JP6099709B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  A type of gaming machine (pachinko machine) performs a jackpot lottery (winning determination) based on the establishment of the start condition, and when a jackpot is won, a jackpot game with the opening of a big prize opening is performed as a kind of special game . A large number of prize balls can be obtained by winning game balls at the big prize opening. The result of the jackpot lottery is shown to the player in the symbol stop mode after the symbol change display on the symbol display means.

  A predetermined selectable period is set during the jackpot game and the player's selection operation input is accepted during the selectable period, and after the selectable period based on the input operation during the selectable period ( For example, there is a gaming machine that determines a production stage or mode in a so-called probability variation state (see Non-Patent Document 1 below). The selectable period starts, for example, in synchronization with the start of a certain round, and ends in synchronization with the start of another round thereafter. Each round ends when the opening time of the special winning opening reaches a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). However, in each round, even if the opening time of the big prize opening has not reached the predetermined time, the round ends when the number of game balls entering the big prize opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10).

New Silver Co., Ltd., CR Shin / Hana no Keiji's special page, “Screw RUSH”, [online], [Search May 18, 2015], Internet <URL: http://www.newgin.co.jp /pub/machine/keiji_shin/contents/kabuki_rush/index01.html>

  With respect to a method of accepting an operation input during execution of a special game such as a jackpot game, it is desired to introduce a new effect in consideration of the convenience of the player.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that contributes to improving the convenience of a player regarding operation input.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention has a determining means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player when the start condition is established, and a game ball when the determining means determines that the special game is to be performed. A special game execution means for executing a game as a special game for making a game ball enter an open state in which a game ball can easily enter a special prize opening provided in a game area where the game can flow down, and an effect execution means for executing a predetermined effect, An operation means for receiving an input of an operation by a player, wherein the effect execution means is configured to perform the predetermined operation in a predetermined period during the special game when the special game is performed. An input of the operation for determining the effect after a period is accepted, and a special effect according to the number of game balls entering the special prize opening can be executed in the predetermined period. Special games are held After being started from a predetermined timing during, characterized in that it ends in accordance with the number of input sphere game balls into the special winning hole.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that contributes to improving the convenience of a player regarding operation input.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic enlarged view of the information display part in the gaming machine of FIG. It is a back perspective view of the gaming machine of FIG. It is a block diagram of the part in connection with control of the game machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which listed some processes performed in the main control part of a gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing of the determination table per special figure in the main control part of a game machine. It is a figure which shows the type of jackpot based on embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which listed a part of process performed in the production | presentation control part of a game machine. FIG. 11 is a relationship diagram between a production mode and a gaming state. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the execution period of a fluctuation production, and the execution period of jackpot game. It is explanatory drawing of the jackpot game for 4 rounds. It is explanatory drawing of the jackpot game for 16 rounds. It is explanatory drawing of the transmission / reception of the command which concerns on jackpot, and the flow of production. It is a figure which shows the relationship between jackpot game period, a selectable period, and a specific period. It is a figure which shows the example of a display content of the image display part in a specific period. It is a flowchart of a part of operation | movement of a production | presentation control part paying special attention to the probability variation mode and the target stage. It is a figure which shows the example of a display content of the image display part in a selectable period. It is a figure which shows transition of the display content in response to button operation in a selectable period. It is explanatory drawing of the bar image displayed in a selectable period. It is a figure which shows the example of transition of the display content of the image display part in a selectable period. It is a flowchart of the operation | movement for implement | achieving the production for selection by a production control part. It is explanatory drawing of the setting result effect of a target stage. It is explanatory drawing of the example of a setting of a selectable period in case a selectable period includes one round period. It is explanatory drawing of the example of a setting of a selectable period when a selectable period contains a some round period. It is a figure which shows the example of transition of the display content of the image display part in a selectable period. It is a figure which shows the example of transition of the display content of the image display part in a selectable period.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings to be referred to, the same part is denoted by the same reference numeral, and redundant description regarding the same part is omitted in principle. In this specification, for simplification of description, the names of information, signals, physical quantities, members, etc. corresponding to the symbols or signs are indicated by writing symbols or signs referring to information, signals, physical quantities, members, etc. Omitted or abbreviated.

  An embodiment suitable for a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to a gaming machine (so-called digipachi) belonging to the former first type.

<< Basic configuration of gaming machine >>
FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment. A basic configuration of the gaming machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The gaming machine 100 includes the game board 101 and the constituent members shown in FIG. Note that the top, bottom, left, and right refer to the top, bottom, left, and right viewed from the player facing the gaming machine 100 and the game board 101 unless otherwise specified. Both the vertical direction and the horizontal direction are parallel to the board surface of the game board 101. The vertical direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction is parallel to the horizontal direction. Unless stated otherwise, the front refers to the player closest to the player facing the gaming machine 100 and the gaming board 101, and the rear refers to the player facing the gaming machine 100 and the gaming board 101 unless otherwise stated. Point farther away.

  The gaming machine 100 is a pachinko gaming machine, and includes an outer frame 10 attached to an island structure disposed in a gaming facility, an inner frame 11 attached to the outer frame 10 so as to be openable and closable, and an inner frame 11. And a door frame 12 that can be freely opened and closed. The inner frame 11 is relative to the outer frame 10, and the door frame 12 is relative to the inner frame 11. The left side is the rotation base end side (opening / closing base end side) and the right side is the rotation leading end side (opening / closing distal end side). ) Is configured to be pivotable forward (can be opened and closed). The door frame 12 is attached to the inner frame 11 so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame 11, but the door frame 12 can visually recognize almost the entire game area described later from the front (player side). The window part 12a formed by fitting a transparent glass plate is formed so as to be able to.

  The game board 101 is detachably attached to the inner frame 11. At a lower position of the game board 101, a launching unit for launching a game ball is disposed (the detailed structure of the launching unit is not shown).

  In the gaming machine 100, the game ball launched upward by the driving of the launching unit rises between the rails 102a and 102b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then in the game area 103 formed in the game board 101. Falls (flows down). The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown), and the game balls are dropped by the nails while changing the moving direction in an unspecified direction. Further, in the game board 101, a game ball drop path in the game area 103 includes a windmill (not shown) that changes the direction of the game ball fall, a first start port 105, a second start port 106, an electric tulip 107, A gate 108, a special winning opening 111, and a normal winning opening 112 are provided.

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

  A first start port 105 and a second start port 106 are installed below the image display unit 104. The start openings 105 and 106 form a start area through which game balls can pass (winning is possible). The right to receive the special symbol lottery is acquired when the predetermined first start condition or second start condition is satisfied. The first and second start conditions are satisfied when the game balls pass through the start ports 105 and 106, that is, when the game balls win the start ports 105 and 106, respectively. In the following, the special symbol lottery based on the establishment of the first start condition may be particularly referred to as a first special symbol lottery, and the special symbol lottery based on the establishment of the second start condition may be particularly referred to as a second special symbol lottery. . In addition, when the gaming machine 100 detects a winning game ball at the start port 105 or 106, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, three) of gaming balls. A game ball that is paid out due to a winning of a game ball with respect to the start opening 105, 106 or a winning opening (large winning opening 111, normal winning opening 112) is also referred to as a winning ball. Then, paying out three game balls for winning a game ball to the start port 105 may be referred to as “there are three prize balls at the start port 105”. The same applies to the other starting ports or winning ports. In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that there are three, three, fourteen, and three prize balls in the start openings 105 and 106, the big prize opening 111, and the normal prize opening 112, respectively. It should be noted that winning may be read as winning.

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

  A big prize opening 111 is provided on the right side of the first start port 105 and the second start port 106. The grand prize opening 111 can also be opened and closed like the electric tulip 107, and a closed state (a closed state) that makes it difficult to win the game ball to the big prize opening 111, and a larger game ball than the closed state. One of the open states (open state) that makes it easy to win the winning opening 111 is taken. Switching between these states is performed by a solenoid provided in the special winning opening 111. In effect, when the grand prize opening 111 is in the closed state, it is impossible to win the game ball into the big prize opening 111, and only when the big prize opening 111 is in the open state, the prize winning of the game ball is won. Winning to the mouth 111 is possible. The opening of the big prize opening 111 is also referred to as the opening of the big prize opening 111. The big winning opening 111 is normally closed, and when a big win is won by a special symbol lottery, a round that is in an open state until a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds or winning 10 game balls) is satisfied. Repeat a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 times). When the gaming machine 100 detects a gaming ball that has won a prize winning slot 111, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, 14) of winning balls.

  One or more normal winning openings 112 are installed on the side or lower side of the image display unit 104. The gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number (for example, three) of winning balls when detecting a winning in the normal winning opening 112. The first start port 105, the second start port 106, the gate 108, the big winning port 111, and the normal winning port 112 are not limited to the positions shown in FIG. 1, and may be arranged at arbitrary positions in the game area 103. . At the bottom of the game area 103, there is provided a collection port 113 for collecting game balls that have not won any of the first start port 105, the second start port 106, the big winning port 111 and the normal winning port 112. Yes. An information display unit 114 is provided in the lower right part of the game board 101 (details will be described later). The installation positions of the collection port 113 and the information display unit 114 can be arbitrarily changed.

  A frame member including an outer frame 10, an inner frame 11, and a door frame 12 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game board 101. Various effect members and the like used for arbitrary effects are incorporated in the door frame 12 around the door frame 12 in which the window portion 12a is formed (the outer peripheral portion of the door frame 12). As the performance member, the first speaker 115a, the second speaker 115b, and the third speaker 115c (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the speakers, they may be simply referred to as “speakers 115”). ), The effect light unit 116 and the movable frame accessory 117 are incorporated. The speaker 115 outputs sound used for production. The effect light unit 116 has a plurality of lamps and a plurality of motors, and the direction of light irradiation by the lamps can be changed up and down or left and right by driving the motors. The movable frame accessory 117 basically stands by at the reference position, and when used for the production, moves to the operating position to constitute a part of the production.

  The frame movable accessory 117 will be described in detail. The frame movable accessory 117 is a foldable movable accessory, and is provided one at the upper left and the upper right of the door frame 12. The movable frame accessory 117 provided at the upper left and the upper right portion is arranged so that the left and right sides of the movable frame accessory 117 are both in contact with the door frame 12 at the reference position, while at the operating position, The former is pivoted forward with the left side as the pivot base side and the right side as the pivot tip side, and the latter is pivoted forward with the right side as the pivot base side and the left side as the pivot tip side. The rotating leading end side of the movable accessory 117 protrudes toward the player compared to the reference position. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the movable frame accessory 117 is at the reference position.

  In the door frame 12, an operation handle 119 is disposed at the lower right position. The operation handle 119 has a shape that protrudes toward the player, and a firing instruction member 120 is provided on the outer periphery thereof. The firing instruction member 120 is rotatably supported by the operation handle 119. When a player fires a game ball, the player rotates the firing instruction member 120 clockwise. At this time, the player can adjust the firing strength of the game ball according to the angle at which the firing instruction member 120 is rotated.

  Below the game area 103 in the door frame 12, an effect button 121, a cross key 122, an upper plate (hitting ball supply plate) 123, an upper plate lever 124, a lower plate (excess ball receiving plate) 125, a lower plate lever 126, and the like are provided. It has been. The effect button 121 and the cross key 122 constitute an operation receiving unit (which may be referred to as an operation input unit or an operation unit) that receives an operation from the player. The upper plate 123 has a shape that can accommodate a game ball, and sends the stored game ball to the launching unit. The upper plate lever 124 is means for sending out the game balls stored in the upper plate 123 to the lower plate 125. The lower plate 125 has a shape that can accommodate game balls that cannot be accommodated in the upper plate 123, and stores the game balls. The lower plate lever 126 is an opening means that opens a part of the lower surface of the lower plate 125, and a game ball stored in the lower plate 125 is arranged below the lower plate 125 by the player operating the lower plate lever 126. It falls into a box (a so-called dollar box (not shown)).

  A movable accessory used for production is also provided on the game board 101. In this embodiment, a movable board accessory 130 is provided on the game board 101. For example, when performing an effect using the panel movable combination 130, the movable combination 130 slides downward from the position shown in FIG. 1 and advances to the front surface of the image display unit 104. As described above, the image display unit 104 is retreated in a storage space provided above.

<< Information display section >>
As shown in FIG. 2, the information display unit 114 includes a special symbol display unit 201 that displays a special symbol indicating a lottery result of a special symbol lottery, a normal symbol display unit 202 that displays a normal symbol that indicates a lottery result of a normal symbol lottery, A hold display unit 203, a round number display unit 204, and a right-handed display unit 205 are provided. Each display unit 201 to 205 can be formed by an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display.

