JP6186027B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a gaming machine capable of improving game motivation. SOLUTION: Special game determination means for performing a special game determination triggered by the establishment of a start condition, symbol variation means for executing a symbol variation indicating a determination result by the special game determination means, and a holding means for holding a special game determination Pre-determining means for determining the degree of expectation of a special game prior to the special game determination, hold display means for displaying a hold image indicating the hold of the special game determination, and predetermined period during which the symbol variation and the special game are not executed Image display means for displaying the customer waiting effect image when the condition is satisfied, the hold display means, when the start condition is established when the customer waiting effect image is displayed, the symbol variation is started, During the special period started by the start of the symbol variation, the gaming machine 10 that easily displays a reserved image that suggests that the degree of expectation is higher than a period that is not the special period. [Selection] Figure 22

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine that shows the result of a big hit lottery based on symbol variation.

  Patent Document 1 below describes a gaming machine that displays a pre-variation start demo screen when a symbol variation display is started during display of a normal demo screen.

JP 7-328198 A (summary)

  By the way, there is a problem that the player loses the willingness to play unless there is an effect that can be expected of the jackpot.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving gaming motivation.

  The present invention employs the following configuration in order to solve the above problems. In addition, the description in parentheses in this column shows a correspondence relationship with the embodiments described later in order to help understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention at all.

The gaming machine (gaming machine 10) of the present invention is
Triggered by the establishment of starting conditions, or whether or not determine the constant line cormorants determine the constant unit performs favorable special game to the player (the main control unit 60),
Symbol variation means for performing symbol variation indicating the determination result by the previous SL-size constant means a (main controller 60),
When the starting conditions during start non period the symbol variation is established, the holding means for holding a previous SL-size constant (the main control unit 60),
Prior to prior SL-size constant, the a special game advance determines advance determining means expectation is how low non special game result or the expected high degree special game result is performed,
Pending display means for displaying the pending images indicating the pending pre SL-size constant (held icon I) (performance control unit 90, the image display device 20),
Image display means (effect control unit 90, image display 20) for displaying a predetermined image (customer waiting effect image K) when a predetermined condition is satisfied during a period when the symbol variation and the special game are not executed;
With
When the predetermined condition is satisfied and the symbol variation is started when the predetermined image is displayed, the hold display means starts a special period (for example, the symbol variation of the symbol variation starts). among period) until symbol variations in a predetermined number of times is executed from the beginning, than normal period not the special period, rather easy to display the pending images suggest that higher the expectations,
As the hold image, there are a first hold image and a second hold image having a higher expectation than the first hold image,
In the case of the non-special game result and the case of the special game result, the hold display means can display the second hold image during the special period more easily than during the normal period. To do.

  According to the present invention, game motivation can be improved.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram of the electric system of the gaming machine It is a figure which shows the breakdown of the jackpot of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart of a main side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart of a start port SW process. It is a flowchart of a prior determination process. It is a flowchart of a gate SW process. It is a flowchart of special symbol processing. It is a flowchart of jackpot determination processing. It is a flowchart of a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart of a process during a stop. It is a flowchart of a normal symbol process. It is a flowchart of a big prize opening process. It is a flowchart of a game state setting process. It is a flowchart of an electric Chu process. It is an example of a setting of a fluctuation pattern table. It is a flowchart of a sub timer interruption process. It is a flowchart of the command reception process of 1st Embodiment. It is a structural example of the holding | maintenance information storage part of an effect control part. It is a flowchart of the pending | holding icon selection process of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating a special period and a normal period. It is an example of a selection table of hold icons. It is a flowchart of a change production selection process. It is a flowchart of the process during the end of a variation effect. It is a flowchart of a customer waiting command reception process. It is an example of the production during the special period of the first embodiment. It is an example of the production during the normal period of the first embodiment. This is a modification of the first embodiment, and is an example of an effect during a special period. It is a flowchart of the command reception process of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the changing icon selection process of 2nd Embodiment. It is an example of a selection table of changing icons. It is an example of the production during the special period of the second embodiment. It is a modification of 2nd Embodiment and is an example of the production during a special period.

1. First Embodiment A gaming machine 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The gaming machine 10 is a pachinko gaming machine. In the present specification, “upper and lower” means the upper and lower sides in a state where the gaming machine 10 is erected to perform a game, and “left and right” mean the left and right toward the game area 16 of the game board 15. Further, the front side of the game board 15 (the game area 16 side) is the front, and the opposite side is the rear.

(1) Structure of Pachinko Gaming Machine The gaming machine 10 is configured by attaching a gaming board 15 to the inside of the gaming machine frame 11 as shown in FIG. The gaming machine frame 11 includes an outer frame 12, an inner frame 13, and a glass door portion 14 on the front side. The outer frame 12 is a frame body that is an outer portion of the gaming machine 10, the inner frame 13 is a frame body to which the game board 15 is attached, and the glass door part 14 protects the game board 15 and launch handle 43 It is a front frame in which etc. are arranged. The glass door 14 is transparent to cover the front side of the game board 15 so that the game area 16 where the game ball rolls and the non-game area 17 where the game ball is not scheduled to roll can be seen. A glass part 14a and a dish unit part 14b below the glass part 14a are provided.

  The glass door portion 14 is rotatable with respect to the outer frame 12 and the inner frame 13 by a hinge 11a, and the inner frame 13 is rotatable with respect to the outer frame 12 and the glass door portion 14 by a hinge 11a. It is said that.

  On the front side of the glass door portion 14, a tray unit 14 b below the glass portion 14 a, a ball receiving tray 42 having an upper plate 42 a and a lower plate 42 b, a launch handle 43, and a dish ball for removing the balls of the lower plate 42 b An extraction button 44, a passage ball extraction button 45 for moving the ball of the upper plate 42a to the lower plate 42b, an effect button 46, and an effect key 47 are provided. A speaker 48 and a frame lamp 49 are disposed on the front side of the glass door 14 on the upper side.

  In the game board 15, a game area 16 in which a game ball launched by the operation of the launch handle 43 rolls is surrounded by a rail member 35. In the game area 16, a number of unillustrated obstacle nails and windmills for guiding the game ball are projected, and a board lamp 50 is embedded.

  A start winning device 21 is provided at the center lower portion and the right side portion in the left-right direction of the game area 16. The start winning device 21 is disposed at the lower center of the game area 16 in the left-right direction, and is disposed on the right side of the game area 16 and the first start port 22 where the ease of entering the game ball is not changed. And a second start port 23 that is opened and closed by a tulip (hereinafter referred to as “electrical chew”) 24. The electric chew 24 is driven by an electric chew solenoid 24a (see FIG. 2). As shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1, the second start port 23 can receive a game ball only when the swinging vane-type electric chew 24 is open. The electric Chu 24 is not limited to the blade type as in the embodiment, but is a door type that uses an open / close door that moves back and forth, or receives and enters a game ball when moving forward, and enters a game ball when moving backward. There are various types such as a bellows type that does not make a ball, and it is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment.

  In the center of the game area 16, a center accessory device 18 having a substantially annular frame 18a is disposed. In the center accessory device 18, a display screen 20a of the image display device 20 is disposed so as to be visible from an opening surrounded by the frame body portion 18a. The image display 20 is a liquid crystal display device, and the display screen 20a is a liquid crystal screen. The image display 20 displays on the display screen 20a a customer waiting effect, a changing effect, a jackpot effect performed in parallel with the jackpot game, etc. for performing a demonstration display for waiting for a customer. The variation effect is a result of jackpot lottery (determination as to whether or not to execute a special game; hereinafter, also referred to as “hit determination”) by stopping after changing a plurality of (three in the embodiment) symbol sequences. It is an effect showing. Each symbol sequence is composed of a plurality of decorative symbols F each having identification information (in the embodiment, a number) (see FIG. 26), and when all symbol sequences are stopped, they are on a predetermined jackpot line in the display screen 20a. The result of the jackpot lottery is shown by the combination of the decorative designs F arranged side by side. The jackpot line is a virtual line that is not displayed on the display screen 20a. In the embodiment, the jackpot line is a line that extends in the left-right direction at the center of the display screen 20a. The variation effect is performed in parallel with the special symbol variation described later. The jackpot lottery is performed for winning a prize at the first start port 22 or the second start port 23 of the game ball.

  A warp portion 18b for allowing game balls to flow in from the entrance and out of the stage portion 18c from the exit is disposed on the left side of the frame portion 18a of the center accessory device 18. The stage portion 18c below the frame portion 18a rolls the game ball flowing in from the warp portion 18b on the upper surface and guides it to the first start port 22, or as it is, Drop it from a position that is shifted to the left or right from above.

  A movable accessory device 110 is disposed between the frame portion 18a of the center accessory device 18 and the display screen 20a. The movable accessory device 110 is movable in front of the display screen 20a.

  In the game area 16, a big prize device 26 is provided. The special winning device 26 includes a special winning opening 27 and an opening / closing member 26b operated by a special winning opening solenoid 26a (see FIG. 2). The special winning opening 27 is opened and closed by the opening / closing member 26b.

  In the game area 16, a gate 28 through which a game ball can pass is disposed on the right side of the center accessory device 18. The gate 28 is a passage opening through which the game ball may pass when the player hits the right side of the game area 16 and hits the right side of the game area 16. In the case of the probability variation gaming state and the short time gaming state, which will be described later, the second start port 23 is likely to be opened by the passage of the game ball of the gate 28. Therefore, in the case of the probability variation gaming state and the short time gaming state, the player usually Make a right strike.

  The game area 16 is provided with a normal winning device 29. The normal winning device 29 is arranged on the left side of the first starting port 22 in the starting winning device 21, and includes a plurality of (three in the embodiment) normal winning ports 30 into which game balls can be entered.

  In the non-game area 17 outside the game area 16 and in the lower right part of the game board 15, indicators are arranged. The gaming machine 10 is provided with a normal symbol display 37, a first special symbol display 39a, and a second special symbol display 39b as indicators, and a normal symbol hold lamp 38 and a first special symbol hold. A lamp 40a, a second special symbol holding lamp 40b, and a status indicator 41 are provided.

  The 1st special symbol display 39a and the 2nd special symbol display 39b respectively display the results of the big hit lottery performed with the winning of the game ball at the first start port 22 and the second start port 23 as a trigger. This is notified by a special symbol that is stopped and displayed (this is called “special symbol variation”). If the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display 39a and the second special symbol display 39b is a predetermined jackpot symbol, a jackpot game for opening and closing the big prize opening 27 a predetermined number of times is performed. Briefly, a random number such as a big hit random number (corresponding to determination information), which will be described later, is acquired when a starting condition of winning at the first start opening 22 or the second start opening 23 is established, and the big hit is based on the big hit random number. If a determination (corresponding to special game determination) is made and the determination result is a jackpot, a jackpot game as a special game advantageous to the player is executed.

  Since the special symbol variation cannot be started during the special symbol variation display or during the jackpot game, if the game ball wins the first start port 22 or the second start port 23 during the special symbol variation display or the jackpot game. The main control unit 60 (see FIG. 2) suspends the jackpot determination, and if the random number such as the jackpot random number acquired for the winning is the first start winning, the first special figure holding storage unit 63a If it is a two-start winning prize, it is stored in the second special figure holding storage unit 63b as a special figure holding memory (hereinafter also simply referred to as “holding”) (holding means). The winning at the first starting port 22 is referred to as “first starting winning”, and the winning at the second starting port 23 is referred to as “second starting winning”. Then, when the special symbol variation becomes executable, the jackpot determination is performed based on the special symbol hold memory, the special symbol variation is executed, and the special symbol hold memory is erased. Performing a special symbol variation by determining the jackpot that has been put on hold is called “holding digestion”.

