JP5201119B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and is applied to a so-called seven machine, a ball-type gaming machine such as a winged article, a right thing, or an arrangement ball, and a revolving type gaming machine called a slot machine (or pachislot). be able to.

  Examples of a ball-type game machine (pachinko machine) include one or more start winning devices (start winning ports), a variable display device, and a big winning device arranged in the game area. . In such a gaming machine, “a random number for winning a lottery (for determining whether or not to win)” (a random number for winning a lottery) is acquired based on the winning of a game ball in the start winning device. Then, it is determined whether or not the random number matches a predetermined value (big hit value). If they match, the jackpot is determined to be “big hit”. The result of this big hit lottery (win lottery) is shown using a special symbol stop display in the variable display device.

  When a stop symbol (that is, a big hit symbol) indicating that the result of the big hit lottery is “big hit” is stopped and displayed on the variable display device, the gaming machine starts the big hit game (special game), and the big winning device (variable winning prize) The opening / closing member constituting the device is opened to change the closed winning device in the closed state to the open state. As a result, it is possible or easy to win the game ball to the big winning opening constituting the big winning device. Thereafter, when a predetermined number of game balls are won in this special winning opening or when a predetermined time elapses, the opening / closing member is temporarily closed, and the large winning device is closed to be applied to the opening / closing member. Complete “one unit drive”. When this “unit drive of the opening / closing member” is repeated a predetermined number of times (so-called “round number”), the gaming machine ends the big hit game.

  In this type of gaming machine, after finishing the big hit game, the so-called “probability change game (probability change game)” is started, and the probability that the result of the big win lottery will be a win (big win) (hereinafter referred to as “winning probability”). )) From normal probability to high probability. That is, when a gaming machine starts a probability variation game (high probability mode), until the end of the probability variation game, the jackpot lottery means “probability of deriving a lottery result indicating winning (probability of displaying a jackpot symbol)” High probability is set.

  And, in the gaming machines that perform probability variation games in this way, the type of winning probability that is currently set (low probability or high probability) by not performing “informing effect of winning probability during probability variation game”. Is difficult (or impossible) for the player to identify (see Patent Document 1). In the following description, such a type of gaming machine may be referred to as a “probability non-notifying type gaming machine” or a “gaming machine having a latent probability changing function”.

JP 2004-65388 A

  There is room for further improvement in this “probability non-informing type gaming machine”. In other words, most players know in advance whether or not the various gaming machines installed in the pachinko hall are “probable non-notifying type gaming machines” by using magazines or the like. . However, when a player who has started playing a game using a probability-changing non-notification type game machine generates a big hit in a “situation where the winning probability notification effect is not performed”, this “big hit” `` Whether it is a low probability, it was generated by oneself '' or `` Is it generated by the benefit of other players setting the winning probability to a high probability '' It is usually difficult to distinguish.

  On the other hand, for many players, “satisfaction due to the occurrence of big hits on their own” and “satisfaction resulting from the selection of a gaming machine whose winning probability was originally set to a high probability” However, in conventional “probability non-notification type gaming machines”, it is difficult to distinguish between “big hits generated by one's own power” and “big hits generated with high probability”. The fact is that no satisfaction is given to any player. For this reason, in the conventional “probability non-notification type gaming machine”, there is a possibility that the gaming interest of the player cannot be sufficiently enhanced.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such problems, and the object of the present invention is to sufficiently enhance the gaming interest in the “probability non-notification type gaming machine”.

The gaming machine according to claim 1,
A jackpot lottery means for performing a lottery as to whether or not to generate a big hit due to the winning of a game ball in the start winning device,
When winning the jackpot lottery, the jackpot game execution means for executing the jackpot game for changing the closed variable winning device to the open state;
Probability setting means for setting the winning probability of the jackpot lottery after execution of the jackpot game to a low probability or a high probability,
A gaming machine in which it is difficult for a player to identify the winning probability set by the probability setting means,
Probability storage means for storing the winning probability set by the probability setting means;
When winning the jackpot lottery, the probability post-notification means for reading the winning probability set at the time of winning from the probability storage means, and performing notification of the read winning probability using a predetermined effect means;
A game start detecting means for detecting that a game has started through a game stop state in which no game is played for a certain period of time;
With
The probability storage means stores the winning probability set by the probability setting means when the game start detection means detects a game start,
further,
A lending operation unit;
A lending processing unit that lends a predetermined number of game media by lending operation to the lending operation unit,
An execution number counting means for counting the number of executions of the lending process performed without entering the game stop state after the game start detection means detects the game start;
With
If the big hit lottery is won before the count value of the execution number counting means reaches a predetermined value, the probability post-notification means notifies the winning probability .

  In the gaming machine of the first aspect of the invention, the winning probability set by the probability setting means is stored in the probability storing means, and when the jackpot lottery is won, the winning probability set at the time of winning is read from the probability storing means. . And the effect which alert | reports this read-out winning probability is performed using an effect means. In other words, after the jackpot lottery is completed, the “winning probability at the time of execution of the finished jackpot lottery” is notified afterwards (after the jackpot lottery) using the production means.

Therefore, when a big hit is generated in a situation where it is difficult (or impossible) for the player to identify whether the winning probability of the big hit lottery set by the probability setting means is low probability or high probability In this case, the player determines that the “big hit” is “whether it has been generated by oneself even though the winning probability is low” or “other players set the winning probability to a high probability” It can be easily judged whether it is caused by the benefit of what was being done. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the first aspect of the present invention, the “satisfaction by generating the big hit by oneself” or “the gaming machine whose winning probability is originally set to a high probability is selected as a gaming target. The resulting satisfaction can be given to the player. That is, since a satisfaction corresponding to the winning probability at the time of winning the big hit lottery can be given, the gaming interest of the player can be sufficiently enhanced.
In the first aspect of the invention, the timing for storing the winning probability is defined (limited). In other words, in the case of a “probability non-notification type gaming machine”, a player before the game is stopped (hereinafter referred to as “previous player”) is set to “the winning probability of the gaming machine is set to a high probability. "There is a high possibility of losing the game and stopping the game. (It is more likely to miss that the winning probability is set higher than the type of game machine that always notifies the winning probability." Become.).
On the other hand, a player who enters the pachinko hall and starts a game in the future searches for a “game machine that has not been played for a certain period of time (hereinafter referred to as“ vacant machine ”)” and starts the game. It is common. In addition, a player who intends to change a gaming machine to be a game object generally restarts the game using an “empty board”. Then, when the game using this “vacant stand” is resumed, the winning probability is stored in the probability storage means, and after that, when winning the jackpot lottery, the winning set at the time of winning (when the game is resumed) The probability is read out from the probability storage means and notified afterwards using the effect means. In other words, a new player who has started a game using “vacant stand”, this “big hit” is “whether it was generated by himself, even though the winning probability is low”, or It will be possible to easily determine “whether it has occurred due to the benefit of other players setting the winning probability to a high probability”.
If a player (ordinary player) with a small amount of knowledge about a gaming machine is playing a game using a “probable non-notifying type gaming machine”, the winning probability of the gaming machine is set to a high probability. Despite this, the possibility of ending the game is increased. For this reason, there is a high possibility that the “gaming machine having a possibility that the winning probability is set to a high probability” becomes an “vacant stand” (particularly, refer to the aspect of Reference Invention 3 described later). However, a player who has a lot of knowledge about gaming machines (a specific player) is an act aiming to generate a big hit with the aim of “a vacant car with a possibility that the winning probability is set to a high probability” (hereinafter, “ "Hyena acts"). In other words, when another player discovers that a "gaming machine with a possibility that the winning probability is set to a high probability" has been made a vacant stand, the game machine is started on that "vacant stand" and a big hit May aim to occur. On the other hand, in a conventional “probabilistic non-notification type gaming machine”, a player who has started “hyena act” is able to generate a big hit in a short period of time after the game starts. (Is the winning probability at the start of the game high, and did you use it well and made a big hit with little effort?) Or "I was just lucky (starting the game) The winning probability at the time was low, but fortunately a big hit was made in a short period) On the other hand, according to the invention of claim 1, the player can determine whether or not the “hyena act” is successful. In addition, according to the invention of claim 1, a specific player (a player who has abundant knowledge about gaming machines) is more than satisfied with the success or failure of this “hyena act”. Can be made.
Here, in the gaming machine of the first aspect of the invention, for example, (a) it is detected that the player has not touched the operating means (launching handle) of the gaming machine for a certain period of time (the touch sensor is OFF for a certain period of time). And (b) the state in which the player is not touching the operating means (launching handle) of the gaming machine (the touch sensor is detected to be OFF for a certain period of time) By starting the “demonstration effect” by the production means of the machine, it can be determined that the game is in a game stop state (a game stop state in which no game is played for a certain period of time). Further, it is detected that the player touches the operating means (launching handle) of the gaming machine (detection that the touch sensor is turned on) (details will be described later), and the player performs processing related to ball rental. The game start may be detected by detecting that the game has been performed (detecting the lending signal ON) (details will be described later).
Furthermore, in the invention of claim 1, the probability post-notification means is limited to the case where the big hit lottery is won before the number of lending processes executed without starting the game from the game stop state until the predetermined number of times. Is going to work. In other words, the “hyena act” is an act that aims to generate a big hit at an early stage by using the labor of the previous player, so a specific player (a player who has a lot of knowledge about gaming machines) While the number of lending processes does not increase (for example, until 2,500 yen of game media is lent out), the goal is “successful hyena action”. Therefore, if “success in hyena” is found out while the number of lending processes is not increased, the gaming interest will increase, but after the number of lending processes increases (for example, 10,000 media of game media is lent out) If a “success in hyena” is found out, the “atmosphere of losing momentum” is generated instead.
On the other hand, according to the invention of claim 1, since the winning probability at the start of the game is notified afterwards only until the number of lending processes reaches a predetermined number, a specific player (game) (Game player with abundant knowledge of machines) can be surely enhanced.
Here, examples of the “game medium” include a game ball and a game medal. In addition, a prepaid card unit (also referred to as a card processing unit, hereinafter referred to as “CR unit”) is arranged adjacent to a so-called “CR machine”. In this type of gaming machine, a required amount balance information in a state where a specified amount of banknotes (which may be a specified amount of coins) is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 1 of the CR unit, or in the card slot of the CR unit. When a lending operation unit (lending button) provided in a gaming machine is operated in a state where a recording medium (for example, a prepaid card) is stored, a payout device is driven to drive a predetermined number of gaming media ( A game ball or coin) is lent (paid out). On the other hand, a discharge operation means provided in the gaming machine (when the return button is operated, the discharge mechanism of the CR unit is driven and the recording medium (prepaid card) is discharged from the card slot.

  Here, the “gaming machine in which it is difficult for the player to identify the winning probability set by the probability setting means” according to the first aspect of the invention is the winning of the big hit lottery set at the end of the big hit game This refers to a so-called “probability non-notification type game machine” or “game machine with a latent probability change function” in which the player cannot easily identify (understand) the type of probability (low probability or high probability).

  As a configuration for “making it difficult for the player to identify the winning probability set by the probability setting means” (configuration for realizing the probability variation non-notification state), (1) “the probability setting means is the winning probability (2) “Probability setting means wins” (2) “Probability setting means won” when big hit (so-called probabilistic big hit) with high probability is set. (3) A configuration in which a notification (effect) that a high probability state (probability variation state) occurs during execution of a big hit game related to “big hit (so-called probabilistic big success) with setting probability to high probability” (3) For example, a configuration in which a notification (effect) that a high probability state (probability variation state) has occurred after the end of the “big hit game involving the probability setting means setting the winning probability high” is performed.

  In addition, as will be described later, a “variable start winning device” that changes over a predetermined opening time from a closed state in which a game ball is difficult to win to an open state in which winning is easy with the establishment of a predetermined opening condition, In the case of providing “open extension means” for extending the open time as compared with normal, the configuration for making it difficult for the player to identify the winning probability set by the probability setting means (probability non-notification state is set) (4) Operation status (opening time) of “opening extension means” at the time of occurrence of (4) “big hit (so-called probable big hit) with probability setting means setting winning probability with high probability” Can be exemplified after the jackpot game related to the jackpot is over. In other words, when “open extension means” is not activated (open time is not extended) when “big hit (so-called probabilistic big hit) involving probability setting means setting winning probability to high probability” occurs. Does not operate the “open extension means” even after the jackpot game related to the jackpot is over, and at the time of occurrence of “big jackpot (so-called probabilistic jackpot) with the probability setting means setting the winning probability high” When the “open extension means” is operating (the opening time is extended), the “open extension means” is operated even after the big hit game related to the big hit is completed.

  By adopting the configuration exemplified in the above (1) to (4), “a gaming machine in which it is difficult for the player to identify the winning probability set by the probability setting means” (so-called “probability non-change”). An “informing type gaming machine” or “a gaming machine having a latent probability changing function”) can be obtained.

  As the “predetermined presentation means” of the first aspect of the invention, display means (display device), light emitting means (for example, light emitting device using LED), sound generation means (for example, speaker) and vibration means (for example, vibrator) One or more selected from the above can be selected. In addition, each display device includes a plurality of display devices, and each display device constitutes display means, or a display unit (for example, a display screen) of a single display device is divided into a plurality of parts, and each part constitutes display means. In this case, any of the plurality of display means can be a “predetermined presentation means”.

For example, the gaming machine of the invention of claim 1
“Main variable display means that constitutes the jackpot lottery means and is controlled to be displayed by a main control unit that controls the basic progression of the game, and displays the result of the jackpot lottery by the jackpot lottery means via a variable display,
The display controlled by the sub-control unit that receives the display control command transmitted from the main control unit, the result of the big hit lottery by the big hit lottery means is fixedly displayed through the variable display and the effect constituting the predetermined effect means Display means;
With
Always notify the winning probability by the fixed display mode of the main variable display means (display mode showing the result of the big hit lottery) ”
May be a feature.

  In this case, the main variable display means and the effect display means may be configured by separate display devices, or may be configured by different portions of the display units configured by the same display device. Further, in a gaming machine provided with a main variable display means and an effect display means, the display content of the effect display means is usually easier for the player to recognize than the display content of the main variable display means. For example, (a) the effect display means displays a larger symbol than the main variable display means, (b) the effect display means displays a symbol that is established as a character / number, and the main variable display means displays a character / Displaying a symbol that does not hold as a number, (c) arranging the effect display means closer to the center of the game board surface than the main variable display means, or two of (a) to (c) By performing the above and the like, the effect display means is easier to recognize than the main variable display means. For this reason, even if the winning probability is notified on the main variable display means, it is difficult for the player to determine the winning probability only by the display content of the main variable display means. The display control commands include a variation pattern designation command for specifying the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, a special symbol stop information designation command (described later), a stop symbol designation command (described later), and the like. It can be illustrated.

In 請 Motomeko 1 of the invention and the Reference Invention, when the probability of winning jackpot lottery by the probability setting unit is set to a high probability, to notify that the winning probability is set to a high probability at a given representation section Probability non-notification means that does not do this can be provided. In this case, the probability non-notification means may operate uniformly when the winning probability is set to a high probability, but may operate on the condition that a predetermined condition is satisfied. That is, in a gaming machine that alternately generates a so-called “latent probability changing state (described later)” and a so-called “non-latent probability changing state (described later)” as a probability changing state (high probability state), By operating the notification means, the “latency probability changing state” can be realized, and by disabling the probability non-notification means, the “non-latency probability changing state” can be realized.

Incidentally, 請 Motomeko 1 of the invention and a game machine of the Reference Invention has one or more benefit assigning means for assigning the player benefits (value on the game) to the player after the completion of the jackpot gaming. Then, the “game mode setting means” selects the presence / absence of the operation of the profit granting means (probability changing means, opening extension means, etc. shown below), so that the game mode after the end of the big hit game is determined for the player. Set to any game mode with different game value. Then, according to the game mode set by the game mode setting means, the game after the big hit game (symbol changing game) proceeds.

  For example, as a “profit granting means”, a probability changing means for changing the probability that the result of the big hit lottery will be a big hit after the end of the big hit game from a low probability to a high probability (the probability of winning is higher than the probability setting means). In the case of providing “means for setting”), the gaming mode of the gaming machine is any one of “high probability mode” for operating the probability changing means and “low probability mode” for stopping the operation of the probability changing means. Can be set. In the following description, a game mode that occurs depending on whether or not the probability changing means is activated may be referred to as a “probability mode”. And “the game mode whose content is that the probability setting means sets the winning probability of the big win lottery to a low probability” is called “low probability mode (normal probability mode)”, and the “probability setting means the winning probability of the big hit lottery” The game mode whose content is to set a low probability is sometimes referred to as a “high probability mode”.

  In the case of providing “opening extension means for extending the opening time in the variable start winning device after the end of the big hit game” as the “profit granting means”, the game mode of the gaming machine is set to “open”. It can be set to either “extension mode” or “normal opening mode” in which the operation of the opening extension means is stopped. In the following description, a game mode that occurs depending on whether or not the opening extension means is activated may be referred to as an “opening mode”. In addition, normally, the gaming machine has (a) one or more “variable start winning devices (when the release condition is satisfied, the game ball is changed from a closed state in which a prize is difficult to win to an open state in which a winning is easy for a predetermined opening time. Or (b) one or more “non-variable starter winning devices (starter winning devices in which the possibility of winning a game ball is fixed”) and one or more of the variable variables. Two or more start winning devices including a type start winning device are provided.

  When “variable time shortening means for shortening the fluctuation time of symbol variation” is provided as “profit granting means”, the game mode of the gaming machine is operated by the “shortened variable length mode (short time mode) for operating the variable time shortening means” ”And“ normal fluctuation mode ”in which the operation of the fluctuation time shortening means is stopped. In the following description, a game mode that occurs depending on whether or not the variation time shortening means is activated may be referred to as a “variation mode”. Normally, when the “open extension means” is activated, the “variable time shortening means” is also activated, and when the “open extension means” is deactivated, the “variable time shortening means” is also deactivated.

  In the case of providing “probability changing means” and “opening extension means” as “profit granting means”, by selecting whether or not “probability changing means” and “opening extension means” are activated, a maximum of four kinds of games You can set the mode. That is, (a) a game mode realized by a combination of “high probability mode” and “open extension mode” (hereinafter referred to as “high probability open extension mode”), and (b) “low probability mode” and “ A game realized by a combination of a game mode (hereinafter referred to as “low probability open extension mode”) and a combination of (c) “high probability mode” and “normal release mode”. Mode (hereinafter referred to as “high probability normal release mode”) and (d) a game mode realized by combination of “low probability mode” and “normal release mode” (hereinafter referred to as “low probability normal release mode”). .)). In the above-mentioned “non-latency probability change state”, the “high probability open extension mode” is set, and in the above “latency probability change state”, the “high probability normal release mode” is set.

  In addition, when “probability changing means” and “variation time shortening means” are provided as “benefit granting means”, by selecting whether or not “probability changing means” and “variation time shortening means” are activated, maximum Four game modes can be set. That is, (e) a game mode (hereinafter referred to as “high probability normal variation mode”) realized by a combination of “high probability mode” and “normal variation mode”, (f) “low probability mode” and “normal variation mode” Game mode realized by combination with “variable mode” (hereinafter referred to as “low probability normal variation mode”), (g) Game mode realized by combination of “high probability mode” and “shortened variation mode” (Hereinafter referred to as “high probability shortening variation mode”), (h) a game mode realized by a combination of “low probability mode” and “short variation mode” (hereinafter referred to as “low probability shortening variation mode”). However, these game modes are synonymous with the above-described “game mode set by selecting whether or not the probability changing means and the opening extension means are activated.” This is because the "open extension means" operates at the same time and stops at the same time.In the above-mentioned "non-latency probability variation state", the "high probability shortening variation mode" is set, and the above-mentioned "latency probability variation state" Then, the “high probability normal fluctuation mode” is set.

The gaming machine according to the first invention disclosed in the present specification for reference (hereinafter referred to as reference invention 1) is the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The probability posterior notification means includes:
The winning probability set at the time of winning the jackpot lottery is notified until the jackpot game associated with the winning is over.

In the gaming machine of the reference invention 1 , it is possible to further enhance the gaming interest of the player by optimizing the time of notification of the winning probability. In other words, the period from the determination of the occurrence of the big hit to the end of the big hit game is a period during which the player relaxes from the sense of relief that the big hit has been won, and it is easy for the player to accept information transmitted from the gaming machine It is a period. In addition, for the player, since the cause of the establishment of the “big hit game currently in progress” (whether it occurred with a low probability or a high probability) is determined, the “notification of winning probability” is notified to the player. Because it is done with a strong impact.

Here, in Reference Invention 1 , the specific timing of “post-notification of winning probability” can be selected in various ways, for example, “During fanfare production (described later)”, “During big hit round production (described later)”. "," Ending production (described later) "and the like. In the case where the application of the reference invention 1 is not applied, the post-notification of the winning probability may be performed after the end of the “hit game with winning”. In this case, after the end of the “hit game with winning”, the display means displays a change display for displaying the result of the new big winning lottery (the next big winning lottery following the big winning lottery from which the winning result was derived). Once started, the player will pay attention to the “change display to be started” with a new feeling. That is, the player's interest shifts to “the result of newly started variation display”, not “the cause of the occurrence of the jackpot game that has already ended”. For this reason, the aspect of the reference invention 1 is a more preferable aspect in performing the subsequent notification of the winning probability with a stronger impact on the player.

