JP5874765B2 - 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.

Usually, a ball-type game machine (pachinko machine) has an open / close-type start winning device, a variable display device,
And a large winning device (variable winning device). In such a gaming machine, it is determined whether or not to generate a winning due to a game ball winning a start winning device (causing a start winning). In other words, “a gaming machine that determines whether or not to generate a big win due to a start winning prize” is determined as a big hit lottery, or “a game that determines whether or not to generate a big hit due to a start winning prize, A gaming machine that performs a lottery on whether or not to generate a small hit when the result of the big hit lottery is a loss is used as a lottery lottery.

In addition, in the variable display device, after performing the symbol variation using the special symbol over a predetermined time, “the result of the determination of success / failure executed due to the start winning prize (the result of the big hit lottery or the result of the small hit lottery) The stop symbol indicating "is confirmed and displayed. Since the variation time (predetermined time) of the symbol variation is specified by the variation pattern, the content of the effect performed as the symbol variation depends on the variation pattern.

When the "stop symbol for generating a big hit (big hit symbol)" is confirmed and displayed on the variable display device, the gaming machine starts the big hit game and performs an opening operation of the opening / closing member constituting the big winning device,
The big winning device in the closed state is changed 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 the grand prize winning opening or a predetermined time elapses, the opening / closing member is temporarily closed to close the grand winning device and applied to the opening / closing member. Complete one unit drive. When this “unit driving 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 a gaming machine that performs a lottery lottery, when the “stop symbol for generating a small hit (small hit symbol)” is stopped and displayed on the variable display device, the gaming machine starts a small hit game, Open and close the winning device a specific number of times. When the total opening time of the special winning opening reaches a specific time (for example, 1.8 seconds) by this specific number of times of opening and closing, the gaming machine ends the small hit game.

In this type of gaming machine, it is common to provide a variation pattern table corresponding to the gaming mode of the gaming machine (probability mode, variation mode, etc.) and execute symbol variation (symbol variation effect) according to each gaming mode. It is. For example, if the gaming mode of the gaming machine is a low probability mode in which the probability of the success / failure determination being a big hit is a low probability, the variation pattern is determined using the variation pattern table for the low probability mode, A gaming machine is disclosed in which a variation pattern is determined using a variation pattern table for a high probability mode when the probability is a high probability that the result is a big hit (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-216053

In this way, in conventional gaming machines, a variation pattern table that defines the variation time of a special symbol is generally provided corresponding to the gaming mode, and the variation time of the special symbol is fixed for each gaming mode. It is the target. That is, in the conventional gaming machine, since the relationship between each game mode and the variation pattern table is 1: 1, there is a limit to allow variation in the symbol variation effect (production execution time) according to the game mode. . Therefore, the actual situation is that it is not possible to effectively enhance the game interest after the end of the hit game.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and the object of the present invention is to provide a variation in the symbol variation effect after the end of the hit game, and to enhance the game after the end of the hit game. It is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the game.

The gaming machine according to claim 1,
A variable start winning device capable of changing between a state where the game ball is difficult to win and a state where the game ball is easy to win, or one or more non-variable start start devices capable of winning the game ball, and Comprising two or more start winning devices including one or more variable start winning devices;
Based on the winning of the game ball in the starting winning device, the variable display device displays the variation of the symbol, and when the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a win, the winning game for opening the big winning device is displayed. A gaming machine to execute,
A game mode setting means for setting the game mode when the symbol change display is performed to any one of a plurality of game modes;
As a variation pattern table used for determining the variation pattern of the symbol, a first variation pattern table that can be used according to the game mode set by the game mode setting means, and a predetermined value after the winning game is finished a variation pattern table storage means and the second fluctuation pattern table be usable is used regardless of the the game mode, the storing at least the period of use,
A variation pattern table setting unit for setting any one of the variation pattern tables stored in the variation pattern table storage unit as a variation pattern table to be used;
Variation pattern determining means for determining a variation pattern of the symbol using a variation pattern table set by the variation pattern table setting means;
With
The variation pattern table storage means stores a plurality of the second variation pattern tables,
The variation pattern table setting means includes:
If a hit occurs within the period of use of one of the second variation pattern tables, the second variation pattern table other than the second variation pattern table is different from the one second variation pattern table after the winning game related to the hit is completed. Can be set,
The first variation pattern table can be set when the usage period has passed without the occurrence of a hit within the usage period of the second variation pattern table.

In addition, the gaming machine of another invention related to the present invention is:
It is equipped with a variable start winning device that can be changed between a closed state where the game ball is difficult to win and an open state where the game ball is easy to win, or one or more non-variable start wins that allow the game ball to win Two or more start winning devices including a device and one or more variable start winning devices,
When the game ball is won in the starting winning device, the variable display device displays a variation of the symbol, and when the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a big hit, the variable winning device in the closed state is opened. A gaming machine that executes a jackpot game to be changed,
As the gaming mode of the gaming machine, at least one of a plurality of gaming modes including a shortened variation mode in which a variation time shortening unit that shortens the variation time of the symbol operates and a normal variation mode in which the variation time shortening unit does not operate Game mode setting means for setting the crab;
The first variation pattern table used in the normal variation mode, the second variation pattern table used in the shortened variation mode, and the first used regardless of the game mode.
To Nth variation pattern tables up to Nth (N is a natural number of 2 or more), variation pattern table storage means for storing at least
Variation pattern determining means for determining a variation pattern using any of the variation pattern tables stored in the variation pattern table storage means;
Based on the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, the variation display device starts the variation display of the symbol, and when the variation time specified by the variation pattern has elapsed, the variation of the symbol ends the variation display of the symbol. Control means;
A usage period setting means for setting a usage period of the third variation pattern table when using the third variation pattern table;
When a big hit occurs when using the first fluctuation pattern table, a third fluctuation pattern table use starting means for starting use of the first third fluctuation pattern table after the big hit game related to the big hit is completed;
When a big hit occurs when the nth (n is a natural number from 1 to N−1) third variation pattern table is used, the (n + 1) th third variation pattern table is obtained after the big hit game related to the big hit is completed. A third variation pattern table changing means for starting the use of
It is characterized by providing.

In the gaming machine of another invention, when a big hit is generated when the first fluctuation pattern table is used, the use of the third fluctuation pattern table (first third fluctuation pattern table) regardless of the game mode is started after the big hit game ends. The When a big hit is generated when the first third variation pattern table is used, after the big hit game is finished, “the game mode is not limited and the first
The third variation pattern table (second third variation pattern table) for determining a variation pattern different from the variation pattern determined using the third variation pattern table is started. That is, until the use of the Nth (N is a natural number of 2 or more) third fluctuation pattern table is started, a big hit is generated when each special fluctuation pattern is used, so that another third fluctuation is sequentially generated. Use of the pattern table begins.

That is, in the gaming machine of another invention, once the gaming machine shifts to a state where the third variation pattern table is used and a special effect (symbol variation effect) independent of the game mode is started, the use of the table is used. By generating a big hit within the period, the state is shifted to a state in which another third variation pattern table is sequentially used, and further different special effects (design variation effects) are performed. Thereby, a variation can be given to the symbol variation effect after the end of the big hit game, and the game entertainment after the big hit game can be enhanced.

The gaming machine according to another invention includes one or a plurality of profit granting means for giving a game profit (value) to the player after the jackpot game is over. The “game mode setting means” selects the presence / absence of the operation of the profit granting means (probability changing means, opening extension means, etc., as described 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.

For example, when the “profit granting means” includes a “probability changing means for changing the probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit after the jackpot game ends from a low probability to a high probability”, the gaming mode of the gaming machine is set. The “high probability mode” for operating the probability changing means and the “low probability mode” for stopping the operation of the probability changing means can be set. In the following explanation,
A game mode that occurs depending on whether or not the probability changing means is activated may be referred to as a “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”.

As "Profit imparting means", when armed with the "variation time shortening means for shortening the time varying of symbol variation" is a game mode of the game machine, "short-varying very much over de actuate the variation time shortening means (time reduction Mode) "and" normal fluctuation mode "for stopping the operation of the fluctuation time shortening means. 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 following description, a game mode that occurs depending on whether or not the variation time shortening means is activated may be referred to as “variation mode”. In the following explanation, although not related to the game mode, for convenience of explanation, “a mode for performing a special symbol variation display (design variation) according to a variation pattern determined by the third variation pattern table” is referred to as a “special variation mode”. May be called.

In the case of providing “probability changing means” and “opening extension means” as “profit giving means”
By selecting whether or not the “probability changing means” and “open extension means” are activated, up to four game modes can be set. 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
) Game mode realized by combination of “low probability mode” and “open extension mode” (
Hereinafter, it is referred to as “low probability open extension mode”. ), (C) a game mode (hereinafter referred to as “high probability normal release mode”) realized by a combination of “high probability mode” and “normal release mode”, and (d) “low probability mode” The game mode can be set to any one of the game modes (hereinafter referred to as “low probability normal release mode”) realized in combination with the “normal release mode”.

In the case where “probability changing means” and “variation time shortening means” are provided as “profit granting means”, a game mode (combination mode) realized by a combination of “probability mode” and “variation mode” It can also be called as follows. That is, (e) a game mode realized by a combination of “high probability mode” and “normal variation mode” is referred to as “high probability normal variation mode”, and (f) “low probability mode” and “normal variation mode”. The game mode realized by the combination with the “low probability normal variation mode” is referred to as (g) the game mode realized by the combination of the “high probability mode” and the “short variation mode” as the “high probability shortened variation mode”. (H) A game mode realized by a combination of “low probability mode” and “shortened variation mode” may be referred to as “low probability shortened variation mode”. Note that (i) a mode realized by a combination of “high probability mode” and “special variation mode” is referred to as “high probability special variation mode”, and (j) “normal probability mode” and “special variation mode” A mode realized by a combination of the above may be referred to as a “low probability special variation mode”.

