JP7393020B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, game balls in game machines are fired by rotating a firing handle provided on the game machine.

In such a gaming machine, the strength with which the game ball is fired (launching strength) is adjusted by the player adjusting the amount of rotation of the firing handle.

The recommended firing strength depending on the gaming state is generally notified using the terms "right-handed" and "left-handed" (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Thereby, the player adjusts the firing intensity by adjusting the amount of rotation of the firing handle.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-127805

However, even with the above-mentioned gaming machines, there is still room for improvement in terms of technology for increasing the interest of gaming.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to improve the interest of games.

The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following application examples.

[Application example 1]
a display means;
an operating means that is operable by a player and that shoots a game ball into a gaming area with a shooting intensity that corresponds to the player's operation;
A gaming machine comprising:
a firing intensity display effect that displays on the display means the firing intensity of the game balls being ejected into the gaming area ; a firing intensity notification effect that notifies the player of the recommended firing intensity according to the gaming state; is executable,
The firing intensity notification performance is a performance that displays and notifies the firing intensity as a back side image displayed on the back side of another display image displayed on the display means in accordance with the mode of the firing intensity display performance. ,
A gaming machine characterized by:

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest of the game.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the gaming machine. It is an enlarged view of display devices. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board side of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board side of the gaming machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a main ROM and a main RAM. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a sub-ROM and a sub-RAM. It is a diagram for explaining a jackpot determination table. It is an explanatory diagram of a jackpot type determination table. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a fluctuation pattern determination table in a non-time saving state. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a fluctuation pattern determination table in a time saving state. It is a flowchart of main control main processing. 3 is a flowchart of main side timer interrupt processing. It is a flowchart of special operation processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol standby processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol confirmation processing. It is a flowchart of gaming state management processing. It is a flowchart of special electric accessories processing. It is a flowchart of gaming state setting processing. It is a flowchart of sub-control main processing. 3 is a flowchart of sub-side timer interrupt processing. 3 is a flowchart of received command analysis processing. It is a flowchart of right-handed hitting/left-handed hitting production processing. It is a flowchart of firing intensity display processing. It is a diagram showing a firing intensity display effect A. It is a diagram showing firing intensity display performance B. It is a diagram showing a firing intensity display effect C. It is a diagram showing a firing intensity display effect D. It is a diagram showing a firing intensity display effect E. It is a diagram showing an operation amount display performance.

<First embodiment>
1. Structure of Gaming Machine FIG. 1 is a front view of a gaming machine 1 as an embodiment of the present invention. In the following, the left-right direction of the gaming machine 1 will be explained so as to correspond to the left-right direction as seen from the player facing the gaming machine 1. Further, the forward direction of the gaming machine 1 will be explained as the direction from the gaming machine 1 toward the player, and the backward direction of the gaming machine 1 will be explained as the direction from the player toward the gaming machine 1.

The gaming machine 1 is a pachinko gaming machine that fires game balls based on a player's firing operation, and when a game ball wins a prize in a specific winning device, pays out a predetermined number of game balls to the player based on the winning. be. The game machine 1 includes a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2, and the game board 2 is attached to the inside of the game machine frame 50. The gaming machine frame 50 includes, in addition to a front frame (front frame part) 53, an outer frame (base frame part) that forms the outer shell of the gaming machine, and an inner frame to which the gaming board 2 is attached inside the outer frame. We are prepared. The front frame (front frame portion) 53 is a vertically rectangular unit disposed on the front side of the outer frame and the inner frame, and includes a handle 60, a batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and an excess ball tray (lower tray). ) 62, a production button 63, a sword member 64, a sword button 65, a frame lamp 66, a speaker 67, a select button 68, and a frame movable body 600. An opening is formed in the center of the front frame 53, and the gaming area 3 of the gaming board 2 can be viewed through the opening.

The handle 60 is arranged at the lower end of the right side of the front frame 53, and causes the game ball to be launched at a firing intensity that corresponds to the rotation angle. A batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 is provided below the front frame 53 and stores game balls. The surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 is arranged below the batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and stores game balls that cannot be accommodated in the batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61. The performance button 63 is an operation unit disposed near the batted ball supply tray (upper tray) 61, and is operated (pressed) by the player during a performance performed as the game progresses. The sword member 64 is an operation part imitating the shape of a sword, and can be pushed downward by the player during performances performed as the game progresses. The sword button 65 is an operation unit provided at the upper end of the sword member 64, that is, at the end of the sword handle, and is operated (pressed) by the player during performances performed as the game progresses. Ru. The sword member 64 is configured to be able to perform two different operations: a first operation of pushing the entire sword member 64 downward, and a second operation of pressing the sword button 65 at the tip. The frame lamp 66 is arranged around the opening of the front frame 53, and performs a light emitting effect during a game or the like. The speakers 67 are arranged at the upper left and upper right of the front frame 53, and perform sound production during games and the like. The select button 68 is a so-called cross key, and is composed of a left button, a right button, an upper button, and a lower button, and allows various inputs. The frame movable body 600 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the upper part of the front frame 53. The frame movable body 600 is configured to be movable from a stored state in which it is stored inside the front frame 53 to an exposed state in which it projects above the front frame 53.

The game board 2 includes a game area 3, a rail member 4, a board lamp 5, an image display device 7, a center decoration 10, a fixed winning device (belly button) 19, and a normal variable winning device (electronic chew) 22. , a gate (through chucker) 28, a big winning device (attacker) 31, a general winning opening 27 (normal winning opening 27), an out opening 16, and display devices 40.

The game area 3 is an area where game balls shot by operating the handle 60 flow down, and a plurality of game nails for guiding the game balls are provided protrudingly. The rail member 4 is arranged at the left end of the game area 3 and guides the game ball launched by operating the handle 60 toward the upper side of the game area 3. The board lamp 5 is arranged on the back side of the game area 3, and emits light from the back side of the game area 3.

The image display device 7 is provided near the center of the gaming area 3 and includes a display screen 7a. The image display device 7 may be a liquid crystal display device, or may be another image display device such as an organic EL display device, a plasma display, a projector, or a dot matrix. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes a performance pattern display area in which performance patterns (decorative patterns) 8L, 8C, and 8R are variably displayed (also referred to as variable display), and a pending image display area in which pending images 9A and 9B are displayed. area, and a pending digested image display area in which the pending digested image 9C is displayed. The hold images 9A and 9B are images representing hold, and are also called hold icons 9A and 9B. The pending digested image 9C is an image representing the pending, and is also referred to as the pending image 9C or the pending icon 9C. Furthermore, since the pending digested image 9C does not, strictly speaking, indicate pending, it is also referred to as the variable image 9C or the variable icon 9C.

The performance symbol display area includes three symbol display areas: "left", "middle", and "right". A left presentation pattern (left decorative pattern) 8L is displayed in the left pattern display area. A medium performance pattern (medium decorative pattern) 8C is displayed in the medium pattern display area. A right effect pattern (right decorative pattern) 8R is displayed in the right pattern display area. The performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are composed of a plurality of symbols representing numbers from "1" to "9", for example. The variable display of the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is synchronized with the variable display of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, which will be described later. The image display device 7 displays a first special symbol displayed by a first special symbol display 41a and a second special symbol display 41b, which will be described later, by a combination of effect symbols displayed in the left, middle, and right symbol display areas. The result of variable display of the second special symbol (big hit lottery result) can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner to the player.

For example, in the case of winning a jackpot, the effect pattern is stopped and displayed as a zero number such as "777". If it is a miss, the effect pattern is stopped and displayed with a miss, such as "637". This makes it easier for the player to grasp the progress of the game. The player can grasp the jackpot lottery result not only on the first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b but also on the image display device 7. Note that the position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed. Furthermore, the manner in which the performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner may be a manner in which they are scrolled in the vertical direction, or may be in any other manner. The combination of performance symbols to be stopped and displayed according to each lottery result is not limited to the above and can be arbitrarily set. Hereinafter, the performance that displays the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R will also be referred to as a "variable performance of performance symbols," a "variable display of decorative symbols," or simply a "variable performance." In addition, for this decorative pattern variation performance, the performance during the period from when the special symbol starts changing until it stops (also referred to as a special symbol variation period) is counted as one variation performance. Therefore, even if there is a case where the decorative pattern is temporarily stopped during the period from when the special pattern starts changing until it stops, the performance of the temporary stop is included in the fluctuating performance of the decorative pattern.

The image display device 7 can display on the display screen 7a, in addition to the performance symbol variation performance, a jackpot performance that is performed in parallel with a jackpot game (an example of a special game), a demonstration performance for waiting for customers, etc. In the performance symbol variation performance, performance images such as background images and character images may also be displayed in addition to the performance symbols. In addition to the production pattern, the image display device 7 also includes an identification display (fourth pattern, not shown) that can indicate that the special pattern is changing or indicate the lottery result of the special pattern. may be displayed on the display screen 7a. Note that the identification display (fourth symbol) may be displayed by a light emitting device such as an LED provided in the game area 3.

The reserved image display area is a first reserved display area that displays reserved images 9A according to the number of stored first special figures reserved, which will be described later, and a reserved image 9B that displays reserved images 9B according to the number of stored second special figures reserved, which will be described later. and a second hold display area. By displaying the holding images 9A and 9B, the stored number of first special figure holdings displayed on the first special figure holding display 43a, which will be described later, and the number of second special figure holdings displayed on the second special figure holding display 43b are determined. The number of memories can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner to the player. The pending digest image display area includes a pending digest display area that displays the pending digest image 9C. The pending digesting image 9C corresponds to the production symbols (production symbols 8L, 8C, 8R) currently being changed on the display screen 7a, and depending on the display of the pending digesting image 9C, the first special symbol pending or the second special symbol pending It is possible to clearly display to the player that the special drawing reservation has been completed ("extinction of special drawing reservation" to be described later).

A first board movable body 14 (also referred to as the first movable accessory 14), which is a movable so-called gimmick, is provided below the image display device 7. The first movable accessory 14 is configured such that a plate-shaped member is movable up and down. The first movable accessory 14 normally stands still at a retracted position below the image display device 7 (FIG. 1), and can move upward (advance) from the retracted position and come to rest at the advanced position. . The first movable accessory 14 covers a part of the image display device 7 when stopped at the advanced position.

The center decoration 10 is located near the center of the game area 3 and in front of the image display device 7. A second board movable body 15 (also referred to as a second movable accessory 15), which is a movable so-called gimmick, is attached to the center decoration body 10. A stage part 11 is formed at the lower part of the center decoration body 10. The stage part 11 has a shape that can guide a game ball rolling on the upper surface of the stage part 11 to a first starting port 20, which will be described later. A warp portion 12 is provided at the lower left of the center decorative body 10. The warp section 12 includes an inlet section through which game balls flow in and an outlet section through which game balls flow out, and causes the game balls that flowed in through the inlet section to flow out to the stage section 11 through the exit section.

The fixed winning device (belly button) 19 is arranged below the image display device 7 in the gaming area 3, and is located at a first starting hole (first starting winning hole, first ball entering hole) where the ease of entering the game ball always remains constant. (fixed starting port) 20. The winning of the game ball into the first starting hole 20 is an opportunity for a first special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery). In other words, the winning of the game ball into the first starting hole 20 is an opportunity for obtaining a jackpot random number and the like and determining a jackpot.

The normal variable prize winning device (electronic chew) 22 is arranged below the first starting hole 20 in the gaming area 3, and includes a second starting hole (second starting winning hole, second ball entering hole, variable starting hole) 21. ing. The winning of the game ball into the second starting hole 21 is an opportunity for a second special symbol lottery (jackpot lottery). The electric chew 22 includes a movable member 23 in front of the second starting port 21, and the second starting port 21 is opened and closed by the operation of the movable member 23. The movable member 23 is driven by an electric chew solenoid 24 (FIG. 3). A game ball can enter the second starting port 21 when the movable member 23 is in an open state. Note that the electric chew 22 only needs to enter the second starting port 21 more easily when the movable member 23 is in the open state than when the movable member 23 is in the closed state. It may be possible for the ball to enter the ball.

The gate (through chucker) 28 is arranged above the big prize winning device (attacker) 31 in the game area 3, and is configured to allow the game ball to pass through. Passage of the game ball to the gate 28 is an opportunity for a normal symbol lottery to determine whether or not to release the electric chew 22. In other words, the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 is a trigger for obtaining a normal symbol random number (a winning random number) and determining a winning number.

Here, the "special symbol lottery" means that when a game ball enters the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21, a random number for special symbol determination is acquired, and this acquired random number is used as a predetermined random number. It is a process of determining whether or not it is a jackpot by comparing it with the value corresponding to the "jackpot". The lottery result of this "jackpot" is not immediately notified to the player, but the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner on a first special symbol display 41a or a second special symbol display 41b, which will be described later, and a predetermined variation is made. When the time has elapsed, the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result is stopped and displayed (determined display), and the player is notified of the lottery result. In the image display device 7, a pattern matching game is performed in which performance symbols are variably displayed in synchronization with the variably displayed special symbols, and the jackpot lottery result is more effectively notified to the player by this symbol matching game.

In addition, "normal symbol lottery" means that when a game ball passes through the gate 28, a random number for determining a normal symbol is obtained, and this obtained random number is compared with a predetermined value corresponding to a "win". It is a process of determining whether or not it is a hit by doing so. Regarding the lottery result of this normal symbol, the lottery result is not announced immediately after the game ball passes through the gate 28, but the normal symbol is displayed fluctuating on the regular symbol display 42, which will be described later, and a predetermined fluctuation is performed. When the time has elapsed, the normal symbol corresponding to the lottery result is displayed (lit or extinguished) and the player is notified of the lottery result.

The big winning device (attacker, special variable winning device) 31 is arranged on the upper right side of the first starting hole 20 in the game area 3, and includes a big winning hole (special winning hole) 30. The big prize opening 30 includes an opening/closing member (first special winning opening opening/closing member) 32 that allows or inhibits reception of game balls through a swing-type opening/closing operation. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by a big prize opening solenoid 33 (FIG. 3). A game ball can enter the big prize opening 30 when the opening/closing member 32 is in an open state.

The big winning hole sensor 30a (FIG. 3) detects the winning of a game ball into the big winning hole 30. The grand prize device 31 of this embodiment further includes a grand prize device ejection sensor (not shown) that counts the number of game balls discharged from the grand prize device 31.

The general winning hole 27 is provided at the lower part of the gaming area 3. The out port 16 is provided at the lower part of the game area 3, and discharges game balls that have not won in any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 3. The display devices 40 are arranged near the center on the right side of the game board 2. Details of the display devices 40 will be described later.