A gaming machine according to a second invention disclosed in the present specification for reference (hereinafter referred to as reference invention 2) is the gaming machine according to claim 1 ,
A prize ball paying means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls due to winning of game balls to the variable prize winning device;
When the result of the jackpot lottery is a win, the mode of jackpot to be generated is determined from a plurality of modes of jackpot,
As a jackpot of the multiple aspects,
A first jackpot game having a high possibility of winning a prize ball by the prize ball paying means is executed by performing a predetermined number of opening operations for setting the variable winning device to the open state over a first opening time. And a normal jackpot in which the winning probability after the first jackpot game is set to a low probability,
Executing the first jackpot game and the winning probability after the first jackpot game is set to the high probability;
By performing a predetermined number of opening operations for setting the variable prize-winning device to the open state over a second opening time shorter than the first opening time, there is a possibility that the winning ball payout means can be executed. And executing a low second jackpot game and a second probability variable jackpot in which the winning probability after the second jackpot game is set to the high probability,
If the effect of generating the second probability variation jackpot is determined, you and inhibits the operation of the probability a posteriori notification means.

In Reference Invention 2 , the gaming machine that generates various jackpots is intended to surely improve the gaming interest. In other words, the second probable big hit is a big hit with a low probability of winning a prize ball, so even if it occurs, the player's sense of achievement is low, and the player's interest is not the second big hit game, but the next big hit It will be suitable for the lottery. For this reason, even if the “winning probability when the second probability variation big hit occurs” is notified afterwards when the second probability variation big hit is generated, there is a possibility that the player may “shake” on the contrary. is there. For this reason, in the reference invention 2 , when it is determined that the second probability variation jackpot will be generated, the operation of the probabilistic post-notification means is prohibited, and the player's gaming interest is surely improved. Yes.

A gaming machine according to a third invention disclosed in the present specification for reference (hereinafter referred to as reference invention 3) is the gaming machine according to claim 1 ,
As the starting prize-winning device, when an opening condition is established, the game ball is provided with a variable starting prize-winning device that changes over a predetermined opening time from a closed state in which it is difficult to win a prize to an easily opened state.
An opening extension means for extending an opening time in the variable start winning device after the jackpot game ends;
Prize ball paying means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls due to winning of game balls to the variable prize winning device;
With
When the result of the jackpot lottery is a win, the mode of jackpot to be generated is determined from a plurality of modes of jackpot,
As a jackpot of the multiple aspects,
A first jackpot game having a high possibility of winning a prize ball by the prize ball paying means is executed by performing a predetermined number of opening operations for setting the variable winning device to the open state for a first opening time. A normal jackpot in which the winning probability after the first jackpot game is set to a low probability;
Executing the first jackpot game and the winning probability after the first jackpot game is set to the high probability;
By performing a predetermined number of opening operations for setting the variable prize-winning device to the open state over a second opening time shorter than the first opening time, there is a possibility that the winning ball payout means can be executed. Including a second probability variable jackpot that executes a low second jackpot game and the winning probability after the second jackpot game is set to the high probability;
Whether or not to generate a small hit is determined by lottery on the assumption that the result of the big hit lottery is lost,
When the small hit occurs, the winning action by the winning ball paying means is performed by performing the opening operation for setting the variable winning device to the open state for the second opening time as many times as the second big hit game. A small hit game in which the possibility of payout is reduced is executed, and the winning probability is the same probability before and after the execution of the small hit game,
The normal jackpot and the first probability variation jackpot are open extension type jackpots that trigger the operation of the opening extension means,
The second probability variation big hit includes only a non-open extension type big hit that does not trigger the operation of the opening extension means, or includes the non-open extension type big hit and the open extension type big hit. And

According to the gaming machine of the reference invention 3 , it is possible to further improve the gaming interest of the player. That is, in the gaming machine of the reference invention 3 , the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device when executing the jackpot game (second jackpot game) related to the second probability variation jackpot, and the variable winning device when executing the jackpot game The “second probability variation big hit” includes “probability variation big hit (non-open extension type positive variation big hit)” which is the same as the opening / closing operation of the opening extension means and does not trigger the operation of the opening extension means. For this reason, when the second big hit game or the small hit game is executed, it becomes more difficult for the player to determine the “current winning probability”. Therefore, if the result of the big hit lottery is won, if the “winning probability at the time of execution of the finished big hit lottery” is notified later using the production means, it will have a strong impact on the player. Because you can.

Incidentally, the Reference Invention 3, Ru with the inventions of features according to claim 1. That is, in the gaming machine having the configuration shown in the reference invention 3 , the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device when executing the second big hit game is the same as the opening / closing operation of the variable winning device when executing the small winning game. In addition, since the “second probability variation big hit” that does not trigger the operation of the opening extension means is included in the “second probability variation big hit”, among the players (those who have little knowledge about the gaming machine) Will end the game despite the occurrence of a “non-open extension-type probabilistic jackpot” and the second jackpot game associated therewith has ended, and the probability setting means has set the winning probability to a high probability. Some people end up.

On the other hand, when a specific player (a player who has a lot of knowledge about gaming machines) finds that the second jackpot game or the jackpot game has been executed and has become a “vacant stand” without generating a jackpot In some cases, a game machine is started on the “vacant stand” and the above-mentioned “successful hyena act” is aimed at. Then, a particular player, along with the operation of the probability post-notification means, Ru can be determined whether or not the success of this "hyena acts".

In the reference invention 3 , the case where the “non-open extension type big hit” occurs and the case where the “open extension type big hit” occurs may be distributed based on the game mode when the big hit occurs. For example, when the game mode of the gaming machine is “high probability open extension mode”, “low probability open extension mode” or “high probability normal release mode”, the “second probability variation jackpot” occurs. When the “second probability variation jackpot” is set to “open extension type jackpot” and the game mode of the gaming machine is “low probability normal release mode”, the “second probability variation jackpot” occurs. The “second probability variation big hit” may be set as “non-open extension type probability variation big hit”.

A gaming machine according to a fourth invention (hereinafter referred to as reference invention 4) disclosed by reference in the present specification is the gaming machine according to claim 1 ,
A prize ball paying means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls due to winning of game balls to the variable prize winning device;
When the result of the jackpot lottery is a win, the mode of jackpot to be generated is determined from a plurality of modes of jackpot,
As a jackpot of the multiple aspects,
A first jackpot game having a high possibility of winning a prize ball by the prize ball paying means is executed by performing a predetermined number of opening operations for setting the variable winning device to the open state over a first opening time. And a normal jackpot in which the winning probability after the first jackpot game is set to a low probability,
Executing the first jackpot game and the winning probability after the first jackpot game is set to the high probability;
By performing a predetermined number of opening operations for setting the variable prize-winning device to the open state over a second opening time shorter than the first opening time, there is a possibility that the winning ball payout means can be executed. And executing a low second jackpot game and a second probability variable jackpot in which the winning probability after the second jackpot game is set to the high probability,
When it is determined that the second probability variation jackpot is to be generated, the operation of the probability posterior notification means is prohibited,
Whether or not to generate a small hit is determined by lottery on the assumption that the result of the big hit lottery is lost,
When the small hit occurs, the winning action by the winning ball paying means is performed by performing the opening operation for setting the variable winning device to the open state for the second opening time as many times as the second big hit game. A small hit game in which the possibility of payout is reduced is executed, and the winning probability is the same probability before and after the execution of the small hit game,
If the second probability variation big hit occurs before the count value of the execution count counting means reaches a predetermined value, after the second big hit game related to the second probability variation big hit, the probability storage means Rewriting means for rewriting the stored winning probability to the winning probability after the end of the second jackpot game;
If the second probability variation big hit or the small hit occurs before the count value of the execution count counting means reaches a predetermined value, the game start detection means starts the game with the count value of the execution count counting means. Count value resetting means for returning to the set value when detecting
It is characterized by providing.

In the invention of Reference Invention 4, as with the Reference Invention 2 invention, when the effect of generating a second probability variation jackpot is determined, for prohibiting the operation of the probability a posteriori notification means, the same effect as in Reference invention 2 can get. In addition, if the second probability variation big hit occurs until the count value of the execution number counting means reaches a predetermined value, the second probability big hit game related to the second probability variation big hit is stored in the probability storage means. The winning probability is rewritten to the winning probability after the end of the second jackpot game. Further, if the second probability variation big hit or small hit occurs before the count value of the execution count counting means reaches a predetermined value, the count value of the execution count counting means is returned to the initial value.

That is, the variable winning device performs the same opening operation in the second big hit game that accompanies the occurrence of the second probability variation big hit and the small hit game that accompanies the small hit, so the player can use the probability mode ( It is necessary to use an imagination to determine whether or not the state is a high probability state. However, in Reference Invention 4 , the second probability change is made until the number of executions of the lending process reaches a predetermined number after the game starts. When a big hit or a small hit occurs, the number of executions of the lending process is counted again from the beginning. After that, if a big hit (usually big win, first probable big hit) with a high possibility of winning a prize ball is generated before the number of executions of the lending process reaches a predetermined number, the winning when the big hit occurs Probability is reported afterwards. For this reason, according to the reference invention 4 , the player's interest can be sufficiently improved in the situation where the second probability variation big hit or small hit has occurred.

Here, in the gaming machine of the invention of Reference Invention 2 to Reference Invention 4 ,
For the jackpot of the multiple embodiments,
The variable winning device is opened for a third opening time that is shorter than the first opening time and longer than the second opening time, thereby making it possible to execute the prize ball payout by the winning ball payout means. A second normal game in which a third jackpot game that is lower than the first jackpot game and higher than the second jackpot game is executed, and the winning probability is set to the low probability after the third jackpot game is finished. Jackpot,
Executing the third jackpot game, and a third probability variable jackpot in which the winning probability is set to the high probability after the end of the third jackpot game;
Contains
The second normal big hit and the third probability variation big hit may be the open extended type big hit (hereinafter referred to as related invention 1).

Here, in the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2 to Reference Invention 4 or Related Invention 1,
As the first probability variation big hit, in addition to the first probability variation big hit, the opening repeated operation of making the variable winning device open several times over a fourth opening time shorter than the first opening time, By performing the predetermined number of times, the irregular first jackpot game having a high possibility of winning the prize ball by the prize ball dispensing means is executed, and the winning probability is determined after the irregular first jackpot game. An anomalous first probability variation jackpot set at a high probability,
The irregular first probable big hit may be the open extended type big hit (hereinafter referred to as related invention 2).

  According to the related invention 1 or the related invention 2, the mode of jackpot can be diversified, so that it is possible to further enhance the gaming interest.

In the case of 請 Motomeko 1 and each of the reference invention,
First lottery random number storage means for storing a first lottery random number generated based on a winning of a game ball to the non-variable starter winning device, up to a first number;
Second lottery random number storage means for storing a second lottery random number generated based on winning of a game ball to the variable start winning device, up to a second number;
With
The first lottery random number stored in the first lottery random number storage means is read out, the big hit lottery is performed as a first big hit lottery, and is stored in the second lottery random number storage means. The random number for the second lottery is read, and the jackpot lottery is performed as the second jackpot lottery,
When the first lottery random number is stored in the first lottery random number storage means and the second lottery random number is stored in the second lottery random number storage means, the second jackpot The lottery may be performed in preference to the first jackpot lottery (hereinafter referred to as a priority variation type gaming machine).

  In addition, in a gaming machine (game machine equipped with a lottery lottery means) that determines whether or not to generate a small hit, a random number for lottery used for the small hit lottery, A random number different from the random number may be used, or a random number for the big hit lottery may be used (a winning value for the small lottery lotion may be selected from random numbers that are out of the big hit lottery).

  Here, in this specification, “front” and “front” indicate “front with respect to the gaming machine (that is, a direction close to the player)”, and “rear” and “back” indicate gaming machines. "Rear (that is, a direction away from the player)". Further, “left” indicates “left” as viewed from the player, and “right” indicates “right as viewed from the player”. Further, in “a member that can be opened and closed like a door (hereinafter referred to as a“ door type member ”)” such as a main body frame, a front frame, an upper plate member, a lower plate member, etc., “left”, “right” “Front”, “Rear” and the like are based on the case where these door-type members are in use, that is, in the closed state.

According to the present invention 請 Motomeko 1 as described above, in the "probability variation non notification type of gaming machine" can increase the interest in the game sufficiently.

It is a perspective view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows the game machine and CR unit which concern on each Example of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory view for explaining a main body frame and the like in the gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows a game board in the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) is a front view schematically showing a special symbol hold display device, (b) and (c) are front views schematically showing a variable start winning device. (A) is a front view schematically showing a lower display device, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a variation display mode of special symbols executed in the lower display device, and (c) is each embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic front view which shows the display screen of an effect display apparatus in an example. It is a back view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electronic control apparatus which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows CR unit which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the probability etc. of jackpot lottery in normal probability mode, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the probability etc. of jackpot lottery in high probability mode, (c) is It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the probability etc. of a lottery lottery. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used in special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st big hit lottery). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used in special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd big hit lottery). (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a big hit symbol, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a small hit symbol, (c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a losing symbol. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used in a lottery lottery. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the symbol fluctuation display performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the hit game effect (big hit game effect) performed with the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the characteristic of the symbol fluctuation display performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that a command was output from the main control part in the gaming machine which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the outline of a lending process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a time chart for demonstrating the outline of a lending process in the game machine which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows a demonstration display process. It is a flowchart which shows the payout control process in the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a ball lending control process in the gaming machine which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a normal electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. (A) And (b) is a flowchart which shows a success / failure determination process. It is a flowchart which shows a symbol variation start process. It is a flowchart which shows a fluctuation pattern table distribution process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern table which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the hit game process of Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of completion | finish of the hit game which concerns on each Example. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the production | presentation control process of Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a demonstration effect process. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a production mode setting process. It is a flowchart which shows a design fluctuation effect relevant process. It is a flowchart which shows a hit game effect process. It is a flowchart which shows a hit game effect process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the production | presentation control process of Example 2 and Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the game start of Example 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the game post-process of Example 2. It is a flowchart which shows the hit game process of Example 2. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the game start of Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the game post-process of Example 3. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a changed part from the game process of the first embodiment in the winning game process of the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a changed part from the game process of the first embodiment in the hit game process according to the modified example.

Hereinafter, an embodiment showing the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each embodiment described below, the present onset bright, "Seven Machine" and referred game machine (pachinko machines) for the specific examples of application to 1 will be described.

(1) Mechanical structure a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H attached to the outer frame 2. The gaming machine 1 is a so-called “CR machine” called a “card-type ball game machine”, and constitutes a gaming machine system S together with a CR unit 80 disposed on the left end side thereof. .

  The outer frame 2 is used to support the gaming machine main body H while being fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall. The outer frame 2 includes an outer frame main body 21 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) configured by a substantially rectangular frame-like body, and a front plate portion 22 that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 21.

  The gaming machine main body H is rotatably attached to the left end side of the outer frame 2 using upper and lower hinges H1 and H2 (see FIG. 1) on the left end side of the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and as shown in FIG. 1, the main body frame 3, the front frame 4, the upper dish member 5, and the lower dish member 6. The game board 10 (see FIG. 4), the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 7), and the like are the main parts. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the main body frame 3 is fitted into the outer frame 2 and is pivotally supported so as to be opened and closed with respect to the outer frame 2. A locking device 7 is mounted on the right end side of the main body frame 3.

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

  When the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10, the “game area 11 configured on the front surface portion 10 a of the game board 10” can be viewed from the front of the main body frame 3 through the window 3 </ b> M. Further, a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 7) is mounted on the back surface portion of the game board 10 so as to cover the back surface portion.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 4 has a visual recognition window 41a at the center thereof. This viewing window 41a is provided in a state of penetrating the front and rear of the front frame 4, and is opened in a substantially circumferential shape corresponding to the outer peripheral shape of the game area 11 (see FIG. 4) formed on the board surface of the game board 10. When the front frame 4 is closed, the game area 11 disposed behind the front frame 4 can be viewed from the front through the viewing window 41a.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front frame 4 includes a frame main body 41, a glass plate 43 attached to the frame main body 41, and a holder (not shown) for holding the glass plate 43 on the frame main body 41. Is provided. Speakers SP1 and SP2 (see FIG. 10) are built in on the left and right sides of the upper end portion of the front frame 4, respectively. Further, in the gaming machine 1, speakers SP3 and SP4 (see FIG. 10) are also incorporated in the left and right ends of the front plate portion 22. In the gaming machine 1, sound effects and other sounds (sounds) corresponding to the gaming state are generated using the speakers SP1 to SP4.

  An upper plate member 5 and a lower plate member 6 are provided in a portion below the front frame 4 in the front portion of the gaming machine main body H. In other words, the upper plate member 5 is disposed below the front frame 4 and includes a receiving port 5b for receiving a game ball discharged from the gaming machine 1 inside the container. A ball rental display board 410 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 10) are provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and “ball rental” is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5. A panel 5p ”and an“ effect button SW ”are arranged (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the ball lending panel 5p is provided with a lending button 5c and a return button 5q, and a balance display portion 5r. Here, the “lending button 5c” constitutes a specific example of the lending operation unit. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, a game ball payout device 109 constituting a specific example of the “payout device” is disposed in the back pack 102 as will be described later. The payout motor 109m (see FIGS. 8 and 9) constitutes a drive source for the game ball payout device 109.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lower plate member 6 is disposed below the upper plate member 5. At the approximate center of the lower plate member 6, a receiving port 6 a for receiving a game ball discharged from the upper plate member 5 is provided in the inside of the substantially container shape. An ashtray 6 b is provided at the left end of the lower plate member 6, and a firing handle 9 is provided at the right end of the lower plate member 6.

  The firing handle 9 is connected to a launching device unit (not shown) behind it. Here, the launcher unit is for launching a game ball sent out from a ball feeder (not shown) to the game area 11. A striking rod that reciprocates around the rotating shaft to strike the game ball, a stopper that restricts the rotation of the striking rod, a spring member that imparts striking force to the striking rod, and a rotating shaft that can rotate integrally. A firing motor (a stepping motor, refer to the firing motor 8m in FIG. 11) that continuously generates a striking force on the striking rod through a cam mounted in a state.

  In this launching device unit, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the launching handle 9 to change the urging force applied from the spring member to the striking ball, and the striking force that the striking rod applies to the game ball changes (rotation operation). When the amount is increased, the urging force applied to the hitting ball from the spring member increases, and the hitting force applied to the game ball by the hitting ball increases). The launcher unit is provided with an origin sensor (not shown) for detecting that the launch motor rotation shaft is at the origin position (origin angle).

  The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch (touch sensor) 9a for detecting that the player is touching, and in the vicinity thereof, a launch stop switch 9b for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball. Is installed. The touch switch 9a outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal) when the player is in contact with the launching handle 9, and the contact non-detection signal (OFF) when the player is not in contact with the launching handle 8. Signal). The firing stop switch 8b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal) when the player is not operating (not pressed), and the firing stop signal (ON) when the player is operating (pressed). Off signal).

  In this gaming machine 1, the player is touching the launch handle 9 (the touch switch 9a outputs a contact detection signal), and the player is not operating the launch stop switch 9b (the launch stop switch 9b is launched). When the launch handle 9 is rotated by a necessary amount, a game ball is launched into the game area 11. On the other hand, when the player does not touch the launch handle 9 (the touch switch 9a outputs a contact non-detection signal) or when the player operates the launch stop switch 9b (the launch stop switch 9b is When the firing stop signal is output), the game ball is not launched into the game area 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the CR unit (card processing unit) 80 is disposed on the left end side of the gaming machine 1 and is installed at an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the CR unit 80 is electrically connected to the gaming machine 1 and is in a state where transmission / reception with the gaming machine 1 is possible. This CR unit 80 is configured to be long in the vertical direction, and has a bill insertion slot 81 and a card slot 84 opened to the front side. Here, when at least one of insertion of a bill into the bill insertion slot 81 and insertion of a card (however, a card storing frequency balance information) into the card slot 84 is performed, the CR unit The value balance (valuable balance) inserted (inserted) in 80 is displayed on the balance display portion 5r (see FIG. 1). At this time, the balance display section 5r displays the value balance (valuable balance) as a maximum of 3 digits.