Here, the relationship among the first variation pattern table, the second variation pattern table, and each third variation pattern table is as follows. That is, the first variation pattern table is a variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern for normal variation, and the second variation pattern table is “a variation time of symbol variation is shortened compared to a variation pattern for normal variation. The variation pattern table for determining the “variation pattern for shortening variation”, and each third variation pattern table includes “a variation pattern for normal variation and a variation pattern for variation that is different from the variation pattern for shortening variation”. It is a fluctuation pattern table for determining.

The second variation pattern table is also a variation pattern table used in the corresponding game mode (game mode in which the variation time shortening means operates). In the gaming machine in which the first variation pattern table, the second variation pattern table, and each third variation pattern table are stored in the variation pattern table storage means, the first variation pattern table is “the variation time shortening means Used in the “game mode in which the operation is stopped”, the second variation pattern table is used in “the game mode in which the variation time shortening means is activated”, and the third variation pattern table is used regardless of whether or not the variation time shortening means is activated. used.

In another invention and reference invention 6 described later, “first variation pattern table” and “
When the “second variation pattern table” is distinguished for hitting (for big hit / small hit) and for losing (however, it may not be distinguished), the “shortening variation pattern table” is “shortened” It is sufficient to satisfy that “the variation time of the symbol variation specified by the variation pattern for variation is shorter than the variation time of the symbol variation identified by the variation pattern for normal variation”.
Each “displacement variation pattern table” is used more frequently than the “win variation pattern table”. Moreover, even if the hit fluctuation is specified by the fluctuation pattern table for shortening fluctuation, the fluctuation time tends to be longer like normal fluctuation in order to perform sufficient reach production, and special fluctuation is also sufficient. This is because an opportunity to perform a reach production should not necessarily be excluded.

In addition to the first variation pattern table and the first to Nth N third variation pattern tables, the variation pattern table storage unit also stores a second variation pattern table.

In this specification, “hit” may refer to only “big hit”, or may refer to both “big hit” and small hit (see Reference Invention 8 described later). In other words, the gaming machine of another invention is “
"A gaming machine that determines whether or not to generate a big hit due to a start winning prize (a gaming machine that performs only a big hit lottery out of the big hit lottery and the small hit lottery)" or "
A gaming machine that performs a big hit lottery due to the start winning prize and performs a lottery as a small hit lottery to determine whether or not to generate a small hit (a hit with less profit for the player than the big win) Depending on the determination, it may be a gaming machine that performs a big hit lottery and a small hit lottery). In the former case, only the big hit game is played as the hit game, and in the latter case, the big hit game or the small hit game is played as the win game. In the latter case, a random number different from the random number for the big win lottery may be used as the random number for the lottery used for the small lottery lottery.
Random numbers for the big hit lottery may be used (selecting the winning value for the small lottery from the random number value that is out of the big hit lottery).

In this specification, each “variation pattern table” is for winning (for big hits and for small hits),
It may or may not be distinguished for removal. In addition, as the period of use of each third variation pattern table, for example, a period until the number of symbol variation games executed when each third variation pattern table is used becomes a predetermined number of times (see Reference Invention 4 described later) ) And each third
Examples include a period until the elapsed time after the start of use of the variation pattern table reaches a predetermined time. In addition, although a fixed period may always be set as each use period, a different use period may be set every time use of each 3rd fluctuation pattern table is started. For example, the period of use may be changed according to the type of symbol (hit symbol) at the time of jackpot occurrence (probability variation symbol, short time symbol, etc.) and the result of random number lottery. Further detailed description of the “third variation pattern table” will be described later.

Further, in the invention of each claim and the gaming machine of another invention, “variable start winning device” “
The “open condition” can be defined as follows. For example, in a gaming machine, a pass gate through which a game ball can pass is provided, and the game ball passes through this pass gate,
An open / close lottery is performed to determine whether or not to change the variable start winning device from the closed state to the open state. If the result of the open / close lottery is a win, the “open condition” may be established, and the variable start winning device may be changed to the open state over a predetermined open time.

Here, the use of the third variation pattern table is started when a big hit is generated when the first variation pattern table is used.
It is executed by generating big hits when using the variation pattern table. When these big hits are generated, depending on the type of big hit symbol displayed on the variable display device, the game machine after the big hit game related to the big hit is finished. A game mode is set. For example, in a gaming machine provided with a probability changing means and an opening extension means, the game is distributed to a low probability normal opening mode or a high probability normal opening mode depending on the type of jackpot symbol. In this case, the duration of the game mode determined by the type of jackpot symbol (for example, the number of fluctuations of the special symbol) may be equal to the usage period of the third variation pattern table, but a difference may be provided. . However, when the usage period of the third variation pattern table is shorter than the duration of the game mode, the third variation pattern table is used during the latter usage period, and when the latter usage period ends, the original game A variation pattern table (for example, the first variation pattern table for the high probability normal opening mode) is used according to the mode.

The invention of each claim and the gaming machine of another invention may be provided with only one variable start winning device, but one or more variable start winning devices and one or more non-variable start devices. Two or more start winning devices including a winning device may be provided.

A gaming machine according to a first invention (hereinafter referred to as reference invention 1) disclosed in the present specification for reference is:
When the opening condition is satisfied, the game ball is provided with a variable start winning device that changes over a predetermined opening time from a closed state in which the game ball is difficult to win to an open state in which it is easy to win, or the possibility of winning the game ball is constant. Including two or more start prize devices including one or more non-variable start prize devices and one or more variable start prize devices,
Due to the winning of the game ball in the start winning device, it is determined whether or not the winning game is executed, and a winning symbol indicating that the result of the determination is successful is determined on the variable display device. When displayed, a gaming machine that executes a winning game for changing a variable winning device in a closed state to an open state,
Game mode setting means for setting the game mode after the end of the big hit game as the winning game to any one of a plurality of game modes having different game values for the player;
A first variation pattern table for determining a variation pattern for normal variation that is used in the corresponding game mode, and a variation different from the variation pattern for normal variation that is used regardless of the game mode. First to Nth (N
Is a variation pattern table storage means storing at least N third variation pattern tables up to 2 natural numbers),
A variation pattern determination unit that determines a variation pattern using any variation pattern table stored in the variation pattern table storage unit each time the determination is made;
In accordance with the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means, the variable display device starts symbol variation, and when the variation time specified by the variation pattern has elapsed,
In the variable display device, a symbol variation control means for confirming and displaying a stop symbol indicating the result of the success / failure determination;
Use period setting means for setting a use period of the third variation pattern table each time use of each third variation pattern table is started;
When a big hit as the hit occurs when using the first fluctuation pattern table, the use of the third fluctuation pattern table is started to start using the first third fluctuation pattern table after the big hit game related to the big hit is completed. Means,
When the big hit occurs when the nth (n is a natural number from 1 to N−1) third variation pattern table is used, after the big hit game related to the big hit is finished, the (n + 1) th third variation pattern. Third variation pattern table changing means for starting use of the table;
It is characterized by providing.
A gaming machine according to a second invention (hereinafter referred to as reference invention 2) disclosed by reference in the present specification is the gaming machine of reference invention 1,
When the variation times specified by the variation patterns determined using the third variation pattern tables are compared, the variation times decrease in order from the first third variation pattern table to the Nth third variation pattern table. Or it is characterized by increasing.

In the gaming machine of the reference invention 2, since the presentation time decreases or increases each time the third variation pattern table is changed, the variation of the symbol variation effect after the big hit game can be further increased. It is possible to further enhance the gaming interest after the game ends.

A gaming machine according to a third invention (hereinafter referred to as reference invention 3) disclosed by reference in the present specification is the gaming machine of reference invention 1 or reference invention 2,
The variation pattern determining means includes
Determining a variation pattern to be used for the symbol variation from a plurality of variation patterns stored in the first variation pattern table when using the first variation pattern table;
When each of the first to Nth third variation pattern tables is used, one variation pattern stored in each third variation pattern table is determined as a variation pattern used for the symbol variation.

According to the reference invention 3, since the time of symbol variation can be fixed during the use period of each third variation pattern table, an effective presentation can be executed over the entire use period. For example, each third
An effect that is effective throughout the entire use period can be executed by alternately performing an effect in a special mode with different contents within the use period of the variation pattern table, or by performing an effect that continues throughout the entire use period. That is, one type of variation pattern stored in each third variation pattern table (which may be a variation pattern table in which the hit and miss are independent or may be one variation pattern table). Then, since the variation time of the entire predetermined period can be calculated in advance, a more effective presentation can be performed.

A gaming machine according to a fourth invention (hereinafter referred to as a reference invention 4) disclosed by reference in this specification is a gaming machine according to any one of the reference inventions 1 to 3,
The usage period set by the usage period setting means is terminated by executing the symbol variation a predetermined number of times.

In the reference invention 4, since the usage period of each third variation pattern table is cut by the “number of times symbol variation is executed”, it is possible to give a sharpness to the game.

In the above-described gaming machine of another invention,
A number-of-occurrence counting means for counting the number of occurrences of big hits when using the nth third variation pattern table;
The third variation pattern table changing means does not start to use the (n + 1) th third variation pattern table until the count value of the occurrence number counting means reaches M (M is a natural number of 2 or more). It can also be configured.

In this another invention, the next third variation pattern table is gradually used by generating a large number of hits (M times) while using each third variation pattern table. That means
In this another invention, it is intended to further enhance the game entertainment by increasing the hurdle (the difficulty level of establishment of the transition condition) for shifting to the next third variation pattern table.