The gaming area 3 includes a left gaming area 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right gaming area 3B on the right side. A hitting method in which the game ball is launched so that it flows down the left game area 3A is called "left-handed hitting." On the other hand, a hitting method in which the game ball is launched so that it flows down the right game area 3B is called "right-handed hitting." In the gaming machine 1, it is possible to aim for winning in the first starting opening 20 by playing left-handed. On the other hand, the configuration is such that by hitting right, you can aim to pass through the gate 28 and win the second starting opening 21 and the big winning opening 30.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the displays 40. The displays 40 include a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol reservation display 43a, and a second special symbol reservation display 43b. , and a general figure reservation display 44. The first special symbol display 41a variably displays the first special symbol. The second special symbol display 41b variably displays the second special symbol. The normal symbol display 42 variably displays normal symbols. The first special symbol reservation display 43a displays the number of stored operation reservations (first special symbol reservation) of the first special symbol display 41a. The second special symbol reservation display 43b displays the number of stored operation reservations (second special symbol reservation) of the second special symbol display 41b. The normal symbol reservation display 44 displays the number of stored operation reservations (common symbol reservations) of the ordinary symbol display 42. The variable display of the first special symbol is triggered by the landing of a game ball into the first starting port 20. The variable display of the second special symbol is triggered by the landing of a game ball into the second starting port 21. Below, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are also collectively referred to as a "special symbol." Further, the first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b are also collectively referred to as the "special symbol display 41." In addition, the first special figure holding display 43a and the second special figure holding display 43b are also collectively referred to as the "special figure holding display 43."

The special symbol display device 41 displays a special symbol (identification information) in a variable manner (fluctuating display) and then stops displaying the special symbol (identification information). , jackpot lottery) results. The special symbol that is stopped and displayed (stop symbol, special symbol that is derived and displayed as a display result of variable display) is one special symbol that is selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by special symbol lottery. When the stopped symbol is a special symbol (jackpot symbol) with a predetermined jackpot stopping pattern, the big winning hole 30 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed (the type of won jackpot). A special game (jackpot game) is played. The opening pattern of the big winning hole 30 in the special game will be described later.

The special symbol display 41 is composed of eight LEDs arranged side by side, and displays a special symbol according to the result of the special symbol winning lottery depending on the lighting mode. For example, if you win a jackpot (one of the multiple types of jackpots described below), you can select one or two from the left as "○○●●○○●●" (○: lit, ●: off). , 5th and 6th LEDs are lit to display jackpot symbols. If it is a loss, a losing symbol such as "●●●●●●●○" with only the rightmost LED lit is displayed. A mode may be adopted in which all the LEDs are turned off as a losing symbol. Before the special symbols are stopped and displayed, the special symbols are displayed in a variable manner (variable display) for a predetermined variable time. For example, each LED may be turned on so that light repeatedly flows from left to right. The mode of the variable display is not limited to the above mode and can be any lighting mode as long as each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (lighted up display in a specific mode). For example, the variable display mode may be such that all the LEDs blink at the same time.

In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball enters the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21, the values (numerical information) of various random numbers such as jackpot random numbers obtained for that winning are , is temporarily stored in the special figure reservation storage area 84e (FIG. 5). Specifically, if the winning is in the first starting opening 20, it is stored in the first special drawing holding storage area (not shown) as the first special drawing holding, and if it is winning in the second starting opening 21, It is stored in a second special figure reservation storage area (not shown) as a second special figure reservation. There is an upper limit to the number of special figure reservations that can be stored in each special figure reservation storage area 84e, and the upper limit in this embodiment is 4 for both the first special figure reservation storage area and the second special figure reservation storage area. It becomes. The special figure reservation stored in the special figure reservation storage area 84e is consumed when variable display of special symbols based on the special figure reservation becomes possible. "Extinguishing the special symbol reservation" refers to determining the jackpot random number etc. corresponding to the special symbol reservation and executing a variable display of the special symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, if the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of a game ball to the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, the variable display of the special symbol is executed. Even if a prize is won during execution of a medium or special game, the right to draw a jackpot for that prize can be reserved up to a predetermined number of prizes. The number of special figure reservations is displayed on the special figure reservation display 43. The first special figure holding display 43a and the second special figure holding display 43b each include, for example, four LEDs. Each special figure reservation display 43 displays the number of special symbols reserved by lighting up LEDs corresponding to the number of special symbols reserved.

The variable display of the normal symbols is triggered by the passage of the game ball to the gate 28. The normal symbol display device 42 notifies the result of the normal symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 by displaying the normal symbols variably (variably displaying) and then stop displaying them. The normal pattern that is stopped and displayed (the normal pattern that is stopped and the normal pattern that is derived and displayed as a display result of the variable display) is one normal pattern that is selected from a plurality of types of normal patterns by a normal pattern lottery. When the normal pattern stopping pattern is a predetermined specific normal pattern (normal pattern with a predetermined stopping pattern, that is, a normal winning pattern), an auxiliary game that opens the second starting port 21 in an opening pattern according to the current game state. will be held. Note that the opening pattern of the second starting port 21 will be described later.

The normal symbol display device 42 is composed of two LEDs, and displays a normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery depending on the lighting mode. For example, if the lottery result is a win, a normal winning symbol with both LEDs lit, such as "○○" (○: lit, ●: off), is displayed. If the lottery result is a loss, a normal loss symbol such as "●○" with only the right LED lit is displayed. A mode in which all the LEDs are turned off as a normal losing symbol may be adopted. Before the normal symbols are stopped and displayed, the normal symbols are displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined variable time. As for the variable display mode, for example, both LEDs may be lit alternately. The mode of the variable display is not limited to the above mode and can be any lighting mode as long as each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (lighted up display in a specific mode). For example, the variable display mode may be such that all the LEDs blink at the same time.

In the gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes through the gate 28, the value of the normal symbol random number (winning random number) obtained for the passage is stored as a normal symbol in the normal symbol retention storage area 84f (FIG. 5). Once it is memorized. There is an upper limit to the number of general figure reservations that can be stored in the ordinary figure reservation storage area 84f, and the upper limit value in this embodiment is four. The general symbol reservation stored in the ordinary symbol reservation storage area 84f is consumed when the variable display of the ordinary symbol based on the ordinary symbol reservation becomes possible. The extinguishing of a normal symbol reservation means to determine the normal symbol random number (winning random number) corresponding to the ordinary symbol reservation, and to execute a variable display of the ordinary symbol to show the determination result. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, if the variable display of the normal symbols based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, when the variable display of the normal symbols is being executed or the auxiliary game is being executed, winnings will be won. Even if there is, it is possible to reserve the right to draw a normal symbol lottery for the passing of a predetermined number of symbols as an upper limit. The number of general drawings on hold is displayed on the general drawing holding display 44. The common picture reservation display 44 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of common pictures pending by lighting up the LEDs for the number of common pictures pending.

2. Electrical Configuration of Gaming Machine The electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be explained based on FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control board side of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the sub-control board side of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 includes a main control board 80 (FIG. 3), a sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4), an image control board 100 (FIG. 4), a lamp control board 107 (FIG. 4), and an audio control board 106 (FIG. 4). FIG. 4) and a payout control board 110 (FIG. 3). The main control board 80 is a game control board that controls gaming profits such as jackpot lottery and game state transition, and constitutes a main control section. The sub-control board 90 is an effect control board that controls the effects to be executed as the game progresses, and together with the image control board 100, the lamp control board 107, and the audio control board 106, constitutes a sub-control unit. Note that the sub-control unit can be configured as long as it includes at least the sub-control board 90.

The main control board 80 includes a game control microcomputer 81 and an input/output circuit 87. The game control microcomputer 81 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the main control board 80, and controls the progress of the game of the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a main ROM 83 that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a main RAM 84 that is used as a work memory, and a main CPU 82 that executes the programs stored in the main ROM 83. Contains. Details of the data stored in the main ROM 83 and details of the storage area provided in the main RAM 84 will be described later. The main ROM 83 may be configured as an external ROM. The game control microcomputer 81 sends and receives data to and from other boards etc. via an input/output circuit (I/O port section) 87. The input/output circuit 87 may be built into the game control microcomputer 81.

Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87 and a relay board 88. The main control board 80 receives signals output from each sensor and outputs signals to each solenoid. Examples of the sensors connected via the relay board 88 include the first starting opening sensor 20a, the second starting opening sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the big winning opening sensor 30a, and the normal winning opening sensor 27a. Examples of the solenoids connected via the relay board 88 include the electric chew solenoid 24 and the big prize opening solenoid 33. The first starting port sensor 20a is provided inside the first starting port 20, and detects a game ball that has entered the first starting port 20. The second starting port sensor 21a is provided inside the second starting port 21, and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the second starting port 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided inside the gate 28 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 28. The big winning hole sensor 30a is provided inside the big winning hole 30, and detects the game ball that has entered the big winning hole 30. The normal winning hole sensor 27a is provided inside the normal winning hole 27, and detects a game ball that has won a prize in the normal winning hole 27. The electric chew solenoid 24 drives the movable member 23 of the electric chew 22. The big prize opening solenoid 33 drives the opening/closing member 32 of the big winning device 31.

Display devices 40 are connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol pending display 43a, a second special symbol pending display 43b, and a normal symbol pending. Display control for the display 44 is performed.

The external terminal board 70 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 sends information to the external terminal board 70 such as prize ball information, door or frame opening information, the number of changes in the first special symbol or the second special symbol, the first starting port 20, and the second starting port 21. It outputs information such as whether the game ball has won a prize or a jackpot, as well as a security signal.

A setting change device 71 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The setting change device 71 allows the jackpot probability of the gaming machine to be set in a maximum of six levels.

A payout control board 110 is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 for monitoring payout. A prize ball payout device 120, a rental ball payout device 130, and a card unit 135 are connected to the payout control board 110, and a shooting device 112 is connected via a shooting control circuit 111. The prize ball payout device 120 pays out prize balls. The payout control board 110 drives the prize ball motor 121 of the prize ball payout device 120 based on a signal from the game control microcomputer 81 to pay out prize balls. The paid out prize balls are detected by the prize ball sensor 122 for counting. The rental ball payout device 130 pays out rental balls. The payout control board 110 drives the ball rental motor 131 of the rental ball payout device 130 based on a signal from the card unit 135 connected to the gaming machine 1 to pay out rental balls. The paid-out rental balls are detected by the rental ball sensor 132 for counting. The card unit 135 is arranged adjacent to the gaming machine 1, and outputs information regarding ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card. The firing device 112 includes a handle 60 (FIG. 1), a firing motor 113, a touch switch 114, and a firing volume 115. When the player operates the handle 60, the firing device 112 detects the contact of the handle 60 with the touch switch 114, and detects the amount of rotation of the handle 60 with the firing volume 115. Then, the firing motor 113 is driven so that the game ball is fired with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the firing volume 115. Further, the firing control circuit 111 also transmits the signal sent to the firing motor 113 to the sub-control board 90 via the input/output circuit 96.

A sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4) is connected to the main control board 80 via an input/output circuit 87. The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the sub control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection that allows only the transmission of signals from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. That is, a unidirectional circuit (for example, a circuit using a diode), not shown, is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a communication direction regulating means.

The sub-control board 90 includes a production control microcomputer 91 and an input/output circuit 95. The production control microcomputer 91 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the sub-control board 90, and controls the production of the game of the gaming machine 1 according to a program. The performance control microcomputer 91 includes a sub-ROM 93 that stores programs for controlling the performance as the game progresses, a sub-RAM 94 that is used as a work memory, and a sub-ROM that executes the programs stored in the sub-ROM 93. It includes a CPU 92 and an RTC 95 that enables time measurement. The RTC 95 is backed up by a primary battery or a secondary battery (not shown). Therefore, the RTC 95 continues to measure time even when the gaming machine 1 is powered off. Details of the data stored in the sub-ROM 93 and details of the storage area provided in the sub-RAM 94 will be described later. The sub ROM 93 may be configured as an external ROM. The performance control microcomputer 91 sends and receives data to and from other boards etc. via an input/output circuit (I/O port section) 95. The input/output circuit 95 may be built in the production control microcomputer 91. An image control board 100 , an audio control board 106 , a lamp control board 107 , and a relay board 108 are connected to the sub-control board 90 via an input/output circuit 95 .

The image control board 100 includes an image control microcomputer 101, an input circuit 105a, and an output circuit 105b. The image control microcomputer 101 is a one-chip microcomputer mounted on the image control board 100, and controls the display of the image display device 7 according to a program. The image control microcomputer 101 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 103, and a RAM 104. In addition to programs for display control, the ROM 103 stores still image data and video data displayed on the image display device 7, including characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. image data such as background images, etc.) are stored. RAM 104 is used as a memory for expanding image data. CPU 102 executes a program stored in ROM 103. The production control microcomputer 91 causes the image control microcomputer 101 to control the display of the image display device 7 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The image control microcomputer 101 reads image data from the ROM 103 based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 91, and performs display control based on the read image data.

A speaker 67 is connected to the audio control board 106, and the performance control microcomputer 91 outputs audio, music, and sound effects from the speaker 67 via the audio control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80. etc. is output. Acoustic data such as audio output from the speaker 67 is stored in the sub ROM 93 of the sub control board 90. Note that the voice control board 106 may include a CPU, and may cause the CPU to execute voice control based on commands. Furthermore, the audio control board 106 may be equipped with a ROM, and may store acoustic data in the ROM. Alternatively, the speaker 67 may be connected to the image control board 100 and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 may be caused to perform audio control. Furthermore, the acoustic data may be stored in the ROM 103 of the image control board 100.

A frame lamp 66, a board lamp 5, a first movable accessory 14, and a second movable accessory 15 are connected to the lamp control board 107, and controls these. The production control microcomputer 91 controls the lighting of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107 based on commands received from the main control board 80. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 91 creates light emission pattern data (data that determines lighting/extinguishing, light emission color, etc., also referred to as lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5, and creates a light emission pattern. Light emission of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 is controlled according to the data. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 of the sub control board 90 is used to create the light emission pattern data. The production control microcomputer 91 operates the first movable accessory 14 and the second movable accessory 15 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The first movable accessory 14 is a movable so-called gimmick provided below the image display device 7. The second movable accessory 15 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the center decoration body 10. The performance control microcomputer 91 creates motion pattern data (drive data) that determines the operation mode of each of the first movable accessory 14 and the second movable accessory 15, and controls the first movable accessory 14 and the second movable accessory according to the motion pattern data. 2. Controls the operation of the movable accessory 15. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create the operation pattern data. Note that the lamp control board 107 may include a CPU, and may cause the CPU to control the lighting of the lamp and control the operation of the movable accessories 14 and 15 based on commands. In this case, the lamp control board 107 may be equipped with a ROM, and data regarding the light emission pattern and the operation pattern may be stored in the ROM.

