JP7382089B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, start error notification when a game ball enters an irregular winning slot.

JP 2019-130032 Publication

Such error notification poses no problem if it can be executed independently. However, if two error notifications are started at the same time due to a winning in one winning opening, there is a problem that either one of the two error notifications or both of the two error notifications are difficult to recognize.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to make it easier to recognize the two error notifications when two error notifications are started at the same time due to winning in one winning opening. This is to provide a gaming machine that can.

According to the present invention, it is possible to fire a game ball, and when a game ball enters the winning hole, a number of game balls corresponding to the winning are given, and an out ball that is a used game ball is detected. The gaming machine is configured to enable symbol variation, and has a first gaming state and a second gaming state that is more advantageous than the first gaming state as a gaming state in which symbol variation can be executed, and a first error notification is provided. , and a second error notification different from the first error notification is configured to be executable, and the first error notification is executed at least in part when a game ball enters the winning hole in the first gaming state. The error notification is started, and the second error notification is started at least in part when a winning of a game ball to the entered prize hole occurs in the first gaming state, and the winning of a game ball to the entered prize hole occurs. When this occurs, both the first error notification and the second error notification may be started. The first error notification is configured such that it can be terminated upon detection of the out ball without being terminated, and the first error notification indicates whether the first game state is in the first game state or the second game state is in the second game state when the predetermined time has elapsed. The second error notification can be terminated regardless of the state, and the second error notification can be terminated upon detection of the out ball in the first gaming state, and the second error notification can be terminated upon detection of the out ball in the second gaming state. A gaming machine is provided which is characterized in that it does not end .

According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine that can make it easier to recognize the two error notifications when two error notifications are started at the same time due to a winning in one winning opening.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a symbol display device arranged in area II shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a bird's-eye view showing a group of operation buttons arranged in area III shown in FIG. 1 and the surrounding area. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a game board installed in the game machine. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for determining the validity of special symbols, and FIG. 8(b) is a diagram used when a jackpot is derived in determining the validity of special symbols related to special symbol 1. It is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for the stop symbol lottery, and FIG. 8(c) shows the lottery table for the stop symbol lottery used when a jackpot is derived in the special symbol correctness determination related to the special symbol 2. This is a diagram schematically showing, and FIG. 8(d) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for the stop symbol lottery used when a small hit is derived in the special symbol correctness determination regarding the special symbol 2. . FIG. 9(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special pattern variation pattern lottery table used for symbol variation related to special pattern 1 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, and FIG. It is a diagram schematically showing a special figure variation pattern lottery table used when a special figure variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to the special figure 1 in the variation pattern derivation state PA. FIG. 10(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special pattern variation pattern lottery table used in the symbol variation related to special symbol 2 in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PB, and FIG. It is a diagram schematically showing a special figure variation pattern lottery table used when a special figure variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to the special figure 2 in the variation pattern derivation state PB. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special symbol variation pattern lottery table used in symbol variation related to special symbol 2 in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, and FIG. It is a diagram schematically showing a special figure variation pattern lottery table used when a special figure variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to the special figure 2 in the variation pattern derivation state PC. FIG. 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the average variation time for each special pattern variation pattern derivation state. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of abnormal winning error notification start processing. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of abnormal winning error notification termination processing. FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the right-handed hit error notification start process. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of right-handed hit error notification termination processing. FIG. 17(a) is a timing chart showing the behavior when a power outage recovery is performed without execution of RAM clear processing under a situation where abnormal winning error notification and right hit error notification are being executed in parallel. Yes, and FIG. 17(b) is a timing chart showing the behavior when a power outage recovery is performed with execution of RAM clear processing under a situation where abnormal winning error notification and right-handed error notification are being executed in parallel. It is.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and the explanation is omitted as appropriate. In addition, in the following explanation, "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the gaming machine 10 on the front side (player's side) as shown in FIG. 1, unless otherwise specified. ).
In addition, "advantageous (advantageous degree)" in the following explanation refers to being advantageous to the player, and furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the prize ball (game Refers to being advantageous in terms of the amount of money acquired (not limited to the payout of game balls, but also includes the payout of medals).

<About the features of the present invention>
Before explaining the details of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment, the features of the invention (present invention) described in this embodiment will be explained.
In explaining the features, the configuration in parentheses is an example of the configuration of this embodiment corresponding to the immediately preceding configuration, and in the description of the gaming machine 10 that follows, the configuration in parentheses will be used for the same purpose. The configuration may be described in

The present invention
A game in which a game ball can be fired, and when a game ball enters a prize opening, a number of game balls corresponding to the winning are awarded, and an out ball, which is a used game ball, can be detected. It is a machine,
As game states in which symbol fluctuations can be executed, there is a first gaming state (special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PA) and a second gaming state (special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PB or special pattern fluctuation state) that is more advantageous than the first gaming state. pattern derivation state PC);
A first error notification (right-handed error notification) and a second error notification (abnormal winning error notification) different from the first error notification are configured to be executable,
The first error notification is started at least in part when a game ball enters the winning hole in the first gaming state,
The second error notification is started at least in part when a game ball enters the winning hole in the first gaming state,
When a game ball enters the winning hole, both the first error notification and the second error notification may be started.
While the first error notification ends after a predetermined period of time has elapsed,
The second error notification is configured such that it does not end with the passage of time, but can end upon detection of the out ball.
This gaming machine is characterized by:

According to the present invention, when a game ball enters the winning hole and both the first error notification and the second error notification are started, the first error notification and the second error notification occur. can be made easier to recognize.

In the present invention, the types and combinations of the first error notification and the second error notification are not limited. Similarly, the type of winning opening related to the start conditions of the two error notifications that are the targets of the first error notification and the second error notification does not matter. This also applies to the following explanations.

Further, the termination condition for abnormal winning error notification is not limited to the termination condition according to the present embodiment described later, but may be any condition as long as it can be satisfied by detecting an out ball.

The gaming machine 10 having the above features will be specifically described based on the following embodiments.

<About the structure of the gaming machine 10>
First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be explained using FIGS. 1 to 5.
1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a symbol display device 90 arranged in area II shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a symbol display device 90 arranged in area III shown in FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine 10. FIG.
Note that the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 are only necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and configurations and functions not shown here may be added to the gaming machine 10. You may. Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to include all of the configurations shown here, and some configurations or functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

The game machine 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, and fires game balls into the front area (hereinafter referred to as "game area 50a") of a game board 50 on which a large number of game nails (not shown) are erected. A game is performed in which a prize ball is obtained when a game ball enters a winning hole (for example, the big winning hole 55, etc.). In addition, in the following explanation, the game ball entering the winning hole may be simply expressed as "winning (in the winning hole)".

The gaming machine 10 has a rectangular outer frame 15 that opens in the front and rear, an inner frame 17 that removably holds the game board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and a structure that covers the front side of the game board 50. A front frame 20 is provided.

The middle frame 17 is rotatably supported around the left end side by a hinge mechanism (not shown) located on the same side as the hinge mechanism 21, and can be opened and closed in front of the outer frame 15. Note that the middle frame 17 is locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (inserting the door key into the cylinder lock 23 and moving the door key in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction of the front frame 20 (in this embodiment, to the right). rotation) is possible.

The front frame 20 is rotatably supported around the left end side by a hinge mechanism 21, and can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame 17. The front frame 20 is locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (inserting the door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction of the middle frame 17 (in this embodiment, to the left) ) is possible.
Further, the front frame 20 includes a transparent member 25 arranged to cover the game area 50a, and the transparent member 25 protects the game area 50a and the game board 50 from view.
Further, the front frame 20 includes an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are vertically spaced apart and integrally provided with the front frame 20. .
The front frame 20 also includes an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball tray 29, and by rotating the operation handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a. It looks like this.

Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the middle frame 17 includes a middle frame opening sensor 76 that detects whether the middle frame 17 is in an open state or a closed state with respect to the outer frame 15. , and a front frame opening sensor 77 that detects whether the front frame 20 is in an open state or a closed state with respect to the middle frame 17. In this embodiment, these door opening sensors are all turned on in the open state and turned off in the closed state. However, these door opening sensors may be configured to be OFF in the open state and ON in the closed state.
Thereby, the gaming machine 10 can detect both the open/close state of the middle frame 17 with respect to the outer frame 15 and the open/close state of the front frame 20 with respect to the middle frame 17.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a group of operation buttons operated by the player are arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball tray 27. This operation button group is provided with a ball lending button 39a and a return button 39b that accepts a prepaid card return operation as a main operation section 39 electrically connected to the main control board 100, which will be described later. 1 As an operation unit that is electrically connected to the sub-control board 200, a performance button that can accept operations by a player to switch performances occurring during a game or to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10. 37, and cursor buttons 38 (up cursor button 38a, down cursor button 38b, left cursor button 38c, right cursor button 38d, middle cursor button 38e) for instructing up, down, left, and right operations, respectively. included. Note that each operating section is provided with a sensor for detecting an operation, and the control board to be connected detects the operation of each operating section based on a change in the detection state of the sensor.
Further, on the side of the upper ball receiving tray 27, a movable decoration body 22 is provided which is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown).

A ball extraction mechanism 36 is provided at the bottom of the lower ball tray 29 to discharge the game balls stored in the lower ball tray 29 downward. By operating this ball extraction mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed at the bottom of the lower ball receiving tray 29 opens, and game balls naturally fall and are discharged from the bottom opening.
Although not shown, the upper ball receiving tray 27 is provided with a mechanism that, when operated, moves the stored balls to the lower ball receiving tray 29, similar to the ball removing mechanism 36. By operating both mechanisms 36, it becomes possible to discharge the stored balls.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are provided on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20, respectively. Further, the upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed of light-transmitting covers, and frame lamps 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) are disposed inside each of them. There is. The speaker 33 and the frame lamp 35 can output sound or turn on or off in conjunction with effects, error notifications, etc. that occur during the game.

The effect display device 80 is composed of a main display section 81 disposed approximately at the center of the game board 50 and a sub display section 82 disposed around the main display section 81. The sub-display section 82 further includes an upper sub-display section 82 a disposed above the main display section 81 , a left sub-display section 82 b disposed on the left side of the main display section 81 , and a sub-display section 82 b disposed above the main display section 81 . and a right sub-display section 82c disposed on the right side of the screen.
Here, the main display section 81 is a fixed type liquid crystal display device, and the upper sub-display section 82a, the left sub-display section 82b, and the right sub-display section 82c are movable liquid crystal display devices operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown). It is a display device.

The main display section 81 can display a variable display of symbol rows that is performed in conjunction with a variable display on a first special symbol display device 91 or a second special symbol display device 92, which will be described later, and can also display various other effects. can also be displayed.
In the variable display of the symbol rows (decorative symbols) displayed on the main display section 81, the displayed decorative symbols form three symbol rows. Although the direction of the variable display of each symbol row in this embodiment is downward, the direction is not particularly limited. For example, it may be in an upward direction, a left-right direction, a depth direction, or a combination thereof (diagonal direction).
Here, the depth direction refers to a pattern row that extends from the back of the main display section 81 toward the front or vice versa, even though it is actually a two-dimensional variable display on the display screen of the main display section 81. Refers to the virtual direction that the player recognizes in a display mode that uses a method (for example, perspective) that makes it appear as if it were being displayed in a variable manner.
In addition, the decorative designs in this embodiment include a "1 design" imitating the number "1", a "2 design" imitating the number "2", a "3 design" imitating the number "3", "4 design" imitating the number "4", "5 design" imitating the number "5", "6 design" imitating the number "6", "7 design" imitating the number "7"'', an "8 symbol" imitating the number "8", and a "9 symbol" imitating the number "9", and these symbols are provided in each symbol row. In the following explanation, "1 design", "3 design", "5 design", "7 design", and "9 design" will be collectively referred to as "odd number design", and "2 design" and "4 design". , "6 symbols" and "8 symbols" may be collectively referred to as "even symbols."

Each of the sub-display sections 82 is not only provided mainly to display performance images related to the performance, but is also configured to be movable.
The initial positions of the upper sub-display section 82a are on the upper side with respect to the main display section 81, the left sub-display section 82b is on the left side with respect to the main display section 81, and the right sub-display section 82c is on the left side with respect to the main display section 81. Each of the sub-display sections 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions to a position where the entire display area of the sub-display section 82 overlaps the display area of the main display section 81. .

Furthermore, the effect display device 80 (the main display section 81, the upper sub-display section 82a, the left sub-display section 82b, and the right sub-display section 82c) in this embodiment employs a liquid crystal display device. The implementation of the invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of display devices such as a drum type and a dot matrix type can be employed as the effect display device 80.

A plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter abbreviated as "LEDs") are arranged on the lower right side of the main display section 81, and these LEDs constitute a display area of the symbol display device 90. Special symbols and normal symbols are displayed on the symbol display device 90.
Further, the symbol display device 90 is arranged in a position that is less visible to the player than the main display section 81, and the display area of the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of the main display section 81. .
The arrangement and number of LEDs related to the symbol display device 90 in this embodiment are as shown in FIG. 2, but this is just an example, and the arrangement and number of LEDs related to the symbol display device 90 are limited to this example. It is not something that will be done.