  There are first and second special symbols as special symbols. The special symbol display unit 201 includes a first special symbol display unit 201a that displays a first special symbol and a second special symbol display unit 201b that displays a second special symbol. The hold display unit 203 includes display units 203a, 203b, and 203c. The right of the first special symbol lottery (special symbol determination information described later) is reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, 4), and the number of the reserved rights is displayed on the display unit 203a as the number of reserved information U1. . The right of the second special symbol lottery (special drawing determination information described later) is reserved up to a predetermined number (for example, 4), and the number of reserved rights is displayed on the display unit 203b as the number of reserved information U2. . The right of the normal symbol lottery due to the game ball passing through the gate 108 is held up to a predetermined number (for example, 4) as the upper limit, and the number of the held rights is displayed on the display unit 203c as the hold information number U3.

<< Back configuration of gaming machine >>
With reference to FIG. 3, the back side structure of the gaming machine 100 will be described. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the gaming machine 100 showing a rear configuration of the gaming machine 100. On the back surface of the gaming machine 100, a main control board 301, a prize ball control board 302, an effect control board 303, a power board 304 that supplies power to each board in the gaming machine 100, an output terminal board 305, and the like are provided. ing. Each of these boards (particularly the effect control board 303) may be formed from a plurality of printed boards. Further, a power plug 315 for supplying power to the power supply board 304 and a power switch (not shown) are also provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 100. The main control board 301 is provided with a RAM clear switch (not shown). When the power of the gaming machine 100 is off, the power is turned on by pressing the power switch while pressing the RAM clear switch, so that power is supplied to the gaming machine 100 and the RAM clear preparation state is entered. By pushing the RAM clear switch again, the game information of the gaming machine 100 can be initialized (RAM clear) (that is, the gaming machine 100 can be in the initial state). If the power is turned on by pressing the power switch without pressing the RAM clear switch, the gaming machine 100 is controlled based on the gaming information of the gaming machine 100 before the power is turned off.

<< Basic operation of gaming machine >>
Next, the basic operation of the gaming machine 100 will be described. When the first or second start condition is established, the gaming machine 100 acquires special figure determination information according to the establishment timing, and performs a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) based on the special figure determination information. Acquisition of special figure determination information is equivalent to acquisition of special symbol lottery rights. In the special symbol lottery, it is determined whether or not the jackpot has been won (whether the jackpot has been won or the game has been lost). In some cases, the winning of a jackpot is expressed as the occurrence of a jackpot. In addition, the fact that certain special figure determination information is won in a jackpot may be expressed as the special figure determination information being a big hit. When the first special symbol lottery is performed, the gaming machine 100 variably displays the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 201a. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the variable display, the first special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the first special symbol lottery (that is, in a mode indicating the lottery result of the first special symbol lottery). On the other hand, when the second special symbol lottery is performed, the gaming machine 100 variably displays the second special symbol of the second special symbol display unit 201b. Then, after a lapse of a predetermined time from the start of the variable display, the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with a symbol indicating the lottery result of the second special symbol lottery (that is, in a mode indicating the lottery result of the second special symbol lottery).

  When the gaming machine 100 displays the special symbol (first or second special symbol) in a variable manner, the gaming machine 100 displays the decorative symbol in a variable manner on the image display unit 104, and stops the decorative symbol in accordance with the stop display of the special symbol. Display. The decorative symbols displayed on the image display unit 104 include first to third decorative symbols, and each decorative symbol is associated with a numerical value or a symbol. For example, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed with a predetermined symbol indicating a jackpot (that is, when a jackpot is won in a special symbol lottery), a combination indicating a jackpot (for example, “7 · 7 · 7”) ) To stop and display the first to third decorative symbols.

  The combination of the first to third decorative symbols that are stopped and displayed varies depending on the type of jackpot that has been won. For example, when winning a special jackpot of special A or special bonus C (see FIG. 7) described later, each decorative symbol is a blue decorative symbol (for example, “3, 3, 3” indicating the special jackpot of special A or special C). And when the player wins a special B or special D jackpot (see Fig. 7), which will be described later, with a stop display at a numerical symbol such as "2, 2, 2" except "7, 7, 7". Each of the decorative symbols is stopped and displayed with a red decorative symbol (for example, a “3, 3, 3” or “7, 7, 7” numeral symbol of a flat symbol) indicating a special hit of special B or special D. Even if the special B or special D jackpot is won, a decorative symbol indicating the special A or special C jackpot is stopped and displayed on the image display unit 104, and thereafter (for example, before the jackpot game transition or jackpot game After the transition), there may be a promotion effect that clearly shows that it is a big hit of special B or special D.

  When the result of the special symbol lottery is lost (that is, when the special symbol lottery is lost, in other words, when the jackpot is not won), the first to third decorative symbols are displayed with, for example, so-called rose eyes indicating the loss. Stop. The loose eye refers to a state in which two or three of the first to third decorative symbols are non-common symbols.

  When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a jackpot, the gaming machine 100 enters a jackpot gaming state. In the jackpot game state, a jackpot game is executed in which the round game that opens the jackpot 111 is executed for rounds (for example, 16 rounds) according to the type of the jackpot (see FIG. 7). When a game ball wins the big prize opening 111 while the big prize opening 111 is opened, the gaming machine 100 pays out a predetermined number of prize balls. The jackpot game state ends when the jackpot game ends. In the jackpot game, an opportunity to obtain a prize ball by giving a game ball to the prize winning slot 111 is given, so that the jackpot game is more for the player than a game in which the prize winning slot 111 is not opened (for example, a game in a normal gaming state). It can be said that it is advantageous. The advantage here means that the player can easily obtain more prize balls (the expected value of the prize balls to be obtained is large) as the special winning opening 111 is opened.

  No special symbol lottery will be held during the jackpot game. In the jackpot game state, the game is played by right-handed. “Right hit” means that a game ball is launched into a game area on the right side of the center line that divides the game area 103 left and right in the game area 103. On the other hand, left-handed strike means that a game ball is launched into the game area on the left side of the center line in the game area 103, and left-handed strikes the second start opening 106 and the big winning opening 111. Cannot win a game ball.

  After the end of the jackpot game, the gaming machine 100 returns to a state where a special symbol lottery is performed. At this time, the gaming state may be changed according to the type of winning jackpot.

<< Game state of gaming machine >>
The gaming machine 100 is a low-probability non-electric support game state as a normal game state and a high-probability electric game state to be called a probabilistic change game state, except for a game state (including a jackpot game state) that involves the opening of the big prize opening 111. One of the support game states is taken. The gaming state in the initial state of the gaming machine 100 is a low probability non-electric support game state. The electric support is an abbreviation for an electric chew support function, and details will be described later.

  The normal gaming state (low probability non-electric support game state) belongs to the low probability gaming state. In the low-probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a special symbol lottery using a determination table per low-probability special chart (see table TAt1 in FIG. 6 described later). As an example in this embodiment, the gaming machine 100 has a probability of 1/399. A special symbol lottery will be held to win the jackpot.

  The high probability electric support game state belongs to the high probability game state. In the high-probability gaming state, the gaming machine 100 performs a special symbol lottery using a high-probability special figure determination table (see table TAt2 in FIG. 6 to be described later). A special symbol lottery will be held. That is, in the high probability gaming state, the jackpot is won with a 10 times higher probability than in the low probability gaming state. Therefore, the high probability gaming state is more advantageous to the player than the low probability gaming state with respect to the ease of winning the jackpot.

  The high probability electric support game state belongs to the electric support game state. In the electric support game state, the gaming machine 100 provides a game support function (hereinafter referred to as “electric support”) that involves opening and closing the electric tulip 107 (that is, the electric support is activated). The specific contents of the electric support will not be described in detail because it is a publicly known technology. For example, when the electric support is given, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened compared to when the electric support is not provided, A non-electric support game in which an electric support is not given in an electric support game state, in which an increase in the probability of winning a lottery (thus, an increase in the opening frequency of the electric tulip 107) and an increase in the opening time of the electric tulip 107 are achieved. Compared to the state, it becomes easier for the game ball to win the second starting port 106. In the electric support game state, a game is played by the above-mentioned right strike, and the special symbol lottery is mainly a win to the second start opening 106. Note that the game area 103 is provided with nails and obstacles for hindering winning of the game ball to the first starting port 105 by right-handed hitting.

  The normal gaming state (low probability non-electric support game state) belongs to the non-electric support game state where no electric support is given. In the non-electric support game state, the game is performed by left-handed as described above, and the special symbol lottery is mainly a prize for the first start opening 105. As understood from the above description, the electric support game state is a game state in which the start condition (second start condition) is more easily established than the non-electric support game state. Therefore, the electric support game state is more advantageous to the player than the non-electric support game state with respect to the ease of establishment of the start condition.

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

[1. Main control unit]
The main control unit 401 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 411, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 412, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 413, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The The CPU, ROM, and RAM in the main control unit 401 are also referred to as a main CPU, a main ROM, and a main RAM, respectively. The main CPU 411 reads various programs related to the progress of the game from the main ROM 412 and executes the read program using the main RAM 413 as a work area. As shown in FIG. 4, the main ROM 412 stores tables TAt, TZt, THt, FAt, FZt, FHt and DKt, and the main RAM 413 is provided with storage areas 413a to 413j. In addition to this, various tables can be stored in the main ROM 412, and various storage areas can be provided in the main RAM 413.

  The main controller 401 is connected to various switches (hereinafter abbreviated as “SW”) for detecting a game ball. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 401 includes a first start port SW 414 a that detects a game ball won in the first start port 105 and a second start point that detects a game ball won in the second start port 106. A start port SW414b, a gate SW415 that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 108, a big winning port SW416 that detects a game ball that has won a prize winning port 111, and a normal ball that detects a game ball that has won a normal winning port 112 A winning opening SW417 is connected.

  Each of SW 414a and 414b and SW 415 to 417 outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the main control unit 401, and the main control unit 401 performs a special symbol lottery based on the input detection signal. Special figure determination information corresponding to the right to receive is stored, special symbol lottery is performed using the special figure determination information, and prize ball payout instructions are given to the prize ball control unit 402. As the SWs 414a, 414b, 415, 416 and 417, proximity switches or the like can be employed. Further, when a plurality of first start ports 105 are provided on the game board 101, a first start port SW 414 a is provided for each of the plurality of first start ports 105. The same applies to the case where a plurality of the second start opening 106, the gate 108, the big winning opening 111 or the normal winning opening 112 are provided.

  The main control unit 401 is connected to various solenoids that drive the electric combination on the game board 101. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the main control unit 401 is connected to an electric tulip solenoid 420 that opens and closes the electric tulip 107 and a big prize opening solenoid 421 that opens and closes the big prize opening 111. The main control unit 401 inputs or does not input an electric signal to the electric tulip solenoid 420 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery, and inputs or does not input an electric signal to the big prize opening solenoid 421 based on the lottery result of the special symbol lottery. As input. The solenoids 420 and 421 perform an opening / closing operation of the electric tulip 107 and an opening / closing operation of the special prize opening 111 by converting the electric signal supplied from the main control unit 401 into a mechanical motion, respectively.

  Also, various display units in the information display unit 114 in FIG. 2 are connected to the main control unit 401 (however, the display units 204 and 205 are not shown in FIG. 4). The main control unit 401 performs display control of the first special symbol display unit 201a or the second special symbol display unit 201b based on the lottery result of the special symbol lottery, and displays the normal symbol display unit 202 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery. Take control. Furthermore, the main control unit 401 controls the display content of the hold display unit 203 based on the number of hold information U1, U2, and U3.

[1-1. Main processing]
FIG. 5 lists the main processes performed by the main control unit 401. When power is supplied to the gaming machine 100, the main process is executed by the main CPU 411. In the main process, the main CPU 411 performs initial setting of built-in devices such as a CTC (timer counter) of the main control unit 401 and stores setting information indicating setting contents in the setting storage area 413a. For example, the setting information includes information indicating a cycle for executing a timer interrupt process to be described later. In the main process, whether or not the gaming machine 100 is turned off is monitored. When the power is turned off, backup information is generated and the backup information is stored in the backup storage area 413b. The main RAM 413 is supplied with power by a backup power source (not shown) even if the gaming machine 100 is powered off for a certain period (for example, one day). For this reason, the main RAM 413 can hold the backup information stored in the backup storage area 413b for a certain period even if the gaming machine 100 is powered off.

[1-2. Timer interrupt processing]
The main CPU 411 interrupts and executes a timer interrupt process for the main process at a period (for example, a period of several milliseconds or less) stored in the setting storage area 413a by the main process (see FIG. 5). In the timer interrupt process, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes a random number update process, a switch process, a special symbol process, a normal symbol process, an electric accessory control process, a prize ball process, and an output process.