A production button 63, a select button 68, and a frame movable body 600 are connected to the relay board 108. When the production button 63 is pressed (pressed down) by the player, it outputs a switch signal to the sub-control board 90 via the relay board 108. Further, the production control microcomputer 91 operates the production button 63 based on the command received from the main control board 80. The production button 63 can not only be operated by pressing, but also changeable between a normal position (buried position) in which the upper surface of the button body protrudes slightly, and a protruding position in which most of the button body protrudes. It has become. In other words, as one of the effects, the effect button 63 is raised up. The performance control microcomputer 91 creates position change data (drive data) for changing the position of the performance button 63, and controls the operation of the performance button 63 according to the position change data. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create the position change data. When the select button 68 is pressed (pressed down) by the player, it outputs a switch signal to the sub-control board 90 via the relay board 108.

The performance control microcomputer 91 operates the frame movable body 600 based on commands received from the main control board 80. The frame movable body 600 is a movable so-called gimmick provided on the upper part of the front frame 53 (FIG. 1). The performance control microcomputer 91 creates operation pattern data (drive data) that determines the operation mode of the frame movable body 600, and controls the operation of the frame movable body 600 according to the operation pattern data. Data stored in the sub ROM 93 is used to create the operation pattern data. Note that a touch sensor or the like that is provided on the front frame 53 and outputs a detection signal when a human body comes into contact with it may be connected to the relay board 108.

3. Data Configuration of Gaming Machine The data configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be explained based on FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5(A) is a diagram for explaining the main ROM 83. FIG. 5(B) is a diagram for explaining storage areas provided in the main RAM 84. FIG. 6(A) is a diagram for explaining the sub ROM 93. FIG. 6(B) is a diagram for explaining storage areas provided in the sub-RAM 94.

The main ROM 83 (FIG. 5(A)) is provided with a program storage area 83a and a table storage area 83b. The table storage area 83b includes a jackpot determination table, a reach determination table, a normal symbol hit determination table, a normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination table, a jackpot type determination table, a fluctuation pattern determination table, an electric chew opening pattern determination table, and a big winning opening pattern. Judgment tables, etc. are stored. These determination tables are referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in main control main processing (described later) that the game control microcomputer 81 executes.

The main RAM 84 (FIG. 5(B)) includes a command set area 84a, a flag set area 84b, a counter set area 84c, a special operation status set area 84d, a special figure reservation storage area 84e, and a general figure reservation memory. An area 84f, a setting information storage area 84g, and a work area 84h are provided. The command set area 84a is an area (output buffer) where commands output from the main control unit side to the sub control unit side are set in the main control main processing (described later), and includes advance determination commands, pending pitch count commands, A fluctuation start command, a fluctuation stop command, an opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a game state designation command, a customer waiting command, etc. are set. The flag set area 84b is an area where flags indicating the status of the gaming machine and the gaming status are set in the main control main processing (described later), and include the jackpot flag, jackpot end flag, probability variation flag, time saving flag, ceiling flag, etc. Set. The counter set area 84c is an area where counters used in main control main processing (described later) are set, including a random number counter, a round counter, a probability variable counter, a time saving counter, a game counter, a ceiling counter, and the like. The special operation status setting area 84d is an area where a status in special operation processing, which will be described later, is set. The special figure reservation storage area 84e includes a first special figure reservation storage area in which the first special figure reservation is stored, and a second special figure reservation storage area in which the second special figure reservation is stored. The first special figure reservation storage area stores random value groups (reservation information) such as random numbers per special symbol corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth of the first special figure reservation. A first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided for storage. The second special figure reservation storage area includes a first memory for storing random value groups (reservation information) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth pieces of the second special figure reservation. A storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided. The normal symbol reservation storage area 84f stores a group of random numbers (reservation information) such as normal symbol random numbers (hit random numbers) corresponding to the first, second, third, and fourth symbols of the ordinary symbol reservation. A first storage area, a second storage area, a third storage area, and a fourth storage area are provided for. The setting information storage area 84g is an area for storing setting information of the gaming machine set by the setting change device 71 (FIG. 3). The setting information is information that is set in six stages, settings 1 to 6. The work area 84h is a work area that implements temporary storage for calculations and the like. Note that the other areas except the work area 84h are backed up by a power source (not shown), and their contents are retained even if the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off.

The sub ROM 93 (FIG. 6(A)) is provided with a program storage area 93a and a table storage area 93b. The table storage area 93b stores a look-ahead performance pattern determination table, a basic performance pattern determination table, a chance-up performance pattern determination table, a stop symbol pattern determination table, and the like. These tables are referred to by the production control microcomputer 91 in sub-control main processing (described later) that the production control microcomputer 91 executes.

The sub-RAM 94 (FIG. 6(B)) is provided with a command storage area 94a, an effect command set area 94b, a counter set area 94c, a setting information storage area 94d, and a work area 94e.

The command storage area 94a is an area (input buffer) in which commands input from the main control unit side are stored in sub-control main processing (described later), including advance judgment commands, pending pitch count commands, fluctuation start commands, and fluctuation commands. A stop command, an opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a game state designation command, a customer waiting command, etc. are stored.

The effect command set area 94b is an area where commands output from the sub-control board 90 to the image control board 100, the audio control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the relay board 108 are set in the sub-control main processing (described later). It is an output buffer) in which a variable performance start command, a fluctuation before end command, a variable performance end command, an opening performance start command, a round performance start command, an ending performance start command, etc. are set.

The counter set area 94c is an area where counters used in the sub-control main process (described later) are set, including a random number counter, a first special symbol reservation performance counter, a second special symbol reservation performance counter, and a regular symbol reservation performance counter. , a variable performance counter, a time saving performance counter, etc. are set.

The setting information storage area 94d is an area where setting information output from the main control unit side is stored.

The work area 94e is a work area that implements temporary storage for calculations and the like. Note that the other areas except the work area 94e are backed up by a power source (not shown), and their contents are retained even if the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off.

Here, various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the gaming machine 1 will be explained.
The game control microcomputer 81 acquires a "jackpot random number," a "jackpot type random number," a "reach random number," a "fluctuation pattern random number," and a "normal symbol random number (hit random number)" at timings described later. It is configured as follows. Both are acquired as the value of the random number counter in the counter set area 84c of the main RAM 84. A plurality of random number counters are prepared corresponding to each random number counter.
The “jackpot random number” is a random number used for lottery to determine whether or not it is a jackpot (jackpot determination), and takes a value in the range of 0 to 65535.
The “jackpot type random number” is a random number used for lottery of the winning jackpot type (jackpot type determination), and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127.
"Reach Random Number" is a random number used to determine whether or not to generate a reach in the performance symbol variation performance that indicates the result when the jackpot judgment is a loss, and has a value in the range of 0 to 127. Take. Reach is a state in which there is only one fluctuating performance symbol remaining among multiple performance symbols (decorative symbols), and it depends on which symbol the fluctuating performance symbol is stopped and displayed. This is a state in which a combination of performance symbols indicates a jackpot (for example, a state of "7↓7"). Note that the performance symbols that are displayed in a stopped state in the ready-to-win state may be displayed as if they are shaking within the display screen 7a.

The "variation pattern random number" is a random number used to determine a variation pattern including variation time, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127.
The "normal symbol random number (winning random number)" is used for a lottery (normal symbol lottery) to determine whether or not to play an auxiliary game that opens the electric chew 22. Normal symbol random numbers take values in the range from 0 to 255.
The “jackpot random number,” “jackpot type random number,” “reach random number,” and “variation pattern random number” are acquired based on the ball entering the starting hole (first starting hole 20 or second starting hole 21). The random number group obtained based on the ball entering the first starting port 20 is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area, and the random number group obtained based on the ball entering the second starting port 21 is stored in the first special symbol holding storage area. 2 is stored in the special figure reservation storage area. The “normal symbol random number (winning random number)” is obtained based on passing through the gate 28. The acquired normal symbol random number value is stored in the ordinary symbol retention storage area 84f.

Next, various random numbers acquired by the performance control microcomputer 91 in the gaming machine 1 will be explained.
The performance control microcomputer 91 is configured to obtain a "pre-read performance random number" and a "chance up random number". Both are acquired as the value of the random number counter in the counter set area 94c of the sub-RAM 94. A plurality of random number counters are prepared corresponding to each random number counter.

The "pre-read effect random number" is a random number used to determine the pre-read effect during the variable effect, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127. The "pre-read effect random number" is acquired based on the output of a preliminary determination command from the main control section to the sub-control section. The obtained random number group is stored in the sub-RAM 94.

The "chance up random number" is a random number used to determine the chance up performance during the variable performance, and takes a value in the range of 0 to 127. The "chance up random number" is acquired based on a fluctuation start command being output from the main control unit to the sub control unit. The obtained random number value is stored in the sub-RAM 94.

4. Description of various tables FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the jackpot determination table.
In the jackpot determination table, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the acquired jackpot random number value (any of 0 to 65535) corresponds to a "jackpot" or a "loss" in the main control main processing (described later). This is the table that is referenced to do this. The jackpot determination in the jackpot determination table is performed based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 and the setting information stored in the setting information storage area 84g (FIG. 5). For example, if the setting information is "setting 1" in the "normal probability state" and the jackpot random number is "0 to 409", it will be determined as a "jackpot"; (410-65535)”, it is determined that the result is a “loss”. For example, if the setting information is "Setting 1" in the "high probability state" and the jackpot random number is "0 to 936", it will be determined as a "jackpot"; If the number is 937 to 65535, it is determined that the result is a loss. The same applies to other setting information.

The reach determination table indicates whether the reach random value (one of 0 to 127) acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) corresponds to "reach" or "no reach". This is a table that is referenced to determine the The reach determination in the reach determination table is performed based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, in the "non-time saving state", if the reach random value is "0 to 13", it is determined that there is a "reach", and if the reach random value is "a number other than 0 to 13 (14 to 127)" ”, it is determined that there is no reach. In addition, in the "time saving state", if the reach random value is "0 to 5", it is determined that there is a "reach", and if the reach random value is "a number other than 0 to 5 (6 to 127)", it is determined that there is a reach. is determined to be "out of reach".

The normal symbol winning determination table indicates whether the normal symbol random number value (any of 0 to 255) acquired by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) corresponds to a "win" or a "loss". This is a table that is referenced to determine whether the The determination in the normal symbol hit determination table is performed based on the gaming state of the gaming machine 1. In this embodiment, in the "non-time saving state", if the normal symbol random number value is "0 to 2", it is determined to be a "win", and if the normal symbol random number value is "a number other than 0 to 2 (3 to 255 )”, it is determined as a “lose”. In addition, in the "time saving state", if the normal symbol random number value is "0 to 254", it will be determined as a "win", and if the normal symbol random number value is "a number other than 0 to 254 (255)", it will be determined as a "win". , it is judged as a "lose".

In the normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination table, the game control microcomputer 81 determines how many seconds the normal symbol fluctuation time is according to the gaming state (non-time saving state or time saving state) in the main control main processing (described later). This is the table referenced for this purpose. In this embodiment, in the "non-time saving state", the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is determined to be "30 seconds", and in the "time saving state", the fluctuation time of the normal symbols is determined to be "1 second".

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the jackpot type determination table. The jackpot type determination table is referred to by the gaming control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) to determine the "jackpot type" according to the acquired jackpot type random value (any of 0 to 127). This is the table that will be used.

In FIG. 8, when winning in the lottery of the first special symbol (special symbol 1), if the jackpot type random number is "0 to 77", the jackpot type is determined to be "4R probability variable jackpot", and the jackpot type random number is determined to be "4R probability variable jackpot". When the numerical value is "78 to 115", the jackpot type is determined to be "8R normal jackpot", and when the jackpot type random value is "116 to 127", it is determined to be "2R probability variable jackpot". Incidentally, the "2R certain variable jackpot" is a mode in which a jackpot is not reported. Hereinafter, it will also be referred to as a "latent and certain strange jackpot."
On the other hand, if you win in the lottery of the second special symbol (special symbol 2), if the jackpot type random number is "0 to 89", the jackpot type is determined to be "8R guaranteed variable jackpot", and the jackpot type random number is In the case of "90-127", the jackpot type is determined to be "8R normal jackpot". In addition, in the jackpot type determination table, the "opening (OP) command", "round designation command", and "ending (ED) command" of the special game may also be specified.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a fluctuation pattern determination table in a non-time saving state. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a fluctuation pattern determination table in a time saving state. The fluctuation pattern determination table is a table that is referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) to determine the fluctuation pattern according to the acquired fluctuation pattern random number value (0 to 127).

In FIG. 9, for example, a prize is won in the first starting slot 20 in a non-time-saving state, the jackpot determination table determines that it is a "lose", the reach determination table determines that there is a "reach", and the number of reserved balls is "1 to 2". ”, and when the fluctuation pattern random number value is “0 to 60”, it is shown that the fluctuation pattern is determined to be “P7”. In FIG. 10, for example, a prize is won in the second starting slot 21 in the time saving state, the jackpot determination table determines that it is a "jackpot", the jackpot type determination table determines that it is an "8R probability variable jackpot", and the fluctuation pattern random value is "0". .about.10'', the variation pattern is determined to be "P61". As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, once the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time is also determined. In addition, when reaching a reach, it is also determined whether the reach will be a normal reach or a super reach (SP reach). Super reach is a reach effect where the fluctuation time after reach is longer than normal reach. Here, three types of super reach (SP1, SP2, SP3) with different variation times are set. SP1-3 are progressively executed after normal reach. The difference between SP1 to SP3 may be, for example, the presence or absence of pseudo-association.

The electric chew opening pattern determination table is referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in the main control main processing (described later) to determine the opening pattern of the electric chew 22 according to the gaming state (non-time saving state or time saving state). This is the table that will be used. In the present embodiment, when the electric chew 22 is in the "non-time saving state", the opening pattern of the electric chew 22 is determined to be the "opening pattern 11", and when it is in the "time saving state", the opening pattern is determined to be the "opening pattern 12". In the opening pattern 11, the electric chew 22 is opened once for an opening time of 0.2 seconds. In the opening pattern 12, the electric chew 22 is opened three times, each opening time is 2.0 seconds, and the interval (opening interval) is 1.0 seconds. However, the opening of this electric chew 22 is closed even if the opening time remains if a predetermined number of game balls are won (regular winning number, maximum 10).