The special symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol change that determines whether or not to operate a special electric accessory (for example, the special electric accessory 65). The special symbols in this embodiment include a first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 and a second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 92.
The special symbol may be abbreviated as "special symbol", the first special symbol as "special symbol 1", and the second special symbol as "special symbol 2".

The normal symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol change that determines whether or not to operate a normal electric accessory (for example, the ordinary electric accessory 61). The normal symbols in this embodiment are displayed on the normal symbol display device 93.
Note that the normal symbol may be abbreviated as "Puzu", and the normal electric accessory may be referred to as "Electric Chew".

Further, the symbol display device 90 is provided with a first special symbol retention lamp 94, a second special symbol retention lamp 95, a normal symbol retention lamp 96, and an error notification lamp 97 in addition to the above-mentioned display device.
The first special symbol holding lamp 94 makes it possible to specify the number of symbol variations of the reserved special symbol 1, and the second special symbol retaining lamp 95 makes it possible to specify the number of symbol variations of the reserved special symbol 2. The normal symbol holding lamp 96 makes it possible to specify the number of symbol fluctuations of the reserved common symbol, and both have two LED lighting modes (in this embodiment, only the right side is always lit = 1, and the left and right sides are always lit = 1). 2. Right side blinking + left side constant lighting = 3, left and right blinking = 4), it is possible to specify the number of corresponding symbol variations.
Further, the error notification lamp 97 is composed of four LEDs, and by lighting up these LEDs, it is possible to identify the occurrence of some errors (abnormal winning errors to be described later). In particular, in this embodiment, unlike the main display section 81 described above, the error notification lamp 97 does not provide notification corresponding to the symbol variation while the symbol variation is being executed.

In the following explanation, the symbol variation in which the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 and then stopped is referred to as "symbol variation of the special symbol", and the following In the description, a symbol variation in which a normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the normal symbol display device 93 and then stopped and displayed may be referred to as a "symbol variation of a common symbol."
In addition, in the following explanation, the variable display of the symbol row (decorative pattern) displayed on the main display section 81 mentioned above will be distinguished from the "special pattern pattern variation" and "regular pattern pattern variation" and will be distinguished from the "decorative pattern pattern variation". It is sometimes referred to as "symbol variation".
In addition, in the following explanation, when it is simply referred to as "symbol variation", unless otherwise specified, it means the symbol variation of the special symbol.

As shown in FIG. 4, on the front surface of the game board 50, obstacles such as a large number of game nails (not shown), a windmill 52, and decorative members are arranged, so that the game ball that is launched can roll. A gaming area 50a is defined in the area.
Further, on the left side and above the gaming area 50a, a curved outer rail 51 and an inner rail 53 are arranged to guide the game ball launched by rotating the operating handle 31 to the upper part of the gaming area 50a. has been done. Note that the outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with the center of the gaming area 50a as a reference. Here, the windmill 52 is a nail-shaped mechanism for changing the falling direction of the game ball.

The game machine 10 is capable of adjusting the strength of the launch of the game ball by changing the amount of rotational operation (for example, the rotation angle) of the operating handle 31, and the first flow path where the game ball that is launched more weakly rolls. Various obstacles are placed in the gaming area 50a so that the game ball rolls through either X (so-called left-handed batting) or the second flow path Y (so-called right-handed batting) where the game ball that is hit more strongly rolls. It is located.

In FIG. 4, the major winning openings 55, the first starting opening 57, the second starting opening 59, the gate 63, and the general winning opening 67 are shown as the main winning openings, but the illustrated winning openings are just examples. , and their number and arrangement may be changed as appropriate.

The big prize opening 55 is arranged at the lower right part of the gaming area 50a. A big winning hole sensor 72 is attached to the big winning hole 55, and a winning to the big winning hole 55 is determined based on the detection result of the big winning hole sensor 72, and a number (a book) corresponding to the big winning hole 55 is determined. In the embodiment, 15) prize balls are awarded.
In addition, in this embodiment, more game balls roll toward the big prize opening 55 when rolling from the second flow path Y than when rolling from the first flow path X. Each obstacle is placed.

A special electric accessory 65 is arranged above the grand prize opening 55. The special electric accessory 65 is a member that convertably transitions to an open state where it is easy to enter the big prize opening 55 or a closed state where it is difficult to enter the ball, and the special electric accessory solenoid 66 allows the special electric accessory solenoid 66 to switch between the open state and the closed state. Transition to one of the states.
More specifically, the special electric accessory 65 is a part of a jackpot game that is started due to a jackpot being derived by a special figure correctness determination described later, or a small win is derived by a special figure correctness determination, which will be described later. Due to this, a part of the small winning game that is started is in an open state, and accordingly, winning to the big winning opening 55 is allowed. In this way, when the special electric accessory 65 is in the open state, it becomes easier to enter the big prize opening 55, so jackpot games and small winning games that greatly increase the chance of winning prize balls, It can be said that this is an advantageous gaming state. Furthermore, although the details will be described later, the small winning game in this embodiment can cause a jackpot game.
In the jackpot game, the open state and closed state of the special electric accessory 65 are set alternately, and one open state (sometimes referred to as a "round game", and the total number of round games that occur in one jackpot) is set alternately. The round (sometimes referred to as the "number of rounds") ends based on a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) of game balls entering the grand prize opening 55, and the special electric accessory 65 closes. state. Furthermore, one open state in the jackpot game is based on the elapse of a sufficient time (in this embodiment, 30 seconds) for a predetermined number of game balls to enter the jackpot 55. It will also end.
On the other hand, the small winning game ends when 1.8 seconds have elapsed from the open state of the special electric accessory 65 or when 10 game balls have entered the big prize opening 55. Therefore, in the small winning game, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the big winning hole 55 compared to the jackpot game.

By the way, in one round, when the special electric accessory 65 is set from the open state to the closed state based on a specified number (10 in this embodiment) of game balls winning, it immediately changes to the closed state. It cannot be. Therefore, in one round game in a jackpot game or in a small win game, winning of game balls exceeding the specified number in the big winning opening 55 may occur, and such winning may be referred to as over winning.

The first starting port 57 is arranged at the lower center of the gaming area 50a. A first starting port sensor 70 is attached to the first starting port 57, and a winning in the first starting port 57 is determined based on the detection result of the first starting port sensor 70, and the prize is associated with the first starting port 57. The number of prize balls given (in this embodiment, 4) is awarded. In at least a part of the case where it is determined that a prize has been won in the first starting hole 57, the symbol variation of the special drawing 1 will be performed.
In addition, in the game area 50a according to the present embodiment, more game balls are directed toward the first starting port 57 when rolling from the first flow path X than when rolling from the second flow path Y. It is assumed that obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that they roll.

The second starting port 59 is arranged at the lower right portion of the gaming area 50a. A second starting port sensor 71 is attached to the second starting port 59 , and a winning in the second starting port 59 is determined based on the detection result of the second starting port sensor 71 , and the prize is associated with the second starting port 59 . The number of prize balls given (in this embodiment, 1) is awarded.
In at least a part of the case where it is determined that a prize has been won in the second starting hole 59, the symbol variation of the special drawing 2 will be performed.
In addition, in the game area 50a according to the present embodiment, more game balls are directed toward the second starting port 59 when rolling from the second flow path Y than when rolling from the first flow path X. It is assumed that obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that they roll.

A normal electric accessory 61 is disposed in the flow path connected to the second starting port 59. The normal electric accessory 61 is a member that convertably transitions between an open state in which it is easy to enter the game ball into the second starting port 59 and a closed state in which it is difficult to enter the game ball, and the normal electric accessory solenoid 62 transitions to either the open or closed state.
More specifically, the ordinary electric accessory 61 becomes an open state when the result of the determination of the validity of the ordinary figure, which will be described later, is a hit of the ordinary figure (hereinafter may simply be expressed as "the hit of the ordinary figure"). , Accordingly, winning to the second starting port 59 is allowed. In this way, when the normal electric accessory 61 is in the open state, it is possible to enter the second starting port 59, so the symbol fluctuation of the special drawing 2 is suppressed by the prize ball while suppressing the decrease in the number of game balls. The chances of being executed can be greatly increased.

The gate 63 is located at the right center of the gaming area 50a. A gate sensor 74 is attached to the gate 63, and winning at the gate 63 is determined based on the detection result of the gate sensor 74. In at least a part of the case where winning at the gate 63 is determined, the symbols of common symbols will be changed.
Further, in this embodiment, the gate 63 can serve as an opportunity to start a jackpot game in a jackpot game standby state, which will be described later. Specifically, when it is detected that a game ball enters (passes) the gate 63 in the jackpot game state, the waiting jackpot game is started. It should be noted that, apart from the gate 63, a passage area for the game ball that triggers the start of the jackpot game may be provided, but it is preferable that the passage area is provided on the second channel Y, similar to the gate 63.

The general winning hole 67 is arranged at the lower left part of the gaming area 50a. A general winning hole sensor 73 is attached to the general winning hole 67, and winning to the general winning hole 67 is determined based on the detection result of the general winning hole sensor 73, and the number ( In this embodiment, the prize ball 4) is awarded.
In addition, in this embodiment, more game balls roll toward the general prize opening 67 when rolling from the first flow path X than when rolling from the second flow path Y. Each obstacle is arranged, but each obstacle may be arranged so that many game balls roll toward the general winning hole 67 when rolling from the second flow path Y. . Further, a plurality of general winning holes 67 may be provided.

The out port 69 is arranged at the lowest part of the gaming area 50a. Game balls that are hit into the game area 50a and do not enter the above-mentioned winning holes fall into the out hole 69 and are treated as out balls.
In this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 (not shown) is provided for detecting an out ball, which is a game ball that has entered the input prize opening and the out opening 69.

As shown in FIG. 5, on the back side of the game board 50, there are a main control board case 109 in which the main control board 100 is stored, a first sub-control board case 209 in which the first sub-control board 200 is stored, and a second sub-control board case 209. The second sub-control board case 309 in which the control board 300 is stored, the power control board case 509 in which the power control board 500 is stored, and the payout control board case 409 in which the payout control board 400 is stored are installed, and the first sub-control board case 309 is installed. In addition to the back surfaces of the control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an opening/closing cover 45 is detachably attached to cover a part of the back surface of the main control board case 109.
Note that the main control board 100 is provided with a RAM clear switch 43.
Further, the board case and cover covering each board are made of transparent members, and the corresponding board is visible through each case and cover.

The power supply control board 500 generates a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates a normal power supply to be supplied to electronic and electrical components such as the above-mentioned control board, and a backup power supply based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island. It is comprised of a backup power supply circuit 502 and a power failure detection circuit 503 that detects a power failure (the voltage supplied by the normal power source drops by a predetermined voltage).
Further, a power switch 40 is connected to the power control board 500, and assuming that primary power is supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island, when the power switch 40 is turned on, the power control board 500 is turned on. Normal power is generated in the normal power supply circuit 501, and power is supplied to electronic and electrical components including the above-mentioned control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). is supplied.
Further, when a power outage is detected by the power outage detection circuit 503, the power supply control board 500 transmits a power outage signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, first sub control board 200, and payout control board 400. Send to.
Further, the backup power supply circuit 502 is configured to be charged when power is supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment on the gaming island.
Note that the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the payout control board 400, and the power failure detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, and the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400 may be provided.

Further, on the back side of the game board 50, above the open/close cover 45, a game ball tank 46 is arranged in which game balls supplied from the ball supply equipment of the game island are stored. The game ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 connected to the upper ball tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48, and the balls paid out by the payout unit 48 pass through the payout passage 49. The ball is then delivered to the upper ball receiving tray 27.

Up to this point, the structure of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment has been described, but these are only specific examples, and the present invention can be implemented with another structure.

<About the control configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Next, the control configuration provided in the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration included in the gaming machine 10. The control configuration shown in FIG. 6 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may include a control configuration not shown in FIG. 6.

The main control board 100 includes a CPU 101 that performs various calculation processes related to the game, a ROM 102 that stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area and buffer memory as a temporary storage area, and peripheral boards. It is equipped with an I/O port 104 that inputs and outputs signals to and from each device, and a random number circuit 105 that operates in a system separate from the program processing by the CPU 101 and generates random numbers (hard random numbers). are interconnected via an internal bus.

The CPU 101 reads various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performs arithmetic processing, thereby executing various processes related to the main control of the game.
The RAM 103 is backed up by a backup power supply generated in a backup power supply circuit, which will be described later. Specifically, among the information stored in the RAM 103, when the power is restored after a power outage (when the power is turned on), the gaming machine 10 can use the data to return to the state immediately before the power outage. Information is configured to be backed up. For example, in addition to data such as the stack pointer and each register that were held when a power outage occurred, the state of the gaming machine 10 at that time (playing stopped state or playing enabled state), the current regular lottery state, etc. Information related to games is to be backed up. Note that this information is cleared (initialized) by RAM clear processing. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, a special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA (described later as common figure low certainty) will be newly set. Furthermore, when the RAM clear process is executed, the initial symbol combination of the symbol row related to the decorative pattern is displayed in a stopped state, and if the RAM clear process is not executed when the power is turned on and when the power is turned off immediately before. Even when symbol variation is not being executed, the initial symbol combination is stopped and displayed. Further, this initial symbol combination is stopped and displayed only when the power is turned on, and is not stopped and displayed when symbol fluctuation is executed.

