG. In Example 3, it is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship of a holding | maintenance situation, a symbol change game, a symbol change effect, etc. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation effect performed with the game machine which concerns on Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of holding | maintenance generation of Example 3. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of holding | maintenance generation of Example 3. It is a flowchart which shows the design fluctuation effect process of the game machine which concerns on Example 3. FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic control device according to a fourth embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of the game machine which concerns on Example 4. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of holding | maintenance generation | occurrence | production of Example 4.

Hereinafter, an embodiment showing the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, specific examples in which the present invention is applied to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 referred to as a “seven machine” will be described.

(1) Mechanical structure a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H (
Aircraft). The outer frame 2 is an outer frame body 2 constituted by a substantially rectangular frame.
1 and a front plate portion 22 that covers the lower part of the front surface of the outer frame main body 21.

The gaming machine main body H is rotatably assembled to the left end side of the outer frame 2 using upper and lower hinges H1 and H2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and as shown in FIG. 2, the main body frame 3, the front frame 4, and the dish member integrated with the front frame 4. (Upper plate member 5 and lower plate member 6) 5A, game board 10 (see FIG. 4), back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 3) and the like are the main parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body frame 3 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. still,
As shown in FIG. 1, a locking device 7 is attached to the right end side of the main body frame 3. In FIG. 2, the outer frame 2, the main body frame 3, the front frame 4, and the dish member 5 </ b> A are illustrated, and the game board 10 and the back mechanism board 102 are not shown.

The main body frame 3 is entirely made of plastic, and is constituted by a frame-like body as shown in FIG. The main body frame 3 includes a frame main body portion 3b including a window portion 3M in an upper half portion, and a protruding portion 3c protruding in a substantially rectangular frame shape from the back surface portion of the frame main body portion 3b. And the main body frame 3 comprises the holding | maintenance part for hold | maintaining the game board 10 using this protrusion part 3c. That is, the protrusion 3c
The holding tool 3f is provided on the upper and lower sides of the window portion 3M and on the right and left sides of the window portion 3M.
Is mounted in a rotatable state, and the game board 10 is held by the main body frame 3 by bringing the protruding end of the holder 3f into contact with the rear surface of the game board 10.

When the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10, the “game area 11 formed on the front surface portion 10a of the game board 10” can be viewed from the front of the main body frame 3 through the window 3M. Further, a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 3) is mounted on the back surface portion of the game board 10 to cover the back surface portion. The back pack 102 is pivotally supported by the middle frame 3 so that it can be opened and closed. The back pack 102 has a “game ball tank for storing game balls” and a “pay game ball to the upper plate member 5”. A “game ball payout device for taking out”, “a case containing various control boards (main control board 200 to be described later)” and the like are mounted.

As shown in FIG. 2, the front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 4 has a visual recognition window 41a at the center thereof. This viewing window 41a is provided in a state penetrating the front and rear of the front frame 4, and a gaming area 11 (a substantially circular gaming area 11 in front view) formed on the board surface of the gaming board 10 is opened in a shape that can be seen from the front. When the front frame 4 is closed, the game area 11 located behind the front frame 4 can be viewed from the front through the viewing window 41a.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 includes a frame main body 41, a glass plate 43 (see FIG. 3) attached to the frame main body 41, and a holder for holding the glass plate 43 on the frame main body 41. (Not shown). Further, in the gaming machine 1, as shown in FIG. 2, “a plate member 5 </ b> A in which the upper plate member 5 and the lower plate member 6 are integrated” is integrated with the front frame 4, and the front frame with respect to the main body frame 3. 4
And can be opened and closed together. However, the plate member 5 </ b> A may be mounted below the mounting portion of the front frame 4 in the main body frame 3 so that it can be opened and closed separately from the front frame 4. Moreover, the upper plate member 5 and the lower plate member 6 are provided separately, and are disposed below the mounting portion of the front frame 4 in the main body frame 3.
The upper plate member 5 disposed above may be opened and closed separately from the front frame 4, and the lower plate member 6 disposed below may not be opened and closed.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, speakers SP 1,
SP2 (see FIG. 9) is attached, and speakers SP3, SP4 (
(See FIG. 9). And in this gaming machine 1, these speakers SP1
Use SP4 to generate sound effects and other sounds (voices) according to the gaming state. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, in the front surface portion of the front frame 4, a location that constitutes the position of the upper plate member 5 is provided with a receiving port 5 b for receiving a game ball discharged from the gaming machine 1. Yes. Furthermore,
A ball rental display substrate 410 (see FIG. 8) and an effect button substrate 228 (see FIG. 9) are provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and an “effect button SW” is arranged on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5. (See FIG. 2).

As shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the dish member 5 </ b> A below the upper dish member 5 constitutes the lower dish member 6. At the approximate center of the lower plate member 6, a receiving port 6 a for receiving a game ball discharged from the upper plate member 5 is provided in the inside of the substantially container shape. A firing handle 9 is provided on the right end side of the lower plate member 6. The launcher unit 9 is located on the rear side of the front surface of the main body frame 3 (inside the main body frame 3) and on the left end side below the game board 10.
0 (see FIG. 4) is disposed, and a launching handle 9 is connected to the launching unit 90. Here, the launcher unit 90 is for launching a game ball sent out from a ball feeder (not shown) substantially vertically upward to reach the game area 11. Also,
The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch (touch sensor) 9a for detecting that the player is touching, and in the vicinity thereof, a launch stop switch 9b for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball. Is installed.

b. Next, the configuration of the game board 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 10 includes a game board main body 10A configured using a substantially rectangular plywood in front view, and various board components (the outer rail 12, the inner rail 13, and the main accessory attached to the game board main body 10A. Device 20 etc.) is mounted. Note that a sheet-like object on which a cell image is printed is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A, but the illustration is omitted.

The game board main body 10A includes a region forming part 10B and a region forming part 10B that are substantially circular in a front view.
And 10 C of the area | region exterior located in the circumference | surroundings. In addition, an outer rail 12 and an inner rail 13 that are both configured using a band-shaped metal plate are disposed on the front surface of the game board main body 10A. And the front part (game board surface) of the area | region formation part 10B comprises the game area | region 11, being substantially enclosed by the substantially circular surrounding wall which this outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 form.

While the inner rail 13 is arranged in a substantially U shape, the game board main body 10A is disposed at the upper left portion at the left end portion, and the “game” between the “upper left portion of the outer rail 12” located on the left side thereof. A “gap through which a sphere can pass” is provided to form a ball entrance 11S. Further, the left end portion of the outer rail 12 is disposed close to the upper left of the ball outlet 96j of the launcher unit 90. The portion of the outer rail 12 that is disposed outside the inner rail 13 is the outer rail 12.
A path that rises diagonally to the left from the left end of the inner rail 13 is drawn, and when reaching the side of the right end of the inner rail 13, the path is lifted while being changed to an arc-shaped path substantially parallel to the inner rail 13. It has reached the upper right part of the game board main body 10A beyond the side of 11S.

The upper end portion of the auxiliary rail 13 </ b> B is integrated with the outer surface portion of the inner rail 13. Then, the “passage formed between the auxiliary rail 13B and the portion of the outer rail 12 substantially parallel to the auxiliary rail 13B” and the “passage formed between the outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 above it reach the ball entrance 11S. The “passage” continuously forms the guide route Y. The lower end of the guide path Y communicates with the “ball outlet 96j of the launcher unit 90” and rises leftward from the lower end to rise “outside of the inner rail 13 (on the left side)” It passes through the outside of the rail 13 in the clockwise direction and reaches the ball entrance 11S.

In the area forming unit 10B (the part located in the game area 11 in the game board 10), the main accessory device 20, the normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, and the first start winning device 17
a, second start winning device 17b, large winning device 31, lower display device 60, three general winning devices 40, 41, 43, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), windmill 19 and the like Is arranged.

The main accessory device 20 includes an attachment member (decorative plate) 21 and an effect display device 27. Among these, the attachment member 21 is comprised by the plate-shaped body with which the front part of the area | region formation part 10B is mounted | worn, and comprises the upper half center part of the game area | region 11 as shown in FIG. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a window portion forming hole 21d, and the window portion forming hole 21d constitutes a display window 21e. The display window 21e is substantially rectangular when viewed from the front.

As shown in FIG. 4, the stage member 21 p is attached to the lower edge portion of the attachment member 21 so as to protrude forward, and the decorative member 21 </ b> A is attached to the other part of the peripheral portion of the attachment member 21. It is mounted in a state of protruding. The decorative member 21A includes a flange portion 21H protruding from the upper edge portion of the mounting member 21, a left decorative portion 21L protruding from the left edge portion of the mounting member 21, and a right decorative portion protruding from the right edge portion of the mounting member 21. 21R.

A game ball passage (a so-called “warp passage”) 21w is formed inside the left decorative portion 21L. That is, in the left side surface portion of the left decorative portion 21L, the entrance (not shown) of the passage 21w opens obliquely upward to the left, and the game ball flowing down the game area 11 is received at this entrance, and the stage It makes it approach on the part 21p (inside the main accessory apparatus 20). Moreover, the stage part 21p comprises the rolling surface of a game ball by the upper surface part. The rolling surface is configured as an inclined surface that descends from the left and right end portions toward the central portion, and is a raised portion that slightly protrudes upward at the central portion of the rolling surface.

In the gaming machine 1, the game ball that has flowed down the game area 11 and reached the left end of the rolling surface through the passage 21w rolls right on the rolling surface, and further rolls leftward. . Then, when the momentum of the game ball has declined, this game ball is discharged out of the main accessory device 20, but most of the game balls discharged from the center of the rolling surface are first started with a certain probability. The winning device 17a is won (described later). Among the game balls that flow down the game area 11 and win the first start winning device 17a, those that enter the first start winning device 17a without entering the main winning device 17a and the main winning feature After entering the device 20 and rolling on the stage portion 21p, the first start winning device 1
There is something to win 7a.

The effect display device 27 constitutes a specific example of “effect means”, is configured using a liquid crystal display device, and executes a symbol change effect linked to a special symbol change display and a stop display in the lower display device 60. . In the present embodiment, the lower display device 60 (first special symbol display section 62a
The second special symbol display unit 62b) performs the symbol variation game using the special symbol (the main symbol), and the effect display device 27 uses the pseudo symbol (one specific example of the effect element) to vary the symbol. Produce. Here, in the following description, the special symbol (main symbol) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a is referred to as “first special symbol” and the special symbol (book) displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b. Symbol) is referred to as “second special symbol”. The details of the first special symbol and the second special symbol will be described later.

The display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 can display various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. On this display screen 27a, as shown in FIG. 5, a pseudo-symbol display area 27b in which three (three-digit) pseudo-symbols are displayed, and a symbol indicating the background (hereinafter referred to as a background symbol).
May appear as a background display area 27c. In the pseudo symbol display area 27b, three pseudo symbols are displayed side by side in the horizontal direction, and effect display and stop display using these “pseudo symbols” are performed. Further, in the background display area 27c, there may be a case where a symbol indicating a character (hereinafter referred to as a character symbol) is displayed as a background symbol, or a live-action image (not shown) is displayed. These “pseudo symbols” and the like indicate specific examples of “rendering elements” displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. "Variation production" and "Big hit production" are realized.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the position on the right end side near the lower edge on the display screen 27a is
A first auxiliary symbol display area A variably displayed in conjunction with a first special symbol display section 62a described later, and a second auxiliary symbol display area B variably displayed in conjunction with a second special symbol display section 62b described later.
And appear. In these auxiliary symbol display areas A and B, after the auxiliary symbol using the mosaic pattern is displayed in a variable manner in conjunction with the corresponding special symbol display portions 62a and 62b (first special symbol and second special symbol). The variable display is stopped simultaneously with the corresponding special symbol display parts 62a and 62b. When the variable display is stopped, the stop symbol of the auxiliary symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the result of the determination of success / failure is displayed based on the stop symbol. However, since there are many types of stop symbols, and each stop symbol is misleading, the player can understand the meaning of the stop symbol (whether it is a big hit, miss, probability change big hit, etc.) Have difficulty. In addition, auxiliary symbol display area A,
The content specified by the stop symbol fixedly displayed on B is the corresponding special symbol display part 62a.
, 62b (the first special symbol, the second special symbol) is the same as the content specified by the stop display.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the display screen 27a has a first position near the left edge.
A hold display area (D1, D2, D3, D4) appears, and the second position is at the upper position near the right edge.
On-hold display areas (E1, E2, E3, E4) may appear. In the first hold display area (D1 to D4), the number of holds (hereinafter referred to as “first hold number”) related to the “first special symbol” generated due to winning in the first start winning device 17a. “4” is displayed as the upper limit number, and in the second hold display area (E1 to E4), the hold number (hereinafter referred to as “ "Second hold number") is displayed with "4" as the upper limit number. Note that a display unit for displaying the first hold number and a display unit for displaying the second hold number can be provided outside the display screen 27a. Further, in the following description, a game ball winning in the first start winning device 17a and a game ball winning in the second start winning device 17b may be referred to as “start winning”.

The first hold display area (D1 to D4) includes a first display portion D1 and a second display from the bottom to the top.
The display unit D2, the third display unit D3, and the fourth display unit D4 are arranged. Second
The hold display areas (E1 to E4) also have a configuration in which a first display unit E1, a second display unit E2, a third display unit E3, and a fourth display unit E4 are arranged from the bottom to the top. . Each display unit (D1 to D4, E1 to E4) can display a figure with a sphere (perfect circle).

Any of the hold display areas (D1 to D4, E1 to E4) won the start winning devices 17a and 17b, but the number of game balls that have not yet been digested (that is, the number of hold) D1-D4
, E1 to E4 "and the number of" undigested game balls "(the number of reserves) is sequentially decremented and displayed each time an undigested game ball is digested. Specifically, when the number of holdings is “1”, only the display part (D1, E1) with subscript 1 is used, and when the number of holdings is “2”, the display part with subscript 1 ( D1, E1) and the display part (D2, E2) with the subscript 2 are used. Furthermore, when the number of reservations is “3”, display units other than the display unit with subscript 4 (D1 to D3, E1 to E3) are used, and when the number of reservations is “4”, all display units (
D1-D4, E1-E4) are used. In addition, if the number of holds decreases from “4” to “3”
Stop using the display part (D4, E4) with the subscript 4 and stop using the display part (D3, E3) with the subscript 3 when the number of holdings decreases from "3" to "2" . In addition, the number of holds is “2”
When the number is reduced from “1” to “1”, the use of the display part (D2, E2) with the subscript 2 is stopped, and when the holding number is reduced from “1” to “zero”, all the display parts (D1 to D4) , E1 to E4). The “undigested game balls (holding balls)” related to each special symbol are won in the start winning devices 17a and 17b, but the symbol changing game accompanying the winning is performed in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b. Refers to a non-playing game ball.

The first start winning device 17a is a non-variable (fixed) start winning device and has an opening (
A pocket shape having a first start opening) is provided. And since this 1st starting port is located in the vertical part of the center part of the stage part 21p (rolling surface), the game ball which falls from the center part passes through this 1st starting port, and becomes a 1st start winning prize. The probability of winning the device 17 is increased. In addition, a start winning detection switch 17s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the first start winning device 17. In addition, the size of the opening of the first start winning device 17a is set to allow passage of one game ball, and the size is not enlarged or reduced. For this reason, the winning possibility of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a is fixed.

The second start winning device 17b is a variable (open / close) start winning device, and is disposed immediately below the first start winning device 17a. As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the second start winning device 17b is mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 17c and the mounting plate 17c fixed to the game board body 10A by screws, and the second starting winning device 17b. A normal electric accessory 17d that constitutes the inlet side portion and an obstruction member 17k attached to the front surface of the mounting plate 17c.

The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip type pair of movable wing pieces 1 arranged on the left and right.
7e, 17e, and a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c (see FIG. 8) for operating the pair of movable blade pieces 17e, 17e. Among these, the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e can be opened to the left and right so that the upper end sides are separated from each other around the lower support shaft. When the movable wing pieces 17e, 17e are in a closed state where they are standing, the movable wing pieces 17
The interval between the upper ends of e and 17e is reduced. Further, when the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c is driven and the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are tilted so that the upper end sides are separated from each other with respect to the lower end side axis, the upper end portions of the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e. The space between them is enlarged, and an open state is established.

The obstruction member 17k is disposed vertically above the ordinary electric accessory 17d. In addition, a start winning detection switch 17t (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the second start winning device 17b.