The big winning hole opening pattern determination table is a table that is referred to by the game control microcomputer 81 in order to determine the opening pattern of the big winning hole 30 in the main control main processing (described later). In this embodiment, in the case of a "4R jackpot", it is determined that the pattern is "open pattern 21". In the "opening pattern 21", in the 1st to 4th R, the big prize opening 30 is opened once and the opening time is 29.5 seconds (long opening). In addition, in the case of "8R jackpot", it is determined as "opening pattern 22". In the "opening pattern 22", the big prize opening 30 is opened once in the 1st to 8th R, and the opening time is 29.5 seconds (long opening). In the case of "2R jackpot", it is determined as "open pattern 23". In the "opening pattern 23", in the 1st to 2nd R, the big winning hole 30 is opened once for an opening time of 0.1 seconds (short opening).

5. Explanation of jackpots, etc. In the gaming machine 1, there are "jackpots" and "losses" as a result of jackpot drawings (special symbol drawings). In the case of a "jackpot", the "jackpot symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 41. At the time of "losing", the "losing symbol" is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 41. When a jackpot is won, a "jackpot game" is executed in which the jackpot (big jackpot 30) is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of jackpot. A jackpot game is an example of a special game. A jackpot game includes multiple round games (unit open games), an opening (OP) before the first round game starts, and an ending (ED) after the final round game ends. There is. Each round game starts with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round game, and ends with the start of the next round game. The closing time (interval time) of the big prize opening between round games is included in the open round game before the closing.

There are multiple types of jackpots. There are four types of jackpots: "4R sure-variable jackpot," "8R regular jackpot," "2R probability-variable jackpot," and "8R probability-variable jackpot." The "probable variable jackpot" becomes a high-probability time-saving state (high-probability, high-base state) after the jackpot game. On the other hand, the "normal jackpot" becomes a low probability time saving state (low probability high base state) after the jackpot game. Note that the "2R sure-change jackpot" is executed without clearly announcing the jackpot, and the jackpot (big jackpot 30) is opened short, so it is a jackpot in which no game ball can be expected to be won. After the jackpot game, the player enters a high-accuracy, non-time saving state (high-accuracy, low base state).

In addition, as shown in Figure 8, the distribution ratio of jackpots in the first special symbol (special symbol 1) lottery is 78/128 (approximately 60%) for 4R probability variable jackpot and 38/128 (approximately 60%) for 8R regular jackpot. 30%), and the 2R probability jackpot is 11/128 (about 10%). On the other hand, the distribution rate of jackpots in the lottery for the second special symbol (special symbol 2) is 90/128 (approximately 70%) for 8R definite jackpot and 38/128 (approximately 30%) for 8R regular jackpot. ing. In this way, in the gaming machine 1, the jackpot lottery that is performed when a game ball enters the second starting port 21 is more popular than the jackpot lottery that is performed when a game ball enters the second starting port 21 (first special symbol lottery). The lottery (the lottery of the second special symbol) is set to be more advantageous for the player.

6. Description of gaming state The gaming state of the gaming machine 1 will be explained. The game control microcomputer 81 can perform "probability variation control" and "variation time shortening control" on the special symbols displayed on the special symbol display 41 and the normal symbols displayed on the normal symbol display 42, respectively. It is. Here, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 performs probability variation control on the special symbols on the special symbol display 41 is referred to as a "high probability state," and the state in which probability variation control is not performed is simply referred to as a "normal probability state." (non-high probability state, low probability state). The game control microcomputer 81 performs jackpot judgment using a jackpot judgment table (FIG. 7) in which the number of jackpot random numbers determined as jackpots is higher in a high probability state than in a normal probability state, as probability fluctuation control for special symbols. By doing this, a high probability state is achieved. Therefore, the high probability state has a higher probability of hitting the jackpot than the normal probability state. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 executes probability variation control on the special symbols on the special symbol display 41, compared to the case where the probability variation control is not executed, The probability that the display result (stopping symbol) of the variable display of the special symbol will be a jackpot symbol is increased.

In addition, the state in which the game control microcomputer 81 controls the special symbols on the special symbol display 41 to shorten the fluctuation time is referred to as a "time-saving state", and the state in which the fluctuation time is not controlled to shorten is simply referred to as a "non-time-saving state". That's what it means. In the time saving state, the variation time of the special symbol (the time from the start of the variable display to the time of derivation and display of the display result) is shorter than in the non-time saving state. The game control microcomputer 81 uses a variation pattern determination table (FIGS. 9 and 10) that is determined so that a variation pattern with a short variation time is selected more often in a time-saving state than in a non-time-saving state. Determine the fluctuation pattern that has occurred. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 executes the variable time reduction control for the special symbols on the special symbol display 41, compared to the case where the variable time reduction control is not executed, the variation of the special symbol A short variation time is more likely to be selected as the display variation time. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace at which the reserved special drawings are consumed becomes faster, and effective winnings in the starting opening (winnings that can be stored as reserved special drawings) are more likely to occur. This allows players to aim for a jackpot while the game progresses smoothly. It should be noted that the game control microcomputer 81 may perform probability fluctuation control and fluctuation time reduction control simultaneously, or only one of them, for the special symbols on the special symbol display 41.

The game control microcomputer 81 executes probability variation control and variation time shortening control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42 in parallel with variation time shortening control for the special symbols on the special symbol display 41. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes the probability fluctuation control and the fluctuation time reduction control for the normal symbols in the time-saving state, but does not perform them in the non-time-saving state. The game control microcomputer 81 uses a normal symbol hit determination table in which the number of normal symbol random numbers (winning random numbers) that are determined to be hits is greater in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state, as probability fluctuation control for the normal symbols. Then, make a hit judgment (normal pattern judgment). Therefore, in the time saving state, the winning probability is higher than in the normal symbol normal probability state. In other words, when the game control microcomputer 81 executes probability variation control on the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, compared to the case where the probability variation control is not executed, the normal symbol display 42 The probability that the display result of the variable display of the normal symbol (stopped symbol) becomes a winning symbol is increased. In the time saving state, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shorter than in the non-time saving state. Here, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is 30 seconds in the non-time saving state, but it is 1 second in the time saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chew 22 in the auxiliary game is longer than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes open time extension control on the electric chew 22. In addition, in the time-saving state, the number of times the electric chew 22 is opened in the auxiliary game is greater than in the non-time-saving state. That is, the game control microcomputer 81 executes control to increase the number of times the electric chew 22 is opened. Under the situation where the game control microcomputer 81 is executing probability fluctuation control and fluctuation time shortening control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, and control for extending the opening time and increasing number of openings for the electric chew 22, Compared to the case where these controls are not executed, the electric chew 22 is opened more frequently, and the game ball enters the second starting port 21 more frequently. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of fired balls, increases. Therefore, a state where these controls are being executed is called a "high base state", and a state where these controls are not being executed is called a "low base state". In a high base state, you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have. Note that the high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control that supports winning to the second starting port 21 by the electric chew 22) is being executed. The high base state (electric support control state) does not need to execute all of the above controls. That is, among the probability fluctuation control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, the variation time shortening control for the normal symbols on the normal symbol display 42, the opening time extension control for the electric chew 22, and the control for increasing the number of openings for the electric chew 22. It is only necessary that by executing one or more controls, the electric chew 22 can be opened more easily than when the controls are not executed. Further, the high base state (electric support control state) may be controlled independently without being associated with the time saving state.

In the gaming machine 1, the gaming state after the jackpot game by winning the 4R probability variable jackpot and the 8R probability variable jackpot is a high probability state and a time saving state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "high-accuracy, high-base state" or a "high-accuracy, time-saving state." The high probability/high base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (in this case, 30 times) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.
Furthermore, the gaming state after the jackpot game due to winning the 8R normal jackpot is a normal probability state (non-high probability state, ie, low probability state) and a time saving state (high base state). This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "low probability high base state" and "low probability time saving state." The low-probability-high base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (in this case, 30 times) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.
Furthermore, the gaming state after the jackpot game by winning the 2R probability variable jackpot is a high probability state and a non-time saving state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "high probability low base state", "high probability non-time saving state", "latent probability variable state", and "potential probability state". The high-probability-low base state ends when the variable display of special symbols is executed a predetermined number of times (in this case, 30 times) or when a jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.
When playing the gaming machine 1 for the first time, the gaming state after the power is turned on is a normal probability state and a low base state (non-electronic support control state). This gaming state is particularly referred to as a "low probability low base state". The low-probability, low-base state is sometimes referred to as a "normal gaming state" or a "low-probability non-time-saving state (also simply referred to as a non-time-saving state)." Further, the state in which a special game (big hit game) is being executed will be referred to as a "special game state (big hit game state)". Furthermore, a state controlled to at least one of the high probability state and the high base state is referred to as a "specific gaming state."

In a high base state such as a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state, the game can be progressed more advantageously if the game ball enters the right game area 3B (FIG. 1) by hitting right. Due to the electric support control, the electric chew 22 is opened more easily than in the low base state, and it is easier to win a prize in the second starting port 21 than to win a prize in the first starting port 20. be. Therefore, in the high base state, the game ball is hit to the right in order to enter the second starting port 21 while passing the game ball to the gate 28 which is the trigger for the normal symbol lottery. This allows you to get more starting prizes (winning into the starting hole) than if you hit left-handed. In addition, in the gaming machine 1, even during the jackpot game, the game is played with the right hand. On the other hand, in the low base state, the game can proceed more advantageously if the game ball enters the left game area 3A (FIG. 1) by hitting the ball to the left. Since the electric support control is not executed, the electric chew 22 is more difficult to open than in the high base state, and it is easier to win a prize in the first starting port 20 than to win a prize in the second starting port 21. This is because For this reason, in the low base state, the game ball is hit to the left in order to cause the game ball to enter the first starting port 20. This allows you to win more starting prizes than if you hit right-handed.

7. Operation of the game control microcomputer 81 The operation of the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 (FIG. 3) will be explained based on FIGS. 11 to 18. Counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 are provided in the main RAM 84.

[Main control main processing]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of main control main processing. When the game machine 1 is powered on, the game control microcomputer 81 reads a program for executing main control main processing from the main ROM 83. In the main control main processing, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs initialization processing (step S001). In the initialization process, for example, settings of the main CPU 82 and reset of various flags, statuses, counters, etc. are performed. The initial value of the flag is "0", that is, "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the initialization process is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

After the initialization process, the game control microcomputer 81 prohibits the interruption of the interrupt process (step S002), and performs the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process (step S003). In this normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random number counter values (jackpot random number, jackpot type random number, reach random number, variable pattern random number, normal symbol random number) to 1. Add and update. When each random number counter value reaches the set upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be changed randomly. Further, each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit such as a counter IC.

After the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 allows an interrupt of the interrupt process (step S004). While interrupts are enabled, main side timer interrupt processing (step S005) can be executed. The main side timer interrupt process is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the main CPU 82 at a predetermined period (for example, a 4 msec period). That is, the main side timer interrupt process is executed at predetermined intervals (for example, every 4 msec). Then, after the main side timer interrupt processing ends and until the next main side timer interrupt processing starts, the updating processing of various counter values by the normal symbol / special symbol main random number updating processing is repeatedly executed. . Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the main CPU 82 in the interrupt disabled state, the main side timer interrupt processing is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt is enabled.

[Main side timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the main side timer interrupt processing (FIG. 11: step S005). In the main side timer interrupt process, the game control microcomputer 81 first performs a random number update process (step S101). Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 updates various random number counter values. This random number update process is the same as the normal symbol/special symbol main random number update process performed in the main control main process (FIG. 11) described above. In other words, the update processing of various random number counter values is performed during the execution period of the main side timer interrupt processing and other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt processing until the start of the next main side timer interrupt processing). It is carried out both.

After the random number update process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs an input process (step S102). FIG. 13 is a flowchart of input processing. In the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 reads detection signals detected by various sensors attached to the game machine 1. The various sensors are the first starting opening sensor 20a, the second starting opening sensor 21a, the gate sensor 28a, the big winning opening sensor 30a, the normal winning opening sensor 27a, and the discharge sensor 25 (FIG. 3). The game control microcomputer 81 outputs payout data to the main RAM 84 for paying out prize balls according to the winning holes, that is, the first starting hole 20, the second starting hole 21, the big winning hole 30, and the normal winning hole 27. Set in buffer.

After the input process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a starting port sensor detection process (step S103). In the starting port sensor detection process, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game ball passes through the gate 28, acquires the value of the normal symbol random number counter, and stores the acquired random value in the regular symbol holding storage area 84f of the main RAM 84. Among the first to fourth storage areas, the normal symbol is stored in a storage area corresponding to the current number of reserved balls. In addition, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game ball enters the first starting port 20 and determines the value of the jackpot random number counter, the value of the jackpot type random number counter, the value of the reach random number counter, and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter. get. The game control microcomputer 81 stores the obtained random number group in a storage area corresponding to the current number of special figure 1 reserved balls among the first to fourth storage areas of the first special figure reserved storage area. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the game ball enters the second starting port 21, and determines the value of the jackpot random number counter, the value of the jackpot type random number counter, the value of the reach random number counter, and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter. get. The game control microcomputer 81 stores the obtained random value group in the storage area corresponding to the current number of special figure 2 reserved balls among the first to fourth storage areas of the second special figure reserved storage area.

The game control microcomputer 81 performs a preliminary judgment of a jackpot in the starting port sensor detection process. Based on the random number group described above, it is determined in advance whether or not it is a jackpot, and if it is a jackpot, the type of jackpot and the fluctuation pattern. Then, a preliminary determination command is created from the preliminary determination result and set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs normal operation processing (step S104). In the normal operation process, the game control microcomputer 81 controls the operation of the electric chew 22. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol is "0" or not, and if the number of reserved balls is 1 or more, it refers to the normal symbol hit determination table. Make a hit judgment. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 selects a variation pattern by referring to the normal symbol variation pattern determination table. The game control microcomputer 81 starts the variable display of normal symbols by setting the selected normal symbol variation pattern. Thereafter, the variable display is stopped, and in the case of a "win", an electric chew opening pattern is set with reference to the electric chew opening pattern determination table, and the electric chew 22 is activated.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special operation processing (step S105). This special operation process will be described later.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a pending ball number process (step S106). The game control microcomputer 81 first reads out the number of special symbol 1 reserved balls, the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls, and the number of normal symbol reserved balls stored in the main RAM 84. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the number of reserved balls command in the command set area (output buffer) 84a of the main RAM 84. The number of reserved balls command is a command for notifying the sub-control board 90 of the number of reserved balls, and includes information regarding the number of reserved balls for special symbol 1, the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2, and the number of regular symbol reserved balls. .