In this embodiment, in addition to at least an area in which information related to such games is stored (sometimes referred to as an area related to games in the RAM 103), the complement of the checksum and the area related to games in the RAM 103 are stored. The area where the backup flag is stored (sometimes referred to as a game-related backup information area of the RAM 103) is backed up. Then, when the power is restored, the gaming machine 10 returns using the various information stored in the backed-up gaming-related area of the RAM 103 and the gaming-related backup information area of the RAM 103.
Note that there are no restrictions on the specific method of backup in this embodiment. For example, the area of the RAM 103 that is to be backed up may be implemented with a configuration that can hold data in a non-volatile manner even in a power outage state. As another example, different hardware may be provided in the RAM 103 for a first memory that is configured to be able to hold data in a non-volatile manner even in a power-off state, and a second memory that is referenced when the gaming machine 10 is in operation. In that case, the gaming machine 10 saves the information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when the power is cut off, and transfers the saved information from the first memory to the first memory when the power is restored. All you have to do is recover to the second memory.

In addition, the main control board 100 includes a first starting opening sensor 70, a second starting opening sensor 71, a big winning opening sensor 72, a general winning opening sensor 73, a gate sensor 74, an out ball sensor 75, a middle frame opening sensor 76, It is electrically connected to the front frame door opening sensor 77, and is configured to be able to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU 101 via the I/O port 104.

Furthermore, the main control board 100 includes a first special symbol display device 91, a second special symbol display device 92, a normal symbol display device 93, a first special symbol retention lamp 94, a second special symbol retention lamp 95, and a normal symbol retention lamp. 96, an error notification lamp 97, a normal electric accessory solenoid 62, and a special electric accessory solenoid 66, and are configured to be able to control these via the I/O port 104.
Similarly, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the main operation section 39 and the RAM clear switch 43, and is configured to be able to detect operations on the main operation section 39.

The main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line. The main control board 100 is connected to enable communication only in the direction, and various production control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200.
Note that data cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the first sub-control board 200 cannot request the main control board 100 to send data. It is composed of
Further, in this embodiment, a parallel transmission method is employed for data transmission from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, but a serial transmission method may be employed.

The first sub-control board 200 serves as a temporary storage area, a CPU 201 that performs various calculation processes related to game performances based on performance control commands from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores data such as performance control programs and various lottery tables, etc. It is equipped with a RAM 203 that functions as a work area and buffer memory, and an I/O port 204 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device. The main controls related to game performance are executed according to a control program stored in the game machine.
Note that the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the production button 37 and the cursor button 38, and is configured to be able to detect the operation of the operation section.

In addition, the first sub-control board 200 outputs to the audio control board 310 an image control command that instructs the second sub-control board 300 to display an image in the production control process based on the production control command from the main control board 100. voice control commands for instructing the sound to be displayed, lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, movable control data for controlling the movement of the movable decorative body 22, the sub-display section 82, etc. generate.
Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 and the audio control board 310 for bidirectional communication, and each control command (image control command, audio control command) is transmitted to the first sub-control board 300 and the audio control board 310. The control board 200 sends a response command (ACK command) to each control board (second It is transmitted from the sub-control board 300 and the audio control board 310 to the first sub-control board 200.

Further, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the frame lamp 35 and transmits lamp control data via the I/O port 204. The frame lamp 35 is configured such that lighting is controlled by lamp control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.
Further, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display section 82 and transmits movable control data via the I/O port 204. The movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display section 82 are configured to be movable under movable control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.

The second sub-control board 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs various calculation processes related to image production based on image control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 302 that stores image control programs and various data, and a temporary storage area. It is equipped with a RAM 303 that functions as a work area and buffer memory, and an I/O port 304 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device. It is configured to execute such main control.
In addition, although not shown, the second sub-control board 300 includes a VDP that generates image data in accordance with the content of the performance determined by the performance content determining means 225, which will be described later, based on the control signal received from the CPU 301; It is equipped with a sound source IC that generates audio data in accordance with the content of the performance based on control signals received from the CPU 301. The VDP is a so-called image processor that reads image data stored in the image ROM in response to instructions from the CPU 301, processes the image data, and sends the generated image data to the main display section 81 and sub display section 82. do. Further, a high-speed VRAM used for developing and processing image data read from the image ROM is connected to this VDP.

The audio control board 310 includes a CPU 311 that performs various calculation processes related to audio production based on audio control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores audio control programs, audio data, etc., and a workpiece that serves as a temporary storage area. It is equipped with a RAM 313 that functions as an area and buffer memory, and an I/O port 314 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device. is configured to perform specific control. Therefore, the audio control board 310 reads the audio data stored in the ROM 312 in response to the audio control command received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesizes the read audio data, and generates the final audio data after synthesis. can be transmitted to the speaker 33 via an amplifier, and the speaker 33 can output sound.

The payout control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU, ROM, and RAM (all not shown).
Further, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally, and controls the payout unit 48 to be driven to pay out game balls based on the payout control command from the main control board 100. At the same time, the ball feeding mechanism and the firing mechanism are driven synchronously based on the amount of operation of the operating handle 31 to control the firing of the game balls.

The power supply control board 500 includes a normal power supply circuit that generates a normal power supply to be supplied to electronic and electrical components such as the above-mentioned control board, and a backup circuit that generates a backup power supply based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island. It is comprised of a power supply circuit and a power interruption detection circuit (both not shown) that detects a power interruption (the voltage supplied by the normal power source drops by a predetermined voltage).
Further, a power switch 40 is connected to the power control board 500, and assuming that primary power is supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island, when the power switch 40 is turned on, the power control board 500 is turned on. Normal power is generated in the normal power supply circuit, and power is supplied to electronic and electrical components including the above-mentioned control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). Supplied.
Further, when a power outage is detected by the power outage detection circuit, the power supply control board 500 sends a power outage signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400. Send.
Further, the backup power supply circuit is configured to be charged when power is supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment on the gaming island.
Note that the backup power supply circuit may be provided on the payout control board 400, and the power failure detection circuit may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but instead of being provided on the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400. They may be provided for each.

<About the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10>
Next, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be explained using FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the functional configuration shown in FIG. 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may include a functional configuration that is not shown in FIG. 7. Furthermore, when explaining the functional configuration, reference will be made to FIGS. 8 to 12 as necessary.

As shown in FIG. 7, the main control board 100 includes a ball entry determination means 110, a main random number generation means 115, a main reservation control means 120, a preliminary determination means 125, a special lottery means 130, a regular lottery means 135, and a jackpot game. Control means 140, symbol display control means 145, electric accessory control means 150, game state control means 155, main information storage means 160, main error control means 165, main command management means 170, power recovery processing execution means 175, and A cutoff processing execution means 180 is provided, and these means are functional representations of what is realized by each control configuration on the main control board 100 described using FIG.

First, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read out by the means included in the main control board 100, data derived by calculations in the means, etc., in respective storage areas. . In particular, the data (effect control commands) stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 is transmitted by the command transmission means to the sub-command management means 270 of the first sub-control board 200, which will be described later. be done.

Ball entry determining means 110 determines whether or not a ball has entered each winning hole based on the detection result of a sensor provided in each winning hole.
In addition, when it is determined that the game ball has won by a sensor provided in the winning hole, such as the big winning hole sensor 72, the ball entering determination means 110 provides an effect that includes information that can specify the type of sensor related to the winning. A control command (winning command) is generated and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

The main random number generation means 115 is capable of generating multiple types of random numbers with different update ranges by the random number circuit 105, and at the timing when a winning in the winning opening is determined, the random number circuit 105 generates one or more random numbers corresponding to the winning opening. Obtain (latch) a random number.
More specifically, when it is determined that a prize has been won in the first starting hole 57 or the second starting hole 59, the main random number generating means 115 generates a random number for determining whether the special pattern is correct or not, and a special pattern stopping pattern, which will be described later. Obtain random numbers for lottery and random numbers for special pattern fluctuation pattern lottery. When it is determined that the gate 63 has won, a random number for determining the validity of a common symbol, a random number for a random symbol stopping symbol lottery, and a random number for a common symbol variation pattern lottery, which will be described later, are stored in the corresponding main information storage means 160. Store in storage area.
Note that the random number circuit 105 monitors whether the plurality of types of random numbers that it updates itself are updated normally or not, and if an update abnormality occurs in which the random numbers are not updated normally, the random number circuit 105 Information indicating that the abnormality has occurred is written in a specific storage area. Therefore, the CPU 101 can grasp that an update abnormality in the random number circuit 105 has occurred.

The main reservation control means 120 performs control regarding the reservation of symbol fluctuations of special symbols and symbol fluctuations of regular symbols. Regarding special figure 1, the random numbers for special figure validity judgment, random numbers for special figure stop symbol lottery, and random numbers for special figure fluctuation pattern lottery, which are obtained by winning in the first starting opening 57, are specially selected. It is held (stored) as the operation hold information shown in FIG.
More specifically, the main reservation control means 120 adds 1 each time the operation reservation information of the special symbol 1 is reserved, and the operation reservation information of the special symbol 1 is used (in the lottery of the special symbol lottery means 130). A holding counter (hereinafter referred to as the "Special Figure 1 Holding Counter") is decremented by 1 for each time the special drawing 1 holding counter is used. The operation reservation information is stored in the storage area corresponding to the current special figure 1 reservation counter of the main information storage means 160, and each time the operation reservation information is used, the used operation reservation information is cleared and the remaining operation reservation information is stored. The information is controlled to be moved (shifted) from the current storage area to the storage area corresponding to the special figure 1 holding counter which is one less than the current special figure 1 holding counter in order from the smallest special figure 1 holding counter.
In addition, the main holding control means 120 also performs the same control as the above-mentioned control for special drawings 2 and general drawings separately from special drawings 1, and the holding counter for special drawings 2 is called the special drawing 2 holding counter, and the main holding counter The upper limit of the value of the special figure 2 reservation counter in the embodiment is 4.
In addition, in the following explanation, "suspension of operation reservation information" may be expressed as "suspension of symbol fluctuation" or simply "suspension."
In addition, when the main reservation control means 120 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation reservation information (reservation counter) of Tokuzu 1 or Tokuzu 2, the main reservation control means 120 performs production control including the Tokuzu 1 reservation counter and the Tokuzu 2 reservation counter. A command (pending command) is generated, and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
In addition, in this embodiment, when both the operation reservation information corresponding to special figure 1 and the operation reservation information corresponding to special figure 2 are reserved, the operation reservation information corresponding to special figure 2 is prioritized. The priority variations used are made. However, instead of this priority variation, simultaneous variation may be adopted in which the operation reservation information corresponding to the special figure 1 and the operation reservation information corresponding to the special figure 2 are used at the same time.

The advance determination means 125 executes advance determination for a look-ahead effect targeting the operation reservation information at least in part when the operation reservation information of the special symbol is suspended at a predetermined advance determination timing.
More specifically, the preliminary determination means 125 reads out each random number of the operation suspension information that has been suspended this time, and performs preliminary determination for each of the special pattern validity determination, special pattern stop symbol lottery, and special pattern variation pattern lottery, which will be described later. Execute. In each preliminary determination, a lottery table (not shown) that is the same as or equivalent to the lottery table used in the lottery corresponding to each preliminary determination is used. Therefore, the results of these preliminary determinations are the same as the results of the lottery that will be executed later.
Further, the advance determination means 125 generates a production control command (advance determination command) including the derived result of the advance determination, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
Since the advance determination command is transmitted (generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160) at least in part at the timing of the predetermined advance determination, the advance determination command is transmitted following the above-mentioned suspended command. It will be sent. Here, the timing of the predetermined advance determination refers to the timing when the jackpot game is not in progress, and includes, for example, the timing when the activation suspension information of the special symbol is suspended. In addition, in this embodiment, if the operation suspension information of special map 1 is suspended during the high accuracy of general maps described later, the advance determination is regulated, so the transmission of the advance determination command corresponding to the advance determination is also restricted. Regulated. On the other hand, in the case where the operation reservation information of the special map 2 is suspended during the low probability of a general map which will be described later, the advance determination may or may not be restricted.

The special pattern lottery means 130 includes a special pattern validity determination means 131, a special pattern stop symbol lottery means 132, and a special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation means 133. Processing by each means is executed in the order of the variation pattern deriving means 133. The special symbol lottery means 130 reads out the earliest operation suspension information among the operation suspension information held in the main information storage means 160 when the special symbol variation start condition is satisfied.
In addition, "the special pattern fluctuation start conditions are met" means, for example, that the jackpot game is not in progress, and that neither special pattern 1 nor special pattern 2 is in the process of pattern variation (special pattern 1 or special pattern 2). (including during the stop display of the symbol variation related to the special figure 2), all conditions for the existence of operation hold information in at least one of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 are satisfied.