  When the necessary balance is displayed on the balance display section 5r, when the “lending button 5c” is pressed, the number of effective frequencies (for example, 5 degrees) (for example, 5 degrees) by one operation (that is, the lending operation) (for example, 125, which is five times the reference number for one degree). Each time the rental of the reference number of game balls is completed, the frequency balance stored in the CR unit 80 (card storing frequency balance information) is rewritten according to the number of loans (1 time). The frequency balance is rewritten), and the frequency balance is displayed on the balance display portion 5r.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the CR unit 80 includes a control unit 80A, a storage unit 80B, a card reader 80C, a card storage unit 80D, a card transport / feeding mechanism unit 80E, and a communication control unit 80F. Prepare. Among these, the communication control unit 80F is a processing unit for controlling communication between the CR unit 80 and other devices (the gaming machine 1, an island computer, etc.). The control means 80A controls the entire CR unit 30, and the storage means 80B stores data and programs necessary for various processes by the control means 80A. The card reader 80C reads information recorded on the prepaid card inserted into the card slot 84, and outputs the read information to the control means 80A.

  The card storage unit 80D is a storage unit that stores a prepaid card whose remaining number is not valued. A plurality of prepaid cards are stored in advance so that the player can play with cash even if the player does not bring a prepaid card. For example, when a player inserts a banknote into the banknote insertion slot 81, one is drawn out to the position of the card reader 80C, and is set as a target of frequency association with cash. The card transport / feeding mechanism 80E is a mechanism that transports and pays out the prepaid card. That is, (i) transporting the prepaid card inserted from the card entrance / exit 84 to the card reader 80C, (ii) transporting the prepaid card held by the card reader 80C to the card storage unit 80D, (iii) card storage A prepaid card stored in the section 80D (a prepaid card whose remaining number is not valued) is fed out to the card reader 80C, and (iV) a prepaid card held in the card reader 80C is fed out to the card entrance 84. It is a device to perform.

  In the CR unit 80, when the return button 5q is pressed in a state where the frequency balance is displayed on the balance display portion 5r, a card (a card storing frequency balance information) is ejected from the card entrance / exit 84. That is, this CR unit 80 accepts a return request based on the pressing operation of the return button 5q when the remaining number of prepaid cards is not “0”. When this return request is accepted, the control means 80A instructs the card transport / feeding mechanism 80E to return the prepaid card. Thereby, the prepaid card according to the return instruction is discharged from the card entrance 84. In this gaming machine system S, when the power balance is “zero”, the card is not discharged, but may be discharged.

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

  The game board main body 10A includes a region forming portion 10B that is substantially circular in a front view, and a region outside 10C that is positioned around the region forming portion 10B. In addition, an outer rail 12 and an inner rail 13 that are both configured using a band-shaped metal plate are disposed on the front surface of the game board main body 10A. And the front surface part of the area | region formation part 10B comprises the game area | region 11, being enclosed by the substantially circular surrounding wall which this outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13 form. In this area forming part 10B (that is, the part located in the game area 11 in the game board 10), the main accessory device 20, the normal symbol operating gate (normal symbol operating port) 16, and the first start winning device 17a, second start winning device 17b, large winning device 31, lower display device 60, three general winning devices 40, 41, 43, a number of obstacle nails (not shown), and windmill 19 Etc. are arranged.

  The main accessory device 20 includes an attachment member (decorative plate) 21, an effect display device 27, and a special symbol hold display device 25. Among these, the attachment member 21 is comprised by the plate-shaped body with which the front part of the area | region formation part 10B is mounted | worn, and comprises the upper half center part of the game area | region 11 as shown in FIG. The attachment member (decorative plate) 21 is provided with a window portion forming hole 21d, and the window portion forming hole 21d constitutes a display window 21e. The display window 21e is substantially rectangular when viewed from the front.

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

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

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

  The effect display device 27 is constituted by a liquid crystal display device, and constitutes a specific example of a variable display device, similarly to the lower display device 60 described later. However, this effect display device 27 functions as an effect display device that executes effect display (variation display and stop display) linked to the special symbol variation display and stop display in the lower display device 60. In the present embodiment, the lower display device 60 constitutes a “main variable display means” for displaying the present symbol (specific example of the special symbol), and the effect display device 27 is a pseudo symbol (special symbol). Another specific example of the symbol is shown.) “Effect display means” is displayed. The effect display device 27 constitutes a specific example of “effect means”.

  The display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 can display various symbols using the whole or a part thereof. On this display screen 27a, as shown in FIG.6 (c), three pseudo | simulation symbol display parts 27b-27d and the background screen display part 27h comprised by another part may appear. In this case, the three pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction on the display screen 27a. In each of the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d that appear in this manner, an effect display (fluctuation display) using “pseudo symbols”, a stop display, and the like are performed. Further, when the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are displayed on the display screen 27a, the background screen display portion 27h is displayed by the other part of the display screen 27a. The background screen display unit 27h can display a symbol indicating a background (hereinafter referred to as a background symbol) or a symbol indicating a character (hereinafter referred to as a character symbol) together with the background symbol. . These “pseudo symbols”, “background symbols”, and “character symbols” indicate specific examples of “effect symbols” displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27. These “pseudo symbols” and “ The “design variation display (design variation)” is realized by the “background design” and the “character design”.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the special symbol hold display device 25 is disposed below the display screen 27a. As shown in FIG. 5A, the special symbol hold display device 25 includes a “first special symbol hold display portion 25a” disposed on the left side and a “second special symbol hold portion 25a” disposed on the right side. Hold display unit 25b ". In addition, any of the special symbol hold display portions 25a and 25b is configured using four LEDs. Then, the first special symbol hold display unit 25a has an upper limit of “the number of holds regarding the special symbol (that is, the first special symbol)” caused by winning the first start winning device 17a. It is displayed as a number. In addition, the second special symbol hold display unit 25b has an upper limit of “the number of holds regarding a special symbol (that is, the second special symbol)” caused by winning a prize to the second start winning device 17b. It is displayed as a number.

  In other words, any of the special symbol hold display units 25a and 25b displays “the number of game balls that have won the corresponding start winning devices 17a and 17b but have not yet been digested (ie, the number of held balls)”. In addition to displaying by “number”, every time an undigested game ball is digested, “the number of undigested game balls (that is, the number of reserves)” is sequentially decremented and displayed. Here, the “undigested game balls (that is, holding balls)” related to each special symbol were won in the start winning devices 17a and 17b, but in the lower display device 60 or the like, “the result of the big hit lottery accompanying the winning” ”Indicates a game ball in which neither the display of the change nor the change display preceding it is made.

  The first start winning device 17a constitutes a specific example of a non-variable start winning device, and has a pocket shape with an opening (first start port) opened upward. And since this 1st starting port is located in the vertical part of the center part of the stage part 21p (rolling surface), the game ball which falls from the center part passes through this 1st starting port, and is 1st. The probability of winning the start winning device 17 is increased. In addition, a start winning detection switch 17s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of the game ball is disposed inside the first start winning device 17.

  The second start winning device 17b constitutes a specific example of a variable (opening and closing) start winning device, and is disposed immediately below the first start winning device 17a. As shown in FIG. 5 (b), the second start winning device 17b is mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 17c and the mounting plate 17c fixed to the game board main body 10A by screws. A normal electric accessory 17d constituting an inlet side portion of the device 17b and an obstruction member 17k attached to the front surface of the mounting plate 17c are provided.

  The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip-shaped pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e and a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c for operating the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e (see FIG. 8). ). Among these, the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e can be opened to the left and right so that the upper end sides are separated from each other around the lower support shaft. When the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are in a closed state where the wing pieces 17e and 17e are erected, the distance between the upper end portions of the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e is reduced. Further, when the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c is driven and the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e are tilted so that the upper end sides are separated from each other with respect to the lower end side axis, the upper end portions of the movable wing pieces 17e and 17e. The space between them is enlarged, and an open state is established. Further, the obstacle member 17k is disposed vertically above the ordinary electric accessory 17d. In addition, a start winning detection switch 17t (see FIG. 8) for detecting the passage of a game ball is disposed inside the second start winning device 17b.

  As shown in FIG. 5 (b), when the second start winning device 17b is in a closed state, a space that allows one game ball to pass between the upper ends of the pair of movable wing pieces 17e, 17e. Although K1 is formed, the obstacle member 17k is disposed vertically above the space K1. For this reason, it is impossible for the game ball to win the second start winning device 17b. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), when the second start winning device 17b is opened and the pair of movable blade pieces 17e, 17e are opened to the left and right, between the upper ends of the movable blade pieces 17e, 17e. The interval K1 is larger than the full left and right width of the obstacle member 17k. For this reason, it is possible for the game balls that have passed through the left and right of the obstacle member 17K to win the second start winning device 17b.

  In the gaming machine 1, when the second start winning device 17b is opened, the probability that a game ball flowing down the game area 11 wins the second start winning device 17b is a game ball flowing down the game area 11. Is higher than the probability of winning the first start winning device 17a. Then, if the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes an open extension mode (described later) and the time for the second start winning device 17b to be in an open state becomes long, the probability that the game ball will win the second start winning device 17b Is much higher than the probability of winning the first start winning device 17a.

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

  Here, the “probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b in the open state” is much higher than the “probability that the game ball wins the first start winning device 17a”. For this reason, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is in the open extension mode, the probability that a start winning will be generated is higher than in the non-open extension mode (normal release mode), and the lower display device 60 and the effect display device. 27, the frequency of executing the symbol variation of the special symbol (that is, the frequency of symbol variation execution) is improved. That is, in this gaming machine 1, when the open extension mode is entered, a game (specific game) is performed in which the frequency of symbol variation execution is improved as compared to normal (when in the non-open extension mode).

  The big winning device 31 constitutes a specific example of a variable winning device, and is arranged below the second start winning device 17b. The special winning device 31 includes a mounting plate portion 31k attached to the front surface portion 10a of the game board 10. The mounting plate portion 31k is provided with an opening having a substantially band shape in a substantially central portion in a state of passing through the front and back, and the opening constitutes a big prize opening 31a. The rear end portion of the grand prize winning port 31a is in communication with “a grand prize winning prize winning passage (a passage through which a game ball to be won from the big prize winning opening 31a passes, not shown)”. .

  The prize winning device 31 includes an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the prize winning opening 31a, a prize winning solenoid 31c (see FIG. 11) for driving the opening / closing plate 31b, and a prize winning prize winning. A winning ball detection switch 31s (see FIG. 8) provided in the middle of the path of the passage or in the path terminal section. When the opening / closing plate 31b is in the standing posture, the opening / closing plate 31b closes the large winning opening 31a in the large winning device 31, so that it is impossible to win a game ball in the large winning device 31. On the other hand, when the opening / closing plate 31b is tilted forward with its lower end portion as a fulcrum and assumes a forward leaning posture, the special winning opening 31a is opened and the rear surface portion (back surface portion) of the opening / closing plate 31b flows down the game area 11. And the guidance part which guides the game ball which reached | attained the variable winning apparatus (large winning apparatus) 31 to the large winning opening 31a is comprised.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lower display device 60 is arranged on the left side of the big winning device 31. As shown in FIG. 6A, the lower display device 60 includes a mounting plate 61 that is attached to the front surface of the game board main body 10A. The mounting plate 61 is provided with a first special symbol display portion 62a, a second special symbol display portion 62b, a normal symbol display portion 63, a normal symbol hold display portion 65, and the like.

  The first special symbol display unit 62a, the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the normal symbol display unit 63 are all configured using a “7-segment display”. Among these, in the first special symbol display section 62a, the result of the big hit lottery (first big win lottery) executed due to the winning of the game ball in the first start winning device 17a or the small win lottery The first special symbol indicating the result is stopped and displayed after symbol variation (variation display). Further, in the second special symbol display unit 62b, the result of the big hit lottery (second big hit lottery) executed due to the winning of the game ball in the second start winning device 17b is stopped after the variable display. indicate. However, in the second special symbol display section 62b, the second special symbol indicating the result of the small hit lottery (second small lottery) is stopped and displayed through the variable display together with the result of the second big hit lottery. May be. The contents of the display results of the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b will be described later. In addition, a game result (result of determination of success / failure) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a and the second special symbol display unit 62b and a result of game (result of determination of success / failure) displayed on the effect display device 27. ) Are considered to match.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the normal symbol display unit 63 is configured by a “7-segment display”, and the game ball passes through any of the normal symbol operation gates (normal symbol operation ports) 16. When the symbol variation start condition is satisfied, the normal symbol variation display is started. In the normal symbol variation display, the normal symbols display unit 63 displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” in this order, and then the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” are displayed again. It consists of “circular display” that repeats the display in order. When the execution time of these variable displays elapses, the normal symbol stop symbol is executed for a certain period of time. At this time, when the stop symbol is “odd number”, it is a winning symbol, and when the stop symbol is “even number”, it is a missed symbol. The lottery means for performing the lottery to determine whether or not the ordinary electric accessory 17d should be opened is constituted by a main control unit 200A described later.

  The normal symbol hold display unit 65 is also configured using four LEDs, and “the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate (normal symbol operation port) 16 but have not yet been digested (ie, the number of holds). ”As the upper limit number of four, and every time an undigested game ball is digested,“ the number of undigested game balls (ie, the number of holds) ”is sequentially decremented and displayed. is there. Here, the “undigested game ball (that is, holding ball)” relating to the normal symbol has passed through the normal symbol operation gate (normal symbol operation port) 16, but in the normal symbol display unit 63, lottery associated with the passage The game ball in which the display of the result (determined display of the lottery result symbol) and the change display preceding this (display using a 7-segment display in this embodiment) are not made.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the three general winning devices 40, 41, 43 are arranged on the left and right of the main accessory device 20. In each of the general winning devices 40, 41, 43, winning detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s (see FIG. 8) for detecting the winning of the game ball are arranged. A number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area 11 so as to be suitable for a pachinko game in consideration of the positional balance with each board component described above. 18 is provided. Further, a back ball preventing member (not shown) is provided below the out port 18. And the game ball which returned without reaching the game area 11 is prevented from returning to the launch position again.

c. Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. That is, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 is a structure in which various devices are mounted on the large back pack 102, and the back pack 102 is pivotally supported by the pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. Yes.

  The back pack 102 stores a game ball tank 105 in which game balls are stored, a game ball payout device 109 for paying out game balls as prize balls or rental balls, and a main control board 200 constituting the main control unit 200A. A main control board case, a launcher control board case 130 storing a launch control board 260 for controlling the launcher unit, and a payout control board case storing a payout control board 240 for controlling the game ball payout device 109. 118, a relay terminal board for relaying the main control board 200 and various switches, and the like are mounted. The game ball payout device 109 constitutes a specific example of prize ball payout means.

  In addition, the game ball tank 105 is provided with a tank switch at the bottom, and can detect a broken ball. The game ball tank 105 and the game ball payout device 109 are connected by a tank rail 106. Further, in FIG. 6, a ball removal lever is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106, and a refilling ball breakage detection switch is provided on the downstream side of the tank rail 106.

(2) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The control circuit of the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 200A and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 222A, 240A, 260A). That is, the main control unit 200A is configured by using the main control board 200 and controls the basic progress of the game and whether or not the prize ball is involved, and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 222A, 240A, 260A). And.

  The sub-control unit is composed of (a) the sub-control board 220 and “sub control that controls various effects of the game using symbol display, lamp emission, sound effects, movement of moving objects, etc.” The control unit 220A and the (b) effect display control board 222 are used, and “the effect of controlling various effects of the game using the symbol display, the light emission of the lamp, the sound effect, the operation of the movable object, etc. It is configured using a control unit 222A, (c) a payout control unit 240A that controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, and (d) a launch control board 260. And a launch control unit 260A that controls the launch of the game ball.The sub-control unit includes a primary sub-control unit (220A, 240A) directly connected to the main control unit 200A and the first control unit. Main system via primary sub-control section Second sub-control unit (222A, 260A) connected to the parts 200A and exists.

  The control boards (200, 220, 222, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 222A, 240A, 260A) are executed by a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and the CPU. ROM in which various programs and data are stored, RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, a peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, and the CPU performs calculations Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus, such as an oscillator that outputs a clock, a watchdog timer that monitors CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates interrupt signals. Yes. Note that the directions of the arrows in FIGS. 8 to 11 indicate the directions in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 8, only the CPU 201, the RAM 202, and the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown. The PIO mounted on the main control board 200 and further the CPU mounted on another control board. Further, illustration of RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

  The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) receives game ball detection signals from the normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, the start winning detection switch 17s, the winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, 44s, etc. Sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220), payout control part 240A (payout control board 240), launch control part 260A (launch control board 260), etc. Toward this, various signals (commands) described later are output. The main control unit 200A (main control board 200) is also connected to a count switch 8s that detects a game ball fired from the launcher unit.

  Further, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) performs these operations by outputting signals to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c, the special winning opening solenoid 31c, the lower left display device 50, and the lower right display device 60. Direct control. That is, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) functions as a success / failure determination means (big hit lottery means, small hit lottery means) and big hit game execution means. Further, predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240, respectively. The main control unit 200A constitutes specific examples of probability setting means (in other words, probability changing means for changing the lottery probability from low probability to high probability), opening extension means, and change time shortening means.

  When the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) receives various signals (commands) from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), it analyzes the contents of the signals (commands) and plays games according to the results. The production of. That is, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) controls the game effects based on the control signal from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). The sub-control unit 220A constitutes specific examples of probability non-notification means, probability storage means, game start detection means, execution frequency counting means, rewrite means, and count value reset means.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) includes an effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222), an amplifier board 224, a decoration drive board 226, and an effect button board 228. And are electrically connected to each other. The sub control board 220 includes a CPU 220a, a ROM 220b, and a RAM 220c.

  The CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 receives each control signal from the main control board 200 and controls each board such as the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. The ROM 220c stores data (especially information related to game decoration) necessary for controlling each board. The CPU 220a receives a display control command (that is, a display control signal) sent from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), and analyzes the received display control command according to a program stored in the ROM 220c. Then, the CPU 220a configuring the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220), a newly generated command based on the display control command transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) The display control command transmitted from the control board 200) is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222) as a symbol control command.

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

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the payout control unit 240A includes relay terminal plates 240B and 240C (however, illustration of the relay terminal plate 240B is omitted in FIG. 9), a firing control unit 260A, and a lower pan full switch 6s. Etc. are connected. In addition, a payout motor 109m, a front payout switch 109a, and a rear payout switch 109b are connected to the payout control unit 240A via a relay terminal plate 240B. . In addition, the CR control unit 80 is connected to the payout control unit 240A via the relay terminal plate 240C so that bidirectional communication is possible, and the rental button 5c is connected via the relay terminal plate 240C and the ball rental display substrate 410. Are connected to the return button 5q. Further, the main control unit 200A is connected to the payout control unit 240A so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 11, a discharge control board 260 that constitutes a launch control section 260A is connected to a payout control board 240 that constitutes a payout control section 240A, and the launch control board 260 via a launch drive board 262, A firing motor 8m, a touch switch 9a, a firing stop switch 9b, and the like are connected. The touch switch 9 a outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal) to the firing control unit 260 </ b> A when the player is in contact with the launch handle 9, and touches when the player is not in contact with the launch handle 8. A non-detection signal (off signal) is output to launch control unit 260A. The firing stop switch 8b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal) to the launch control unit 260A when the player is not operating (not pressed), and the player is operating (pressed). The firing stop signal (off signal) is output to launch control unit 260A.

  In the firing control unit 260A, when the touch switch 9a outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal), the firing stop switch 9b outputs a firing non-stop signal (ON signal), and the firing handle 9 is rotated. The firing motor 8m is driven. Thereby, the hitting force is applied from the hitting ball to the game ball (the game ball at the launch position) according to the amount of rotation applied to the launch handle 9 by the player. When the hitting force is sufficient, the game ball hit with the hitting ball reaches the game area 11. On the other hand, even when the launch handle 9 is in a rotated state, when the player operates the launch stop switch 9b (when the launch stop switch 9b outputs a launch stop signal (off signal)), the launch control unit 260A launches. The drive of the motor 8m is stopped.

  Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) will be described. As described above, the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) is connected to the effect display control board 222 and various boards such as the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. Further, as described above, when the sub-control unit 220A receives various effect commands (display control commands, etc.) from the main control unit 200A, the sub-control unit 220A interprets the content of the command and (a) the effect display device 27 Specific display contents, (b) sound effects output from the speakers SP1 to SP4, and (c) specific modes of lighting or blinking of various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f are determined. Next, a drive signal (various symbol control commands) of the effect display device 27 is output to the effect display control unit 222A to perform variable display and stop display of effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.). At this time, display data (still image data, moving image data, etc.) of the displayed effect symbols (pseudo symbols, background symbols, character symbols, etc.) is built in the effect display device 27 or the effect display control board 222. The data stored in the display ROM (not shown) is used.

  Sound effects are output from the speakers SP <b> 1 to SP <b> 4 by outputting sound signals to the amplifier substrate 224 in accordance with the pseudo symbol variation display and stop display. In addition, by supplying signals to the decorative drive board 226 and outputting drive signals for the various LED lamps 4b to 4h and 4G from the decorative drive board 226, various lamps (LEDs 4b to 4h, 4G, etc.) are turned on.・ Controls blinking operation. Further, when the player operates the effect button SW provided on the front side of the upper plate member 5, this operation signal is supplied to the sub-control unit 220A. The sub-control unit 220A is configured to be able to reflect the operation result on various effect contents including the effect display device 27 based on the supplied operation signal.