As shown in FIG. 6 (a), when the second start winning device 17b is in a closed state, a space portion K1 that allows one game ball to pass between the upper ends of the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e. However, the obstacle member 17K is disposed vertically above the space K1. For this reason, it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17b in the closed state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6B, the second starting prize-winning device 17b is opened, and the pair of movable blade pieces 17
When e and 17e are opened to the left and right, the distance K1 between the upper end portions of the movable blade pieces 17e and 17e is larger than the full left and right width of the obstacle member 17K. For this reason, it is possible for the game balls that have passed through the left and right of the obstacle member 17K to win the second start winning device 17b.

In this gaming machine 1, when the second start winning device 17b is in an open state, the game balls flowing down the game area 11 can win the second start winning device 17b. Then, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode (described later) and the time for the second start winning device 17b to be in the open state becomes long, the probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b is the first. The probability of winning the 1-start winning device 17a is much higher. In this embodiment, the opening time of the second start winning device 17b in the open extension mode is set to “5 seconds”, and the opening time of the second start winning device 17b in the non-open extension mode (normal opening mode) is set to “0”. .2 seconds ".

On the other hand, as described above, when the second start winning device 17b is closed, it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17b, so that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is not the open extension mode. In this case, the probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b is the first start winning device 1
It is much lower than the probability of winning 7a. That is, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode, the case where the gaming ball wins the first start winning device 17a becomes a rare case, and when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is not the opening extension mode, 2 start winning device 17
The case that wins b is a rare case.

As shown in FIG. 4, a large winning device 31 is disposed below the second start winning device 17b. The special winning device 31 includes a mounting plate portion 31k attached to the front surface portion 10a of the game board 10. The mounting plate portion 31k is provided with a substantially band-like opening in a substantially central portion in a state of penetrating the front and back, and the opening constitutes a big prize opening 31a. The rear end portion of the grand prize winning port 31a is connected to a “large prize winning prize winning passage (not shown)”. In addition, "
The “big prize opening award passage” is a passage through which the game balls won from the big prize opening 31a pass. It is discharged outside the machine.

The grand prize winning device 31 includes an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the grand prize winning port 31a, a grand prize winning solenoid 31c (see FIG. 8) for driving the opening / closing plate 31b, and a prize winning passage winning path. A special winning opening winning detection switch 31s provided in the middle of the route or in the route terminal unit (FIG. 8).
Reference). When the opening / closing plate 31b is in the standing posture, the opening / closing plate 31b closes the large winning opening 31a in the large winning device 31, so that it is impossible to win a game ball in the large winning device 31. On the other hand, when the opening / closing plate 31b is tilted forward with its lower end portion as a fulcrum to assume a forward leaning posture, the big winning opening 31a is opened and the rear surface portion (back surface portion) of the opening / closing plate 31b is the gaming area 1.
1 is configured to guide a game ball that has reached the grand prize winning device 31 to the big prize winning opening 31a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lower display device 60 is arranged on the left side of the big winning device 31. As shown in FIG. 7A, the lower display device 60 includes an attachment plate 61 that is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A. The mounting plate 61 has a first special symbol display portion 62.
a, the second special symbol display unit 62b, the normal symbol display unit 63, and the first special symbol hold display unit 6
4a, the 2nd special symbol reservation display part 64b, the normal symbol reservation display part 65, etc. are provided. The first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b constitute a specific example of “special symbol display means”.

As shown in FIG. 7A, each of the first special symbol display unit 62a, the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the normal symbol display unit 63 is configured using a “7-segment display”. Among these, in the first special symbol display section 62a, “stop symbol of the first special symbol” indicating the result of the determination of success / failure executed due to the detection of the game ball by the first start opening winning detection switch 17s. However, the display is stopped after the change display. Further, in the second special symbol display section 62b, a “second special symbol stop symbol” indicating the result of the success / failure determination executed due to the detection of the game ball by the second start opening winning detection switch 17ts is displayed. Then, stop display after changing display. The contents of the display results of the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b will be described later. In addition, the result of the symbol variation game (result of the determination of success / failure) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the display result of the symbol variation effect displayed on the effect display device 27 (whether / not determined) The result of determination is assumed to match.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the normal symbol display unit 63 is configured by a “7-segment display”, and the symbol variation start condition is caused by the game ball passing through any of the normal symbol operation gates 16. When established, the normal symbol variation display is started. The fluctuation display of the normal symbol is performed by displaying the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” in this order in the normal symbol display unit 63 and then again “0”.
”To“ 9 ”are configured by“ circular display ”that repeats displaying the arithmetic numbers in this order. When the execution time of these variable displays elapses, the normal symbol stop symbol is executed for a certain period of time. At this time, when the stop symbol is “odd number”, it is a winning symbol, and when the stop symbol is “even number”, it is a missed symbol. The lottery means for performing the lottery to determine whether or not the ordinary electric accessory 17d should be opened is constituted by a main control unit 200A described later.

The first special symbol hold display unit 64a and the second special symbol hold display unit 64b are each configured by using two LEDs, and display the so-called “number of hold for a special symbol” with an upper limit of 4 each. is there. That is, the first special symbol hold display unit 64a sets the number of game balls that have won the first start winning device 17a but have not yet been digested (that is, the number of holds) to 4
In addition to displaying the maximum number of pieces, each time an undigested game ball (hold) is digested, the number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves) is sequentially decremented and displayed. The second special symbol hold display section 64b displays the number of game balls that have won the second start winning device 17b but cannot be digested yet (that is, the hold number) as an upper limit number of four, Each time an undigested game ball (hold) is digested, the number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves) is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, hold)” related to the special symbol (the first special symbol, the second special symbol) is the start winning device (17a or 17b).
), But in the special symbol display section (62a or 62b), it indicates a game ball that is not displayed as a result of the success / failure lottery (win / fail judgment) associated with the passage and the preceding variable display.

The normal symbol hold display unit 65 is also configured by using two LEDs and passes through the normal symbol operation gate 16, but the number of game balls still undigested (holding number) is displayed with the upper limit being four. Each time an undigested game ball is digested, the number of undigested game balls (reserved number) is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, “Undigested game balls (holding balls)” related to ordinary symbols
Means that the normal symbol operation gate 16 has been passed, but the normal symbol display unit 63 displays a lottery result associated with the passage (confirmed display of the lottery result symbol) and a variable display preceding this (in this embodiment, A game ball that is not displayed on the display using a 7-segment display.

The first special symbol hold display unit 64a, the second special symbol hold display unit 64b, and the normal symbol hold display unit 65 display the number of holds in the same manner. That is, (a) two LEDs are turned off to indicate that the “hold number” is “zero”, and (b) one LED is turned off while one LED is turned on, and “hold number”. Is “1”, (c) two LEDs are lit and “holding number” is “2”, (d) one LED is blinking
Each LED is turned on to indicate that the “holding number” is “3”, and (e) two LEDs are blinked to indicate that the “holding number” is “4”. The first hold display area (D1 to D1) described above.
The display content of 4) corresponds to the display content of the first special symbol hold display portion 64a, and the display content of the second hold display area (E1 to E4) corresponds to the display content of the second special symbol hold display portion 64b. To do.

Returning to FIG. 4, the three general winning devices 40, 41, 43 are arranged on the left and right of the main accessory device 20. In each of the general winning devices 40, 41, 43, general winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the winning of the game ball are arranged. Further, an out port 18 is provided below the game board 10. Further, a back ball preventing member (not shown) is provided below the out port 18. And the game ball which returned without reaching the game area 11 is prevented from returning to the launch position again.

(2) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
The control circuit of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 200A and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 240A,
260A). That is, the main control unit 200A configured using the main control board 200 and controlling the basic progress of the game and whether or not the prize ball is involved,
And a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 240A, 260A).

The sub-control unit is composed of (a) the sub-control board 220 and “sub control that controls various effects of the game using symbol display, lamp emission, sound effects, movement of moving objects, etc.” It is configured using the control unit 220A and (b) the effect display control board 222, and the symbol display,
An effect control unit 222A that controls various effects of the game using the light emission of the lamp, sound effects, movement of moving objects, and the like, and (c) a payout control board 240, and is used for lending and winning balls. A payout control unit 240A that controls the payout operation, and (d) a launch control unit 260A that uses the launch control board 260 and controls the game ball launch. The sub-control unit includes a primary sub-control unit (220A, 240A) directly connected to the main control unit 140 and a first control unit 200A connected to the main control unit 200A via the primary sub-control unit. There is a secondary sub-control unit (260A).

Control board (2) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 240A, 260A)
00, 220, 240, 260) is a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and C
ROM in which various programs and data executed by the PU are stored, RAM in which the CPU temporarily stores data when the program is executed, a peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, a CPU Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus, such as an oscillator that outputs a clock for performing calculations, a watchdog timer that monitors CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates interrupt signals Has been configured. Note that the directions of the arrows in FIGS. 8 to 10 indicate the directions in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 8, only the CPU 201, the RAM 202, and the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown. The PIO mounted on the main control board 200 and further the CPU mounted on another control board. And RAM, RO
Illustration of M and the like is omitted.

The main control part 200A (main control board 200) is a normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16.
s, the start opening winning detection switch 17s, the general winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, the big winning opening winning detection switch 31s, etc. After the determination, the sub control unit 200A (sub control board 220), the payout control part 240A (payout control board 240), and the firing control part 260A (launch control board 260)
Etc., various signals (commands) to be described later are output. In addition, the main control unit 200A (
The main control board 200) is also connected with a count switch 8s for detecting a game ball launched from the launcher unit.

In addition, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c,
These operations are directly controlled by outputting signals to the big prize opening solenoid 31c and the lower display device 60. That is, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) functions as a success / failure determination unit and a big hit game execution unit. Further, predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240, respectively. Here, the main control unit 2
00A (main control board 200) is a specific example of symbol change game execution means, jackpot game mode selection means, jackpot game execution means, hold storage means, hold determination means, hold determination means after progress, probability change means, release extension means Configure.

The sub controller 220A (sub control board 220) is connected to the main controller 200A (main control board 200).
When various signals (commands) are received, the contents of the signals (commands) are analyzed, and the game is rendered according to the results. That is, the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) is responsible for controlling the effect of the game based on the control signal from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). As shown in FIG. 10, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) includes an effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), an amplifier board 224, a decoration drive board 226, and an effect button board 228. And are electrically connected to each other. The sub control board 220 includes a CPU 220a, a RAM 220b, and a ROM 220c. The sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) is a specific example of a storage unit for storing, an effect pattern selection unit, a symbol variation effect execution unit, a hold determination unit, an effect replacement execution unit, a post-elapse hold determination unit, and an effect element addition unit. Configure an example.

The CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 receives the control signal from the main control board 200 and produces the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 22.
Control each substrate such as 8. In addition, the ROM 220b stores data necessary for controlling each board (
In particular, information relating to game decoration is stored. Further, the CPU 220a is connected to the main control unit 2
Display control command (ie, display control signal) sent from 00A (main control board 200)
Are analyzed according to the program stored in the ROM 220b. And
The CPU 220a constituting the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) is the CPU 2
The predetermined display control command determined by 20a and the main control unit 200A (main control board 20
0) is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222).

As shown in FIG. 10, the effect display control board 222 includes a CPU 222 a and a control ROM 2.
22b, control RAM 222c, VDP (video display processor) 222d, work RAM 222e, display ROM (character ROM) 222g, video RA
M222h is mounted. In addition, an effect display device 27 is electrically connected to the VDP 222d.

The CPU 222a receives various display control signals (commands) transmitted from the sub-control board 220 and analyzes the received signals (commands) according to a program stored in the control ROM 222b. Then, the CPU 222a transmits the analysis result to the VDP 222d. The control ROM 222b stores various image display control programs corresponding to the gaming state of the gaming machine 1, and the control RAM 222c is provided with a storage area and a work area for temporarily storing various data. ing. Further, the display ROM 222g stores data related to display of various effect symbols displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (eg, pseudo symbol data that is variably displayed).

Based on the “analysis result” by the CPU 222a, the VDP 222d
The data stored in M222g is read, and work RA is based on the read data.
Image data is generated in M222e and is temporarily stored in the video RAM 222h. Thereafter, the image data stored in the video RAM 222h is loaded on the signal (RGB image signal) from the transmission unit 222k and transmitted to the effect display device 27.

Speakers SP1 to SP4 that output predetermined sound effects are electrically connected to the amplifier board 224. Further, to the decoration driving board 226, various LED boards on which various decoration LEDs (lamps) provided on the front frame 4, the game board 10 and the like are mounted are connected. The decoration drive board 226 receives signals from the sub-control board 220A and performs control related to game decoration.

As shown in FIG. 8, a relay terminal plate, a launch control unit 260A, a lower pan full tank switch 6s, and the like are connected to the payout control unit 240A. The payout control unit 240A is connected to a payout motor 109m, a front payout switch 109a, and a rear payout switch 109b constituting a game ball payout device (payout device) 109 via a relay terminal plate. Also, the payout control unit 2
The main control unit 200A is connected to 40A so that bidirectional communication is possible.

The payout control unit 240A is responsible for various types of control related to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the lending button 5c or the return button 5q, the operation signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 410 to the payout control board 240 via the relay terminal board, and the payout motor 109m is based on the operation signal. A drive signal for driving the game ball is transmitted to the game ball payout device (payout device) 109 (the payout motor 109m).

When the main controller 200A outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control part 240A receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball. The game balls to be paid out are detected by two payout switches (the front payout switch 109a and the rear payout switch 109b) and are input to the payout control unit 240A. Further, the number of prize balls paid out is also detected by the count switch 109c and counted by the main controller 200A.

Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) will be described. As described above, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) is connected to the effect display control board 222 and various boards such as the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. Further, as described above, when the sub-control unit 220A receives various effect commands (display control commands, etc.) from the main control unit 200A, the sub-control unit 220A interprets the content of the command and (a) the effect display device 27 The specific display content of (b)
Sound effects output from the speakers SP1 to SP4, and (c) specific modes of lighting or blinking of various LEDs mounted on the various LED boards 4b to 4h and other lamps are determined.

Next, the drive signal (various symbol control commands) of the effect display device 27 is sent to the effect display control unit 2.
It outputs to 22A and performs the change display and stop display of effect design (a pseudo design, a background design, a character design, etc.). At this time, the display data (still image data, moving image data, etc.) of the displayed effect symbols (pseudo symbol, background symbol, character symbol, live-action image, etc.) is displayed on the effect display device 27 or the effect display control board 222. ROM for display (not shown)
Use the data stored in.

A sound effect is output from the speakers SP1 to SP4 by outputting an audio signal to the amplifier board 224 in accordance with the pseudo symbol variation display and stop display. In addition, decorative drive board 2
26, and the driving signals of the various LED lamps 4b to 4h) are output from the decorative driving board 226, thereby controlling the lighting / flashing operation of various lamps (LED, etc.). Further, when the player operates the effect button SW provided on the front side of the upper plate member 5, this operation signal is supplied to the sub-control unit 220A. The sub-control unit 220A is configured to be able to reflect the operation result on various effect contents including the effect display device 27 based on the supplied operation signal.

Next, the “hold storage unit” and the like will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the main control board 20
The RAM 202 mounted on 0 includes a first determination random number memory 202a, a second determination random number memory 202b, a first hold number memory 202c, and a second hold number memory 202d. The RAM 220b mounted on the sub-control board 220 includes a first determination random number information memory 221b, a second determination random number information memory 222b, and a first hold number information memory 223.
b and a second reserved number information memory 224b are provided. In the following description, “effective start prize” refers to a start prize that occurs when the corresponding number of holds (first hold number or second hold number) is not the upper limit number.

When a valid start prize is generated for the first start prize device 17a, a random number for determination is acquired,
In the main control board 200, the obtained determination random number is used as the first determination random number memory 202a.
Are stored in the shift memory format, and the value of the first reserved number memory 202c is cumulatively stored. At this time, a start winning command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220. Here, the start winning command is a command indicating a random number (determination random number) acquired based on the start winning to the first start winning device 17a and the first hold number after the start winning. When the sub control board 220 receives the start winning command, the sub-control board 220 shifts information related to the random number (determination random number) (hereinafter referred to as “determination random number information”) to the first determination random number information memory 221b. The value is stored in the format, and the value of the first hold number stored in the first hold number information memory 223b is “+1”. However, unlike the present embodiment, a command for specifying a random number (determination random number) acquired based on the start winning to the first start winning device 17a, and a command for specifying the first hold number after the start winning May be a separate command.