A gaming machine according to a fifth invention (hereinafter referred to as a reference invention 5) disclosed in the present specification for reference is a gaming machine according to any one of the reference inventions 1 to 4,
As the variable display device,
Displayed by a first variable display device that constitutes the variation pattern determination means and is display-controlled by a main control unit that controls the basic progression of the game, and a sub-control unit that receives a display control command transmitted from the main control unit A second variable display device to be controlled,
In the second variable display device, when the first to Nth third variation pattern tables are used, the first to Nth special effect displays are executed, and the contents of the special effect displays are different.
The contents of each special effect display are different from the contents of the effect display executed by the second variable display device when the first variation pattern table is used.

In the reference invention 5, a variable display device for production (second variable display device) is provided as a variable display device, and according to the type of variation pattern table (each third variation pattern table, each first variation pattern table) to be used. Since the aspect of the effect display is changed, it is possible to give a sharpness to the game effect. 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.

A gaming machine according to a sixth invention (hereinafter referred to as reference invention 6) disclosed by reference in the present specification is a gaming machine according to any one of reference inventions 1 to 5,
Fluctuation time shortening means for shortening the variation time of the symbol variation,
In the variation pattern table storage means,
A variation pattern for variation shortening that is used when the variation time shortening means is operated and that shortens the variation time of the symbol variation is determined rather than the variation pattern determined using the first variation pattern table. A second variation pattern table for storing,
The use period set by the use period setting means is shorter than the operating period of the fluctuation time shortening means.

In Reference Invention 6, in order to make the second variation pattern table coexist in the gaming machine provided with the first variation pattern table and each third variation pattern table, the variation of the symbol variation effect after the big hit game is further updated. It can be further increased, and the game interest after the big hit game can be further enhanced. Further, according to the reference invention 6, the player is shortened even after the usage period of any of the third variation pattern tables has elapsed without causing a big hit within the usage period of any of the third variation pattern tables. Also from the point that profits due to fluctuations can be obtained, it is possible to further enhance the game entertainment after the big hit game.

Further, in the reference invention 6, it is possible to determine whether or not to operate the fluctuation time shortening means after the big hit is ended, depending on the type of the big hit symbol. Also, the operating period of the variable time shortening means is
For example, it can be determined by the number of fluctuations of the special symbol, the operation duration of the fluctuation time shortening means, or the like. Furthermore, in Reference Invention 6, when the usage period of the third variation pattern table ends,
A variation pattern table (first variation pattern table or second variation pattern table) according to whether or not the variation time shortening means is activated is used. Further, in the reference invention 6, without using the big hit, when the usage period of any of the third fluctuation pattern tables elapses, the use of the fluctuation pattern table according to the presence or absence of the operation of the fluctuation time shortening means can be started. it can.

A gaming machine according to a seventh invention (hereinafter referred to as reference invention 7) disclosed by reference in the present specification is a gaming machine according to any one of the reference inventions 1 to 6,
Start prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the third variation pattern table use starting means when the jackpot generated when using the first variation pattern table is a specific jackpot;
Second change prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the third fluctuation pattern table changing means when the big hit generated when the nth third fluctuation pattern table is used is a specific big hit;
It is characterized by providing.

In the gaming machine of Reference Invention 7, in order to start using the special variation pattern or change the special variation pattern in use, a specific big hit other than “specific big hit” (hereinafter referred to as “non-specific big hit”). ) Is required. In other words, the “hurdle” to start using the special variation pattern or change the special variation pattern in use is high,
According to the reference invention 7, it is possible to further enhance the gaming interest. Here, examples of the “non-specific big hit” include “big hit that triggers the operation of the opening extension means” and “big hit that triggers the operation of the probability changing means”.

A gaming machine according to an eighth invention (hereinafter referred to as a reference invention 8) disclosed in the present specification is a gaming machine according to any one of the reference inventions 1 to 7,
As the winning game, one of a big hit game performed when the result of the success / failure determination is the big hit and a small hit game executed when the result is the small hit is executed, and the result of the determination of the success / failure is a big hit In some cases, the mode of the jackpot is determined from among the jackpots of multiple modes,
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;
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 with a low probability that the result of the success / failure determination will be a jackpot after the first jackpot game,
Executing the first jackpot game and, after the first jackpot game, a first probability variable jackpot having a high probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a jackpot;
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. Executing a low second jackpot game and a second probability variable jackpot having a high probability that the result of the success / failure determination is a jackpot after the second jackpot game;
Contains
In the small hit game, the winning ball paying means 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. The probability that the result of the success / failure determination will be the jackpot before and after the execution of the small hit game is the same,
When the small hit game is started at the time of using the first variation pattern table, the third variation pattern table use starting means is activated after the end of the small hit game,
When the small hit game is started at the time of using the nth third fluctuation pattern table, the third fluctuation pattern table changing means is operated after the small hit game is finished.

According to the reference invention 8, the small hit can be more meaningful (value) for the player. In other words, not only the big hit but also the small hit is generated, the third variation pattern table use starting means is activated or the third variation pattern table changing means is activated. That is, since the occurrence of a small hit serves as a “start” for the start of use of the third variation pattern table and the change of the third variation pattern table to be used, the value (existence significance) of the small hit can be further increased.

A gaming machine according to a ninth invention (hereinafter referred to as reference invention 9) disclosed by reference in the present specification is the gaming machine of reference invention 8,
A hit occurrence count counting means for counting the number of hits every time the hit occurs when using the nth third variation pattern table;
Until the count value of the hit occurrence number counting means reaches P (P is a natural number of 2 or more), the third
Third change prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the variation pattern table changing means;
It is characterized by providing.

In the reference invention 9, the next third variation pattern table is gradually used by generating multiple hits (P hits or small hits) while using each third variation pattern table. . That is, the reference invention 9 intends to further enhance the game entertainment interest by increasing the hurdle (the degree of difficulty for establishing the transition condition) for shifting to the next third variation pattern table. Here, in the reference invention 9, every time the third change prohibiting unit operates, the usage period of the third variation pattern table that is already in use may be reset, or the remaining usage period that has already been set can be retained. The period may be used as it is.

Here, in the gaming machine of Reference Invention 8 or Reference Invention 9,
For the jackpot of the multiple embodiments,
By releasing the variable winning device for a predetermined time, a third big hit game in which the possibility of winning a prize ball by the winning ball payout means is lower than the first big hit game and higher than the second big hit game. And a second normal jackpot in which the probability mode is set to a low probability mode after the third jackpot game ends,
Executing the third jackpot game, and after the third jackpot game ends, a third probability variable jackpot in which the probability mode is set to the high probability mode;
Contains
The second normal jackpot and the third probability variable jackpot may be an open extension type jackpot that extends the opening time of the variable start winning device after the jackpot game ends (hereinafter referred to as related). This is referred to as Invention 1.)

Here, in the gaming machine of Reference Invention 8, Reference Invention 9 or Related Invention 1,
As the first probability variation big hit, in addition to the first probability variation big hit, the variable winning device is the first probability variation big hit.
By performing the predetermined number of repetitive opening operations over a plurality of opening times over a shorter opening time than in the case of the big hit game, the award is highly irregular with a high possibility of winning a prize ball by the prize ball paying means. An irregular first probabilistic jackpot is provided in which a first jackpot game is executed and the probability mode after the irregular first jackpot game is set to a high probability mode;
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 each claim or each reference invention,
First determination random number storage means for storing a first determination random number generated based on a winning of a game ball to the non-variable start winning device, up to a first number;
Second determination random number storage means for storing a second determination random number generated based on a winning of a game ball to the variable start winning device, up to a second number;
With
Read the first determination random number stored in the first determination random number storage means,
Performing the determination as a first determination, reading out the second determination random number stored in the second determination random number storage means, performing the determination as a second determination;
When the first determination random number is stored in the first determination random number storage unit and the second determination random number is stored in the second determination random number storage unit, the second determination The determination may be performed with priority over the first success / failure determination (hereinafter referred to as a priority variation type gaming machine).

In addition, when any of Reference Invention 8, Reference Invention 9, Related Invention 1 or Related Invention 2 is applied to this priority variation type gaming machine,
When the determination result of the first success / failure determination is the jackpot, a first jackpot mode determining means for determining the mode of the jackpot to be generated by random lottery;
When the determination result of the second success / failure determination is the jackpot, second jackpot mode determining means for determining the mode of the jackpot to be generated by random lottery;
With
Only when the result of the first success / failure determination is not the big hit, the small hit can occur,
The first jackpot mode determining means includes:
Determining a mode of jackpot to be generated from a plurality of modes of jackpots including the normal jackpot, the first probability variation jackpot (which may include the anomaly type described above), and the second probability variation jackpot;
The second jackpot mode determining means includes:
Generated from a plurality of modes of the extended extension type jackpot including the first probability variation jackpot (which may include the above-mentioned irregular type), the second normal jackpot, and the third probability variation jackpot. A feature of determining the jackpot to be performed may be determined (hereinafter referred to as related invention 3).

In the gaming machine of the related invention 3, once the second success / failure determination is processed in preference to the first success / failure determination, there is a high possibility that only the open extension type jackpot will be generated. Can be further increased.

In the gaming machine that performs the “small hit game” disclosed in this specification,
When the small hit game is started at the time of using any of the third variation pattern tables, the remaining period change for changing the remaining period of the usage period after the end of the small hit game after the end of the small hit game Means may be provided (hereinafter referred to as related invention 4).

In this case, the small hit can be made more meaningful (value) for the player.
That is, when the small hit game is started when using any of the third variation pattern tables,
After the end of the small hit game, the remaining period of the used period of the third variation pattern table being used can be changed. Here, the remaining period changing means may shorten or extend the remaining period of the usage period. In particular, the remaining period may be “zero” suddenly, or conversely, the remaining period may be started from the beginning. In either case, the game can be sharpened by changing the remaining period.

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.

As described above, according to the invention of each claim, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can give variations to the symbol variation effect after the end of the hit game and can enhance the game interest after the end of the hit game.