  The first special symbol hold lamp 40a and the second special symbol hold lamp 40b display the number of holds stored in the first special figure hold storage unit 63a and the second special figure hold storage unit 63b, respectively. . The number of holds stored in the first special figure storage unit 63a and the second special figure storage unit 63b is limited to 4 each, so that the first special figure storage unit 63a has four. When a game ball wins the first start port 22 with a hold of the game, or when a game ball wins the second start port 23 with four holds in the second special figure storage unit 63b No random numbers such as jackpot random numbers are acquired for the winning.

  The normal symbol display 37 notifies the result of the normal symbol lottery performed when the game ball passes to the gate 28 as a normal symbol that is stopped and displayed via the variable display (this is referred to as “normal symbol variation”). Is. If the normal symbol stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display 37 is a winning symbol, an auxiliary game for opening the electric chew 24 is performed for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times.

  When the game ball passes through the gate 28 during the normal symbol variation display or the auxiliary game, the main control unit 60 sends the random number such as a winning random number acquired for the passage to the general-purpose holding storage unit 63c. Store as reserved memory. Then, when it becomes possible to start normal symbol variation, it is determined whether or not it is a hit based on the stored common symbol hold memory, and normal symbol variation is executed.

  The normal symbol holding lamp 38 displays the number of the universal symbol holding memory stored in the universal symbol holding unit 63c. In addition, since the maximum number of the general-purpose hold storage stored in the general-purpose hold storage unit 63c is four, the game ball in a state where there are four general-purpose hold storages in the general-purpose hold storage unit 63c. Is passed through the gate 28, no random number is acquired for that passage.

  The status indicator 41 includes a round lamp that indicates the number of rounds to be described later in the jackpot game, a right-handed lamp that indicates a right-handed state (time-short state to be described later), and a game state lamp that indicates a gaming state to be described later. It has.

  At the lower end of the game area 16, an out port 33 through which game balls that have not won a prize are discharged is disposed.

(2) Electric system of pachinko gaming machine Next, an electric system of the gaming machine 10 of the embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 10 includes a main control unit 60 composed of a main control board, a payout control unit 70 composed of a payout control board, and a sub control unit 85, and the sub control unit 85 is an effect control board. The effect control part 90 which consists of, the image sound control part 95 which consists of an image sound control board, and the lamp control part 100 which consists of a lamp control board are provided. The payout control unit 70 and the effect control unit 90 are connected to the main control unit 60, and the image sound control unit 95 and the lamp control unit 100 are connected to the effect control unit 90. Each control unit includes CPUs 61, 71, 91, 101, 951, ROMs 62, 72, 92, 102, 952, RAMs 63, 73, 93, 103, 953, and the like. The main control unit 60 also includes a first special figure reservation storage unit 63a, a second special figure reservation storage unit 63b, and a general figure reservation storage unit 63c in the RAM 63. Furthermore, the effect control unit 90 includes an RTC (real time clock) 94. The RTC 94 measures the date and time and continues the measurement operation with a backup power source (not shown) even when the power of the gaming machine 10 is shut off.

  The main control unit 60 performs control mainly related to profits such as a big win lottery and a game state transition. The main control unit 60 includes a first start port SW (switch) 22a for detecting a game ball won in the first start port 22, a second start port SW 23a for detecting a game ball won in the second start port 23, An electric chew solenoid 24a that drives the chew 24, a gate SW 28a that detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 28, a big winning port SW 27a that detects a gaming ball that has won the big winning port 27, and a big winning port solenoid that drives the opening / closing member 26b 26a, a normal winning hole SW 30a for detecting a game ball won in each of the normal winning holes 30, a first special symbol holding lamp 40a, a second special symbol holding lamp 40b, a normal symbol holding lamp 38, a first special symbol indicator 39a, A second special symbol indicator 39b, a normal symbol indicator 37, and a status indicator 41 are connected to each other. As shown by arrows in FIG. Signal is input to the control unit 60, the respective solenoids and lamps signal is output from the main control unit 60.

  The main control unit 60 transmits various commands to the payout control unit 70 and receives signals from the payout control unit 70 for payout monitoring. A payout unit 75 is connected to the payout control unit 70, and the payout control unit 70 operates the payout unit 75 in accordance with a command received from the main control unit 60 to make a prize ball payout.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 105 that transmits various kinds of information to a host computer installed in the hall is connected to the main controller 60. The main control unit 60 transmits information on the number of awarded balls that have been acquired from the payout control unit 70 and information such as the state of the main control unit 60 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 105.

  The payout control unit 70 is connected to a payout unit 75, a payout ball detection SW 76, a ball presence detection SW 77, a full tank detection SW 78, and a launch unit 79.

  The payout control unit 70 controls the payout unit 75 to pay out the number of prize balls at the time of winning. The payout unit 75 includes a payout drive motor for paying out a predetermined number from the game ball storage unit. Then, the payout control unit 70 wins a prize ball corresponding to a game ball won in each payout port (first start port 22, second start port 23, big winning port 27, normal winning port 30) with respect to the payout unit 75. Control to pay out the number.

  In addition, the payout control unit 70 detects the operation of launching the game ball with respect to the launch unit 79 and controls the launch of the game ball. The launch unit 79 launches a game ball for gaming, and includes a sensor that detects a game operation by the player from the launch handle 43, a solenoid that launches the game ball, and the like. When the game control is detected by the sensor of the launching unit 79, the payout control unit 70 drives the solenoid or the like in response to the detected game operation to intermittently launch the game ball, and enters the game area 16 of the game board 15. Send out a game ball.

  In addition, the payout control unit 70 is connected to various detection units that detect the state of the game ball to be paid out, and detects the payout state for the winning ball. These detection units include the above-described payout ball detection SW76, ball detection SW77, full tank detection SW78, and the like.

  Further, a frame external information terminal board 106 for transmitting various information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the payout control unit 70. The payout control unit 70 drives the payout unit (payout drive motor) 75 to transmit information on the number of prize balls paid out to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 106, and the same information is sent to the main computer. It transmits also to the control part 60. FIG.

  The main control unit 60 transmits various commands to the effect control unit 90, and the effect control unit 90 transmits and receives commands and signals to and from the image sound control unit 95. The image sound control unit 95 is connected to the image display 20 and the speaker 48, and the image sound control unit 95 displays an image on the display screen 20 a of the image display 20 in accordance with the command received from the effect control unit 90, and the speaker. Voice is output from 48.

  Specifically, the image sound control unit 95 includes a CPU 951 that performs calculation processing when controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 952 that stores programs executed by the CPU 951, various data, and the like. A RAM 953 used as a working memory, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 954, a CGROM 955, and an SNDROM 956 are provided.

  The CGROM 955 includes various images to be displayed on the image display 20, specifically, a decorative pattern F for informing the player of the result of the jackpot determination, a hold icon indicating the presence of a hold, a background, a character, an item, a character Etc. are stored. The SNDROM 956 stores various kinds of acoustic data such as music, sound, and sound effects such as jingles that are output from the speaker 48 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data.

  Based on the various commands transmitted from the effect control unit 90, the CPU 951 performs analysis of animation patterns, creation of a display list in which commands related to drawing are created, transmission of the display list to the VDP 954, and the like. The VDP 954 reads out image data and sound data stored in the CGROM 955 and SNDROM 956 based on the display list received from the CPU 951, and uses the read image data to display the decorative design F, background, hold icon I, and changing icon E. In addition to performing drawing processing for displaying characters, items, characters, etc., sound processing is performed using the read acoustic data. The VDP 954 controls screen display on the image display 20 based on the image data subjected to the drawing process, and controls sound output from the speaker 48 based on the sound data subjected to sound processing. In the embodiment, the VDP 954 is configured to perform audio processing as well as drawing processing. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a processor dedicated to audio processing may be provided separately.

  In addition, the effect control unit 90 transmits and receives commands and signals to and from the lamp control unit 100. The lamp control unit 100 is connected to a frame lamp 49, a panel lamp 50, a drive motor and a sensor of the movable accessory device 110, and the lamp control unit 100 performs a frame lamp according to a command received from the effect control unit 90. 49. Each LED of the panel lamp 50 is turned on / off, and the movable accessory device 110 is operated.

  Specifically, the ROM 102 of the lamp control unit 100 stores light emission pattern data (data on lighting / flashing and light emission color) of the frame lamp 49 and the panel lamp 50 according to the content of the effect determined by the effect control unit 90. It is remembered. The CPU 101 of the lamp control unit 100 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 102 corresponding to the command received from the effect control unit 90, and the frame lamp 49, the panel lamp according to the read light emission pattern data. 50 light emission is controlled. The ROM 102 of the lamp control unit 100 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory device 110. The CPU 101 of the lamp control unit 100 selects and reads out the operation pattern data corresponding to the command received from the effect control unit 90, and controls the operation of the movable accessory device 110 according to the read operation pattern data. .

  The effect control unit 90 is connected with an effect button detection SW 46a for detecting that the effect button 46 (see FIG. 1) operated by the player has been pressed. When the effect button 46 is pressed, the effect button 46 is pressed. A signal is output from the detection SW 46 a to the effect control unit 90. Further, the key detection SW 47 a of the effect key 47 is also connected to the effect control unit 90. When the effect key 47 is operated by the player, a signal of the key detection SW 47a corresponding to the operation is input to the effect control unit 90.

(3) Description of the gaming state and the like The gaming state of the gaming machine 10 includes four gaming states: a normal gaming state, a short-time gaming state, a probability variation gaming state, and a latent probability gaming state.

  The short-time gaming state is the same as the normal gaming state in terms of the ability to win the jackpot, but the game ball is more likely to win the second starting port 23 than the normal gaming state. It is about 1/300 as in the state, but in the normal gaming state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is about 1/10, the normal symbol variation time is 4 seconds, the opening time of the second start port 23 is 0.15 seconds, the second While the number of opening of the start port 23 is one, in the short-time game state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is about 9/10, the normal symbol variation time is 1.5 seconds, the opening time of the second start port 23 1.80 seconds, the number of times the second start port 23 is opened is three times.

  The probable gaming state is a state where it is easier to win a big hit than the normal gaming state and a game ball is likely to win the second starting port 23. In the normal gaming state, the probability of winning a big hit is about 1/300. On the other hand, in the probability variation gaming state, the jackpot winning probability is about 1/30. In the probability variation gaming state, as in the short-time gaming state, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is about 9/10, the normal symbol variation time is 1.5 seconds, the opening time of the second starting port 23 is 1.80 seconds, and the second starting port 23 Has been opened three times.

  The latent game state is a state where it is easier to win a big hit than the normal game state, but the ease of winning a game ball to the second starting port 23 is equivalent to the normal game state. In the latent game state, As with the probability variation game state, the jackpot winning probability is about 1/30, but the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is about 1/10, the normal symbol variation time is 4 seconds, and the opening time of the second start port 23 is The number of times the second start port 23 is opened is 0.15 seconds.

  It should be noted that a state that is easier to win a jackpot than the normal gaming state is referred to as a “high probability state”, and a state that is not a “high probability state” is referred to as a “low probability state”. In addition, a state in which a game ball is more likely to win the second starting port 23 than in the normal gaming state is referred to as “electric support state”, and a state in which the average variation time of the special symbol is shorter than that in the normal gaming state is referred to as “time reduction state”. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the power support state coincides with the time reduction state. Therefore, the electric support state and the short time state are collectively referred to as a “short time state”, and a state that is not the “short time state” is referred to as a “no short time state”. Probability gaming state is high probability state and short time state, short time gaming state is low probability state and short time state, latent probability gaming state is high probability state and short time state, normal gaming state is low probability state and short time state There is no state.