Here, FIGS. 8 to 12 are diagrams schematically showing lottery tables used in the main control board 100, and will be referred to as necessary in the following description.
In addition, in a lottery using a lottery table, including those other than these lottery tables, the lottery values stored in the lottery table are sequentially added to the read random numbers in a predetermined order (only one target lottery value is used). If so, the number of additions is once), and the result corresponding to the lottery value in which a carry (overflow) has occurred is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the explanation regarding lottery tables, names are attached to the lottery tables for convenience of explanation, but if data such as lottery values included in the lottery table corresponding to the name is stored in an identifiable manner in each ROM, Often these names do not specify the area where the data is stored. In the illustrated lottery table, if there are items listed for convenience of explanation or "-" or "0" as lottery values, these do not necessarily indicate data stored in each ROM. isn't it. In addition, results with "-" or "0" written as the lottery value will not win. Furthermore, if the same lottery value as the random number range used for the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained within the range) is listed in the lottery table, the result will be 100% derived, so the lottery is not necessarily performed. There is no need to do so. In addition, if the total value of the lottery values used in one lottery matches the random number range used in the lottery, a carry will always occur in the addition of the last lottery value, so there is no need to perform the addition. In that case, the lottery value itself used for the addition becomes unnecessary.

The special pattern correctness determination means 131 reads a random number for determining whether the special pattern is correct or not each time the symbol changes, and uses the read random number and a lottery table for determining whether the special pattern is correct or not to decide whether to win a jackpot, a small hit, or a loss. A special map validity judgment is executed to determine the validity of the special drawing by lottery.
FIG. 8(a) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for determining the validity of special symbols. The lottery table is different between special symbols 1 and 2, and the range of random numbers used in these determinations is , 0 to 65535. Therefore, in the special figure correctness determination in the special figure 1, a jackpot is derived with a probability of 205/65536 (approximately 1/320), and otherwise it is a loss and a small hit is not derived. On the other hand, in the special figure 2 judgment, a jackpot is derived with a probability of 205/65536 (approximately 1/320), a small hit is derived with a probability of 1820/65536 (approximately 1/36.0), and Anything other than that will result in a loss.
In addition, in this embodiment, as will be described later, since a jackpot game can be generated via a small win, the probability that a jackpot is derived in the special pattern correctness determination is set to the above-mentioned one probability.

The special pattern stop symbol lottery unit 132 selects a random number for the special pattern stop symbol lottery (in the range of 0 to 999 in this embodiment) and a special pattern stop when the result of the special pattern validity determination is a jackpot or small hit. The stopping symbols of the special symbols are determined by lottery using a lottery table for symbol lottery.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(b), which is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for the stop symbol lottery used when a jackpot is derived in the special symbol correctness determination related to the special symbol 1, the special symbol When a jackpot is derived in the special pattern correctness determination related to 1, the pattern A has a probability of 500/1000 (1/2), the pattern B has a probability of 450/1000 (approximately 1/2.22), Symbol C is determined as a stopping symbol with a probability of 50/1000 (1/20).
Here, even if any of symbol A, symbol B, and symbol C is determined, after the jackpot game corresponding to these stopped symbols is completed, it will become a flat pattern high certainty, which will be described later, but the general pattern high certainty will continue. The number of symbol changes to be made is 10 times after the end of the jackpot game when symbol A is determined, and 80 times after the end of the jackpot game when symbol B or symbol C is determined.
Further, the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to symbols A and B is four, while the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to symbol C is ten. Therefore, it can be said that the symbol C is more advantageous than the symbol B from the viewpoint of the number of rounds, and the symbol B is more advantageous than the symbol A from the viewpoint of the prescribed number of times related to the normal and high accuracy.

As shown in FIG. 8(c), which is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for the stop symbol lottery used when a jackpot is derived in the special pattern correctness determination regarding the special pattern 2, the special pattern related to the special pattern 2 When a jackpot is derived in the judgment, symbol a is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 900/1000 (approximately 1/1.11), and symbol b is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 100/1000 (1/10). Ru.
Here, symbol a is a stop symbol for which the number of rounds of the corresponding jackpot game is 4, and which becomes a high accuracy flat pattern after the end of the jackpot game, and the specified number of times regarding the high accuracy of the general pattern is 80. be. On the other hand, symbol b is a stop symbol for which the number of rounds of the corresponding jackpot game is 10, and which becomes a high accuracy after the end of the jackpot game, and the prescribed number of times regarding the high accuracy of the general pattern is 80. . Therefore, it can be said that symbol b is more advantageous than symbol a in terms of the number of rounds.

As shown in FIG. 8(d), which is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for the stop symbol lottery used when a small hit is derived in the special pattern correctness determination regarding the special pattern 2, the special pattern related to the special pattern 2 When a small hit is derived in the pattern judgment, symbol c has a probability of 900/1000 (approximately 1/1.11) and symbol d has a probability of 100/1000 (1/10) as a stop symbol. It is determined.
Here, if a jackpot game occurs in the small win game related to symbol c, the number of rounds in the jackpot game will be 4, and after the end of the jackpot game, the specified number of rounds will be 80 times. . On the other hand, when a jackpot game occurs in the small win game related to symbol d, the number of rounds in the jackpot game becomes 10, and after the end of the jackpot game, the specified number of rounds becomes 80 times. Therefore, it can be said that symbol d is more advantageous than symbol c in terms of the number of rounds when a jackpot game occurs.
Further, when a jackpot game occurs in a small winning game, the number of rounds in the jackpot game is the number calculated by considering the small winning game as one round. In addition, in the following explanation, the jackpot game caused by the small win game related to pattern c will be expressed as "the jackpot game related to pattern c", and the jackpot game caused by the small win game related to pattern d will be expressed as "the jackpot game caused by the small win game related to pattern d". It may be expressed as "the jackpot game related to d".

In addition, when the result of the special pattern correctness judgment regarding the special pattern 1 is a loss, the special pattern stopping pattern lottery means 132 determines the pattern D as the stopping pattern and performs the special pattern correctness judgment related to the special pattern 2. If the result is a loss, symbol e is determined as a stop symbol.

In this way, in the present embodiment described above, the jackpot game that occurs in the symbol variation related to the special figure 2 tends to be more advantageous than the jackpot game that occurs in the symbol variation related to the special figure 1. Therefore, the interest in the game can be further increased by transitioning from the special figure variation pattern deriving state PA to another special figure variation pattern deriving state, which will be described later.

The special pattern variation pattern deriving means 133 is provided with a plurality of types of special pattern variation pattern lottery tables that are referred to when determining a special pattern variation pattern, and based on the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state and the result of the current special pattern validity determination. Based on this, select one special pattern fluctuation pattern lottery table to determine the current special pattern fluctuation pattern, and use the selected special pattern fluctuation pattern lottery table and random numbers for special pattern fluctuation pattern lottery to create one special pattern. A figure variation pattern is determined, and a variation time is determined based on the determined special figure variation pattern. Here, the variation time refers to the time from the start of the symbol variation related to the special pattern (special pattern 1 or special pattern 2) to the end of the pattern variation.
Details of the transition conditions etc. will be described later, but the special pattern variation pattern derivation states in this embodiment include a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, and a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC. . The above-mentioned method for determining the special pattern variation pattern is adopted for the symbol variation of special pattern 1 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, and is adopted in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB and the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC. It is adopted in the symbol variation shown in Figure 2. In addition, in the symbol variation related to the other special symbol in each special symbol variation pattern derivation state, one predetermined special symbol variation pattern is determined according to the result of the special symbol validity determination.

FIG. 9(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special pattern variation pattern lottery table used in symbol variation related to special pattern 1 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is , 0 to 999.
As shown in FIG. 9(a), in the symbol variation related to the special figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation pattern HNP to special figure variation pattern ASP-C can be determined.
Specifically, if the result of the special pattern validity judgment is a loss in the symbol variation related to the special pattern 1 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, the probability is 900/1000 (approximately 1/1.11). Special figure fluctuation pattern HNP has a probability of 52/1000 (about 1/19.2), special figure variation pattern HRP has a probability of 13/1000 (about 1/76.9), HSP1-A has a probability of 11/1000 (about 1/76.9). HSP1-B with a probability of 1/90.9, HSP2-A with a probability of 9/1000 (about 1/111), HSP2-B with a probability of 7/1000 (about 1/143), and HSP2-B with a probability of 5/1000 (about 1/143). HSP3-A is determined with a probability of /200) and HSP3-B is determined with a probability of 3/1000 (approximately 1/333), and in this case, special pattern fluctuation patterns ASP1-A to special pattern fluctuation patterns ASP-C are determined. It will never be decided. The details will be described later using FIG. 9(b), but when the special symbol fluctuation pattern HNP is determined, the special symbol fluctuation pattern is determined using the value of the special symbol 1 pending counter at the start of the current symbol fluctuation. is further specified.
On the other hand, if the result of the special pattern validity judgment is a jackpot in the pattern variation related to special pattern 1 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, there is a probability of 90/1000 (approximately 1/11.1) that the special pattern Variation pattern ASP1-A, special figure variation pattern ASP1-B with a probability of 110/1000 (about 1/9.09), special figure variation pattern ASP2-A with a probability of 135/1000 (about 1/7.41) , Special figure variation pattern ASP2-B with a probability of 165/1000 (about 1/6.06), special figure variation pattern ASP3-A with a probability of 180/1000 (about 1/5.56), 220/1000 ( The special pattern fluctuation pattern ASP3-B is determined with a probability of approximately 1/4.56), and the special pattern fluctuation pattern ASP-C is determined with a probability of 100/1000 (1/10), and in this case, the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP ~Special figure variation pattern HSP3-B is never determined.
In this way, in this embodiment, if the result of the special pattern validity judgment is a loss in the pattern variation related to the special pattern 1 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, the 100/1000 (1/10) One of the special figure variation patterns HRP to special figure variation patterns HSP3-B is determined at a ratio of 900/1000 (approximately 1/1.11), and the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined. Furthermore, if the result of the special pattern correctness judgment is a jackpot in the symbol variation related to special pattern 1 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern variation pattern One of ASP1-A to special figure fluctuation patterns ASP-C is determined.
Here, in the explanation related to the special pattern variation patterns of this embodiment, if two special pattern variation patterns are described with "~" in between, it will be noted that In accordance with the order described in the drawings, the description of the special pattern variation pattern that exists between the special pattern variation pattern described earlier and the special symbol variation pattern described later is omitted. In addition, in the explanation regarding the special figure fluctuation patterns of this embodiment, if the name of the special figure fluctuation pattern is different, regardless of whether the corresponding fluctuation time is described, the different special figure fluctuation patterns are different (variation different times).

FIG. 9(b) is a diagram schematically showing a special pattern variation pattern lottery table used when the special pattern variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special pattern 1 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA. The range of random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special pattern fluctuation pattern lottery table shown in FIG. 9(a)) is from 0 to 999.
As shown in FIG. 9(b), the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP that can be determined in the symbol fluctuation related to special pattern 1 in the special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PA includes a special pattern fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 3200 ms (milliseconds). There are HNP-A, special figure variation pattern HNP-B with a variation time of 5600ms, special figure variation pattern HNP-C with a variation time of 8000ms, and special figure variation pattern HNP-D with a variation time of 11200ms, and the variation time is in this order. is getting longer.
Specifically, when the special symbol 1 pending counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 3, the special symbol variation pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1). Similarly, if the special pattern 1 pending counter = 2 at the start of the current symbol fluctuation, the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-A will change to 850/1000 (approximately 1/6.67) with a probability of The special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of approximately 1/1.18), and if the special pattern 1 pending counter = 1 at the start of the current symbol fluctuation, the probability is 50/1000 (1/20). Special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-A has a probability of 150/1000 (about 1/6.67), special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-B has a probability of 800/1000 (1/1.25). If pattern HNP-C is determined and special pattern 1 pending counter = 0 at the start of the current pattern variation, special pattern variation pattern HNP-B will change to 100/1 with a probability of 50/1000 (1/20). The special pattern variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 1000 (1/10), and the special pattern variation pattern HNP-D is determined with a probability of 850/1000 (approximately 1/1.18). In the following explanation, when the value of the special figure reservation counter to be referenced is 3, it will be referred to as "Hold 3", and when the value of the special figure reservation counter is 2, it will be referred to as "Hold 2", When the value of the special figure reservation counter is 1, it may be referred to as "hold 1", and when the value of the special figure hold counter is 0, it may be referred to as "hold 0".
In this way, when the special symbol fluctuation pattern HNP is determined in the special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, the special symbol fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time ) are different. More specifically, the smaller the value of the special figure 1 pending counter at the start of the current symbol variation, the easier it is to determine a long symbol variation (the larger the value of the special figure 1 pending counter at the start of the current symbol variation, the shorter the (This makes it easier to determine the fluctuation time).
In addition, such a special figure variation pattern HNP (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "basic special figure variation pattern") also exists in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, and these In the special figure variation pattern derivation state, the pending counter to be referred to is different from the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, and in both cases, the value of the special figure 2 pending counter is referred to.