After processing the number of reserved balls, the game control microcomputer 81 performs output processing (step S107). In the output process, the game control microcomputer 81 outputs the commands and the like set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84 in each of the above processes to the sub control board 90. After the output process, the game control microcomputer 81 performs other processes (step S108). In other processes, for example, the second special figure holding display 43b is controlled to display the number based on the number of reserved balls for special figure 2, which will be described later, and the first special figure is displayed based on the number of reserved balls for special figure 1. The hold display 43a is controlled to display the number.

[Special operation processing]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the special operation process (FIG. 12: step S105). Here, the processing related to the special symbol display 41 and the grand prize device (big prize device 31) is divided into four stages, and each stage is divided into "1", "2", "3", and "3" of the "special operation status", respectively. 4". When the "special operation status" is "1" (step S1301: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 performs special symbol standby processing (step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, jackpot determination, variation pattern selection, etc. are executed. When the "special operation status" is "2" (step S1301: NO, step S1303: YES), special symbol fluctuation processing is performed (step S1304). In the special symbol fluctuation processing, output of a fluctuation stop command etc. is executed after the fluctuation time has elapsed. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the special symbol fluctuation time has elapsed and ended, and if the fluctuation time has elapsed, sets a fluctuation stop command and performs the special operation. Set the status to "3". When the "special operation status" is "3" (steps S1301, S1303: NO, step S1305: YES), special symbol confirmation processing is performed (step S1306). In the special symbol confirmation process, the output of an opening command, etc. is executed at the time of a jackpot. Specifically, the game control microcomputer 81 first executes a game state management process. The game state management process is a process for managing the number of STs and the number of time saving times. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "1" when the jackpot flag is OFF. On the other hand, when the jackpot flag is ON, a jackpot opening pattern is set according to the type of jackpot won. After setting the opening pattern, the game control microcomputer 81 performs a game state reset process. The game state reset process is a process for resetting the probability change flag and the time saving flag. After the game state reset process, a jackpot opening command is set in order to start the jackpot game. After that, set the special operation status to "4". When the "special operation status" is "4" (steps S1301, S1303, S1305: NO), special electric accessory processing is performed (step S1308). In the special electric accessory processing, a jackpot game is executed. Specifically, the opening of the big prize opening 30 is controlled according to an opening pattern based on a round counter, and a round designation command and an ending command are set. Also, at the end of the jackpot, a time saving counter and a probability change counter are set.

[Special symbol standby processing]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the special symbol standby process (FIG. 13: Step S1302). In the special symbol standby process, the game control microcomputer 81 first determines whether the number of special symbol 2 reserved balls is "0" (step S1401). If the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is "0" (step S1401: YES), that is, the random value group acquired due to winning in the second starting opening 21 is stored in the second special figure reservation storage area. If there is no such file, the process moves to step S1407. When the special figure 2 reserved ball number is "1" or more (step S1401: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes the jackpot determination process (step S1402). In the jackpot determination process, the number of games is incremented, and then a jackpot determination is performed. The jackpot determination is performed using a jackpot determination table. Then, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not it is a jackpot, and when it is determined that it is a jackpot, it turns on the jackpot flag, determines the jackpot type, and then ends the jackpot determination process.

Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a variation pattern selection process (step S1403). In the fluctuation pattern selection process, the fluctuation pattern determination table (FIG. 9, FIG. 10) is referred to, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (time-saving state or non-time-saving state), the determination result of the jackpot determination process (step S1402), and the reserved balls are determined. Select a variation pattern based on the number. After the fluctuation pattern selection process, the number of special figure 2 reserved balls is decremented (step S1404). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 changes the storage location of the reservation information (various random numbers) stored in the first to fourth storage areas of the second special figure reservation storage area from the current position to the side from which it is read out. At the same time, the reservation information stored in the farthest location from the read side in the second special figure reservation storage area is cleared (step S1405). For example, if pending information is stored in the first to third storage areas, the pending information stored in the third storage area is cleared and the pending information is stored in the first to fourth storage areas. If so, the pending information stored in the fourth storage area is cleared. Through the above steps, the second special figure reservations are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9B (the leftmost reserved image 9B among the four reserved images 9B) corresponding to the first storage area of the second special figure reserved storage area is reserved. It is shifted to the digested image display area side and displayed as the held digested image 9C. In addition, the reserved images 9B (the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th reserved images 9B from the left among the 4 reserved images 9B) corresponding to the 2nd to 4th storage areas of the 2nd special figure reserved storage area are 1 on the left side, respectively. (Figure 1). Thereby, the player can recognize that one second special figure reservation has been used up. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special figure 2 fluctuation start processing (step S1406). In the special figure 2 variation start process, a variation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, a variation display of the second special symbol is started, and a variation time timer is set. A variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process is set in the variation time timer. Further, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "2". In addition, the variation start command (special figure 2 variation start command) set in the special figure 2 variation start process includes information regarding the special figure stop symbol data set in the jackpot determination process (step S1402) and the variation pattern selection process ( Information regarding the fluctuation pattern set in step S1403) (including information regarding fluctuation time) is included.

In step S1401, if the number of reserved balls for special drawing 2 is "0" (step S1401: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 is "0" ( Step S1407). If the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is "0" (step S1407: YES), that is, the random value group acquired due to winning in the first starting opening 20 is stored in the first special figure reservation storage area. If there is no such file, the process moves to step S1413. When the number of special figure 1 reserved balls is "1" or more (step S1407: NO), the game control microcomputer 81 executes the jackpot determination process (step S1408). In the jackpot determination process, the number of games is incremented, and then a jackpot determination is performed. The jackpot determination is performed using a jackpot determination table. Then, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not it is a jackpot, and when it is determined that it is a jackpot, it turns on the jackpot flag, determines the jackpot type, and then ends the jackpot determination process. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a variation pattern selection process (step S1409). In the fluctuation pattern selection process, the fluctuation pattern determination table (FIGS. 9 and 10) is referred to, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (time-saving state or non-time-saving state), the determination result of the jackpot determination process (step S1408), and the reserved balls are determined. Select a variation pattern based on the number. After the fluctuation pattern selection process, the number of reserved balls for special figure 1 is decremented (step S1410). Next, the game control microcomputer 81 shifts the storage locations of the various random numbers stored in the first to fourth storage areas of the first special figure reservation storage area by one position from the current position to the side where they are read out. , clears the reservation information stored in the farthest location from the read side in the first special figure reservation storage area (step S1411). Through the above steps, the first special figure reservations are consumed in the order in which they were reserved. In this case, on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, the reserved image 9A (the rightmost reserved image 9A among the four reserved images 9A) corresponding to the first storage area of the first special figure reserved storage area is reserved. It is shifted to the digested image display area side and displayed as the held digested image 9C. In addition, the reserved images 9A (the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th reserved images 9A from the right among the 4 reserved images 9A) corresponding to the 2nd to 4th storage areas of the 1st special figure reserved storage area are 1 on the right side, respectively. (Figure 1). Thereby, the player can recognize that one first special symbol reservation has been used up. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special figure 1 fluctuation start processing (step S1412). In the special figure 1 variation start process, a variation start command is set in the command set area 84a of the main RAM 84, and a variation display of the first special symbol is started, and a variation time timer is set. A variation time determined according to the variation pattern selected in the variation pattern selection process is set in the variation time timer. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the special operation status to "2" (step S1412). In addition, the variation start command (special figure 1 variation start command) set in the special figure 1 variation start process includes information regarding the special figure stop symbol data set in the jackpot determination process (step S1408) and the variation pattern selection process ( Information regarding the fluctuation pattern set in step S1409) (including information regarding fluctuation time) is included.

In step S1407, when the number of reserved balls for special drawing 1 is "0" (step S1407: YES), the game control microcomputer 81 sets a customer waiting command (step S1413) and ends this process. As described above, according to the special symbol standby process of this embodiment, the variable display of the special symbol based on the first special symbol reservation is executed only when the second special symbol reservation is "0". That is, the extinguishment of the second special figure reservation is executed in priority to the extinguishment of the first special figure reservation. Furthermore, according to the jackpot type determination table (FIG. 8) of this embodiment, the lottery based on the second special symbol reservation results in a jackpot that is more profitable for the player than the lottery based on the first special symbol reservation. It looks like this.

[Special design confirmation process]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the special symbol determination process (FIG. 13: Step S1306).
In the special symbol confirmation process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a game state management process (step S1801). The game state management process will be described later.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the jackpot flag is ON (step S1802). The jackpot flag is stored in the flag set area 84b of the main RAM 84. If it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (step S1802: YES), the process moves to step S1803. On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is not ON (step S1802: NO), that is, if the jackpot flag is OFF, the special operation status is set to "1" (step S1804), and the special symbol confirmation process is executed. finish.

In step S1803, the game control microcomputer 81 sets an opening pattern. The opening pattern is as described above, and the opening pattern 21 is set for a 4R jackpot, the opening pattern 22 is set for an 8R jackpot, and the opening pattern 23 is set for a 2R jackpot.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not it is a latent probability jackpot (step S1805). If it is determined here that it is not a latent probability variable jackpot (step S1805: NO), that is, if it is one of "4R probability variable jackpot", "8R normal jackpot", and "8R probability variable jackpot", the process moves to step S1806. . On the other hand, if it is determined that it is a latent probability variable jackpot (step S1805: YES), that is, if it is a "2R probability variable jackpot", the process moves to step S1809.

In step S1806, the game control microcomputer 81 executes a game state reset process. This process is a process of resetting the probability change flag, time saving flag, and ceiling flag.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the opening command (step S1807), sets the special operation status to "4" (step S1808), sets the right-handed command (step S1812), and confirms the special symbol. Finish the process.

In step S1809, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the probability change flag. The probability change flag is stored in the flag set area 84b of the main RAM 84. In particular, if the time saving flag is ON, the time saving flag is turned OFF. At this time, the ceiling flag and ceiling counter are not reset.
Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the probability change counter to "30" (step S1810), sets the special operation status to "1", and ends the special symbol confirmation process.

[Game state management processing]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the gaming state management process (FIG. 15: Step S1801).
In the game state management process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the probability change flag is ON (step S2001). If it is determined that the probability variation flag is ON (step S2001: YES), the probability variation counter is decremented (step S2002), and the process moves to step S2003. On the other hand, if it is determined that the probability variation flag is not ON (step S2001: NO), that is, if the probability variation flag is OFF, the process moves to step S2010.

In step S2003, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the probability change counter is "0" or not. If it is determined that the probability variation counter is "0" (step S2003: YES), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (step S2004), and the process moves to step S2005. On the other hand, if it is determined that the probability variation counter is not "0" (step S2003: NO), the process proceeds to step S2005 without executing the process of step S2004.

In step S2005, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the time saving flag is ON. If it is determined that the time saving flag is ON (step S2005: YES), the time saving counter is decremented (step S2006), and the process moves to step S2007. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time saving counter is not ON (step S2005: NO), that is, if the time saving counter is OFF, the process moves to step S2009.

In step S2007, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not the time saving counter is "0". If it is determined that the time saving counter is "0" (step S2007: YES), the time saving flag is turned OFF (step S2008), a left-handed command is set (step S2016), and the process moves to step S2009. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time saving counter is not "0" (step S2007: NO), the process of step S2008 is not executed and the process moves to step S2009.

In step S2010, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the ceiling flag is ON. If it is determined that the ceiling flag is ON (step S2010: YES), the ceiling counter is decremented (step S2011), and the process moves to step S2012. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ceiling flag is not ON (step S2010: NO), that is, if the ceiling flag is OFF, the process moves to step S2005.

In step S2012, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the ceiling counter is "0" or not. If it is determined that the ceiling counter is "0" (step S2012: YES), the process moves to step S2013. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ceiling counter is not "0" (step S2012: NO), the process moves to step S2005.

In step S2013, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the time saving flag. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time saving counter to "350" (step S2014), turns off the ceiling flag (step S2015), and proceeds to step S2009.
In step S2009, the gaming control microcomputer 81 sets a gaming state designation command, and ends the gaming state management process.

[Special electric accessory processing]
FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the special electric accessory processing (FIG. 13: Step S1308).
In the special electric accessory processing, first, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether the jackpot end flag is ON or not (step S1601). If it is determined that the jackpot end flag is ON (step S1601: YES), an ending process is executed (step S1602), and the special electric accessory process is ended. In the ending process, it is determined whether the ending time has elapsed or not, and if it has elapsed, the jackpot end flag is turned OFF, the jackpot flag is turned OFF, the special operation status is set to "1", and the game state is set. After executing the process (step S1603), the special electric accessory process is ended. The game state setting process will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the jackpot end flag is not ON (step S1601: NO), that is, if the jackpot end flag is OFF, the process moves to step S1604.

In step S1604, it is determined whether or not a prize has been won in the big prize opening. This process is a process for determining whether or not there is a winning in the big winning hole 30 based on the signal from the big winning hole sensor 30a. If it is determined that a prize has been won in the big winning opening (step S1604: YES), a big winning opening command is set (step S1605), and the process moves to step S1606. On the other hand, if it is determined that no prize has been won in the big winning opening (step S1604: NO), the process proceeds to step S1606 without executing the process of step S1605.

In step S1606, it is determined whether the big prize opening is open. This process is a process for determining whether or not the big prize opening 30 is open. If it is determined that the big winning hole is open (step S1606: YES), the big winning hole closing process is executed (step S1607), and the special electric accessory process is ended. The big winning opening closing process is a process of determining whether the closing condition of the big winning opening is satisfied or not, and if it is satisfied, closing the big winning opening. On the other hand, if it is determined that the big winning hole is not open (step S1607: NO), that is, if the big winning hole is closed, the process moves to step S1608.

In step S1608, it is determined whether or not it is the big winning opening opening period. This process is a process for determining whether or not it is the opening period of the big winning a prize opening 30. If it is determined that it is the big winning hole opening period (step S1608: YES), the big winning hole opening process is executed (step S1610), a round designation command is set (step S1611), and the special electric accessory Finish the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the big winning opening opening period (step S1608: NO), a round process is executed (step S1609), and the special electric accessory process is ended. In the round process, it is determined whether or not the round has ended, and at the end of the round, the round counter is decremented, and when the round counter reaches "0", an ending command is set and the jackpot end flag is turned ON.