  The gaming machine 10 is in a normal gaming state in an initial state (that is, when the first game is started when the power is turned on), and if a big win occurs, a big win game that opens and closes the big prize opening 27 a predetermined number of times is played. After that, the game state changes according to the type of jackpot. As shown in FIG. 3, the jackpot of the gaming machine 10 includes a long hit where a lot of prize balls can be obtained and a short hit where almost no prize balls can be expected. There are 16 rounds per length (hereinafter referred to as “R”) per probability variation length, per 8R accuracy variation length, and 16R per normal length. is there. The round means the opening period of the special winning opening 27. After winning the jackpot game that opens the big prize opening 27 16 times per 16R probability variation length, and after the big hit game that opens the big prize opening 27 eight times per 8R probability variation length, both transition to the probability variation gaming state. In the case of 16R normal long win, after performing a big hit game in which the big winning opening 27 is opened 16 times, transition to the short-time game state, and at that time in the short game state, 100 special symbol changes are executed without generating a big win. And transition to the normal gaming state. In sudden short hit, after performing a big hit game that opens the big winning opening 27 twice in a very short time, it shifts to a probability change gaming state, and in the latent short hit, a big hit that opens the big winning opening 27 twice in a very short time After playing a game, transition to the latent game state. The jackpot game for long hits is called “long hit game”, and the jackpot game for short hits is called “short hit game”.

  The jackpot lottery is performed using a jackpot random number, and when a jackpot is won, a lottery to determine which type of jackpot will be performed is performed using a jackpot symbol random number. In the gaming machine 10, as shown in “first start opening jackpot breakdown” in FIG. 3, a jackpot breakdown based on the first starting winning prize is determined, and as shown in “second start opening jackpot breakdown” in FIG. 3, A breakdown of the jackpot based on the second starting prize is set. As can be seen from FIG. 3, the second start prize is more advantageous to the player than the first start prize.

  Further, when the hit is long, as shown in FIG. 26, the reach effect is performed in the variable effect. The reach effect means that a plurality of decorative symbols F (in the embodiment, left and right and middle decorative symbols F) that are simultaneously changed are finally stopped as shown in (j) of FIG. Then, the decoration design F except for the decoration design F) is stopped and displayed with the same design, and only the decoration design F that is stopped last is changed (ie, so-called reach). In the figure, a white arrow in the display screen 20a indicates that the decorative design F is fluctuating. The long win that can win many prize balls is indicated by stopping and displaying all of the decorative symbols F that are simultaneously changed in the same design, so that the reach performance is expected to be a big hit (especially, long hit) It is a high performance. A symbol having a plurality of decorative symbols F that are simultaneously changed as the same symbol is called a jackpot symbol, and a symbol that is not a jackpot symbol is called an off symbol.

  Further, when the result of the jackpot lottery is out of place, the lottery for determining whether or not to perform the reach effect in the variable effect is performed using a reach random number. Through reach production, when the left and right decorative designs F are the same and the middle decorative design F is different from the left and right, it is called “reach loss”. That's it. In the case of short wins and small hits, it is a win, but in the embodiment, the out-of-reach symbols are stopped and displayed on the display screen 20a in the variation effect, and apparently it is difficult to distinguish them from out-of-reach.

(4) Pachinko machine operation << Processing in the main control section >>
Next, the operation of the main control unit 60 will be described. Each counter described later is provided in the RAM 63 and is cleared to zero when the gaming machine 10 is reset.

  When the supply of power is started, the main control unit 60 starts executing main control processing including a start-up process and a power shut-off monitoring process (not shown). During the supply of power to the main control unit 60, the main control unit 60 Control processing is executed continuously. And the main control part 60 interrupts and performs the main side timer interruption process shown in FIG. 4 for every predetermined period (for example, 4 msec) with respect to this main control process. That is, the main control unit 60 repeats the main-side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 4 at predetermined intervals.

[Main-side timer interrupt processing]
In the main timer interrupt process, the main control unit 60 performs a random number update process (S201), a start opening SW process (S202), a gate SW process (S203), a big prize opening SW process (S204), and a normal winning opening SW process. (S205), special symbol processing (S206), normal symbol processing (S207), special prize opening processing (S208), electric chew processing (S209), prize ball processing (S210), and output processing (S211) are performed.

  [Random Number Update Process] In the random number update process (S201), although not shown, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not to reach the jackpot random number used for the jackpot lottery, the jackpot symbol random number for determining the jackpot type, and the variation effect. A random number update process is performed to update a reach random number for determination, a variation pattern random number for determining a variation pattern (and hence a variation time) of variation effect, a hit random number used for normal symbol lottery, and the like.

[Start-up SW processing]
In the start port SW process (S202), as shown in FIG. 5, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the first start port SW22a is turned on (S301). If not, the process proceeds to step S308. If ON (YES in S301), it is determined whether or not the value U1 of the first start port hold counter that counts the number of holds stored in the first special figure hold storage unit 63a is less than the upper limit of 4. (S302) If it is not less than 4, return from the start port SW processing, and if it is less than 4, obtain judgment information (big hit random number, big hit symbol random number, reach random number, and fluctuation pattern random number) The figure is stored in the first special figure storage unit 63a (S303), 1 is added to the value U1 (S304), and the process proceeds to step S305.

  On the other hand, in step S308, it is determined whether or not the second start port SW23a is turned on. If not turned on (NO in S308), the process returns from the start port SW process, and if turned on (YES in S308). Then, it is determined whether or not the value U2 of the second starting port hold counter that counts the number of holds stored in the second special figure hold storage unit 63b is less than the upper limit of 4 (S309). Returning from the start port SW process, if it is less than 4, the determination information is acquired and stored in the second special figure storage unit 63b as the special figure storage (S310), and 1 is added to the value U2. (S311), the process proceeds to step S305. When there is a first start prize or a second start prize, 1 is added to the value of the start prize counter.

  In step S305, based on the stored determination information, the jackpot determination, jackpot symbol determination, reach determination, and variation pattern determination pre-determination (pre-reading determination) processing (S305) (pre-determination means), the result of the pre-determination A pre-judgment result command is set (S306), and a hold increase command including a winning type indicating which of the first starting port 22 and the second starting port 23 is won is set (S307). Return from SW processing.

(Preliminary judgment processing)
The prior determination process in step S305 will be described. The main control unit 60, like the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 9) to be described later, is based on the jackpot random number set as the special figure holding memory, the gaming state when the special symbol variation is executed by the special figure holding memory It is determined whether or not the jackpot is determined by referring to the jackpot determination table corresponding to. The jackpot determination table is configured to be a jackpot with a probability of about 1/300 in the low probability state and about 1/30 in the high probability state. When it is determined that the jackpot is determined, the jackpot symbol determination table is referred to based on the jackpot symbol random number stored in the special figure hold memory to determine the jackpot symbol. The type of jackpot is determined by the jackpot design. Also, when the special symbol variation is executed by storing the special symbol reservation storage by storing the jackpot symbol determined in the pre-reading in the first special diagram storage unit 63a, the second special diagram storage unit 63b, etc. The game state of can be grasped. The jackpot symbol determination table is configured so that the jackpot type is determined by the distribution rate as shown in FIG. Similarly to the later-described variation pattern selection process (see FIG. 10), the variation pattern of the special symbol including the presence / absence of the reach effect is selected based on the reach random number and variation pattern random number stored in the special figure hold memory. .

  The prior determination process will be described in more detail based on FIG. The main control unit 60 determines whether or not the gaming state when the special symbol variation is executed by the special figure holding storage is a high probability state (S1301). And if it determines with it being a high probability state, it will determine whether it is a big hit by a big hit random number using the big probability big hit decision table that the probability of a big hit becomes about 1/30 as mentioned above, If it is a big hit, a big hit symbol is further determined by a big hit symbol random number using the big hit symbol determination table (S1302). As described above, the jackpot symbol determination table is configured such that the jackpot type is determined by the distribution rate as shown in FIG. 3 depending on the winning type. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a low probability, as described above, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is a jackpot by using a jackpot random number, using the jackpot determination table for low probability that the probability of jackpot is about 1/300. If so, then the jackpot symbol determination table is used to determine the jackpot symbol using the jackpot symbol random number (S1303).

  Next, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the gaming state when the special symbol variation is executed by the special figure holding storage is a short time, that is, a short time state or a short time state (S1304). If it is determined that there is a short time, using the reach random number determination table for the short time state, it is determined whether or not the variation effect is made reachable by the reach random number (S1305), and the fluctuation pattern for the short time state Using the table, a variation pattern is selected by a variation pattern random number (S1306). On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no time reduction, the reach random number determination table for the state without time reduction is used to determine whether or not the variation effect is made reachable by the reach random number (S1307). Using the fluctuation pattern table, a fluctuation pattern is selected using a fluctuation pattern random number (S1308). Note that the fluctuation pattern table is configured so that the average fluctuation time of the selected fluctuation pattern is shorter in the short-time state than in the no-time-short state. The main control unit 60 determines the result of the above prior determination (that is, the result of the preliminary determination of the jackpot random number, the result of the preliminary determination of the jackpot symbol random number, the result of the preliminary determination of the reach random number, and the result of the preliminary determination of the fluctuation pattern random number. ) Is stored as advance determination information (S1309), and the process returns from the advance determination process.

[Gate SW processing]
In the gate SW process (S203), as shown in FIG. 7, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the gate SW 28a is turned on (S401), and if not turned on, returns from the gate SW process and turns on. If so, it is determined whether or not the value G of the gate hold counter is less than the upper limit of 4 (S402). If it is not less than 4, the process returns from the gate SW processing. If it is less than 4, 1 is added to G (S403), and a random number used for normal symbol lottery is acquired and stored in a predetermined storage area (S404). Return from the gate SW process.

  [Big Winner SW Processing] Although not shown in the Big Winner SW Processing (S204), if the Big Winner SW27a is ON, it is determined whether or not a winning game is in progress (a winning game flag described later is ON). If the winning game is in progress, 1 is added to the value C of the winning prize counter and 1 is added to the value of the big winning counter.

  [Normal Winning Port SW Processing] Although not shown, the normal winning port SW processing (S205) is a process of adding 1 to the value of the normal winning port counter if the normal winning port SW30a is ON.

[Special symbol processing]
In the special symbol processing (S206), as shown in FIG. 8, the main control unit 60 performs a winning game flag indicating whether or not a winning game (a big hit game or a small hit game) is in progress (ie, a small hit game flag, a long hit game). It is determined whether or not the game flag or the short hit game flag is ON (S501). If it is ON, the process returns from the special symbol process, and if it is not ON, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S502). ). If it is changing, the process proceeds to step S511. If it is not changing, it is determined whether or not the value U2 of the second start port holding counter is 1 or more (S503). If the value U2 is 1 or more, the value U2 is determined. 1 is subtracted (S504), and if it is not 1 or more, it is determined whether or not the value U1 of the first start port hold counter is 1 or more (S505). If the value U1 is not 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S515. If the value U1 is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from the value U1 (S506).

  The main control unit 60 that has performed step S504 or step S506 sets the customer waiting flag to OFF (S506-1), and when step S504 is performed, the special figure hold stored in the first special figure hold storage unit 63a. When the storage, step S506 is performed, the jackpot determination process (S507) described later is performed using the first stored special figure storage stored in the second special map storage 63b. Next, a variation pattern selection process described later is performed (S508). The special figure reservation storage used for the big hit determination is erased from the first special figure reservation storage unit 63a or the second special figure reservation storage unit 63b. In this way, the hold stored in the second special figure hold storage unit 63b has priority over the hold stored in the first special figure hold storage unit 63a, and the first special figure hold storage unit 63a, In each of the second special figure hold storage units 63b, the jackpot determination is performed in order from the hold stored first.

  After that, the main control unit 60 starts changing the special symbol in the first special symbol display 39a when step S504 is performed and in the second special symbol display 39b when step S506 is performed (S509). ) (Symbol variation means), a variation start command is set (S510), and the process proceeds to step S511. The variation start command includes the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process, the determination result in the jackpot determination process (that is, whether or not the variation of the special symbol is a jackpot, and if it is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol ), The game state at that time, and information indicating the type of winning of the starting prize that is the basis of the variation of the special symbol is included. In step S511, it is determined whether or not the variation time of the special symbol (that is, the variation time of the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process in step S508) has elapsed. If not, the process returns from the special symbol processing. However, if it has elapsed, the variation of the special symbol is stopped, the special symbol is stopped and displayed with the symbol set in the jackpot determination process (S512), and the variation stop command is set (S513). Then, a stop process (S514) described later is performed, and the process returns from the special symbol process.