FIG. 10(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special pattern variation pattern lottery table used in the symbol variation related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is It is from 0 to 999.
As shown in FIG. 10(a), in the symbol variation related to the special figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, the special figure variation pattern HNP to special figure variation pattern ASP-F can be determined.
Specifically, if the result of the special pattern validity judgment is a loss in the symbol variation related to the special pattern 2 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, the probability is 960/1000 (approximately 1/1.04). The special figure fluctuation pattern HNP is 20/1000 (1/50), the special figure fluctuation pattern HSP-D is 15/1000 (approximately 1/66.7), and the special figure fluctuation pattern HSP-E is 5/1000 (1/66.7). HSP-F is determined with a probability of 200), and in this case, special pattern variation patterns ASP-D to special pattern variation patterns ASP-F are not determined. The details will be described later using FIG. 10(b), but when the special symbol fluctuation pattern HNP is determined, the special symbol fluctuation pattern is determined using the value of the special symbol 2 pending counter at the start of the current symbol fluctuation. is further specified. The method of determining the special figure fluctuation pattern using this special figure 2 reservation counter is also the same in the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, which will be described later.
On the other hand, if the result of the special pattern correctness determination is a jackpot or small hit in the pattern variation related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, the special pattern has a probability of 500/1000 (1/2). The variation pattern ASP-D is determined, ASP-E is determined with a probability of 350/1000 (approximately 1/2.86), and ASP-F is determined with a probability of 150/1000 (approximately 1/6.67), and in this case, Special figure variation patterns HNP to special figure variation patterns HSP-F are never determined.
In this way, in this embodiment, if the result of the special pattern validity judgment is a loss in the symbol variation related to the special pattern 2 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, the 40/1000 (1/25) One of the special pattern variation patterns HSP-D to HSP-F is determined at a ratio of 960/1000 (approximately 1/1.04), and the special pattern variation pattern HNP is determined at a ratio of 960/1000 (approximately 1/1.04). Furthermore, if the result of the special pattern correctness determination is a jackpot or small hit during the special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PB, the special pattern fluctuation pattern ASP-D ~ special pattern One of the variation patterns ASP-F is determined.

FIG. 10(b) is a diagram schematically showing a special pattern variation pattern lottery table used when the special pattern variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB. The range of random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special pattern fluctuation pattern lottery table shown in FIG. 10(a)) is from 0 to 999.
As shown in FIG. 10(b), the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP that can be determined in the symbol fluctuation related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PB includes the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-E with a fluctuation time of 3000 ms, and There is a special figure fluctuation pattern HNP-F with a fluctuation time of 15000ms.
Specifically, if the special figure 2 pending counter at the start of the current symbol variation = 3, if the special figure 2 pending counter at the start of the current symbol variation = 2, and if the special symbol at the start of the current symbol variation is Figure 2 When the pending counter = 1, the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-E is determined with a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1), and in these cases, the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-F is determined. There isn't. On the other hand, if the special pattern 2 pending counter = 0 at the start of the current pattern variation, the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-F is determined with a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1), and in these cases, the special pattern The variation pattern HNP-E is never determined.
In addition, the special pattern variation pattern HNP-E and the special pattern variation pattern HNP-F are determined when the special pattern variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to the special pattern 1 in the above-mentioned special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA. The obtained special figure variation pattern is different from any of the special figure variation patterns that can be determined when the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC described later.

FIG. 11(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special pattern variation pattern lottery table used in symbol variation related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is It is from 0 to 999.
As shown in FIG. 11(a), the special pattern fluctuation pattern lottery table used for the symbol fluctuation related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PC is set without inserting a jackpot game in the special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state. It may vary depending on the number of executed symbol variations, and in the symbol variation related to special symbol 2 in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PC, special symbol variation pattern HNP to special symbol variation pattern ASP-I can be determined.
Specifically, if the result of the special pattern validity judgment is a loss in the pattern variation related to special pattern 2 during the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, the probability is 950/1000 (approximately 1/1.05). Special figure variation pattern HNP, special figure variation pattern HSP-G with a probability of 25/1000 (1/40), special figure variation pattern HSP-H with a probability of 15/1000 (approximately 1/66.7), 10/ HSP-I is determined with a probability of 1000 (1/100), and in this case, special figure variation pattern ASP-G to special figure variation pattern ASP-I will not be determined.
On the other hand, if the result of the special pattern validity judgment is a jackpot or small hit in the symbol variation related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, regardless of the rotation speed in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC. Special pattern fluctuation pattern ASP-G with a probability of 500/1000 (1/2), ASP-H with a probability of 350/1000 (about 1/2.86), 150/1000 (about 1/6.67) ASP-I is determined with a probability of , and in this case, special figure variation pattern HNP to special figure variation pattern HSP-I will not be determined.

FIG. 11(b) is a diagram schematically showing a special pattern variation pattern lottery table used when the special pattern variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC. The range of random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special pattern fluctuation pattern lottery table shown in FIG. 11(a)) is from 0 to 999.
As shown in FIG. 11(b), the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP that can be determined in the symbol fluctuation related to special pattern 2 in the special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PC includes the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-G with a fluctuation time of 2000 ms, There is also a special figure variation pattern HNP-H with a variation time of 10000ms.
Specifically, if the special figure 2 pending counter at the start of the current symbol change = 3, if the special figure 2 pending counter at the start of the current symbol change = 2, and if the special figure 2 pending counter at the start of the current symbol change is Figure 2 When the pending counter = 1, the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-G is determined with a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1), and in these cases, the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-H is determined. There isn't. On the other hand, if the special pattern 2 pending counter = 0 at the start of the current pattern variation, the special pattern fluctuation pattern HNP-H is determined with a probability of 1000/1000 (1/1), and in these cases, the special pattern The variation pattern HNP-G is never determined.
Furthermore, the special figure variation pattern HNP-G and the special figure variation pattern HNP-H are determined when the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to the special figure 1 in the above-mentioned special figure variation pattern derivation state PA. This differs from both the obtained special figure variation pattern and the special figure variation pattern that can be determined when the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special figure 2 in the above-mentioned special figure variation pattern derivation state PB.

In addition, at the start of the symbol variation, the special symbol variation pattern deriving means 133 generates a performance control command (variation start command ) and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

Similar to the special symbol lottery means 130, the common symbol lottery means 135 reads out the earliest pending operation information among the pending operating information held in the main information storage means 160 when the symbol of the common symbol is not changing. , uses the read random number to execute a judgment of the validity of a general pattern, and also determines whether the normal pattern is correct based on the result of the judgment of the normal pattern and information such as the current derivation state of the special pattern fluctuation pattern. Various related parameters (general map fluctuation time, general map stop display time, etc.) are determined.
In the determination of the correctness of a common drawing, there are two types: a state in which the common drawing lottery state has a high probability (sometimes abbreviated as "common drawing high certainty"), and a state in which the common drawing drawing state has a low probability (abbreviated as "common drawing low certainty"). Although the illustration of the lottery table is omitted, in this embodiment, in the case of a high-accuracy pattern, there is a probability of 65,535/65,536 to win a pattern, and a remaining probability of 1/65,536 to lose. On the other hand, in the case of a low-accuracy pattern, there is a probability of 1/65536 that the pattern will be a hit, and a remaining probability of 65535/65536 that it will be a loss. It should be noted that in the case of a low accuracy of a normal pattern, it may be arranged so that the normal pattern does not hit (65536/65536 results in a loss).

At the start of a jackpot game, the jackpot game control means 140 generates a performance control command (jackpot start command) that includes information related to the jackpot game (the number of rounds and the derivation state of subsequent special symbol fluctuation patterns), and stores the main information. The sending command is stored in the sending command storage area of the means 160, and when the jackpot game ends, a performance control command (jackpot end command) including the demonstration time related to the end demonstration of the jackpot game is generated, and the sending command is stored in the main information storage means 160. Store it in the area. This also applies to jackpot games caused by small win games.

In addition, the jackpot game control means 140 starts a small win game when the result of the special figure correctness determination is a small win, and in the small win game, the game ball is placed in the large win opening 55 and the V winning prize is set. When the area (not shown) is passed, after the small winning game ends, the jackpot game corresponding to the small winning can be started. Therefore, in this embodiment, the small winning game functions as something that causes a jackpot game. It should be noted that if the game ball does not pass through the V winning area in the small winning game, the jackpot game will not start after the small winning game ends.

The symbol display control means 145 causes the first special symbol display device 91 to display the special symbol 1 in a variable manner according to the variation time corresponding to the determined special symbol variation pattern of the special symbol 1, and after the said variation time has elapsed, the special symbol 1 is displayed in a variable manner. A special symbol 1 is stopped and displayed with a stop symbol determined by a stop symbol lottery. Similarly, according to the variation time corresponding to the determined special symbol variation pattern of the special symbol 2, the special symbol 2 is displayed in a variable manner on the second special symbol display device 92, and after the said variation time has elapsed, the special symbol stop symbol is drawn by lottery. The special figure 2 is stopped and displayed with the determined stop symbol. Here, the stop display time of the symbol variation related to the special pattern is the time from when the special pattern is stopped and displayed until the pattern variation of the next special pattern can start (if the result of the special pattern validity judgment is a loss) ), or the time from the end of the symbol variation of the special pattern to the start of the jackpot game or the small winning game (if the result of the normal pattern judgment is a normal pattern hit), and the special pattern in this embodiment The stop display time of the symbol variation is uniformly 300 ms, regardless of the type of special symbol or the result of the special symbol validity determination.
In addition, the symbol display control means 145 has a special symbol game timer for managing the display time (fluctuating time, stop display time) of the special symbol 1 and the special symbol 2, and when the special symbol is stopped and displayed. (at the timing when the value of the special figure game timer becomes "0"), generates an effect control command (variation stop command) for requesting fixed stop display of the decorative pattern, and transmits the command to the main information storage means 160. Store in the command storage area.
Here, the fixed stop display of a decorative pattern refers to the final stop display of a decorative pattern in a pattern variation, and is different from the temporary stop display of a decorative pattern that may occur during the execution of a pattern variation. In the temporary stop display of a decorative pattern, for example, the decorative pattern being displayed in a stationary manner is accompanied by a movement of shaking up and down (so-called shaking fluctuation), while in the fixed stop display of a decorative pattern, the decorative pattern being displayed in a stationary manner is Even if the same decorative pattern is displayed in a stopped state, such as when the pattern does not fluctuate, the fixed display mode of the decorative pattern that is displayed as a fixed stop, and the stop display mode of the decorative pattern that is displayed as a temporary stop display, are different. Therefore, the player can recognize whether the stop display of the decorative symbols is a fixed stop display or a temporary stop display.

Furthermore, the symbol display control means 145 causes the ordinary symbol to be displayed in a variable manner on the ordinary symbol display device 93 according to the fluctuation time corresponding to the determined ordinary symbol fluctuation pattern of the ordinary symbol, and after the elapse of the said fluctuation time, the determined ordinary symbol is displayed. The normal pattern is stopped and displayed using the stop pattern.
In addition, the symbol display control means 145 has a common symbol game timer for managing time related to common symbols (common symbol fluctuation time, common symbol stop display time, etc.).

The electric accessory control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 66 in the above-mentioned jackpot game or small winning game, and opens the special electric accessory 65 according to the opening pattern corresponding to the stop pattern of the special symbol. .

The gaming state control means 155 controls the general lottery state. Specifically, the game state control means 155 sets the normal pattern to be low regardless of the stop symbol of the special pattern related to the jackpot game at the start of the jackpot game, and when the prescribed conditions such as the end of the jackpot game are satisfied. The normal symbol is high and certain until a specified number of symbol changes are made, and the common symbol is low and certain after the specified number of symbol changes are made. Particularly, in this embodiment, during a small winning game, the normal symbol lottery state in the symbol variation that caused the small winning game is maintained.

Such a regular symbol lottery state changes in link with the above-mentioned special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state, and the transition of the special symbol fluctuation pattern derivation state is managed by the game state control means 155. Hereinafter, the transition of the special figure variation pattern derivation state will be explained with reference to FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b). In addition, FIG. 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the average variation time for each special pattern variation pattern derivation state. .
As shown in FIG. 12(a), in the special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state, there is a special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PA that corresponds to the general pattern low accuracy, and the special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state PA corresponds to the general pattern high accuracy. There are a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB and a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC as special pattern variation pattern derivation states, and any of these special pattern variation pattern derivation states is set except during a jackpot game. The transition conditions between the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC include transition conditions (i) to transition conditions (v).

Specifically, transition condition (i) is the end of the jackpot game related to symbol A, transition condition (ii) is the end of the jackpot game related to symbol B or symbol C, and transition condition (iii) is the end of the jackpot game related to symbol A, The end and transition condition (iv) of the jackpot game related to the symbols b, c, and d is that the number of symbol changes related to the special symbol 2 executed without a jackpot game in the regular pattern high accuracy is 10 times (special symbol The transition condition (v) is the end of the symbol variation that reaches the specified number of times according to the figure variation pattern derivation state PB), and the transition condition (v) is that the number of symbol variations related to the special symbol 2 executed without a jackpot game in the regular pattern high accuracy is 80. This is the end of the symbol variation which is the specified number of times (the specified number of times related to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC).
In addition, when a jackpot game occurs in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, after the end of the jackpot game, the state changes to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC again, and up to the specified number of times related to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC. The number of symbol changes related to special figure 2 that can be executed is reset. In addition, although illustration is omitted, when a jackpot game does not occur in a small winning game that occurs in the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PC, and when a jackpot game does not occur in a small winning game related to transition condition (iii). In this case, with the end of the small winning game as a trigger, the current special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state ends and transitions to the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA.