Even when an effective start winning for the second start winning device 17b occurs, a determination random number is acquired, and the acquired determination random number is stored in the second determination random number memory 20 on the main control board 200.
2b is stored in the shift memory format, the value of the second reserved number memory 202d is cumulatively stored, and a start winning command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220. The start prize command is a command indicating a random number (determination random number) acquired based on a start prize to the second start prize device 17b and a second hold number after the start prize. Then, when receiving the start winning command, the sub-control board 220 stores information (determination random number information) related to the random number (determination random number) in the second determination random number information memory 222b in a shift memory format, The value of the second hold number stored in the second hold number information memory 224b is incremented by “+1”. Unlike this embodiment, a command for specifying a random number (determination random number) acquired based on the start winning to the second start winning device 17b, and a command for specifying the second reserved number after the start winning May be a separate command.

In the present embodiment, the first determination random number information memory 221b and the second determination random number information memory 222b constitute a specific example of “holding storage means”, and the CPU 220a configuring the sub-control board 220 performs the first determination. The determination is made in advance using the determination random number information stored in the random number information memory 221b or the second determination random number information memory 222b. However, as shown in Example 4 described later, the first determination random number memory 202a and the second determination random number memory 202b constitute a specific example of “holding storage means” and are mounted on the main control board 200. CPU2
01 may constitute a specific example of “preliminary determination means”. That is, the first determination random number memory 20
CPU 20 using the determination random number stored in 2a or the second determination random number memory 202b
1 may make a prior determination (see FIG. 50).

(3) Game flow by gaming machine 1 As described above, in this gaming machine 1, stop display (definite display) of a stop symbol indicating the result of determination of success / failure performed based on the start winning, and before this stop display The variable display performed in stages is executed by two types of symbol display devices, the lower display device 60 and the effect display device 27. Here, the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62 a of the lower display device 60 and the lower display device 60.
The second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b is “main symbol”, and “main control unit 200A that controls basic progress of the game” includes “stop symbol” and “variation time (variation pattern)”. It is determined.

In this embodiment, whether or not a game ball is detected by the first start opening winning detection switch 17s (hereinafter referred to as “first start winning”) is determined (hereinafter referred to as “first”).
This is referred to as “win / fail judgment”. ) And the determination of whether or not the game ball is detected by the second start opening winning detection switch 17t (hereinafter referred to as “second start winning”) (hereinafter referred to as “second determination determination”). .) Is configured only by “big win lottery”, but is executed when at least one of the first win / fail decision and the second win / fail decision is “big win lottery” and the result of big win lottery is out of place. It may be composed of “small lottery”.

On the other hand, the “pseudo symbol” is displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, and the variation mode and the stop symbol are controlled by the “sub control unit 220A” that controls the game effect under the control of the main control unit 200A. Is determined. Usually, these “pseudo symbols” symbol variations are executed for the same time as “main symbols”, and the display contents of these “pseudo symbols” stop symbols (big hit, miss etc.) are the first special symbols. It is assumed that there is no contradiction with the display content (big hit, miss, etc.) of the “main symbol” on the display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b. In the present embodiment, when a symbol variation effect such as reach display using a special symbol is performed, the symbol variation effect is performed on the effect display device 27 (pseudo symbol). Hereinafter, the display content of this symbol and the pseudo symbol will be briefly described.

a. The first special symbol display and change display of the first special symbol resulting from the first start winning of the symbol, that is, “the symbol variable game concerning the first special symbol” is performed in the first special symbol display unit 62a. The second special symbol change display and stop display resulting from the second start winning, that is, “the symbol variable game related to the second special symbol” is performed in the second special symbol display unit 62b. These fluctuation displays are shown in FIG.
), An incomplete symbol (hereinafter referred to as an incomplete symbol) in which an arithmetical number cannot be constituted by a 7-segment display constituting the corresponding special symbol display unit (62a or 62b).
) “Circular display”. In other words, the content is to “circulate and display” imperfect symbols that are not familiar to the player compared to arithmetic numbers and are difficult to identify and store.

As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, when the probability mode of the gaming machine 1 is the low probability mode (normal probability mode), the determination result indicating the big hit in both the first winning determination and the second winning determination The probability that is derived is approximately “1/400”. In addition, when the probability mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high probability mode, the probability that a determination result indicating a big hit is derived is about “1/40” in both the first and second determinations. Is done. Then, when the determination result indicating the big hit is derived in the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b, a “hit” is generated, and the big hit game execution means starts operating and the big hit game is executed. Is done.

When the big hit game is started, the main control unit 200A drives and stops the big prize opening solenoid 31c, so that the “opening / closing operation for opening and closing the big prize opening 31a” is executed. Note that while the gaming state is the big hit gaming state, the special symbol (the main symbol) is not displayed in a variable state, that is, the symbol variable game is not executable. On the other hand, when the big hit game “before the big hit gaming state transition” or “after the big hit gaming state ends” is not performed, the state where the special symbol (this symbol) is displayed, that is, the symbol variable game is displayed. It becomes an executable state (design variation game state).

Here, “opening the grand prize winning device 31” is realized by driving the big prize opening solenoid 31c so that the open / close plate 31b in the standing position is tilted forward, and the big winning opening 31a is changed to the open state. “Closing the big winning device 31” is realized by stopping the driving of the big winning port solenoid 31c, returning the open / close plate 31b to the standing posture, and returning the big winning port 31a to the closed state. In each round game during the big hit game, an open / close operation is performed for the big prize device 31 to change the big prize opening 31a to the open state only once. The grand prize opening 31a
When the specified number (10) of game balls enter or the opening time of the big winning opening 31a reaches the open limit time (30 seconds), the round end condition is satisfied and the round currently being executed The game (big hit round) ends. When the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is repeated a plurality of times with a predetermined interval in between, the big hit game is finished.

In the gaming machine 1, when the gaming state shifts to the big hit gaming state (special gaming state), a “round game” is performed for a predetermined number of times (4 rounds, 8 rounds, or 16 rounds).
When the final “round game” is finished, the big hit game is finished. Furthermore, after performing the effect related to the end of the big hit (ending effect), the gaming state is returned to the symbol variation gaming state.

In this embodiment, the “round start designation command” and the “round end designation command” are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220 at each start and end of each round game. The CPU 220a mounted on the main control board 200
Based on the “round start designation command” and the “round end command”, the progress status of the currently executed jackpot game (round game) is determined, and various jackpot effects according to the progress status are displayed on the effect display device 27, etc. To execute. The “round start designation command” is a command indicating the start of a round game and the number of rounds of the round game to be started.
Also called “round number designation command”. The “round end designation command” is a command indicating that the big hit round has ended.

In the present embodiment, the contents of the jackpot game (round game) to be executed according to the mode of the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed (determined display) on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b, The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 after the big hit game ends will be different. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail. Here, in the following explanation, “16R probability variation big hit” and “
“16R regular big hit” is a big hit that triggers the start of a big hit game (hereinafter referred to as “big hit game A”) in which the round game is “16 rounds”. This is a jackpot that triggers the start of a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “jackpot game B”) to be performed for “8 rounds”. The “4R probability variable jackpot” and the “4R normal jackpot” are referred to as a jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “jackpot game C”) in which the round game is “four rounds”.
) Is a big hit. Furthermore, in any jackpot game, “150” game balls are paid out when a prescribed number (10) of game balls enter the big winning opening 31a in each round game. For this reason, the number of planned payouts for “Big Bonus Game A” is “2,400”, the number of planned balls for “Big Hit Game B” is “1,200”, and the number of planned prizes for “Big Hit Game C” The number of balls is set to “600” (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

When the determination result indicating “big hit” is derived by the first winning / nothing determination, main control unit 200A determines the type of jackpot (type of jackpot symbol) by random lottery (that is, distribution lottery).
Then, as shown in FIG. 12, by the random lottery (distribution lottery), the “big hit type” is “16R probability variable big hit”, “16R normal big hit”, “8R positive variable big hit”, “8R normal big hit”, “ It is determined as either “4R probability variable big hit” or “4R normal big hit”. A random number for performing “lottery lottery” (hereinafter referred to as “symbol for determining symbols”) is acquired at the timing at which the start winning is generated, similarly to random numbers for determination of success / failure (random numbers for jackpot lottery, etc.). The Note that, even when the result of the first determination is not a big win, the main control unit 200A may determine whether or not to generate a small hit by random number lottery (small hit lottery).

Even when the determination result indicating “big hit” is derived by the second determination of success / failure, the main control unit 200
A determines the type of jackpot (type of jackpot symbol) by random lottery (distribution lottery). Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the “big hit type” is “16R probability variable big hit”, “16R normal big hit”, “8R positive big hit”, “8R normal big hit”, “4R positive big hit” as shown in FIG. And “4R normal jackpot”. “Random numbers for design determination” for performing this “lottery lottery” is the same as random numbers for determination of success / failure (such as random numbers for jackpot lottery)
Acquired at the timing of starting winning. Note that, even when the result of the second win / fail determination is not a big hit, the main control unit 200A may determine whether or not to generate a small hit by random number lottery (small hit lottery).

The “lottery lottery” in the case where the result of the second win / fail decision is “big hit” is more advantageous for the player than the “lottery lottery” in the case of the result of the first hit / fail judgment is “big hit” Sorting is done. In other words, in this embodiment, the second winning / failing determination result is “big hit”.
In the “lottery lottery”, there is a higher probability that a jackpot with which a larger amount of prize balls can be expected is selected compared to the “sort lottery” in the case where the result of the first winning / failing determination is “big jackpot” ( FIG.
(See FIG. 13). For this reason, for the player, a game in which the second winning / failing determination is continuously performed (
Hereinafter, it is referred to as “a game mainly based on the second winning / failing determination”. ) Is more advantageous than a game in which the first winning / failing determination is continuously performed (hereinafter referred to as “a game mainly based on the first winning / failing determination”).

When “16R probability variation big hit”, “8R probability variation big hit” or “4R probability variation big hit” occurs,
After executing the corresponding jackpot game, the probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a jackpot is set to a high probability. That is, the probability that the result of the first success / failure determination is a big hit and the probability that the result of the second success / failure determination is a big hit are respectively high probabilities. As described above, the gaming state in which the probability that the determination result is a big hit is a high probability is the “high probability mode (high probability state)”. In addition, when “16R probability variation big hit”, “8R probability variation big hit” or “4R probability variation big hit” occurs, a game mode in which the release extension means and the variable time shortening means operate after executing the corresponding big hit game, that is, “
“Open extension mode”.

This open extension mode is continued until the cumulative number of change displays (symbol change game) executed without generating a big hit after the corresponding big hit game is ended becomes “10,000 times”.
However, in consideration of the jackpot winning probability (big hit probability) that is normally determined for gaming machines (pachinko machines), it is substantially possible that the open extension mode will continue until the cumulative number of variable displays reaches “10,000 times”. Means that the open extension mode continues until the next big hit. Therefore, hereinafter, the case is simply expressed as “the open extension mode continues until the next big hit occurs” (see FIGS. 12 and 13).

On the other hand, if a “16R normal big hit”, “8R normal big hit” or “4R normal big hit” occurs, the probability that the result of the success / failure determination will be a big hit after executing the corresponding big hit game is low (
Normal probability). That is, the probability that the result of the first success / failure determination is a big hit and the probability that the result of the second success / failure determination is a big hit are each low probability (normal probability). Also, after the corresponding jackpot game is over, the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode, and the second start winning device 1
The time for 7b to be open becomes longer. And this open extension mode is continued until the cumulative number of variable displays (symbol variable game) executed without generating a big hit after the corresponding big hit game ends becomes “100”.

c-2. Also on the display screen 27a of the pseudo-design effect display device 27, the first start winning device 17a or the second
When the symbol variation start condition is satisfied due to winning (start winning) in the start winning device 17b, pseudo symbol variation display (symbol variation effect using pseudo symbols) is started. Then, when the execution time (variation time) of the pseudo symbol variable display has elapsed, the pseudo symbol stop display (determined display) is executed for a certain time (about 0.6 seconds). This pseudo symbol stop display is performed by the above-mentioned lower right display device 60 (
Similar to the stop display by the first special symbol display part 62a or the second special symbol display part 62b), the result of the determination of success or failure is displayed.

On the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, three (three digits) pseudo-pattern variation display and stop display are performed. This pseudo-pattern variation display shows that the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed in this order, and then the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed again in this order. It consists of repeated “circular display (scroll fluctuation display)”. In addition, the confirmed symbols that are confirmed and displayed in the pseudo-symbol display area 27b include “a stop symbol that indicates a loss” and “a stop symbol that indicates a big hit”.

Here, as described above, in this gaming machine 1, as “big hit”, FIG. 12 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a stop symbol (big hit symbol) of this symbol is set corresponding to each of a plurality of types of big hits. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14A, a pseudo symbol stop symbol (big hit symbol) is defined as follows. In other words, “16R probability variation big hit”, “8R probability variation big hit” or “
The stop symbol indicating the occurrence of “4R probability variation big hit” is configured by arranging three “identical odd numbers” on the display screen 27a. The stop symbol indicating the occurrence of “16R normal big hit”, “8R normal big hit”, or “4R normal big hit” is configured by arranging three “same even numbers” on the display screen 27a. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14B, the “off symbol” is configured by displaying a numerical symbol different from the others on at least one of the three pseudo symbol display portions.

When the big hit symbol shown in FIG. 14A is displayed on the effect display device 27, FIG.
As shown in c), reach display is performed in the middle of the variable display which is the premise. In addition, FIG.
As shown in a) and (b), in the case where the “stop symbol indicating detachment” is displayed on the effect display device 27, the reach display is not performed in the middle of the variable display which is the premise (hereinafter referred to as “simple detachment”). And reach display (hereinafter referred to as “reach out”).
Further, the reach display of the present embodiment is an effect display in which two pseudo symbols out of the pseudo symbols displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 are stopped at the same symbol, and the other one pseudo symbol is changing. It is.

Although not shown in FIG. 15, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, the position on the right end side near the lower edge on the display screen 27a fluctuates in conjunction with the first special symbol display unit 62a. A first auxiliary symbol display area A to be displayed and a second auxiliary symbol display area B that is variably displayed in conjunction with the second special symbol display unit 62b appear. Then, the special symbol display unit (62a or 62b) that is executing the symbol variable game and the auxiliary symbol corresponding to the special symbol display unit perform a variable display. When the variable display is stopped, the stop symbol of the auxiliary symbol is confirmed and displayed, and the result of the determination of success / failure is displayed based on the stop symbol.

Although not shown in FIG. 15, in the background screen display area 27c of the display screen 27a,
An effect for enlarging the fluctuations of the pseudo symbol is unfolded while displaying a “background symbol”, a “character symbol”, a “live-action picture”, and the like (see FIG. 5). This effect is generally performed according to the effect pattern determined at the start of the symbol variation effect.

Furthermore, the execution time (variation time) of the symbol variation effect is determined by a variation pattern (described later) determined at the start of the symbol variation game. And when this fluctuation pattern is a specific fluctuation pattern, the design fluctuation effect of a specific aspect is performed. Hereinafter, the symbol variation effect of this specific mode will be described using specific examples shown in FIGS. Here, the specific variation pattern is a variation pattern that identifies a variation time longer than a certain time. In addition, in FIGS. 16 to 21, a specific example is shown regarding a case where a game mainly based on the second win / reject determination is performed. The following specific examples can be applied.

The specific example 1 shown in FIG. 16 and the specific example 2 shown in FIG. 17 are specific examples in which the symbol variation game and the symbol variation effect are performed according to the same “specific variation pattern”. Also,
In specific example 1 and specific example 2, when the second hold number is “2”, symbol variation is obtained by digesting the hold stored first (hereinafter referred to as “first hold”). The case where a game and a design variation effect are started is shown. In either case of specific example 1 or specific example 2, the earliest hold is “hit hold”, and the number of expected payout balls in the big hit game performed based on the “hit hold” is “1200 "Individual". That is, the first stored hold (determination random number) is a hold that generates “8R probability variation big hit” or “8R normal big hit”.

In the specific example 1, as shown in FIG. 16, when the start timing of the fluctuation related to the earliest hold comes, the hit special fluctuation using the second special symbol is started in the second special symbol display unit 62b and the effect display is performed. The device 27 starts the design variation effect. Then, it is assumed that two off-holds occur until the first predetermined time (about 10 seconds) elapses after the hit fluctuation starts, that is, until the “predetermined time point t1”. Further, after a predetermined time point t1 has elapsed (after 10 seconds have elapsed since the start of hit fluctuation) and until the second predetermined time (about 14 seconds) has elapsed since the start of hit fluctuation,
In other words, it is assumed that one off-hold has occurred until the “specific time t2”. here,"
“Predetermined time point t1” is a timing that becomes a branching point for determining whether or not the content of the symbol variation effect is to be replaced, and “specific time point t2” is a timing at which the content of the symbol variation effect is replaced.
As described above, in this embodiment, “predetermined time point t1” and “specific time point t2” are set as different timings, and an example (described later) of replacing the contents of the symbol variation effect at the predetermined timing of the reach development effect is illustrated. A specific example in which “predetermined time t1” and “specific time t2” are set at the same timing can also be illustrated.