  On the other hand, the main control part 60 which advanced to step S515 by determining NO in step S505 determines whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON (S515). Return to the next normal symbol processing, if not ON, set the customer waiting command in the RAM (S516), turn on the customer waiting flag (S517), return from the special symbol processing and return to the next normal symbol processing Proceed to processing. The customer waiting flag is a flag indicating whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in a customer waiting state, and is set to ON when there is no hold and the special symbol variation is not performed, and the special symbol variation is started again. Is set to OFF. The customer waiting command is a command for starting the customer waiting effect, and is output to the effect control unit 90 in step S211. Upon receiving this command, the effect control unit 90 starts the customer waiting effect after a predetermined time has elapsed. . In the customer waiting effect, a predetermined customer waiting effect image K (refer to FIG. 26; corresponding to the predetermined image) is displayed on the display screen 20a, and sound matching the image is emitted from the speaker 48, or the panel lamp 50 and the frame. This is an effect of causing the lamp 49 to emit light.

(Big hit judgment processing)
In the jackpot determination process (S507), as shown in FIG. 9, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the jackpot random number is a jackpot using a jackpot determination table corresponding to the gaming state at that time (S601). (Special game determination means). As described above, the jackpot determination table is configured to be a jackpot with a probability of about 1/300 in the normal gaming state or the short-time gaming state, and about 1/30 in the probability variation gaming state or the latent probability gaming state. ing. Then, if it is a jackpot (YES in S602), it is determined which jackpot symbol is represented by the jackpot symbol random number using the jackpot symbol determination table (S603), and the jackpot symbol is set as a special symbol stop symbol (S604). The type of jackpot is determined by the jackpot design. As described above, the jackpot symbol determination table is configured so that the jackpot type is determined by the distribution rate as shown in FIG. On the other hand, if the jackpot random number is not a jackpot (NO in S602), but if it is a jackpot (YES in S605), the jackpot symbol is set as a special symbol stop symbol (S606). If it is not a small hit (NO in S605), a lost symbol is set as a special symbol stop symbol (S607). As described above, the jackpot symbol and the off symbol of the decorative symbol F are the left and right and middle ornament symbols F displayed on the display screen 20a, while the special symbol jackpot symbol and the lost symbol are: The first special symbol display device 39a and the second special symbol display device 39b are represented by a plurality of lamps that are turned on / off. When the stop symbol of the special symbol is a jackpot symbol, the stop symbol of the decorative symbol F becomes a jackpot symbol (when long hit) or off symbol (when short hit), and the stop symbol of the special symbol is small hit symbol or lost When the symbol is a symbol, the stop symbol of the decorative symbol F becomes an off symbol.

(Change pattern selection process)
In the variation pattern selection process (S508), as shown in FIG. 10, if the main control unit 60 has determined that the last big hit determination process (YES in S701), the correspondence between the variation pattern random number and the variation pattern As the variation pattern table indicating the saturation, a jackpot table for selecting a variation pattern with reach effect is set (S702). If it is not a big hit (NO in S701), it is determined whether or not it is a small hit (S703). If it is a small hit, a small hitting table is set as a variation pattern table (S704). On the other hand, if it is not a small hit, it is determined whether or not the reach random number indicates the presence of reach with reference to the reach random number determination table (S705). As the pattern table, a reach-off table is selected in which a variation pattern with reach production is selected (S707). If there is no reach (NO in S706), a variation pattern without reach production is selected as the variation pattern table. The rose separation table is set (S708). Next, the main control unit 60 refers to the variation pattern table set as described above to determine which variation pattern the variation pattern random number indicates (S709), and the variation pattern indicated by the variation pattern random number Is set (S710). It should be noted that the variation pattern extends the variation time of the special symbol and the variation production time. Then, the process returns from the variation pattern selection process. When returning from the variation pattern selection process, the main control unit 60 proceeds to step S509.

  The variation pattern table will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a setting example of a variation pattern table used for the first start winning in the timeless state. Although not shown, there is also provided a variation pattern table used for the first start winning in the short time state. There are also provided a variation pattern table used for the second start winning in the timeless state and a variation pattern table used for the second start winning in the time reduced state. It may be common with the table.

  In FIG. 16, the variation patterns O1 to O4 are selected from the variation pattern selected when the jackpot determination process is determined to be a big hit (in the case of YES in S701 of the variation pattern selection process) (ie, from the jackpot table in step S702). Variation pattern). The variation patterns K1 and K2 are selected from the variation pattern selected when the big hit determination process determines that it is a small hit (in the case of YES in S703 of the variation pattern selection process) (that is, from the small hit table in step S704). Fluctuation pattern). The variation patterns R1 to R4 are determined to be out of place in the jackpot determination process, and are selected when reach is determined to be present in the reach random number determination process (NO in S701 and S703 in the variation pattern selection process, YES in S706). This is a fluctuation pattern (that is, a fluctuation pattern selected from the reach-losing table in step S707). In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, since the variation pattern of the same variation time is prepared for the small hit and the reach out, and as described above, the out-of-reach out-of-reach symbol is stopped and displayed. It is said that it is hard to understand that it was a small hit. The variation patterns N1 to N3 are selected from the variation pattern selected when the reach random number determination process determines that there is no reach (in the case of NO in S706 of the variation pattern selection process) (that is, the variation pattern table in step S708). Fluctuation pattern).

  As shown in FIG. 16, the reach random number takes a value from 0 to 99, and the reach random number value that is not reachable and the reach random number value that is reach is determined according to the number of holds. As can be seen from FIG. 16, when the number of holds is 0 or 1 in the case of detachment, it is easier to select the variation pattern with reach than when the number of holds is 2 or 3. That is, when the number of holds is small, a pattern with reach is more easily selected than when the number of holds is large. Since FIG. 16 shows a variation pattern with respect to the first start winning, the number of holdings referred to here is the number of holdings due to the first starting winning. In some cases, it is easier to select a pattern with reach than when the number of holds is large.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 16, the fluctuation pattern random number takes a value from 0 to 249, and the selection ratio of each fluctuation pattern is determined as shown in “Ratio” in FIG. As can be seen from this selection ratio, in the case of a big hit, it is determined that the average fluctuation time is longer than in the case of a loss of reach, that is, the fluctuation effect is likely to be executed for a long time. ing. In addition, if the number of holds is large (specifically, when the number of holds is 2 or 3), it is small (specifically, when the number of holds is 0 or 1). The average variation time is set to be shorter than that. Further, as described above, when the number of holdings is small, a variation pattern with reach is more easily selected than when there are many, and the variation pattern with reach has a variation time longer than the variation pattern without reach. From these facts, it can be said that when the number of holds is large, the variation effect is likely to be shorter than when the number is small. The same applies to the second starting prize.

(Processing during stoppage)
In the stop process (S514), as shown in FIG. 11, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the short time game flag indicating whether or not the short time game state is ON (S801). If it is ON, the value J of the hour fluctuation counter that counts the number of special symbol fluctuations in the hourly gaming state is decremented by 1 (S802). If J is 0, the hourly gaming is ended to end the hourly gaming state. The flag is turned off (S803, 804), and the process proceeds to step S805.

  In step S805, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not a probability change game flag indicating whether or not a probability change game state or a latent probability game flag indicating whether or not a latent probability game state is ON. If not, step S809 is performed. If it is ON, 1 is subtracted from the value X of the high probability variation counter that counts the number of special symbol variations in the high probability state (S806), and if X is 0, the probability variation gaming state or the latent probability gaming In order to finish the state, the probability variation game flag or the latent probability game flag is turned OFF (S807, 808), and the process proceeds to step S809.

  In step S809, it is determined whether or not the jackpot is a big hit (that is, whether or not the stopped special symbol is a jackpot symbol). If the jackpot is a big hit (YES in S809), it is determined whether or not the jackpot is a long jackpot ( S810). If it is a long hit, the game flag is turned ON (S811), and if it is not a long hit, it is a short win, so the short hit game flag is turned ON (S812) Then, the value X of the high probability variation counter is set to 0 (S813), the time-saving game flag, the probability variation game flag, and the latent probability game flag are turned OFF (S814), and the process proceeds to step S817. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S809 that the jackpot is not a big hit, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the jackpot (that is, whether the stopped special symbol is a jackpot symbol) (S815). In the case of a small hit, the small hit game flag is turned on (S816), and the process proceeds to step S817. In step S817, the main control unit 60 starts the opening, sets an opening command (S818), and returns from the stop process. When returning from the stopped process, the main control unit 60 returns from the special symbol process and proceeds to the normal symbol process.

[Normal pattern processing]
In the normal symbol process (S207), as shown in FIG. 12, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not an auxiliary game flag indicating whether or not an auxiliary game is in progress (S901). Returning from the processing, if it is not ON, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is changing (S902). If it is changing, the process proceeds to step S911. If it is not changing, it is determined whether the value G of the gate hold counter is 1 or more (S903). If G is not 1 or more, normal symbol processing is started. If G is 1 or more, 1 is subtracted from G (S904), and it is determined whether or not the winning random number stored in step S404 is hit (S905), and the stop symbol is selected (S905) S906), the process proceeds to step S907. In step S907, it is determined whether or not the gaming state is a short-time gaming state or a probability-changing gaming state. If the gaming state is a short-time gaming state or a probability-changing gaming state, a shortening pattern with a variation time of 1.5 seconds is set (S908). If it is not the short-time gaming state or the probability variation gaming state, a normal pattern with a variation time of 4 seconds is set (S909), normal symbol variation is started (S910), and the process proceeds to step S911. In step S911, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed. If not, the main control unit 60 returns from the normal symbol processing, and if it has elapsed, stops the variation of the normal symbol and stops the symbol. Is displayed (S912). If the stop symbol is a symbol indicating a loss (NO in S913), the process returns from the normal symbol process. If the symbol is a symbol indicating a win (YES in S913), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (S914). Return from symbol processing. When returning from the normal symbol process, the main control unit 60 proceeds to the big prize opening process.

[Large winning prize processing]
In the big prize opening process (S206), as shown in FIG. 13, the main control unit 60 first determines whether the winning game flag (that is, the small winning game flag, the long winning game flag, or the short winning game flag) is ON. If it is not ON, the process returns from the big prize opening process, but if it is ON, it is determined whether or not it is opening (S1002). The opening refers to the period from the start of the winning game to the start of the first round. When it is determined that the opening is in progress, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the opening time has elapsed (S1003). If the time has not elapsed, the main control unit 60 returns from the big prize opening process. A maximum R number (round number) and an operation pattern are set according to the type (S1004). Then, the value C of the winning number counter is cleared to zero (S1005), 1 is added to the value R of the round counter (S1006), and the opening of the special winning opening 27 is started (S1007).

  Next, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the opening time of the big prize opening 27 has passed (S1008), and if it has passed, closes the big prize opening 27 (S1010). Then, it is determined whether or not the value C of the winning number counter is a specified number (S1009). If it is not the specified number, the process returns from the big winning hole processing, and if it is the specified number, the large winning port 27 is closed (S1010). ).

  Then, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the value R of the round counter is the maximum number of Rs (S1011). If the number is not the maximum number of Rs, the main control unit 60 starts measuring the interval time (S1022). If the maximum number of Rs is returned from the mouth processing, ending is started (S1012), an ending command is set (S1013), and the value R of the round counter is cleared to zero (S1014). Ending refers to the period from the end of the final round to the end of the winning game. Next, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the ending time has elapsed (S1019). If the ending time has not elapsed, the main control unit 60 returns from the big prize opening process, and if it has elapsed, performs a game state setting process to be described later. (S1020), the winning game flag is turned OFF (S1021), and the process returns from the big prize opening process.