As shown in FIG. 12(b), the average fluctuation time of each of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, and the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC is The figure variation pattern derivation state PB becomes shorter in the order of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. This is due to the length of the variation time related to the basic special pattern variation pattern that is most likely to be determined in each special pattern variation pattern derivation state. Here, the average fluctuation time is the appearance rate (the probability that the result of the special pattern validity judgment is derived) for each fluctuation time related to a special pattern fluctuation pattern that can be selected in a certain special pattern fluctuation pattern derivation state. Refers to the sum total of the fluctuation time derived by multiplying the winning probability of the special symbol fluctuation pattern (probability that can occur in any symbol fluctuation). However, in this embodiment, when there is only one special pattern variation pattern that can be selected in a certain special pattern variation pattern derivation state, the variation time related to the special pattern variation pattern is treated as the average variation time.

In addition, the gaming state control means 155 generates a production control command (gaming state designation command) including the state after the transition when a transition occurs between the regular drawing lottery state and the special drawing fluctuation pattern derivation state, and outputs the command. It is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
Furthermore, the game state control means 155 counts the number of executions of symbol variations related to transition to other special symbol variation pattern derivation states in each special symbol variation pattern derivation state, and counts each time a symbol variation is started. A performance control command including the number of symbol variations being performed is generated, and the command is stored in the transmission command area of the main information storage means 160. Note that the information included in the production control command may be included in the above-mentioned variation start command.

As described above, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read out by each means, data derived by calculations, etc. by each means, in storage areas corresponding to the respective means.

The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I/O port 104 and determines whether the gaming machine 10 is in an error state. If it is determined that there is an error state, a production control command (error command) including information that can identify the error state is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
In this embodiment, the error state determined by the main error control means 165 includes, for example, a main board error based on the occurrence of the update abnormality described above, a magnetic error based on magnetic detection by a magnetic detection sensor, and a radio wave detected by a radio wave detection sensor. A radio wave error based on the detection of the opening of the middle frame 17 by the middle frame opening sensor 76 or a door opening error based on the detection of the opening of the front frame 20 by the front frame opening sensor 77, and a residual ball that occurs when there are remaining prize balls. In addition to the prize ball error, there is an abnormal winning error based on the detection of the game ball by the big winning hole sensor 72 (the details including the conditions for occurrence will be described later). Note that the occurrence of an error state according to the present embodiment can be monitored during a playable state, which will be described later.
To summarize the conditions under which some of these errors occur, as described above, the main board error is an error state indicating an update abnormality in the random number circuit 105, and occurs when the update abnormality occurs. Next, magnetic error is an error state that occurs when magnetic detection by the magnetic detection sensor occurs continuously for 500 ms, and radio wave error is an error state that occurs when the number of radio wave detections by the radio wave detection sensor (total number of times since the last power-on) is detected. This is an error condition that occurs when this occurs a total of five times.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, among these error states, main board errors, magnetic errors, and radio wave errors are treated as error states with relatively high importance (hereinafter simply referred to as "high-importance error states"). ing. Therefore, when these highly important error states occur, the main error control means 165 not only turns on the security signal, but also controls the payout control board 400 to control the firing of game balls, etc. Execute game progress regulation processing to prevent progress.
Here, the security signal is a type of signal output from an external terminal board (not shown) provided in the gaming machine 10 to equipment outside the gaming machine (data display device, hall computer). Including the following explanation, turning the security signal ON refers to starting outputting the security signal, and turning the security signal OFF refers to ending outputting the security signal. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the process of turning off the security signal does not take into account the elapsed time since the security signal was turned on, but the elapsed time is taken into consideration, that is, a certain period of time has passed since the security signal was turned on. The security signal may not be turned off before the time elapses. In addition, in this embodiment, when a magnetic error and a radio wave error occur, the process of turning on the security signal is executed, but the above-mentioned game progress regulation process may not be executed on the payout control board 400. .
In addition, when these error states with high importance occur, the first sub-control board 200 and the second sub-control board 300 execute notification effects that can specify which error state has occurred. .
Furthermore, these highly important error states can only be canceled (the error state can be terminated) by a power outage and the security signal related to the error state is turned OFF due to a power outage. (The ON state is maintained until the power is cut off.)
Note that the above-mentioned error state with high importance is just an example, and other error states may be provided as the error state.

On the other hand, for relatively low-importance error states (hereinafter simply referred to as "low-importance error states"), such as door open error, remaining prize ball error, and abnormal prize winning error, the firing of game balls is restricted. First, the state in which the game can proceed is maintained. In addition, in the case of an error state with low importance other than an abnormal winning error, the first sub-control board 200 and the second sub-control board 300 provide a notification effect that can specify which error state has occurred. is executed. On the other hand, as described above, in the present embodiment, when an abnormal winning error occurs, the error notification lamp 97 is turned on so that the occurrence of the abnormal winning error can be identified (abnormal winning error notification).

The main command management means 170 transmits the effect control command to the first sub-control board 200 when the effect control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.
In addition, each production control command is, in principle, transmitted according to the order stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

The power restoration processing execution means 175 includes a restoration state setting means 176 and a game ready state transition means 179.

The recovery state setting means 176 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration, the state at the time of power interruption immediately before the power restoration, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration, and the opening of the inner frame at the time of power restoration. A return state setting process for setting a return state is executed based on the state of the door sensor 76. The return state set by this process includes a game stop state and a game enabled state (sometimes accompanied by execution of RAM clearing process, and sometimes not accompanied by execution of RAM clearing process).
Specifically, if there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration, the game stop state is set regardless of the state of the RAM clear switch 43 and the state of the middle frame door opening sensor 76 at the time of power restoration. In addition, if there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration and the RAM clear switch 43 is ON (pressed state) at the time of power restoration, the RAM The clear process is executed and the game ready state is set (if the middle frame door opening sensor 76 is OFF when the power is restored, the RAM clear process is not executed and the game ready state is set) and the power is restored. If there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 and the RAM clear switch 43 is OFF (not pressed) at the time of power restoration, a gaming enabled state is set without executing the RAM clearing process.
Here, the game stop state means that the process according to the detection result of the sensor installed in each winning opening is not executed (there is no need to see the detection result of the sensor itself), and the game cannot proceed. This is the return state.
On the other hand, the game-enabled state is a return state in which it is possible to proceed with the game by executing processing according to the detection results of the sensors provided in each winning opening. In particular, if the RAM clearing process is not executed when the power is restored, the game returns to the state in which the game is possible at the time of the previous power outage. For example, if a jackpot game or small win game was in progress at the time of the power cut immediately before, the system will return to the jackpot game or small win game that was in progress, and if the symbol change was in progress at the time of the power cut immediately before. , returns to the symbol variation that was being executed.

Also, whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 is determined by the RAM abnormality check that is performed at the beginning of the recovery state setting process (specifically, whether or not a backup flag is stored in the backup information area related to the target area). If the backup flag is stored (if the backup flag is ON), it is stored in the target area and the backup information area related to the area. A process of deriving the checksum of the complement of the target area and determining that the target area is normal if the calculation result is 0, otherwise determining that the target area is abnormal. ) is executed on the game-related area of the RAM 103.

The gameable state transition means 179 executes a gameable state transition process to transition to the gameable state when the gameable state is set.
Specifically, in the game-enabled state transition process, if the output of the security signal is ON, a process of turning OFF the output of the security signal and initial settings of the device are executed.
In addition, in the initial settings of the device, a launch permission command is sent to the payout control board 400 to permit the launch of game balls, settings are made to enable balls entering each winning slot, and the random number circuit 105 is activated. Processing such as setting data for this purpose is executed.

The power cutoff processing execution means 180 executes the power cutoff processing based on receiving the power cutoff signal from the power supply control board 500.
Specifically, for an area related to gaming in the RAM 103, a checksum of the area is derived, a complement of the checksum is stored in a backup information area related to gaming of the RAM 103, and a process is performed for the area. A process is executed to turn on a backup flag indicating that a power cut process has been executed (store the backup flag in the game-related backup information area of the RAM 103).

As shown in FIG. 7, the first sub-control board 200 includes a sub-random number generation means 210, a normal effect control means 220, a sub-error control means 230, a lamp control means 240, a movable accessory control means 245, a volume adjustment means 250, and a brightness It is equipped with an adjustment means 255, a sub-information storage means 260, and a sub-command management means 270, and these means are realized by each control configuration on the first sub-control board 200 described using FIG. It is expressed functionally.
Here, the sub-information storage means 260 temporarily stores data read out by the means included in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in the means, etc., in respective storage areas. It is a means. Further, the production control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored in the received command storage area of the sub information storage means 260 by the subcommand management means 270. In the following explanation, it will be simply stated that the production control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored in the received command storage area of the sub information storage means 260 by the subcommand management means 270. Sometimes expressed as receiving.

The sub-random number generation means 210 can generate random numbers (software random numbers) that are updated by the CPU 201 through program processing, and acquires the random numbers at the timing when each lottery (details will be described later) is executed by the normal performance control means 220.

The normal performance control means 220 includes a performance mode control means 221, a performance route determination means 222, a sub-holding control means 223, a pre-read performance control means 224, a performance content determination means 225, a decorative symbol control means 226, and a jackpot performance control means 227. Be prepared.

When the production mode control means 221 receives the game state designation command, the production mode control means 221 controls the transition of the production mode in a manner consistent with the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100 side.
The production mode in this embodiment is roughly divided into normal mode, challenge mode, and RUSH mode, and the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA is the normal mode, and the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB is the challenge mode and the special pattern variation pattern derivation state. RUSH mode corresponds to state PC.

When the production route determining means 222 receives a preliminary judgment command, the production route determining means 222 determines a production corresponding to the currently suspended symbol variation based on the preliminary judgment result included in the command (in this embodiment, the special pattern variation pattern). Decide (set) the route. In addition, if the special symbol variation pattern corresponding to the symbol variation is the above-mentioned special symbol variation pattern HNP, the production route determining means 222 does not determine the production route when the advance determination command is transmitted. At the start of symbol variation, the performance is based on the special symbol variation pattern included in the variation start command (for example, in the special symbol variation pattern derivation state PA, special symbol variation pattern HNP-A to special symbol variation pattern HNP-D). Decide on the route.
Here, the production route is the production from the start to the end of the symbol variation, which defines the process of production that notifies the result of the special symbol validity judgment in the symbol variation, and is executed in the symbol variation. The content of the performance will be determined by the performance content determining means 225, which will be described later, according to the performance route corresponding to the symbol variation.

When the sub-holding control means 223 receives a holding command (hereinafter, it may simply be expressed as the occurrence of a holding prize winning), the sub-holding control means 223 applies information on the special drawing 1 holding counter and the special drawing 2 holding counter included in the command. Based on this, an effect for displaying a number of pending images corresponding to the special figure 1 pending counter and a number of pending images corresponding to the special figure 2 pending counter in the pending display area (not shown) of the main display section 81. Set the data. It should be noted that the pending image is an image that is the target of a pending look-ahead effect that changes in various ways to suggest the degree of advantage such as the degree of expectation that a jackpot game will occur.

When the pre-read effect control means 224 receives a pre-determination command, it determines the content of the so-called pre-read effect based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command.

When the production content determining means 225 receives the variation start command, the production content determining means 225 determines the content of the production to be executed in the current symbol variation (hereinafter referred to as "variation production") according to the production route already determined by the production route determining means 222. decide.
More specifically, the performance content determining means 225 determines the content of the performance (performance pattern) for each performance execution timing in symbol variation using a performance pattern lottery table corresponding to the performance route determined by the performance route determining means 222. The decision will be made by lottery, etc. By doing this, it is possible to change the content of the performance related to (performed according to) the determined performance route, and it is also possible to connect the performances in one symbol variation. Moreover, even if the same performance route is determined, the performance to be performed can be varied. Note that the timing for determining the content of the presentation may be, for example, the start of symbol variation.

When the decorative pattern control means 226 receives the fluctuation start command, the decorative pattern control means 226 creates a final (determined stop display) combination of decorative patterns (left pattern, middle pattern, right pattern) based on the determined stop pattern of the special pattern. Decide on the pattern).
Specifically, in the pattern variation related to special pattern 1, one of the pattern alignments related to decorative patterns excluding 7 patterns is determined for pattern A and pattern B, and the pattern alignment related to 7 patterns is determined for pattern C. is determined. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the pattern alignment related to the decorative patterns other than the 7 symbols is stopped and displayed, the subsequent production mode, that is, the end of the jackpot game related to the pattern pattern that is stopped and displayed. It is now impossible to accurately determine the production mode to be set based on this. On the other hand, when the symbol arrangement related to the 7 symbols is stopped and displayed, the player can determine that the RUSH mode will be set thereafter.
In addition, in the pattern variation related to special pattern 2, one of the pattern alignments related to decorative patterns excluding 7 patterns is determined for pattern a and pattern c, and the decorative pattern including 7 patterns is determined for pattern b and pattern d. One of the pattern alignments related to is determined. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a pattern arrangement related to decorative patterns other than 7 symbols is displayed in a stopped state, the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to the pattern pattern cannot be accurately determined. On the other hand, when the symbol arrangement related to the 7 symbols is stopped and displayed, the player can determine that the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to the symbol arrangement is 10.