Also in the second specific example, as shown in FIG. 17, when the start timing of the fluctuation related to the earliest hold comes, the hit special fluctuation using the second special symbol is started in the second special symbol display unit 62b and the effect display is performed. The device 27 starts the design variation effect. Then, it is assumed that one off hold and one hit hold occur in this order after the hit fluctuation starts and before “predetermined time t1”. Furthermore, it is assumed that one off-hold is generated after the predetermined time point t1 and before reaching the specific time point t2. However, the number of expected payout balls in the big hit game that is performed based on the hit suspension that occurred before reaching the predetermined time point t1 is “2400”. In other words, this hit hold is a hold that generates “16R probability variable big hit” or “16R normal big hit”.

Here, in FIGS. 16 and 17, an arrow indicating command transmission from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220 is also written. Of these, "Start C" is "Change Start Command"
Is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220 at the timing when the symbol variation game is started in the special symbol display section (62a or 62b).

The “winning time C” indicates transmission of the “start winning time command”, and is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220 at a timing when an effective start winning is generated. In FIG. 16, FIG. 17 and FIG. 20, the order of transmission of “winning time C” is specified by adding a number in ascending order in the order of occurrence of starting winnings to the end of “winning time C”.

Further, as described above, when the sub-control board 220 receives the “start winning command”, the random number information for determination is shifted to the determination random number information memory (223b or 224b) in the time series of the start winning shift memory format. Is memorized. In addition, since the specific example 1 and the specific example 2 are specific examples regarding the case where a game mainly based on the second determination of success / failure is performed, the second start winning device 17
The random number information for determination is stored in the second random number information memory for determination 224b every time a valid start prize for b is generated.

In Specific Example 1 and Specific Example 2, as shown in FIG. 18, when the timing for digesting the earliest hold arrives, the effect display device 27 has a character (a friend character) that becomes a friend and an enemy for the player. The symbol variation effect is started (a1) while the character (enemy character) to appear becomes. In addition, the code | symbol (A0-A4) added in FIG. 18 respond | corresponds to the code | symbol (A0-A4) which specifies the "holding status" shown in FIG.16 and FIG.17.

In this symbol variation effect, reach display is performed at a timing (hereinafter referred to as “reference time point”) after a predetermined time point t1 and before a specific time point t2 after the start of the symbol variation effect (a
5) After that, so-called “reach development production” is performed. Here, in the specific example 1 and the specific example 2, the “reference time point” is a time point when a third predetermined time (about 12 seconds) has elapsed after the start of the hit fluctuation.

In Specific Example 1 and Specific Example 2, as shown in FIG. 18, when the timing to digest the earliest hold arrives, the teammate character and the enemy character are arranged side by side until reaching the “reference time” (A1 to a4). At the reference time, reach display is performed, and at the same time, the postures of the teammate character and the enemy character are set as the start posture of the student race (a5).
. Thereafter, in either of the specific example 1 and the specific example 2, the teammate character and the enemy character run in the run until reaching the specific time point t2 (a6, a7 in FIG. 18, a8 in FIG. 19).
. It should be noted that “development after a specific time point” in the symbol variation effect differs between the specific example 1 and the specific example 2.

In both the specific example 1 and the specific example 2, a predetermined effect pattern is selected when the earliest hold is digested and the symbol variation effect is started. Then, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the design variation effect is started by reproducing the effect movie (hereinafter referred to as “normal effect movie”) specified according to the selected effect pattern.

Here, as shown in FIG. 16, in the first specific example, the second determination random number information memory 224 b is newly added until the “predetermined time t <b> 1” is reached from the start of the hit fluctuation related to the earliest hold. The stored “second determination random number information” does not include “hit pending”. For this reason, in the specific example 1, even after the specific time point t2 has passed, the effect according to the effect pattern selected at the start of the symbol variation effect is continued. Specifically, even after the specific time point t2, the normal performance movie is reproduced as it is, so that the team race between the ally character and the enemy character is continued as shown in FIG. 19 (a9, a10). . Then, after displaying that the teammate character has won the race (a11), the jackpot display is performed and the symbol variation effect is terminated (a12).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, in the second specific example, the second determination random number information memory 224b newly stores data until the “predetermined time point t1” elapses after the start of the hit fluctuation related to the earliest hold. The “second determination random number information” includes “hit pending” and the number of expected payout balls (120 in the big hit game (previous big hit game) executed through the hit fluctuation being executed)
0) and a jackpot game (later jackpot game) performed based on the stored hit-holding
The total of the number of award-scheduled winning balls (2400) in the above becomes a predetermined number (3600) or more.

For this reason, in the specific example 2, after passing the specific time t2, the effect according to the effect pattern selected at the start of the symbol variation effect is replaced with another special effect, and the symbol variation effect is continued.
That is, as shown in FIG. 17, the “normal effect movie” played until reaching the specific time point t2 is replaced with the “special effect movie” at the specific time point t2, and the “special effect movie” is displayed.
The symbol variation effect using is executed from the specific time t2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19, after a specific time point t2, an image suggesting a large number of prize balls in a short period is displayed (cut-in) (b9). For example, an image showing gold coins stacked as prizes and a bag (dollar bag) filled with gold coins is displayed (b9). Subsequently, the teammate character and the enemy character develop a winning prize (gold coin) battle “Prize Battle” (b10). Then, after displaying that the teammate character has won the “Prize Battle” (b11), the jackpot display is performed and the symbol variation effect is ended (b12).

Specific example 3 shown in FIG. 20 is a specific example in which the symbol variation game and the symbol variation effect are performed in accordance with the “specific variation pattern” that identifies the same variation time as in specific example 1 and specific example 2. Also,
Specific example 3 also shows a case in which the symbol variation game and the symbol variation effect are started by digesting “first hold” when the second number of reservations is “2”. However, in Specific Example 3, the earliest hold and the hold that is processed subsequent to the earliest hold are “release hold”.

In the third specific example, when the start timing of the fluctuation related to the earliest hold arrives, the second special symbol display unit 62b starts the deviation fluctuation using the second special symbol, and the effect display device 27
Start off-shift using pseudo symbol. Then, it is assumed that one release hold and one hit hold occur in this order until the “predetermined time point t1” is reached after the start of the release change. Furthermore,
One off-hold has occurred after the predetermined time point t1 and before the second predetermined time (about 14 seconds) has elapsed (until the specific time point t2) after the start of the fluctuation. And Note that the number of scheduled payout balls in the big hit game that is performed based on the hit suspension that occurred before reaching the predetermined time point t1 is “2400”.

Also in the specific example 3, as shown in FIG. 18, when the timing for digesting the earliest hold comes, the effect display device 27 uses a character (a friend character) that becomes a friend for the player and a character (a friend character) that becomes an enemy for the player ( The symbol variation effect is started (a1). In this symbol variation effect as well, reach display is made at the “reference time” (a5), and then a so-called “reach development effect” is performed. Thereafter, the teammate character and the enemy character run in a race until the specific time t2 is reached (a6, a7 in FIG. 18).
In FIG. 22, a8), the development after the specific time point t2 is different from the specific example 1.

That is, also in the specific example 3, a predetermined production pattern is selected when digesting the earliest hold and starting a symbol variation production. Then, as shown in FIG. 21, by reproducing the effect movie (normal effect movie) corresponding to the selected effect pattern, the symbol variation effect is executed.

In this third specific example, as shown in FIG.
The “second determination random number information” newly stored in the second determination random number information memory 224b until “predetermined time t1” is reached includes “hit pending”. For this reason, after passing the specific time t2, the effect according to the effect pattern selected at the time of starting the symbol variation effect is replaced with another special effect, and the symbol variation effect is performed. That is, as shown in FIG. 20, the “normal effect movie” played until reaching the specific time point t2 is replaced with the “special effect movie” at the specific time point t2, and the “special effect movie” is used. The fluctuating effect (special effect) is executed from the specific time t2. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
When 2 is passed, an image indicating a prize ball, for example, an image showing a stack of prizes stacked as a prize is displayed (cut-in) (d9). Subsequently, the teammate character and the enemy character develop a winning battle (price battle) for winnings (a bundle of bills in the case) (d10). Then, after displaying that the enemy character has won the “Prize Battle” (d11), an off-display is performed to end the symbol variation effect (d12).

FIG. 21 also shows a comparative example with respect to the specific example 3. This comparative example differs from the specific example 3 in that no hit hold was generated before the “predetermined time point t1” after the start of the deviation fluctuation. In this comparative example, the effect according to the effect pattern selected at the start of the symbol variation effect is continued even after the specific time t2. Specifically, even after the specific time point t2, the normal performance movie is reproduced as it is, so that the team race between the ally character and the enemy character is continued (a9, a10). Then, after displaying that the enemy character has won the race (c11), an off-display is performed to end the symbol variation effect (c12).

In specific example 2, the sum of the number of planned payout balls in the previous jackpot game (1200) and the number of planned payout balls in the subsequent jackpot game (2400) is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (3600). Therefore, the production mode is largely changed before and after the specific time t2. Therefore, it is possible to enhance the player's expectation facing this symbol variation effect and improve the gaming interest. Further, in the third specific example, the occurrence of the special effect can make the player have a sense of expectation for the start of the big hit game based on one or both of the “current symbol variation game” and the “hold”. For this reason, even if an off-notification is made through a special effect, the player can have a sense of expectation for the presence of a hit hold.

(5) Command transmission The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment performs various controls in order to realize the above-described “symbol changing game” and the like. When executing this control, various commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220). Next, how this command is transmitted will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG.

The main control unit 200A and the sub control unit 220A are connected by a 9-bit width parallel signal cable. One of these bits is allocated for strobe signal output,
The remaining 8 bits are allocated for command output. When a command is output from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A, first, command data for 8 bits is output to an 8-bit signal cable assigned for command output, and then A 1-bit strobe signal is output. Further, the sub control unit 220A can reliably read the command transmitted from the main control unit 200A by reading the command data at the rising timing of the strobe signal.

Here, examples of commands output from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) include those illustrated in FIG. 22B. That is, there are (A) a variation pattern designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CHP”), (B) a special symbol stop information designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CJS”), and the like. . The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern, and a variation pattern for normal variation (described later) and a variation pattern for shortened variation (described later) according to the variation pattern table used at the time of starting winning. ) Is specified. And the variation pattern designation command starts the variation of the pseudo symbol,
It is also a command that specifies the pseudo symbol variation time. The mode designation command is a command for designating a game mode set by “main control unit 200A (main control board 200) as game mode setting means”.

(6) Outline of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, a prize ball payout process (S80).
Each process such as a normal symbol game process (S100), a normal electric accessory game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), and a big hit game process (S600) is repeatedly executed. Note that the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of the present embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S80 to S600 in FIG. That is, the processing of S80 to S600 in FIG. 23 is repeatedly executed every 4 msec. In each process constituting the game control process, various signals are transmitted to various control boards including the sub-control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. Hereinafter, the game control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

A. Prize ball payout processing (S80)
The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process of paying out game balls as prize balls (prize ball payout process) (S80). That is, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered by detecting the states of the start opening winning detection switches 17s and 17t, the big winning opening winning detection switch 31s and the general winning detection switches 40s, 41s and 43s. If a game ball has entered, this information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. Then, based on the information stored on the RAM 202, a payout signal for the prize ball is issued.
Output to 40. If the winning information for the start opening winning detection switch 17s or the like has already been stored on the RAM 202, an appropriate payout number including the previously stored information is designated and a payout signal is output. To do.

When outputting a payout signal from the main control unit 200A to the payout control unit 240A, first, a strobe signal is output toward the payout control unit 240A (payout control board 240), and then signal data is output. In contrast, the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A.
When the CPU mounted on the CPU receives the payout signal, the CPU interprets the content of the signal and outputs the prize ball payout device 109.
A payout ball is paid out by outputting a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the. And
The prize ball payout device 109 is provided with two payout switches (a front payout switch 109a and a rear payout switch 109b) for detecting a payout game ball. Meanwhile, a process of paying out the number of prize balls designated by the payout signal is performed.

B. Normal symbol game processing (S100)
In the normal symbol game process (S100), the normal symbol display unit 63 starts to display the variation of the normal symbol when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 16. CPU 20
When it is determined that the execution time of the normal symbol variation display has elapsed while the game control process of FIG. Further, the CPU 201 repeats the game control process of FIG.
5 seconds), it is determined whether the stop symbol is a symbol that activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d (a symbol that is a normal symbol) or a symbol that does not actuate (a symbol that is out of the normal symbol). To do.

If the stop symbol is a symbol that activates the normal electric accessory 17d (a normal symbol hit symbol), whether or not the normal electric accessory release extension function is operating (that is, the open extension means is operating). If the opening extension means is in operation, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is set to "opening time when the opening extension function is activated (for example, the above-mentioned 5 seconds)" The normal symbol game process (S100) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the opening extension means is not in operation, after setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to “opening time when the opening extension function is not operated (for example, 0.2 seconds as described above)”, the normal symbol game process Is finished and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

Note that the CPU 201 does not operate the normal electric accessory 17d, does not execute the normal symbol variation display in the normal symbol display unit 63, and does not execute the normal symbol stop display, and further relates to the normal symbol. When it is determined that the number of holds is not “0”, the normal symbol variation display is started. In addition, the number of holds for the normal symbol is “when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 16 and the number of holds for the normal symbol is less than a predetermined number (four in this embodiment).
+1 ”and“ −1 ”every time the normal symbol variation display is started.

C. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric accessory game process.
When the ordinary electric accessory game process is activated during the game control process, the ordinary electric accessory 17d
Is in operation (whether or not the second start winning device 17b is in an open state). If it is determined that the second start winning device 17b is open (S2 is open) (S
201; YES), the operation time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (a predetermined time for maintaining the second start winning device 17b in the open state, 5 seconds in the open extension mode, 0.2 seconds in the normal release mode)
It is determined whether or not elapses (S202). If it is determined that the operating time (opening time) has passed the predetermined time (S202; YES), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped to place the second start winning device 17b in the open state closed ( S206), the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated.

However, when the CPU 201 opens the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning device 17b) (
S202; NO), when it is determined that a predetermined number (for example, 8) of game balls have entered the second start winning device 17b (S204; YES), the aforementioned operating time (opening time) has reached a predetermined time. Even if not, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated. In this gaming machine 1, when the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c is driven when the ordinary electric accessory 17d is operated, the second start winning portion 17 constituting the ordinary electric accessory 17d.
The pair of wing pieces of b rotate to the outside, and the second start winning device 17b is opened.

D. Special design game processing (S300)
Next, an outline of the special symbol game process will be described with reference to FIGS. When this special symbol game process is activated, as shown in FIG. 25, first, the first start winning device 17a or the second
It is determined whether or not a game ball has won the start winning device 17b (S302a, S302b).
. Then, when a negative determination is made in the processing of S302a and the processing of S302b (S302a; NO, S302b; NO), the process directly proceeds to the processing after S308 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the game ball has won the first start winning device 17a (S302a; YE)
S), it is determined whether or not the number of the first special symbol corresponding to the first start winning device 17a (the number of first reservation) is less than a predetermined number (less than four in this embodiment) (S303a). . This S303
In the process a, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S303a; YES), a random number for determination (lottery random number) related to winning in the first start winning device 17a is acquired, and the above-described first determination is performed. The value is stored in the random number memory 202a, and a value obtained by adding “+1” to the “first hold number” is stored in the first hold number memory 202c (S304a). Then, after the start winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S306a), the process proceeds to S308 in FIG. Here, the start winning command is based on the start winning to the first start winning device 17a as described above.
This is a command indicating the random number (determination random number) stored in the process 4a and the first hold number after the start winning. However, unlike the present embodiment, the command for specifying the random number (determination random number) stored in the process of S304a and the command for specifying the first pending number after executing the process of S304a may be different commands.

Here, the gaming machine 1 includes a first start prize device 17a and a second start prize device 17b as start prize devices, and a first special symbol corresponding to the first start prize device 17a (hereinafter, “
Also referred to as “Special Figure 1”. ) And a second special symbol (hereinafter also referred to as “special figure 2”) corresponding to the second start winning device 17b. The latter is preferentially processed under the situation where the determination random number based on the start winning to the first start winning device 17a and the determination random number based on the start winning to the second start winning device 17b are stored. (Described later).