[Game status setting process]
FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the gaming state setting process (FIG. 17: Step S1603).
In the game state setting process, first, the game control microcomputer 81 determines whether or not it is a probability-variable jackpot (step S1901). If it is determined that it is a probability variation jackpot (step S1901: YES), the probability variation flag is turned on (step S1902), the probability variation counter is set to 30 (step S1903), and the process moves to step S1904. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not a probability variable jackpot (step S1901: NO), the processing of steps S1902 and S1093 is not executed, and the process moves to step S1904.

In step S1904, the game control microcomputer 81 turns on the time saving flag. Next, the game control microcomputer 81 sets the time saving counter to "30" (step S1905).
Next, the gaming control microcomputer 81 turns on the ceiling flag (step S1906), sets the ceiling counter (step S1907), sets the gaming state designation command (step S1908), and ends the gaming state setting process. .

8. Operation of the production control microcomputer 91 The operation of the production control microcomputer 91 provided on the sub-control board 90 (FIG. 4) will be described based on FIGS. 19 to 25. Counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the explanation of the operation of the production control microcomputer 91 are provided in the sub-RAM 94.

[Sub control main processing]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the sub-control main processing. When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the performance control microcomputer 91 reads a program for executing the sub-control main process from the sub-ROM 93. In the sub-control main processing, the production control microcomputer 91 first performs initialization processing (step S4000). In the initialization process, for example, settings of the sub CPU 92, reset of various flags, statuses, counters, etc. are performed. The initial value of the flag is "0", that is, "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the initialization process is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

After the initialization process, the performance control microcomputer 91 prohibits the interruption of the interrupt process (step S4001), and performs the random number update process (step S4002). In this random number update process, the performance control microcomputer 91 updates the random number counter value in the counter set area 94c (FIG. 6(B)) by adding "1". When each random number counter value reaches the set upper limit value, it returns to "0" and is added again. Note that the initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0" or may be changed randomly. Furthermore, instead of adding up the random numbers one by one, two or more may be added. Each random number may be a so-called hardware random number.

After the random number update process, the production control microcomputer 91 allows the interruption of the interrupt process (step S4003). While interrupts are enabled, sub-side timer interrupt processing (step S4004) can be executed. The sub-side timer interrupt process is executed based on interrupt pulses that are repeatedly input to the sub CPU 92 at predetermined intervals. That is, the sub-side timer interrupt process is executed at predetermined intervals. Then, the random number update process is repeatedly executed between the end of the sub-side timer interrupt process and the start of the next sub-side timer interrupt process.

[Sub-side timer interrupt processing]
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the sub-side timer interrupt processing (FIG. 19: step S4004). The production control microcomputer 91 first performs received command analysis processing (step S4100). Details of the received command analysis process will be described later. After the received command analysis process, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a variable performance process (step S4110). The process during variable performance is a process for setting a pre-variation end command at a specific timing during a variable performance to cause the display screen 7a to execute a specific display performance. After the process during the variable performance, the performance control microcomputer 91 performs a switch process (step S4120). In the switch processing, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs settings of the display contents of the display screen 7a based on the switch data (edge data and level data) output from the effect button 63.

After the switch process, the effect control microcomputer 91 executes the firing intensity display process (step S4130). Details of the firing intensity display process will be described later.

After the operation amount display process, the production control microcomputer 91 performs a command transmission process (step S4150). In the command transmission process, the production control microcomputer 91 sends various commands set in the production command set area 94b (output buffer) of the sub-RAM 94 by the received command analysis process to the image control board 100, the audio control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. , is transmitted to the relay board 108. The image control board 100 that has received various commands uses the image display device 7 to execute display effects according to the received commands. Furthermore, the audio control board 106 that has received various commands executes audio production to output audio from the speaker 67 in accordance with the received commands. The lamp control board 107 that has received the various commands executes a lamp effect that controls the light emission of the board lamp 5 and the frame lamp 66 in accordance with the received commands. After the command transmission process, the production control microcomputer 91 performs other processes (step S4160), and ends this process. Other processes include random number update processing and the like.

[Received command analysis processing]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the received command analysis process (step S4100 in FIG. 20). The performance control microcomputer 91 first determines whether or not a preliminary determination command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4180). If it has been received (step S4180: YES), prefetch effect determination processing is performed (step S4190). The "pre-reading effect determination process" is a process of determining whether or not to perform the pre-reading effect and the pre-reading effect pattern in the case of executing the pre-reading effect. Specifically, the performance control microcomputer 91 acquires the value of the counter of the pre-read performance random number, and performs the pre-read performance by referring to the acquired random number value and the pre-read performance pattern determination table stored in the sub ROM 93. Whether or not to do so, and a prefetch effect pattern in the case of performing a prefetch effect are determined. On the other hand, if it has not been received (step S4180: NO), the above-mentioned prefetch effect determination process is skipped. The look-ahead performance is a performance that suggests that there is a high possibility that the pending information newly stored in the special figure pending storage area 84e includes a jackpot, and is executed during the variable performance.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a command for the number of reserved balls has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4200). If it has been received (step S4200: YES), a hold display process is performed (step S4210). In the hold display process, information is set in the counter set area 94c of the sub-RAM 94 based on information regarding the number of special figure 1 held balls, the number of special figure 2 held balls, and the number of normal pattern held balls included in the number of held balls command. The values of the first special symbol reservation performance counter, the second special symbol reservation performance counter, and the regular symbol reservation performance counter are updated. Thereby, information on each number of reserved balls can be held not only on the main control board 80 side but also on the sub control board 90 side. Furthermore, the production control microcomputer 91 controls the pending image 9A displayed on the display screen 7a, Update 9B. On the other hand, if the pending pitch count command has not been received (step S4200: NO), the above-described pending display process is skipped.

Subsequently, the production control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a variation start command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4220). If it has been received (step S4220: YES), a variable effect start process is performed (step S4230). "Variation performance start processing" is a process of selecting a fluctuation performance pattern (content) to be executed during special symbol fluctuation. Details of the variable performance start process will be described later. On the other hand, if it has not been received (step S4220: NO), the above-described variable effect start process is skipped.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4240). If it has been received (step S4240: YES), a variable effect end process is performed (step S4250). "Fluctuation performance end processing" is a process for stopping the fluctuation performance executed during special symbol fluctuation. In the fluctuating performance end process, the performance control microcomputer 91 sets a counter etc. based on the analysis result of the fluctuation stop command, and also sets a fluctuating performance end command for ending the fluctuating performance. As a result, the effect pattern corresponding to the special figure 1 or special figure 2 which is changing is stopped and displayed. In addition, when the fluctuation stop command is not received (step S4240: NO), the above-mentioned fluctuation production end process is skipped.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a winning related command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4260). The winning-related commands include a jackpot opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, a small win opening command, a round designation command, an ending command, and the like. Here, if it has been received (step S4260: YES), a win-related effect pattern determination process corresponding to each command is performed (step S4270). For example, when receiving an opening command for a jackpot, select an opening production pattern preset corresponding to the jackpot type, and send an opening production start command to the sub RAM 94 to start the selected opening production. Set it in the production command set area 94b. When the opening effect start command set in the effect command set area 94b is transmitted to the image control board 100 in the command transmission process (step S4130 in FIG. 18), the image control board 100 reads out a predetermined opening effect image, The image is displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. The same applies to other commands. On the other hand, if it has not been received (step S4260: NO), the process of step S4270 is skipped.

Subsequently, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether a right-handed command or a left-handed command has been received from the main control board 80 (step S4280). If it is determined that a right-handed hit command or a left-handed hit command has been received (step S4280: YES), right hit/left hit production processing is executed (step S4290), and the process moves to step S4300. Details of the right-handed/left-handed game effect processing will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the right-handed command and the left-handed command have not been received (step S4280: NO), the process of step S4290 is skipped. In step S4300, the production control microcomputer 91 executes other processes and ends the received command analysis process.

[Right-handed/left-handed performance processing]
FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the right-handed/left-handed hit effect processing (step S4290 in FIG. 21). The performance control microcomputer 91 first determines whether or not a right-handed command has been received (step S4501). If it is determined that a right-handed hit command has been received (step S4501: YES), a right-handed hit production process is executed (step S4502), and the process moves to step S4503. On the other hand, if it is determined that the right-handed command has not been received (step S4501: NO), the process proceeds to step S4503 without executing the process of step S4502.

In step S4503, the performance control microcomputer 91 determines whether a left-handed command has been received. If it is determined that the left-handed hit command has been received (step S4503: YES), the left-handed hit effect process is executed (step S4504), and the right-handed/left-handed hit effect process is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined that the left-handed hit command has not been received (step S4503: NO), step S4504 is not executed and the right-handed/left-handed hit effect processing is ended.

[Fire intensity display processing]
FIG. 23 is a flowchart of the firing intensity display process (step S4130 in FIG. 20). The performance control microcomputer 91 first executes firing intensity input processing (step S4401). In the firing intensity input process, the production control microcomputer 91 reads a signal similar to the signal sent from the firing control circuit 111 to the firing motor 113 from the firing control circuit 111 (FIG. 3). Next, firing intensity display effect processing is executed according to the signal value read from the firing control circuit 111 (step S4402), and the firing intensity display processing is ended.

9. Production Examples, Effect Examples, Modifications, and Modes of the Present Embodiment Below, production examples, effect examples, variations, and mode examples of the present embodiment will be described.

The firing intensity display performances A to E will be explained using FIGS. 24 to 28. Firing intensity display performances A to E are examples of firing intensity display performances.

[Fire intensity display effect A]
FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the firing intensity display effect A.
The effect control microcomputer 91 first executes a variation start effect, as shown in FIG. 24(A). The fluctuation start performance is a performance in which the left center right performance symbol starts to fluctuate. Here, the effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are shown to be fluctuating at high speed. During high-speed fluctuation, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed transparently or semi-transparently. At this time, it is assumed that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is the second level when the ejection intensity is expressed in five levels. Here, the fact that the firing strength of the game ball is at the second stage is displayed in the firing strength display image HH1, which is a graph of the firing strength. In other words, the player can visually grasp the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 by the firing intensity display image HH1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(B), a left symbol stop effect is executed. The left symbol stop performance is a performance in which only the left display symbol is temporarily stopped. The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, the left performance symbol 8L is temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HH1 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(C), a reach formation effect is executed. The reach formation performance is a performance that temporarily stops the right performance symbol at a symbol that matches the left performance symbol that has already been temporarily stopped after the left symbol stop performance (for example, 1 second later). The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, both the left presentation pattern 8L and the right presentation pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HH1 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(D), a jackpot confirmation effect is executed. For the jackpot confirmation effect, after the reach formation effect (for example, 1 second later), the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped and displayed on the symbol that matches the left and right effect symbols that have already been temporarily stopped, and the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped. This is an effect in which after (for example, one second) the effect symbols on the left center right that were temporarily stopped are displayed as a fixed stop. Here, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are all fixed and displayed as "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HH1 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(E), an opening effect is performed. The opening performance is a performance for notifying the start of the jackpot game before the start of the first round of the jackpot game (for example, one second before). Here, a message image MG saying "Jackpot" is displayed. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the opening performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS saying "hit to the right" and a firing strength image MK showing the recommended firing strength when hitting to the right are displayed. Also, here, a firing intensity display image HH1 is displayed indicating that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels. The recommended ejection display SS and the ejection intensity image MK allow the player to visually understand the recommended ejection intensity of the game ball according to the game state. As a result, the player only has to operate the handle so that the firing strength display image HH1 matches the firing strength image MK. As a result, the explanation will be continued assuming that the player has operated (rotated) the handle 60 all the way to the right.

After this, the big prize opening 30 is opened and a round performance is started in which it is easy to obtain game balls. When this round effect ends, an ending effect is executed as shown in FIG. 24(F). The ending performance is a performance for notifying the end of the jackpot game after the jackpot game ends (for example, one second later). Here, the character CR is displayed, and a message image MG saying "Let's do our best next time" is also displayed. At this time, it is assumed that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is the fifth level when the firing intensity is expressed in five levels. Here, the fact that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is in the fifth stage is displayed in the ejection intensity display image HH1, which is a graph of ejection intensity.

Next, as shown in FIG. 24(G), a time saving start effect is executed. The time saving start performance is a performance for notifying that the gaming state is a time saving gaming state (low probability high base state). The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving start performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS saying "hit to the right" and a firing strength image MK showing the firing strength when hitting to the right are displayed. Further, here as well, a firing intensity display image HH1 is displayed indicating that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the fifth level out of five levels. After this, the time saving game state continues 30 times if there is no jackpot.

When the time-saving game state ends, a time-saving end effect is executed as shown in FIG. 24(H). The time saving end performance is a performance for notifying that the time saving state ends. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the left-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving end performance. The left-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage left-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS saying "Let's hit to the left" and a firing strength image HK showing the firing strength when hitting to the left are displayed. Further, here as well, a firing intensity display image HH1 is displayed indicating that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the fifth level out of five levels.

[Fire intensity display effect B]
FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the firing intensity display effect B.
The effect control microcomputer 91 first executes a variation start effect, as shown in FIG. 25(A). The fluctuation start performance is a performance in which the left center right performance symbol starts to fluctuate. Here, the effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are shown to be fluctuating at high speed. During high-speed fluctuation, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed transparently or semi-transparently. At this time, it is assumed that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is the second level when the ejection intensity is expressed in five levels. Here, the fact that the firing strength of the game ball is at the second level is displayed in the firing strength display image HHC1, which is a graph of the firing strength. The firing intensity display image HHC1 is, like the firing intensity display image HH1 (FIG. 24), an image in which the firing intensity is expressed in stages as a graph. In addition, the firing intensity display image HHC1 is displayed in display colors set corresponding to the stages of firing intensity. In other words, the player can visually grasp the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 by the firing intensity display image HHC1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(B), the left symbol stop effect is executed. The left symbol stop performance is a performance in which only the left display symbol is temporarily stopped. The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, the left performance symbol 8L is temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HHC1 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(C), a reach formation effect is executed. The reach formation performance is a performance that temporarily stops the right performance symbol at a symbol that matches the left performance symbol that has already been temporarily stopped after the left symbol stop performance (for example, 1 second later). The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, both the left presentation pattern 8L and the right presentation pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HHC1 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(D), a jackpot confirmation effect is executed. For the jackpot confirmation effect, after the reach formation effect (for example, 1 second later), the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped and displayed on the symbol that matches the left and right effect symbols that have already been temporarily stopped, and the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped. This is an effect in which after (for example, one second) the effect symbols on the left center right that were temporarily stopped are displayed as a fixed stop. Here, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are all fixed and displayed as "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HHC1 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(E), an opening effect is performed. The opening performance is a performance for notifying the start of the jackpot game before the start of the first round of the jackpot game (for example, one second before). Here, a message image MG saying "Jackpot" is displayed. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the opening performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS saying "hit to the right" and a firing strength image MK showing the recommended firing strength when hitting to the right are displayed. Further, here as well, a firing intensity display image HHC1 is displayed indicating that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels. The recommended ejection display SS and the ejection intensity image MK allow the player to visually understand the recommended ejection intensity of the game ball according to the game state. As a result, the player only has to operate the handle to match the firing strength display image HHC1 with the firing strength image MK. As a result, the explanation will be continued assuming that the player has operated (rotated) the handle 60 all the way to the right.