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 which concerns 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. (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. 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 jackpot symbol, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a loss symbol. (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 symbol fluctuation display performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It 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 symbol fluctuation display performed by the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It 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 a flowchart which shows a game control process. 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) is a flowchart which shows the success / failure determination process of each Example, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the change part in the success / failure determination process of Example 3. FIG. 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 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 a big hit game process. It is a flow figure showing processing at the time of big hit game end. It is a flow figure showing processing at the time of big hit game end. It is a flowchart for explaining the effect control 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. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the probability of jackpot lottery etc. in the normal probability mode in the modification 1, (b) is the description for demonstrating the probability of jackpot lottery in the high probability mode in the modification 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used in the special figure 1 big hit lottery in the modification 1 (1st big hit lottery). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table used in the special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd big hit lottery) in the modification 1. FIG. In the special symbol game process of the modification 1, it is explanatory drawing (flow figure) which shows the changed location from the special symbol game process of Example 1. FIG. FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram (flow diagram) showing a changed part from the big hit game end process of the first embodiment in the big hit game end process of the first modification. In the special symbol game process of the modification 2, it is explanatory drawing (flow figure) which shows the changed part from the special symbol game process of Example 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing (flow figure) which shows the changed part from the special symbol game process of Example 1 in the process at the time of the big hit game of Example 2. FIG. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the probability etc. of jackpot lottery in normal probability mode in Example 3, (b) is the description for demonstrating the probability etc. of jackpot lottery in high probability mode in Example 3. It is a figure, (c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the probability of a lottery lottery etc. in Example 3. FIG. (A) is a flowchart which shows the game control process of Example 3, (b) is a flowchart which shows the correction part of the symbol change start process in Example 3. FIG. In the special symbol game process of Example 3, it is explanatory drawing (flow figure) which shows the changed location from the special symbol game process of Example 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the small hit game process of Example 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the end of the small hit game of Example 3. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 2. FIG.

Hereinafter, an embodiment showing the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each example described below, each specific example in which the invention according to each claim is applied to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 referred to as a “seven machine” 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, a gaming machine main body H attached to the outer frame 2,
It has.

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, and the upper plate member 5.
The lower plate member 6, the game board 10 (see FIG. 4), the back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 6), 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 openable and closable 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 protrusion 3c
The holding tool 3f is provided on the upper and lower sides of the window portion 3M and on the right and left sides of the window portion 3M.
Is mounted in a rotatable state, and the game board 10 is held by the main body frame 3 by bringing the protruding end of the holder 3f into contact with the rear surface of the game board 10. Further, 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. In addition, on the back of the game board 10, the back mechanism board 1
02 (see FIG. 6) is attached, and the back surface portion is covered.

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. 9) are built in on the left and right sides of the upper end portion of the front frame 4, respectively. In the gaming machine 1, the speakers SP are also provided on the left and right ends of the front plate portion 22.
3, SP4 (see FIG. 9) is built-in. 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. 7 and 8) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 8) are provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and an “effect button” is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5. SW ”is arranged (see FIG. 1).

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. Furthermore, the firing handle 9
Is connected to a launcher unit (not shown) behind it. The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch 9a for detecting that the player is touching the handle, and in the vicinity thereof, a launch stop switch 9b for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball. Is installed.

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 forming portion 10B.
And 10 C of the area | region exterior located in the circumference | surroundings. 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 “variable display device” for displaying the present symbol (specific example of a special symbol), and the effect display device 27 is a pseudo symbol (special symbol). Another specific example is shown.)
A “variable display device” for displaying the image. The lower display device 60 constitutes a specific example of “first variable display device”, and the effect display device 27 constitutes a specific example of “second variable display device”.

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. When the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d are displayed on the display screen 27a, the display screen 27a is displayed.
The background screen display unit 27h is displayed by other parts of the screen. 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, and these “pseudo symbols”.
The “design variation display (design variation)” is realized by “background design” and “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 section 25
b ". Each special symbol hold display section 25a, 25b has four LEDs.
It is comprised using. 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 has a “corresponding start winning device 17a.
, 17b, but the number of game balls still undigested (that is, the number of reserved balls)
In addition to displaying the number of EDs, 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 are the start winning devices 17a, 1
A game ball that has been won in 7b but is not displayed on the lower display device 60 or the like, such as “display of the result of the big hit lottery accompanying the prize” and the preceding variable display.

The first start winning device 17a constitutes a specific example of a non-variable start winning device,
It has a pocket shape with an opening (first starting port) opened upward. And since this 1st starting port is located in the substantially vertical downward direction of the center part of the stage part 21p (rolling surface), the game ball falling from the center part passes through this 1st starting port, and the 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. This second start winning device 1
As shown in FIG. 5B, 7b is a mounting plate 17c fixed to the game board main body 10A by screws.
A normal electric accessory 17d mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 17c and constituting the entrance side portion of the second start winning device 17b, and an obstacle member 17k mounted on the front surface of the mounting plate 17c. ing.

The ordinary electric accessory 17d is a so-called tulip type pair of movable wing pieces 1 arranged on the left and right.
7e, 17e, and a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c (see FIG. 8) for operating the pair of movable blade pieces 17e, 17e. 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, 17e are in a closed state where they are standing, the movable wing pieces 17
The interval between the upper ends of e 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.

The obstruction member 17k is disposed vertically above the ordinary electric accessory 17d. In addition, a start winning detection switch 17t (FIG. 8) for detecting the passing of a game ball is provided inside the second start winning device 17b.
Reference) is provided.

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. 5C, the second start winning device 17b is opened, and the pair of movable blade pieces 17e, 17e.
When e opens to the left and right, the distance K1 between the upper end portions of the movable blade pieces 17e and 17e is larger than the full left and right width of the obstacle member 17k. For this reason, the game balls that have passed the left and right of the obstacle member 17K are second
It becomes possible to win the start winning device 17b.

In the gaming machine 1, when the second start winning device 17b is in an open state, the gaming area 11
The probability that the game ball flowing down the game will win the second start winning device 17b is higher than the probability that the game ball flowing down the game area 11 will win the first start winning device 17a. And
The gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 becomes the open extension mode (described later), and the second start winning device 17
When the time for b to be in the open state becomes longer, the probability that the game ball wins the second start winning device 17b becomes much higher than the probability that the game ball wins 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 becomes the open extension mode, the case where the gaming ball wins the first start winning device 17a becomes 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 starting winning device 17b in the open state” is “first
Is much higher than the “probability that a game ball will win the 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. In other words, in this gaming machine 1, when the open extension mode is entered, a game (specific game) in which the frequency of symbol variation execution is improved compared to normal (when in the non-open extension mode).
Is done.

The big winning device 31 constitutes a specific example of the variable winning device, and the second starting winning device 1
7b is disposed below. 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 “a grand prize winning award passage (large prize winning port 31a.
This is a passage through which a game ball to be won from is passed, and is not shown. ) ”.

And the big prize apparatus 31 is the opening-and-closing plate 31b for opening and closing this big prize opening 31a.
A prize winning solenoid 31c (see FIG. 11) for driving the opening / closing plate 31b, and a winning ball detection switch 31s (in the middle of the path of the prize winning prize winning path or in the path terminal portion)
8). 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. Then, the game ball that has reached the variable winning device (big winning device) 31 is transferred to the big winning port 31a.
The guidance part which guides to is constituted.

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 includes a first special symbol display portion 6.
2a, the second special symbol display part 62b, the normal symbol display part 63, and the normal symbol hold display part 6
5 etc. are provided.

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, the first special symbol display section 62a is a first indicating the result of the success / failure determination (result of the first jackpot lottery) executed due to the winning of the game ball in the first start winning device 17a. One special symbol is stopped and displayed after symbol variation (variation display). In the second special symbol display unit 62b, a second determination result (second jackpot lottery result) that is executed due to the winning of the game ball in the second start winning device 17b is shown. The special symbol is stopped and displayed via the variable display. 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 this normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display section 63 displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” in this order, and then again displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9”. 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, if the stop symbol is "odd number",
If it is a winning symbol and the stop symbol is an “even number”, it is a missed symbol. A lottery means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not the ordinary electric accessory 17d should be opened is a main control unit 200A described later.
Consists of.

The normal symbol hold display unit 65 is also configured by using four LEDs, and “normal symbol operation gate (
The number of game balls that have passed through the normal design operating port) 16 but have not yet been digested (ie, the number of reserved balls) "
In addition to displaying the upper limit number of four, 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 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 prevention member (not shown) is provided below the out port 18.
Is provided. 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 dispensing device 10
9 constitutes a specific example of the 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 2 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.
00A and a plurality of sub-control units (220A, 222A, 240A, 260A).

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 for controlling the launch of the game ball, which includes a primary sub-control unit (220A, 240A) directly connected to the main control unit 140, Main control via primary sub-control section Second sub-control unit which is connected to the 200A (222A, 26
0A).

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 that stores various programs and data
, RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data during program execution, a peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, an oscillator that outputs a clock for the CPU to perform operations, and a CPU runaway Various peripheral LSIs such as a watchdog timer for monitoring the above and a CTC (counter timer circuit) for periodically generating an interrupt signal are connected to each other via a bus. Note that the directions of the arrows in FIGS. 8 and 9 indicate the direction in which data or signals are input / output. 7 shows only the CPU 201, the RAM 202, and the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200. The PIO mounted on the main control board 200 and the C mounted on the other control board are also shown.
Illustration of PU, RAM, ROM, etc. is omitted.