In FIG. 25 to FIG. 29, among the processes performed by the CPU 201, each process (hereinafter referred to as a process related to the special chart 1) executed when a game ball wins the first start winning device 17 a. ) And the same processing among the respective processing (hereinafter referred to as processing related to special figure 2) executed due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b, the same number of steps (calculation) Number). Since the process with the same number of steps is basically the same process, one of “process related to special figure 1” and “process related to special figure 2” will be described in the following description. The description of the other may be omitted. In addition, for “Special Figure 1”, “a” is added to “Number of Steps”,
“Process related to special figure 2” may be distinguished by adding “b” in alphabet to “number of steps”.

The random numbers for determination acquired and stored in the process of S304a include (a) first winning determination, that is, a jackpot lottery executed due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a (
Hereinafter, it will be referred to as “Special Figure 1 Big Draw”. ) Random numbers for lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 1 big hit lottery random numbers”), (b) random numbers for symbol determination for determining symbols to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display section 62a (see FIG. 1) (C) a reach random number for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the pseudo-variable display executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, and the like. Unlike this embodiment, when a small lottery (special figure 1 small lottery) is performed due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a, a random number for determination (in the process of S306a) The random number for lottery) includes a random number for lottery (hereinafter referred to as “lottery random number for special figure 1 small lot”) used in the “special figure 1 small lottery lottery”.

If it is determined that the game ball has won the second start winning device 17b (S302b; YE)
S), it is determined whether or not the number of second special symbols corresponding to the second start winning device 17d (second number of reservations) is less than a predetermined number (less than four in this embodiment) (S303b). . This S303
In the process of b, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S303b; YES), a random number for determination (lottery random number) related to the second start winning device 17b is acquired and stored in the second determination random number memory 202b. In addition to storing the value, the value obtained by adding “+1” to the “second hold number” is stored in the second hold number memory 20.
2d is stored (S304b). Then, after a start winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S306b), the process proceeds to S308 in FIG. Note that, as described above, the command at the time of the start winning is the random number (determination random number) stored in the process of S304b based on the start winning to the second start winning device 17a and the second reserved number after the start winning. It is a command to show. Further, unlike the present embodiment, the command for specifying the random number (determination random number) stored in the process of S304b and the command for specifying the first hold number after executing the process of S304b may be different commands.

The determination random numbers acquired and stored in the process of S304b include (a) second
A random number for lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 2”) used in the determination of success / failure, that is, the big hit lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 big prize lottery”) executed due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b. (B) a symbol determination random number for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b (special symbol 2 symbol determination random number), (c) the effect display device 27 There is a reach random number for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the pseudo symbol variation display executed on the display screen 27a. Unlike the present embodiment, the second start winning device 17b
In the case of performing a small lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 2 small lottery”) due to the winning of a game ball to the game, the determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306b includes “ The random number for lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 small lottery random number”) used in the “special figure 2 small lottery lottery” is included.

In the process of S308, as shown in FIG. 26, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being executed (S308). Specifically, if the big hit game flag (see the process of S378 in FIG. 27) is set (set to ON), a positive determination is made in the process of S308.
The big hit game flag is a flag indicating that the “big hit game execution means” is in operation.

When the CPU 201 determines that the big hit game is being executed (S308; YES), the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, in the process of S308,
If it is determined that the jackpot game is not being executed (S308; NO), whether the special symbol is changing,
That is, it is determined whether any of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is changing (S310). If the special symbol is not changing (S310; NO), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet changed, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the change display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (S312). And the special symbol is not variably displayed (S310).
; NO), and when it is not during the stop display time when the stop symbol of the special symbol is displayed (S
312; NO), it is determined whether or not the variable display can be started (S314a, S314b).
In the present embodiment, the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol is 0.6 seconds.

The “condition for starting the variable symbol display of the special symbol” is that either the “first hold number” or the “second hold number” is not “zero”. Then, the CPU 201 of this embodiment preferentially determines whether or not the “second hold number” is “zero” (S314b). In other words, “second
If the “pending number” is not “zero”, the oldest determination random number is read from the second determination random number memory 202b (S316b), and the determination process (second determination process) regarding the second special symbol is performed (S320b). The determination random numbers read in S316b are those acquired in S304b, and include special figure 2 big hit lottery random numbers, special figure 2 symbol determination random numbers, and reach random numbers.

In the second success / failure determination process (S320b), as shown in FIG. 28, first, it is determined whether or not the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high probability mode (S322), and when it is the high probability mode (S322). YES), a determination is made using “high probability data table” and “special figure 2 big hit lottery random number read in the process of S316b” (S324), and the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the low probability mode When it is (normal probability mode) (S322; NO), the determination of success / failure is performed using the “low probability data table” and “the special figure 2 big hit lottery random number read out in the process of S316b” (S326). In the high probability mode, the fluctuation shortening function for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol as compared with the normal is activated, and the opening extension function of the second start winning device 17b (ordinary electric accessory) is activated. (It will be described later.) However, in the high probability mode, the case where the fluctuation shortening function and the opening extension function are not operated can be set separately.

In the case where the result of the determination of success / failure performed in the process of S324 or S326 is a big hit (S3
30; YES), after the big hit flag is set (set to ON) (S332), the second winning / failing determination process (S320b) is ended, and the variation start process related to the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol 2 symbol variation start”). The process proceeds to “processing” (S500b in FIG. 26). Further, when the result of the determination is not good (S330; NO), after setting the “off flag”, that is, the “flag indicating that no big hit has occurred” (set to ON) (S339), 2 The winning / no-go determining process (S320b) is terminated, and the process proceeds to the special figure 2 symbol variation starting process (S500b). In addition, the determination process (S320a; first determination process) regarding the first special symbol is the oldest determination random number (the special figure 1 big hit lottery random number acquired in S306a) from the first determination random number memory 202a.
Is read out (S316a), and the same operation is performed according to FIG. Note that the determination random number read in S316a was acquired in S304a, and the special figure 1 big hit lottery random number or special figure 1
Symbol design random numbers and reach random numbers are included.

In the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), first, as shown in FIG.
A variation setting process (S510, S540) or the like is performed based on the result of the appropriateness determination process (S320b). That is, in the process of S502, when it is determined that the result of the second win / fail determination process (S320) is “big hit” (S502; YES), the process proceeds to S510 and the “big hit fluctuation setting process” is performed. In the big hit variation setting process (S510), the symbol determination random number (special symbol 2 symbol determination random number) included in the determination random number read out in the above-described processing of S316b is read, and based on the result of random number lottery using the random number. Selection in consideration of the process of setting (determining) the symbol (big hit symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b, the mode of the determined big hit symbol and the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 Using the fluctuation pattern table, a process for setting (determining) the fluctuation pattern by random lottery is performed. In addition, the symbol (big hit symbol) that is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b by random number lottery using the special symbol 2 symbol determination random number is set (
The first special symbol display unit 6 is determined by a random number lottery using a special symbol 1 random symbol determined
The process of setting (determining) the symbol (big hit symbol) that is stopped and displayed on 2a is the main control board 200.
A specific example of the process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the “big hit mode execution means” is configured.

Here, when setting (determining) the variation pattern, in the gaming state in which the big hit probability is low probability and normal variation is performed (low probability normal variation mode), the variation in the column labeled “low probability / normal” in FIG. In the gaming state in which the big hit probability is low probability and the short fluctuation is performed (low probability short fluctuation mode), the fluctuation pattern table in the column “low probability / shortening” in FIG. 30 is used. Further, in the gaming state where the big hit probability is high probability and the short fluctuation is performed (high probability short fluctuation mode), the fluctuation pattern table in the column “high probability / shortening” in FIG. 30 is used. Unlike the present embodiment, when a so-called “latency probability variation jackpot” can occur, there is a case where a gaming state (high probability normal variation mode) in which the jackpot probability has a high probability and performs normal variation may occur. In this case, a variation pattern table for the “high probability normal variation mode” is added to FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 described later.

Further, among the variation patterns stored in each variation pattern table shown in FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 to be described later, a “specific variation pattern” is obtained by adding “circle”. In this embodiment, the “specific variation pattern” is selected from the variation patterns that specify the variation time of 27 seconds or more. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 to be described later describe a variation pattern table storing a small number of variation patterns. In reality, these variation pattern tables include “variation pattern determination random number”. A large number of fluctuation patterns (for example,
20 types, 50 types, 100 types) are stored. 30 and 31 also include “specific variation patterns”, but these “specific variation patterns” also specify a variation time of 27 seconds or more.

On the other hand, in the process of S502, if it is determined that the result of the second win / fail determination process (S320b) is not “big hit” (S502; NO), the process proceeds to S540 and the “offset fluctuation setting process” is performed. In this outlier variation setting process (S540), a variation pattern is set by random lottery using a variation pattern table selected in consideration of the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1 and whether or not the reach effect is executed. The process of (determining) is performed. Thereafter, a symbol determination random number is acquired, and a process of setting a stop symbol is performed. Whether or not the reach effect is executed is determined based on the reach random number acquired in the process of S304b (see FIG. 25) and read.

The variation pattern table used in the process of S540 is selected as follows. That is, whether or not the reach effect is executed is determined based on the reach random number included in the determination random number read in the process of S316b (see FIG. 26). If the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “low probability normal variation mode” and no reach effect is performed, “no reach effect” in the column “low probability / normal” in FIG. When the variation pattern table corresponding to the indicated portion is set and the reach effect is performed, the change pattern table corresponding to the portion indicated as “with reach effect” in the same column of FIG. 31 is set.

Further, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “low probability shortening variation mode” and no reach effect is performed, “no reach effect” in the column labeled “low probability / shortened” in FIG. When the variation pattern table corresponding to the indicated portion is set and the reach effect is performed, the change pattern table corresponding to the portion indicated as “with reach effect” in the same column of FIG. 31 is set. Furthermore, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “high probability shortening variation mode” and no reach effect is performed, “no reach effect” in the column of “high probability / shortening” in FIG. When the variation pattern table corresponding to the indicated portion is set and the reach effect is performed, the change pattern table corresponding to the portion indicated as “with reach effect” in the same column of FIG. 31 is set.

Here, among the variation patterns shown in FIG. 31, the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the variation shortening function is working is the variation pattern selected when the variation shortening function is not working. Is likely to be shortened compared to the variation time specified by.
Further, in this embodiment, when the result of the determination is “disappearing”, the length of the variation time is determined in consideration of the number of holds regarding the special symbol and the presence or absence of the reach effect. That is, the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when it is determined that the reach effect is not performed is compared with the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the reach display is determined. Shortened. In addition, when the number of reserved special symbols is small (for example, “zero” or “1”), a variation pattern for specifying a longer variation time is selected, and when the number of retained symbols is large (for example, “
In the case of “2” to “4”), a variation pattern that specifies a shorter variation time is selected. In addition,
Each variation pattern table described in the present embodiment is stored in the ROM 20 mounted on the main control board 200.
3 is set in advance. In this embodiment, “shortening variation mode (short time mode)”
Means a state in which the variable time reduction function (time reduction function) is in operation. And in the game mode in which the opening extension means operates, that is, the “high probability opening extension mode (high probability shortening variation mode)” and the “normal probability opening extension mode (normal probability shortening variation mode)”, the variable time shortening function (time shortening function) ) Is activated. Therefore, in the description of this embodiment, “shortening variation mode (
"Time reduction mode)" can be read as "Open extension mode".

Returning to FIG. 29 for further explanation, after the processing of S510 or S540, the CPU 201
Starts the variation display of the second special symbol (special diagram 2) on the second special symbol display unit 62b (S590) and displays the variation display of the special symbol 2 toward the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220). A predetermined command (design change start command) indicating the start is transmitted (S592). That is, the CPU 201 transmits a “variation pattern designation command”, a “special symbol stop information designation command” and the like related to the second special symbol to the sub-control board 220. Furthermore, the CPU 20
1 after performing a process of subtracting “1” from the “second hold number” and a process of transmitting a hold number designation command for specifying the hold number after the subtraction to the sub-control board 220 (S595). ), The special symbol 2 symbol variation start process (S500b) is terminated, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. When the sub-control board 220 receives the hold number designation command, the value of the second hold number information memory 224b is set to “−1” (see FIG. 11). The process from the start to the end (stop display) of the special symbol variation display according to the special symbol game processing (S300) shown in FIGS. 25 to 29 described above is performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. A specific example of processing performed as “symbol changing game execution means” is configured.

Here, the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command are output toward the sub-control board 220 together with the strobe signal as shown in FIG. This strobe signal is connected to the interrupt terminal of the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220. When the strobe signal is input, the CPU 220a on the sub-control board 220 receives each designation signal and Analyze the contents. Although detailed explanation is omitted,
The variation pattern is whether or not a reach effect is performed, a symbol that stops and displays a special symbol is a symbol (
It is determined in consideration of various conditions such as whether or not it is a big hit symbol). If the variation pattern is known, the time for which the special symbol is variably displayed can be determined. In addition, if the special symbol stop information designation command is analyzed, it can be known whether the special symbol stops at the big hit symbol or the off symbol, and when it stops at the big hit symbol, it is known which of the big hit symbol is. it can. That is, in the special figure 2 symbol fluctuation start process (S500b), the type of jackpot shown in FIG. 13 can be known, and in the special figure 1 symbol fluctuation start process (S500a) described later, FIG.
You can know the type of jackpot shown in.

The CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 determines an effect mode on the effect display device 27 based on these pieces of information, and then outputs a pseudo-design display control signal to the effect display control board 222. Performs symbol change display and stop display. Further, based on the variation time (variation pattern designation command) of the special symbol, it is also determined whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect on the effect display device 27, and what kind of reach effect is to be used. Then, the sub-control board 220 controls the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the like according to the contents of the effect thus determined, thereby performing the effect of the determined contents.

Returning to FIG. 26, “the number of holds regarding the second special symbol” is “zero” (S314).
b; YES), when “the number of holds regarding the first special symbol” is not “zero” (S314a; N
O), the oldest determination random number is read from the first determination random number memory 202a (S316).
a) First determination processing is performed (S320a). And, special figure 1 design variation start processing (S5
00a), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the first success / failure determination process performed as the process of S320a is also performed in S320b.
As in FIG. 28, the special symbol 1 symbol variation start processing (S500a) performed as the processing of S500a is also performed as the special symbol 2 symbol variation start processing (S50) as the processing of S500b.
Similar to 0b), the process is performed according to FIG. That is, in the first success / failure determination process of S320a,
The first win / fail determination is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 28. In the special figure 1 symbol variation start process of S500a, a process for setting a variation pattern based on the result of the first win / fail determination process (S320a) After performing a process of setting a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the symbol display section 62a (
S510, S540), S590, S592, and S595 are executed.

Next, if it is determined that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing (S310; YES) in S310 of the special symbol game processing (S300) (see FIG. 26), a special The symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol are determined, and the special symbol variation is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S341). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting a timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S341; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S341; YES), the fluctuating first special symbol or second special symbol is stopped (S344), the stopped symbol is displayed, and the symbol is also displayed. A stop command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S346). In addition,
The symbol stop command is transferred to the effect display control board 222 via the sub control board 220. Then, after setting the stop display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (S348), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has elapsed (S350).

If it is determined in the process of S350 that the special symbol stop display time has not elapsed (S35)
0; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S350; YES)
Then, it is determined whether or not the mode of the stop display is a mode indicating a big hit (big hit symbol) (S35 in FIG. 27).
2).

When a positive determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 27, the CPU 20 of the main control board 200
1 sets (stores) information indicating the current game progress in a buffer to be referred to at the end of a “big hit game” to be described later (S354). Specifically, “type of big hit” and “game state flag state” are set (stored) (S354). Further, the specific area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 functions as a buffer used in the process of S354.
Here, the “gaming state flag” is a flag indicating “the gaming state of the gaming machine 1”, that is, “probability change flag”, “fluctuation shortening flag”, “open extension flag”, and the like. In the process of S354, Data indicating whether these flags are set to “ON” or “OFF”, that is, data indicating the current gaming state (gaming mode) is set. Further, the “probability change flag” is a flag indicating that the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is in a high probability mode (mode in which the probability changing means operates), and the “change shortening flag” is a game of the gaming machine 1. It is a flag indicating that the mode (game state) is in a variation shortening mode (a mode in which the execution time of symbol variation display is likely to be shortened). Further, the “open extension flag” increases the release time of the “variable start winning device” such as the second start winning device 17b of the present embodiment when the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is the open extended mode (the second start winning device 17b of this embodiment). (Mode).

Subsequent to the process of S354, a process of setting an opening / closing pattern of the big winning device 31 according to the generated big hit mode is performed (S370). In other words, when “4R normal big hit” or “4R probable big hit” occurs, an opening / closing pattern for performing the above-mentioned round game “4 rounds” is set, and “8R normal big hit” or “8R probable big hit” occurs. In this case, an opening / closing pattern for performing “8 rounds” of the round game described above is set. Furthermore, when “16R normal big hit” or “16R probability variable big hit” occurs,
An open / close pattern for “16 rounds” is set.