When the jackpot performance control means 227 receives the jackpot start command, it determines the content of the performance during the jackpot game based on information included in the command. Note that the performances during the jackpot game include a round performance that informs that a round game is in progress, and an end demonstration performance that announces the end of the jackpot game.
In addition, in this embodiment, the jackpot performance control means 227 is configured to be able to determine the content of the performance mode announcement performance that announces the performance mode after the end of the jackpot game (the performance mode after the end of the jackpot game can be specified). The details of the performance, including the start conditions, will be described later.

The normal performance control means 220 reads the performance data of each device corresponding to the performance at the execution timing of each performance according to the content of the performance determined by the above-mentioned means included in the first sub-control board 200. Note that, if the read performance data includes performance data related to an image, an image control command is generated based on the performance data, and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub information storage means 260. Furthermore, if the read performance data includes performance data related to sound, a sound control command related to sound is generated based on the performance data, and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub information storage means 260.
In addition, if the return state at the time of power restoration becomes a game-ready state with the execution of the RAM clear process, the normal performance control means 220 indicates that the game-ready state has become possible with the execution of the RAM clear process. If the performance data for notification is read and the return state at the time of power restoration becomes a playable state without executing the RAM clearing process, it becomes the playable state without executing the RAM clearing process. Read out the performance data to notify the user. Furthermore, when the return state at the time of power restoration becomes a game stop state, the normal performance control means 220 notifies you that the game has become stopped and that it is necessary to execute RAM clear processing. Read out the performance data for. Although the details of these notifications are omitted, it is preferable that they are continuously executed for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds) after the execution is started, and the effect device that executes the notification does not matter.

When an error command is transmitted, the sub-error control means 230 determines an error notification pattern and reads performance data for executing error notification according to the error notification pattern.
Note that the error notification is executed with priority over the above-mentioned variable performance. Here, when the error notification is executed with priority, when the device related to the execution of the error notification and the device related to the execution of the variable effect are the same device, only the error notification is executed in the device ( The present invention is not limited to the case where the execution of the variable effect is regulated by the execution of the error notification, but includes the case where the error notification is executed in a manner that is easier to recognize than the variable effect in the device.
Further, the sub-error control means 230 independently (independently from the main error control means 165) determines whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, and executes error notification when determining that it is in an error state. Read out the performance data. Specifically, the sub-error control means 230 determines whether or not a right-handed error has occurred based on the detection of the game ball by the big prize opening 55 and the second starting opening sensor 71, and when it is determined that the error state has occurred, reads out the performance data that executes the right-handed hit error notification. Note that the details of the conditions for the occurrence of the right-handed hit error will be described later, but the right-handed hit error corresponds to the above-mentioned error state of low importance.

The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, and for example, the effect data corresponding to the lamp is added to the effect data read out by the normal effect control means 220. If there is, the lamp control means 240 reads lamp control data based on the effect data, and transmits the read lamp control data to the lamp to be executed.

If there is performance data corresponding to a movable accessory in the performance data read by the normal performance control unit 220, the movable accessory control means 245 controls the movable ornament 22 or the sub-display from the ROM 202 based on the performance data. The movable control data for controlling the movement of the section 82 is read out, the read movable control data is transmitted to the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display section 82, and the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display section 82 is controlled.

As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 temporarily stores data read out by the means included in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in the means, etc. in respective storage areas. It is a means to do so.

The sub-command management means 270 receives the production control command transmitted from the main control board 100, and stores the received production command in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. If an image control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260, the image control command is transmitted to the second sub-control board 300. Further, if a voice control command or a volume adjustment command is stored in the storage area, the subcommand management means 270 transmits these commands to the voice control board 310. Note that these commands are, in principle, transmitted in the order in which they are stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260.

As explained above, in the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, two error states (in the present embodiment, Abnormal winning error, right-handed hitting error) may occur, and the occurrence of these error conditions can be used as an opportunity to issue error notifications that can identify the occurrence of the error condition (in this embodiment, abnormal winning error notification, right-handed hitting error). error notification) is started.
This configuration is important for recognizing the occurrence of these error conditions individually, but when these error notifications are executed in duplicate, each error notification (occurrence of an error condition) It is necessary to devise ways to make it easier to recognize. The details of this function will be explained below.

<About control processing related to execution of abnormal prize winning error notification>
First, details of the control process related to the execution of abnormal winning error notification will be explained using FIGS. 13 and 14.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the abnormal winning error notification start process, which is a process executed in the timer interrupt process of the main control board 100, and the main error control means 165 is the functional configuration that is the main body of the execution. be.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of abnormal winning error notification termination processing, which is a process executed by the timer interrupt processing of the main control board 100 during execution of abnormal winning error notification, and the functional configuration that is the main body of the execution. is the main error control means 165.

As shown in FIG. 13, in step S202, which is the first step of the abnormal winning error notification start process that controls the start of abnormal winning error notification, whether the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state is the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA or not. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S204, and if the condition is not satisfied, the abnormal winning error notification start process is ended.
In step S204, it is determined whether or not a winning of a game ball has occurred in the big winning opening 55. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S206, and if the condition is not satisfied, an abnormal winning has occurred. The error notification start process ends.
In step S206, abnormal winning error notification is started.
In step S208, the initial value 200 is set in the notification end counter, and then the abnormal winning error notification start process is ended. Here, the notification end counter is a counter for determining the end of the abnormal winning error, and details such as update conditions of the counter will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 14, in S302, which is the first step of the abnormal winning error notification termination process that controls the termination of the abnormal winning error notification, it is determined whether the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state is the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S304, and if the condition is not satisfied, the abnormal winning error notification termination process is terminated.
In step S304, it is determined whether or not an out ball has been detected. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S306, and if the condition is not satisfied, the abnormal winning error notification termination process is terminated.
In step S306, the notification end counter is decremented by 1.
In step S308, it is determined whether the notification end counter=0, and if the condition is satisfied, the process advances to step S310.
In step S310, the abnormal winning error notification is ended, and then the abnormal winning error notification ending process is ended.

In this way, the present embodiment starts abnormal winning error notification when a game ball enters the big winning hole 55 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, and The abnormal winning error notification is configured to be terminated based on the detection of an out ball.
Here, the abnormal prize winning error notification in this embodiment is a notification realized by lighting up all of the LEDs constituting the error notification lamp 97, and is not executed by other devices.

<About control processing related to execution of right-handed hit error notification>
Next, details of the control process related to the execution of the right-handed hit error notification will be explained using FIGS. 15 and 16.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a right-handed hit error notification start process, which is a process executed in the timer interrupt process of the first sub-control board 200, and the functional configuration that is the main body of the execution is the sub-error control means 230. It is.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the right-handed hitting error notification termination process, which is a process executed by the timer interrupt process of the first sub-control board 200 during execution of the right-handed hitting error notification, and is the main body of the execution. The functional configuration is a sub-error control means 230.

As shown in FIG. 15, in S402, which is the first step of the right-hand hit error notification start process that controls the start of right-hand hit error notification, it is determined whether the current special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state is the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA. If the condition is satisfied, the process advances to step S404, and if the condition is not satisfied, the right-hand hit error notification start process is ended.
In step S404, it is determined whether or not a winning of a game ball has occurred in the grand prize opening 55 or the second starting opening 59, and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S406, and if the condition is not satisfied. If so, the right-handed hit error notification start process is ended.
In step S406, right-handed hitting error notification is started.
In step S408, time measurement is started, and then the right-hand hit error notification start process is ended.

As shown in FIG. 16, in step S502, which is the first step of the right-handed hit error notification termination process that controls the end of the right-handed hit error notification, the time when measurement was started in step S408 is a specified time (in this embodiment, 30 If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S504, and if the condition is not satisfied, the right-handed hit error notification termination process is terminated.
In step S504, the right-handed hit error notification is ended, and then the right-handed hit error notification termination process is ended.

In this way, in this embodiment, the right hit error notification is started when a game ball enters the big winning hole 55 or the second starting hole 59 in the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, and then The configuration is such that a right-handed hit error notification is triggered when a specified time has elapsed.
Here, in the present embodiment, the right-handed hitting error notification is performed by displaying a notification image (not shown) including the words "please left-handed hitting" in the display area of the main display section 81, and also from the speaker 33 This is a notification that outputs text as voice.
Furthermore, as described above, in the determination related to step S502, the current special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state is not referred to, so if the conditions related to the determination are satisfied, regardless of the type of the current special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state. , the right-handed hit error notification ends. This also applies when the conditions related to the determination are satisfied during the jackpot game.

As explained above, in this embodiment, when a game ball enters the big winning hole 55 in the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, both the abnormal winning error notification and the right hit error notification are started. In addition, the abnormal winning error notification can be terminated based on the detection of an out ball, and the right-handed hitting error notification can be terminated as time passes.
According to this, two types of error notifications are one winning opening in the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA (one winning opening common to the two types of error notifications, and in the following explanation, it will simply be "one winning opening"). The execution of the two types of error notifications, that is, the execution of the two types of error states specified by the two error notifications, is based on the configuration that can be started based on the winning of a game ball in The occurrence can be easily recognized.
Note that in achieving this effect, the types and combinations of the two target error notifications (error states) do not matter. Similarly, the type of one of the winning openings related to the two target error notification start conditions does not matter. This also applies to the following explanations.
In addition, regarding the two target error notification start conditions, as long as both conditions include at least the occurrence of a winning of a game ball in one winning hole in the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, the contents do not matter. do not have. However, it is preferable that the start conditions for the two target error notifications are different from each other, including the occurrence of a winning of a game ball in one winning hole in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA.
Furthermore, the termination condition for abnormal winning error notification is not limited to the termination condition according to the present embodiment, but may be any condition as long as it can be satisfied by detecting an out ball. Further, the termination condition is composed of a plurality of termination conditions that can be satisfied by detecting an out ball, and the abnormal winning error notification is terminated when one of the plurality of termination conditions is satisfied. Good too. However, it is preferable that some or all of the conditions for ending the abnormal winning error notification can be satisfied by detecting a plurality of out balls, as in the present embodiment.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the first error notification (right-handed error notification) and the second error notification (abnormal winning error notification) different from the first error notification are configured to be executable, and the first gaming state ( The first error notification is started at least in part when a winning of a game ball occurs in the winning opening in the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA), and the winning of a gaming ball in the winning opening in the first gaming state occurs. There are times when the second error notification is started at least part of the time, and when a game ball enters the winning slot, both the first error notification and the second error notification are started. In other words, the notification ends when a predetermined time elapses, while the second error notification does not end when a predetermined time elapses, but is configured to be able to end upon detection of an out ball.

In particular, in this embodiment, abnormal winning error notification is performed by the error notification lamp 97, and right hit error notification is performed by the main display unit 81 and the like. As described above, the error notification lamp 97 does not perform the variation effect (variation notification) during the execution of the symbol variation. On the other hand, in the main display section 81, since the variation effect is executed while the symbol variation is being executed, the right hit error notification and the variation effect are executed in parallel while the symbol variation is being executed.
According to this, when the abnormal winning error notification and the right-handed error notification are started at the same time, by running them in parallel with the variable performance, it is easier to recognize the right-handed error notification, and a dedicated device (error Regarding the abnormal winning error notification executed by the notification lamp 97), by continuing until the termination condition including at least the detection of an out ball is satisfied, both error notifications can be easily recognized.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the first error notification (right-handed error notification) is executed by the first notification means (main display section 81), but is not executed by the second notification means (error notification lamp 97). The second error notification (abnormal winning error notification) is executed by the second notification means, but is not executed by the first notification means, and the first notification means is configured so that the fluctuation notification can be executed while the symbol fluctuation is being executed. When the first error notification is started while the fluctuation notification is being executed, the first notification means executes the fluctuation notification and the first error notification in parallel, and the second notification means executes the fluctuation notification. In other words, it will not be done.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the abnormal winning error notification may be terminated based on the detection of an out ball in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, but the error notification is more advantageous than the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA. It does not end based on detection of an out ball in a high special figure variation pattern derivation state (special figure variation pattern derivation state PB or special figure variation pattern derivation state PC). On the other hand, the right-hand hit error notification ends when the specified time elapses, regardless of the type of special figure variation pattern derivation state at the time of elapse.
According to this, it is possible to enhance the effect of making it easier to recognize both error notifications. In particular, regarding the abnormal winning error notification, it does not end in the special figure variation pattern derivation state which is more advantageous than the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the abnormal winning error notification from ending after the state changes to an advantageous state (special pattern variation pattern derivation state) due to irregularities due to fraudulent activity, etc., and this makes it possible for hall personnel to recognize the error notification. This contributes to making it easier to do so.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the first error notification (right hit error notification) indicates whether the first gaming state (special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA) or the second gaming state (special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA) has passed when a predetermined time has elapsed. The second error notification (abnormal winning error notification) ends when an out ball is detected in the first game state. While this is possible, in other words it does not end upon detection of an out ball in the second game state.