  On the other hand, when the main control unit 60 determines in step S1002 that the opening is not in progress, the main control unit 60 determines whether the ending is in progress (S1015). If the ending is in progress, the process proceeds to step S1019. It is determined whether it is during the interval (S1016). When it is determined that the interval is not in progress, the process proceeds to step S1018. When it is determined that the interval is in progress, it is determined whether or not the interval time has elapsed (S1017). If the interval has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1018. If it has not elapsed, the process returns from the big prize opening process. In step S1018, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the special winning opening 27 is open. If it is open, the main control unit 60 proceeds to step S1008, and if not open, proceeds to step S1005.

(Game state setting process)
In the game state setting process (S1020), as shown in FIG. 14, the main control unit 60 does not shift the game state if the winning game to be ended is a small hit (YES in S1101). Return. On the other hand, if it is not a small hit (NO in S1101), and if it is a normal big hit (YES in S1102), the short-time game flag is turned on to shift to the short-time game state (S1103), and the number of changes in special symbols in the short-time game state is set. The time variation counter value J to be counted is set to 100 (S1104), and the process returns from the gaming state setting process. On the other hand, if it is not a normal jackpot (NO in S1102), if it is a probability variation jackpot (YES in S1105), the probability variation game flag is turned on to shift to the probability variation gaming state (S1106), and if not a probability variation jackpot (NO in S1105) Since it is a big hit, the latent probability gaming flag is turned on to shift to the latent probability gaming state (S1107), and the number of special symbols in the probability variation or latent gaming state (ie, high probability state) is counted. The value X of the probability variation counter is set to 10,000 (S1108), and the process returns from the gaming state setting process. When returning from the game state setting process, the main control unit 60 proceeds to step S1021.

[Den Chu processing]
In the electric chew process (S209), as shown in FIG. 15, the main control unit 60 determines whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON (S1201), and if it is not ON, returns from the electric chew process. On the other hand, if it is determined to be ON, it is determined whether or not the electric chew 24 is in operation (opened) (S1202). If it is not in operation, the process proceeds to step S1203, and the gaming state at that time is the short-time gaming state or the probability variation game. If it is a short-time gaming state or a probabilistic gaming state (YES in S1203), an extension pattern that opens three times with an opening time of 1.8 seconds is set as the opening pattern of the electric chew 24 However, if it is neither the short-time gaming state nor the probabilistic gaming state (NO in S1203), a normal pattern that opens once with an opening time of 0.15 seconds is set (S1205), and the electric Chu 24 is opened, that is, the electric Chu The operation of the solenoid 24a is started (S1206), and the process proceeds to step S1207. In step S1207, it is determined whether or not a predetermined operation time has elapsed. If it has not elapsed, the process returns from the electric chew process. If it has elapsed, the auxiliary game flag is turned off (S1208). Return. When returning from the electric chew process, the main control unit 60 proceeds to a prize ball process in step S210.

  [Prize Ball Processing] In the prize ball processing (S210), although not shown, the number of prize balls (15 balls per count in the embodiment) according to the value of the big prize counter corresponding to the game ball entry, The number of prize balls according to the value of the normal prize opening counter (10 balls per count in the embodiment) and the number of prize balls according to the value of the start prize mouth counter (3 balls per count in the embodiment) Set a command to issue, and clear those counters to zero.

  [Output Process] In the output process (S211), although not shown, various commands are output to the payout control unit 70 and the effect control unit 90.

≪Processing in production control unit≫
In parallel with the processing in the main control unit 60 described above, the effect control unit 90 of the sub control unit 85 continuously executes the sub-side main processing. In the sub-side main process, initial setting is performed at the time of startup, and after setting the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) cycle, the random number used in the production control is updated according to the set cycle, and a predetermined cycle (for example, Every 4 msec), the sub timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 17 is interrupted and executed. In other words, the effect control unit 90 repeats the sub-side timer interruption process as shown in FIG. 17 every predetermined period.

[Sub timer interrupt processing]
In the sub timer interruption process, the effect control unit 90 performs a command reception process (S2101), an effect button process (S2102), and a command transmission process (S2103). The command reception process will be described later. The effect button process is a process of setting a predetermined command so that a predetermined command can be transmitted to the image sound control unit 95 and the lamp control unit 100 when a signal indicating that the effect button 46 is pressed is received. The command transmission process is a process for transmitting the command set in the command reception process and the effect button process to the image sound control unit 95 and the lamp control unit 100. When the command transmission process is executed, the image sound control unit 95 and the lamp control unit 100 that have received various commands perform various rendering devices (image display 20, speaker 48, frame lamp 49, panel lamp 50, and movable role). Various effects (variable effects, jackpot effects, etc.) are executed using the object device 110).

[Command reception processing]
In the command reception process (S2101), as shown in FIG. 18, the effect control unit 90 determines whether or not a prior determination result command (see S306) has been received from the main control unit 60 (S2200). If not, the process proceeds to step S2204. If received, it is determined whether or not a hold increase command (see S307) has been received (S2201). If not received, the process proceeds to step S2204, and if received, The hold information is stored in a predetermined hold information storage unit (S2202). The holding information includes a winning type indicating whether the holding is based on the first start winning or the second starting winning, and a result of the prefetch determination of the holding. Next, the effect control unit 90 performs a hold icon selection process described later (S2203), and proceeds to step S2204.

  In step S2204, the effect control unit 90 determines whether or not a change start command (see S510) is received from the main control unit 60. If not received, the process proceeds to step S2209. The value H of the number counter is incremented by 1 (S2205), and the hold icon deletion command is set (S2206). The hold icon erasure command includes a hold prize type that is to be used to start a variation effect. The image sound control unit 95 that has received the hold icon deletion command deletes the hold icon that is on hold to start the changing effect on the display screen 20a, and shifts the remaining hold icons to the side of the deleted hold icon.

  Next, the effect control unit 90 performs prefetch determination result erasure processing (S2207). In the pre-reading determination result erasing process, the effect control unit 90 deletes the hold information for starting the variable effect from the hold information storage unit. Then, the effect control unit 90 performs a variable effect selection process described later (S2208), and proceeds to step S2209. In step S2209, the effect control unit 90 determines whether or not a change stop command (see S513) is received from the main control unit 60. If not received, the process proceeds to step S2211, and if received, A variation effect end process described later is performed (S2210), and the process proceeds to step S2211.

  In step S2211, it is determined whether or not an opening command (see S818) has been received from the main control unit 60. If not received, the process proceeds to step S2213. If received, a win effect selection process is performed ( S2212), the process proceeds to step S2213. In the winning effect selection process (S2212), the effect control unit 90 analyzes the opening command, selects a winning effect pattern, and sets an opening effect start command for transmission to the image sound control unit 95. The image sound control unit 95 that has received the opening effect start command starts a win effect (a jackpot effect performed in parallel with the jackpot game or a jackpot effect performed in parallel with the jackpot game).

  In step S2213, it is determined whether or not an ending command (see S1013) has been received from the main control unit 60. If not received, the process proceeds to step S2215. If received, an ending effect selection process is performed. (S2214), the process proceeds to step S2215. In the ending effect selection process (S2214), the effect control unit 90 analyzes the ending command, selects an ending effect pattern, and sets an ending effect start command for transmission to the image sound control unit 95. The image sound control unit 95 that has received the ending effect start command performs the ending effect and ends the winning effect. In step S2215, the main control unit 60 performs a customer waiting command reception process described later, returns from the command reception process, and proceeds to step S2102 of the sub timer interruption process.

  Here, based on FIG. 19, the holding information storage part with which the production | presentation control part 90 is provided is demonstrated. The production control unit 90 has a first start port storage unit 93a and a second start port storage unit 93b in the RAM 93 as a hold information storage unit. It has four storage units up to the storage unit. The effect control unit 90 obtains the result of the pre-reading determination (that is, the result of the jackpot random number prior determination, the result of the jackpot symbol random number determination, the reach random number determination result, and the variation pattern random number determination result). If the hold information is based on the first start winning prize, it is stored in the first start opening hold storage section 93a, and if the hold information is based on the second start winning prize, the second start opening hold storage section 93b is included. Remember. In addition, it is used for a memory | storage in order from a 1st memory | storage part, and it is used as the basis of a change production in an order from what was memorize | stored in the 1st memory | storage part. As will be described later, when the variation effect is performed by receiving the variation start command, the hold icon I indicating the hold related to the change effect is erased from the display screen 20a and the hold related to the change effect is held. Is deleted from the first storage unit, the storage content of the second storage unit is stored in the first storage unit, the storage content of the third storage unit is stored in the second storage unit, and so on. It is raised one by one.

(Hold icon selection process)
As shown in FIG. 20, in the hold icon selection process (S2203), the effect control unit 90 determines whether or not the value H of the variation counter is 20 or less (S2301). As a selection table for selecting, a holding icon special selection table (hereinafter abbreviated as “special selection table”) is set (S2302). , Abbreviated as “normal selection table”) (S2303). As will be described later, the value H of the variation counter is cleared to zero at the start of the customer waiting effect, and incremented by 1 at the start of symbol variation as described above (see S2205). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21, when the customer waiting effect is performed (that is, when the customer waiting effect image K is displayed), the starting condition is satisfied and the symbol variation is started. The period until the 20th execution is called a special period, and a period that is not a special period is called a normal period. The special selection table is used during the special period, and the normal selection table is used during the normal period. Become. The customer waiting effect is started after a lapse of a predetermined time from the end of the symbol variation, and is terminated when the symbol variation is started.

  Here, the selection table of the hold icon I will be described. As shown in FIG. 22, the selection table shows whether the result of the jackpot random number pre-determination is out of place (big hit or small hit), and the reach random number and the variation pattern random number pre-determination are not reachable, and the normal reach effect is achieved. Of the hold icon I based on the variation pattern of normal reach, SP (special) reach that performs a special reach, and SPSP reach that performs a special reach. , Color). Note that the fluctuation patterns O1 and R1 shown in FIG. 16 are SPSP reach, the fluctuation patterns O2, K1, and R2 are first SP reach, the fluctuation patterns O3, K2, and R3 are second SP reach, and the fluctuation patterns O4 and R4 are normal reach. The type of reach is determined by the variation pattern.

  In the special selection table, as shown in FIG. 22A, in the case of a loss, the blue hold icon I is selected at a rate of 100% when there is no reach, and the blue and green hold icons I are selected when the reach is normal. Are selected at a rate of 50%, the green hold icon I is selected at a rate of 20% when the SP reach is reached, and the red hold icon I is selected at a rate of 80%. When the SPSP reach is reached, the red hold icon I is set at 100 % Is selected to be selected. In the case of winning, the green hold icon I is selected at a rate of 30% and red hold icon I at a rate of 70% for normal reach, and the green hold icon I is set to 20% and red for SP reach. The hold icon I is selected at a rate of 80%, and the red hold icon I is selected at a rate of 100% at SPSP reach. In the embodiment, since the reach effect is performed not only in the case of a big hit but also in the case of a small hit, there is no pattern without reach in the win.

  In the normal selection table, as shown in FIG. 22B, in the case of detachment, the blue hold icon I is selected at a rate of 100% when there is no reach, and the blue hold icon I is 70 when normal reach. %, Green hold icon I is selected at a rate of 30%, green hold icon I is selected at a rate of 20% when SP reach, red hold icon I is selected at a rate of 80%, and red when SPSP reach The hold icon I is selected at a rate of 100%. In the case of winning, the green hold icon I is selected at a rate of 20% and red hold icon I at a rate of 80% for normal reach, and the green hold icon I is set to 10% and red for SP reach. The hold icon I is selected at a rate of 90%, and the red hold icon I is selected at a rate of 100% at the SPSP reach.