(3) Aspects of symbol display game As described above, in this gaming machine 1, stop display (determined display) of a stop symbol indicating the result of the success / failure determination (big win lottery, small win lottery) performed based on the start winning prize and The symbol variation (variation display) performed in the previous stage of the stop display is simultaneously executed in the two types of symbol display devices (the lower display device 60 and the effect display device 27). Here, the special symbols displayed on the lower display device 60 (that is, the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b) (special symbols that are changed and displayed one after another on the 7-segment display body) are In “main control unit 200A (described later)” which is “main symbol” and governs the basic progression of the game, “stop symbol” and “variation time (variation pattern)” are determined. In the present embodiment, the determination of success / failure (that is, the first determination of success / failure) due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a is constituted by a big win lottery and a small win lottery. The winning / failing determination (that is, the second winning / failing determination) that is performed due to the winning of the game ball to the start winning device 17b is configured only by the big win lottery.

  On the other hand, the special symbol displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is a “pseudo symbol”, and “a sub-control unit 220A that controls a game effect under the control of the main control unit 200A (described later). ) ”Is a special symbol in which the variation mode and the stop symbol are determined. Usually, these “pseudo symbols” symbol variations are executed for the same time as “main symbols”, and “display contents (big hit, small hit, miss, etc.)” of these “pseudo symbols” stop symbols ” Is not inconsistent with the “display contents (big hit, small hit, miss, etc.)” of “main symbol” in the first special symbol display part 62a or the second special symbol display part 62b. In the present embodiment, when symbol variation effect display such as reach display using a special symbol is performed, the symbol variation effect display is performed on the effect display device 27 (pseudo symbol). Hereinafter, the display content of this symbol and the pseudo symbol will be briefly described.

c-1. The special symbol variation display (symbol variation) and stop display resulting from the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a are performed on the first special symbol display unit 62a, and the second starting winning device 17b. The special symbol change display (symbol change) and stop display due to the winning of the game ball to the game are performed in the second special symbol display unit 62b. That is, in the first special symbol display unit 62a, the special symbol variation display (symbol variation) is started due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a. As shown in FIG. 6 (b), this variation display (symbol variation) is made possible by the 7-segment display body constituting the first special symbol display section 62a. The content is to perform “circular display” of “incomplete design”. In other words, the content is to “circulate and display” imperfect symbols that are not familiar to the player compared to arithmetic numbers and are difficult to identify and store. In the following description, the symbol (special symbol) displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a may be referred to as “first special symbol”.

  In the low probability mode (normal probability mode), when a winning / failing determination (first jackpot lottery) is performed due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a, as shown in FIG. 13 (a). The probability that the determination result indicating the jackpot is derived (the probability that the result of the jackpot lottery is won, that is, the “winning probability”) is about “1/400”. Then, when the determination result indicating the big hit is derived, the big hit game execution means starts to operate, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 becomes the big hit gaming state (special gaming state). As a result, the main control unit 200A drives the large winning opening solenoid 31c, changes the open / close plate 31b in the standing position to the forward inclined position, changes the closed large winning opening 31a to the open state, and the big hit game is performed. Be started. In the opened winning opening 31a, a predetermined number of (for example, 10) gaming balls enter the winning opening 31a, or even if a predetermined number of gaming balls do not enter the predetermined winning opening 31a. When the time has elapsed, the closed state is restored and one round is completed. When the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is repeated a plurality of times with a predetermined interval in between, the big hit game is terminated.

  When a winning / failing determination (first jackpot lottery) is performed due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a, and the determination result indicating the jackpot is derived, the main control unit 200A determines that “the type of jackpot (Type of jackpot symbol) "is determined by random number lottery (hereinafter referred to as" distribution lottery "). Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the mode (type) of the big hit is set to any one of “normal big hit”, “first positive probability big hit”, and “second positive probability big hit” by this random number lottery. When the result of the first big hit lottery is a loss, as shown in FIGS. 13C and 17, the main control unit 200A determines whether or not to generate a small hit by random number lottery (small hit lottery). To do. This random number lottery constitutes a specific example of “small lottery”. Note that the random number (big hit symbol determination random number) for performing the “lottery lottery” is acquired at the timing when the start winning is generated, in the same manner as the random number for determining whether or not it is successful (such as the random number for the big hit lottery).

  Here, when the “ordinary big hit” occurs, the first big hit game in which the possibility of winning a prize ball is extremely high is executed, and the probability of the success / failure determination result being a big hit after the end of the first big hit game. (Probability that the result of the first jackpot lottery will be won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery will be won) is a low probability (normal probability). In addition, as shown in FIG. 14, the first jackpot game is a type of jackpot in which the opening / closing operation of the winning device 31 is repeated 15 times (15 rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween. A game (hereinafter referred to as “15R big hit game”). At this time, the time (first opening time) for which the grand prize winning device 31 is open in each round is set to “25 seconds”. In this way, the gaming state in which the probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit is a low probability (normal probability) is the “low probability mode (low probability state)”.

  When the “first probability variable big hit” is generated, the first big hit game or the irregular first big hit game is executed, and the probability of the success / failure determination result being the big hit after the completion of the executed first big hit game (the first hit) The probability that the result of the first jackpot lottery will be won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery will be won) is a high probability. In other words, “whether or not to generate a first probability variable jackpot for executing the first jackpot game” and “whether or not to generate a first probability variable jackpot for executing the irregular first jackpot game” are also included. It is a selection target in the aforementioned “sort lottery”. In the present embodiment, the first jackpot game resulting from the “first probability variable jackpot” is a normal first jackpot game (ordinary 15R jackpot game) or an irregular first jackpot game ( An irregular 15R big hit game) is performed. In this way, the gaming state in which the probability that the determination result is a big hit is a high probability is the “high probability mode (high probability state)”.

  The “irregular first jackpot game” in this embodiment is, as shown in FIG. 14, “To make the big winning device 31 open for 2.5 seconds (fourth opening time)”. “Open repeated operation performed a total of 10 times” is a type of “15R big hit game” that is repeated 15 times (15 rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) in between. This “irregular first jackpot game” has a high possibility of winning a prize ball, but has a smaller prize ball payout amount than the “normal first jackpot game”.

  In this embodiment, “15R jackpot game” is exemplified as the first jackpot game resulting from “normal jackpot” and “first probability variation jackpot”, but “first regular jackpot” and “first probability variation” are exemplified. In at least one of the “big hit”, the first big hit game resulting from the “big hit” is the number of rounds while the time that the big winning device 31 is open in each round is set as the “first open time”. Types of jackpot games with different numbers (for example, “15R jackpot game” and “type in which the opening / closing operation of the winning device 31 is repeated 8 times (8 rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, 2 seconds interval) between them” No big hit game "may be scheduled.

  When a “second probable big hit” occurs, the second big hit game is executed, and after the second big hit game is finished, the probability that the determination result is a big hit (the result of the first big hit lottery will be the win) And the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery wins is a high probability. However, as shown in FIG. 14, as the second jackpot game due to the “second probability variation jackpot”, the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is performed while sandwiching a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds). Repeated twice (2 rounds). In the second jackpot game, the time (second opening time) for which the winning device 31 is open in each round is set to “0.2 seconds”.

  When “small hit” occurs, as shown in FIG. 17, the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is repeated twice with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween. In this small hit game, the time for which the big winning device 31 is in the open state every time the big winning device 31 performs the open operation is the “second open time (0.2 seconds)”. It should be noted that the first winning / decision determination may cause a second probability variation big hit and a small hit, and the contents of the second big hit game and the small hit game are the same. For players who do not have a lot of knowledge about gaming machines and cannot understand the display result of this symbol, or who do not try to see the display result of this symbol) Since it becomes difficult to determine whether or not the gaming state (probability mode) after the occurrence of “winning” is a high probability state (high probability mode), the player can use the probability mode (high probability state) of the gaming machine. It is necessary to use imagination in order to judge whether or not), and as a result, it is possible to further enhance the game entertainment interest.

  On the other hand, in the second special symbol display section 62b, the special symbol variation display is started due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b. This variable display is also performed in the same manner as the first special symbol display unit 62a. In the normal probability mode, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), when the winning / failing determination (second big hit lottery) is performed due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b. The probability that the determination result indicating the big hit is derived is about “1/400”. Also in this case, when the determination result indicating the big hit is derived, the big hit game is started.

  When a winning / failing determination (second jackpot lottery) is performed due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b, and the determination result indicating the jackpot is derived, the main control unit 200A determines that “the type of jackpot (Type of jackpot symbol) "is determined by random lottery. This random number lottery constitutes a specific example of “random lottery performed by the second jackpot mode determining means”. As shown in FIG. 15, this random number lottery allows the mode of jackpot to be “normal jackpot” and “ It is determined as either “first probability variation big hit” or “second probability variation big hit”. In the determination of whether or not the game ball has won the second start winning device 17b (that is, the second determination), whether or not to generate a small hit (small lottery) is not performed. Only determine whether or not to generate a big hit (big hit lottery). However, even when the result of the second big hit lottery is a loss, the main control unit 200A may determine whether or not to generate a small hit by random lottery.

  When the “first probability variable big hit” is generated by the second hit / fail decision, the first big hit game or the irregular first big hit game is executed, and the result of the success / failure determination is performed after the first big hit game is executed. The probability of winning a jackpot (the probability that the result of the first jackpot lottery is won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery is won) is a high probability. That is, the content of the “first probability variation big hit” generated by the second success / failure determination is the same as the content of the “first probability variation big hit” generated by the first success / failure determination (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15, when the “normal big hit” is generated by the second hit / fail judgment, the first big hit game is executed, and after the first big hit game is finished, the result of the hit / fail judgment becomes the big hit. The probability (the probability that the result of the first jackpot lottery is won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery is won) is the low probability (normal probability). That is, the contents of the “normal big hit” caused by the second success / failure determination are the same as the contents of the “normal big hit” caused by the first success / failure determination (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

  As shown in FIG. 15, when the “second probability variation big hit” is generated by the second winning / losing determination, the second big hit game is executed, and after the second big hit game is finished, the result of the winning / failing determination is a big hit. (The probability that the result of the first jackpot lottery is won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery is won) is a high probability. That is, the content of the “second probability variation big hit” generated by the second success / failure determination is the same as the content of the “second probability variation big hit” generated by the first success / failure determination (see FIGS. 14 and 15).

  As described above, the jackpot generated through the first jackpot lottery and the jackpot generated through the second jackpot lottery are “ordinary jackpot”, “first probability variable bonus” and “second probability variation bonus”. Of these, the “second probability variation big hit” that occurs when the game mode is “low probability normal variation mode (that is, low probability normal release mode)” is “non-open extension type big hit” (When a negative determination is made in the process of S740 in FIG. 42 described later). The “second probability variation big hit”, “normal big hit” and “first probability variation big hit” that occur in other game modes (high probability normal variation mode, high probability shortened variation mode, low probability shortened variation mode) Both are considered as “open extension type jackpots”. However, as described above, when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the normal variation mode (low probability normal variation mode or high probability normal variation mode, in other words, low probability normal release mode or high probability normal release mode), Since it is rare for a game ball to win the second start winning device 17b, the “second positive variation big hit” generated based on the second big hit lottery becomes the “non-open extension type big hit” (so-called “ "Hidden probability change big hit" is rare.

  It should be noted that a jackpot mode that arises through a winning / non-judgment determination resulting from winning a game ball to the first start winning device 17a and a jackpot that arises from a winning / non-judgment resulting from winning a game ball to the second start winning device 17b. A second normal jackpot may be added to at least one or both of the above aspects. The second normal jackpot is “by opening the variable winning device (big winning device 31) for a predetermined opening time (for example, 6 seconds) shorter than the first opening time and longer than the second opening time. And a third jackpot game in which the possibility of award ball payout by the prize ball payout means (game ball payout device 109) is lower than the first jackpot game and higher than the second jackpot game, After the jackpot game ends, the probability that the result of the success / failure determination will be a jackpot (the probability that the result of the first jackpot lottery will be won and the probability that the result of the second jackpot lottery will be won) is a low probability (normal probability) To do. In addition, when “second normal big hit” is added as a big hit mode, “the above-mentioned third big hit game is executed, and after the third big hit game is finished, the probability that the determination result is a big hit (first It is also preferable to add a third probability variable big hit with a high probability that the result of the big jackpot lottery wins and the probability that the second jackpot lottery result wins). As a result, for the player, the game state (probability mode) after the occurrence of the “second normal jackpot” or the “third probability variation jackpot” (after the third jackpot game ends) is in a high probability state (high probability) Mode), it is difficult for the player to use imagination to determine the gaming machine's probability mode (high probability state), Amusement entertainment can be further enhanced. In the case of providing the “second normal big hit” and the “third probability variable big hit” which are the triggers for executing the “third big hit game” described above, the “second normal big hit” and the “third probability big hit” are provided. The determination of whether or not to generate a small hit may not include the determination whether or not to generate a small hit (small winning lottery) (there is no need to provide a small hit).

c-2. On the display screen 27a of the pseudo-design effect display device 27, if the symbol variation start condition is satisfied due to winning (start winning) in the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b, Start the variable display. Then, when the execution times of these variable displays have elapsed, the pseudo symbol stop display (determined display) is executed for a certain time (about 0.6 seconds). At this time, the stop display (definite display) of the pseudo symbol, and the stop display (definite symbol of the present symbol) by the lower display device 60 (the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b) described above, Similarly, the result of the judgment is displayed.

  In addition, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, when pseudo variable display is started, three pseudo symbol display parts appear. In each pseudo symbol display part, variable display using “pseudo symbols” is displayed. (Display of pseudo symbols to be changed sequentially), stop display (display of stopped pseudo symbols), and the like are performed. This pseudo-pattern variation display shows that the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed in this order, and then the numbers from “1” to “9” are displayed again in this order. Consists of repeated “circular display”. Further, the confirmed symbols that are confirmed and displayed on the pseudo-symbol display section include “a stop symbol that indicates a loss” and “a stop symbol that indicates a big hit”.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 16A, the “stop symbol indicating the big hit” includes the “stop symbol indicating the occurrence of the normal big hit” and the “stop symbol indicating the occurrence of the first probability variation big hit ( Hereinafter, it is referred to as a first probability variation jackpot symbol) and a “stop symbol indicating the occurrence of a second probability variation jackpot (hereinafter referred to as a second probability variation jackpot symbol)”. In addition, among the “stop symbols that are confirmed and displayed when the result of the big hit lottery is out” shown in FIG. 16B, “the small hit symbol indicating the occurrence of a small hit” and FIG. 16C There is a “stop symbol (hereinafter referred to as a missed symbol) indicating that a lottery is also lost”. In the present embodiment, not only the big hit lottery but also the small hit lottery is simply referred to as “out”.

  As shown in FIG. 16 (a), the “normal jackpot symbol” is configured by arranging three “even number identical numbers” on the display screen 27a, and the “first probability variation jackpot symbol” is “odd identical symbol” on the display screen 27a. Three numbers are arranged side by side. The “second probability variation big hit symbol” is configured by arranging “different odd numbers” in ascending order from left to right. Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, the “small hit symbol” is configured by arranging “different odd numbers” in ascending order from left to right in the same manner as the “second probability variable big hit symbol”. Is a stop symbol constituted by displaying different numbers on at least one of the three pseudo symbol display portions, excluding the “small hit symbol and the second probability variation big hit symbol”.

  In this way, the “small winning symbol” and the “second probability variation big winning symbol” are the same symbol, and the winning device 31 performs an opening / closing operation in the same manner regardless of which symbol is stopped and displayed. . Then, a normal-level player (a player who does not have a lot of knowledge about the gaming machine 1) can use a first special symbol display unit 62a (see FIG. 13) or a second special symbol display unit 62b (see FIG. 14). In order to play a game in which the line of sight is not directed at the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 and the special winning device 31 (normally, the meaning of the stop symbol of the first special symbol display unit 62a is not known). ) For these players, it becomes more difficult to determine whether a “small hit” has occurred or a “second probability variation big hit” has occurred. Therefore, a player at a normal level may generate a “second probability variation jackpot” in the gaming machine 1 and overlook that the lottery probability is set to a high probability.

  When the “normal jackpot symbol” or the “first probability variation jackpot symbol” is displayed on the effect display device 27, the reach display is performed in the middle of the fluctuation display which is the premise. In addition, when displaying the “stop symbol to show off” on the effect display device 27, the reach display is not performed in the middle of the fluctuation display (that is, the deviation fluctuation) that is the premise (hereinafter referred to as “simple off”). In some cases, reach display is performed (hereinafter referred to as “reach out”). In addition, the reach display of the present embodiment is such that two of the pseudo symbols displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 are stopped at the same symbol and the other one of the pseudo symbols is changing. It is a display as content. However, even when the “stop symbol indicating 2R probability variation big hit” or the “stop symbol indicating 2R normal big hit” is stopped, the reach display may be performed during the change.

(4) Overview of Display Effects Display effects executed by the gaming machine 1 include “design variation effects” and “winning game effects”. Among these, the “symbol variation effect” is a display effect that is performed when displaying the result of the determination of success / failure (big hit lottery or small win lottery), and the “win game effect” is a win game (big hit game or small hit game). It is a display effect performed at the time. In the following, outlines of “symbol variation effect” and “hit game effect (big hit game effect, small hit game effect)” will be described.

  When a game ball winning (start winning) is given to the first starting winning device 17a or the second starting winning device 17b, a special symbol variation start condition (whether or not determination execution condition) is satisfied. As a result, the symbol change of the main symbol is started in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b, and the display screen 27a (pseudo symbol display unit) of the effect display device 27 as shown in FIGS. 18 (a) to (c). 27b to 27d), the symbol variation effect display using the pseudo symbol is started.

  The execution time of this symbol variation effect varies depending on the variation pattern (normal variation pattern, shortened variation pattern) determined at the start of symbol variation in the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b (described later), but this execution time. Is passed, the stop symbol of the main symbol is fixedly displayed on any of the special symbol display portions 62a and 62b, and the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol is fixedly displayed on the display screen 27a.

  The “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. 18A is “out-of-range display without a reach effect (so-called“ normally out ”), and the“ out-of-display ”illustrated in FIG. This is the accompanying display (so-called “outgoing reach”). Here, the reach display (reach effect) refers to, for example, a symbol other than a symbol that finally stops (hereinafter referred to as “final stop symbol”) in the middle of the variation display (effect display) as a predetermined symbol. This is a stunning display that indicates that there is a possibility that a jackpot display may be made depending on the type of the final stop symbol. For example, if the stop symbol of multiple symbols is the same symbol, when the big hit display is completed, the symbols other than the final stop symbol are stopped at the same symbol, ) Indicates an indication that there is a possibility.

  As shown in FIG. 18 (c), a stop display (determined display, jackpot display) indicating that “the result of determination of success / failure is a winning (big hit)” is made using “a special symbol (pseudo symbol) stop symbol”. In the case of being performed, after the “reach display” is performed in the middle of the symbol variation effect display (variation display) of the special symbol (pseudo symbol), this fixed display is performed. When this “big hit display” is made, as shown in FIG. 19, after executing a big hit fanfare display (transition display for shifting to the big hit game) or the like (a1), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a big hit. Transition to the state and start a big hit game.

  When the big hit game is started, first, after performing the first round effect (1 round effect) (a2, a3), the process shifts to the interval effect (a4). Then, after performing the second round production (1 round production) to the 15th round production (1 round production) across the interval production (a5 to a12), the big hit end display (big hit ending display) is executed. Then (a13), the effect related to the jackpot game (the jackpot game effect) is ended (a1 to a13).

  In the gaming machine 1, when the operation of the probability changing means and the changing time shortening means is stopped (the opening extension means is also stopped), regardless of whether the symbol change effect is being executed or not (see FIG. 20). As shown in a), the color of the display screen 27a (the color of the background portion of the pseudo-symbol display portions 27b to 27d, hereinafter referred to as “background color”) is a normal color (for example, white). The

  However, when the operation of the probability variation means and the variation time shortening means is started (after the opening extension means is also activated) after “the first jackpot game relating to the first probability variation jackpot is finished”, the symbol variation effect is executed. Regardless of whether it is in the middle or not, the background color of the display screen 27a is set to the first special color (for example, red) as shown in FIG. Winning probability) ”is positively expressed. In other words, in this case, it is a player at a normal level (such as a player who does not have enough knowledge about gaming machines and cannot understand the display result of this symbol, or does not try to see the display result of this symbol). However, it can be understood that “the current lottery probability (winning probability)” is “high probability” before the big hit lottery.

  On the other hand, after the end of the big hit game related to the “big hit other than the first probability variable big hit” or after the end of the small hit game related to the “small hit”, the probability varying means and the variable time shortening means are activated / deactivated, Regardless of whether or not the symbol variation effect is being executed, the background color of the display screen 27a is unified to a normal color (for example, white) as shown in FIG. For this reason, it is impossible to determine whether the “current lottery probability” is “high probability” or “low probability” simply by looking at the background color of the display screen 27a. In this way, the display process for unifying the background color of the display screen 27a to a normal color (for example, white) constitutes a specific example of the process performed by the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 as “probability non-notification means”.