[1-2-1. Random number update processing]
The random number update process will be described (see FIG. 5). In the random number update process, the main CPU 411 updates the count value of each random number counter by adding “1” to the count value of each random number counter stored in the counter storage area 413c. The counter storage area 413c includes a main control unit 401 that includes a random number counter C1 per special figure, a special figure random number counter C2, a special figure variation pattern random number counter C3, a random number counter C4 per common figure, and a general figure random number counter C5. The count values of various random number counters to be managed are stored. The counters C1 to C5 respectively count a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, a special fluctuation pattern random number, a random number per common figure, and a common figure random number. In the random number update processing, the main CPU 411 returns the count value of the counter to “0” when the count value of any one of the random number counters C1 to C5 exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, and thereafter the same Count up. Here, for example, a random number per special figure, a special figure random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number are counted within the ranges of “0 to 398”, “0 to 99”, and “0 to 499”, respectively. The random numbers per common figure and the random numbers of common symbols are counted within a range of “0 to 9”, for example. Note that the arbitrary random number in the present embodiment takes only an integer value unless otherwise specified.

[1-2-2. Switch processing]
The switch process will be described (see FIG. 5). In the switch process, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes a start opening switch process, a gate switch process, a big winning opening switch process, and a normal winning opening switch process.

  The start port switch process includes first and second start port switch processes (see FIG. 5). In the first start port switch process, the main CPU 411 establishes the first start condition based on the timing at which the first start port SW 414a detects a game ball that has won the first start port 105 (that is, based on the winning to the start port 105). Timing), the count values of the random number counter C1, the special symbol random number counter C2, and the special symbol variation pattern random number counter C3 in the counter storage area 413c are acquired, and the acquired count values of the counters C1 to C3 are displayed as the special values. Special figure determination information (special figure holding information) including hit random numbers, special figure random numbers, and special figure fluctuation pattern random numbers is stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413d of the main RAM 413. In the second start port switch process, the main CPU 411 establishes the second start condition based on the timing at which a game ball winning the second start port 106 is detected by the second start port SW 414b (that is, based on the winning to the start port 106). Timing), the count values of the random number counter C1, the special symbol random number counter C2, and the special symbol variation pattern random number counter C3 in the counter storage area 413c are acquired, and the acquired count values of the counters C1 to C3 are acquired per special symbol. Special figure determination information (special figure hold information) included as a random number, special figure design random number and special figure variation pattern random number is stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413d of the main RAM 413.

  The special figure determination information storage area 413d stores special figure determination information based on establishment of the first start condition and special figure determination information based on establishment of the second start condition, with a predetermined number as an upper limit. it can. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number is four. Therefore, up to eight pieces of special figure determination information can be stored in the storage area 413d. The number of special figure determination information triggered by the establishment of the first and second start conditions in the storage area 413d corresponds to the above-described numbers of hold information U1 and U2, respectively. In addition, a priority order for receiving a special symbol lottery is set for each special figure determination information stored in the storage area 413d. Basically, a higher priority is set for the special figure determination information acquired earlier in time. However, it is assumed that a higher priority is set for the special figure determination information acquired when the second start condition is satisfied as compared to the special figure determination information acquired when the first start condition is satisfied. The prior determination process executed in the start port switch process will be described later.

  In the gate switch process (see FIG. 5), the main CPU 411 detects the game ball that has passed through the gate 108 by the gate SW 415, and stores the random number counter C4 and the regular symbol random number counter C5 in the counter storage area 413c. Obtains the count value, and stores the information for determining the usual figure (ordinary figure holding information) including the obtained count values of the counters C4 and C5 as the random numbers per common figure and the common symbol random numbers, and stores the information for the usual figure determination in the main RAM 413. It memorize | stores in the area | region 413i. The common figure determination information storage area 413i can store the common figure determination information with a predetermined number as an upper limit. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined number is four. The number of general-purpose determination information in the storage area 413i corresponds to the above-described reserved information number U3. Priorities for receiving the normal symbol lottery are set for each of the information for determining ordinary symbols stored in the storage area storage area 413i. A higher priority is set for the information for determining ordinary drawings acquired earlier in time.

  In the big prize opening switch process (see FIG. 5), the main CPU 411 detects the game ball that won the big prize opening 111 by the big prize opening SW416. In the normal winning opening switch process (see FIG. 5), the main CPU 411 detects a game ball won in the normal winning opening 112 by the normal winning opening SW417.

[1-2-3. Special design processing]
The special symbol process will be described (see FIG. 5). In the special symbol process, the main CPU 411 executes special symbol determination. The special figure determination includes a special figure determination, a special symbol design determination, and a special graphic fluctuation pattern determination. The special symbol lottery described above may include special symbol determination and special symbol determination, and may further include special symbol variation pattern determination. Therefore, the special symbol determination may be considered to include a special symbol lottery, or the special symbol determination and the special symbol lottery may be considered to be equivalent to each other. In the special symbol processing, the main CPU 411 sequentially executes determination per special symbol, special symbol determination and special symbol variation pattern determination using the special symbol determination information stored in the special symbol determination information storage area 413d. These determination results are stored in the special figure determination result storage area 413e. Then, after displaying the fluctuation of the special symbol for the fluctuation time indicated by the special figure fluctuation pattern selected by the special figure fluctuation pattern judgment, it is a symbol indicating the judgment per special figure and the judgment result of the special symbol judgment. The special symbol is stopped (in a manner showing the determination result of the determination and the special symbol determination).

  When the main CPU 411 starts the variation display of the special symbol, the main CPU 411 sets the variation start command including the determination result of the special symbol per unit determination, the special symbol determination, and the special symbol variation pattern determination in the main RAM 413 to the effect control unit 403. On the other hand, when the execution of the change effect is instructed and when the change of the special symbol is stopped, the change control command is instructed to the effect control unit 403 to end the execution of the change effect by setting the change stop command in the main RAM 413. In addition, when the result of the special figure hit determination indicates that the big hit is won, the main CPU 411 instructs the effect control unit 403 to start executing the hit effect by setting an opening command in the main RAM 413 following the change stop command. At the end of the jackpot game, an end command is instructed to the effect control unit 403 by setting an ending command in the main RAM 413. These commands set in the RAM 413 are output to the effect control unit 403 in an output process (see FIG. 5) described later.

  In the special symbol process, the main CPU 411 acquires the special figure determination information set with the highest priority in the special figure determination information storage area 413d as the determination target (the determination target) TT, and the special CPU determines the special target of the determination target TT. By using the information for figure determination, judgment per special figure, special figure design judgment and special figure variation pattern judgment are sequentially executed. The special figure determination information that is the determination target TT is deleted from the storage area 413d (therefore, the number of held information U1 or U2 is decreased by 1) and transferred to another storage area (not shown). In the special symbol processing, when the special symbol determination information is not stored in the storage area 413d, the special symbol processing is finished without performing the special symbol determination.

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

  As shown in FIG. 6, the determination table TAt per special figure includes a determination table TAt1 per low probability special figure and a determination table TAt2 per high probability special figure. Each of the tables TAt1 and TAt2 has a predetermined determination value associated with the jackpot.

  When the high probability game flag is set to OFF at the time of determination per special figure (that is, at the time of special symbol lottery), the main CPU 411 performs determination per special figure using the table TAt1, and the high probability game flag is ON. If it is set to, determination per special figure is performed using the table TAt2. Then, the main CPU 411 determines that the jackpot has been won if the random number per special figure of the determination target TT matches the determination value associated with the jackpot, otherwise it is a loss (that is, the jackpot is won) Not). The gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is ON, and a low probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is OFF. Here, the determination table TAt per special figure is formed so that the winning probability of winning a jackpot (the winning probability of the special symbol lottery) becomes 1/399 and 10/399 in the low probability gaming state and the high probability gaming state, respectively. It is assumed that

  FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating types of jackpots. As types of jackpots, there are special A to special D. The number of rounds for special A and special C is 4, and the number of rounds for special B and special D is 16. Note that “R” in the jackpot indicates a round. In each round, the big prize opening 111 is opened until the opening time of the big prize opening 111 reaches the specified maximum opening time (predetermined time). However, in each round, even if the opening time of the big prize opening 111 does not reach the specified maximum opening time, the big winning opening 111 is closed when the number of winning game balls to the big prize opening 111 reaches a predetermined number. Is done. In the following description regarding the opening time of the big prize opening 111, it is assumed that the number of game balls won in the big prize opening 111 does not reach a predetermined number in each round. The larger the number of rounds, the more the number of award balls that can be obtained by winning in the big winning opening 111 in the jackpot game, which is more advantageous to the player.

  In the determination per special symbol for the first special symbol (in the special symbol determination based on the establishment of the first start condition), when the jackpot is won, the ratio that the big hit becomes special A and special B is 90 respectively. % And 10%, and there is no special C or special D. In the judgment per special figure for the second special symbol (in the judgment per special figure based on the establishment of the second starting condition), when the jackpot is won, the ratio of the jackpot to be special C and special D is 40 respectively. % And 60%, and there is no special A or special B.

  After the jackpot game of any of Special A to Special D is completed, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the high probability electric support game state, and then the next jackpot (that is, from the jackpot that occurred immediately before). If the number of times the special symbol fluctuates (that is, the number of times the special symbol has been fluctuated and stopped through the variable display) is equal to or greater than the number of times of high probability and the number of times of electric support is granted, the gaming machine 100 Is set to the low probability non-electric support game state.

The high-probability number of times refers to the number of changes in the special symbol that maintains the high-probability gaming state. In other words, for a certain jackpot, after the jackpot game is over, while the special symbol fluctuates by i _k times, the gaming state becomes a high probability gaming state, and after the special symbol fluctuates by i _k times, the low probability gaming state when it is a high probability granted number corresponding to the jackpot is i _k times (i _k is an integer). Since a big hit is more likely to occur in the high probability gaming state than in the low probability gaming state, the higher the number of high probability grants, the more advantageous for the player.

The number of times when the electric support is given refers to the number of times the special symbol is maintained to maintain the electric support game state. That relates to certain jackpot, after completion of the jackpot gaming, non conductive support game after while, the and special symbol is gaming state and conductive support gaming state fluctuates by i _d times the special symbol is varied by i _d times when it is a state, support grant number electrostatic corresponding to the jackpot is i _d times (i _d is an integer). Since the starting condition is more easily established in the electric support game state than in the non-electric support game state, the more the number of electric support grants, the more advantageous for the player.

  The number of high-probability grants and the number of electric support grants for each jackpot of special A to special D are both 70 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, after the jackpot game of any one of Special A to Special D is completed, if the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 70 without any other jackpots occurring, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability electric support game. The state is shifted to the low probability non-electric support game state.

  The special symbol determination included in the special symbol processing will be described (see FIG. 5). The main CPU 411 compares the special symbol determination table TZt stored in the main ROM 412 with the special symbol random number of the determination target TT, and determines in what symbol the special symbol is stopped based on the comparison result. Special symbol design is performed. At the time of winning the jackpot, the type of jackpot is determined based on the comparison result.

  The special symbol symbol determination table TZt is composed of a first special symbol symbol determination table and a second special symbol symbol determination table. When the determination target TT is special figure determination information acquired when the first start condition is satisfied, the determination target TT is triggered when the second start condition is satisfied using the first special symbol determination table. In the case of the acquired special symbol determination information, the special symbol determination is performed using the second special symbol determination table. The first and second special symbol determination tables are formed so that the types of jackpots for the first and second special symbols are determined by the above-described ratio (see FIG. 7).

  As can be seen from FIG. 7, the special symbol determination based on the establishment of the second start condition is relatively more advantageous to the player than the special symbol determination based on the establishment of the first start condition (ie, more Easy to get many prize balls). Here, “relatively advantageous” means that the expected value of the number of winning balls obtained by winning the big winning opening 111 in the jackpot game executed based on the establishment of the second starting condition is executed based on the establishment of the first starting condition. This means that the number of winning balls obtained by winning the winning prize 111 in the jackpot game is larger than the expected value. “Expected value of the number of winning balls obtained by winning the jackpot game 111 in the jackpot game” is the expected value of the number of rounds in the jackpot game or the maximum value of the total opening time of the jackpot 111 in the jackpot game It may be read as a value.