After this, the big prize opening 30 is opened and a round performance is started in which it is easy to obtain game balls. When this round effect ends, an ending effect is executed as shown in FIG. 25(F). The ending performance is a performance for notifying the end of the jackpot game after the jackpot game ends (for example, one second later). Here, the character CR is displayed, and a message image MG saying "Let's do our best next time" is also displayed. At this time, it is assumed that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is the fifth level when the firing intensity is expressed in five levels. Here, the firing intensity display image HHC1 shows that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the fifth level, which is represented by graphing the firing intensity and drawing it according to the display color set in association with each stage of the firing intensity. is displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(G), a time saving start effect is executed. The time saving start performance is a performance for notifying that the gaming state is a time saving gaming state (low probability high base state). The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving start performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS saying "hit to the right" and a firing strength image MK showing the firing strength when hitting to the right are displayed. In addition, here as well, the firing intensity display image HHC1 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is the fifth level out of five levels. After this, the time saving game state continues 30 times if there is no jackpot.

When the time-saving game state ends, a time-saving end effect is executed as shown in FIG. 25(H). The time saving end performance is a performance for notifying that the time saving state ends. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the left-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving end performance. The left-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage left-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS saying "Let's hit to the left" and a firing strength image HK showing the firing strength when hitting to the left are displayed. In addition, here as well, the firing intensity display image HHC1 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is the fifth level out of five levels.

[Fire intensity display effect C]
FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the firing intensity display effect C.
The effect control microcomputer 91 first executes a variation start effect, as shown in FIG. 26(A). The fluctuation start performance is a performance in which the left center right performance symbol starts to fluctuate. Here, the effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are shown to be fluctuating at high speed. During high-speed fluctuation, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed transparently or semi-transparently. At this time, it is assumed that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is the second level when the ejection intensity is expressed in five levels. Here, the fact that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is at the second level is displayed in the ejection intensity display image HH2, which is a numerical representation of the ejection intensity. In other words, the player can visually grasp the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 by the firing intensity display image HH2.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(B), the left symbol stop effect is executed. The left symbol stop performance is a performance in which only the left display symbol is temporarily stopped. The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, the left performance symbol 8L is temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HH2 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(C), a reach formation effect is executed. The reach formation performance is a performance that temporarily stops the right performance symbol at a symbol that matches the left performance symbol that has already been temporarily stopped after the left symbol stop performance (for example, 1 second later). The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, both the left presentation pattern 8L and the right presentation pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HH2 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(D), a jackpot confirmation effect is executed. For the jackpot confirmation effect, after the reach formation effect (for example, 1 second later), the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped and displayed on the symbol that matches the left and right effect symbols that have already been temporarily stopped, and the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped. This is an effect in which after (for example, one second) the effect symbols on the left center right that were temporarily stopped are displayed as a fixed stop. Here, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are all fixed and displayed as "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HH2 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(E), an opening effect is performed. The opening performance is a performance for notifying the start of the jackpot game before the start of the first round of the jackpot game (for example, one second before). Here, a message image MG saying "Jackpot" is displayed. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the opening performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS is displayed that says, "Hit with firing strength 5." In addition, here as well, a firing intensity display image HH2 is displayed indicating that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels. The recommended ejection display SS allows the player to visually understand the recommended ejection strength of the game ball according to the game state. As a result, the player only has to operate the handle to match the firing strength display image HH2 with the recommended firing display SS. As a result, the explanation will be continued assuming that the player has operated (rotated) the handle 60 all the way to the right.

After this, the big prize opening 30 is opened and a round performance is started in which it is easy to obtain game balls. When this round effect ends, an ending effect is executed as shown in FIG. 26(F). The ending performance is a performance for notifying the end of the jackpot game after the jackpot game ends (for example, one second later). Here, the character CR is displayed, and a message image MG saying "Let's do our best next time" is also displayed. At this time, it is assumed that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is at the fifth level when the operation amount is expressed in five levels. Here, the fact that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is at the fifth level is displayed in the ejection intensity display image HH2, which is a numerical representation of the ejection intensity.

Next, as shown in FIG. 26(G), a time saving start effect is executed. The time saving start performance is a performance for notifying that the gaming state is a time saving gaming state (low probability high base state). The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving start performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS is displayed that says, "Hit with firing strength 5." In addition, here as well, a firing intensity display image HH2 is displayed indicating that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the fifth level out of five levels. After this, the time saving game state continues 30 times if there is no jackpot.

When the time-saving game state ends, a time-saving end effect is executed as shown in FIG. 26(H). The time saving end performance is a performance for notifying that the time saving state ends. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the left-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving end performance. The left-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage left-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS is displayed that says, "Try firing with a firing strength of 3 or less." In addition, here as well, a firing intensity display image HH2 is displayed indicating that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the fifth level out of five levels.

[Fire intensity display effect D]
FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining the firing intensity display effect D.
The effect control microcomputer 91 first executes a variation start effect, as shown in FIG. 27(A). The fluctuation start performance is a performance in which the left center right performance symbol starts to fluctuate. Here, the effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are shown to be fluctuating at high speed. During high-speed fluctuation, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed transparently or semi-transparently. At this time, it is assumed that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is the second level when the ejection intensity is expressed in five levels. Here, the fact that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level is displayed in the firing intensity display image HHC2. The firing intensity display image HHC2 is, like the firing intensity display image HH2 (FIG. 26), an image in which the firing intensity is quantified in stages. In addition, the firing intensity display image HHC2 is displayed in display colors set corresponding to the stages of firing intensity. In other words, the player can visually grasp the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 by the firing intensity display image HHC2.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(B), a left symbol stop effect is executed. The left symbol stop performance is a performance in which only the left display symbol is temporarily stopped. The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, the left performance symbol 8L is temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HHC2 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(C), a reach formation effect is executed. The reach formation performance is a performance that temporarily stops the right performance symbol at a symbol that matches the left performance symbol that has already been temporarily stopped after the left symbol stop performance (for example, 1 second later). The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, both the left presentation pattern 8L and the right presentation pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HHC2 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(D), a jackpot confirmation effect is executed. For the jackpot confirmation effect, after the reach formation effect (for example, 1 second later), the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped and displayed on the symbol that matches the left and right effect symbols that have already been temporarily stopped, and the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped. This is an effect in which after (for example, one second) the effect symbols on the left center right that were temporarily stopped are displayed as a fixed stop. Here, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are all fixed and displayed as "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HHC2 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(E), an opening effect is performed. The opening performance is a performance for notifying the start of the jackpot game before the start of the first round of the jackpot game (for example, one second before). Here, a message image MG saying "Jackpot" is displayed. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the opening performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS is displayed that says, "Hit with firing strength 5." Further, here as well, a firing intensity display image HHC2 is displayed indicating that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels. The recommended ejection display SS allows the player to visually understand the recommended ejection strength of the game ball according to the game state. Thereby, the player only has to operate the handle to match the firing intensity display image HHC2 with the recommended firing display SS. As a result, the explanation will be continued assuming that the player has operated (rotated) the handle 60 all the way to the right.

After this, the big prize opening 30 is opened and a round performance is started in which it is easy to obtain game balls. When this round effect ends, an ending effect is executed as shown in FIG. 27(F). The ending performance is a performance for notifying the end of the jackpot game after the jackpot game ends (for example, one second later). Here, the character CR is displayed, and a message image MG saying "Let's do our best next time" is also displayed. At this time, it is assumed that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is the fifth level when the firing intensity is expressed in five levels. Here, the firing intensity display image HHC2 indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the fifth level, which is expressed numerically and drawn according to the display color set in association with each stage of the firing intensity. is displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 27(G), a time saving start effect is executed. The time saving start performance is a performance for notifying that the gaming state is a time saving gaming state (low probability high base state). The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving start performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS is displayed that says, "Hit with firing strength 5." In addition, here as well, the firing intensity display image HHC2 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the 5th level out of 5 levels. After this, the time saving game state continues 30 times if there is no jackpot.

When the time-saving game state ends, a time-saving end effect is executed as shown in FIG. 27(H). The time saving end performance is a performance for notifying that the time saving state ends. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the left-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving end performance. The left-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage left-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS is displayed that says, "Try firing with a firing strength of 3 or less." Moreover, here as well, the firing intensity display image HHC2 indicating that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the fifth level out of five levels is displayed.

[Fire intensity display effect E]
FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining the firing intensity display effect E.
The effect control microcomputer 91 first executes a variation start effect, as shown in FIG. 28(A). The fluctuation start performance is a performance in which the left center right performance symbol starts to fluctuate. Here, the effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are shown to be fluctuating at high speed. During high-speed fluctuation, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed transparently or semi-transparently. At this time, it is assumed that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is the second level when the ejection intensity is expressed in five levels. Here, the fact that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is at the second level is displayed in the ejection intensity display image HH3, which is a graph and numerical representation of the ejection intensity. In other words, the player can visually grasp the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 by the firing intensity display image HH3.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28(B), the left symbol stop effect is executed. The left symbol stop performance is a performance in which only the left display symbol is temporarily stopped. The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, the left performance symbol 8L is temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HH3 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28(C), a reach formation effect is executed. The reach formation performance is a performance that temporarily stops the right performance symbol at a symbol that matches the left performance symbol that has already been temporarily stopped after the left symbol stop performance (for example, 1 second later). The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, both the left presentation pattern 8L and the right presentation pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HH3 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28(D), a jackpot confirmation effect is executed. For the jackpot confirmation effect, after the reach formation effect (for example, 1 second later), the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped and displayed on the symbol that matches the left and right effect symbols that have already been temporarily stopped, and the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped. This is an effect in which after (for example, one second) the effect symbols on the left center right that were temporarily stopped are displayed as a fixed stop. Here, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are all fixed and displayed as "7". Also here, the firing intensity display image HH3 is displayed, which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28(E), an opening effect is performed. The opening performance is a performance for notifying the start of the jackpot game before the start of the first round of the jackpot game (for example, one second before). Here, a message image MG saying "Jackpot" is displayed. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the opening performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS saying "hit to the right" and a firing strength image MK showing the recommended firing strength when hitting to the right are displayed. In addition, here as well, a firing intensity display image HH3 is displayed which indicates that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is at the second level out of five levels. The recommended ejection display SS and the ejection intensity image MK allow the player to visually understand the recommended ejection intensity of the game ball according to the game state. As a result, the player only has to operate the handle so that the firing strength display image HH3 matches the firing strength image MK. As a result, the explanation will be continued assuming that the player has operated (rotated) the handle 60 all the way to the right.

After this, the big prize opening 30 is opened and a round performance is started in which it is easy to obtain game balls. When this round effect ends, an ending effect is executed as shown in FIG. 28(F). The ending performance is a performance for notifying the end of the jackpot game after the jackpot game ends (for example, one second later). Here, the character CR is displayed, and a message image MG saying "Let's do our best next time" is also displayed. At this time, it is assumed that the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 is the fifth level when the firing intensity is expressed in five levels. Here, the fact that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is in the fifth stage is displayed in the ejection intensity display image HH3, which is a graph and numerical representation of the ejection intensity.

Next, as shown in FIG. 28(G), a time saving start effect is executed. The time saving start performance is a performance for notifying that the gaming state is a time saving gaming state (low probability high base state). The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving start performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS saying "hit to the right" and a firing strength image MK showing the firing strength when hitting to the right are displayed. In addition, here as well, the fact that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is at the fifth level is displayed in the ejection intensity display image HH3, which is a graph and numerical representation of the ejection intensity. After this, the time saving game state continues 30 times if there is no jackpot.

When the time-saving game state ends, a time-saving end effect is executed as shown in FIG. 28(H). The time saving end performance is a performance for notifying that the time saving state ends. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the left-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving end performance. The left-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage left-handed batting. Here, a recommended firing display SS saying "Let's hit to the left" and a firing strength image HK showing the firing strength when hitting to the left are displayed. In addition, here as well, the fact that the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 is at the fifth level is displayed in the ejection intensity display image HH3, which is a graph and numerical representation of the ejection intensity.

Note that the firing intensity display image HH3 in the firing intensity display effect E is displayed in display colors set in association with each stage of firing intensity, similar to the firing intensity display images HHC1 (FIG. 25) and HHC2 (FIG. 27). It may also be an image that is displayed. At this time, since the firing intensity display image HH3 is composed of a numerical image and a graph image, at least one of the numerical image and the graph image is displayed in a display color set corresponding to the stage of firing intensity. It is possible to do so.

[Operation amount display effect]
FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the operation amount display effect.
The effect control microcomputer 91 first executes a variation start effect, as shown in FIG. 29(A). The fluctuation start performance is a performance in which the left center right performance symbol starts to fluctuate. Here, the effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are shown to be fluctuating at high speed. During high-speed fluctuation, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are displayed transparently or semi-transparently. At this time, it is assumed that the amount of operation of the handle 60 by the player is the second level when the amount of operation is expressed in five levels. Here, the fact that the amount of operation of the game ball is in the second stage is displayed in the operation amount display image SH, which is a graph of the amount of operation. The operation amount display image SH is an image in which the operation amount is expressed in stages as a graph. In other words, the player can visually grasp the amount of operation of the handle 60 by the operation amount display image SH.