  In addition, although illustration is omitted, using the “special symbol (pseudo symbol) stop symbol”, there is a stop indication (confirmation display, jackpot display) that “the result of the small lottery is winning (small hit)” In the case of being performed, after executing “transition display for shifting to small hit” or the like, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the small hit state, and the small hit game is started.

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

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

  Here, examples of commands output from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) include those illustrated in FIG. 22B. That is, (A) a fluctuation pattern designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CHP”), (B) a special symbol stop information designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CJS”), (C ) Ball lending command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CRQ”), (D) steering wheel contact command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “HQR”), (E) demonstration effect command (hereinafter, “ DQR ”) and the like.

  The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern, and a variation pattern for normal variation, a special variation pattern A (described later), and a special variation according to a variation pattern table used at the time of starting winning. One of the fluctuation patterns B (described later) is specified. The variation pattern designation command is a command for starting the variation of the pseudo symbol and designating the variation time of the pseudo symbol. The ball lending command (CRQ) is a command indicating that a ball lending has been performed (an effective operation for lending the ball to the lending button 5c has been performed). Furthermore, the handle contact command (HQR) is a command indicating that the player is in contact with the firing handle 8, that is, a contact detection signal (ON signal) output from the touch switch 9a. The demonstration effect command (DQR) is a command for causing the effect display device 27 to start a demonstration effect.

(6) Outline of Game Ball Lending Process Next, an outline of the game ball lending process will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the payout control unit 240A outputs a “PRDY signal (game machine operation signal)” to the CR unit 80 (step 2a), and the CR unit 80 receives this (step 2a). 3a). In the following description, the processing step is simply displayed as “S” (for example, “S2a”). The CR unit 80 outputs a power supply signal (VL signal) to the payout control unit 240A. The payout control unit 240A determines whether the CR unit 80 is connected or not based on the input state of the VL signal. Further, the payout control unit 240A maintains the state in which the PRDY signal is output to the CR unit 80 when “the game ball can be rented out by the game ball payout device (payout device) 109”.

  A predetermined amount of banknotes (may be a predetermined amount of coins) is inserted into the banknote insertion slot 81 of the CR unit 80, or a card (prepaid card) in which necessary frequency balance information is stored is inserted into the card slot 84. When the lending button 5c is operated, a lending operation signal (a signal indicating that the lending button 5c has been operated) is output to the CR unit 80 via the ball lending display board 410 and the relay terminal board 240C. (See FIG. 9). When the CR unit 80 receives this lending operation signal (S3b; YES), the CR unit 80 sends a CR unit REDY signal (a card unit REDY signal, hereinafter referred to as a “BRDY signal”) to the payout control unit 240A. "On information" is transmitted (S3c, S2b), and then the "on information" of the lending request signal (the terminal terminal lending request completion confirmation signal, hereinafter referred to as "BRQ signal"). Is transmitted (S3d). Here, the CR unit REDY signal (BRDY signal) is a signal for transmitting that the CR unit 80 is in the lending process, and the lending request signal (BRQ signal) is the CR unit 80 for the basic unit (25). It is a signal requesting rental of game balls.

  Upon receipt of the “on information” of the lending request signal (BRQ signal) (S2c), the payout control unit 240A is a predetermined monitoring time (the RRQ request acknowledgment ACK monitoring time, for example, 100 ms, denoted by B in FIG. A lending completion signal (the terminal terminal lending completion signal, hereinafter referred to as “EXS signal”) is started up (with the EXS signal turned on) and transmitted to the CR unit 80 (with the indicated time) ( S2d). Further, when the CR unit 80 receives the “ON information” of the lending completion signal (EXS signal) (S3e), the CR unit 80 has a predetermined monitoring time (lending instruction monitoring time, for example, less than 251 ms, and is denoted by reference symbol C in FIG. The output state of the lending request signal (BRQ signal) is stopped after a predetermined time) (S3f, the BRQ signal is switched from on to off).

  When the payout control unit 240A detects the stop of the lending request signal (BRQ signal) (that is, receives the BRQ signal OFF information) (S2e), the payout motor 109m is driven and the number of units (basic unit; 25). ) Game balls are lent out (S2f). Further, when the lending of the unit number of game balls is completed, the lending information (a signal indicating that the game balls for the basic unit have been paid out) is transmitted from the payout control unit 240A to the main control unit 200A (S2g). , S1a).

  When the main control unit 200A receives the lending information (S1a), is the lending information “the lending information received for the first time in the lending process associated with one operation performed on the lending button 5c”? If it is the lending information received for the first time, a process of transmitting a ball lending command (CQR) to the sub-control unit 220A (sub-control board 220) is performed (S1c). That is, in this embodiment, the gaming ball lending unit price is set to “4 yen” per gaming ball, and “500 yen” in the “lending process associated with one lending operation performed on the lending button 5c”. Since the game balls (125 game balls) are scheduled to be paid out, the payout motor 109m is driven five times in the “lending process associated with one lending operation”.

  Therefore, when the “lending process associated with one lending operation” is performed, the main control unit 200A receives the lending information five times. In this embodiment, the lending information received for the first time is used. A ball lending command (CQR) is transmitted based on However, unlike the present embodiment, every time the main control unit 200A receives the lending information, a “predetermined command” is transmitted to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220), and the sub control unit Based on the “predetermined command” received first on the side of 220A (sub control board 220), “start of payout” may be detected (the first predetermined command received is treated as a ball rental command). It is good.)

  When the payout control unit 240A completes lending of the unit number of game balls, the output state of the lending completion signal (EXS signal) stops (although the EXS signal is switched from ON to OFF), but the CR unit 80 When stoppage of the output state of the signal is detected (S3g), that is, when the OFF information of the EXS signal is received (S3g), the number of times of reception is counted using a predetermined counter (S3h) and the CR unit 80 (frequency balance) The frequency balance stored in the card in which the information is stored is rewritten. At this time, the frequency LED signal is transmitted from the CR unit 80 to the ball rental display board 410 (S3i), and the value balance (valuable balance) is displayed on the balance display portion 5r (see FIGS. 2 and 9). That is, each time the game ball payout device (payout device) 109 is driven once (every 25 game balls are paid out), the display of the balance display portion 5r is updated.

  Furthermore, if there are continuous loans, the above process is repeated a predetermined number of times. Here, in the CR unit 80, the “game ball lending unit price” and “the number of times the game ball dispensing device 109 (dispensing motor 109m) is driven by one operation performed on the lending button 5c” by the game hall manager in advance. And are set. The “number of times the game ball payout device 109 (the payout motor 109m) is driven by one operation performed on the lending button 5c” is nothing but the number of times the “EXS signal OFF information” is received. For this reason, the CR unit 80 determines whether or not the “payout associated with one operation performed on the lending button 5c” has been completed based on the number of receptions counted in “S3g processing” (S3j), and ends. If not, “processing from S3d” is repeated until a positive determination is obtained in “processing of S3j”. If an affirmative determination is obtained in “processing of S3j” (S3h; YES), the CR unit 80 stops outputting the BRDY signal, and outputs OFF information of the BRDY signal to the payout control unit 240A (S3k). , “Lending (lending process) associated with one operation performed on the lending button 5c” is terminated. Accordingly, when the payout control unit 240A receives the OFF information of the BRDY signal (S2i), a payout completion signal is transmitted from the payout control unit 240A to the main control unit 200A. (S2k, S1c). In the present embodiment, “operation to be performed on the lending button 5c” means an effective operation to be performed on the lending button 5c, and “performed during lending processing associated with one operation performed on the lending button 5c. “Operation (meaningless operation not linked to lending processing)” is excluded.

(7) Outline of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, a demo display process 50, a prize ball payout process (S80), a normal symbol game process (S100), a normal electric game game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), and a winning game process (S600). ) Etc. are repeatedly executed. Note that since the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 24 is about 4 msec, these processes are repeatedly executed every about 4 msec.

  The above-mentioned CTC (counter / timer circuit) is set to generate an interrupt every about 2 msec. When an interrupt is generated by CTC, various random numbers are updated and various game balls are detected. The process of detecting the state of the switches (normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16s, start winning detection switches 17s, 17t, winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s, etc.) is performed. In the game control shown in FIG. 24, the normal symbol game process (S120), the normal electric drive, while generating various interrupts and detecting the game state by generating interrupts almost twice during the control cycle. An accessory game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S400), a winning game process (S600), and the like are performed. During these processes, various signals are transmitted to various control boards including the sub-control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. Hereinafter, the game control process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

A. Demo display process (S50)
The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a demonstration display process (S50) shown in FIG. Here, the demonstration display (demonstration display) is an effect performed when the special symbol variation display (described later) is interrupted for a certain time (for example, 1 minute 30 seconds).

  When the CPU 201 starts the demo display process (S50), it is determined whether or not the execution of the special symbol variation display is stopped (in other words, both the number of holdings of special figure 2 and the number of holdings of special figure 1 described later are "zero"). (S52). If it is determined that the execution of the special symbol variation display is not stopped (S52; NO), the demo display is unnecessary, so the demo display process (S50) is immediately terminated, and the game control of FIG. Return to processing.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the execution of the special symbol fluctuation display is stopped (S52; YES), it is determined whether or not the elapsed time after the stop of the execution has reached a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute 30 seconds). Judgment is made (S56). If the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time (S56; NO), the demonstration display process (S50) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the elapsed time has reached the predetermined time (S56; YES), after outputting a demonstration effect command (see DQR in FIG. 21) from the main control unit 200A to the sub-control unit 220A. (S58), the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Unlike the present embodiment, the demonstration display can be a display performed to attract the player's attention during a so-called customer waiting state (that is, during non-game). In this case, in the process of S52, it is determined whether or not the touch switch 9a (see FIG. 1) provided on the firing handle 9 is ON, in addition to stopping the execution of the special symbol variation display. Then, when the special symbol variation display is in the execution stop state and the touch switch 9a is OFF, the "elapsed time that the touch switch 9a is continuously OFF" is detected in the process of S54. When the elapsed time that is continuously OFF has reached a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes), the main control unit 200A may output a demonstration effect command to the sub-control unit 220A. Good.

B. Prize ball payout processing (S80)
The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process of paying out game balls as prize balls (prize ball payout process) (S80). That is, the state of the start winning detection switches 17s, 17t or the winning ball detection switches 40s, 41s, 43s is detected to determine whether or not a game ball has entered. If a game ball has entered, this information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. Based on the information stored on the RAM 202, a prize ball payout signal is output toward the payout control board 240. If the winning information for the start winning detection switch 17s or the like has already been stored on the RAM 202, an appropriate payout number including the previously stored information is specified and a payout signal is output. To do. The “processing for outputting a payout signal based on winning information to the start winning detection switch 17s” constitutes a specific example of “processing as a winning ball payout means performed by the CPU 201”.

  When outputting a payout signal from the main control unit 200A to the payout control unit 240A, first, a strobe signal is output toward the payout control unit 240A (payout control board 240), and then signal data is output. On the other hand, when the CPU mounted on the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A receives the payout signal, the CPU interprets the content of the signal and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the prize ball payout device 109. Is output and award balls are paid out. The prize ball payout device 109 is provided with two payout switches (front payout switch 109a and rear payout switch 109b) for detecting the payout game balls. While detecting each one, a process of paying out the number of prize balls designated by the payout signal is performed. The game ball payout device 109 constitutes a specific example of a “payout device”.

  In relation to the prize ball payout process, the “CPU mounted on the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A” performs the “payout control process (S5000)” shown in FIG. In this payout control process (S5000), first, it is determined whether or not a prize ball command (payout signal) has been received from the main control board 200 (S5001). Here, the prize ball command is a command output from the main control board 200 to the payout control board 240, and is a command indicating the number of game balls to be paid out as prize balls.

  When this prize ball command (payout signal) is received (S5001; YES), the number of game balls designated by this prize ball command (payout signal) is calculated (added) to the number of acquired game balls, and the payout control board is calculated. After performing the process of storing in a predetermined area of the RAM mounted on 240 (S5002), the process proceeds to S5004 and subsequent processes. Here, the number of acquired game balls (the number of unpaid game balls) is the number of game balls that have been instructed to be paid out by a prize ball command (payout signal) but have not been paid out yet. The number of acquired game balls (the number of unpaid game balls) is decremented by “1” every time one game ball is paid out as a prize ball. However, when a prize ball command (payout signal) is received, The specified number of game balls is added. On the other hand, if no prize ball command (payout signal) is received (S5001; NO), the process of calculating (adding) the number of acquired game balls (S5002) is skipped, and the process proceeds to S5004 and subsequent processes.

  After S5004, the CPU of the payout control board 240 checks whether or not an abnormality relating to the payout of the game ball has occurred (S5004, S5006, S5008, S5010, S5012). That is, whether a communication abnormality has occurred with the main control board 200 or the game ball payout device 109 (payout motor 109m) (S5004), or an abnormality has not occurred in the game ball payout device (payout device) 109. It is determined whether (S5006), the ball is not cut out (S5008), whether the tray is full (S5010), or whether the payout motor 109m is empty (S5012). If any abnormality has occurred, a process for notifying the abnormality (error) (S5016) and a process for canceling the abnormality (error) (S5018) are performed.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that no abnormality relating to payout has occurred (S5004; NO, S5006; NO, S5008; NO, S5010; NO, S5012; NO), the number of acquired game balls (number of unpaid game balls) is It is determined whether or not it remains (S5014), and if it remains (S5014; YES), prize ball control processing is performed (S5020). In this prize ball control process, the payout motor 109m is rotated to pay out the game balls one by one, and the game balls are detected by the payout switches (the front payout switch 109a and the rear payout switch 109b), and the acquired game each time. The number of balls (unpaid game balls) is subtracted by “1”. This operation is continued until the number of acquired game balls (number of unpaid game balls) becomes “0” or a new prize ball command (payout signal) is transmitted from the main control board 200.

  No abnormality relating to payout of game balls has occurred (S5004; NO, S5006; NO, S5008; NO, S5010; NO, S5012; NO), and the number of acquired game balls (the number of game balls not paid out) remains. If it is determined (S5014; NO), the CPU of the payout control board 240 determines whether or not a “ball lending signal (consisting of BRDY ON information and BRQ ON information)” has been received from the CR unit 80. (S5025). When the CPU of the payout control board 240 determines that the “ball lending signal” has been received (S5025; YES), the ball lending control process (S5100) is performed.

  In the ball lending control process (S5100), as shown in FIG. 27, the payout motor 109m is rotated to pay out the game balls one by one (S5102). The number of game balls detected and paid out at 109b) is counted. When the number of game balls paid out reaches a specified number (25 in this embodiment), a “lending information signal (signal related to lending information)” is transmitted to the main control unit 200A (S5110). In other words, each time the payout of the unit number (basic unit: 25) of the game balls is completed, the payout information is transmitted from the payout control unit 240A to the main control unit 200A.

  Then, the payout control unit 240A determines whether or not a lending completion signal (OFF information of the BRDY signal) is received from the CR unit 80 (S5112). If not received (S5112; NO), the “lending button 5c Since the “lending (lending process) associated with one lending operation performed on” has not been completed, the ball lending control process (S5100) is temporarily terminated and the “payout control process (S5000)” shown in FIG. Return. Then, after waiting for a positive determination in S5025, the ball lending control process (S5100) is executed. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in S5112, (S5112; YES), a lending completion signal is transmitted from the payout control unit 240A to the main control unit 200A (S5114), and then the ball lending control process (S5100) is terminated.

C. Normal symbol game processing (S100)
When the normal symbol game process (S100) is started, the normal symbol display unit 63 starts to display the variation of the normal symbol. Then, when the CPU 201 determines that the execution time of the normal symbol variation display has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 24, the CPU 201 performs the stop display of the normal symbol stop symbol. Furthermore, when the CPU 201 determines that the stop symbol stop display time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 24, the stop symbol activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d. It is determined whether it is a symbol to be activated (a normal symbol hit symbol) or not a symbol to be actuated (ordinary symbol deviating symbol).

  If the stop symbol is a symbol that activates the normal electric accessory 17d (a normal symbol hit symbol), whether or not the normal electric accessory release extension function is operating (that is, the open extension means is operating). If the opening extension means is in operation, the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is set to "opening time when the opening extension function is activated (for example, the above-mentioned 3 seconds)" The normal symbol game process (S100) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the opening extension means is not in operation, after setting the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d to “opening time when the opening extension function is not operated (for example, 0.5 seconds as described above)”, the normal symbol game process Is finished and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

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

D. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric accessory game process. When the ordinary electric accessory game process is activated while the CPU 201 performs the game control process of FIG. It is determined whether or not it is operating (whether or not the second start winning device 17b is in an open state). When it is determined that the second start winning device 17b is in an open state (S201; YES), the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d (the second start winning device 17b is maintained in an open state). It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed (3 seconds in the open extension mode and 0.5 seconds in the normal release mode) (S202). If it is determined that the operating time has passed the predetermined time (S202; YES), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped to bring the second start winning device 17b in the open state into a closed state (S206). The ordinary electric game game process is terminated.

  However, when the CPU 201 determines that a predetermined number (for example, eight) of game balls have entered the second start winning device 17b while the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start winning device 17b) is opened. Even when the aforementioned operating time (opening time) has not reached the predetermined time, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated. In the gaming machine 1, when the ordinary electric accessory 17d operates, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c provided therein is driven, and a pair of wings of the second start winning portion 17b constituting the ordinary electric accessory 17d. The one part is rotated outward, and the second start winning portion 17b is opened.

E. Special Symbol Game Processing Next, an outline of the special symbol game processing will be described with reference to FIGS. When the special symbol game process is activated, as shown in FIG. 29, it is first determined whether or not a game ball has won the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b (S302a). , S302b). Then, if a negative determination (determination that the game ball has not won) is made in the processing of S302a and S302b (S302a; NO, S302b; NO), the processing after S308 shown in FIG. Transition.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a game ball has won the first start winning device 17a (S302a; YES), the “number of special symbols held corresponding to the first start winning device 17” is less than a predetermined number (this implementation) It is determined whether or not the number is less than 4 (S304a). In the process of S304a, when it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304a; YES), a random number for determination (lottery random number) related to winning in the first start winning device 17a is acquired, and this random number for determination ( The random number for lottery) is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, and “the number of special symbols held corresponding to the first start winning device 17a” is incremented by “+1” (S306a).

  Here, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a first start winning device 17a and a second start winning device 17b as start winning devices, and a special symbol corresponding to the first start winning device 17a. (A first special symbol; hereinafter also referred to as “special diagram 1”) and a special symbol corresponding to the second start winning device 17b (second special symbol; hereinafter also referred to as “special diagram 2”). With. In the situation where the determination random number based on the start winning to the first start winning device 17a and the determination random number based on the start winning to the second start winning device 17b are stored, the latter is preferential. (To be described later).

  Among the processes performed by the CPU 201, “each process executed due to a game ball winning in the first start winning device 17a (hereinafter referred to as a process related to the special figure 1)”, “ 29-34, regarding the same processing among the “each processing (hereinafter referred to as processing related to special figure 2)” executed due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b. The same number of steps (numerical numbers) is attached. Since the process with the same number of steps is basically the same process, one of “process related to special figure 1” and “process related to special figure 2” will be described in the following description. However, the description of the other may be omitted. In addition, “process for special figure 1” is distinguished by adding “a” in alphabet to “number of steps”, and “process for special figure 2” by adding “b” in alphabet to “number of steps”. There is.

  The determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306a includes (a) a jackpot lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1”) executed due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a. A random number for lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 1 big hit lottery random number”), (b) a small amount executed due to winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a. A random number for lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special drawing 1 small lottery random number”) used in the winning lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 1 small lottery lottery”), and (c) the first special symbol display section 62a. A random number for determination (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol 1 symbol determination random number”) for determining a symbol to be stopped, and (d) reach in pseudo symbol variation display executed on the display surface 27a of the effect display device 27. Decide whether to display Because of Reach random number, and the like.

  When it is determined that a game ball has won the second start winning device 17b (S302b; YES), the “number of special symbols held corresponding to the second start winning device 17d” is less than a predetermined number (this implementation) It is determined whether or not the number of examples is less than four (S304b). In the process of S304b, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304b; YES), a determination random number (lottery random number) related to the second start winning device 17b is acquired, and this determination random number (lottery random number) is acquired. ) Is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, and “the number of reserved special symbols corresponding to the second start winning device 17b” is incremented by “+1” (S306b). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S308 and subsequent steps.

  The determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306b includes (a) a jackpot lottery executed (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 2”) due to the winning of a game ball to the second start winning device 17b. Lottery random numbers (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 big hit lottery random numbers”), (b) for determining the symbols to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display section 62b. Random number (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 symbol determination random number”), (c) reach for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the pseudo symbol variation display executed on the display surface 27a of the effect display device 27; Random numbers, etc. Unlike the present embodiment, when a small lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special drawing 2 small lottery”) due to the winning of a game ball to the second start winning device 17b is performed, in the process of S306b. The determination random numbers (lottery random numbers) to be acquired include lottery random numbers (hereinafter referred to as “special drawing 2 small lottery random numbers”) used in the “special drawing 2 small lottery”.