Subsequent to the process of S370, a process of setting the jackpot game flag (set to ON) is performed (
S378). By setting the “big hit game flag”, the big hit game execution means starts operating, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “big hit gaming state”. The main control unit 200A transmits a “hit game start designation command (indicated as start C in the drawing) toward the sub-control unit 220A at the timing when the“ hit game flag ”is set.

Subsequent to the process of S378, the process proceeds to the process after S380. Here, in the process of S378, “
When the “big hit game flag” is set, the big hit game execution means starts to operate and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the “big hit gaming state”. However, in this gaming machine 1, the “big hit gaming flag” is set. During medium (when the big hit game execution means is in operation), the probability changing function, the time shortening function, and the opening extension function are not activated. For this reason, after performing a series of processes after S380 as follows, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated.

That is, in the process of S380, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S380). If it is not set (S380; NO), the process proceeds to S3.
If it is set (S380; YES), the probability variation flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S382), and then the process proceeds to S384. Then, in the process of S384, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S384; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited. Returning to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S384 that the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S384; YES), after the fluctuation shortening flag and the open extension flag are canceled (set to OFF) ( S386, S387),
Exit the special symbol game process (S300) and return to the game control process of FIG. In any case, when the process returns to the game control process of FIG.
3) is started and a big hit game is executed.

Next, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 27 will be described. That is, when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b is “out of symbol” (S352; NO), the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). It is determined whether or not (S398). If the fluctuation shortening flag is not set (set to OFF) (S398; YES), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398; YES),
That is, when the game mode at the time of occurrence of the deviation is “low probability shortening variation mode” or “high probability shortening variation mode”, the value of the variation shortening counter is set to “−1” (S400), It is determined whether or not the value has become “zero” (S404). If it is not “zero” (S404; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is left as it is and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the “variation shortening counter” indicates the upper limit number of variations of the special symbol executed while shortening the variation, and when the value becomes “zero”, the shortening variation is not performed in the next variation of the special symbol. .

On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the fluctuation shortening counter has become “zero” in the process of S404 (S404; YES), the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the low probability shortening fluctuation mode to the low probability normal fluctuation. It will switch to the mode. For this reason, the fluctuation shortening flag is canceled (OFF
(S410) and release extension flag release (set to OFF) (S)
416) and a process of transmitting a mode designation command to the sub-control board 220 (S430), then the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In the process of S430, a “mode designation command” that designates the low-probability normal variation mode is transmitted to the sub-control board 220.

E. Big hit game processing (S600)
When the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 repeatedly performs the game control process of FIG. 23, when it is determined that the “hit game flag” is set in the jackpot game process (S600) shown in FIG. 32 (S602; YES), processing related to the execution of the jackpot game is performed. By this processing, the “big hit game A”, “big hit game B”, or “big hit game C” is realized in the gaming machine 1. Note that the jackpot game process (S600) constitutes a specific example of a process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 as the “hit game execution means”.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the flow of the big hit game process (S600). When each big hit round is started, as described above, the opening operation of the big prize opening 31a scheduled in each big hit round is completed, or the number of game balls entered into the big prize opening 31a is the prescribed number of winning prizes. (
10), the end condition of the “big hit round” is satisfied. Thereafter, after a predetermined waiting time (for example, 2 seconds), if the “big hit game end condition” is not satisfied, the next “big hit round” is started. Then, when this “big hit round” is repeated a predetermined number of times (4 times, 8 times or 16 times), the big hit game is finished. Hereinafter, detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 33.

When the big hit game is started (S602; YES), it is first determined whether or not the “big hit round” is being executed (S604). Here, the big winning opening 31a is kept closed in the “normal game state that is not the big hit game state (symbol changing game state)”, and the “big hit round” is still executed immediately after the big hit game is started. Not. For this reason, immediately after the start of the jackpot game,
It is determined that the “big hit round” is not being executed (S604; NO), and then, it is determined whether or not the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S612). That is, it is determined whether or not “the number of executions of the big hit round” has reached the set number of times of the corresponding big hit game (S612).

However, since the condition for ending the big hit game is not satisfied immediately after the big hit game is started, S61
In the process of 2, a negative determination is inevitably made (S612; NO). For this reason, S614
It is determined whether or not the standby time has elapsed after the transition to the process (S614). Here, the “standby time” is the display screen 27 of the effect display device 27 while the special winning opening 31a is kept closed.
The time at which “interval effect” is executed in a, that is, “interval time”, which is set to 2 seconds in this embodiment. However, immediately after the big hit game is started, the big hit round is not executed, so it is inevitably determined that the waiting time has elapsed (S614; YES), and the big hit round is started. (S616), FIG.
The big hit game process shown in FIG. 2 is once ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. The main control unit 200A transmits a “round start designation command (denoted as R start C in the drawing) toward the sub-control unit 220A at the timing of starting the“ big hit round (round game) ”.

When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, after performing a series of various processes shown in FIG. 23, the big hit game process (S600) is started again. At this time, as described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 23 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the jackpot game process (
S600) is also executed repeatedly about every 4 msec.

If an affirmative determination is made in step S604, it is determined whether or not the “opening operation in the big hit round” has been completed (S606). That is, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has reached 30 seconds. Then, if a positive determination is made in the process of S606, after the big hit round is finished (S610), the big hit game process (
S600) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in the process of S606 (S606; NO), it is determined whether or not the game balls won in the special winning opening 31a have reached the prescribed number of winnings (S608).

Even when the number of winning game balls reaches the specified number of winnings (S608; YES), after the big hit round is finished (S610), the big hit game process (S600) shown in FIG. Return to the game control process. In other words, when the number of winning game balls reaches the prescribed number of winnings, the big winning opening 31a that is to be opened and closed in the round game is closed without waiting for the completion of the opening operation scheduled in the big hit round. The main control unit 200A
Sub-control unit 220 at the timing of ending the “big hit round”, that is, “round game”
A “round end designation command (indicated as R end C in the figure) is transmitted toward A.

On the other hand, the opening operation scheduled in the big hit round is not completed (S606; N
O) In addition, if the number of winnings has not reached the prescribed number of winnings (S608; NO), the big hit game process of FIG. 32 is exited and the game control process of FIG. .

When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “big hit gaming state” (S602; YES), a positive determination is made in the processing of S606 while the game control processing of FIG. 23 is repeatedly executed. Alternatively, a positive determination is made in the processing of S608. Thus, one big hit round is completed.

When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the “big hit gaming state”, the big hit game processing (S6) is again performed.
00) is executed, and it is determined in S604 that the “big hit round” is not being executed (S604; NO), it is determined whether or not the termination condition of the “big hit game” is satisfied (S604).
612). That is, the “hit number of rounds” executed during the big hit game is the aforementioned S37.
Number of rounds set as the last round by processing of 0 (4, 8 or 16)
It is determined whether or not If the number of executed “big hit rounds” (number of rounds) has not reached the number of rounds of the final round (S612; NO), the waiting time (2
Seconds) (S614; YES), a new jackpot round is executed (S616).

On the other hand, in the process of S612, if it is determined that the termination condition of the “big hit game” is satisfied (S612; YES), the “big hit game end process (S800)” shown below is performed, and then the big hit game is executed. The process (S600) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. When the big hit game end process (S800) is activated, as shown in FIG. 33, the CPU 201 cancels (sets to OFF) the big hit game flag (see S378 in FIG. 27) (S80).
5) By referring to the above-mentioned “big hit end reference buffer (see S354 of FIG. 27)”, the big hit symbol that became the premise of this big hit game (hereinafter, “this big hit symbol”)
That's it. ) Is acquired (S810), and based on this information, processing for setting a game mode after the end of the big hit game is performed.

That is, if the current big hit symbol (the symbol stopped in the process of S344 in FIG. 26) is “ordinary big hit symbol” (S820; NO), a process of setting “100” to the fluctuation shortening counter (S840). Then, the process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S850) and the process of setting the release extension flag (S855) are performed. And the gaming machine 1 after the end of the jackpot game
After the mode designation command for designating that the game mode is “low probability shortening variation mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S860), the big hit game end process (S800) is terminated.

If the current big hit symbol is the “probable big hit symbol” (S820; YES), the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S822), and the fluctuation shortening counter is set to “10,
000 ”(S835) and a variable shortening flag setting (S850)
) And a process of setting an open extension flag (S855). Further, after the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the “high probability shortening variation mode” after the big hit game is ended (S860), the big hit game end process (S860)
800). The main control unit 200A transmits a “hit game end designation command (denoted as R end C in the figure) toward the sub-control unit 220A at the timing of releasing the jackpot game flag (set to OFF) (S805). To do.

(7) Production control process (S900)
Next, using FIG. 34, sub-control unit 220A (CPU 220a of sub-control board 220 constituting sub-control unit 220A) cooperates with effect display control unit 222A (CPU not shown in effect display control board 222). The outline of the “effect control process (S900)” performed will be described. FIG. 34 shows only main processes among the processes constituting the effect control process.

In this effect control process (S900), when the gaming machine 1 is turned on or the reset switch is pressed, an initialization process is first performed (S960). Thereafter, until the power is turned off, main processes such as the on-hold occurrence process (S1000), the symbol variation effect process (S1100), the replaceable time monitoring process (S1500), and the big hit game effect process (S1800) are performed. Repeatedly executed. Note that the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 34 is approximately 2 msec, so these processes are repeatedly executed every about 2 msec. Hereinafter, the sub control processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In this embodiment, the jackpot game effect processing (
The description of S1800) is omitted.

a. Processing when hold occurs (S1000)
In the hold occurrence process (S1000), as shown in FIG.
When the CPU 220a receives the start winning command (S1005; YES), it stores information regarding the number of holds specified by the start winning command and information regarding the determination random number (S1010).

Specifically, when a start winning command resulting from the start winning to the first start winning device 17a is received (S1005; YES), the “determination random number information” is stored in the first determination random number information memory 22.
In addition to being stored in 1b, the value of the first hold number stored in the first hold number information memory 223b is "+1" (see FIG. 11). When a start winning command resulting from the start winning to the second start winning device 17b is received (S1005; YES), the “determination random number information” is stored in the second determination random number information memory 222b and the second The value of the second hold number stored in the hold number information memory 224b is incremented by “+1” (see FIG. 11).

Following the process of S1010, the CPU 220a performs a process of additionally displaying an image related to the number of holds on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (S1020). Specifically, when a start winning command resulting from the start winning to the first start winning device 17a is received (S1005; Y
ES), in the first hold display area (D1, D2, D3, D4) in use (lighted display)
When the number of display units (D1 to D4) is increased by 1 and a start winning command resulting from the start winning to the second start winning device 17b is received (S1005; YES), the first hold display area (E
1, E2, E3, E4), the number of display units (D1 to D4) in use (lighting display) is increased by one (see FIG. 5).

Subsequent to the processing of S1020, the CPU 220a performs a replaceable flag (S11 in FIG. 38).
15) is set (set to ON) or not (S1025). Here, the “replaceable flag” is a flag indicating that the “symbol variation effect” can be replaced. When this flag is set (set to ON), S described later with reference to FIG.
Even in the effect pattern selected / set in the process of 1120, the contents of the symbol variation effect performed based on the effect pattern may be replaced later with other effect contents.

When the CPU 220a determines that the replaceable flag has been released (set to OFF) (S1025; NO), the CPU 220a ends the on-hold occurrence processing (S1000) and returns to the effect control processing (S900) shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the CPU 220a determines that the replaceable flag is set (set to ON) (S1025; YES), the replacement monitoring timer (
It is determined whether or not the time is up (see S1130 in FIG. 38) (S1030).
That is, it is determined whether or not the “predetermined time t1” has been reached since the start of the current symbol variation effect (S1030). Here, the “replacement monitoring timer” is a timer indicating whether or not the progress of the symbol variation effect has reached the aforementioned “predetermined time t1” (see FIGS. 16, 17, and 20), and this timer is timed up. If the “symbol variation effect” can be replaced based on the hold (determination random number information) stored in the first determination random number information memory 221b or the second determination random number information memory 222b, Determined (to be described later)

If the replacement monitoring timer has not expired (S1030; NO)
Once the hold occurrence process (S1000) is terminated, the effect control process (S90) shown in FIG.
Return to 0). On the other hand, if the replacement monitoring timer has expired (S103)
0; YES), from the start of the current symbol variation until the time (predetermined time t1), the newly stored hold (determination random number information) is a big hit, that is, Is preliminarily determined (S1035). Specifically, when the release extension means is activated and a game mainly based on the second determination is made, the CPU 220a holds the hold (determination random number information stored in the second determination random number information memory 222b). ) In advance,
It is determined whether or not there is a “hit hold” (S1035). In addition, when the release extension means stops operating and a game mainly based on the first determination of success / failure is being performed, the CPU 220a holds the hold (determination random number information) stored in the first determination random number information memory 221b. Is determined in advance, and it is determined whether or not there is “hit on hold” (S1035).

Note that the processing of S1035 takes into consideration the gaming state when the hold is actually processed (when the symbol variation game is actually started) for each hold (determination random number information) to be pre-determined. Done. In other words, if the symbol variation game that starts by processing the hold that is subject to prior determination is performed in the low probability mode, the prior determination regarding the hold is referred to the above-mentioned “low probability data table”. And executed. In addition, if the symbol variation game that starts by processing the hold that is subject to prior determination is performed in the high probability mode, the prior determination related to the hold is referred to the “data table for high probability” described above. And executed.

When it is determined in advance in the processing of S1035 that there is no “hit hold” (S1035; NO)
), The on-hold occurrence process (S1000) is terminated, and the effect control process (S900) shown in FIG.
Return to. On the other hand, when it is determined in advance in step S1035 that there is “hit on hold” (
S1035; YES), it is determined whether or not the symbol variation game currently being executed is a hit variation (S10).
1038), if it is a hit fluctuation (S1038; YES), the process proceeds to S1040. In the process of S1040, the number of the expected payout balls in the “previous jackpot game” performed through the currently running symbol variation game and the “later jackpot game” performed based on the stored hit hold It is determined whether or not the total (hereinafter simply referred to as “total number”) with the number of expected payout balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (3,600 in this embodiment) (S1040).

Note that the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 uses the first hold number information memory 223b and the second
Based on the random number information for determination stored in the number-of-holds information memory 224b, not only the lottery random numbers for the big hit lottery (Special Figure 1 big hit lottery random number, Special Figure 2 big hit lottery random number) but also the first special symbol display unit 62a It is also possible to specify a symbol determining random number (special symbol 1 symbol determining random number, special symbol 2 symbol determining random number) for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b. Based on the specified symbol for determining the symbol, it is possible not only to identify whether the winning hold is a “probable big hit” hold or a “normal big hit” hold, It is possible to specify the number of planned winning balls for the “later jackpot game” performed based on the hold.

Here, a determination example of the process of S1040 will be described with reference to FIGS. However, in any of the determination examples, the number of expected payout balls in the “previous jackpot game” played through the currently running symbol variation game is “1200”.

In the determination example 1 shown in FIG. 36A, there is one hit hold based on the determination random number information stored in the second hold number information memory 224b, and “after” is performed based on the hit hold. This shows a case where it is determined that the number of payout scheduled winning balls in the “hit game” is “1200”. Further, in the determination example 2 shown in FIG. 36B, there are two hit holds based on the determination random number information stored in the second hold number information memory 224b, and based on the two hit holds. The number of planned winning balls for the “Large Bonus Game” to be played is “600” (
The case where it is determined that the total is 1200) is shown. In these determination examples 1 and 2, the “total number” is limited to “2400”, so a negative determination is made in the process of S1040.

In the determination example 3 shown in FIG. 37 (a), there is one hit hold based on the determination random number information stored in the second hold number information memory 224b, and “after” is performed based on the hit hold. This shows a case where it is determined that the number of payout scheduled winning balls in the “hit game” is “2400”. Further, in the determination example 4 shown in FIG. 37 (b), there are two winning holds based on the determination random number information stored in the second holding number information memory 224b, and based on these two winning holds. The number of balls to be paid out at the “Large Bonus Game” to be played is “1200” respectively.
The case where it is determined that the total number is 2400 is shown. In these determination example 3 and determination example 4, since the “total number” is “3,600”, a positive determination is made in the processing of S1040.