The main control part 200A (main control board 200) is a normal symbol operation gate passage detection switch 16.
s, start winning detection switch 17s, winning ball detection switch 40s, 41s, 43s, 44s
After receiving the detection signal of the game ball from, etc., and determining whether or not the basic progress of the game and the winning ball are relevant, the sub control unit 200A (sub control board 220) and the payout control part 240A (payout control board 240) Various signals (commands) to be described later are output toward the launch control unit 260A (launch control board 260) and the like. 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.

In addition, the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17c,
These operations are directly controlled by outputting signals to the big prize opening solenoid 31c, the lower left display device 50, and the lower right display device 60. That is, the main control unit 200A (main control board 20
0) functions as a success / failure determination means (a big hit lottery means in the first embodiment, a big hit lottery means and a small hit lottery means in the fourth embodiment), and a big hit game execution means. The main control unit 2
Predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting 00A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240, respectively. The main control unit 200A includes a game mode setting unit and a variation pattern table storage unit (ROM).
203), variation pattern determining means, use period setting means, third variation pattern table use starting means, third variation pattern table changing means, variation time shortening means, occurrence count counting means, and start prohibiting means And a specific example of the second change prohibiting means, the hit occurrence count counting means, and the third change prohibiting means. The main control unit 200A functions as “symbol variation control means” for realizing symbol variation in the lower display device 60 (variation of special symbols in the special symbol display units 62a and 62b).

The sub controller 220A (sub control board 220) is connected to the main controller 200A (main control board 200).
When various signals (commands) are received, the contents of the signals (commands) are analyzed, and the game is rendered according to the results. That is, the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) is responsible for controlling the effects of the game based on the control signal from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). The sub-control unit 220A functions as “symbol variation control means” for realizing symbol variation (pseudo symbol variation) in the effect display device 27.

As shown in FIG. 9, 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, and a decoration drive board 226.
And the effect button substrate 228, respectively. The sub control board 220 includes a CPU 220a, a ROM 220b, and a RAM 220c.

The CPU 220 a of the sub-control board 220 receives the control signal from the main control board 200 and produces the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 22.
Control each substrate such as 8. In addition, the ROM 220c stores data necessary for controlling each board (
In particular, information relating to game decoration is stored. Further, the CPU 220a is connected to the main control unit 2
Display control command (ie, display control signal) sent from 00A (main control board 200)
And the display control command received according to the program stored in the ROM 220c is analyzed. And CP which comprises sub control part 220A (sub control board 220)
The U 220a receives a command newly generated based on the display control command transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200), or a display control command that is still transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200). It 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 FIG. 8, a relay terminal plate, a launch control unit 260A, a lower pan full tank switch 6s, and the like are connected to the payout control unit 240A. The payout control unit 240A is connected to a payout motor 109m, a front payout switch 109a, and a rear payout switch 109b constituting a game ball payout device (payout device) 109 via a relay terminal plate. Also, the payout control unit 2
The main control unit 200A is connected to 40A so that bidirectional communication is possible.

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.

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 The specific display content of (b)
Sound effects output from the speakers SP1 to SP4, and (c) various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f
The specific mode of lighting or blinking is determined. Next, the drive signal (
Various symbol control commands) are output to the effect display control unit 222A, and the effect symbols (pseudo symbols,
(Background design, character design, 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 into 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, determination of success / failure made based on the start winning (big hit lottery)
The stop display (definite display) of the stop symbol indicating the result of the above and the symbol variation (variation display) performed in the previous stage of the stop display are two types of symbol display devices (the lower display device 60 and the effect display device 27).
) At the same time. 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.

On the other hand, the special symbol displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is “pseudo symbol”.
“The sub-control unit 220A that controls the game effects under the control of the main control unit 200A”
(It will be described later.) "Is a special symbol for determining the variation mode and the stop symbol.
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 ” The “special symbol” in the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b is “
It is assumed that there is no contradiction with “display contents (big hit, small hit, miss, etc.)”. 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 in the first special symbol display unit 62a, and the second starting winning device 1
The special symbol change display (symbol change) and stop display due to the winning of the game ball to 7b is the second
In the special symbol display section 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 big hit lottery) is performed due to the winning of a game ball to the first start winning device 17a, as shown in FIG. 10 (a). ,
The probability that the determination result indicating the big hit is derived is about “1/400”. When the determination result indicating the big hit is derived, the big hit game execution means starts operating, and the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is changed to 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.

Judgment of winning / failing due to winning of game ball to first start winning device 17a (first jackpot lottery)
When the determination result indicating the jackpot is derived, the main control unit 200A determines that “the jackpot type (
The type of jackpot symbol) is determined by random lottery (hereinafter referred to as “distribution lottery”). Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the random winning lottery mode (type) is “first normal big hit (specific example of normal big hit)”, “first probability variable big hit”, and “second Of "probable big hit of". In the present embodiment, in the determination as to whether or not the game ball is won by the first start winning device 17a (that is, the first determination as to whether or not), the determination as to whether or not to generate a small hit ( Only the determination (first big hit lottery) of whether or not to generate a big hit is performed without performing the big hit lottery. However, even when the result of the first big hit lottery is a loss, the main control unit 200A may determine whether or not to generate a small hit by random lottery.
In addition, 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 way as the random number for determination of success / failure (such as the random number for big hit lottery).

Here, when the “first normal jackpot” is generated, the first jackpot game is executed in which the possibility of winning a prize ball is extremely high. (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 low probability (normal probability). The first jackpot game is shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, the type of jackpot game (hereinafter referred to as “hit” game) in which the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is repeated 16 times (16 rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween.
It is called “16R jackpot 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 16R jackpot game) or an irregular first jackpot game ( Anomalous 16R
A big hit game). 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)”.

As shown in FIG. 11, “irregular first jackpot game” in this example is “big prize device 3
“Repeat operation of opening 1 for 2.5 seconds (fourth opening time) for a total of 10 times” is repeated 16 times (16 rounds with a predetermined interval (for example, 2 seconds interval)) ) Repeated type of “16R jackpot game”. 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, “16R jackpot game” is exemplified as the first jackpot game resulting from “first regular jackpot” and “first probability variable jackpot”, but “first regular jackpot” and “first bonus game” In at least one of “1 probable big win”, the first big hit game resulting from the “big hit” is the time when the big winning device 31 is open in each round “first open time”
A number of types of jackpot games with different numbers of rounds (for example, “16R jackpot game”) and “the opening / closing operation of the winning device 31 is a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds)
A big hit game of a type that is repeated 8 times (8 rounds) with the game in between may be scheduled (see Modification 1 described later).

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. 11, as the second jackpot game caused by 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”. Note that all of the big hits generated in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment are “a big hit in which the opening extension means operates after the end of the big hit game (hereinafter referred to as“ open extension type big hit ”)”.
It is. In addition, as a determination as to whether or not the game ball has won the first start winning device 17a,
When not only the determination of whether or not to generate a big hit (first big hit lottery) but also the determination of whether or not to generate a small hit (small hit lottery), it occurs based on the first big hit lottery. "Second
Is a big hit where the opening extension means does not operate after the big hit game ends (
Hereinafter, it is referred to as “non-open extension type jackpot”. ) ”. This makes it possible to create a so-called “latency probability change” game.

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. 10 (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.

Judgment based on winning of game ball to second start winning device 17b (second jackpot lottery)
When the determination result indicating the jackpot is derived, the main control unit 200A determines that “the jackpot type (
The type of jackpot symbol) is determined by random lottery. This random number lottery constitutes a specific example of “random number lottery performed by the second jackpot mode determining means”, and as shown in FIG. And "second normal jackpot" and "
Or “third probability variation big hit”.

In the present embodiment, whether or not to generate a small hit (small hit) is also determined in the determination of whether or not to win the game ball to the second start winning device 17b (that is, the second winning determination). Only the determination of whether or not to generate a big hit (second big hit lottery) is performed without performing the lottery). However,
When the result of the second big hit lottery is a loss, “small hit lottery” that determines whether or not to generate a small hit by random lottery may be performed.

When the “first probability variation big hit” is generated by the second success / failure determination, as shown in FIG.
The probability that the result of the determination of success / failure will be a big hit after the completion of the executed first big hit game (the probability that the result of the first big hit lottery will be the winner) The probability that the result of the 2 big hit lottery will be won) is a high probability. That is, the second
The content of the “first probability variation big hit” that results in the “first probability variation big hit” by determining whether or not the
This is the same as the content of the “first probability variation big hit” that is generated by the determination of whether or not.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, when the “second normal big hit” occurs, “the predetermined opening that is shorter than the first opening time and longer than the second opening time is made for the variable winning device (big winning device 31). By releasing in time (for example, 6 seconds), the possibility of winning a prize ball by the prize ball paying means (game ball payout device 109) is lower than the first big hit game and higher than the second big hit game. Execution of the third jackpot game, and the probability that the result of the success / failure determination will be a jackpot after the third jackpot game ends (the probability that the result of the first jackpot lottery will win and the result of the second jackpot lottery win The “third probability big hit” executes the third big hit game, and after the third big hit game ends, the result of the determination of success / failure is a big hit. (The result of the first jackpot lottery is The probability that the probability becomes the selection and the results of the second jackpot lottery is winning) is a high probability.

As shown in FIG. 12, the big hits (first probability variation big hit, second normal big hit, and third probability variation big hit) generated through the second success / failure determination are all the open extension type big hits. The normal jackpot of 2 and the third probability variation jackpot may be the non-open extension type jackpot, or the open normal jackpot and the non-open extension jackpot may coexist in the second normal jackpot and the third probability variation jackpot. . Further, in this embodiment, when the “second normal big hit” and the “third probability variation big hit” are generated, the third big hit game is executed, and after the third big hit game is executed, the opening extension means Operates.
Therefore, it is difficult to determine whether or not the gaming state (probability mode) after the occurrence of the “second normal big hit” or the “third probability variation big hit” is a high probability state (high probability mode). Therefore, it is necessary for the player to use an imagination in order to determine the probability mode (whether or not it is in a high probability state) of the gaming machine, and as a result, the gaming interest can be further enhanced.