  In the process of S308, as shown in FIG. 30, it is determined whether or not a winning game is being executed, that is, whether or not a big hit game or a small hit game is being executed (S308). Specifically, the big hit game flag (see the process of S378 in FIG. 32) is set (set to ON), or the small hit game flag (see the process of S360 in FIG. 31) is set (ON). If set, a positive determination is made in the processing of S308. The big hit game flag indicates that “big hit game execution means (a control program, which is stored in the ROM 203)” is in operation, and the small hit game flag indicates “small hit game execution means”. (It is a control program and is stored in the ROM 203) "indicates that it is in operation.

  When the CPU 201 determines that the winning game is being executed (S308; YES), the special symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of S308 that the winning game is not being executed (S308; NO), whether or not the special symbol is changing, that is, one of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is determined. It is determined whether or not it is changing (S310). If the special symbol is not changing (S310; NO), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet changed, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the change display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (in this embodiment, this stop display time is set to 0.6 seconds) (S312). If the special symbol is not variably displayed (S310; NO), and is not within the stop display time during which the special symbol is stopped (S312; NO), whether or not the variable display can be started. Is determined (S314a, S314b).

  The “condition for starting the variable display of the special symbol” is that either “the number of holds for the first special symbol” or “the number of holds for the second special symbol” is not “zero”. The CPU 201 of this embodiment preferentially determines whether or not “the number of holds regarding the second special symbol” is “zero” (S314b). That is, when “the number of holds regarding the second special symbol” is not “zero”, the oldest determination random number (obtained in S306b from the predetermined address in the RAM 202, the special figure 2 big hit lottery random number and the special figure 2 small hit A lottery random number) is read out (S316b), and a determination process for the second special symbol (special figure 2 determination process) is performed (S320b).

  In this success / failure determination process (S320b), as shown in FIG. 33A, first, a process related to a big hit lottery (a process related to a second big hit lottery) is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the high probability mode (S322). When the gaming mode is the high probability mode (S322; YES), the “high probability data table” and “S316b processing” are performed. This “big hit lottery” is performed using the read special figure 2 big hit lottery random number (S324), and when the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the low probability mode (normal probability mode) (S322; NO), The big hit lottery is performed using the “low probability data table” and “the special figure 2 big hit lottery random number read out in the process of S316b” (S326). In the high probability mode, the fluctuation shortening function that shortens the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol as compared with the normal is activated, and the opening extension function of the second start winning device 17b (ordinary electric accessory) is activated. In some cases, the fluctuation shortening function and the opening extension function are not activated (described later).

  When the result of the jackpot lottery performed in the process of S324 or S326 is a jackpot (S330; YES), after setting the jackpot flag (set to ON) (S332), the success / failure determination process (S320b) is terminated. 2 ”(hereinafter referred to as“ special symbol 2 symbol variation start processing ”)” (S500b in FIG. 30). Further, when the result of the big hit lottery is out (S330; NO), “after setting the off flag (a flag indicating that neither big hit nor small hit has occurred) is set (set to ON) (S339), the pass / fail judgment processing (S320b) is ended, and the process shifts to the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), which is executed by the winning determination process (S320a) executed due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a. 33A, the “process surrounded by the broken line D” is changed as shown in FIG. 33B, and is performed according to FIG. 33A. In other words, if the result of the big hit lottery (special figure 1 big hit lottery) executed due to the winning of the game ball to the first starting prize-winning device 17a is out of place, “special figure one small hit read out in the process of S316a” A lottery lottery is performed using the “lottery random number” (S334), and when this lottery lottery is won (S336; YES), the “small hit flag” is set (set to ON) (S338), and the pass / fail judgment processing (S320a) is ended, and the process shifts to the special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S500a). On the other hand, when the lottery is lost (S336; NO), “after setting a set off flag (a flag indicating that neither big hit nor small hit has been generated) (set to ON) (S339), the determination processing (S320a ) And the process proceeds to the special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S500a).

  In the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b), as shown in FIG. 34, first, the process of allocating the variation pattern table (S501, S504, 510A, 510B, 510C) based on the result of the success / failure determination process (S320b). ) Etc. That is, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S320b) is “big hit” (S501; YES), that is, when the big hit flag (S332) is set (set to ON), it is acquired in the process of S306b in FIG. Special symbol 2 symbol determined random number {In the special symbol 1 symbol variation start processing (S500a), the special symbol 1 symbol determined random number acquired in the processing of S306a in Fig. 29} is read (S502), and the second special symbol display After determining the symbol (big hit symbol) to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a} in the part 62b {special symbol 1 symbol variation start process (S500a) (S503), Is distributed (hereinafter referred to as a big hit hour variation pattern table distribution process) "(S510A).

  Further, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S320b) is “small hit” (S501; NO, S504; YES), that is, when the small hit flag (S338) is set (set to ON), the second In the special symbol display unit 62b {in the special symbol 1 symbol variation start process (S500a), after setting the "small hit symbol" as the stop symbol to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a} (S506), “A process for allocating a variation pattern table at the time of a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a variation pattern table distribution process for a small hit)” is performed (S510B). Further, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S320b) is “disengagement (when neither big hit nor small hit)” (S501; NO, S504; NO), that is, the out flag (S339) is set (ON). 2), the second special symbol display unit 62b {in the special symbol 1 symbol variation start process (S500a), the first special symbol display unit 62a} is displayed as a stop symbol as a stop symbol. Is set (S508), the process of allocating the fluctuation pattern table at the time of detachment (hereinafter referred to as detachment fluctuation pattern table distribution process) is performed (S510C).

  Here, the contents of the big hit fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510A), the small hit fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510B), and the loss fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510C) are the same. Done according to That is, when the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) and the variation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S516; YES, S520; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “high”. This is a state in which shortening variation is performed with probability (high probability shortening variation mode). Therefore, after setting a variation pattern table (hereinafter, referred to as a high probability shortened variation pattern table) for a high probability state and a state in which a shortening variation is performed (S522), a variation pattern table distribution process ( S510A, S510B, and 510C) are terminated, however, in the process of S522, the high probability shortening variation pattern table corresponding to the result of the determination of success / failure (big hit lottery / small win lottery) is set. When the determination result is a big hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 37 (b) is set. When the determination result is a small hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 40 (d) is set. In addition, when the determination result is neither big hit nor small hit (in the case of losing), the variation pattern test shown in FIG. Bull is set.

  When the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) and the variation shortening flag is not set (set to OFF) (S516; YES, S520; NO), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “high probability. In addition, it is a state in which normal fluctuation is performed (high probability normal fluctuation mode). Therefore, “after setting a variation pattern table (hereinafter referred to as a high probability normal variation pattern table) for a high probability state and a state where normal variation is performed (S524), a variation pattern table distribution process ( S510A, S510B, and 510C) are also completed, and in the processing of S524, the high probability normal variation pattern table corresponding to the result of the determination of success / failure (big hit lottery / small win lottery) is set. If the determination result is a big hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 36B is set. If the determination result is a small hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 40B is set. In addition, when the result of the determination is neither big hit nor small hit (in the case of losing), the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. There is set.

  When the probability variation flag is not set (set to OFF) and the variation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S516; NO, S530; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “Low probability and a state in which shortening variation is performed (low probability shortening variation mode)”. Therefore, after setting a variation pattern table (hereinafter referred to as a low probability shortening variation pattern table) for a low probability state and a state in which shortening variation is performed (S532), a variation pattern table distribution process ( S510A, S510B, and 510C), that is, if the result of the determination is a big hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. The variation pattern table shown in Fig. 39A is set, and if the result of the determination is neither big hit nor small hit (in the case of losing), the variation pattern table shown in Fig. 39A is set.

  When the probability variation flag and the variation shortening flag are not set (set to OFF) (S516; NO, S530; NO), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state with low probability and normal variation (low Probability normal variation mode). Therefore, after setting a variation pattern table (hereinafter referred to as a low probability normal variation pattern table) for a low probability state and a state in which normal variation is performed (S536), a variation pattern table distribution process ( 36. That is, when the result of the determination is a big hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 36A is set, and when the result of the determination is a small hit, FIG. The fluctuation pattern table shown in a) is set, and if the result of the determination is neither big hit nor small hit (in the case of a loss), the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG.

  In this embodiment, the “shortening variation mode (short time mode)” refers to a state in which the variable time shortening function (short time function) is in operation. In the “high probability open extension mode” and the “normal probability open extension mode”, the variable time reduction function (time reduction function) operates. Therefore, in the description of the present embodiment, “shortening variation mode (short time mode)” can be read as “open extension mode”. Also, in the variation pattern tables shown in FIGS. 36 to 40, variation patterns are set in association with “random number values”, and “variation pattern determination random numbers” acquired in the process of S560 (see FIG. 34) described later. Based on the above, the “variation pattern used for symbol variation” is determined in the process of S562 described later. For convenience of explanation, FIGS. 36 to 40 show a variation pattern table storing a small number of variation patterns. Actually, these variation pattern tables include a large number of variation patterns (for example, 20 variation patterns). Seeds, 50 species, 100 species).

  Here, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, when the determination result is “out”, the variation time specified by the shortened variation pattern is shorter than the variation time specified by the normal variation pattern. . In the present embodiment, if the result of the determination is “out”, the reach random number acquired in the process of S306b in FIG. 29 in the process of S562 {in the first special figure variation start process (S500a), S306a In the reach random number acquired in the process of No. 2 and the number of special symbols held for the ongoing special figure fluctuation start process (S500b or S500a) {the special special figure 2 fluctuation start process (S500b), the second special symbol In the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (S500a) to be described later, the number of reservations related to the first special symbol} is further considered.

  That is, when it is determined that the reach display is not performed based on the reach random number, the variation pattern is determined from the variation pattern table shown in each listing of FIG. 38 or 39 and it is determined that the reach display is performed. In this case, the variation pattern is determined from the variation pattern table shown in each list of FIG. In this case, the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when it is determined that the reach display is not performed is compared with the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the reach display is determined. Tend to be shortened. In addition, when the number of reserved special symbols targeted by the ongoing special figure change start process (S500b or S500a) is further considered and the number of reserved is small (for example, “zero” or “1”), When a variation pattern that specifies a longer variation time is selected and the number of holdings is large (for example, “2” to “4”), a variation pattern that identifies a shorter variation time tends to be selected. . Each “variation pattern table” described in this embodiment is preset in the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200.

  As shown in FIG. 34, when the variation pattern table distribution process (S510A, S510B, 510C) is completed, a variation pattern determination random number (random number for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol) is acquired (S560), and the variation pattern is obtained. A fluctuation pattern is determined using the fluctuation pattern table set in the table distribution process (S510A, S510B, 510C) and the random value acquired in the process of S560 (S562). In the process of S562, as described above, when it is necessary to consider "reach random number" and "the number of special symbols reserved", the variation pattern is determined in consideration of these. Also, when the jackpot symbol determined in the processing of S503 is “2R probability variation big hit symbol” and when the result of the determination is “small hit”, “variation pattern specifying the same variation time” or The “variation pattern for specifying the approximate variation time (for example, both are about 20 seconds or about 20 seconds)” may be determined in the process of S562. In this case, in addition to the fact that the pseudo symbol indicating “2R probability variation big hit” is the same as the pseudo symbol indicating small hit, the “variation time of symbol fluctuation performed as a premise of stopping and displaying the symbols for both ends” is the same. Or, because it approximates, it becomes even more difficult for the player to identify the winning probability set after the winning game (FIG. 41).

  When the CPU 201 performs the process of determining the variation pattern as described above, in the second special symbol display unit 62b {in the special symbol 1 symbol variation start process (S500a), the first special symbol display unit 62a}. In the second special symbol {special symbol 1 symbol variation start processing (S500a), the variation of the first special symbol} is started (S570) and the symbol variation toward the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220). A predetermined command (command at the start of symbol variation) indicating the start of the symbol is transmitted (S572). That is, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 transmits a “variation pattern designation command (command for designating a fluctuation pattern)”, a “special symbol stop information designation command”, and the like to the sub control board 220.

  After the process of S572, the CPU 201 subtracts “1” from the “second special symbol hold count {the special special symbol 1 symbol change start process (S500a), the first special symbol hold count}”. After performing the process of transmitting a command for specifying the number of holdings after the subtraction to the sub-control board 220 (S575), the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b) is terminated, and further the special symbol game The process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Here, the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command are output toward the sub-control board 220 together with the strobe signal as shown in FIG. This strobe signal is connected to the interrupt terminal of the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220. When the strobe signal is input, the CPU 220a on the sub-control board 220 receives each designation signal immediately and receives the designation signal. Analyze the contents. Although detailed explanation is omitted, the fluctuation pattern considers various conditions such as whether to perform reach production, whether the symbol that stops and displays the special symbol is a winning symbol (big hit symbol or small hit symbol) If the variation pattern is known, it is possible to determine the time during which the special symbol is variably displayed. Also, if the special symbol stop information designation command is analyzed, if the special symbol stops at the winning symbol (big hit symbol or small hit symbol), stops at the off symbol, or even stops at the big hit symbol, the big hit symbol is It is possible to know which of the “normal jackpot symbol”, “first probability variation jackpot symbol” and “second probability variation jackpot symbol”.

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

  Returning to FIG. 30, when “the number of holds regarding the second special symbol” is “zero” (S314b; YES) and “the number of holds regarding the first special symbol” is not “zero” (S314a; NO). Reads out the oldest determination random number (obtained in S306a, the special lottery random lottery and the special lottery random lottery random number in S306a) from the predetermined address in the RAM 202 (S316a), and performs a pass / fail judgment process (S320a) After performing the special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S500a), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the success / failure determination process performed as the process of S320a is also performed according to the success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 33 similarly to S320b, and the special figure 1 symbol variation start process performed as the process of S500a is also similar to S500b. ~ Performed according to the symbol variation start process shown in FIG.

  Next, when it is determined that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is fluctuating in the process of S310 (see FIG. 30) of the special symbol game process (S300) (S310; YES), already Thus, the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol are determined, and the variation of the special symbol is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S341). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting a timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S341; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

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

  If it is determined in the process of S350 that the special symbol stop display time has not elapsed (S350; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. . On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S350; YES), it is determined whether or not the stop display mode is a mode indicating a win (that is, a big hit symbol or a small hit symbol) (S352 in FIG. 31). .

  If a positive determination is made in the process of S352, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets (stores) information indicating the current game progress in a buffer to be referred to at the end of “winning game” described later. (S354). Specifically, "type of hit (whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or a big hit if it is a big hit, etc.)", "the state of the game state flag" is set (memory) (S354). Here, the “game state flag” is a flag (probability change flag, fluctuation shortening flag, release extension flag, etc.) indicating “the game state of the gaming machine 1”. In the process of S354, these flags are set to “ON”. Whether “set” or “set to OFF” is set. Further, the specific area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 functions as a buffer used in the process of S354.

  Subsequent to the process of S354, the process proceeds to S356 and subsequent processes. That is, in the processing after S356, the “winning game” mode is distributed according to the generated winning mode. First, it is determined whether or not the generated hit is a small hit (S356). If the hit is a small hit (S356; YES), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines that “the big winning opening 31a is released in the small hit game”. After the “pattern” is set (S358), the small hit game flag is set (set to ON) (S360). Here, the release pattern set in the process of S358 is a pattern in which “0.2 second” release is performed twice with a predetermined interval time (for example, 2 seconds) interposed therebetween.

  Following the process of S360, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S362). If not set (S362; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited. Returning to the game control process of FIG. If the fluctuation shortening flag is set (S362; YES), the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is decremented by “1” (S364), and then the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is not “zero” (S366; NO). Then, the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. 24. If the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S366; YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is canceled (set to OFF). After performing the process (S368) to perform and the process (S370) for canceling the release extension flag (set to OFF), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In any case, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 24, a hit game process (FIG. 41) described later is started, and a small hit game is executed.

  Here, the “probability change flag” is a flag indicating that the gaming mode (gaming state) of the gaming machine 1 is in the high probability mode (high probability state), and the “variation shortening flag” is the gaming mode (game) of the gaming machine 1. Is a flag indicating that the state is in the variation shortening mode (variation shortening state). The “release extension flag” is a flag indicating that the game mode (game state) of the gaming machine 1 is in the release extension mode (open extension state). Furthermore, the “variation shortening counter” indicates the upper limit number of “the number of special symbol variations to be executed while shortening the variation”. When the value becomes “zero”, the shortening variation is performed in the next symbol variation. Absent.

  If it is determined in the process of S356 that it is “not a big hit”, that is, “a big hit” (S356; NO), the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the big winning opening 31a according to the generated big hit mode. Performs processing to set the release pattern. That is, when the generated big hit is “second big hit (2R big hit)” (S372; YES), after setting “opening pattern of big winning opening 31a in the second big hit game” (S374), S378 When the process proceeds to the process and the generated jackpot is not “second jackpot (2R jackpot)”, in other words, when it is “first jackpot (15R jackpot)” (S372; NO), “in the first jackpot game After the “open pattern of the big prize opening 31a” is set (S376), the process proceeds to S378.

  When the generated big hit is the “first normal big hit” or the “first probable big hit” that is not irregular, in the process of S376, the general “first big win game 31a is opened. When the “pattern” is set and the generated jackpot is an irregular “first probability variation jackpot”, an irregular “open pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the first jackpot game” is set. Here, as a general pattern, a pattern in which “25 seconds” is opened 15 times with a predetermined interval time (for example, 2 seconds) ”is set, and an irregular pattern is“ 2.5 ”. A pattern is set that repeats the “repeating operation of opening 10 times in total (second opening time) 10 times” for 15 times (15 rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) in between. The In addition, the “open pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the second big hit game” is the same as the “open pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the small hit game” described above. It is difficult to determine whether the second big hit game is being executed or whether the small hit game is being executed only by looking at the operation. Also, unlike the present embodiment, only the general “first jackpot game” may be executed as the “first jackpot game”.

  In the process of S378, a process of setting a big hit game flag (set to ON) is performed. The game state of the gaming machine 1 is shifted to the “hit game state” by setting the “hit game flag” (the jackpot game execution means starts operating). In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, While the “big hit game flag” is set (that is, when the big hit game execution means is in operation), the probability changing function, the time shortening function, and the open extension function are not activated. For this reason, after the process of S378, the special symbol game process (S300) is completed through a series of processes after S380.

  That is, in the process of S378, if the “big hit game flag” is set, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S382), and if not set (S382; NO), it remains as it is. When the process proceeds to S384 and is set (S382; YES), the probability variation flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S383), and then the process proceeds to S384. Then, in the process of S384, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S384; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is directly exited. Returning to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S384 that the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S384; YES), after the fluctuation shortening flag and the open extension flag are canceled (set to OFF) ( S386, S388), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In any case, when returning to the game control process of FIG. 24, a hit game process (FIG. 41) described later is started and a big hit game is executed.

  If a positive determination is made in S382 and a determination in S383 and a negative determination is made in S384, the gaming state (gaming mode) of the gaming machine 1 before the “big hit” is “high”. “Probability normal variation mode (high probability normal release mode)”, that is, “latency probability variation mode”.

  Next, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 31 will be described. That is, when the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b is “disconnected symbol” (S352; NO), the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). It is determined whether or not (S398). When the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S398; YES), that is, when the game mode at the time of the occurrence of the deviation is “low probability shortening variation mode” or “high probability shortening variation mode” After the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is set to “−1” (S400), it is determined whether or not the value of the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S404). If it is not "zero" (S404; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited as it is and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S404 that the value of the variation shortening counter has become “zero” (S404; YES), the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is changed from the low probability shortening variation mode to the low probability normal variation mode. Or the high probability shortening variation mode is switched to the high probability normal variation mode. For this reason, the process of canceling the fluctuation shortening flag (set to OFF) (S410), the process of canceling the release extension flag (setting to OFF) (S416), and the process of transmitting the mode designation command to the sub control board 220 (S416). After performing S430), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In the process of S430, a “mode designation command” for designating the low probability normal variation mode or the high probability normal variation mode is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. However, if a “probability big hit (first probability variation big hit or second probability variation big hit)” occurs in any of the “low probability shortening variation mode” or “high probability shortening variation mode” game mode, the initial of the variation shortening counter Since the value is set to “10,000”, in this case, since a positive determination in S404 cannot occur, a command for designating “high probability normal variation mode” from such a situation. However, it is not transmitted in the process of S430.

F. Win game processing (S600)
When the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines that the “hit flag” is set (the big hit flag or the small hit flag is set to ON) while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. (S602; YES), a hit game process is started (S600), and a "hit game (big hit game or small hit game)" is realized. When the big hit flag is set to ON, the CPU 201 executes the big hit game as “big hit game execution means” according to FIG. 41, and when the small hit flag is set to ON, the CPU 201 sets “small The small hit game is executed as a “win game execution means”.

  FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the flow of the hit game process (S600). When the special winning opening 31a is opened, as described above, a predetermined opening time (set in the process of S358, S374 or S376 in FIG. 31) elapses, or a predetermined number of game balls are received in the special winning opening 31a. Once a prize is won, it will be closed once, but after a predetermined closing time, it will be opened again. Here, a game (a game from opening the big prize opening 31a to closing it) that has the contents that the closed prize-winning device 31 is opened and then opened again is “unit action (in big hit game) Is round). When this unit operation is repeated a predetermined number of times (2 times or 15 times), the winning game is terminated. Hereinafter, detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIGS. 41 and 42.

  When a winning game (small winning game, first big winning game or second big winning game) is started, it is first determined whether or not the big winning opening 31a is open (S604). Here, the special winning opening 31a is closed in the “normal gaming state that is not the winning gaming state”, and therefore, the winning prize port 31a is closed immediately after the winning game is started. For this reason, immediately after the start of the winning game, it is determined that the special winning opening 31a is not being opened (S604; NO), and then it is determined whether or not the winning game end condition is satisfied (S612). That is, whether the “number of unit actions executed after the start of the hit game” has reached the corresponding set number of hit games (2 or 15 times, set in the process of S358, S374 or S376 in FIG. 31) It is determined whether or not (S612).

  However, immediately after the winning game is started, the winning game end condition is not satisfied. Therefore, in the process of S612, a negative determination is inevitably made (S612; NO). Therefore, the process proceeds to S614, and it is determined whether or not an interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (S614). That is, it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S614). Here, the closing time (interval time) of the special winning opening 31a is a time during which the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state between unit operations. Immediately after the winning game is started, the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state, so it is inevitably determined that the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed (S614; YES), and the special winning prize is received. After the opening 31a is opened (S616), the winning game process shown in FIG. 41 is temporarily ended, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, after performing a series of various processes shown in FIG. 24, the hit game process (S600) is started again. At this time, as described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 24 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the winning game process (S600) shown in FIG. 41 is also repeatedly executed about every 4 msec.

  When a positive determination is made in the process of S604, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606). In other words, when the big hit game being executed is a “first big hit game” that is not irregular, it is determined whether or not the first opening time (25 seconds) has elapsed, and the irregular “first big hit game” , It is determined whether or not a time (25 seconds) 10 times as long as the fourth opening time (2.5 seconds) has elapsed. When the big hit game being executed is the “second big hit game”, it is determined whether or not the second opening time (0.2 seconds) has elapsed. Further, when the hit game being executed is “small hit game”, it is determined whether or not the second opening time (0.2 seconds) has elapsed. Here, the first opening time (25 seconds) is a sufficient time for winning a large number of game balls (8 to 10 balls, for example, when the nail adjustment is severe, for example, 6). The opening time is a time when it is difficult for a game ball to win a prize.

  If the opening time (first opening time, second opening time, third opening time, etc.) of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606; YES), after closing the special winning opening 31a (S610) 41, the winning game process (S600) shown in FIG. 41 is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has not elapsed (606; NO), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls won in the special winning opening 31a has reached a prescribed number (S608). Even when the number of winning game balls reaches the specified number (S608; YES), the special winning opening 31a is closed (S610). That is, when the number of winning game balls reaches the specified number, the special winning opening 31a is closed without waiting for the opening time to elapse.

  If the opening time (first opening time or second opening time) of the special winning opening 31a has not elapsed (S606; NO) and the number of winnings has not reached the prescribed number (S608; NO), the special winning opening While leaving 31a open, the player exits the hit game process of FIG. 41 and returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “hit game state” (when the big hit game flag or the small hit game flag is set), while the game control process of FIG. 24 is repeatedly executed, Whether the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606; YES) or a predetermined number of game balls have won a prize (S608; YES), and the special winning opening 31a is closed (S610). . Thus, one unit operation is completed.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the “winning gaming state”, the winning game process (S600) is executed again, and if it is determined in S604 that the special winning opening 31a is closed (S604; NO), It is determined whether or not the “winning game” end condition is satisfied (S612). That is, when the “hit game” is “hit game related to the first jackpot”, it is determined whether or not the number of unit operations (round number) executed during the “hit game” has reached “15”. In the case of “big hit game related to the second jackpot” or “big hit game related to the third jackpot”, it is determined whether or not “2” has been reached. If the number of unit movements (number of rounds) has not reached the set number (S612; NO), it is confirmed that the interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has passed (S614; YES), and then a big prize is won again. A new unit operation for opening the mouth 31a is executed (S616). When the “winning game” is “small winning game”, it is determined whether or not the opening operation for opening the big winning opening 31a for 0.2 seconds is performed twice. After confirming that the interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (S614; YES), the special winning opening 31a is again opened (S616).

  On the other hand, in the process of S612, if it is determined that the “winning game” end condition is satisfied (S612; YES), after performing the “winning game end process (S700)” shown below, The process (S600) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Next, with reference to FIG. 42, the winning game end process (S 700) will be described.

  When the winning game end process (S700) is activated, the CPU 201 cancels (turns OFF) the winning game flag (the big hit game flag in S378 in FIG. 32 or the small hit game flag in S360 in FIG. 31) as shown in FIG. After setting (S705), by referring to the "reference buffer at the end of hitting (see S354 of FIG. 31)" described above, "the winning symbol that is the premise of the current winning game (hereinafter," The information about the type of “hit symbol” (normal jackpot symbol, first probable big hit symbol, second probable big hit symbol, small hit symbol, small hit symbol) is obtained, and the game after winning game is based on this information Processing to set the mode etc.

  In other words, when “the current winning symbol (the winning symbol stopped in the process of S344 in FIG. 30)” is “small winning symbol” (S715; YES), the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is ended, After transmitting to the sub-control board 220 (S990), the winning game end process (S700) is terminated. In this case, (a) the game mode before the start of the current hit game is the “low probability shortening variation mode” or the “high probability shortening variation mode”, and the negative determination of S366 (see FIG. 32) is passed, (B) When the game mode before the start of the current hit game is “low probability normal change mode” or “high probability normal change mode”, “the same game mode as the game mode before the start of the current hit game” A command designating "is transmitted in the process of S785. Further, (c) when the game mode before the start of the current hit game is the “low probability shortening variation mode” and the positive determination of S366 (see FIG. 32) is passed, “Specified command” is transmitted in the process of S785, and (d) the game mode before the start of the current hit game is the “high probability shortening variation mode” and the positive determination of S366 (see FIG. 32) is passed. The “command for designating the high probability normal variation mode” is transmitted in the process of S785.

  In addition, when “the current winning symbol (the winning symbol stopped in the process of S344 of FIG. 30)” is “ordinary big winning symbol” (S715; NO, S720; NO), the fluctuation shortening counter is set to “100”. Is set (S770), a variation shortening flag is set (S775), and an open extension flag is set (S780). In this case, after the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is “low probability reduced variation mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S785), the winning game is finished. The process (S700) ends.

  Further, if the current winning symbol is “probability variation big winning symbol (first probability variation large winning symbol or second probability variation large winning symbol)” (S715; NO, S720; YES), the probability variation flag is set (set to ON). After performing the process (S725), the process proceeds to S730. In the processing of S730, it is determined whether or not the current winning symbol is “the first probability variation big winning symbol (that is, 15R probability variation large winning symbol) (S730). If the determination in S730 is affirmative Then, the process of setting “10,000” to the fluctuation shortening counter (S760), the process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S775), and the process of setting the release extension flag (S780) are performed. Then, after the mode designation command for designating that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is “high probability shortening variation mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S785), the winning game end process (S700). ) Ends.

  When a negative determination is made in the processing of S730 (that is, when the current winning symbol is the second probability variation big winning symbol), refer to “the reference buffer at the end of hitting (see S354 in FIG. 31)”. The game mode at the time of occurrence of a hit is determined (S735, S740). When the game mode at the time of hit is “high probability shortening variation mode or high probability normal variation mode” (S735; YES) or low probability shortening variation mode (S735; NO, S740; YES) After performing the process of S760, the process of S775, and the process of S780, a mode designation command for designating that the game mode of the gaming machine 1 after the winning game is “high probability shortening variation mode” After the transmission to the sub-control board 220 (S785), the winning game end process (S700) is terminated.

  In addition, through the negative determination of S730, the gaming mode at the time of occurrence of the hit is “if it is determined that the low probability normal variation mode (S735; NO, S740; NO), the gaming machine 1 after winning the winning game After the mode designation command for designating that the game mode is “high probability normal variation mode” is transmitted to the sub-control board 220 (S785), the winning game end process (S700) is terminated.

(8) Effect Control Processing With reference to FIG. 43, the sub-control unit 220A (the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 constituting the sub-control unit 220A) is connected to the effect display control unit 222A (the CPU not shown in the effect display control board 222). An outline of the “production control process” performed in cooperation will be described. Note that FIG. 43 shows only main processes among the processes constituting the effect control process. In this effect control process, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on or the reset switch is pressed (950; YES), first, an initialization process is performed (S960). Thereafter, until the power is turned off (until affirmative determination is made in S2300), the demonstration effect process (S980), the effect mode setting process (S1000), the symbol variation effect related process (S1100), and the hit game effect Main processes such as the process (S1300) are repeatedly executed. Note that the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 43 is approximately 2 msec, so these processes are repeatedly executed about every 2 msec. Hereinafter, the sub-control processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

a. Demo production process (S980)
When starting the demonstration effect process (S1200), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not a demonstration effect command has been received from the main control unit 200A as shown in FIG. 44 (S982). If it is determined that the demonstration effect command has been received (S982; YES), the demonstration effect (demonstration display) is started on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 and the like.

b. Production mode setting process (S1000)
As shown in FIG. 45, in the effect mode setting process (S1000), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub control board 220 first monitors whether or not a mode designation command is received from the main control unit 200A (S1005). . When the CPU 220a receives the mode designation command (S1005; YES), the CPU 220a mounted on the sub-control board 220 analyzes the content of the received mode designation command. And CPU220a performs the process which memorize | stores the probability state (winning probability of a big hit lottery) specified by the received mode designation | designated command (S1010). That is, as shown in FIG. 10B, the predetermined area of the RAM 220b mounted on the sub-control board 220 is set as the probability storage unit 221b, and “probability of winning the big hit lottery” is stored in the probability storage unit 221b. S1010).

  The CPU 220a determines whether or not the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the shortened variation mode (the low probability variation shortened mode or the high probability variation shortened mode) based on the mode designation command received in the process of S1005 (S1016). If it is determined that the mode is the shortened variation mode (S1016; YES), the rendering mode is set to the shortened variation mode (S1017), and after the processing of S1020 is further performed, the rendering mode setting process (S1000) is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the mode is not the shortened variation mode, that is, when it is determined that the variation mode is normal (S1016; NO), the rendering mode is set to the regular variation mode (S1018). S1000) is terminated.

  In the process of S1020, a mode effect is performed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 based on the set effect mode. That is, the background display of the display screen 27a is changed according to the gaming mode (shortening variation mode, normal variation mode) of the gaming machine 1, or a dedicated character is assigned for each gaming mode (shortening variation mode, normal variation mode). Perform effects such as display.

b. Symbol variation effect related processing (S1100)
In the symbol variation effect-related processing (S1100), as shown in FIG. 46, the sub-control unit 220A (the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 constituting the sub-control unit 220A) starts the symbol variation from the main control unit 200A. When a command is received (S1105; YES), it is determined whether or not a demonstration effect is being performed (S1106). If the demonstration effect is being performed (S1106; YES), the demonstration effect is stopped (S1108), and then the process proceeds to S1100 and subsequent processes. If the demonstration effect is not being performed (S1106; NO), the process proceeds to S1100 and subsequent processes. To do. Note that the commands received in the processing of S1105 are a variation pattern designation command (CHP) and a special symbol stop information designation command (CJS).

  Here, based on the received “special symbol stop information designation command”, the sub-control unit 220A can determine the result of the determination as to whether or not the main control unit 200A has executed. If the result of the determination is a big hit (S1110; YES), based on the received variation pattern designation command, the big hit effect production pattern (the execution mode of the effect display executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, (Reach display mode, etc.) "and" hit stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode in which the big hit is displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27) "is performed (S1115), and the process proceeds to S1150. To do.

  If the result of the determination is a small hit (S1110; NO, S1135; YES), an effect pattern for the small hit effect (executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27) is executed based on the received variation pattern designation command. After performing the process of determining the “actual display execution mode, etc.” ”and“ small hit stop symbol (a pseudo symbol mode in which the small hit is determined and displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27) ”(S1140) Transition to processing. By the way, as described above, when the second probable big hit is generated, the “same symbol as the small hit symbol (indistinguishable symbol)” is confirmed and displayed on the effect display device 27. Just by looking at the winning symbol (big winning symbol, small winning symbol) that is confirmed and displayed on the device 27, the winning probability after winning game cannot be determined. In other words, the process (S1115, S1140, S1160) of selecting and displaying “a symbol (big hit symbol, small hit symbol) whose winning probability is difficult to determine” as the “pseudo symbol stop symbol” is displayed on the sub-control board 220. A specific example of processing performed by the CPU 220a as “probability non-notification means” is configured.

  Furthermore, when the result of the determination is wrong (S1110; NO, S1135; NO), based on the received variation pattern designation command, the “effect pattern of the outlier effect (the effect display executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27). Execution mode, presence / absence of reach display, reach display mode when reach display, etc.) ”and“ outage stop symbol (pseudo symbol mode in which outage is fixedly displayed on display screen 27a of effect display device 27) ”are determined. (S1145), the process proceeds to S1150.

  In the processing of S1150, the sub-control unit 220A determines the “effect pattern” and “pseudo symbol” determined in S1115, S1140, or S1145 based on the received variation pattern designation command (CHP) and special symbol stop information designation command (CJS). The command (designation display detail command) for designating the “stop symbol” is transmitted to the production display control unit 222A (production display control board 222), and the production display device 27 displays the variation display of the production symbols such as the pseudo symbol and the background symbol. Start (S1150). That is, the symbol variation effect display on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is started (S1150).

  When the sub control unit 220A receives the effect stop designation command (CZE) transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) (S1155; YES), the sub control unit 220A receives the effect stop designation command received. Is transferred to the effect display control unit 222A, and the effect display device 27 stops the effect display of the pseudo symbol and the background symbol (S1160).

d. Winning game effect processing (S1300)
The winning game effect process (S1300) is performed when the gaming machine 1 plays a winning game. In the winning game effect process (S1300), as shown in FIG. 47, the sub-control unit 220A (the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 constituting the sub-control unit 220A) receives a “hit game start specifying command (big hit game start specifying). When a command or a small hit game start designation command) is received (S1305; YES), the processing from S1310 is executed.

  Here, in the gaming machine 1, when a big hit occurs, the main control unit 200A transmits a big hit game start designation command (COR) to the sub-control unit 220A, and when a big hit occurs, the main control unit 200A performs sub-control. A small hit game start designation command (COT) is transmitted to unit 220A (see FIG. 21). That is, the main control unit 200A transmits a big hit game start designation command (COR) to the sub-control unit 220A at the timing when the “big hit game flag (see S378 in FIG. 32)” is set (set to ON). A small hit game start designation command (COT) is transmitted to the sub-control unit 220A at the timing when the “game flag (see S360 of FIG. 31)” is set (set to ON).

  The sub-control unit 220A that has received the hit game start designation command (big hit game start designation command or small hit game start designation command) analyzes the received hit game start designation command and determines the type of the current win (usually big hit, 15R The probability variation big hit, 2R probability variation big hit or small hit) is specified, and the effect display device 27 or the like executes a hit start effect (fanfare effect) corresponding to the type of the current hit (S1310).

  In this embodiment, the hit start effect when the 2R probability variation big hit (second probability change big hit) occurs and the hit start effect when the small hit occurs may be shared. When the game mode is the “low probability normal variation mode” and a “2R probability variation big hit (second probability variation big hit)” occurs, a predetermined period after the end of the second big hit game based on the 2R probability variation big hit Is uniformly a latent probability changing state (a probability changing state in which the operation of the opening extension means is stopped). And since the game contents of the second big hit game and the small hit game are the same, if the hit start effect (fanfare effect) is the same, after the second big hit game and after the small hit game end, the gaming machine It becomes difficult to determine whether or not one gaming state is a probable change state. Therefore, since the player plays the game while using his imagination, the player's interest can be further enhanced.

  Next, the CPU 220a performs a process of setting a “winning game effect pattern” corresponding to the current winning type. That is, when the current hit is a normal big hit (15R normal big hit) (S1315; YES), after setting the “15R normal big hit effect pattern” (S1320), the process proceeds to S1335 and subsequent steps. If the winning is a 15R probability variable big hit (S1315; NO, S1325; YES), after setting the “15R probability variable big hit effect pattern” (S1330), the process proceeds to S1335 and subsequent steps. In the process of S1335, the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 reads out the “winning probability at the time of occurrence of big hit” stored in the probability storage unit 221b (see the process of S1010 in FIG. 45). Then, after this processing of S1335, as the effect pattern of the round effect, “effect pattern informing the probability state at the time of occurrence of hit” is set (S1340), and the process proceeds to S1375 and subsequent processes in FIG.

  Further, when the current hit is a 2R probability variation big hit (S1315; NO, S1325; NO, S1350; YES), after setting the “2R probability variation big hit effect pattern” (S1355), the processing after S1375 is performed. Migrate to That is, in this case, after setting “the effect pattern that does not notify the probability state at the time of hit occurrence” (S1355), the process proceeds to S1375 and subsequent steps. Further, when the current hit is a small hit (S1315; NO, S1325; NO, S1350; NO), after setting the “effect pattern for small hits” (S1365), S1385 and after shown in FIG. Move on to processing.

  When a big hit occurs, the main control unit 200A transmits a big hit game start designation command (COR), and then at the “timing to open the big winning opening 31a (see S616 in FIG. 41)”, the “round number designation command ( CRS) ”is transmitted to the sub-control unit 220A (see FIG. 21). That is, since the sub-control unit 220A receives the “first round number designation command (command for specifying the start of the first round)” (S1375), the effect display device 27 or the like “sets the round effect. Based on the pattern, a “round effect (effect indicating one round)” is started (S1330).

  Thereafter, the main control unit 200A transmits a “round end command (CRE)” to the sub-control unit 220A at “timing to close the special winning opening 31a (see S610 in FIG. 41)” (see FIG. 21). ). Thereby, in order to detect the end of the “first round” of the sub-control unit 220A, the “round effect” is once ended and “interval display (effect display between each round)” is started on the effect display device 27 and the like. To do. Further, every time the sub-control unit 220A receives a subsequent “round number designation command (CRS)”, the sub-control unit 220A ends the “interval display” and starts the “round effect”, and the subsequent “round end command (CRE)”. "Interval display" is started every time.

  In this manner, the “round effect” is repeated while displaying the “interval display” until the final round is displayed. However, when the first big hit game is being executed (when this hit is a normal big hit or a 15R probability variable big hit), during the seventh “round effect”, the effect display device 27 “ “Winning probability at occurrence” is notified. That is, according to the “effect pattern” set in the process of S1340, “effect that notifies the probability state at the time of occurrence of hit” is executed (see FIG. 19). Here, the processing of S1380 executed by receiving the “seventh round number designation command (CRS)” constitutes a specific example of the processing performed by the sub-control unit 220A as “probability post-notification means”. When the second jackpot game is being executed (when the current hit is a 2R probability variable jackpot), the sub-control unit 220A does not perform processing as “probability post-notification means”.

  In this way, when the big hit game is executed, at the timing of ending the final round (timing for closing the 15th or 2nd big winning opening 31a), the main control unit 200A moves toward the sub-control unit 220A. A jackpot end designation command (COE) "is transmitted. Then, the sub-control unit 220A that has received the “hit end designation command (COE)” executes the “hit end effect (hit ending effect)” in the effect display device 27 and the like (S1390; YES, S1395). Then, after executing the “hit end effect (big hit ending effect)”, the big hit game effect is ended.

  If a small hit occurs, the main control unit 200A transmits a small hit game start designation command (COR), and then at the “timing to open the big winning opening 31a (see S616 in FIG. 41)” A “winning game effect start command (CRT)” is transmitted to the sub-control unit 220A. Thereby, the sub-control unit 220A executes the “small hit game effect” based on the effect pattern set in the process of S1345 (S1385). Here, the “small hit game effect” is the same content as the “round effect performed based on the 2R probability change hit”. Thereafter, the main control unit 200A proceeds to the “small hit end designation command (COD) toward the sub-control unit 220A at the second“ timing to perform the operation of closing the big prize opening 31a (see S610 in FIG. 41) ”. ) "Is sent. Then, the sub-control unit 220A that has received the “small hitting end designation command (COD)” executes the “small hitting end effect (small hitting ending effect)” in the effect display device 27 or the like (S1390; YES, S1395), End the small hit game production. The “small hit end effect (small hit ending effect)” has the same content as the “big hit end effect related to 2R probability variation”.