  As can be seen from FIG. 22, the jackpot expectation degree of the hold icon I (the expectation degree for the jackpot) is increased in the order of blue, green, and red, and the green hold icon I and the red hold icon I are This suggests that the jackpot expectation is higher (than the blue hold icon I). Hereinafter, the hold icon I that suggests that the degree of expectation of jackpot is high may be referred to as “high expectation hold icon I”. As can be seen from FIG. 22, in the case of a loss, the special selection table is less likely to select the blue hold icon I and the green hold icon I than the normal selection table. As described above, the special selection table is used during the special period, and the normal selection table is used during the normal period. Therefore, in the event of a loss, the (predetermined) higher expectation is expected during the special period than during the normal period. The degree hold icon I (in the embodiment, the green high expectation hold icon I) is easily displayed (in other words, the appearance rate of the high expectation hold icon I is high). On the other hand, also in the case of winning, the green selection icon I is more easily selected in the special selection table than in the normal selection table. As described above, the hold icon I (here, the green hold icon I) that is easily selected in the event of a loss is easily selected in the win case, so that the jackpot expectation degree (reliability) for the hold icon I is facilitated. Can be prevented from decreasing.

  Referring back to FIG. 20, the effect control unit 90 refers to the result of the prefetch determination stored in step S2202 (S2304), selects the hold icon I by lottery from the set selection table (S2305), and holds the hold. A hold icon display command for displaying the icon I on the display screen 20a is set (S2306). Then, the process returns from the hold icon selection process and proceeds to step S2204 described above.

(Variation effect selection process)
In the variation effect selection process (S2208), the effect control unit 90 first analyzes the variation start command received from the main control unit 60 as shown in FIG. 23 (S2401). As described above, the variation start command includes information indicating the variation pattern, the jackpot determination result, the gaming state, and the winning type. The effect control unit 90 refers to the mode flag indicating the effect mode (S2402), and selects a change effect pattern according to the analysis result of the effect mode and the change start command (S2402). Then, a variation effect start command based on the variation effect pattern is set (S2404), and a hold number subtraction process for subtracting 1 from the stored hold number is performed (S2405). The image sound control unit 95 that has received the change effect start command starts the change effect on the display screen 20a.

  The production mode is switched from the normal mode, which is the initial mode, to the one corresponding to the type of hit (in other words, the one depending on the gaming state) by the occurrence of the hit, and the number of symbol variations is changed to the effect mode. When a predetermined upper limit number determined every time is reached, the normal mode is restored. Therefore, the player estimates the game state from the effect mode, but the same effect mode is set so that it is difficult to distinguish between the latent game state and the normal game state after the small hit.

(Processing during changing production)
In the variation effect end process (S2211), as shown in FIG. 24, the effect control unit 90 analyzes the variation stop command (S2501), and displays the decoration symbol F with the stop symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot determination and the variation pattern. A variation effect end command for stopping the variation effect is set (S2502), and the process returns from the variation effect end process. The image sound control unit 95 that has received the change end command stops the display of the decorative design F and ends the change effect. When returning from the processing during the end of the variation effect, the effect control unit 90 proceeds to step S2211 described above.

(Waiting for waiting command reception process)
As shown in FIG. 25, in the customer waiting command reception process, the effect control unit 90 determines whether or not a customer waiting command has been received (S2601). Time measurement is started and the measurement flag is turned on (S2602, S2603), and the process proceeds to step S2605. On the other hand, if it is not received, it is determined whether or not the measurement flag is turned on (S2604). If it is not turned on, the time until execution of the customer waiting effect is not being measured. If it is set to ON, the time is up, that is, it is determined whether or not the currently measured time has reached a predetermined time set as the time until execution of the customer waiting effect (S2605). If the time is not up, the process returns from the waiting command reception process. If the time is up, the measurement flag is turned OFF (S2606), and the value H of the variation counter is set to 0 (S2607). A start command is set (S2608). That is, when a predetermined time elapses after receiving a customer waiting command, a customer waiting effect is started and a predetermined customer waiting effect image K is displayed on the display screen 20a. When the production control unit 90 returns from the customer waiting command reception process, the production control unit 90 also returns from the command reception process and proceeds to step S2102 of the sub timer interruption process.

(5) Production Example Next, a production example of the first embodiment will be described.

<Example of FIG. 26>
The example of FIG. 26 is an example in which a hold occurs during the first and second symbol changes after the customer waiting effect (that is, during a special period). When the variation effect ends as shown in (a) of FIG. 26 (that is, when the symbol variation ends) and a predetermined time elapses, the customer waiting effect starts as shown in (b) and waits for a predetermined customer. The effect image K is displayed on the display screen 20a. At this time, the value H of the variation counter is set to zero. Next, when the start condition is satisfied (that is, when a game ball enters the first start port 22 or the second start port 23), the display of the customer waiting effect image K ends, as shown in (c). The variation effect for varying the decorative design F is started, and the value H of the variation counter is set to 1. At this time, a special period starts. In addition, the white arrow in the display screen 20a in the figure indicates that the decorative design F is fluctuating. When the start condition is satisfied during the variation effect (that is, during the symbol variation), the hold icon I is displayed as shown in (d). The hold icon I is determined to be YES in step S2301 because the value H of the variation counter is 1 in the hold icon selection process shown in FIG. 20, and from the special selection table shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the pre-determined result of the hold is out of rose (out of reach), and therefore the blue hold icon I is selected, which indicates that the expectation of jackpot is low Is displayed.

  Next, the variation effect ends as shown in (e), and when the next variation effect starts as shown in (f), the value H of the variation counter becomes 2. When the start condition is established during the variation effect, the hold icon I is displayed as shown in (g). The hold icon I is determined to be YES in step S2301 in the hold icon selection process shown in FIG. 20 because the value H of the variation counter is 2. From the special selection table shown in FIG. Selected. Here, it is assumed that the pre-determining result of the hold is a failure to perform normal reach, and therefore the hold icon I is selected at a ratio of 50% blue and 50% green, but in this example, the green hold icon I is Selected and displayed. Then, the variation effect ends as shown in (h), and when the next variation effect starts as shown in (i), this variation effect is a failure to perform normal reach. Thus, the normal reach effect is performed, and the decorative symbol F is stopped and displayed with the shifted symbol as shown in (k).

<Example of FIG. 27>
The example of FIG. 27 is an example in which a hold occurs during the 21st and 22nd symbol variations after the customer waiting effect (that is, during the normal period). As shown in (a) of FIG. 27, when the variation effect of the 20th time after the customer waiting effect is finished and the variation effect is started as shown in (b), the value H of the variation counter is set to 21. . In addition, when the 20th variation production is finished after the customer waiting production, the special period ends and the normal period starts. When the start condition is satisfied during the 21st variation effect, the hold icon I is displayed as shown in FIG. The hold icon I is determined to be NO in step S2301 because the value H of the variation counter is 21 in the hold icon selection process shown in FIG. 20, and from the normal selection table shown in FIG. In this case, the pre-determining result of the hold is not the same as the hold shown in (d) of FIG. 26, and therefore the blue hold icon I is selected and displayed.

  Next, when the variation effect ends as shown in (d) and the next variation effect starts as shown in (e), the value H of the variation counter becomes 22. When the start condition is satisfied during the variation effect, the hold icon I is displayed as shown in (f). The hold icon I is determined to be NO in step S2301 in the hold icon selection process shown in FIG. 20 because the value H of the variation counter is 22, and from the normal selection table shown in FIG. Selected. Here, the pre-determining result of the hold is a failure to perform normal reach as in the hold shown in FIG. 26G, but the normal selection table shown in FIG. Assume that the hold icon I is selected at a rate of 30%, and in this example, the blue hold icon I is selected and displayed. Then, the variation effect ends as shown in (g), and when the next variation effect starts as shown in (h), this variation effect is a failure to perform normal reach. Thus, the normal reach effect is performed, and as shown in (j), the decorative symbol F is stopped and displayed with the shifted symbol.

  In this way, even if the same normal reach is held out of hold, the special selection table selects 50% blue and 50% green, and the normal selection table selects 70% blue and 30% green. That is, during the special period, the high expectation hold icon I (in the embodiment, the green or red hold icon I) is more easily displayed than during the normal period.

(6) Operational effects When explaining the corresponding relationship in parentheses, the gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment is triggered by the establishment of the start condition (winning the first start port 22 or the second start port 23). A special game determination means (main control unit 60) for determining whether or not to play a special game advantageous to the player (a jackpot game, especially a long hit game), and a determination result by the special game determination means are shown. Symbol variation means for executing symbol variation (main control unit 60), suspension means for retaining special game determination (main control unit 60) when a start condition is established during a period in which symbol variation cannot be started, and special game determination Prior to the pre-determining means for determining the degree of expectation that the special game will be performed (expected expectation of jackpot), and the hold display means for displaying the hold image (hold icon I) indicating the hold of the special game determination (effect control unit 90, image When a predetermined condition is satisfied during a period when the display unit 20) and the symbol variation and special game are not executed (when a predetermined time elapses from the start of the period when the symbol variation and special game are not executed), a predetermined image ( Image display means (effect control unit 90, image display 20) for displaying the customer waiting effect image K), and the hold display means is started when the predetermined image (customer waiting effect image K) is displayed. When the condition is established and the symbol variation is started, the special period is started by the start of the symbol variation (for example, the period from the start of the symbol variation until the predetermined number of symbol variations is executed). It is characterized in that it is easy to display a hold image (high expectation hold icon I. In the embodiment, a green or red hold icon I) that suggests that the degree of expectation is higher than a period that is not a period (normal period).

  Here, when the player starts the game, a customer waiting effect is usually displayed. Therefore, according to the gaming machine 10, the high expectation hold icon I is likely to be displayed for a while after the customer waiting effect is ended and the symbol variation is started when the player starts the game. This will increase the player's expectation for the jackpot of the player who has started the game and improve his willingness to play.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 22, in the gaming machine 10, in the case of loss, the high expectation hold icon I (green in the embodiment) that is more easily selected (displayed) during the special period than during the normal period. In the case of winning, the hold icon I) is more easily selected (displayed) during the special period than during the normal period. For this reason, it can prevent that the big hit expectation degree with respect to the high expectation degree hold icon I falls. In FIG. 22, in the case of winning, the special selection table (that is, during the special period) is less likely to select the red hold icon I than the normal selection table (that is, during the normal period), and accordingly, the green selection icon Although the hold icon I is easily selected, for example, the blue hold icon I can be selected even in the case of winning, and during the special period, the blue hold icon I is less likely to be selected than during the normal period. Then, the green holding icon I may be configured to be easily selected accordingly.

  In addition, as described above with reference to FIG. 16, in the gaming machine 10, when the number of holdings is small (when the number is 0 or 1 in the first embodiment), when the number is large (when the number is 2 or 3 according to the first embodiment). ), It is easier to select a variation pattern with reach. This is the same during both the special period and the normal period. Therefore, even during the special period and the normal period, the high expectation hold icon I is more likely to be displayed when the number of holds is small than when it is large. In addition, the selection ratio of the variation pattern with reach does not change between the special period and the normal period. Therefore, when the number of holdings is small during the special period (when the number is 0 or 1 in the first embodiment), when the number of holdings is similarly small during the normal period (when the number is 0 or 1 in the first embodiment). The high expectation hold icon I is more likely to be displayed. The same applies to the first start prize and the second start prize.

  Although not shown in the figure, in the first embodiment, even when the time is short, the number of holdings is small (specifically, when it is 0 or 1) as in the case of no time reduction. The variation pattern with reach is more easily selected than when there are many (specifically, 2 or 3). Therefore, the high expectation hold icon I is more easily displayed when the number of holds is small than when it is large. In addition, comparing the cases where there is a difference in the number of holdings in the timeless state and the timeless state, the fluctuation pattern with reach is more easily selected in the timeless state than in the timeless state. The high expectation hold icon I is more likely to be displayed in the absence state than in the short time state. The same applies to the first start prize and the second start prize.