  In the special symbol processing, the main CPU 411 determines the special symbol variation pattern for the determination target TT based on the special symbol variation pattern table THt and the random number per special symbol of the determination target TT, the special symbol random number, and the special graphic variation pattern random number. Special pattern variation pattern judgment is performed. The determination of the special figure fluctuation pattern is synonymous with the selection or setting of the special figure fluctuation pattern. The special figure fluctuation pattern table THt includes a plurality of special figure fluctuation patterns, and one special figure fluctuation pattern for the determination target TT is selected in the special figure fluctuation pattern determination. Each special symbol variation pattern defines a variation pattern of a special symbol, and defines, for example, a variation time of the special symbol (the length of time during which the variation display of the special symbol is performed).

  In the special figure determination result storage area 413e (see FIG. 4), the determination results of the special object per TT, the special symbol design determination, and the special figure variation pattern determination for the determination target TT are stored in a state of being associated with each other. The

[Pre-judgment process in start-up switch process]
Further, the main CPU 411 executes a pre-determination process during the start port switch process (see FIG. 5). In the pre-determination process, the main CPU 411 sets, as a pre-determination target, the special-determination determination information stored in the special figure determination information storage area 413d and put on hold. The special symbol design determination and the special symbol variation pattern determination are sequentially executed. The method of special figure determination, special symbol design, and special figure variation pattern determination for the prior determination target is the same as those for the determination target TT. The determination result of the prior determination process (that is, the determination result per special figure, the determination of special symbol design, and the determination of the special figure variation pattern for the preliminary determination target) is stored in the preliminary determination information storage area 413h. The determination result of the prior determination process is included in the hold increase command, and the hold increase command is set in the main RAM 413 and transmitted to the effect control unit 403 in the output process described later. The hold increase command includes information indicating which of the hold information numbers U1 and U2 has increased in addition to the determination result of the above-described pre-determination process. The pre-determination process for certain special figure determination information is executed in the start-up switch process before the special figure determination information is acquired and stored in the storage area 413d.

[1-2-4. Normal symbol processing]
The normal symbol processing (see FIG. 5) will be described. In the normal symbol processing, the main CPU 411 obtains the common symbol determination information set with the highest priority in the general symbol determination information storage area 413i as the normal symbol determination target FF, and determines the normal symbol per-determination determination table FAt, Based on the normal symbol determination table FZt, the normal symbol variation pattern table FHt, and the general symbol determination target FF, etc. Is executed, and the determination result of the common figure determination is stored in the general figure determination result storage area 413j, and the change display and the stop display of the normal symbol are performed based on the determination result of the common figure determination. The information for determining the normal map that has become the normal map determination target FF is deleted from the storage area 413i (therefore, the number U3 of reserved information is decreased by 1) and transferred to another storage area (not shown). In the normal symbol process, when the general pattern determination information is not stored in the storage area 413i, the normal symbol process is terminated without performing the normal symbol determination.

  In the determination per common figure, it is determined whether or not the winning per common figure is won. When the winning is per common figure, the type per common figure is determined by the general symbol determination using the general symbol determination table FZt. There are two types of per map: per long open and short open. The time for the electric tulip 107 to be in the open state is longer per long opening than per short opening. In the normal map variation pattern determination, the main CPU 411 selects a general map variation pattern for the normal map determination target FF from a plurality of normal map variation patterns included in the general map variation pattern table FHt based on whether or not the electric support is provided. To do. The regular pattern variation pattern defines the variation time of a normal symbol. The main CPU 411 controls the display of the normal symbols based on the stored contents of the general pattern determination result storage area 413j in which the determination result of the general pattern determination is stored. For example, after displaying the change of the normal symbol for the change time indicated by the normal pattern change pattern selected by the normal pattern change pattern determination, the symbol indicating the determination result of the normal symbol determination and the normal symbol determination The normal symbol is stopped (in the form showing the determination result of the determination and the normal symbol determination).

[1-2-5. Electric accessory control processing]
The electric accessory control process will be described (see FIG. 5). In the electric accessory control process, the big prize opening process and the electric chew process are sequentially executed.

  In the special winning a prize opening process, when the result of the special figure determination indicates that a big win is won, the special winning opening 111 is opened and closed using a big winning opening opening pattern corresponding to the type of the big win. In the big prize opening pattern table DKt, a big prize opening pattern defining the opening mode of the big prize opening 111 is stored for each type of jackpot. The main CPU 411 realizes the big prize opening process with reference to the table DKt.

  The jackpot game with the opening of the big prize opening 111 is started after the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 201 in a manner showing a big hit. When the jackpot game is started, after a predetermined opening period (in other words, opening time; for example, 10 seconds), the round winning opening 111 is opened for a predetermined maximum opening time (predetermined time) according to the type of jackpot. The game is executed Rmax times with a predetermined interval period (in other words, an interval time). Rmax represents the number of rounds (see FIG. 7) according to the type of jackpot. However, as described above, in each round (that is, each round game), even if the opening time of the big winning opening 111 has not reached the specified maximum opening time, the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening 111 is a predetermined value. When the number (for example, 10) is reached, the special winning opening 111 is closed, and the round (round game) ends. Then, when the last round game ends and a predetermined ending period (in other words, ending time; for example, 5 seconds) elapses, the jackpot game is ended. It may be considered that the opening period and the ending period are not included in the jackpot game execution period.

  In the big prize opening pattern, the above-mentioned prescribed maximum opening time and interval period are defined, and an opening period and an ending period can also be defined.

  In addition, the game state setting process (see FIG. 5) is executed in the big prize opening process during the jackpot game or after the jackpot game. In the game state setting process, the main CPU 411 sets various game flags such as a high probability game flag and an electric support game flag that determine the game state in the game flag storage area 413f. As described above, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is ON, and a low probability gaming state when the high probability gaming flag is OFF. The gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is an electric support game state when the electric support game flag is ON, and a non-electric support game state when the electric support game flag is OFF. In the game state setting process during the big prize opening process executed in response to the occurrence of the jackpot, the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are set ON / OFF according to the type of the jackpot that has occurred, Depending on the type of jackpot that occurred, the high probability remaining game number X indicating the remaining number of variations of the special symbol that maintains the high probability gaming state and the remaining variation number of the special symbol that maintains the electric support game state The electric support game remaining count J is set in the main RAM 413.

  In the game state setting process associated with the jackpot of any of special A to special D (see FIG. 7), the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are both turned ON, and the high probability game remaining count X and the electric support game remaining count Both “70” are set in J.

  The high probability remaining game count X set in the game state setting process is subtracted by “1” every time the special figure determination is executed when “X ≧ 1”, and becomes “X = 0”. The high probability game flag is set to OFF, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 becomes a low probability gaming state. The electric support game remaining number J set in the game state setting process is decremented by “1” every time the special figure determination is executed when “J ≧ 1”, and becomes “J = 0”. The electric support game flag is set to OFF, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 becomes a non-electric support game state. In the initial state of the gaming machine 100, the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are OFF, and “0” is set to the number of times X and J. As described above, by initializing the game information of the gaming machine 100 using the RAM clear switch provided on the back surface of the game board 101, the initial state is obtained.

  In the electric Chu process, the main CPU 411 opens and closes the electric tulip 107 based on the result of the normal symbol process. When a normal symbol lottery is won (per common symbol), the electric tulip 107 is opened for a predetermined time.

[1-2-6. Prize ball processing]
In the winning ball process, the main CPU 411 pays out a predetermined number of winning balls for winning at the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 111, and the normal winning port 112. Is set in the prize ball information storage area 413g as a prize ball command.

[1-2-7. Output processing]
In the output process, the main CPU 411 sends information (including arbitrary commands) indicating the storage contents of each storage area in the main RAM 413 to each control unit (the prize ball control unit 402 and the effect) connected to the main control unit 401. Output to the control unit 403). A command related to the prize ball is output to the prize ball control unit 402, and a command related to the effect is output to the effect control unit 403. In the output process, the main CPU 411 can transmit any information that it recognizes or holds (for example, information indicating the state of the electric support game flag and the high probability game flag) to the effect control unit 403. When the output process ends, the timer interrupt process also ends. When the timer interrupt process ends, the process executed by the main CPU 411 returns to the main process (see FIG. 5).

  As shown in FIG. 4, a board external information terminal board 491 is connected to the main control section 401, and the main control section 401 sends information indicating the contents stored in the main RAM 413 to the outside (through the board 491). For example, it can be output to a hall computer of a game facility.

[2. Prize ball control unit]
The prize ball control unit 402 (see FIG. 4) includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like. The prize ball control unit 402 pays out a prize ball based on a payout instruction (prize ball command) from the main control unit 401.

  Various SWs for detecting a game ball are connected to the prize ball control unit 402. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the prize ball control unit 402 includes a fixed position detection SW 424 for detecting a game ball at a predetermined position, a payout ball detection SW425 for detecting a paid game ball, and a game ball in the upper plate 123. A sphere presence detection SW 426 for detecting whether or not there is a full tank detection SW 427 is connected. The full tank detection SW 427 includes an upper dish full tank detection SW for detecting that the upper dish 123 is filled with game balls, and a lower dish full tank detection SW for detecting that the lower dish 125 is filled with game balls. Including. Each of SW 424 to 427 outputs a detection signal indicating whether or not a game ball has been detected to the prize ball control unit 402. The winning ball control unit 402 pays out a winning ball or stops paying out a winning ball based on a payout instruction output from the main control unit 401 or a detection signal input from the SWs 424 to 427. Further, the prize ball control unit 402 may output detection signals input from the SWs 424 to 427 to the main control unit 401.

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

  The prize ball control unit 402 is connected to a payout unit 429 for paying out a prize ball. The payout unit 429 includes a payout drive motor for paying out a predetermined number of game balls from a storage unit (not shown) that stores game balls. The prize ball control unit 402 controls the payout unit 429 to drive the payout drive motor, thereby to each winning port (the first starting port 105, the second starting port 106, the big winning port 111, the normal winning port 112). The payout of prize balls corresponding to the winnings of will be realized. The prize ball controller 402 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 492, and various information handled by the prize ball controller 402 can be output to the outside through the board 492.

[3. Production control unit]
The effect control unit 403 includes a CPU 431, a ROM 432, a RAM 433, an input / output interface (I / O) (not shown), and the like (see FIG. 4). The CPU, ROM, and RAM in the effect control unit 403 are also referred to as a sub CPU, a sub ROM, and a sub RAM, respectively. The sub CPU 431 reads various programs related to the control of effects performed by the gaming machine 100 from the sub ROM 432, and executes the read programs using the sub RAM 433 as a work area.

  The effect control unit 403 includes an image / sound control unit (not shown) that performs display control of the image display unit 104 and sound output control of the speaker 115, lighting control of the effect light unit 116 and the board lamp 135 on the game board 101, and A lamp control unit (not shown) that performs drive control of the frame movable accessory 117 and the panel movable accessory 130 is provided. In addition, the effect control unit 403 is connected with an effect button 121 and a cross key 122 for receiving an operation from the player. The effect control unit 403 can perform an effect corresponding to the input operation content from the player with respect to the effect button 121 and the cross key 122.

  The effect control unit 403 realizes an arbitrary effect including a change effect using an effect realizing element (effect means). That is, the production control unit 403 controls the production realization element to cause the production realization element to perform a desired production (the main body of the production in this expression is the production realization element, but in the description of this embodiment, The effect control unit 403 is regarded as the main subject of the effect). The effect realizing element includes at least one of the image display unit 104, the speaker 115, the effect light unit 116, the movable frame accessory 117, the effect button 121, the panel lamp 135, and the movable panel accessory 130. The variation effect refers to an effect executed by the effect control unit 403 at the start and end of the variation during the special symbol variation display, and includes an effect suggesting the determination result of the special symbol determination. It should be noted that suggestions, notifications, notifications, notifications, etc. due to effects may be considered to be for players unless otherwise specified. Unless otherwise specified, display of an arbitrary image and design (decorative design or the like) under the control of the effect control unit 403 indicates display on the image display unit 104.

[3-1. Production main processing]
FIG. 8 lists the main processes performed by the effect control unit 403. When power is supplied to the effect control unit 403, the effect main process is executed by the sub CPU 431. In the effect main process, the sub CPU 431 performs initial setting of a built-in device such as CTC in the effect control unit 403 and stores the setting content in the sub RAM 433.

[3-2. Production timer interrupt processing]
The sub CPU 431 interrupts and executes the effect timer interrupt process with respect to the effect main process at a cycle according to the setting content stored in the sub RAM 433 by the effect main process (see FIG. 8). In the effect timer interrupt process, the sub CPU 431 sequentially executes an effect random number update process, a command reception process, and an operation reception process.

[3-2-1. Production random number update process]
In the effect random number update process, the sub CPU 431 adds “1” to the count value of each effect random number counter stored in the effect counter storage area (not shown) in the sub RAM 433 to thereby generate each effect random number counter. Update the count value. When the count value of any random number counter for presentation exceeds a predetermined upper limit value, the count value of the counter is returned to “0”, and thereafter the same count up is performed. The count value of the effect random number counter can be referred to as the value of the effect random number used in various effects.