(9) Effects of the embodiment In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the winning probability set by the probability setting means (probability changing means) is stored in the probability storage means 221b, and the big hit lottery is won and the normal big win or When the first probable big hit is generated, the winning probability set at the time of winning is read from the probability storage means 221b. The read winning probability is notified using the effect display device 27. In other words, after the jackpot lottery is completed, the “winning probability at the time of execution of the finished jackpot lottery” is notified later (after the jackpot lottery) using the effect display device 27.

  For this reason, when a big hit is generated in a “situation in which the effect that the winning probability is set to a high probability (probability notification) is not performed”, the player will recognize that this “big hit” is “the winning probability is low. "Even if it was a probability, it was generated by oneself" or "It was generated by the benefit of having other players set the winning probability to a high probability" Can be judged. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the first embodiment, “satisfaction by generating a big hit by oneself” or “satisfaction caused by selecting a gaming machine whose winning probability was originally set to a high probability as a gaming target. A feeling ”can be given to the player. In other words, it is possible to obtain satisfaction corresponding to the winning probability at the time of winning the big hit lottery (satisfaction that the big hit was generated by oneself or the satisfaction that the big hit was successfully generated on the empty platform set at a high probability). Therefore, it is possible to sufficiently enhance the player's gaming interest.

Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is intended to limit the "probability setting unit (probability change means) winning probability that is set by the" timing to be stored in the probability storage means, at game start.

  The second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that FIG. 49 is used instead of FIG. 43, FIG. 52 is used instead of FIG. 47, and FIGS. 50 and 51 are added. You can use the drawings you had. In other words, the second embodiment includes a drawing that has been changed in accordance with “limit the timing to be stored in the probability storage unit 221b” and a drawing that has been added in accordance with these limitations.

  In the “effect control process” of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 49, a demonstration effect process (S980), an effect mode setting process (S1000), a symbol variation effect related process (S1100), and a game start time process (S1200). Main processes such as a post-game start process (S1250) and a winning game effect process (S1300) are repeatedly executed. Here, since the time required for one round of the process in FIG. 49 is also about 2 msec, these processes are repeatedly executed every about 2 msec. The contents of the demonstration effect process (S980), the effect mode setting process (S1000), and the symbol variation effect related process (S1100) are the same as those described in the first embodiment. Omitted. Hereinafter, the game start time process (S1200) and the game start post-process (S1250) will be described, and the changed part in the winning game effect process (S1300) will be described.

A. Game start processing (S1200)
The game start process (S1200) is a process performed when the game stop state is released. When the game start process (S1200) is activated, as shown in FIG. 50, the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not the “game stop flag (see S1280 in FIG. 51)” is set (set to ON). Is determined (S1205). Here, the “game stop flag” is a flag indicating “the game machine 1 is in a game stop state”, and the timing of the setting will be described later.

  When the “game stop flag” is not set (set to OFF) (S1205; NO), that is, when the game is not stopped (S1205; NO), the game start processing (S1200) is performed as it is. ) To return to the “production control process” in FIG. On the other hand, if the “game stop flag” is set (set to ON) (S1205; YES), it is determined whether or not a game has been started (S1210). Specifically, whether or not the touch switch (touch sensor) 9a provided on the launching handle 9 outputs a contact detection signal (ON signal) indicates whether or not from the CR unit 80, the “ball lending signal (BRDY ON information and BRQ). (In other words, whether or not the lending button 5c has been operated) is determined (S1210). Note that the processing of S1210 is determined based on whether the sub-control board 220 has received a handle contact command (HQR) or a ball lending command (CRQ) from the main control board 200 {FIG. 10 (b) and FIG. 21}. Further, the processing of S1210 constitutes a specific example of processing performed by the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 as “game start detection means”.

  If a negative determination is made in the process of S1210 (S1210; NO), that is, if the game stop state is not released (S1210; NO), the game start process (S1200) is terminated as it is, Returning to the “production control process” in FIG. On the other hand, when a positive determination is made in the process of S1210, that is, when it is determined that the game has started (S1210; YES), the “game stop flag (see S1280 in FIG. 51)” (S1215) to cancel (set to OFF), and processing (S1220) to set (store) "current probability state (winning lottery win probability)" in the "game start state buffer" Thereafter, the game start process (S1200) is terminated, and the process returns to the “effect control process” in FIG. Here, a predetermined area of the RAM 220b mounted on the sub-control board 220 is used as a “game start state buffer”. Also, the “game start state buffer” constitutes a specific example of the “probability storage means” in the same manner as the probability storage means 221b described above.

B. Post-game processing (S1250)
When the game post-start processing (S1250) is activated, as shown in FIG. 51, the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not the “game stop condition” is satisfied (S1275). Here, the “game stop condition” is “a condition for determining that the gaming machine is in a game stop state”, and (a) the player touches the launching handle 9 of the gaming machine 1 for a certain time (for example, 3 minutes). (B) This is established when the “demonstration effect” is started on the effect display device 27 in a state where the player does not touch the launching handle 9 of the gaming machine 1.

  Specifically, (c) a certain time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses after the touch switch (touch sensor) 9a outputs the contact non-detection signal (off signal), or (d) the touch switch (touch When “demonstration effect (see FIG. 44)” is started in a state where the sensor 9a outputs a contact non-detection signal (off signal), a “game stop condition” is satisfied. When the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 determines that the “game stop condition” has been established (S1275; YES), it sets (sets to ON) the “game stop flag” (S1280), and post-game start processing (S1250). Exit.

C. Winning game effect processing (S1300)
The winning game effect process (S1300) of the second embodiment is executed according to FIGS. Then, the winning game effect process (S1300) of the second embodiment includes a point of executing the process of S1336 of FIG. 52 instead of the process of S1335 (see FIG. 47) and the process of S1340 (see FIG. 47). Instead, it is the same as the winning game effect process (S1300) of the first embodiment except that the process of S1341 in FIG. 52 is different. Hereinafter, these differences will be described.

  In the winning game effect process (S1300) of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52, after the process of S1320 or the process of S1330, the CPU 220a “game start state buffer (see the process of S1220 of FIG. 50)” The “winning probability at the start of game” stored in is read out. Then, after the processing of S1336, “effect pattern for informing the probability state at the start of the game” is set as the effect pattern of the round effect (S1341), and the process proceeds to S1375 and subsequent processes in FIG.

  According to the second embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the first embodiment. That is, in the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment, when the game using the “vacant table” is resumed, the winning probability set by the probability setting means is stored in the “game start state buffer”, and thereafter When the big hit lottery is won, the winning probability set at the time of winning (when the game is resumed) is read from the “game start time state buffer” and notified afterwards using the effect display device 27. In other words, a new player or the like who has started a game using an “empty base”, this “big hit” is “whether it was generated by himself even though the winning probability is low”, or Therefore, it can be easily determined whether “it is caused by the benefit of the other player having set the winning probability at a high probability”. In particular, in the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment, the player can determine whether or not the so-called “hyena act” is successful. A specific player (a player who has a wealth of knowledge about gaming machines) is delighted at the success or failure of the “hyena act”. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of the second embodiment, the gaming interest of the player is further improved. Can be improved.

Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment shows a specific example of the invention of claim 1 . Specifically, the winning probability at the start of the game is notified afterwards only when the big hit lottery is won before the number of rented game balls reaches a predetermined number (625). In other words, until the number of lending operations performed on the lending button 5c after the start of the game reaches 5 times (that is, until 2,500 yen is lent out at the start of the game), only when winning the big hit lottery, The winning probability at the start of the game is notified afterwards.

  The third embodiment is different from the third embodiment except that FIG. 49 is used instead of FIG. 43, the modification shown in FIG. 55 is added to FIG. 47, and the points shown in FIGS. 53 and 54 are added. The drawings used in 1 can be used. In other words, in the third embodiment, the change is made according to the fact that the winning probability at the start of the game is notified afterwards only if the winning lottery is won before the number of gaming balls lent becomes the predetermined number. And drawings added with these limitations.

  Similarly to the second embodiment, the third embodiment also performs “effect control processing” according to FIG. 49. In the third embodiment, the contents of the demonstration effect process (S980), the effect mode setting process (S1000), and the symbol variation effect related process (S1100) are the same as those described in the first embodiment. In FIG. Further, the game start process (S1200) of the third embodiment is executed according to FIG. 53, and the post-game start process (S1250) of the third embodiment is executed according to FIG. Hereinafter, the game start process (S1200), the game start post-process (S1250), and the changed portion in the winning game effect process (S1300) will be described.

A. Game start processing (S1200)
The game start process (S1200) of the third embodiment is the same as the game start process (see FIG. 50) of the second embodiment, except that the process is executed according to FIG. 53 and the process of S1255 is added. . In other words, in the game start time process (S1200) of the third embodiment, the process of releasing the “game stop flag (see S1280 in FIG. 54)” is canceled (set to OFF) after a positive determination of the process in S1210 (S1215). ) And a process (S1220) of setting (storing) “current probability state (winning lottery win probability)” in the “game start state buffer”, and then setting the game start flag (set to ON) (S1255) is performed. Thereafter, the game start process (S1200) is terminated, and the process returns to the “effect control process” in FIG.

  Here, the “game start flag” is a flag indicating that “the period between the start of the game from the game stop state and the number of lending operations to 5 without generating a big hit”. is there. That is, this “game start flag” is set when the game stop state is released (when the game is started) (see S1225 in FIG. 53), and (a) the number of lending operations as described later. When the jackpot is generated before the number of times reaches five (see S1344 in FIG. 55), and (b) the number of lending operations is five without generating the jackpot (see S1295 in FIG. 54). And (c) when the game stop condition is satisfied (see S1295 in FIG. 54). In the gaming machine 1 of the third embodiment, assuming that the “game start flag” is set (set to ON), if a normal big hit or the first probability variation big hit occurs, the winning probability at the start of the game is increased. It is notified afterwards (see the process of S1332 in FIG. 55).

B. Post-game processing (S1250)
When the post-game start process (S1250) of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 54 is activated, it is determined whether or not the “game start flag” is set (set to ON) (S1255). If the “game start flag” has not been set (set to ON) (S1255; NO), the game start post-processing (S1250) is terminated as it is, and the “effect control process” in FIG. 49 is resumed. . On the other hand, when the “game start flag” is set (set to ON) (S1255; YES), the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 determines whether or not the “ball lending signal (ON)” is output (main It is determined whether or not a ball lending command is received from the control unit 200A (S1260).

  If a negative determination is made in the process of S1260 (S1260; YES), it is determined whether or not the “game stop condition” is satisfied (S1275). In the “game stop condition”, the touch switch (touch sensor) 9a outputs a contact non-detection signal (off signal), or a certain time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses, or the touch switch (touch sensor) 9a Is established when the “demonstration effect (FIG. 44)” is started in a state where the non-contact detection signal (off signal) is output.

  If the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 determines that the “game stop condition” is not satisfied (S1275; NO), the post-game start post-process (S1250) is terminated and the process returns to the “effect control process” in FIG. To do. On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of S1275 that the “game stop condition” is satisfied (S1275; YES), the process of setting the game stop flag (set to ON) (S1280) and the ball rental counter are initialized. After performing the (zero) process (S1285), the process of clearing the game start state buffer (S1290), and the process of releasing the game start flag (set to OFF) (S1295), the process after the game start (S1250) is ended, and the process returns to the “production control process” in FIG.

  Here, the ball lending counter is a counter for counting the number of lending operations executed after the game is started (after the game start flag is set). This ball lending counter constitutes a specific example of the “execution frequency counting means”, the count value (count value) at the start of the game is set to “zero” (see the processing of S1285), and the lending operation is “1”. "+1" every time the process is performed (see the process of S1265). In other words, once the gaming machine 1 is in the gaming stopped state (1275; YES, S1280), the count value of the ball rental counter is returned to the initial value (zero), so when the game is resumed in the gaming machine 1 The count value of the ball lending counter starts from “zero”.

  On the other hand, when the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 determines that the “ball lending signal (ON)” has been output (the ball lending command has been received) (S1260; YES), the count value of the ball lending counter is incremented by “+1”. After the processing (S1265), it is determined whether or not the count value of the ball lending counter has become “5” (that is, whether or not the count value of the execution count counting means has reached a predetermined value) (S1270). If it is determined that the count value of the ball lending counter is not “5” (S1270; NO), the game start post-processing (S1250) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the “effect control process” in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the count value of the ball lending counter becomes “5” (S1270; YES), the ball lending counter is initialized (set to zero) (S1285), and the game start state buffer is cleared. After performing the process (S1290) and the process (S1295) for releasing the game start flag (set to OFF), the post-game start process (S1250) is terminated and the process returns to the “effect control process” in FIG. To do. That is, after the game is started (after the game start flag is set), when the lending operation is performed five times, a process of canceling the game start flag (S1295) and the like are executed.

C. Winning game effect processing (S1300)
The winning game effect process (S1300) of the third embodiment is performed while changing a part of FIG. 47 as shown in FIG. That is, in the winning game effect process (S1300) of the third embodiment, the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220, as shown in FIG. 55, after the process of S1320 or S1330, displays the “game start flag (S1225 of FIG. 53). It is determined whether or not “see” is set (set to ON) (S1332). In other words, whether or not the normal big hit or the first probable big hit that occurred this time occurred after the game started (after setting the game start flag) until the number of lending operations reaches five. Is determined (S1332).

  If the normal big hit or the first probability variation big hit that has occurred this time does not occur until the number of lending operations reaches five (S1332; NO), the processing in and after S1375 in FIG. Transition. In this case, during the “round effect”, the effect display device 27 does not notify the “winning probability when a big hit occurs”. On the other hand, when the normal big hit or the first probability variation big hit that occurred this time has occurred until the number of lending operations reaches five (S1332; YES), the processing of S1334 and the processing of S1337 Then, after performing the process of S1338, the process of S1342, and the process of S1344, the process proceeds to the process after S1375 in FIG.

  In other words, if a positive determination is made in the process of S1332, the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 determines that “the winning at game start stored in the game start state buffer (see the process of S1220 in FIG. 53)” is performed. "Probability" is read (S1334). Next, after setting the “effect pattern informing the probability state at the start of the game” as the effect pattern of the round effect (S 1337), the process of clearing the “game start state buffer” (S 1338) and the ball rental counter After performing the initialization (set to zero) process (S1342) and the process of releasing the game start flag (set to OFF) (S1344), the process proceeds to S1375 and subsequent processes in FIG. In this case, during the seventh “round effect”, the effect display device 27 notifies the “winning probability when a big hit occurs”.

  According to the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained in addition to the effects of the second embodiment. That is, in the gaming machine 1 according to the third embodiment, the normal big hit or the first probability variation big hit is generated during the period from the start of the game until the number of lending processes executed without entering the game stop state becomes “5”. The probability post-notification means is activated only in the case of the case. In other words, the so-called “hyena act” is an act of generating a big hit at an early stage by using the effort of other players, so that a specific player (a player who has a lot of knowledge about gaming machines) While the number of medium lending does not increase (in Example 3, until 2,500 yen of game balls are lent out), the “hyena act” aims to be successful. Then, according to the third embodiment, whether or not the “hyena act” has been successfully performed (in the third embodiment, whether or not the hyena act has been successful before 2,500 yen of game balls are lent out) Therefore, it is possible to surely enhance the gaming interest of a specific player (a player who has a wealth of knowledge about gaming machines).

  Next, a modification of the third embodiment will be described. This modification is different from the third embodiment in that FIG. 56 is used instead of FIG. That is, in the winning game effect process (S1300) of the first modification, as shown in FIG. 56, when it is determined in the process of S1350 that the current hit is “2R probability variable big hit” (S1315; NO, S1325; NO). , S1350; YES) After setting the “2R probability variation big hit effect pattern” (S1355), the ball rental counter is initialized (set to zero) (S1362), and the game start state buffer is rewritten. Processing (S1364) is performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S1375 and subsequent steps shown in FIG.

  In the process of S1364, regardless of whether the actual winning probability at the start of the game is a high probability or a low probability, the winning probability after the current hit occurrence is “high probability state” in the game start state buffer. “Effect” is stored (the winning probability is rewritten).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of S1350 that the current hit is “small hit” (S1315; NO, S1325; NO, S1350; NO), processing for setting “effect pattern for small hit” After performing (S1365) and the process (S1362) of initializing the ball lending counter (set to zero) (S1362), the process proceeds to the process after S1385 shown in FIG. Here, the process of S1364 constitutes a specific example of the process performed by the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 as “rewriting means”, and the processes of S1362 and S1372 are performed by the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 as “count value resetting means”. A specific example of processing to be performed is configured.

  According to the modification, in addition to the effects of the third embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. In other words, in the gaming machine of the first modification, if the second probability variation big hit or small hit occurs after the start of the game until the number of executions of the loan processing reaches five, the count of the number of executions of the loan processing is counted from the beginning. Try again. Thereafter, if a normal big hit or the first probability variation big hit occurs until the number of executions of the lending process is five, the winning probability at the time of occurrence of the big hit will be notified afterwards. Therefore, according to the modification, it is possible to sufficiently improve the interest of the player in a situation where the second probability big hit or small hit has occurred.

Having described the embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto, without departing from the scope described in 請 Motomeko 1, without being limited to the description language of 請 Motomeko 1, Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  That is, in each Example, the mode (mode which alert | reports that a winning probability is set to a high probability) which the probability non-notification means does not operate | move by the type of jackpot was illustrated. That is, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), when the normal jackpot is generated and when the first probability variation jackpot is generated, different jackpot symbols (the normal jackpot symbol and the first probability variation are different in the effect display device 27). An example of displaying the jackpot symbol) is illustrated. On the other hand, the same jackpot symbol is displayed on the effect display device 27 when the normal jackpot is generated and when the first probability variation jackpot is generated (the normal jackpot symbol and the first probability variation jackpot symbol are displayed). It is also possible to eliminate the distinction). That is, a mode in which the probability non-notification means operates (functions) in a case where a normal big hit occurs and a case where the first probability variation big hit occurs may be employed. This makes it difficult for the player to identify whether or not the winning probability is set to a high probability based on the jackpot symbol displayed on the effect display device 27 when the jackpot occurs.

  Moreover, in each Example, although the mode which prohibits the action | operation of a probability posterior alerting | reporting means when the 2nd probability variation big hit was produced was demonstrated, even if it act | operates a probability posterior alert | reporting means regardless of the kind of jackpot Good (that is, the probability posterior notification means may be activated even when the second probability variation jackpot is generated).

  Furthermore, as a specific period of “notification of winning probability”, in addition to “during a big hit round”, “fanfare directing”, “ending ending”, “symbol changing”, etc. can also be selected. . In each embodiment, the effect display device 27 is exemplified as the effect means for performing the subsequent notification of the winning probability. However, the sound generating means (for example, speakers SP1 to SP4) and the light emitting means (various LEDs for decoration, etc.). For example, the post-notification of the winning probability may be performed.

Further, in each embodiment, the gaming machine 1 including one variable start winning device and one non-variable start winning device is illustrated, but the gaming machine having only one variable start winning device. A gaming machine having only a plurality of variable start prize devices, a gaming machine having a plurality of variable start prize devices and one or a plurality of non-variable start prize devices, one variable start prize for a device with a plurality of non-variable type starting winning device and a game machine provided with, it can be applied to the invention and the reference invention of 請 Motomeko 1.

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

1; gaming machine (ball game machine),
2; outer frame,
17a; first start winning device,
17b; second start winning device,
27; production display device (production means),
27a; display screen,
31; Grand prize device (variable prize device),
109; game ball payout device (prize ball payout means),
200A; main control unit (big hit lottery means, big hit game execution means, probability setting means, opening extension means, variable time reduction means),
203; ROM,
220A; sub-control unit (probability non-notification means, probability storage means, game start detection means, execution count counting means, rewriting means, count value resetting means),
222A; effect display control unit.

Claims (1)

A jackpot lottery means for performing a lottery as to whether or not to generate a big hit due to the winning of a game ball in the start winning device,
When winning the jackpot lottery, the jackpot game execution means for executing the jackpot game for changing the closed variable winning device to the open state;
Probability setting means for setting the winning probability of the jackpot lottery after execution of the jackpot game to a low probability or a high probability,
A gaming machine in which it is difficult for a player to identify the winning probability set by the probability setting means,
Probability storage means for storing the winning probability set by the probability setting means;
When winning the jackpot lottery, the probability post-notification means for reading the winning probability set at the time of winning from the probability storage means, and performing notification of the read winning probability using a predetermined effect means;
A game start detecting means for detecting that a game has started through a game stop state in which no game is played for a certain period of time;
With
The probability storage means stores the winning probability set by the probability setting means when the game start detection means detects a game start,
further,
A lending operation unit;
A lending processing unit that lends a predetermined number of game media by lending operation to the lending operation unit,
An execution number counting means for counting the number of executions of the lending process performed without entering the game stop state after the game start detection means detects the game start;
With
The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein when the big hit lottery is won before the count value of the execution number counting means reaches a predetermined value, the probability post-notification means notifies the winning probability .

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