Further, when a big hit (first probability variation big hit, second normal big hit, third probability variation big hit) is generated after the second success / failure determination, execution of prize ball payout by the prize ball payout means (game ball payout device 109) is executed. Only the jackpot game that can be expected (first jackpot game or third jackpot game) is executed.
On the other hand, when a big hit (first normal big hit, first probability variation big hit, second probability variation big hit) is generated after the first success / failure determination, the prize ball payout means (game ball payout device 109) executes the prize ball payout. When a jackpot game that can be expected (first jackpot game) is executed, and a jackpot game (second jackpot game) that cannot be expected to be executed by the prize ball payout means (game ball payout device 109) is executed. May be.

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. And when the execution time of these fluctuation display passes,
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 lower display device 60 (first special symbol display unit 62) described above.
Similarly to the stop display (determined symbol of this symbol) by “a” or the second special symbol display unit 62b), the result of the determination of success / failure 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. repeat"
Consists of "circular display". In addition, in the confirmed symbol that is confirmed and displayed in the pseudo symbol display part,
There are a “stop symbol indicating a miss” and a “stop symbol indicating a big hit”.

Here, as shown in FIG. 13 (a), “stop symbol indicating occurrence of first normal jackpot” is included in “stop symbol indicating jackpot” (hereinafter referred to as first normal jackpot symbol). “Stop symbol indicating occurrence of second normal jackpot (hereinafter referred to as second normal jackpot symbol)” and “First
Stop symbol indicating the occurrence of the second probability variation big hit (hereinafter referred to as the first probability variation big hit symbol) and "stop symbol indicating the occurrence of the second probability variable big hit (hereinafter referred to as the second probability variable big hit symbol)". , "
There is a stop symbol indicating the occurrence of the third probability variation big hit (hereinafter, referred to as a third probability variation big hit symbol). In addition, “stop symbol indicating that the result of the big hit lottery is out of place” shown in FIG. 13B is also set.

As shown in FIG. 13 (a), the “first normal jackpot symbol” is configured by arranging three “even identical numbers” on the display screen 27a, and the “first probability variable jackpot symbol” is displayed on the display screen 27a. Three “odd identical 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 “second probability variation big hit symbol”.

As shown in FIG. 13A, the “second normal jackpot symbol” is configured by arranging three “even even numbers” on the display screen 27a. The “third probability variation big hit symbol” is also configured by arranging “different even numbers” in ascending order from left to right. Thus, in the present embodiment, the “second normal jackpot symbol” and the “third probability variation jackpot symbol” are also the same symbol, and the winning device 31 is the same regardless of which symbol is stopped. The opening / closing operation is performed in the manner described above. For this reason, for a player who turns his gaze to the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 and the big winning device 31, has the "second normal big hit" occurred or has the "third probable big hit" occurred? However, it becomes more difficult to distinguish. Therefore, according to this gaming machine 1, the player's imagination can be stimulated, and the gaming interest can be further enhanced.

When the “first normal jackpot symbol” or “first probability variable jackpot symbol” is displayed on the effect display device 27, reach display is performed in the middle of the variable display which is the premise thereof. In addition, when displaying the “stop symbol to show off” on the effect display device 27, the fluctuation display (
That is, when the reach display is not performed during the deviation fluctuation (hereinafter referred to as “simple deviation”).
And reach display (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) Outline of Symbol Fluctuation Effect The symbol variation effect includes an effect performed when using the “first variation pattern table and the second variation pattern table” (hereinafter referred to as a general effect) and a “third variation pattern table”. There is an effect (hereinafter referred to as a special effect) performed at the time of use. Hereinafter, after describing the outline of the general effects, the special effects will be described.
In the following description, the “first variation pattern table” is referred to as a “normal variation pattern table”, the “second variation pattern table” is referred to as a “shortened variation pattern table”, and
The “third variation pattern table” is referred to as a “special variation pattern table”.

a. In the case of a general effect When a game ball wins (start winning) to the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b when the normal variation pattern table or the shortened variation pattern table is used, the special symbol changes. A start condition (actuality determination execution condition) is satisfied. As a result, the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b start the symbol variation of the present symbol, and FIG.
As shown in c), the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 (pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d).
), The symbol variation effect display using the pseudo symbol is started.

The execution time of the symbol variation effect display differs 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 (to be described later). When time elapses, any special symbol display part 62a,
In 62b, the stop symbol of the main symbol is fixedly displayed, and the stop symbol of the pseudo symbol is fixedly displayed on the display screen 27a.

Note that the “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. 14A is “out-of-display with no reach effect (so-called“ normally out ”)”, and the “out-of-display” illustrated in FIG. 14B is “reach”. This is an out-of-direction display (so-called “out-going 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. Stop, depending on the type of final stop symbol,
This is a stunning display showing that there is a possibility that a jackpot display will be made. For example, if the stop symbol of multiple symbols is the same symbol, when the jackpot display is completed, the symbols other than the final stop symbol are stopped at the same symbol, and the game machine executes “special game execution (occurrence of big hit) ) Indicates an indication that there is a possibility.

As shown in FIG. 14 (c), a stop display (confirmation 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”. When it is performed, “reach display” in the middle of the symbol variation effect display (variation display) of the special symbol (pseudo symbol)
This confirmation display is performed after. And when this "big hit display" is made,
After executing “transition display for shifting to jackpot” or the like, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 shifts to the jackpot state, and the jackpot game is started. In addition, when using the “Special symbol (pseudo symbol) stop symbol” and the stop indication (confirmation display, big hit display) that “the result of the lottery lottery is winning (small hit)” is 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.

b. In the case of special effects The gaming machine 1 of this embodiment performs four types of special effects. That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment,
As the special variation pattern tables, first to fourth special variation pattern tables are provided. As the special effects, a first special effect that is executed when the first special variation pattern table is used, a second special effect that is executed when the second special variation pattern table is used, and a third special effect. One of the third special effect executed when the variation pattern table is used and the fourth special effect executed when the fourth special variation pattern table is used is performed.

As shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 18, the special effects 1 to 4 both have a “character design indicating a player ’s ally” and a “character design indicating a player ’s enemy”. This is a battle performance. However, the “character symbols” appearing between the special effects 1 to 4 are different, and the effect time (the time of symbol fluctuation specified by the fluctuation pattern) is also different.

That is, in the first special effect, as shown in FIG. 15, the “character design indicating the player's ally” is the “squid character design”, and the “character design indicating the player's enemy” is “octopus character”. "Character design". Further, in the second special effect, as shown in FIG. 16, “Character symbol indicating a player's ally” is “Crab character symbol”, and “Character symbol indicating a player's enemy” is “Manbow character symbol”. In the third special effect, as shown in FIG. 17, the “character design indicating the player's ally” is “whale character design” and the “character design indicating the player's enemy” is “scallops”. Character design ". Then, in the fourth special effect with the highest premium (low appearance rate), as shown in FIG. 18, the “character design indicating the player's ally” is “sun character design”, “the player ’s enemy is The “character design to be shown” is the “character design of the moon”.

In each special effect, an image that is not displayed in the above-described general effect is displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 while displaying these character designs. And, in the special effect indicating that the result of the determination of success / failure is a big hit, “Character design indicating a player ’s ally”
Is performed to win the “Character design indicating the player ’s enemy” (the effect indicating that the player ’s intention has been fulfilled) (see FIG. 18), and the special result indicating that the result of the determination is wrong In the production, the “character design indicating the player's enemy” wins the “character design indicating the player's ally” (the effect indicating that the player's feelings were not fulfilled) (FIG. 15 to FIG. 15). See FIG. Hereinafter, each special effect will be further described.

When a game ball wins the first start winning device 17a or the second start winning device 17b when using the first special change pattern table (during the special change mode), the change start condition of the special symbol (Win / Fail determination execution condition) is satisfied, and the corresponding special symbol display units 62a and 62b start the symbol variation of the main symbol, and on the display screen 27a (pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d) of the effect display device 27, The “first special effect” using symbols is started. In the first special effect, as shown in FIG. 15, the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d (see FIG. 6) are reduced, and a so-called “battle effect” is executed over substantially the entire area of the display screen 27a.
That is, the “squid character design” indicating the player's ally and the “octopus character design” indicating the player's enemy appear, and a duel (battle) is started.

“Execution time of the first special performance executed in response to each start winning prize” is uniformly set to “20 seconds” when the result of the big hit lottery is a loss (out), and the result of the big hit lottery is In the case of winning (big hit), it is uniformly set to “25 seconds”. For this reason, when the first special variation pattern table is used (during the first special variation mode), as long as the result of the big hit lottery is lost (out), the “first performance time (variation time) is constant. The “special effect” is repeated every time a start prize is generated. That is, as shown in FIG. 15, regardless of the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (high probability mode, normal probability mode), a “special effect with a constant performance time (variation time)” every time a start prize is generated, It is repeated with the pseudo display stop display time in between.

In this case, as long as the result of the big hit lottery is a loss (out), the “octopus character” will be “
The effect of winning the “squid character” is repeated for the period of use of the first special variation pattern table. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the first special variation pattern table is used (hereinafter referred to as “first special variation mode”), “executed corresponding to each start winning prize” is executed. Since the “execution time of special effect” is set to the same time regardless of the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 (high probability mode, normal probability mode), an effective effect can be executed.
For example, it is possible to give a “strong impact” to the player by repeating the production of substantially the same content as “drilling”. Further, in this embodiment, since the variation pattern stored in the special variation pattern table (for winning / missing) is one type, the variation time of the entire use period of the special variation pattern table can be calculated in advance. Effective production can be performed. For example, on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, an effect can be performed in which a predetermined movie (moving image) is continuously reproduced from the start to the end of the period of use (special variation mode) of the special variation pattern table. The same applies to the “second special variation mode”, “third special variation mode”, and “fourth special variation mode” described below.