[3-2-2. Command reception processing]
In the command reception process, the sub CPU 431 executes a special drawing effect process, a general drawing effect process, and a hit effect process.

[3-2-2-1. Special drawing production process]
The special figure effect process includes an effect start process and an effect end process. The sub CPU 431 starts the variation effect by executing the effect start process in response to the reception of the variation start command from the main control unit 401, and then performs the effect in response to the reception of the variation stop command from the main control unit 401. The variation effect is ended by executing the end process. The effect start process includes a variable effect content determination process. In the variation effect content determination process, the sub CPU 431 determines the content of the variation effect based on the effect random number, the command received from the main control unit 401, or the like. Specifically, for example, a variation production pattern table (special drawing variation production pattern table) including a plurality of variation production patterns (special drawing variation production pattern) each defining the contents of the variation production is stored in the ROM 432 in advance. In the variation effect content determination process, the content of the variation effect is determined by selecting and determining one variation effect pattern from the variation effect pattern table based on the variation start command or the like.

  Further, when receiving a hold increase command from the main control unit 401, the sub CPU 431 stores information based on the hold increase command in the sub RAM 433 and performs a hold increase process in the command reception process. In the hold increase process, a hold image corresponding to the prior determination target is additionally displayed on the image display unit 104. The reserved image corresponding to the advance determination target is later deleted from the image display unit 104 or shifted to a specific display position when the change start command is received when the advance determination target is the determination target TT. . The sub CPU 431 can also perform a pre-reading notice effect for the prior determination target based on the hold increase command.

[3-2-2-2. General drawing processing]
The ordinary drawing effect process (see FIG. 8) is executed by the sub CPU 431 when a command related to a normal symbol is received from the main control unit 401. A command related to the normal symbol is transmitted from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 at the start and end of the variation of the normal symbol. In the ordinary drawing effect process, the ordinary drawing effect is executed when the normal symbol changes.

[3-2-2-3. Winning effect processing]
The winning effect process (see FIG. 8) is executed by the sub CPU 431 when a command related to the winning effect is received from the main control unit 401. An opening command and an ending command are transmitted from the main control unit 401 to the effect control unit 403 as commands related to the win effect at the start and end of the win game, which is a big hit game, respectively. In the winning effect process, the effect control unit 403 starts the winning effect in response to the reception of the opening command, and ends the winning effect in response to the reception of the ending command.

  In the opening command, information indicating the opening period, information indicating the type of winning (which type of jackpot), information indicating the winning opening opening pattern, and information that can identify the current gaming state of the gaming machine 100 May be included. The ending command may include information indicating the ending period. The effect control unit 403 can determine the content of the winning effect based on information included in the opening command and the ending command.

[3-2-3. Operation acceptance process]
In the operation accepting process (see FIG. 8), the sub CPU 431 operates based on a signal from the effect button 121 or the cross key 122 to determine whether the player has operated the effect button 121 or the cross key 122 (operation presence / absence and operation contents) ) The effect control unit 403 can perform an effect according to the recognized operation state.

  With reference to FIG. 9, the effect control unit 403 selects and sets one effect mode from a plurality of predetermined effect modes, based on the command received from the main control unit 401. The effect mode selected here may be hereinafter referred to as a target effect mode. The effect control unit 403 performs various effects including a variable effect in the target effect mode. The plurality of effect modes include a normal mode and a probability change mode as first to second effect modes. The effect control unit 403 executes different effects between the normal mode and the probability variation mode. The target effect mode is a normal mode in the low probability non-electric support game state and a probability change mode in the high probability electric support game state.

  Several embodiments based on the above are described below.

<< First Embodiment >>
A gaming machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

  Referring to FIG. 10, based on the change start command indicating the result of the special figure determination for the determination target TT, the effect control unit 403 synchronizes with the start of the change display of the special symbols (FIG. 10). (SZ1 to SZ3) of the first symbol, the first symbol and the third symbol are synchronized with the stop of the variation display of the special symbol when a variation stop command is received through execution of a predetermined reach effect or the like. The variable display is stopped in a manner indicating the result of the special figure determination. In FIG. 10, since it is assumed that the determination target TT has won the jackpot, in the variation effect of the determination target TT, the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in the form of a doublet. Reach production means that it takes a relatively long time to determine whether or not the third decorative symbol is aligned with the common symbol in a state where the first and second decorative symbols are aligned with the common symbol on the predetermined effective line. This is a suggestion. The doublet refers to a state in which the first to third decorative symbols are aligned with a common symbol on a predetermined effective line (that is, a combination of the first to third decorative symbols indicating a jackpot). The stop display of the first to third decorative symbols by the flat eyes corresponds to a jackpot announcement. After the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a mode showing a big hit and the first to third decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a double-tipped mode, a big hit game is performed.

  FIG. 11 shows the contents of the jackpot game executed based on the fact that the determination target TT wins the jackpot of the special A or special C. The period in which the jackpot game is executed is called a jackpot game period.

  FIG. 12 shows the contents of the jackpot game executed based on the fact that the determination target TT wins the jackpot of the special B or special D.

  In the jackpot game of any of special A to special D, a round game that opens the big prize opening 111 for a specified maximum opening time (predetermined time; for example, 30 seconds) is executed Rmax times. In the special A or C jackpot game, “Rmax = 4”, and in the special B or D jackpot game, “Rmax = 16”.

  A period during which a round game is played is called a round. However, when the concept of “period” is particularly noted, a round can also be referred to as a round period in particular. The i-th round game constituting the jackpot game is called the i-th round game, and the period during which the i-th round game is played is called the i-th round. However, when the concept of “period” is particularly noted, the i-th round can also be specifically referred to as the i-th round period. I is an integer. Also, the last round in the jackpot game is called the last round. The final round in the special C jackpot game is the fourth round, and the final round in the special B or special D jackpot game is the sixteenth round.

In each round (that is, each round game), the main control unit 401 has a predetermined upper limit on the number of winning game balls to the big prize opening 111 even if the opening time of the big prize opening 111 has not reached the specified maximum opening time. When the number of NUM _LIM is reached, the _special winning opening 111 is closed and the round (round game) is ended. Here, it is assumed that “NUM _LIM = 10”.

  In the jackpot game, for an arbitrary integer i, a predetermined interval period (in other words, an interval time) is provided between the i-th round and the (i + 1) -th round. In the jackpot game, a predetermined opening period (in other words, opening time; for example, 10 seconds) is provided before the first round, and a predetermined ending period (in other words, ending time; in other words, for example, 5) after the final round. Seconds). Therefore, when a jackpot game is started, after a predetermined opening period, a round game is executed Rmax times with a predetermined interval period, and then an ending period (in other words, an ending time; for example, 5 seconds) elapses. Then, the jackpot game ends.

In the jackpot game, the start timing and end timing of the i-th round are represented by symbols t _S [i] and t _E [i], respectively, and the start timing of the opening period and the end timing of the ending period are respectively represented by the symbol t. _{It is} represented by _OP and _tEND . The start timing of the first round is also the end timing of the opening period, and the end timing of the final round is also the start timing of the ending period.

  With reference to FIG. 13, the flow of command transmission / reception and presentation related to jackpot will be described. After the special symbol determination is performed on the determination target TT that has won the jackpot of any of the special A to special D, when the special symbol variation display for the determination target TT is started, the result of the special graphic determination The change start command 1210 including is transmitted to the effect control unit 403. Thereafter, in synchronization with the stop of the special symbol variation display for the determination target TT, a variation stop command 1220 for the determination target TT is transmitted to the effect control unit 403. The effect control unit 403 starts the change effect for the determination target TT in response to the reception of the change start command 1210, and ends the change effect in response to the reception of the change stop command 1220. At this time, the decorative symbols (first to third decorative symbols) on the image display unit 104 are stopped in a manner indicating the result of the special symbol determination.

  Thereafter, the main control unit 401 transmits an opening command 1230 to the effect control unit 403. The effect control unit 403 executes a predetermined opening effect in response to the reception of the opening command 1230. The opening effect is an effect executed in the above-described opening period. At a timing when a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the transmission of the opening command 1230, the main control unit 401 starts opening the big winning opening 111 in the first round and effects control of the big winning opening release command 1240 [1, 1]. To the unit 403. The production control unit 403 starts the production during a predetermined round in response to the reception of the special winning opening release command 1240 [1, 1].

When the specified maximum opening time has elapsed since the opening of the big winning opening 111 in the first round, or the main control unit 401 reaches the upper limit number NUM _LIM . Then, the special winning opening 111 is closed to finish the first round, and the special winning opening closing command 1240 [1, 2] is transmitted to the effect control unit 403.

  Such opening of the special winning opening 111 and transmission of the special winning opening opening command in synchronization therewith, and closing of the special winning opening 111 and transmission of the special winning opening closing command in synchronization therewith are repeated Rmax times. The big winning opening opening command and the big winning opening closing command for the i-th round are represented by symbols 1240 [i, 1] and 1240 [i, 2], respectively.

  The big prize closing command 1240 [Rmax, 2] functions as an ending command. That is, after the opening and closing of the big prize opening 111 over the rounds of Rmax times are repeated and the opening of the big prize opening 111 in the final round of the jackpot game is finished, the main control unit 401 makes the big prize opening closing command 1240 [Rmax , 2] is transmitted to the effect control unit 403 as an ending command.

  The effect control unit 403 executes a predetermined ending effect while ending the effect during the round in response to receiving the ending command. The ending effect is an effect that is executed during the ending period described above. After that, if the special figure determination information is suspended or if the special figure determination information is acquired, the special symbol variation display, variation start command transmission / reception and variation presentation are executed through the new special symbol determination. Is done.

  Information indicating the result of the special figure determination for the determination target TT may be included not only in the change start command 1210 but also in the change stop command 1220 and / or the opening command 1230. In addition, the opening command 1230 may include information indicating the opening period and information for specifying a big winning opening opening pattern applied to the jackpot game for the determination target TT. Furthermore, information that can specify the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 when the special figure determination of the determination target TT is performed may be included in the opening command 1230.

  Referring to FIG. 14, the effect control unit 403 can set a predetermined selectable period (operation input reception period) as part of the jackpot game period, and receives an input of a predetermined selection operation from the player during the selectable period. Can do. In the selectable period, the player can select one of a plurality of different stages by inputting a predetermined selection operation to the operation means provided in the gaming machine 100, and the effect control unit 403 One of the stages can be set as the target stage based on the selection operation in the possible period. Here, it is assumed that the operation means is the effect button 121, the selection operation is an operation of pressing the effect button 121 (hereinafter referred to as button operation), and the plurality of stages are the first to third stages.

  After the jackpot game period is over, during the period in which the game is performed in the high probability electric support game state (that is, the period in which the target effect mode is set to the probability change mode), the effect control unit 403 performs the variable effect on the target stage. Various effects including are executed. The period during which the effect is executed at the target stage (hereinafter also referred to as a specific period) is the period during which the game is performed in the high probability electric support game state (that is, the period during which the target effect mode is set to the probability change mode). It may be all or a part. Depends on the target stage in a period other than the specific period of the period in which the game is performed in the high probability electric support game state when a part of the period in which the game is performed in the high probability electric support game state is a specific period A common performance may not be performed.

  Referring to FIGS. 15A to 15C, in a specific period, when the target stage is the first stage, the target stage is the second stage, and the target stage is the third stage, The control unit 403 varies the various effects to be executed including the variable effects, for example, the contents of the background image, the contents of the reach effect, the details of the decorative pattern image, the contents of the output sound of the speaker 115, and the like. 15A to 15C, the background images are different between when the target stage is the first stage, when the target stage is the second stage, and when the target stage is the third stage. The situation is shown. It may be considered that the aspect of the effect in the probability variation mode is determined depending on which of the first to third stages is set as the target stage.

  The effect control unit 403 accepts a selection operation by setting a selectable period only in a jackpot game period with a specific jackpot. Here, it is assumed that the specific jackpot is a jackpot of 16R, that is, a jackpot of special B or special D.

  FIG. 16 shows a partial flow of the operation of the effect control unit 403 with particular attention to the probability variation mode and the target stage. The operation shown in FIG. 16 is realized while the effect timer interrupt process is repeatedly executed.

  Assuming that a jackpot of any one of special A to special D has occurred, when the opening command based on the jackpot is received by the effect control unit 403, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the effect control unit 403 starts a winning effect based on the reception of the opening command, and confirms the type of jackpot that the determination target TT has won (step S12). If the jackpot is a special jackpot of B or D, the process of step S13 is performed during the jackpot game period, and if the jackpot is a jackpot of special A, the process of step S14 is performed during the jackpot game period. If the jackpot is a special jackpot of special C, the process of step S15 is performed during the jackpot game period.