(7) Modification of First Embodiment In the first embodiment, the jackpot expectation level is suggested by the color of the reserved icon I, but the mode of the hold icon I for suggesting the jackpot expectation level is not limited to the color. It may be a pattern or shape. Moreover, you may show by the change of the hold icon I. FIG. 28 is an example in which the jackpot expectation is suggested based on whether or not the hold icon I changes. In this example, after the changing effect is ended as shown in (a), the waiting effect is started as shown in (b), the changing effect is started as shown in (c), and the special period starts. During the special period, as shown in (d) and (e), there is a hold. The production control unit 90 is configured to select the mode of the hold icon I when the hold occurs, and the higher the expected degree of jackpot, the easier it is to select the hold icon I that changes. In addition, the hold icon I having a changing mode is more easily selected during the special period than during the normal period. Here, the hold shown in (d) is pre-determined to be out of rose, the hold icon I in the changing mode is not selected, and the hold shown in (e) is pre-determined to be out of reach for normal reach. It is assumed that the hold icon I in a changing mode is selected. Next, as shown in (f), when the fluctuating effect ends and the next fluctuating effect starts, the hold icon I of the same mode is displayed for the first hold and the second hold until then. What has been displayed changes the hold icon I as shown in (g) for the second hold. Then, as shown in (h), when the fluctuating effect is finished as shown in (h) and the fluctuating effect is performed as shown in (i) for the hold indicated by the changed hold icon I, as shown in (j). A normal reach effect is performed, and as shown in (k), the change effect ends when the reach is lost.

  In addition, you may show jackpot expectation in the aspect of a change. That is, you may comprise the aspect of a change of the hold | maintenance icon I so that it may differ according to jackpot expectation degree. For example, the form after the change is different or the number of changes is different depending on the level of expectation of jackpot.

2. Second Embodiment Next, a gaming machine 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. In addition, about the part which is common in 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted using the same code | symbol. The second embodiment is a form in which a changing icon E (corresponding to a changing image) that suggests that the degree of jackpot expectation is higher during the special period than during the normal period. The changing icon E is displayed in place of the holding icon I in response to the jackpot determination being made for the holding indicated by the holding icon I and the symbol change being executed. It is an image which shows that the fluctuation is being executed. In order to show the relationship with the hold icon I, the changing icon E is an image that is the same as or similar to the hold icon I, or is placed on the extended line of the hold icon I column on the display screen 20a. , The image associated with the hold icon I (in the aspect or position). The hardware configuration of the gaming machine 10 of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the difference is the processing flow shown below.

[Command reception processing]
In the command reception process (S2101) of the second embodiment, the effect control unit 90 determines whether or not a prior determination result command (see S306) has been received from the main control unit 60 (S3200), as shown in FIG. If not received, the process proceeds to step S3204. If received, it is determined whether or not a pending increase command (see S307) has been received (S3201). If the pending increase command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S3204. If received, the increasing pending information is imaged based on the information included in the prior determination result command and the pending increase command. A hold icon display command for displaying the hold icon I on the display screen 20a by transmitting to the unit 95 is set (S3202). In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the hold icon I is selected in the same manner (for example, the blue hold icon I) regardless of the pre-determined jackpot expectation. Next, the effect control unit 90 stores the hold information in a predetermined hold information storage unit (S3203), and proceeds to step S3204.

  In step S3204, the effect control unit 90 determines whether or not a change start command (see S510) is received from the main control unit 60. If not received, the process proceeds to step S3210. If received, the change control unit 90 changes. The value H of the number counter is incremented by 1 (S3205), and the hold icon deletion command is set (S3206).

  Next, the effect control unit 90 performs a changing icon selection process (S3207), and performs a prefetch determination result erasure process (S3208). Although the changing icon selection process will be described later, the changing icon E is selected according to the result of the jackpot determination, and the changing icon display command for displaying the changing icon E on the display screen 20a is set. . In the pre-reading determination result erasing process, the effect control unit 90 deletes the hold information for starting the variable effect from the hold information storage unit. Then, the effect control unit 90 performs the same fluctuating effect selection process as in the first embodiment (S3209), and proceeds to step S3210. In step S3210, the effect control unit 90 determines whether or not a variation stop command (see S513) is received from the main control unit 60. If not received, the process proceeds to step S3213. If received, The changing icon deletion command for deleting the changing icon E from the display screen 20a is set, and the changing effect end processing similar to that in the first embodiment is performed (S3212), and the process proceeds to step S3213.

  In step S3213, it is determined whether or not an opening command (see S818) is received from the main control unit 60. If not received, the process proceeds to step S3215. If received, a hit effect selection process is performed ( S3214), the process proceeds to step S3215. In the winning effect selection process, the effect control unit 90 analyzes the opening command, selects a winning effect pattern, and sets an opening effect start command for transmission to the image sound control unit 95. The image sound control unit 95 that has received the opening effect start command starts the hit effect.

  In step S3215, it is determined whether or not an ending command (see S1013) has been received from the main control unit 60. If not received, the process proceeds to step S3217. If received, an ending effect selection process is performed. (S3216), the process proceeds to step S3217. In the ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 90 analyzes the ending command, selects an ending effect pattern, and sets an ending effect start command for transmission to the image sound control unit 95. The image sound control unit 95 that has received the ending effect start command performs the ending effect and ends the winning effect. In step S3217, the main control unit 60 performs a customer waiting command reception process similar to that of the first embodiment, returns from the command reception process, and proceeds to step S2102 of the sub timer interruption process.

(Change icon selection process)
As shown in FIG. 30, in the changing icon selection process (S3207), the effect control unit 90 determines whether or not the value H of the change counter is 20 or less (S3301). The changing icon special selection table is set as a selection table for selecting the icon E (S3302). If not 20 or less, the changing icon normal selection table is set as the selection table (S3303). The value H of the variation counter is cleared to zero at the start of the customer waiting effect, and incremented by 1 at the start of symbol variation. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 32, during the special period from when the start condition is established when the customer waiting effect image K is displayed and the symbol variation is started until the symbol variation is executed 20 times, the variation occurs. The middle icon special selection table is used, and during the normal period, the changing icon normal selection table is used.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the selection table for selecting the changing icon E indicates that the result of the big hit random number pre-determination is out of place, and the reach random number and the change pattern random number pre-determination are no reach, normal reach , SP reach, or SPSP reach, the type (mode, color here) of the changing icon E is selected on the basis of the change pattern.

  In the changing icon special selection table, as shown in FIG. 31 (a), in the case of an outlier, the blue changing icon E is selected at a rate of 100% when there is no reach, and blue and green when the reach is normal. Each of the changing icons E is selected at a rate of 50%. When the SP reach is reached, the green changing icon E is selected at a rate of 20%, and the red changing icon E is selected at a rate of 80%. The red changing icon E is selected at a rate of 100%. In the case of winning, the green changing icon E is selected at a rate of 30% for normal reach and the red changing icon E is selected at a rate of 70%, and the green changing icon E is set to 20% for SP reach. The red changing icon E is selected at a rate of 80%, and the red changing icon E is selected at a rate of 100% in the SPSP reach.

  In the changing icon normal selection table, as shown in FIG. 31 (b), in the case of a loss, the blue changing icon E is selected at a rate of 100% when there is no reach, and the blue change when the reach is normal. The middle icon E is selected at a rate of 70% and the green changing icon E is selected at a rate of 30%. In the case of SP reach, the green changing icon E is selected at a rate of 20% and the red changing icon E is selected at a rate of 80%. In the SPSP reach, the red changing icon E is selected at a rate of 100%. In the case of winning, the green changing icon E is selected at a rate of 20% for normal reach and the red changing icon E is selected at a rate of 80%, and the green changing icon E is set to 10% for SP reach. The red changing icon E is selected at a rate of 90%, and at the SPSP reach, the red changing icon E is selected at a rate of 100%.

  As can be seen from FIG. 31, the big hit expectation degree of the changing icon E increases in the order of blue, green, and red, and the green changing icon E and the red changing icon E are the big hit expectation degree. Is higher (than the blue changing icon E). Hereinafter, the changing icon E that suggests that the degree of expectation of jackpot is high may be referred to as a “high expectation changing icon E”. As can be seen from FIG. 31, in the case of deviation, the changing icon special selection table is less likely to select the blue changing icon E than the changing icon normal selection table, and the green changing icon E is more likely to be selected. ing. As described above, during the special period, the changing icon special selection table is used, and during the normal period, the changing icon normal selection table is used. However, the (predetermined) high expectation changing icon E (in the embodiment, the green changing icon E) is easily displayed (in other words, the appearance rate of the high expectation changing icon E is increased). ing). On the other hand, in the case of winning, the changing icon special selection table is more easily selected than the changing icon normal selection table. In this way, by making it easy to select the changing icon E that is easily selected in the event of a loss, it is possible to prevent the big hit expectation (reliability) for the changing icon E from being lowered. it can.

  Referring back to FIG. 30, the effect control unit 90 refers to the change start command (S3304), selects the changing icon E from the set selection table (S3305), and displays the changing icon E on the display screen 20a. The changing icon display command for displaying in (3) is set (S3306). As described above, the variation start command includes the variation pattern, the determination result of the jackpot determination, information indicating the gaming state at that time, and the winning type, and the effect control unit 90 determines the variation pattern and the jackpot determination. Based on the result, the changing icon E is selected. The effect control unit 90 that has set the changing icon display command returns from the changing icon selection process, and proceeds to step S3208 described above.

<Example of production in the second embodiment>
An example effect of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in (a) of FIG. 32, when the predetermined time has elapsed after the variation effect is finished, the customer waiting effect is started and a predetermined customer waiting effect image K is displayed on the display screen 20a as shown in (b). The At this time, the value H of the variation counter is set to zero. Next, when the start condition is satisfied, the effect control unit 90 ends the display of the customer waiting effect image K and starts the changing effect. At the start of the changing effect, the changing icon selection process shown in FIG. Because the value H of the fluctuation counter is 1, it is determined YES in step S3301, and the changing icon E is selected from the changing icon special selection table shown in FIG. Here, it is assumed that the determination result of the jackpot determination included in the variation start command is out of place, and in such a case, the blue varying icon E indicating that the jackpot expectation is low is selected at a rate of 100%. . Therefore, a blue changing icon E is displayed as shown in FIG. The changing icon E is displayed as if it is on the image D imitating the table, and is erased when the decorative symbol F is stopped (confirmed) and displayed (see (e) of FIG. 32). Normally, when the start condition is established, the hold icon I is displayed before the changing icon E is displayed. However, when the start condition is established during the execution of the customer waiting effect, the hold icon I is displayed. Is not made (or even if it is done, the player cannot see because it is an instant).

  When the start condition is satisfied during the fluctuating effect, the effect control unit 90 displays the hold icon I for this hold as shown in (d). Then, when the variation effect ends as shown in (e) and the next variation effect is started, the effect control unit 90 determines that the value H of the variation counter is 2, and therefore, from the changing icon special selection table. The mode of the changing icon E is selected. Here, it is assumed that the result of the jackpot determination of the symbol variation to be started is out of place and the variation pattern is out of position. Therefore, the effect control unit 90 displays the blue changing icon E as shown in (f). Select and display. This changing icon E is displayed in place of the hold icon I shown in (d) and (e).

  When the start condition is satisfied during the variation effect, the effect control unit 90 displays the hold icon I as shown in (g), ends the variation effect as shown in (h), and starts the next variation effect. At this time, the effect control unit 90 selects the mode of the changing icon E from the changing icon special selection table because the value H of the changing number counter is 3. Here, the result of the jackpot determination of the symbol variation to be started is out of place, and the variation pattern is assumed to perform normal reach. In such a case, the green variation icon E is selected at a rate of 50%, so the production control unit 90 indicates that the green changing icon E is selected. Therefore, as shown in (i), the green changing icon E is displayed. This changing icon E is displayed in place of the hold icon I shown in (g) and (h). Since this fluctuating effect is a loss of normal reach, the normal reach effect is performed as shown in (j), and the decorative symbol F is stopped and displayed with the shifted symbol as shown in (k).