Next, as shown in FIG. 29(B), a left symbol stop effect is executed. The left symbol stop performance is a performance in which only the left display symbol is temporarily stopped. The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, the left performance symbol 8L is temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Here, too, the operation amount display image SH indicating that the operation amount of the handle 60 is at the second stage out of five levels is displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 29(C), a reach formation effect is executed. The reach formation performance is a performance that temporarily stops the right performance symbol at a symbol that matches the left performance symbol that has already been temporarily stopped after the left symbol stop performance (for example, 1 second later). The effect pattern displayed in a temporary stop oscillates until it is displayed in a fixed stop. Here, both the left presentation pattern 8L and the right presentation pattern 8R are temporarily stopped and displayed at "7". Here, too, the operation amount display image SH indicating that the operation amount of the handle 60 is at the second stage out of five levels is displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 29(D), a jackpot confirmation effect is executed. For the jackpot confirmation effect, after the reach formation effect (for example, 1 second later), the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped and displayed on the symbol that matches the left and right effect symbols that have already been temporarily stopped, and the middle effect symbol is temporarily stopped. This is an effect in which after (for example, one second) the effect symbols on the left center right that were temporarily stopped are displayed as a fixed stop. Here, the production symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R on the left center right are all fixed and displayed as "7". Here, too, the operation amount display image SH indicating that the operation amount of the handle 60 is at the second stage out of five levels is displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 29(E), an opening effect is performed. The opening performance is a performance for notifying the start of the jackpot game before the start of the first round of the jackpot game (for example, one second before). Here, a message image MG saying "Jackpot" is displayed. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the opening performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended ejection display SS that says "hit the ball to the right" and a manipulation amount image MKS that shows the recommended manipulation amount when hitting the ball to the right are displayed. In addition, here as well, an operation amount display image SH is displayed indicating that the amount of operation of the handle 60 by the player is at the second level out of five levels. The recommended ejection display SS and the operation amount image MKS allow the player to visually understand the operation amount of the handle 60 that is recommended according to the gaming state. As a result, the player only has to operate the handle so that the operation amount display image SH matches the operation amount image MKS. As a result, the explanation will be continued assuming that the player has operated (rotated) the handle 60 all the way to the right.

After this, the big prize opening 30 is opened and a round performance is started in which it is easy to obtain game balls. When this round effect ends, an ending effect is executed as shown in FIG. 29(F). The ending performance is a performance for notifying the end of the jackpot game after the jackpot game ends (for example, one second later). Here, the character CR is displayed, and a message image MG saying "Let's do our best next time" is also displayed. At this time, it is assumed that the amount of operation of the game ball by the firing device 112 is the fifth step when the amount of operation is expressed in five steps. Here, the fact that the amount of operation of the handle 60 is at the fifth level is displayed in the operation amount display image SH, which is a graph of the amount of operation.

Next, as shown in FIG. 29(G), a time saving start effect is executed. The time saving start performance is a performance for notifying that the gaming state is a time saving gaming state (low probability high base state). The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the right-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving start performance. The right-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage right-handed batting. Here, a recommended ejection display SS that says "hit the ball to the right" and a manipulation amount image MKS that shows the manipulation amount when hitting the ball to the right are displayed. Also, here, the operation amount display image SH indicating that the operation amount of the handle 60 is at the fifth stage out of five levels is displayed. After this, the time saving game state continues 30 times if there is no jackpot.

When the time-saving game state ends, a time-saving end effect is executed as shown in FIG. 29(H). The time saving end performance is a performance for notifying that the time saving state ends. The performance control microcomputer 91 executes the left-handed performance at the same time as the time-saving end performance. The left-handed batting performance is a performance to encourage left-handed batting. Here, a recommended ejection display SS that says "Let's hit the ball to the left" and a manipulated variable image HKS that shows the manipulated variable when hitting the ball to the left are displayed. Also, here, the operation amount display image SH indicating that the operation amount of the handle 60 is at the fifth stage out of five levels is displayed.

In the game machine 1 that performs operation amount display performance, the firing control circuit 111 calculates a signal value ( The amount of operation of the handle 60 ) is transmitted to the sub-control board 90 via the input/output circuit 96 .

Similarly, in the gaming machine 1 that performs the operation amount display effect, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs the operation amount display process instead of the firing intensity display process (step S4130 in FIG. 20). In the operation amount display process, the performance control microcomputer 91 first executes an operation amount input process. In the operation amount input process, the signal value (rotation amount of the handle 60) from the firing volume 115 detected by the firing control circuit 111 is read. Next, the operation amount display effect processing is executed according to the signal value from the firing volume 115 (rotation amount of the handle 60), and the operation amount display processing is ended. In this case, in the flowchart (FIG. 20) of the sub-side timer interrupt process, step S4130 becomes the operation amount display process. This flowchart of the operation amount display process is the same as the flowchart of the firing intensity display process (FIG. 23) in which step S4401 is the operation amount input process and step S4402 is the operation amount display effect process.

In addition, the operation amount display image SH in the operation amount display performance is a display set in association with each stage of the operation amount, similar to the firing intensity display image HHC1 (FIG. 25) and the firing intensity display image HHC2 (FIG. 27). The image may be displayed in color.

Further, the operation amount display image SH in the operation amount display performance may be an image in which the operation amount is digitized, similar to the firing intensity display image HH2 (FIG. 26) and the firing intensity display image HHC2 (FIG. 26).

Furthermore, the operation amount display image SH in the operation amount display performance is displayed using both an image in which the operation amount is graphed and an image in which the operation amount is digitized, similarly to the firing intensity display image HH3 (FIG. 28). It's okay.

[Effect example]
Examples of the effects of this embodiment are shown below.
[Effect 1]
In the game machine 1 of the above embodiment, the intensity of the game ball ejected by the ejection device 112 is displayed on the display screen 7a so that the player can recognize it (FIGS. 24 to 28). According to this configuration, the player can recognize the intensity at which the game balls are ejected by the ejecting device 112, allowing smooth gaming and increasing the interest of the game. Note that the handle 60 corresponds to a "handle that is operable by the player and is used to eject a game ball into the game area with a force that corresponds to the amount of operation by the player", and the display screen 7a corresponds to a "handle that can be operated by the player to eject the game ball into the game area" corresponding to ``a possible display device''.

[Effect 2]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the firing intensity display images HH1, HHC1, HH2, HHC2, and HH3 are expressed in stages so that the player can recognize the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112. It is displayed on the display screen 7a (FIGS. 24 to 28). According to this configuration, the player can recognize the intensity at which the game balls are ejected by the ejecting device 112, allowing smooth gaming and increasing the interest of the game.

[Effect 3]
In the game machine 1 of the above embodiment, the display screen 7a displays the firing intensity display images HH2, HHC2, and HH3 expressed numerically so that the player can recognize the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112. (Figures 26-28). According to this configuration, the player can easily understand the intensity at which the game ball is ejected by the ejecting device 112, so that a smooth game is possible and the interest of the game can be improved.

[Effect 4]
In the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment described above, graphed operation amount display images HH1, HHC1, and HH3 are displayed on the display screen 7a so that the player can recognize the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112. (Figures 24, 25, 28). According to this configuration, the player can easily understand the intensity at which the game ball is ejected by the ejecting device 112, so that a smooth game is possible and the interest of the game can be improved.

[Effect 5]
In the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment described above, the display screen 7a displays the firing intensity display images HHC1 and HHC2 whose display colors change for each stage so that the player can recognize the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112. (Figures 25 and 27). According to this configuration, the player can intuitively understand the intensity with which the game balls are ejected by the ejecting device 112, allowing smooth gaming and increasing the interest of the game.

[Effect 6]
In the game machine 1 of the embodiment described above, the recommended firing strength of the game ball according to the gaming state is set among the recommended firing display SS and the operation amount images MK and HK according to the aspect of the firing strength display image. The player is notified using at least one of them (FIGS. 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28). According to this configuration, it is possible to easily understand the ejection intensity of the game ball by the ejection device 112 according to the gaming state, so it is possible to play the game smoothly and improve the interest of the game.

[Effect 7]
In the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment, the amount of operation of the handle 60 by the player is displayed on the display screen 7a so that the player can recognize it (FIG. 29). According to this configuration, since the player can recognize the amount of operation of the handle 60 by the player, it is possible to play the game smoothly and improve the interest of the game.

[Effect 8]
In the game machine 1 of the embodiment described above, the operation amount of the handle 60 that is recommended according to the gaming state is set among the recommended ejection display SS and the operation amount images MKS and HKS in accordance with the aspect of the operation amount display image. The player is notified using at least one of them (FIG. 29). According to this configuration, it is possible to easily understand the amount of operation of the handle 60 depending on the gaming state, so that smooth gaming is possible and the interest of the gaming can be improved.

[Modified example]
A modification of this embodiment is shown.
[Modification 1]
In the embodiment described above, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 displays the firing intensity display images HH1, HHC1, HH2, HHC2, and HH3 or the operation amount display image SH. On the other hand, the firing intensity display images HH1, HHC1, HH2, HHC2, HH3 or the operation amount display image SH may be displayed on a separate display screen. Another display screen may be provided near the display screen 7a or may be provided near the handle 60.

[Modification 2]
In the embodiment described above, the firing intensity images MK, HK or the manipulated variable images MKS, HKS are displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 together with the recommended firing display SS. On the other hand, the recommended ejection display SS and at least one of the ejection intensity images MK, HK or the manipulated variable images MKS, HKS may be displayed on a separate display screen.

[Modification 3]
In the embodiment described above, the firing intensity display images HH1, HHC1, HH2, HHC2 and the operation amount display image SH are displayed in a stepwise manner numerically or graphically. On the other hand, expressions using units of an existing unit system, such as speed, may be expressed numerically or graphically and displayed.

[Modification 4]
In the above embodiment, the right-handed performance is performed using at least one of the recommended ejection display SS and the firing strength image MK or the manipulated variable image MKS, and the left-handed performance is performed using the recommended ejection display SS and the firing intensity image MK or the operation amount image MKS. This was done using at least one of the intensity image HK and the manipulated variable image HKS. On the other hand, for example, a right-handed effect and a left-handed effect may be performed using audio as well.

[Modification 5]
In the above embodiment, the firing intensity display images HH1, HHC1, HH2, HHC2 and the operation amount display image SH are always displayed. On the other hand, during the opening performance and ending performance after a jackpot, the firing intensity display images HH1, HHC1, HH2, HHC2 and the operation amount display image SH are hidden. The firing intensity or the amount of operation of the handle 60 may be displayed. Further, the display may be configured so that the player can turn on/off the display of the firing strength of the game ball by the firing device 112 or the amount of operation of the handle 60.

[Modification 6]
In the embodiment described above, the firing intensity display images HH1, HHC1, HH2, HHC2 and the operation amount display image SH are displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. The display device (display means) is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of LEDs may be arranged side by side and the number of LEDs may be lit in accordance with the intensity of the game ball emitted by the ejection device 112 or the amount of operation of the handle 60 for display. Further, for example, the handle 60 may be provided with a memory, and the memory may be used to grasp the firing strength of the game ball by the firing device 112 or the amount of operation of the handle 60. In this case, the handle 60 also corresponds to a "display device."

[Modification 7]
In the above embodiment, the production control microcomputer 91 linearly inputs the signal received from the firing control circuit 111, and displays the firing intensity display images HH1, HHC1, HH2, HHC2 and the operation amount display image SH on the image display device 7. It was displayed on screen 7a. On the other hand, the average value of the firing intensity of the game ball by the firing device 112 or the operation amount of the handle 60 within an arbitrary fixed time is taken, and the average value is calculated as the firing intensity display images HH1, HHC1, HH2, HHC2 and the operation amount. It may be displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 as the display image SH.

[Example of mode]
The gaming machine of this embodiment can realize the following aspects.
[Aspect 1]
a display means;
an operating means that is operable by a player and that shoots a game ball into a gaming area with a shooting intensity that corresponds to the player's operation;
A gaming machine comprising:
being able to execute a firing intensity display effect that displays the firing intensity of the game ball being fired into the gaming area on the display means;
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 2]
The gaming machine according to aspect 1,
The firing intensity display performance is a performance that displays the firing intensity in stages,
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 3]
The gaming machine according to aspect 1 or aspect 2,
The firing intensity display effect is a rendering that displays the firing intensity using a numerical value.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 4]
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 3,
The firing intensity display performance is a performance that displays the firing intensity using a graph that visualizes numerical values.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 5]
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 4,
The firing intensity display effect is a rendering that displays the firing intensity using a display color that is associated with the firing intensity.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 6]
The gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1 to 5,
It is possible to execute a firing intensity notification effect that notifies the player of the recommended firing intensity according to the gaming state,
The firing intensity notification performance is a performance that displays and notifies the firing intensity in accordance with the mode of the firing intensity display performance.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 7]
a display means;
an operating means that is operable by a player and that shoots a game ball into a gaming area with a shooting intensity that corresponds to the player's operation;
A gaming machine comprising:
being able to execute an operation amount display effect that displays an operation amount by which the player operated the operation means on the display means;
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Aspect 8]
The gaming machine according to aspect 7,
It is possible to execute an operation amount notification effect that notifies the player of the operation amount recommended according to the gaming state,
The operation amount notification performance is a performance that displays and notifies the operation amount in accordance with the mode of the operation amount display performance.
A gaming machine characterized by:

[Other variations]
Among the various display effects described above, a configuration that does not include some effects or effects other than those described above may be included.

Although the gaming machine 1 of the above embodiment has been described using a pachinko gaming machine as an example, it is not limited to this. For example, instead of a pachinko game machine, the present invention may be applied to a reel type game machine such as a slot machine, an arranged ball game machine, or a mahjong ball game machine. When the gaming machine 1 is a slot machine, the gaming medium may be changed from gaming balls to gaming medals.

Although the gaming machine 1 of the embodiment described above is a gaming machine equipped with a payout device for paying out balls, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the gaming machine 1 described above, the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine that is not equipped with a payout device, such as a so-called enclosed gaming machine.

Furthermore, two or more production examples and/or modifications among the plurality of production examples and/or modifications described above may be combined. Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 may include a sub-display device in addition to the image display device 7. In this case, the above-described display effect may be executed on the sub display device.

Although the present aspect has been described above based on the embodiments and modified examples, the embodiments of the above-described aspect are for facilitating understanding of the present aspect, and do not limit the present aspect. This aspect may be modified and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and this aspect includes equivalents thereof.

1...Game machine 3...Game area 7...Image display device 7a...Display screen 81...Microcomputer for game control 91...Microcomputer for performance control 101...Microcomputer for image control

Claims (1)

a display means;
an operating means that is operable by a player and that shoots a game ball into a gaming area with a shooting intensity that corresponds to the player's operation;
A gaming machine comprising:
a firing intensity display effect that displays on the display means the firing intensity of the game balls being ejected into the gaming area ; a firing intensity notification effect that notifies the player of the recommended firing intensity according to the gaming state; is executable,
The firing intensity notification performance is a performance that displays and notifies the firing intensity as a back side image displayed on the back side of another display image displayed on the display means in accordance with the mode of the firing intensity display performance. ,
A gaming machine characterized by:

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