In addition, as described above, in this embodiment, the special pattern variation pattern derivation state other than the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA (the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB or the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA) is the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA. It is configured to be able to transition from state PA via jackpot game (transition condition (i), transition condition (ii)). The abnormal winning error notification will not end based on the detection of an out ball during a jackpot game, and the right-handed error notification will end after the specified time has elapsed, even if the elapsed time is during a jackpot game (these The same applies to small winning games).
According to this, the effect of making it easier to recognize both error notifications can be further enhanced. In particular, regarding the abnormal winning error notification, the game does not end with a jackpot game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent abnormal winning error notifications from terminating in jackpot games that are in the process of transitioning to irregularly advantageous states due to fraudulent acts, etc., and this has the effect of making it easier for hall personnel to recognize the error notifications. Contribute to further increasing the

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the second gaming state (special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB or special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC) is changed from the first gaming state (special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA) via the jackpot game. The first error notification (right-handed error notification) ends even if you are playing a jackpot game when a predetermined time has elapsed, while the second error notification (abnormal winning error notification) In other words, the game does not end upon detection of an out ball in the game.

<About the behavior when the power is restored from a power outage in a situation where abnormal winning error notification and right-handed error notification are being executed in parallel>
Next, with reference to FIG. 17, the details of the behavior at the time of power failure recovery in a situation where abnormal winning error notification and right hit error notification are being executed in parallel will be described.
FIG. 17(a) is a timing chart showing the behavior when power is restored without execution of RAM clear processing under a situation where abnormal winning error notification and right-handed hit error notification are executed in parallel. Yes, and FIG. 17(b) is a timing chart showing the behavior when a power outage recovery is performed with execution of RAM clear processing under a situation where abnormal winning error notification and right hit error notification are being executed in parallel. It is.

As shown in FIG. 17(a), if the power is restored without execution of RAM clear processing in a situation where abnormal winning error notification and right-handed error notification are being executed in parallel, the said power When the power is turned off, all error notifications end, and when the power is restored (RAM is not cleared), the abnormal winning error notification is restored (restarted), but the right-handed hit error notification is not restored by the power restoration.
According to this, the abnormal winning error notification is made easier to recognize by terminating the right hit error notification without terminating the abnormal winning error notification by a simple power restoration (without executing RAM clear processing). be able to.

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 17(b), if a power outage recovery is performed with execution of RAM clear processing in a situation where abnormal winning error notification and right hit error notification are being executed in parallel, All error notifications are terminated by the power outage, and the abnormal winning error notification is restored (restarted) by the subsequent power restoration (without clearing the RAM), but the right-handed hit error notification is not restored by the power restoration.

According to these, by terminating the abnormal winning error notification without terminating the abnormal winning error notification due to a power outage restoration (accompanied by execution of RAM clearing process), which is more likely to be due to fraud, the abnormal winning winning error notification is terminated. Error notifications can be made easier to recognize.
In particular, in this embodiment, as described above, when a power outage recovery accompanied by RAM clear processing is executed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB or the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, the special figure variation pattern A derived state PA is set. Therefore, it becomes possible to end the error notification by detecting an out ball after the abnormal winning error notification is restarted after the power is restored. This makes it easier for hall personnel to terminate abnormal winning error notification under such circumstances.

Therefore, when the power is cut off in the second gaming state (special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB or special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC) and then the power is turned on with execution of RAM clear processing, the first gaming state (special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB or special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC) is interrupted. Figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA) is set, the power is cut off during the period when the first error notification (right hit error notification) and the second error notification (abnormal winning error notification) are being executed in parallel, and then the RAM is cleared. In other words, when the power is turned on with execution of processing, the first error notification is not restarted, but the second error notification is restarted.

<About other modifications>
Modifications not described in the above description are listed below.

First, in this embodiment, the device that executes abnormal winning error notification and the device that executes right-handed error notification are different, but the devices that execute these error notifications may be the same device. Furthermore, the control unit that executes the same device may be the main control board 100 or the first sub-control board 200.

In addition, in this embodiment, the abnormal winning error notification and the right hit error notification have been described as being able to be started in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be possible to start when a game ball enters the big winning hole 55 in the derivation state PB or the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC.

In addition, in this embodiment, the abnormal winning error notification and the right-handed error notification are continuously executed without interruption from the time when the above-mentioned start condition is satisfied until the end condition is satisfied. It is not limited to this. That is, these error notifications may be temporarily interrupted after the start condition is satisfied until the end condition is satisfied.

Further, when the game is stopped while the abnormal winning error notification is being executed, the abnormal winning error notification may be continued even in the game stopping state. Furthermore, if the abnormal winning error notification is being executed while the game is stopped, the abnormal winning error notification may not be terminated based on the detection of an out ball, or the out ball detection itself may not be performed in the first place. By doing so, the abnormal winning error notification may not be terminated. In particular, these game stop states are not limited to the game stop state according to the present embodiment described above, but also when the difference in the number of balls obtained by subtracting the out balls, which is the total number of out balls, from the safe balls, which is the total number of prize balls, is a specific number. It may also be a game stop state that is set when a threshold is reached, that is, a game state that is set by a so-called complete function (this also applies to the case where the game stop state occurs during execution of a right-handed error notification, which will be described later). similar).
On the other hand, if the game is stopped while the right-handed player error notification is being executed, the right-handed player error notification may be terminated. This is due to the fact that the game does not progress in the game stop state.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment employs a so-called one-type, two-type mixing machine that can derive both a jackpot and a small win that can cause a jackpot game in the special drawing correctness determination, but is not limited to this. do not have. Specifically, a method that can derive only so-called per type, or a method that can derive only so-called per type may be adopted.

In addition, in each special figure variation pattern derivation state, if the special figure variation pattern is determined using the special figure variation pattern lottery table shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, other special figure variation pattern lottery tables may be used. The special figure variation pattern may be determined by using the special figure variation pattern, or the special figure variation pattern may be determined without using the special figure variation pattern lottery table (without performing a lottery). However, in each special pattern variation pattern derivation state, for more than half of the period during which the special pattern variation pattern derivation state continues, the special pattern variation pattern using the special pattern variation pattern lottery table shown in FIGS. Preferably, a determination is made.

In addition, regarding the probability, proportion, frequency, and number of times in this embodiment, as long as each relationship is guaranteed, the smaller value may be 0, and the larger value may be the maximum value. It may be. In particular, with respect to the above-mentioned levels of each proportion, as long as the phenomenon is ensured, there is no restriction on the control for achieving the level of each proportion.
Moreover, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in this embodiment is an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.

In addition, in the above explanation, the return state at the time of power restoration is determined by referring to the state of the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration, but the ON state time of the RAM clear switch 43 from the time of power restoration is specified. It may also be possible to refer to whether or not the time exceeds 3 seconds (for example, 3 seconds). In this way, the occurrence of erroneous RAM clear processing can be further suppressed.

In addition, in the above explanation, the state of the middle frame opening sensor 76 (the open/closed state of the middle frame 17) was referred to in determining the return state upon power restoration, but the return state was not referred to. may be set. In this case, the return state upon power restoration may be uniformly set according to the case where the middle frame opening sensor 76 is ON (the middle frame 17 is in an open state).

The present invention described above is not limited to the above description, but also includes various modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.

<Additional notes>
This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1)
A game in which a game ball can be fired, and when a game ball enters a prize opening, a number of game balls corresponding to the winning are awarded, and an out ball, which is a used game ball, can be detected. It is a machine,
Having a first gaming state and a second gaming state that is more advantageous than the first gaming state as a gaming state in which symbol variation can be executed,
A first error notification and a second error notification different from the first error notification are configured to be executable,
The first error notification is started at least in part when a game ball enters the winning hole in the first gaming state,
The second error notification is started at least in part when a game ball enters the winning hole in the first gaming state,
When a game ball enters the winning hole, both the first error notification and the second error notification may be started.
The first error notification ends after a predetermined time elapses, while
The second error notification is configured such that it does not end with the passage of time, but can end upon detection of the out ball.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(2)
The gaming machine described in (1) above,
comprising a first notification means and a second notification means different from the first notification means, wherein the first error notification is executed by the first notification unit but not executed by the second notification unit,
The second error notification is executed by the second notification means, but not executed by the first notification unit,
The first notification means is configured to be able to perform fluctuation notification while symbol fluctuation is being executed,
When the first error notification is started during execution of the fluctuation notification, the first notification means executes the fluctuation notification and the first error notification in parallel,
The second notification means does not perform the fluctuation notification;
A gaming machine characterized by:
(3)
The gaming machine described in (1) or (2) above,
The first error notification ends when the predetermined period of time has elapsed, regardless of whether it is in the first gaming state or the second gaming state,
The second error notification can be terminated upon detection of the out ball in the first gaming state, but does not terminate upon detection of the out ball in the second gaming state.
A gaming machine characterized by:
(4)
The gaming machine described in (3) above,
The second gaming state can be transitioned from the first gaming state via a jackpot game,
The first error notification ends when the predetermined time has elapsed even during the jackpot game;
The second error notification does not end upon detection of the out ball in the jackpot game,
A gaming machine characterized by:
(a)
The gaming machine described in (3) or (4) above,
When the power is cut off in the second gaming state and then the power is turned on with execution of RAM clear processing, the first gaming state is set;
If the power is cut off during a period in which the first error notification and the second error notification are being executed in parallel, and then the power is turned on with execution of the RAM clearing process, the first error notification is not restarted. Meanwhile, the second error notification is restarted.
A gaming machine characterized by:

10 Gaming machine 15 Outer frame 17 Middle frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable decorative body 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent member 27 Upper ball tray 29 Lower ball tray 31 Operation handle 32 Upper frame portion 33 (33a, 33b) Speakers 34a, 34b Left and right side frames 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) Frame lamp 36 Ball removal mechanism 37 Production button 38 Cursor button 38a Up cursor button 38b Down cursor button 38c Left cursor button 38d Right cursor button 38e Middle cursor button 39 Main operation section 39a Ball Rental button 39b Return button 40 Power switch 43 RAM clear switch 45 Opening/closing cover 46 Game ball tank 47 Tank rail 48 Payout unit 49 Payout passage 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 54 Protective member 55 Grand prize opening 57 First starting port 59 Second starting port 61 Normal electric accessory 62 Normal electric accessory solenoid 63 Gate 65 Special electric accessory 66 Special electric accessory solenoid 67 General prize opening 69 Out port 70 First starting port sensor 71 Second start Mouth sensor 72 Big winning opening sensor 73 General winning opening sensor 74 Gate sensor 75 Out ball sensor 76 Middle frame opening sensor 77 Front frame opening sensor 80 Production display device 81 Main display section 82 Sub display section 82a Upper sub display section 82b Left Sub-display section 82c Right sub-display section 90 Symbol display device 91 First special symbol display device 92 Second special symbol display device 93 Normal symbol display device 94 First special symbol retention lamp 95 Second special symbol retention lamp 96 Normal symbol retention lamp 97 Error notification lamp 100 Main control board 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
104 I/O port 105 Random number circuit 109 Main control board case 110 Ball entry determination means 115 Main random number generation means 120 Main reservation control means 125 Advance determination means 130 Special pattern lottery means 131 Special pattern validity determination device 132 Special pattern stop pattern lottery device 133 Special figure fluctuation pattern derivation means 135 Regular figure lottery means 140 Jackpot game control means 145 Symbol display control means 150 Electric accessory control means 155 Game state control means 160 Main information storage means 165 Main error control means 170 Main command management means 175 Recovery Power processing execution means 176 Return state setting means 179 Game ready state transition means 180 Power cut processing execution means 200 First sub-control board 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
204 I/O port 209 First sub control board case 210 Sub random number generation means 220 Normal performance control means 221 Performance mode control means 222 Performance route determination means 223 Sub hold control means 224 Pre-read performance control means 225 Performance content determination means 226 Decorative pattern Control means 227 Jackpot production control means 230 Sub-error control means 240 Lamp control means 245 Movable accessory control means 260 Sub-information storage means 270 Sub-command management means 300 Second sub-control board 301 CPU
302 ROM
303 RAM
304 I/O port 309 2nd sub control board case 310 Audio control board 311 CPU
312 ROM
313 RAM
314 I/O port 400 Payout control board 409 Payout control board case 500 Power supply control board 501 Normal power supply circuit 502 Backup power supply circuit 503 Power failure detection circuit 509 Power supply control board case 811 Display area 812 Display area 813 Display area X First flow path Y Second flow path msg1 Mode end image msg2 Mode end image

Claims (1)

A game in which a game ball can be fired, and when a game ball enters a prize opening, a number of game balls corresponding to the winning are awarded, and an out ball, which is a used game ball, can be detected. It is a machine,
Having a first gaming state and a second gaming state that is more advantageous than the first gaming state as a gaming state in which symbol variation can be executed,
A first error notification and a second error notification different from the first error notification are configured to be executable,
The first error notification is started at least in part when a game ball enters the winning hole in the first gaming state,
The second error notification is started at least in part when a game ball enters the winning hole in the first gaming state,
When a game ball enters the winning hole, both the first error notification and the second error notification may be started.
The first error notification ends after a predetermined time has elapsed ;
The second error notification is configured such that it does not end with the passage of time, but can end upon detection of the out ball ,
The first error notification ends when the predetermined time has elapsed, regardless of whether it is in the first gaming state or the second gaming state,
The second error notification is
The game can be terminated upon detection of the out ball in the first game state,
not ending upon detection of the out ball in the second gaming state;
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images