  In step S13, the effect control unit 403 sets the target stage based on the presence / absence of the selection operation and the input content within the selectable period including the selectable period in the jackpot game period. In step S14, the effect control unit 403 sets the first stage as the target stage without including the selectable period in the jackpot game period. In step S15, the effect control unit 403 maintains the previous setting content for the target stage without including the selectable period in the jackpot game period.

  After the process of step S13, S14 or S15, the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, it is confirmed whether or not the winning effect is finished (that is, whether or not the ending effect based on the reception of the ending command is finished). When the winning effect is finished (Y in step S16), the effect control is performed. The unit 403 sets the probability variation mode to the target effect mode in step S17, and further substitutes 0 for the variable M in step S18. Thereafter, in step S19, the effect control unit 403 waits for reception of a change start command.

  When the change start command is received (Y in step S19), the effect control unit 403 adds 1 to the variable M in step S20 and starts the change effect based on the change start command in step S21. Thereafter, the control unit 403 waits for the reception of the change stop command in step S22 and receives the change stop command (Y in step S22). After the change effect is finished in step S23, the effect control unit 403 proceeds to step S24.

  In step S24, the effect control unit 403 determines whether the determination target TT is a big hit based on the change start command or the change stop command received in step S19 or S22, and if the determination target TT is a big win ( Y of step S24) Returning to step S11, the process after step S11 described above is repeatedly executed. If the determination target TT is lost (N in step S24), the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, the variable M is compared with 70 which is a predetermined value. If “M = 70” (Y in step S25), the process proceeds to step S26, but if not (N in step S25), the process returns to step S19. Then, the processes after step S19 described above are repeatedly executed.

  In step S26, the effect control unit 403 sets the normal mode as the target effect mode. At the stage where the normal mode is set to the target effect mode in step S26, the main control unit 401 switches the gaming state from the high probability electric support game state to the low probability non-electric support game state. After the switching, if a big hit occurs in the low probability non-electric support game state, the above-described processing starting from step S11 is executed again.

By the above-described operation, a selectable period is provided only in the jackpot game period of special B or special D, and the selection operation is accepted. An example of a typical flow starting from the low probability non-electric support game state is as follows.
When a special jackpot of special A based on the establishment of the first start condition occurs in the low probability non-electric support game state, no selectable period is provided in the jackpot gaming period based on the jackpot, and the first stage is set as the target stage. (Step S14). When a special B jackpot based on the establishment of the first start condition occurs in the low probability non-electric support game state, a selectable period is provided in the jackpot gaming period based on the jackpot and the target stage can be selected (step). S13). In a high-probability electric support game state that has passed a special hit game of special A or special B, special figure determination based on the establishment of the second start condition is mainly performed. When a special D jackpot based on the establishment of the second start condition occurs, a selectable period is provided in the jackpot game period based on the jackpot, and the target stage can be selected (step S13). When the special C jackpot based on the establishment of the second start condition occurs, the previous setting content for the target stage is maintained without providing a selectable period in the jackpot game period based on the jackpot (step S15).

  For example, a special A jackpot is generated starting from a low-probability non-electric support game state, and a special D jackpot is generated in a subsequent high-probability electric support game state, based on a selection operation during the special D jackpot game period. Consider a case where the second stage is set as the target stage and a special jackpot of special C occurs in the subsequent high probability electric support game state. In this case, the performance in the first stage is executed in the high probability electric support game state after the special A jackpot game, and the effect in the second stage is executed in the high probability electric support game state after the special jackpot game. In the high probability electric support game state after the subsequent special C jackpot game is executed, the previous setting content for the target stage is maintained, so the effect at the second stage is executed.

  The selectable period is set to include one or more round periods. Here, for the sake of concrete explanation, the start timing and the end timing of the selectable period coincide with the start timing of the thirteenth round, Further, it is assumed that the timing coincides with the end timing of the 14th round, and an effect executed in the selectable period under this assumption will be described.

  FIG. 17 shows a display content example of the image display unit 104 in the selectable period. Not only in the selectable period, but in the jackpot game period, a round number image 1401 indicating how many rounds the current round is and a right-handed promotion image 1402 for prompting a right-handed strike are predetermined positions on the image display unit 104. (In FIG. 17, the upper left corner and the upper right corner).

  In the selectable period, the effect control unit 403 displays the character image 1421 and the button image 1422 as images for prompting the input of the selection operation. The character image 1421 includes characters indicating that the player should or can select the target stage. The button image 1422 is an image simulating the effect button 121.

  Further, in the selectable period, the effect control unit 403 displays selection candidate images 1431 to 1433 corresponding to the first to third stages. In the selectable period, only one selection candidate image among the selection candidate images 1431 to 1433 is displayed in the selection mode, and the remaining two selection candidate images are displayed in the non-selection mode. The selection mode and the non-selection mode are different from each other so that the player can visually distinguish whether each selection candidate image is displayed in the selection mode or the non-selection mode.

  For example, when the selection candidate image 1431 is displayed in the selection mode, the average luminance of the selection candidate image 1431 is set to the first luminance, while the average luminance of the selection candidate images 1432 and 1433 is the second luminance lower than the first luminance. (That is, the brightness of the selection candidate image 1431 is made larger than those of the selection candidate images 1432 and 1433). Alternatively, for example, when the selection candidate image 1431 is displayed in the selection mode, the display size of the selection candidate image 1431 is made larger than the display sizes of the selection candidate images 1432 and 1433. The same applies when the selection candidate image 1432 or 1433 is displayed in the selection mode.

  Referring to FIG. 18, at the start of the selectable period, “1” is assigned to the selection flag FL managed by the effect control unit 403, and each time a button operation is input in the selectable period. “1” is added to the selection flag FL. However, when the button operation is input once when “FL = 3” in the selectable period, “1” is substituted into the selection flag FL. When the display status of the selection candidate images 1431 to 1433 in the selectable period is “FL = 1”, “FL = 2”, and “FL = 3”, the selection candidate images 1431 are displayed in a selection manner, respectively. The first display state, the second display state in which the selection candidate image 1432 is displayed in the selection mode, and the third display state in which the selection candidate image 1433 is displayed in the selection mode.

  The effect control unit 403 sets the target stage based on the value of the selection flag FL at the end timing of the selectable period (step S13 in FIG. 16). Specifically, when “FL = 1”, “FL = 2”, and “FL = 3” at the end timing of the selectable period, the target stages are set to the first, second, and third stages, respectively. To do.

  Further, in the selectable period, the effect control unit 403 displays a bar image 1440 for indicating a period during which the selection operation is valid.

  In the jackpot game period, the images 1421, 1422, 1431 to 1433, and 1440 are displayed on the image display unit 104 only during the selectable period, and are not displayed on the image display unit 104 outside the selectable period.

  The bar image 1440 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 19 (a) and 19 (b). The bar image 1440 is a bar-shaped image extending in the left-right direction. The bar image 1440 includes a digestion period image 1441 indicating a period in which the selection operation is already effective and a remaining period image 1442 indicating a remaining period in which the selection operation is effective. In the present embodiment, the entire bar image 1440 is configured by combining the remaining period image 1442 adjacent to the right side of the digestion period image 1441. For example, the color of the digestion period image 1441 is dark blue and the color of the remaining period image 1442 is white. In FIGS. 19A and 19B, the digestion period image 1441 is shown as a hatched area.

  As the remaining selectable period decreases, that is, the elapsed time from the start of the selectable period increases, the effect control unit 403 increases the ratio of the digestion period image 1441 that occupies the entire bar image 1440 (hereinafter, digestion period ratio). The ratio of the remaining period image 1442 occupying the entire bar image 1440 (hereinafter referred to as the remaining period ratio) is decreased. The remaining period ratio may be set to 100% at the start timing of the selectable period (in this case, the digestion period image 1441 is not displayed), and the digestion period ratio may be set to 100% at the end timing of the selectable period ( In this case, the remaining period image 1442 is not displayed).

  FIG. 20 shows an example of transition of display contents of the image display unit 104 in the 13th round and the 14th round. Starting from the start of the 13th round, as the round game accompanied by the winning of the game ball to the big winning opening 111 is digested, the remaining period ratio indicated by the bar image 1440 gradually decreases.

  With reference to FIG. 21, the flow of effects (hereinafter referred to as selection effects) executed in the selectable period will be described. In the jackpot game period, when the effect control unit 403 receives the 13th round big prize opening release command 1240 [13, 1], the process starting from step S31 is started. The operation shown in FIG. 21 is realized while the effect timer interrupt process is repeatedly executed.

  In step S31, the effect control unit 403 assigns “1” to the selection flag FL and assigns “0” to the winning count value DC. The number-of-wins count value DC indicates the number of game balls that have won (in other words, entered) in the big prize opening 111 during the selectable period. In step S32 following step S31, the effect control unit 403 displays the selection image group including the images 1421, 1422, 1431 to 1433, and 1440 shown in FIG. 17 in the initial display state. In the initial display state, the selection candidate images 1431 to 1433 are displayed in the first display state (see FIG. 18), and the remaining period ratio is set to 100%. The character image 1421 and the button image 1422 continue to be displayed in a certain manner during the selectable period.

  In step S33 following step S32, the effect control unit 403 checks whether or not a button operation is input, and if an input of the button operation is detected (Y in step S33), the process proceeds to step S34, but otherwise. (N in step S33), the process proceeds to step S38. In step S34, the effect control unit 403 refers to the selection flag FL. If “FL = 3” (Y in step S34), “1” is substituted into the selection flag FL in step S35. On the other hand, if “FL = 3” is not satisfied (N in step S34), “1” is added to the selection flag FL in step S36, and then the process proceeds to step S37.

  In step S37, the effect control unit 403 updates the display state of the selection candidate images 1431 to 1433 according to the selection flag FL as shown in FIG. 18, and then proceeds to step S38.

  In step S38, the effect control unit 403 confirms whether or not a winning command has been received. The winning command is transmitted from the main control unit 401. In other words, the main control unit 401 sets a winning command in the main RAM 413 in response to a winning of a game ball for the big winning opening 111 (detection signal of the big winning opening SW 416) in the big winning opening process (see FIG. 5). The winning command set in the main RAM 413 is transmitted to the effect control unit 403 in the output process (see FIG. 5).

  If the prize control command is received by the effect control unit 403 (Y in step S38), the process proceeds to step S39. If not (N in step S38), the process proceeds to step S42. In step S39, the effect control unit 403 determines whether “DC = 10” and before the 14th round big prize opening release command 1240 [14, 1] is received by the effect control unit 403. To check. If “DC = 10” and before the 14th round grand opening opening command 1240 [14, 1] is received by the effect control unit 403 (Y in step S39), the process returns to step S33. If not, the process proceeds to step S40, "1" is added to the winning count value DC, and the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, the effect control unit 403 updates the bar image 1440 according to the winning number count value DC. Specifically, for example, the size of the digestion period image 1441 is increased while the size of the remaining period image 1442 is decreased so that the remaining period ratio becomes “1− (DC × 0.05)”. In this case, every time the winning count value DC increases by 1, the remaining period ratio decreases by 5%. After the bar image 1440 is updated in step S41, the process proceeds to step S42.

  In step S <b> 42, the effect control unit 403 confirms whether or not the effect control unit 403 has received the thirteenth round big opening closing command 1240 [13, 2] when “DC <10”. If “13 <DC” is received by the effect control unit 403 (Y in step S42), the prize is received in steps S43 and S44. While substituting 10 for the number count value DC and updating the bar image 1440 according to the winning number count value DC, the process proceeds to step S45. Otherwise (N in step S42), the process proceeds directly to step S45. Normally, during the jackpot game period, a right-handed game ball is continuously launched. Therefore, when “DC <10”, the 13th round big prize closing command 1240 [13, 2] is produced. Although it is not received by the control unit 403, for some reason, in the thirteenth round, the opening time of the big prize opening 111 is in a state where the number of game balls entering the big prize opening 111 is less than ten. When the specified maximum opening time (for example, 30 seconds) is reached, the process reaches step S45 via steps S43 and S44.

  In step S <b> 45, the effect control unit 403 confirms whether or not the 14th round big prize closing command 1240 [14, 2] is received from the main control unit 401. If the winning prize closing command 1240 [14, 2] has been received (Y in step S45), the process proceeds to step S46. If not (N in step S45), the process returns to step S33.