In this way, in this embodiment, when there are a plurality of hit holds that are subject to prior determination, all of the number of winning balls to be paid out in the “later big hit game” performed based on these hit holds are calculated. The process of S1040 is performed in consideration. However, even in the case where there are a plurality of winning suspensions that are subject to prior judgment, unlike the present embodiment, only the number of winning balls to be paid in the “later jackpot game” performed based on a specific winning suspension is considered. Then, the process of S1040 may be performed. For example,
S1040 is considered in consideration of only the first on-holding among the on-holds subject to prior determination.
Alternatively, the process of S1040 may be performed in consideration of only the winning suspension with the largest number of payout scheduled winning balls in the “later big hit game”.

Returning to FIG. 35 for further explanation, when the “total number” is less than the predetermined number (S1040; N
O), a process for canceling the replaceable flag (set to OFF) (S1090), and a process for clearing (initializing) the replacement monitoring timer (S1095), and then a process when a hold occurs (
S1000) is ended, and the process returns to the effect control process (S900) shown in FIG. In this case, the symbol variation effect is completed according to the effect pattern selected / set at the start of the symbol variation effect.

On the other hand, when the “total number” is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (S1040; YES), the progress of the currently executing symbol variation effect reaches the above-mentioned “specific time t2” (see FIGS. 16, 17, and 20). When the replacement timing arrives (in the case of specific examples 2 to 3), a process of replacing the symbol variation effect being executed with the special effect is performed (S1045). Then, after performing the process (S1090) for releasing the replaceable flag (set to OFF) and the process (S1095) for clearing (initializing) the replacement monitoring timer, the process at the time of occurrence of the hold (S1000) is terminated. , FIG.
The production control process (S900) shown in FIG. In this case, select /
The symbol variation effect is completed according to an effect pattern different from the set effect pattern.

As the above-described specific example 2 and specific example 3, when the progress of the symbol variation effect reaches the predetermined time point t1 after the start thereof, it is not immediately replaced with the “special effect”, but the specific time point t2. An example of the replacement to the “special effect” is shown as an example. In other words, S10
After the affirmative determination is made in the process of 30, an example in which the process of S <b> 1045 is executed after a specific time has elapsed is illustrated. More specifically, an example is illustrated in which a predetermined time point t1 is set before the start of the reach effect, and the “special effect” is replaced at a predetermined timing (specific time t2) after the reach effect becomes the development effect. did. However, the replacement timing for the “special effect” is not limited to that shown in the above-described specific example 2 and specific example 3, and when the progress of the symbol variation effect reaches the predetermined time point t1 from the start, A mode of performing replacement with “

In addition, it is determined in advance in step S1035 that there is “hit pending” (S1035).
; YES), when it is determined that the symbol variation effect currently being executed is out of variation (S10).
38; NO), after performing the process of replacing the symbol variation effect being executed with the special effect (S104)
5) A process for releasing (setting to OFF) the replaceable flag (S1090) and a process for clearing (initializing) the replacement monitoring timer (S1095) are performed. Then, the on-hold occurrence process (S1000) is terminated, and the process returns to the effect control process (S900) shown in FIG. Also in this case, the symbol variation effect is completed according to an effect pattern different from the effect pattern selected and set at the start of the symbol variation effect. However, in this case, when the symbol variation effect being executed is completed, an outlier display using a pseudo symbol is performed.

Here, the processing of S1035 executed when the winning variation is performed as the current symbol variation game constitutes a specific example of the processing performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 as the “hold determination unit”. In addition, the process of S1045, which is performed through the positive determination of the process of S1035 and the positive determination of the process of S1040, constitutes a specific example of the process performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 as “production replacement execution unit”.

b. Symbol variation effect processing (S1100)
In the symbol variation effect process (S1100), as shown in FIG.
When the CPU 220a of 0 receives the command at the start of symbol variation (S1105; YES),
It is determined whether or not a specific variation pattern is designated as the variation pattern of the current symbol variation game (S1110). Here, the commands received in the processing of S1105 are a variation pattern designation command (CHP) and a special symbol stop information designation command (CJS). For this reason, the sub-control unit 220A performs S1110 based on the received “variation pattern designation command”.
Can be executed, and based on the received “special symbol stop information designation command”, it is possible to determine the result of the determination (S320a, S320b) performed in the main control unit 200A.

When the specific variation pattern is not designated (S1110; NO), after performing the process of selecting (determining) and setting the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect and the stop symbol (S1135)
The symbol variation effect is started (S1140), and the process proceeds to S1165 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, when a specific variation pattern is designated (S1110; YES), after performing the process of setting the “replaceable flag” (set to ON) (S1115), the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect and the stop A process of selecting (determining) and setting a symbol is performed (S1120). And
After performing the process of starting the symbol variation effect (S1125) and the process of starting the operation of the replacement monitoring timer (S1130), the process proceeds to S1165 and subsequent processes.

Here, the process of S1120 and the process of S1135 are executed based on the result of the determination. That is, the determination of success / failure based on the received “special symbol stop information designation command” (S320
When determining that the result of a, S320b) is a big hit, a process of determining a “hit effect effect pattern” and a “hit symbol” based on the received “variation pattern designation command” and “special symbol stop information designation command” I do. By this "effect pattern for the jackpot effect"
The execution mode of the effect display executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, the mode of reach display, and the like are determined. Further, a specific mode of “pseudo symbol for definite display of big hit” is determined as “hit hit stop symbol”.

On the other hand, based on the received “special symbol stop information designation command”, the success / failure determination (S320a, S
If it is determined that the result of 320b) is out of place, the “effect pattern for out effect” and “out symbol” are determined based on the received “variation pattern specifying command” and “special symbol stop information specifying command”. Perform the process. By this “effect pattern for off-stage effect”, the execution mode of the effect display executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, whether or not the reach display is executed, the reach display mode when the reach display is executed, and the like are determined. . Further, a specific mode of “pseudo symbol for definite display” is determined as “off symbol”.

Further, in the process of S1120 and the process of S1135, in addition to the execution mode of the effect display related to the pseudo symbol and the mode of the stop symbol, the effect mode related to other effect elements, the display mode related to the auxiliary symbol, and the like are selected and set. That is, an effect mode related to display effect elements (background symbols, character symbols, live-action images) other than pseudo symbols, an effect mode related to sound effect elements, and an effect mode related to light emission effect elements are selected and set. Also, the auxiliary symbol variation display mode and stop mode are selected and set.

In the processing of S1165, the sub-control unit 220A, based on the received variation pattern designation command and special symbol stop information designation command, designates the effect pattern determined in S1120 or S1135 and the “pseudo symbol stop symbol” (effect). Display detail command) is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), and the effect display device 27 is transmitted.
In FIG. 5, the variation display (symbol variation production) of the production design such as the pseudo design and the background design is started (S
1165). Then, when the sub control unit 220A receives the symbol stop designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200A (S1165; YES), the sub control unit 220A transfers the received effect stop designation command to the effect display control unit 222A. Then, the effect display device 27 stops the effect display of the pseudo symbol and the background symbol (S1170).

Note that the symbol variation effect process (S1100) is performed by the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220.
A specific example of processing performed as “symbol variation effect execution means” is configured. Further, in the processing of S1120 and the processing of S1135, the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 performs “effect pattern selection means”.
A specific example of the processing to be performed is configured.

c. Replacement time monitoring process (S1500)
In the replaceable time monitoring process (S1500), as shown in FIG. 39, a replaceable flag is set by the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 (see S1115 in FIG. 38).
Is determined to be set (set to ON) (S1510; YES), S1515
Shift to subsequent processing.

In the process of S1515, it is determined whether or not the replacement monitoring timer (see S1130 in FIG. 38) is up. That is, it is determined whether or not the “predetermined time point t1” has been reached since the start of the current symbol variation effect (S1515). If the replacement monitoring timer has not expired (S1515; NO), the replacement-possible timing monitoring process (S1500) is once ended, and the process returns to the effect control process (S900) shown in FIG.

On the other hand, when the replacement monitoring timer is up (S1515; YES),
After performing the process (S1520) of canceling the replaceable flag (set to OFF) and the process (S1525) of clearing (initializing) the replacement monitoring timer, the replaceable time monitoring process (S1500) is terminated. The process returns to the effect control process (S900) shown in FIG. As a result, it is determined that the specific variation pattern is designated in S1110 processing of FIG. 38 (S1110; YES), but from the start of the current symbol variation game until the replacement monitoring timer expires Even if the sub-control unit 220A does not receive the “start winning prize command”, etc., the process of canceling (setting OFF) the replaceable flag (S1520)
) And a process of clearing (initializing) the replacement monitoring timer (S1525).

(8) Effects of the embodiment In this gaming machine 1, a new hit hold occurs before the predetermined timing (t1) during execution of the “hit fluctuation”, and the big hit game related to the “hit fluctuation” When the number of award balls obtained with a newly generated jackpot game related to “hit hold” is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the symbol variation effect that is being executed with the hit variation is based on the effect pattern determined at the start of the variation Replace with a special production different from the production. In other words, consecutive occurrence of big hits in a short period (so-called continuous chain)
Rather than simply suggesting the possibility, the content of the effect that should have been determined at the start of the change is replaced with a special effect by determining the status of the occurrence of the hold and the total number of payable scheduled award balls. As a result, it is now possible to acquire a large amount of prize balls that cannot be obtained in a single big hit game, that is, “plus alpha prize balls” as a trigger for this game. It can be suggested through an ongoing symbol variation game (symbol variation production).

As described above, the gameability realized by the gaming machine 1 is not limited to simple gameplay such as “suggesting the continuous occurrence of big hits”. In other words, by replacing the contents of this symbol variation effect at a predetermined timing (t2), it is possible to suggest to the player that a large amount of prize balls that cannot be obtained in a single big hit game can be acquired in a short period of time. Achievable playability. Therefore, it is possible to increase the degree of attention and expectation of the player who faces the symbol variation effect while making use of the hold prefetching function. In addition, since the gaming machine 1 adopts a configuration in which a special effect is executed on the premise that a “hit hold” is generated during execution of “hit fluctuation”, a player who wants to encounter the special effect actively plays a game. You can expect to fire a ball. That is, since the stoppage (the act of stopping the launch of the game ball) during the symbol variation game can be suppressed, the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

In addition, according to this gaming machine 1, the occurrence of a special effect causes “this symbol variation game” and “
The player can be expected to start the big hit game based on one or both of “pending”. Specifically, if the symbol variation effect being executed is replaced with a special effect,
a) A case where a large amount of award balls can be obtained while generating a “hit”, and (b) “Rejected” this time.
However, there is a case where there is a “win” in the hold. For this reason, even if an off-notification is made through a special effect, the player can have a sense of expectation for the presence of a hit hold.

In the first embodiment, when the symbol variation effect is replaced, the entire effect content is switched. In other words, a mode in which the battle effect determined at the start of the change is switched to another battle effect, specifically, a mode in which a battle that competes for running speed (competitive race) is switched to a battle that competes for winning a prize (prize money battle). Was illustrated. However, in the invention of each claim,
It is also possible to exemplify a mode in which only part of the production content is switched. For example, as in the modification shown in FIG. 40, when a positive determination is made in the process of S1040 of FIG. 35 described above,
Only the character may be changed.

That is, in this modified example, when the progress of the symbol variation effect reaches the specific time t2 after the start of the design change, only the character that is running the race is replaced from male to female without switching the content of the battle (e9). And it is supposed that the symbol variation effect will be completed while continuing the student race using the replaced character.

Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. The gaming machine of the second embodiment is different from the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment in that a so-called “gasse effect” is added, but the other points are the same as the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that FIG. 41 is added and that FIG. 42 is used instead of FIG.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a “special outage effect pattern” is set as the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect executed in accordance with the deviation variation. This special off-stage effect pattern is for performing a change notification when the design variation effect is completed, while the content of the effect is switched to the content of the special effect during the execution of the design variation effect.

In the gaming machine of the second embodiment, the variation pattern that is selected when the result of the determination is incorrect is selected from the variation pattern table shown in FIG. In this variation pattern table, those with “circle” are “specific variation patterns”, and those without “circle” are variation patterns other than “specific variation patterns” (hereinafter referred to as “normal variation patterns”). It is said.) In addition, among the normal variation patterns shown in FIG. 42, the “triangle mark” is the “normal variation pattern for the gaze effect”. Note that the “normal variation pattern for the gasse effect” is a variation pattern corresponding to the “special off-effect pattern”.

When “normal variation pattern” is selected in the symbol variation start process (S500) shown in FIG. 29, a negative determination is made in the process of S1110 of the symbol variation effect process (S1100) shown in FIG. 38, and in S1135. Then, a process of selecting (determining) and setting the effect pattern of the symbol variation effect and the stop symbol is performed. However, in the symbol variation start process (S500), “
If the “normal variation pattern for gas effect” is selected, the “special out-effect pattern” is set in S1135.

This “special loss effect pattern” is an effect pattern in which, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the symbol variation effect, the content is switched to the content of the special effect, and the error notification is made via this special effect. In other words, according to the special loss effect pattern, an effect similar to that of the above-described specific example 2 is executed. However, in the effect according to the special loss effect pattern, processing related to the replacement of the effect is not performed. That is, it differs from the specific example 2 in that it is an effect that is originally set at the start of the symbol variation effect as an effect that the effect content is scheduled to switch to the content of the special effect.

Next, a specific example (hereinafter, referred to as “specific example 4”) of the symbol variation effect according to the special losing effect pattern will be described with reference to FIG. Also in this specific example 4, the second hold number is “2”.
The case where the symbol change game and the symbol change effect are started by digesting “first hold” from the above situation is shown. In this specific example 4, the first hold and the hold that is digested after the first hold are “off hold”, and all the hold that occurs during the symbol variation game based on the first hold is “out hold”. I will do it.

In the fourth specific example, as shown in FIG. 41, when the start timing of the fluctuation related to the earliest hold arrives, the second special symbol display unit 62b starts the deviation fluctuation using the second special symbol and also displays the effect. The device 27 starts the design variation effect. Then, until the progress of the symbol variation effect reaches the specific time point t2, the teammate character and the enemy character develop a race (a5 to a8 in FIG. 41) as in the second specific example. When the specific time point t2 is reached, the content of the effect is switched to the special effect, and thereafter, a “prize battle” similar to the specific example 2 is developed (g9,
g10). After displaying that the enemy character has won the “Prize Battle” (g1
1) The off-display is performed to end the symbol variation effect (g12).

According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. That means
In the second embodiment, the effect content of the symbol variation effect is switched to the content of the special effect when “displacement variation” is being executed. For this reason, since the case where the “big hit” is generated after the occurrence of the special effect and the case where the “big hit” is not generated are alternatively generated, the game entertainment can be further improved. That is, “occurrence of special effects” does not surely mean “occurrence of big hits”, so that it is possible to further improve the game entertainment.

In particular, in the second embodiment, the cases shown in specific examples 1 to 4 can occur, and the following effects can be obtained. In other words, (a) a case where a large amount of winning balls can be obtained while generating a “big hit”, (b) a case where this time is “out” but there is a “hit” in the hold, and (c) “hit” ”Can be generated (a completely gusset case). For this reason, if the running symbol variation effect is replaced with a special effect, (i) expectation that a large number of prize balls that cannot be obtained in a single jackpot game can be acquired as a result of this symbol variation effect. (Iii) Even if the current symbol variation game is out of place, the player may have a sense of expectation that there may be a chance of a hold as a hold. It may happen that you disappoint your expectations. That is, since three cases are alternatively generated, the range of games can be expanded, and the game entertainment can be further improved.

The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a process related to a hit hold that occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed is added. That is, the point in which FIGS. 43 to 46 are added, the point that FIGS. 47 and 48 are used instead of FIG. 35, and the point that FIG. 49 is used instead of FIG.

Specific example 5 shown in FIGS. 43 and 44 and specific example 6 shown in FIGS. 45 and 46 are both performing the hit variation, and the progress of the hit variation (design variation effect) reaches a predetermined time point t1. A case where a hit hold (hereinafter referred to as “hold after progress”) has occurred is illustrated. Further, in both of the specific example 5 and the specific example 6, the number of expected payout balls in the “previous jackpot game” performed through the hit fluctuation during execution is “1200”, and the predetermined time point t1 has passed. The number of payout scheduled award balls in the “later jackpot game” to be performed based on the subsequent winning hold is “2400”. It should be noted that in any of the specific example 5 and the specific example 6, all the holds other than “holding after progress” are set as off-holds.

In Specific Example 5, the same symbol variation effect as in Specific Example 1 is executed until the specific time point t2 is reached (see a8 in FIG. 44). Then, as shown in FIGS. 43 and 44, after the specific time point t2, a “holding after lapse” occurs, and the “previous jackpot game” that is performed through a hit variation during execution.
The total of the planned number of payout balls (1,200) and the planned number of payout balls (2400) in the “Large Bonus Game” to be held after the elapse of time is a predetermined number or more (3600). (A4 in FIG. 43, h9 in FIG. 44).