<Effects of Second Embodiment>
If it demonstrates, showing the correspondence in a parenthesis, the gaming machine 10 of 2nd Embodiment is advantageous to a player by the establishment of starting conditions (winning to the 1st starting port 22 or the 2nd starting port 23) as an opportunity. A special game determination means (main control unit 60) for performing a special game determination as to whether or not to perform a special game (a jackpot game, in particular, a long game), and a symbol variation indicating a determination result by the special game determination means is executed. Symbol variation means (main control unit 60), a retention means (main control unit 60) for deferring a special game determination when a start condition is established during a period in which symbol variation cannot be started, and a deferral indicating a special game determination suspension When a hold display means (effect control unit 90, image display device 20) for displaying an image (hold icon I) and a special game determination that has been put on hold are made, the image is changing instead of the hold image (hold icon I). (Fluctuation The changing image display means (the effect control unit 90, the image display 20) for displaying the icon E) and when a predetermined condition is satisfied during a period when the symbol variation and the special game are not executed (the symbol variation and the special game are Image display means (effect control unit 90, image display device 20) for displaying a predetermined image (customer waiting effect image K) when a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the non-executed period, and changing image display When a predetermined condition is established and the symbol variation is started when the predetermined image (customer waiting effect image K) is displayed, the means starts a special period (the symbol variation start) when the symbol variation starts. During the special period until the predetermined number of symbol changes are executed), the changing image suggests that the expectation (special hit expectation) that the special game is performed is higher than the non-special period (normal period) Wherein the easily display the icon E) in variation.

  Therefore, according to the gaming machine 10 of the second embodiment, the high expectation changing icon E is displayed for a while after the customer waiting effect is ended and the symbol change is started when the player starts the game. As a result, the player who started the game will have a sense of expectation for the jackpot, and the willingness to play will be improved.

  In addition, as described above with reference to FIG. 31, in the gaming machine 10 of the second embodiment, in the case of loss, the high expectation changing icon E that is more easily selected (displayed) during the special period than during the normal period. (In the embodiment, the green changing icon E) is selected (displayed) more easily during the special period than during the normal period even in the case of winning. For this reason, it can prevent that the big hit expectation degree with respect to the icon E during the high expectation degree fluctuation | variation falls. In FIG. 31, in the case of winning, the changing icon special selection table (that is, during the special period) is less likely to select the changing icon E in red than the changing icon normal selection table (that is, during the normal period). Therefore, the green changing icon E is easily selected, but for example, the blue changing icon E can be selected even in the case of hitting, and during the special period, it is more than the normal period. The blue changing icon E may be made difficult to be selected, and the green changing icon E may be selected more easily.

<Modification of Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, the hold icon I has the same mode regardless of the jackpot expectation, but the mode may differ depending on the jackpot expectation as in the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, FIG. 33 is configured so that the mode of the hold icon I can be different depending on the pre-determined jackpot expectation, and the high expectation hold icon I is displayed during the special period than during the normal period. In this example, the hold icon I is configured so that the changing icon E takes over the mode of the hold icon I. That is, during the special period, the high expectation hold icon I is more easily displayed and the high expectation changing icon E is more easily displayed than during the normal period. This will be described below.

  After the variation effect is completed as shown in FIG. 33 (a), the customer waiting effect is performed as shown in (b), and when the start condition is satisfied, the variation effect is started as shown in (c). The special period starts and the changing icon E is displayed. At this time, when setting the hold icon display command in step S3202 of FIG. 29, the effect control unit 90 uses the selection table of the hold icon I shown in FIG. Similarly to the hold icon selection process shown, the hold icon I is selected based on the result of the prior determination, and a hold icon display command for displaying the hold icon I is set. As described above, in practice, the hold icon I based on the establishment of the start condition that triggered the end of the customer waiting effect is not displayed or is not visually recognized by the player. Then, in the changing icon selection process in step S3207 of FIG. 29, the effect control unit 90 selects the changing icon E having the same form as the held icon I and is changing to display the changing icon E. Sets the icon display command. Here, it is assumed that the first symbol variation after the customer waiting effect is determined to be out of rose and the blue hold icon I is selected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. E is displayed.

  When the start condition is satisfied during the variation effect, the hold icon I is displayed as shown in (d). The hold icon I is assumed to be out of rose in the prior determination result, and is therefore blue. Next, when the changing effect ends as shown in (e) and the next changing effect starts as shown in (f), the changing icon E is displayed instead of the hold icon I displayed so far. However, the mode of the changing icon E is the same as the hold icon I displayed so far. When the start condition is established during the variation effect, the hold icon I is displayed as shown in (g). The hold icon I is displayed with the predetermined determination result being out of normal reach, and the green hold icon I is selected and displayed. Then, when the fluctuating effect ends as shown in (h) and the next fluctuating effect starts as shown in (i), the changing icon E is displayed instead of the hold icon I displayed so far. However, the mode of the changing icon E is the same as the hold icon I that has been displayed so far. Since this fluctuating effect is a loss of normal reach, the normal reach effect is performed as shown in (j), and the decorative symbol F is stopped and displayed with the shifted symbol as shown in (k).

  According to the modification shown in FIG. 33, the high expectation hold icon I is more easily displayed during the special period and the high expectation changing icon E is more easily displayed during the special period. Can improve the willingness to play. Note that the mode of the held icon I does not necessarily have to be inherited by the changing icon E, and the changing icon E may be selected again by using a selection table as shown in FIG. Further, when the changing icon E is selected again, the jackpot expectation suggested by the changing icon E may be configured not to be lower than the jackpot expectation suggested by the hold icon I. It may be configured so that it can be lowered.

3. Other variations
(i) “It is easier to display the (predetermined) high expectation hold icon I during the special period than during the normal period” means that the (predetermined) high expectation hold icon I is displayed during the normal period. (That is, the selection rate is set to 0%), and the (predetermined) high expectation hold icon I can be displayed during the special period (that is, the selection rate is set to be larger than 0%). For example, when the green hold icon I is the high expectation hold icon I as in the above embodiment, the green hold icon I is not displayed during the normal period, and the green hold icon I is displayed during the special period. And so on. The same applies to the changing icon E.

  (ii) In the above embodiment, the special period is set from the start of the symbol variation that triggered the end of the customer waiting effect until a predetermined number of symbol variations are performed, but a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) is required. Or until a predetermined result (for example, jackpot) is obtained as a result of the prior determination (in other words, until the hold icon I based on the predetermined preliminary determination result is displayed), or a jackpot determination As a result, a predetermined result may be displayed until the decorative symbol F is displayed. In addition, the “predetermined number of times” is not limited to a plurality of times, but from the start of symbol variation that triggered the end of the customer waiting effect until one symbol variation is performed, that is, the trigger for the end of the customer waiting effect. It may be until the changed symbol variation ends. Furthermore, the special period may be ended until a predetermined number of symbol changes are performed or until a predetermined result is obtained as a result of the prior determination, whichever comes first. That is, the method for determining the end timing of the special period can be changed.

  (iii) The method for determining the start timing of the special period can also be changed and does not necessarily start at the same time as the start of the symbol variation that triggered the end of the customer waiting effect. It will start after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of the symbol variation that has become, or it will start after a predetermined number of symbol variations have been performed since the start of the symbol variation that triggered the end of the customer waiting effect Also good. In other words, the phrase “beginning with the start of the symbol variation” only needs to be “started with the start of the symbol variation”.

  (iv) Whether it is a special period or not may vary depending on the gaming state. For example, when the starting condition is satisfied and the symbol variation is started when the customer waiting effect image K is displayed, the special period is set in the normal gaming state, but the special period is not set in the normal gaming state. Or, it may be a special period if it is a low probability state, but may not be a special period if it is a high probability state.

  (v) As described with respect to the hold icon I with reference to FIG. 28, not only the color, shape, and pattern of the changing icon E, but also the change may represent the degree of expectation.

  (vi) In the special selection table of the hold icon I, the selection rate of each hold icon I when the reach effect is present may be the same in the case of losing and the case of winning. For example, in FIG. 22 (a), the normal reach is 50% blue and 50% green, and conversely the normal reach is 30% green and 70% red. Since the probability of winning is significantly lower than the probability of falling, the difference in the selection rate in the special selection table and the normal selection table is larger than the difference in the selection rate in the case of loss. The influence on the ease of displaying the hold icon I (appearance rate) is small. The same applies to the changing icon E.

  (vii) Expectation level (special jackpot expectation) in which a special game is played not only directly indicates whether or not the jackpot will be won, but also indicates the variation pattern in which the symbol variation is performed (for example, Including the one that indicates the length of the fluctuation pattern), the one that indicates whether or not the reach is reached, the one that indicates the symbol at which the symbol variation stops, and the like. For example, the expectation level for jackpot is usually indicated by the variation pattern, such as the expectation level for jackpot is high if the variation pattern is long, and the expectation level for jackpot is high if the variation pattern is reached. Therefore, when determining the “expected degree of special game play”, it is not always necessary to use a jackpot random number, but may use a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, or the like. The determination of “expected degree of special game” is not necessarily performed by the main control unit 60 but may be performed by the effect control unit 90. For example, the effect control unit 90 receives from the main control unit 60. You may determine based on a fluctuation pattern. That is, the “expected degree at which a special game is played” may not be determined based on a random number.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game machine 20 ... Image display device (holding display means, changing image display means, image display means)
60. Main control unit (special game determination means, symbol variation means, hold means, prior determination means)
85 ... Sub-control unit (holding display means, changing image display means, image display means)
E ... Fluctuating icon (fluctuating image)
I ... Hold icon (hold image)

Claims (2)

As triggered by the establishment of start-up conditions, and the line cormorant determine constant means for determining of whether or not the Han constant perform a favorable special game to the player,
A symbol variation means for performing a symbol variation indicating the determination result by the previous SL-size constant means,
When the starting condition is satisfied during the initiation non period the symbol variation, a holding means for holding the pre-Symbol decision,
Prior to prior SL-size constant, the a special game advance determines advance determining means expectation is how low non special game result or the expected high degree special game result is performed,
A hold display unit that displays a hold images showing the pending pre SL-size constant,
An image display means for displaying a predetermined image when a predetermined condition is satisfied during a period when the symbol variation and the special game are not executed;
With
When the predetermined condition is established and the symbol variation is started when the predetermined image is displayed, the hold display means is not in the special period during the special period started by the start of the symbol variation. than usual period, rather easy to display the pending images suggest that higher the expectations,
As the hold image, there are a first hold image and a second hold image having a higher expectation than the first hold image,
In the case of the non-special game result and the case of the special game result, the hold display means can display the second hold image during the special period more easily than during the normal period. To play. As triggered by the establishment of start-up conditions, and the line cormorant determine constant means for determining of whether or not the Han constant perform a favorable special game to the player,
A symbol variation means for performing a symbol variation indicating the determination result by the previous SL-size constant means,
Prior to the determination, prior determination means for determining in advance whether the special game is a non-special game result with a low expectation level or a special game result with a high expectation level;
When the symbol variation is started, a varying image display means for displaying a varying image indicating that the symbol variation is being executed separately from the symbol variation ;
An image display means for displaying a predetermined image when a predetermined condition is satisfied during a period when the symbol variation and the special game are not executed;
With
When the predetermined condition is satisfied and the symbol variation is started when the predetermined image is displayed, the during-variation image display means is configured to display the special image during the special period started by the start of the symbol variation. than normal period not time, easy to view the change in the image suggests that high pre Symbol expectations degree,
The changing image includes a first changing image and a second changing image that has a higher expectation than the first changing image.
In the case of the non-special game result and the case of the special game result, the changing image display means can more easily display the second changing image during the special period than during the normal period. A gaming machine characterized by

Images