  In step S46, the effect control unit 403 sets the target stage according to the selection flag FL. Here, since the end timing of the 14th round is used as the end timing of the selectable period, when the value of the selection flag FL in step S46 is “1”, “2”, “3”, the target stage Are set to the first, second, and third stages, respectively. In step S47 following step S46, the effect control unit 403 performs a target stage setting result effect to indicate which stage the target stage is set to.

  FIG. 22 shows an example of the setting result production for the target stage. In the target stage setting result effect, a selection candidate image (any one of 1431 to 1433) corresponding to the stage set as the target stage is enlarged and displayed on the image display unit 104. Here, “enlargement” means enlargement with respect to the display size of the selection candidate image during the selectable period. That is, for example, when the first stage is set as the target stage, the selection candidate image 1431 corresponding to the first stage is enlarged and displayed on the image display unit 104 as shown in FIG. Although not shown, when the second and third stages are set as target stages, a selection candidate image 1432 corresponding to the second stage and a selection candidate image 1433 corresponding to the third stage are displayed on the image display unit 104, respectively. Enlarged display.

  The selectable period ends according to the number of game balls that enter the grand prize opening 111, but if there is no guideline for the end timing of the selectable period, how long will the player need to perform the selection operation? Cannot understand or difficult to understand. According to this embodiment, since the player can be notified of an indication of the end timing of the selectable period by updating and displaying the bar image 1440, the convenience of the player regarding the input of the selection operation is improved.

By the way, as described above, in each round in the jackpot gaming period, even if the opening time of the big winning opening 111 does not reach the specified maximum opening time, the number of winning game balls to the big winning opening 111 is a predetermined upper limit number. When the NUM _LIM (here, 10) is reached, the special winning opening 111 is closed. Therefore, the maximum number of winnings to the big winning opening 111 in one round is theoretically “NUM _LIM = 10”. However, in reality, there is a predetermined distance from the entrance of the grand prize opening 111 to the position where the big prize opening SW 416 is provided in the big prize opening 111, and the tenth game ball is the entrance of the big prize opening 111. The eleventh and subsequent game balls can win the big prize opening 111 during the period from passing through to reaching the big prize opening SW416. The winning of the eleventh and subsequent game balls in the big winning opening 111 in one round is called an over winning. Since the main control unit 401 sets a winning ball command in the main RAM 413 for over winning, the effect control unit 403 also receives a winning ball command for over winning. However, since the over winning does not affect the selectable period, the winning count value DC should not be increased and the bar image 1440 should not be updated by the winning command based on the over winning. In consideration of this, by providing the processing of step S39 in the operation of FIG. 21, after the winning number count value DC reaches 10, the 14th round big winning opening release command 1240 [14, 1] is received. Until this, the processing of steps S40 and S41 is not performed. That is, the winning count value DC is not increased and the bar image 1440 is not updated by a winning command based on over winning.

  Although different from the above description, the main control unit 401 may not set a prize ball command in the main RAM 413 for over winning. In this case, the effect control unit 403 can omit step S39.

  In addition, the effect control unit 403 updates the bar image 1440 so that the remaining period ratio decreases as the remaining time of the interval period decreases during the interval period between the 13th round and the 14th round. Anyway. Specifically, for example, in step S41, the bar image 1440 is displayed in accordance with the winning count value DC so that the remaining period ratio is “1− (DC × 0.045)” in the thirteenth round. For example, during the interval period between the 13th and 14th rounds, the remaining period ratio is decreased from 55% to 45% as the remaining time of the interval period decreases. Thereafter, in the fourteenth round, the bar image 1440 may be displayed in accordance with the winning count value DC so that the remaining period ratio becomes “0.9− (DC × 0.045)”.

  Note that the remaining period ratio may be set to 0% at a timing slightly before the end of the selectable period in order to give a little margin to the selection operation by the player. For example, in step S41, the remaining period ratio may be 0% when “DC = 18”. In this case, although the bar image 1440 indicating the remaining period ratio of 0% is displayed, the selection operation is actually performed until the 14th round big prize closing command 1240 [14, 2] is received thereafter. Can be input.

<< Second Embodiment >>
A gaming machine 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment and the third to fifth embodiments described later are embodiments based on the first embodiment, and the matters not particularly described in the second to fifth embodiments are the first unless there is a contradiction. The description of the embodiment is also applied to the second to fifth embodiments. In the second embodiment, the description of the second embodiment is given priority for matters that contradict between the first and second embodiments (the same applies to the third to fifth embodiments described later). Moreover, as long as there is no contradiction, you may combine arbitrary some embodiment among 1st-5th embodiment.

  The above selectable period can be variously modified. However, the selectable period may include one or more round periods. When the start timing of the selectable period coincides with the start and end timings of a certain round, the selectable period starts in synchronization with the start and end of the round game of the round. Similarly, when the end timing of the selectable period coincides with the start and end timing of a certain round, the selectable period ends in synchronization with the start and end of the round game of the round.

  23A to 23D show examples of selectable periods when the selectable period includes only one round period.

As shown in FIG. 23A, typically, for example, the start timing of the selectable period coincides with the start timing of the k _A round, and the end timing of the selectable period coincides with the end timing of the k _A round. ing. k _A is a predetermined integer of 1 to 16.

Referring to FIGS. 23 (b) and (d),
When the selectable period includes the k _A round, the start timing of the selectable period may coincide with the start timing of the k _A round. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may start the selectable period when receiving the special winning opening opening command 1240 [k _A , 1].
When the selectable period includes the k _A round, the start timing of the selectable period may coincide with the end timing of the (k _A -1) round. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may start the selectable period when receiving the big prize closing command 1240 [k _A- 1, 2].
When the selectable period includes the k _A round, the start timing of the selectable period may coincide with the timing during the interval period between the (k _A −1) round and the k _A round. . In this case, the effect control unit 403 receives the winning prize closing command 1240 [k _A- 1,2] and then is shorter than the length of the interval period between the (k _A −1) and the k _A rounds. The selectable period may be started at the timing when the predetermined time Δt1 has elapsed.

Referring to FIGS. 23 (b) and (c),
When the selectable period includes the k _A round, the end timing of the selectable period may coincide with the end timing of the k _A round. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may end the selectable period when receiving the special winning opening closing command 1240 [k _A , 2].
In the case where the selectable period includes the k _A round, the end timing of the selectable period may coincide with the start timing of the (k _A +1) round. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may end the selectable period when receiving the special prize opening opening command 1240 [k _A +1, 1].
When the selectable period includes the k _A round, the end timing of the selectable period may coincide with the timing in the interval period between the k _A round and the (k _A +1) round. In this case, the effect control unit 403 receives the special winning opening closing command 1240 [k _A , 2] and then receives a predetermined time Δt2 that is shorter than the length of the interval period between the k _A and (k _A +1) rounds. The selectable period may be terminated at the timing when elapses.

Referring to FIG. 23C, in the case where “k _A = 1” and the selectable period includes the k _A round, the start timing of the selectable period may coincide with the timing during the opening period. good. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may start the selectable period at a timing when a predetermined time Δt3 shorter than the length of the opening period has elapsed after receiving the opening command. Further, in this case, the effect control unit 403 increases the elapsed time from the start of the selectable period until the first winning prize opening command 1240 [1, 1] is received after the start of the selectable period. The bar image 1440 may be updated so that the remaining period ratio decreases with time. After receiving the winning prize opening command 1240 [1, 1], the remaining period according to the increase in the winning number count value DC, starting from the remaining period ratio when receiving the winning prize opening command 1240 [1, 1]. The bar image 1440 may be updated so that the ratio decreases.

Referring to FIG. 23D, in the case where the k-th _A round is the final round and the selectable period includes the k- _A round, the end timing of the selectable period coincides with the timing in the ending period. Also good. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may end the selectable period at a timing when a predetermined time Δt4 shorter than the length of the ending period has elapsed after receiving the ending command. Also, in this case, for example, the production control unit 403 sets the remaining period ratio to 10% when “DC = 20”, and thereafter the final round winning prize closing command 1240 [k _A , 2 ], The bar image 1440 may be updated so that the remaining period ratio decreases from 10% to 0% as the elapsed time from the reception increases (the remaining period ratio is 0 at the end timing of the selectable period). %).

  FIGS. 24A to 24D show examples of selectable periods when the selectable period includes a plurality of round periods.

As shown in FIG. 24 (a), typically for example, the start timing of the selection period coinciding with the start timing of the k _B round, the end timing of the selection period coincides with the end timing of the k _C Round ing. k _B is a predetermined integer of 1 or more and 15 or less, k _C is 2 or more and 16 or less of the predetermined integer. However, “k _B <k _C ” is established.

With reference to FIGS. 24 (b) and (d),
In the case where the selected period including the first k _B round, second k _C round, the start timing of the selection period may coincide with the start timing of the k _B round. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may start the selectable period when receiving the special winning opening opening command 1240 [k _B , 1].
In the case where the selected period including the first k _B round, second k _C round, the start timing of the selection period, the first (k B _-1) may coincide with the end timing of the rounds. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may start the selectable period when receiving the big prize closing command 1240 [k _B- 1, 2].
In the case where the selected period including the first k _B round, second k _C round, the start timing of the selection period, the timing during the interval period between the first (k B _-1) rounds and the k _B round one You may do it. In this case, the effect control unit 403 receives the winning prize closing command 1240 [k _B -1,2] and then is shorter than the length of the interval period between the (k _B -1) and the k _B rounds. The selectable period may be started at the timing when the predetermined time Δt1 has elapsed.

Referring to FIGS. 24B and 24C,
In the case where the selected period including the first k _B round, second k _C round, end timing of the selection period may coincide with the end timing of the k _C round. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may end the selectable period when receiving the big prize closing command 1240 [k _C , 2].
In the case where the selected period including the first k _B round, second k _C round, end timing of the selection period, the first (k C ₊₁₎ may coincide with the start timing of the rounds. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may end the selectable period when receiving the special winning opening opening command 1240 [k _C +1, 1].
In the case where the selected period including the first k _B round, second k _C round, end timing of the selection period is consistent with the timing in the interval period between the first k _C round a first (k C ₊₁₎ Round May be. In this case, the effect control unit 403 receives a special winning opening closing command 1240 [k _C , 2] and then receives a predetermined time Δt2 that is shorter than the length of the interval period between the k _C and (k _C +1) rounds. The selectable period may be terminated at the timing when elapses.

Referring to FIG. 24C, when “k _B = 1” and the selectable period includes the k _B round to the k _C round, the start timing of the selectable period is the timing during the opening period May match. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may start the selectable period at a timing when a predetermined time Δt3 shorter than the length of the opening period has elapsed after receiving the opening command. Further, in this case, the effect control unit 403 increases the elapsed time from the start of the selectable period until the first winning prize opening command 1240 [1, 1] is received after the start of the selectable period. The bar image 1440 may be updated so that the remaining period ratio decreases with time. After receiving the winning prize opening command 1240 [1, 1], the remaining period according to the increase in the winning number count value DC, starting from the remaining period ratio when receiving the winning prize opening command 1240 [1, 1]. The bar image 1440 may be updated so that the ratio decreases.

Referring to FIG. 24D, in the case where the k _C round is the final round and the selectable period includes the k _B round to the k _C round, the end timing of the selectable period is the timing during the ending period May match. In this case, the effect control unit 403 may end the selectable period at a timing when a predetermined time Δt4 shorter than the length of the ending period has elapsed after receiving the ending command. Also, in this case, for example, the production control unit 403 sets the remaining period ratio to 10% when “DC = 20”, and thereafter the final round winning prize closing command 1240 [k _C , 2 ], The bar image 1440 may be updated so that the remaining period ratio decreases from 10% to 0% as the elapsed time from the reception increases (the remaining period ratio is 0 at the end timing of the selectable period). %).

<< Third Embodiment >>
A gaming machine 100 according to the third embodiment will be described.

  The effect control unit 403 can execute an effect (hereinafter referred to as a special effect) in accordance with the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 111 during the selectable period (winning number count value DC). The special effect according to the first embodiment includes an updated display of the bar image 1440 corresponding to the winning count value DC.

  The selectable period starts from a predetermined timing during the jackpot game period, and then ends according to the number of game balls that enter the grand prize opening 111 (in accordance with the increase in the number of balls entered). Has a function that suggests a decrease in the remaining period of the selectable period accompanying the increase in the number of game balls that have entered the grand prize opening 111 from the predetermined timing (in the example of the first embodiment, the remaining period image 1442). A decrease in the size of this suggests a decrease in the remaining period). Therefore, the special performance does not depend on the number of game balls that enter the big prize opening 111 in a period other than the selectable period in the jackpot game period, and the game balls of the game balls to the big prize opening 111 in the selectable period It depends only on the number of balls entered. Therefore, the special effect is not executed during a period other than the selectable period during the jackpot game period with a specific jackpot.