In this specific example 5, when the hit variation is being performed and the hit hold (holding after the elapse of time) occurs after the specific time point t2 has passed, the character S is applied to the symbol change effect performed in accordance with the change. Is immediately added (h10 in FIG. 44). Then, after the symbol variation effect is continued with the character S added, an indication that the teammate character has won the run is displayed (h1).
1) The jackpot display is performed and the symbol variation effect is terminated (h12). The character S constitutes a specific example of the effect element to be added.

Also in the specific example 6, the same symbol variation effect as that of the specific example 1 is executed until the specific time point t2 is reached (see a3 in FIG. 46). Then, as shown in FIG. 45 and FIG. 46, after the progress of the hit variation (design variation effect) has passed the predetermined time point t1 and before the specific time point t2 is reached, a “hold after hitting” occurs. `` Previous jackpot game '' performed through hit fluctuation during execution
The total of the planned number of payout balls (1,200) and the planned number of payout balls (2400) in the “Large jackpot game” performed based on the post-elapse reservation is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (3600). (A4 in FIG. 45, k4 in FIG. 46).

In this specific example 6, the hit fluctuation is being executed and after a predetermined time t1, the specific time t
If hit-holding (holding after elapse) occurs before reaching 2, character S is immediately added to the symbol variation effect that is performed with the hit variation (k9 in FIG. 46). Then, after the symbol variation effect is continued with the character S added, a display to the effect that the teammate character has won the run is displayed, a jackpot display is performed, and the symbol variation effect is terminated.

Next, the hold occurrence process (S1000) of the third embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the hold occurrence process of the first embodiment (S1000 in FIG. 35). In other words, in the on-hold occurrence process (S1000) of the third embodiment, when the process of replacing the symbol variation effect being executed with the special effect is performed (S
1045), the replaced flag is set (set to ON) (S1048). And
After performing the process of canceling the replaceable flag (set to OFF) (S1090) and the process of clearing (initializing) the replacement monitoring timer (S1095), the process at the time of occurrence of the hold (S10)
00) and the process returns to the effect control process (S900) shown in FIG. Here, the replaced flag is a flag indicating that the symbol variation effect being executed is replaced with a special effect, and when the replaced flag is set (set to ON), a predetermined time point t1 has passed. Even if “holding after progress” occurs, the character S
Is not added.

In addition, in the on-hold occurrence processing (S1000) of the third embodiment, C of the sub control board 220 is also displayed.
When the PU 220a receives the start winning command (S1005; YES), it is determined whether the replaceable flag (see S1115 in FIG. 49) is set (set to ON) through the processing of S1010 and S1020. Judgment is made (S1025). If it is determined that the replaceable flag is released (set to OFF) (S1025; NO), it is determined whether or not the replaced flag is set (set to ON) (S1050).

If the replaced flag is set (set to ON) (S1050)
; YES), the on-hold occurrence process (S1000) is terminated, and the effect control process (S) shown in FIG.
900). On the other hand, when the replaced flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S1050; NO), the process proceeds to S1055 in FIG.

Here, “the process of S1520 after the positive determination of the process of S1515 of FIG. 39” or “the process of FIG.
As is clear from “Processing of S1090 after affirmative determination of processing of S1030 of 7” ”, when the replaceable flag is released (set to OFF), the progress of the symbol variation effect is the above-mentioned“ predetermined time t1 ”.
(See FIGS. 16, 17, and 20). Therefore, in FIG. 47, S100
When the replaceable flag is released (set to OFF) after the affirmative determination of the process 5 (S1025; NO), the progress of the symbol variation effect is the above-mentioned “predetermined time t1” (FIGS. 16 and 1).
(See 7, 20) When a hold occurs after arriving (hereinafter referred to as “When a hold occurs after progress”)
That's it. ).

In this embodiment, in the case of “holding after progress”, it is determined in advance whether or not there is a big hit hold, that is, “hit hold” in the post-pass hold (random number information for determination). (S10
55). Specifically, when the release extension means is activated and a game mainly based on the second determination is made, the CPU 220a holds the hold (determination random number information stored in the second determination random number information memory 222b). ) To determine whether or not there is a “hit hold” (S
1055). In addition, when the release extension means stops operating and a game mainly based on the first determination of success / failure is being performed, the CPU 220a holds the hold (determination random number information) stored in the first determination random number information memory 221b. Is determined in advance, and it is determined whether or not there is a “hit hold” (S1055). In the process of S1055, the game state when the hold is actually processed (when the symbol variation game is actually started) is taken into consideration for each hold (determination random number information) to be pre-determined. Done.

When it is determined in advance that there is no “hit hold” in the process of S1055 (S1055; NO)
), The on-hold occurrence process (S1000) is terminated, and the effect control process (S900) shown in FIG.
Return to. On the other hand, if it is determined in advance in step S1055 that there is a “hit pending” (
S1055; YES), it is determined whether or not the currently running symbol variation game is a hit variation (S10).
1060), if it is a hit fluctuation (S1060; YES), the process proceeds to S1065. In the process of S1065, the “succeeding jackpot game” performed based on the number of award balls to be paid out in the “previous jackpot game” performed through the currently running symbol variation game and the newly stored hit hold. It is determined whether or not the total (total number) of the number of payout scheduled prize balls is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (3,600 in this embodiment) (S1065).

When the “total number” is less than the predetermined number (S1065; NO), the processing at the time of occurrence of the hold (as it is)
S1000) is ended, and the process returns to the effect control process (S900) shown in FIG. on the other hand,"
When the “total number” is equal to or greater than the predetermined number (S1065; YES), when the effect element addition timing arrives, processing for adding the effect element to the symbol variation effect being executed is performed (S1070). That is, when the positive determination in S1065 is obtained after the specific time t2, processing for immediately adding a production element is performed (S1070), and when it is obtained before reaching the specific time t2, the specific time t2 is obtained. A process of adding a production element is performed after waiting for (S1070). In this case, the symbol variation effect is completed with the addition of the effect element to the symbol variation effect executed according to the effect pattern selected and set at the start of the symbol variation effect. S
The process 1070 constitutes a specific example of the process performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 as “effect element adding means”.

Then, when the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 performs the process of S1070, it ends the on-hold occurrence process (S1000) and returns to the effect control process (S900) shown in FIG.

Here, the process of S1065 can be performed as follows. For example, “M” is the expected number of balls to be paid out in the “previous jackpot game” played through the currently running symbol variation game, In the case where the number of the expected payout balls in the “game” is “N”, a process of determining whether or not “M + N” is the predetermined number or more in the process of S1065 can be exemplified. In addition, “M” is the number of the expected payout balls in the “previous jackpot game” performed through the currently changing symbol variation game, and the “after” is performed based on the winning suspension that occurs after the predetermined time t1. No. of winning balls for “Large Bonus Game”
In the case where the number of the expected payout balls in the jackpot game after the game based on the hit hold already stored before reaching the predetermined time point t1 is “P”, “M + N +
A process of determining whether or not “P” is greater than or equal to a predetermined number can be exemplified. In this case, “M + P”
The number is less than a predetermined number. In any case, when there are a plurality of winning holds that have occurred after the predetermined time point t1, the number of scheduled payout balls in the big hit game performed based on each winning hold is added up, and the process of S1545 is performed. It can also be done.

Next, the symbol variation effect process (S1100) of the third embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the symbol variation effect process (S1100 of FIG. 38) of the first embodiment. That is, in the symbol variation effect process (S1100) of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 49, the process of S1166 and S116 are performed.
8 is different from the symbol variation effect process (S1100) of the first embodiment in that 8 is added.

In the symbol variation effect process (S1100) of the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 49, when the sub control unit 220A receives a symbol stop designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200A (
S1165; YES), it is determined whether or not the replaced flag is released (set to OFF) (S1166). If released (S1166; YES), the sub-control unit 220A transfers the received effect stop designation command to the effect display control unit 222A, and causes the effect display device 27 to stop the effect display of the pseudo symbol and the background symbol. (S1170).

On the other hand, if the replaced flag is set (set to ON) (S1166; NO)
The sub-control unit 220A cancels (sets to OFF) the replaced flag (S116).
8) The received effect stop designation command is transferred to the effect display control unit 222A, and the effect display device 27 stops the effect display of the pseudo symbol and the background symbol (S1170).

According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. That means
According to the third embodiment, during the execution of the symbol variation game (symbol variation production), the player is suggested that a predetermined number or more (a large amount) of prize balls can be acquired in a short period of time with the present symbol variation game as an opportunity. Such a playability can be secured until the end of the hit fluctuation. Therefore, according to the third embodiment, the game entertainment can be further improved.

The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that processing related to replacement with a special effect is performed based on the preliminary determination performed by the main control unit 200A. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that FIG. 50 is used instead of FIG. 11, FIG. 51 is used instead of FIG. 25, and FIG. 52 is used instead of FIG.

Also in the special symbol game process of the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG.
If it is determined that a game ball has won a (S302a; YES), the process of S303a and S
The process 304a is performed. After that, using the determination random number (special figure 1 big hit lottery random number) and the symbol determining random number (special figure 1 symbol determining random number) acquired in the process of S304a, a prior determination as to whether or not a big hit can occur, Pre-determination regarding the type is performed (S305a). In addition,
Pre-determining the type of jackpot, whether the jackpot that is generated is a promising jackpot,
The number of expected winning balls for the jackpot that is generated is determined.

Then, after a start winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S307a), FIG.
The process proceeds to step S308 in FIG. Here, the command at the time of start winning that is the target in the process of S307a is information that indicates the result of the prior determination in S305a and a command that indicates the first hold number after the start winning. However, unlike the present embodiment, information indicating the result of prior determination and S30
The command specifying the first hold number after executing the process 4a may be a separate command.

If it is determined that the game ball has won the second start winning device 17b (S302b; YE)
S) After performing the processing of S303b and the processing of S304b, using the determination random number (special figure 2 big hit lottery random number) and the symbol determining random number (special figure 2 symbol determining random number) acquired in the processing of S304b A prior determination regarding whether or not the jackpot can be generated and a prior determination regarding the type of the jackpot that occurs are performed (S305b). Note that whether or not the generated big hit is a promising big hit and the number of payout-scheduled winning balls for the generated big hit are determined by prior determination regarding the type of the big hit.

Then, after a start winning command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S307b), FIG.
The process proceeds to step S308 in FIG. Here, the start winning command to be processed in the process of S307b is information indicating the result of the prior determination in S305b and a command indicating the second hold number after the start winning. However, unlike the present embodiment, information indicating the result of prior determination and S30
The command for specifying the second hold number after executing the process 4b may be a separate command.

As shown in FIG. 50, a RAM 220b mounted on the sub-control board 220 (see FIG. 9).
Are provided with a first determination result information memory 226b, a second determination result information memory 227b, a first hold number information memory 223b, and a second hold number information memory 224b. In addition,
The contents of the first reserved number information memory 223b and the second reserved number information memory 224b are the same as in the first embodiment.

When the sub control board 220 receives the “start winning prize command” based on the process of S307a, the information (determination result information) indicating the result of the prior determination performed in S305a is transferred to the first determination result information memory 226b in the shift memory format. And the first hold number information memory 223
The value of the first hold number stored in b is incremented by “+1”. In addition, based on the processing of S307b, “
When the “start winning prize command” is received, information indicating the result of the preliminary determination performed in S305b (
Determination result information) is stored in the second determination result information memory 227b in a shift memory format, and the value of the second reservation number stored in the second reservation number information memory 224b is incremented by "+1".

The on-hold occurrence processing (S1000) of the fourth embodiment is executed according to FIG. This on-hold occurrence process (S1000) is different from the on-hold occurrence process (S1000 in FIG. 35) of the first embodiment in that the “S1036 process” is performed instead of the “S1035 process (FIG. 35)”. In other words, in the on-hold occurrence processing (S1000) of the fourth embodiment, when a positive determination is made in S1030, it is determined whether or not the newly stored determination result information is determination result information that is a big hit (S1036).
). Specifically, when the release extension means is activated and a game mainly based on the second determination is made, the CPU 220a determines the determination result information stored in the second determination result information memory 227b. (S1036). Further, when the release extension means stops operating and a game mainly based on the first determination of success / failure is performed, the CPU 220a determines the determination result information stored in the first determination result information memory 226b. (S1036).

Furthermore, when it is determined that the determination result information is not a big hit (S1036; NO),
If the process proceeds to the process after S1090 and it is determined that the determination result information is a big hit (S1036; YES), the process proceeds to the process after S1038. The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained in the fourth embodiment.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim. Can be easily replaced by these, and improvements based on knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate.

That is, aspects other than those exemplified in the examples and modifications can be exemplified as the contents of the effects after the replacement of the symbol variation effects. For example, the aspect which replaces the reach production (for example, normal reach production) determined at the time of the start of a change with another reach production (for example, development type reach production) can be illustrated. In addition, as an effect after replacement, for example, a mode in which “display with a low appearance rate” such as a premier display or a premier video is executed can be exemplified.

In each embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used as the special symbols, and the processing related to the second special symbol is preferentially performed. However, both the first special symbol and the second special symbol are used. The invention of each claim can also be applied to a mode in which the special symbol processing is performed in the order of the start winning prize. in this case,
The upper limit number of the first hold number and the second hold number may be set to “4”, respectively, and the maximum number of holds to be determined in advance may be set to “8”. In such a case, the “predetermined number” that becomes the “branch point for effect replacement” may be larger than that shown in each embodiment (for example, 5000). Furthermore, the invention of each claim can be applied to a gaming machine having one special symbol.

Further, in each embodiment, an effect element that constitutes a special effect (hereinafter referred to as a “special effect element”).
) Or effect elements added by effect element adding means (hereinafter referred to as “added effect elements”).
) Is a “display effect element”. However, the “special effect element” and the “addition effect element” are realized by driving the “display effect element”, “sound effect element”, “light emission effect element”, and “movable effect means (movable accessory device)”. Any one of the “movable production elements”,
Or two or more may be sufficient. For example, special effects such as special effects that cannot normally appear (special reach effects, etc.) and “characters” appear, while “sounds” and “
It may emit light. Further, “sound”, “light”, etc. different from usual may be emitted in a spot while adding “characters” in which “additional effect elements” do not normally appear in a spot.

In each embodiment, the gaming machine 1 including one variable start prize device (second start prize device 17b) and one non-variable start prize device (first start prize device 17a) is illustrated. A gaming machine having only one variable start prize device, a gaming machine having only a plurality of variable start prize devices, a plurality of variable start prize devices and one or more non-variable starters The invention of each claim can be applied to a gaming machine including a winning device, a gaming machine including one variable start winning device and a plurality of non-variable starting winning devices.

  The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing and selling gaming machines.

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
2; outer frame,
10: Game board,
11: Game area,
17a; first start winning device,
17b; second start winning device,
27; production display device (production means),
27a; display screen,
31; Grand prize-winning device,
62a; first special symbol display section,
62b; second special symbol display section,
200A; main control unit (win / fail judgment means, hold storage means, symbol variation game execution means, jackpot game mode selection means, jackpot game execution means, hold storage means),
220A; sub-control unit (hold storage means, effect pattern selection means, symbol variation effect execution means, hold determination means, effect replacement execution means, post-elapse hold determination means, effect element addition means),
222A; effect display control unit.

Claims (1)

Based on the game ball entering the starting port, a special symbol is variably displayed until a predetermined variation time elapses, and a symbol variation game is executed to execute a symbol variation game indicating the result of winning or losing as the variation display ends. Execution means;
Effect execution means for executing a predetermined effect in accordance with the symbol variation game;
A jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game capable of acquiring a prize ball based on the entry of a game ball into the jackpot when the result of the symbol variation game is a winning;
When a game ball enters the starting port during the execution of the symbol variation game or the jackpot game, the symbol variation game corresponding to the entered ball is to be executed after the currently executed symbol variation game or jackpot game ends. Holding storage means for storing as holding;
Pre-determining means for making a pre-determination of holding stored in the holding storage means
A gaming machine equipped with
A hold that is being executed in accordance with a certain symbol variation game and is scheduled to be more advantageous to the player than the result of the certain symbol variation game in the hold stored in the hold storage means. Is included, a predetermined special effect is generated during the execution of the effect ,
When the predetermined special effect occurs during the execution of an effect tailored to a certain symbol variable game, after the effect according to the effect pattern selected at the start of the certain symbol variable game is replaced with another effect, A gaming machine configured to be generated as an effect tailored to the certain symbol variation game .

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