In the period of use of the first special variation pattern table, without causing a big hit, “
When the first special effect indicating that the result of the big hit lottery is a loss (out) is repeated “30 times (use period of the first special variation pattern table)”, the first special variation pattern In the next symbol variation following the “use period of the first special variation pattern table”, the use of the table is stopped, and the effect (general effect) according to the variation pattern corresponding to the game mode of the gaming machine 1 is resumed. That is, when the fluctuation time shortening means (described later) is not operating, the use of the normal fluctuation pattern table is resumed, and when the fluctuation time shortening means is operating, the shortened fluctuation pattern table (described later). The use of is started. On the other hand, if a big hit occurs within the period of use of the first special variation pattern table, after the “first special effect indicating that the result of the determination is a big hit” is performed for “25 seconds”, Production during the big hit game is executed. In each special effect, it is also possible to share the effect time by using a common variation pattern table for the case where the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit and the case where the result is a loss.

When a big hit is generated within the period of use of the first special variation pattern table, the second special variation pattern table is set in the symbol variation that is started after the end of the big hit game related to the big hit, as shown in FIG. 2 special effects are started. Also in the second special effect, the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d (see FIG. 6) are reduced and the display screen 27a is also displayed.
The so-called “battle effect” is executed in almost the entire area. Then, “the execution time of the“ second special effect ”executed in response to each start winning prize” is uniformly set to “15 seconds” when the result of the big win lottery is a loss (out), If the result of is a win (bonus), then “
18 seconds ".

Even during the period of use of the second special variation pattern table, without causing a big hit,
“The second special effect indicating that the result of the big hit lottery is a loss (out)” is “30 times (second
If the second special fluctuation pattern table is repeated over the “use period of the second special fluctuation pattern table”, the use of the second special fluctuation pattern table is stopped. The effect (general effect) according to the variation pattern corresponding to the game mode of the gaming machine 1 is resumed. On the other hand, if a big hit occurs within the period of use of the second special variation pattern table, after the “second special effect indicating that the result of the determination of success / failure is a big hit” is performed, the effect during the big hit game is executed. Is done. Then, in the symbol variation started after the end of the big hit game, a third special variation pattern table is set, and the third special effect is started as shown in FIG.

Also in the third special effect, the pseudo symbol display units 27b to 27d (see FIG. 6) are reduced, and a so-called “battle effect” is executed in substantially the entire area of the display screen 27a. The “execution time of the third special performance executed in response to each start winning prize” is uniformly set to “10 seconds” when the result of the big win lottery is a loss (out), When the result is a win (big hit), it is uniformly set to “14 seconds”. Even during the period of use of the third special variation pattern table, “a third special effect indicating that the result of the big hit lottery is a loss (out)” does not occur, and “30 times (third special effect) When it is repeated over the “use period of the fluctuation pattern table)”, the use of the third special fluctuation pattern table is stopped.
In the next symbol variation following the “use period of the third special variation pattern table”, the effect (general effect) according to the variation pattern corresponding to the game mode of the gaming machine 1 is resumed. On the other hand, if a big hit occurs within the period of use of the third special variation pattern table, after the “third special effect indicating that the result of the determination of success / failure is a big hit” is performed, the effect during the big hit game is executed. Is done.
Then, a fourth special variation pattern table is set in the symbol variation started after the end of the jackpot game, and the fourth special effect is started as shown in FIG.

Also in the fourth special effect, the pseudo symbol display portions 27b to 27d (see FIG. 6) are reduced, and a so-called “battle effect” is executed in substantially the entire area of the display screen 27a. And, “the execution time of the fourth special effect” executed in response to each start winning prize is uniformly set to “5 seconds” when the result of the big win lottery is a loss (out), and the big hit lottery If the result of this is a win (big hit), it is uniformly set to “8 seconds”. Even during the period of use of the fourth special variation pattern table, the big hit lottery result is lost (missed) without generating a big hit.
When the “fourth special effect indicating that the second special effect pattern” is repeated “30 times (use period of the fourth special change pattern table)”, the use of the fourth special change pattern table is stopped, In the next symbol variation following “use period of special variation pattern table”, gaming machine 1
The production (general production) according to the variation pattern corresponding to the game mode is resumed.

On the other hand, if a big hit occurs within the period of use of the fourth special variation pattern table, after the “fourth special effect indicating that the result of the determination of success / failure is a big hit” is performed, the effect during the big hit game is executed. Is done. Then, in the symbol variation started after the end of the jackpot game,
The special variation pattern table is set, and the fourth special effect is started. Unlike the present embodiment, if a big hit occurs during the period of use of the fourth special variation pattern table, after the big hit game related to the big hit ends, the effect according to the variation pattern corresponding to the game mode of the gaming machine 1 (general) Production) may be resumed. In this embodiment, the usage period of each special variation pattern table is fixed (until 30 symbol variations are performed), but this usage period is set for each special variation pattern table or the usage period is set. It may be different each time.

(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 this 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. One of these bits is allocated for strobe signal output,
The remaining 8 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. 19B. That is, there are (A) a variation pattern designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CHP”), (B) a special symbol stop information designation command (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “CJS”), and the like. . The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating a variation pattern. Depending on the variation pattern table used at the time of starting winning, the variation pattern for normal variation, the variation pattern for shortened variation, “each special variation pattern table Any of the “special variation patterns determined using“ 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.

(6) Outline of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 20 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 prize ball payout process (S10)
Each process such as a normal symbol game process (S100), a normal electric accessory game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), and a big hit game process (S600) is repeatedly executed. Since the time required for one round of processing in FIG. 20 is about 4 msec, these processes are repeatedly executed about every 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. 20, the normal symbol game processing (S120), the normal electric power generation are performed while generating various interrupts and detecting the game state by generating interrupts almost twice during the round of the control. An accessory game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S
400), winning game processing (S600) and the like are executed. 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. Prize ball payout processing (S10)
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) (S10). 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. Also,
When 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 designated and a payout signal is output. 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. In contrast, the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A.
When the CPU mounted on the CPU receives the payout signal, the CPU interprets the content of the signal and outputs the prize ball payout device 109.
A payout ball is paid out by outputting a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the. And
The prize ball payout device 109 is provided with two payout switches (a front payout switch 109a and a rear payout switch 109b) for detecting a payout game ball. Meanwhile, a process of paying out the number of prize balls designated by the payout signal is performed.

B. 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. 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. 20, the CPU 201 performs the stop display of the normal symbol stop symbol. Further, 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. 20, the stop symbol activates the ordinary electric accessory 17d. Whether it is a symbol to be made (ordinary symbol), or
It is determined whether it is not a symbol to be activated (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. In addition, the number of holds for the normal symbol is “when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 16 and the number of holds for the normal symbol is less than a predetermined number (four in this embodiment).
+1 ”and“ −1 ”every time the normal symbol variation display is started.

C. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric game game process.
When the ordinary electric accessory game process is activated during the game control process, the ordinary electric accessory 17d
Is in operation (whether or not the second start winning device 17b is in the 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). 3 seconds in the open extension mode and 0. 0 in the normal release mode.
It is determined whether or not (5 seconds) has elapsed (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 prescribed 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 if the aforementioned operating time (opening time) has not reached the predetermined time, the ordinary electric accessory 17d
Is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated. In addition, this gaming machine 1
Then, when the ordinary electric accessory 17d is activated, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c provided therein is provided.
Is driven, the pair of wing pieces of the second start winning portion 17b constituting the ordinary electric accessory 17d is rotated outward, and the second start winning portion 17b is opened.

D. 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. 22, 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). , S302
b). Then, when 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 the game ball has won the first start winning device 17a (S302a; Y
ES), it is determined whether or not “the number of reserved special symbols corresponding to the first start winning device 17” is less than a predetermined number (in this embodiment, less than 4) (S304a). In the process of S304a, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304a; YES), the first start winning device 17
A random number for determination (random number for lottery) related to winning a is obtained, and this random number for determination (random number for lottery) is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200,
“The number of reserved special symbols corresponding to the first start winning device 17a” is incremented by “+1” (S306).
a).

Here, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a start winning device, a first start winning device 17a,
A second start winning device 17b, a special symbol corresponding to the first start winning device 17a (first special symbol; hereinafter also referred to as "special diagram 1"), and a second start winning device. 17b
(A second special symbol; hereinafter also referred to as “special diagram 2”). Then, 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).

Further, 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 FIG. 1).
”And“ each process executed due to a game ball winning in the second start winning device 17b (
Hereinafter, it is referred to as processing related to the special figure 2. ) ", With respect to similar processing, FIGS.
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. Note that the alphabet “a” is added to the “number of steps” for the “process related to the special figure 1”, and the alphabet “a” is added to the “number of steps” for the “process related to the special figure 2”.
b ”may be used for distinction.

As a determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306a, (a) first
Random numbers for lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1 Big Bonus Lottery Random”) used for the big hit lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1 Big Bonus Lottery”) executed due to the winning of the game ball to the starting prize winning device 17a.
That's it. ), (B) a random number for determination for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display section 62a (hereinafter referred to as "special symbol 1 symbol determination random number"), (c) the effect display device 27 There is a reach random number for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the pseudo symbol variation display executed on the display surface 27a. In Example 3 to be described later, a lottery used for the small hitting lottery (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1 small lottery”) executed due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a. Random number for use (hereinafter referred to as “Special Figure 1 Rottery Random Number”).
) Is also included.