  The special effect is arbitrary if it is an effect that can suggest an indication of the remaining period in which the selection operation is effective, and is optional if it is an effect corresponding to the winning count value DC in order to realize this suggestion. For example, the special effect includes an effect of displaying the remaining period guide suggestion information on the image display unit 104 to suggest the remaining period guide for which the selection operation is effective, and the remaining period guide suggestion information is an increase in the winning count value DC. It is updated and displayed according to The bar image 1440 in the first embodiment is also a kind of remaining period guide suggestion information.

  For example, the remaining period guide suggestion information may be numerical information. For the sake of concreteness of explanation, as in the example given in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the selectable period starts from the start of the 13th round and ends at the same time as the end of the 14th round. An example is given.

  FIG. 25 shows an example of display contents of the image display unit 104 in the selectable period in which numerical information 1460 is displayed as remaining period guide suggestion information. The numerical information 1460 indicates the numerical value “DC / 20”. As the winning count value DC increases during the selectable period, the numerical value “DC / 20” in the numerical information 1460 increases from “0/20” to “20/20”. In the numerical information 1460, an increase in the numerical value “DC / 20” indicates a decrease in the remaining period during which the selection operation is effective.

  FIG. 26 shows a display content example of the image display unit 104 in the selectable period in which numerical information 1470 is displayed as the remaining period guide suggestion information. The numerical information 1470 indicates the numerical value “(20−DC) / 20”. As the winning count value DC increases during the selectable period, the numerical value “(20−DC) / 20” in the numerical information 1470 decreases from “20/20” to “0/20”. In the numerical information 1470, a decrease in the numerical value “(20−DC) / 20” indicates a decrease in the remaining period during which the selection operation is effective.

<< Fourth Embodiment >>
A gaming machine 100 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. As described in the first embodiment, the effect control unit 403 accepts a selection operation by setting a selectable period only in a jackpot game period with a specific jackpot. In the first embodiment, the specific jackpot is considered to be a jackpot of 16R, that is, special B or special D jackpot, but the specific jackpot is not limited to this, and any of a plurality of types of jackpots that can be generated is arbitrary. May be treated as a specific jackpot.

  For example, the specific jackpot may be a jackpot generated based on the establishment of the first start condition, that is, a jackpot of special A or special B. In this case, the jackpot generated by the result of the special figure determination performed in the low probability non-electric support game state is usually the specific jackpot. This is because in the non-electric support game state including the low-probability non-electric support game state, the start condition that is satisfied is mainly the first start condition.

  Further, for example, a jackpot generated in the low probability non-electric support game state may be handled as a specific jackpot.

  Further, for example, all of the special A to D jackpots may be handled as a specific jackpot.

  When the special jackpot of special A or special C, which is a big jackpot of 4R, is treated as a specific big jackpot, the period including only one round period in the first to fourth round periods, or two consecutive intervals A period including the above round period may be set as a selectable period.

  Further, there may be a special E jackpot as a jackpot generated when the first start condition is satisfied, and there is a special F jackpot as a jackpot generated when the second start condition is satisfied. May be. The number of rounds in the jackpot of special E or special F is, for example, two. The specified maximum opening time of the special winning opening 111 in each round of the special E or special F jackpot game is a predetermined short opening time (for example, 0.2 seconds), and in each round of the special A to special jackpot game It is shorter than a predetermined long opening time (for example, 30 seconds) as the prescribed maximum opening time of the big winning opening 111. For example, in the judgment per special figure for the first special symbol (in the judgment per special figure based on the establishment of the first start condition), when the jackpot is won, the ratio that the big hit becomes special A, special B, special E Are determined to be 80%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, and in the judgment per special figure for the second special symbol (in the judgment per special figure based on the establishment of the second starting condition), when the big prize is won, , Special C, special D and special F are respectively 30%, 60% and 10%. Special E and Special F jackpots do not belong to any particular jackpot. This is because the special E or special F jackpot game period is considerably shorter than the special jackpot game period of any of the special A to special D, and it is difficult to secure a time sufficient to accept the input of the selection operation.

  After the end of the special E or special F jackpot game, the main CPU 411 sets the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 to the high probability electric support game state in the same manner as after the end of the special jackpot game of any of the special A to special D, After that, the next jackpot (that is, the next jackpot as seen from the jackpot that occurred immediately before) does not occur, and the number of times that the special symbol fluctuates (that is, the number of times that the special symbol has been fluctuated via the fluctuation display) is given high probability When the number of times exceeds the number of times and the number of times that the electric support is given, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is set to the low probability non-electric support state. The number of high-probability grants and power support grants for each jackpot of special E and special F is 70, as in special A to special D. Therefore, in the game state setting process associated with the jackpot of any of special A to special F, both the high probability game flag and the electric support game flag are turned ON, and both the high probability game remaining number X and the electric support game remaining number J are both set. “70” is set. Therefore, after the special jackpot game of any of special A to special F is completed, when the number of times the special symbol changes reaches 70 without any other jackpot being generated, the gaming state of the gaming machine 100 is a high probability electric support game. The state is shifted to the low probability non-electric support game state.

<< Fifth Embodiment >>
A gaming machine 100 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Hereinafter, in Examples EX5_1 to EX5_3 belonging to the fifth embodiment, some modifications to the first to fourth embodiments will be described. As long as there is no contradiction, it is possible to combine two or more embodiments among the embodiments EX5_1 to EX5_3.

[Example EX5_1]
Example EX5_1 will be described. The effect button 121 is a kind of operation means that receives an input of a selection operation by the player. In the present invention, the operation means does not have to be the effect button 121, and may be a cross key 122, or may be any operation means such as a lever, dial, touch panel, etc. (not shown).

[Example EX5_2]
Example EX5_2 will be described. It can be said that the selection operation in the selectable period is an operation for determining the effect Q executed in the selection result reflecting period P after the selectable period. In the first embodiment, the selection result reflecting period P corresponds to a specific period, and the effect Q corresponds to an effect (including a variable effect) executed during the specific period. As described above, the specific period is all or part of a period during which a game is performed in the high probability electric support game state (that is, a period in which the target effect mode is set to the probability variation mode).

  In the first embodiment, the aspect of the effect Q is determined by selecting one by the selection operation from the first to third stages as a plurality of selection candidates, but there are a plurality of selection candidates. It is not limited to the stage.

  For example, the plurality of selection candidates may be different first to third characters. In this case, during the selectable period, the player can select one of the first to third characters by inputting a predetermined selection operation to the operation means provided in the gaming machine 100, and the effect control unit 403 can set one of the first to third characters as the target character based on the selection operation in the selectable period. Then, in the specific period belonging to the selection result reflecting period P, when the target character is the first character, the target character is the second character, and the target character is the third character, the effect control unit 403 The various effects to be executed (including variable effects) are made different from each other. For example, when the target character is the i-th character, in the reach effect performed during the specific period, a moving image showing a state in which the i-th character and a predetermined enemy character fight is displayed (where i is 1 or 2). Or 3).

  Alternatively, for example, the plurality of selection candidates may be different first to third music pieces. In this case, in the selectable period, the player can select any of the first to third music pieces by inputting a predetermined selection operation to the operation means provided in the gaming machine 100, and the effect control unit 403 can set one of the first to third music pieces as the target music piece based on the selection operation in the selectable period. Then, the effect control unit 403 outputs the target music from the speaker 115 in the specific period belonging to the selection result reflecting period P.

[Example EX5_3]
Example EX5_3 will be described. The selection result reflection period P described above may be arbitrary as long as it is a period after the selectable period. For example, the selection result reflecting period P may include a period after the selectable period in the jackpot game period including the selectable period. More specifically, for example, when the selectable period starts from the start timing of the first round and ends by the end timing of the second round, it is after the end timing of the second round and until the ending period ends All or part of the period may be included in the selection result reflecting period P. For example, the effect control unit 403 outputs the target music from the speaker 115 in the selection result reflection period P. The method of selecting and setting the target music is as described above. The selection result reflection period P may further include a specific period. In this case, by the selection operation, the music to be output is selected during the jackpot game period and the period when the game in the high probability electric support game state is performed thereafter.

<< Consideration of Invention Regarding Each Embodiment >>
The invention relating to the first to fifth embodiments will be considered.

Gaming machine W ₁ according to one aspect of the present invention, determining means for determining whether to perform the advantageous special game to the player by the occurrence of start-up conditions; and (401 special symbol processing), the by the determination unit When it is determined that a special game is to be performed, a special game is executed in which a special winning opening (111) provided in a game area where a game ball can flow down is opened as an easy game ball to enter. A gaming machine comprising execution means (401; special winning opening process), effect execution means (403) for executing a predetermined effect, and operation means for receiving an operation input by a player, wherein the effect execution When the special game is performed, the means accepts an input of the operation for determining the effect after the predetermined period in a predetermined period (e.g., selectable period) during the period in which the special game is performed, In the predetermined period Special effects according to the number of game balls entered into the special prize opening can be executed, and the predetermined period is started from a predetermined timing during the period during which the special game is performed, It ends according to the number of game balls entering.

  The special effect makes it possible to inform the player of an end timing of a predetermined period, for example, and improves the player's convenience regarding operation input.

Specifically, for example, in the gaming machine W _1, the special effect, among the period in which the special game is performed may be not executed during a period other than the predetermined period.

Further, for example, in the gaming machine W _1, in the special effect, in association with the game ball entering the sphere increased number of the special winning hole from the predetermined timing, it may reduce the remaining period of the predetermined time period is suggested .

Judging means and the special game execution means in the gaming machine W ₁ is the gaming machine 100 is realized by the main control unit 401, for example. Demonstration execution means in the gaming machine W ₁ is the gaming machine 100 is realized by the performance control unit 403 for example, or be realized by the performance control unit 403 and the effect achieved elements (presentation means). Operating means in the gaming machine W ₁ is in the gaming machine 100 is achieved by performance button 121 for example, the operating means is not limited to the performance button 121.

  Special games include games that involve opening a special prize opening. The special prize opening may be the big prize opening 111, and thus the special game may be a game (for example, a big hit game) with the opening of the big prize opening 111. In this case, the determination in the determination means includes determination per special figure, and may further include special symbol determination and special pattern fluctuation pattern determination.

<< Other modifications >>
The embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately modified in various ways within the scope of the technical idea shown in the claims. The above embodiment is merely an example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the meaning of the term of the present invention or each constituent element is not limited to that described in the above embodiment. The specific numerical values shown in the above description are merely examples, and as a matter of course, they can be changed to various numerical values.

  The above-described gaming machine 100 may be a loop machine in which a high-probability gaming state is completely or substantially maintained until a next jackpot is won when a particular jackpot is won.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the present invention is applied to the old first-class type pachinko gaming machine has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to other types (for example, the old-kind two-kind mixed type) pachinko gaming machine. The present invention may be applied to other game machines such as slot machines that are not classified as pachinko gaming machines. In a pachinko gaming machine, a game ball is used as a game medium, while in a slot machine, a coin is used as a game medium.

100 gaming machine 105, 106 start opening 111 grand prize opening 121 production button (operation means)
401 Main control unit (determination means, special game execution means)
403 Production control unit (production execution means)

Claims (5)

A determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player by establishing the start condition;
When it is determined by the determination means that the special game is to be performed, a game including an open game in which a special winning opening provided in a game area where the game ball can flow down is opened so that the game ball can easily enter the game. Special game execution means to be executed as a game;
Production execution means for executing a predetermined production;
An operating means for receiving an input of an operation by a player,
When the special game is performed, the effect executing means is configured to display the effect after the predetermined period through selection of a plurality of options informed to the player in a predetermined period during the special game . Receiving an input of the operation for determining an aspect , and executing a special effect according to the number of game balls entering the special prize opening in the predetermined period;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period starts from a predetermined timing during a period in which the special game is performed, and then ends in accordance with the number of game balls that enter the special prize opening. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the special effect is not executed during a period other than the predetermined period within a period during which the special game is performed. When the special game is performed, the effect execution means accepts an input of the operation for determining a mode of the effect after the special game through selection of any of the plurality of options in the predetermined period < The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above. The special game execution means is capable of executing a first special game or a second special game as the special game,
  The effect execution means can execute the special effect when the first special game is performed, and restricts the execution of the special effect when the second special game is performed.
A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The game can be controlled in the first game state or the second game state that is more advantageous to the player than the first game state, and the game can be controlled in the second game state after the execution of the special game. A game state control means,
The effect execution means can execute the special effect when the special game is performed based on the result of the determination performed in the first game state, and the effect execution means is performed in the second game state. When the special game is performed based on the determination result, the execution of the special effect is restricted.
A gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images