When it is determined that the game ball has won the second start winning device 17b (S302b; Y
ES), it is determined whether or not “the number of reserved special symbols corresponding to the second start winning device 17d” is less than a predetermined number (in this embodiment, less than 4) (S304b). In the process of S304b, if it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number (S304b; YES), the second start winning device 1
The random number for determination (lottery random number) related to 7b is acquired, and this determination random number (lottery random number) is stored at a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, and “second”
The number of special symbols held corresponding to the start winning device 17b "is incremented by" +1 "(S306b).
Thereafter, the process proceeds to S308 and subsequent steps.

As the determination random number (lottery random number) acquired in the process of S306b, (a) the second
Lottery random numbers (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 big hit lottery random numbers”) used in the big hit lottery (hereinafter referred to as “special figure 2 big hit lottery”) executed due to the winning of the game ball to the starting prize winning device 17b.
That's it. ), (B) a determining random number for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display section 62b (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol 2 symbol determining random number”), (c) the effect display device 27 There is a reach random number for determining whether or not to perform reach display in the pseudo symbol variation display executed on the display surface 27a.

In the process of S308, as shown in FIG. 23, whether or not the winning game is being executed, that is,
It is determined whether or not the big hit game is being executed (S308). Specifically, when the big hit game flag (see the process of S378 in FIG. 24) is set (set to ON), S30
A positive determination is made in the process of step 8. The jackpot game flag indicates that the jackpot game execution means (a control program, which is stored in the ROM 203) is in operation.

Here, in Example 3 to be described later, in the process of S308, it is determined whether or not a big hit game or a small hit game is being executed (S308). That is, in the third embodiment, the big hit game flag is set (set to ON) or the small hit game flag (FIG. 5).
1 is set (set to ON), a positive determination is made in the processing of S308. Further, the small hit game flag indicates that the “small hit game execution means (a control program, which is stored in the ROM 203)” is in operation.

When the CPU 201 determines that a 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 (big hit game) is not being executed (S308; NO), whether or not the special symbol is changing, that is, out of the first special symbol and the second special symbol. It is determined whether any of the above is changing (S310). If the special symbol is not changing (S310; NO)
), Either the special symbol has not yet changed, or it is considered that the special symbol has been stopped and displayed with the 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)
Then, it is determined whether or not the variable display can be started (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 Read lottery random number) (S31)
6b), a determination process for the second special symbol (special figure 2 determination process) is performed (S320).
b).

In this success / failure determination process (S320b), as shown in FIG. 26A, 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 for shortening the fluctuation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol as compared with the normal operation 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 (S3
30; YES), after the big hit flag is set (set to ON) (S332), the success / failure determination process (S320b) is terminated, and the “variation start process relating to the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as special figure 2 symbol variation start process). ("S500b" in FIG. 23). Further, when the result of the big hit lottery is out (S330; NO), “after setting the off flag (a flag indicating that no big hit has been generated) (set to ON) (S339), the success / failure determination processing (S320b) Is finished and the process shifts to the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500b)

In the special figure 2 symbol variation start processing (S500b), as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, first, a variation pattern table is distributed based on the result of the success / failure determination processing (S320b) (S504, S506, S510A, S510C). In other words, the success / failure determination process (S32
0b) is a “big hit” (S504; YES), that is, a big hit flag (S
332) is set (set to ON), the “processing to distribute the variation pattern table at the time of the big hit (hereinafter referred to as the variation pattern table distribution processing at the time of the big hit)” is performed (S
510A). Further, when the result of the success / failure determination process (S320b) is “displacement (when neither big hit nor small hit)” (S504; NO, S506; NO), that is, the out flag (S339) is set (ON). If it is set, a “process for allocating a variation pattern table at the time of detachment (hereinafter referred to as a variation pattern table distribution process at the time of detachment)” is performed (
S510C).

Here, the contents of the big hit time fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510A) and the off time fluctuation pattern table distribution process (S510C) are common and are performed according to FIG. That is, when these distribution processes (S510A, S510C) are started, it is first determined whether or not any special variation flag is set (set to ON) (S512). That is, it is determined whether any of “special variation flag 1” to “special variation flag 4” is set (set to ON) (S512). Here, “special variation flag 1” is a flag indicating that it is within the usage period of the first special variation pattern table, and “special variation flag 2” is within the usage period of the second special variation pattern table. “Special variation flag 3” is a flag indicating that it is within the usage period of the third special variation pattern table, “
The special variation flag 4 ”is a flag indicating that it is within the usage period of the fourth special variation pattern table.

When no “special variation flag” is set (set to ON) (S512; NO)
), That is, if it is determined that the special variation pattern table is not within the period to be used (not in the special variation mode) (S512; NO), the variation pattern table is changed according to the gaming state (game mode) of the gaming machine 1. Sort. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

When the probability variation flag is ON (set to ON) (S516; YES), the gaming machine 1
The gaming state is “a state in which shortening variation is performed with high probability (high probability shortening variation mode)”. Therefore, after setting a variation pattern table (hereinafter, referred to as a high probability shortened variation pattern table) used in a high probability state and in a state of performing shortening variation (S522), variation pattern table distribution processing (S510A) , S510C) is 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) is set. That is, when the determination result is a big hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 31B is set. When the determination result is a big hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 33 is set.

On the other hand, when the fluctuation shortening flag is turned on (set to ON) with the probability variation flag not turned on (S516; NO, S530; YES), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “low probability, and This is 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 shortened variation pattern table) that is used in a low probability state and in a state of performing a shortened variation (S532), a variation pattern table distribution process (S510A) In step S532, if the result of the determination is a big hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 31A is set, and if the result of the determination is not good, FIG. Is set.

When the probability variation flag and the variation shortening flag are not turned on (S516; NO, S5)
30; NO), the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “a state with low probability and normal fluctuation (low probability normal fluctuation mode)”. Therefore, after setting a variation pattern table (hereinafter referred to as a low probability normal variation pattern table) used in a low probability state and a state in which normal variation is performed (S536), the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510A) , S510B,
510C) is terminated. In the process of S536, if the result of the determination is a big hit, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 29A is set, and if the result of the determination is not good, the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 30 is set. Is done.

In the variation pattern tables shown in FIG. 29 to FIG. 33, variation patterns are set in association with “random number values”.
The “variation pattern used for symbol variation” is determined in the process of S562 described later. Also, FIG.
9 to 35 show a variation pattern table storing a small number of variation patterns for convenience of explanation. Actually, these variation pattern tables include a large number of variation patterns (for example, 20 types, 50 types). Seeds, 100 species).

Here, the fluctuation time specified by the shortened fluctuation pattern is made shorter than the fluctuation time specified by the normal fluctuation pattern. Further, in this embodiment, when the result of the determination is “displacement”, in the process of S562 of FIG. 27, the reach random number acquired in the process of S306b of FIG. 22 {in the special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S500a) Is the reach random number acquired in the process of S306a} and the ongoing special figure fluctuation start process (S500b or S500).
500a) is the number of reserved special symbols {in the special figure 2 fluctuation start process (S500b), the number of holds related to the second special symbol, in the special figure 1 fluctuation start process (S500a) described later, the first The number of reservations for special symbols} is further considered.

That is, when it is determined whether or not to perform reach display based on the reach random number, FIG.
When one variation pattern is determined from among the variation patterns of “no reach effect” shown in the respective listings of FIGS. 32 and 33 and it is determined that the reach display is not performed, the variation patterns are shown in the respective listings of these drawings. One variation pattern is determined from the variation patterns of “with reach production”. in this case,
The variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when it is determined that the reach display is not performed is shorter than the variation time specified by the variation pattern selected when the reach display is determined. There is a tendency. In addition, the number of reserved special symbols targeted by the ongoing special figure change start process (S500b or S500a) is further considered, and if the number of reserved is small (for example, “zero” or “1”), the longer When a variation pattern that specifies a 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.

Returning to FIG. 28, if a positive determination is made in the processing of S512, the current game mode is within “a period during which any special variation pattern table should be used (usage period)”, that is, the “special variation mode”. It will be inside. Then, after setting the “special variation pattern table A” corresponding to the set “special variation flag” (S514), the variation pattern table distribution processing (S510A, S510C) is ended. Here, the process of S514 will be briefly described.

That is, if it is determined that the “special variation flag 1” is set in the process of S512,
If the result of the determination is a big hit, the “first special variation pattern table” shown in FIG. 35A is set. If the result of the determination is wrong, the “first special variation pattern table” shown in FIG. A special variation pattern table "is set. If it is determined in step S512 that “special variation flag 2” is set, if the determination result is a big hit, the “second special variation pattern table” shown in FIG. If it is set and the result of the judgment is wrong,
A “second special variation pattern table” shown in FIG. 34B is set. Furthermore, S51
If it is determined in the process 2 that the “special variation flag 3” is set, if the determination result is a big hit, the “third special variation pattern table” shown in FIG. 35C is set. If the result of the determination is incorrect, the “third special variation pattern table” shown in FIG. 34C is set. If it is determined in step S512 that the “special variation flag 4” is set, if the result of the determination is a big hit, the “second special variation pattern table” shown in FIG. If it is set and the result of the determination is wrong, the “second special variation pattern table” shown in FIG. 34 (d) is set.

Here, “special variation pattern tables 1 to 4” determine special variation patterns different from “normal variation pattern determined according to normal variation pattern table” and “shortened variation pattern determined according to shortened variation pattern table”. It is the fluctuation pattern table for doing. That is, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, the variation pattern table is used regardless of the current game mode (probability mode, variation mode, etc.). Then, for both big hit and off, “variation time specified by special variation pattern table 1”, “variation time specified by special variation pattern table 2”, “special variation pattern table 3”
The variation time specified by the “variable time specified by the special variation pattern table 4” is shortened in this order.

Each “variation pattern table” described in the present embodiment is preset in a ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, and this ROM 203 constitutes a specific example of “variation pattern table storage means”.

As shown in FIG. 27, when the variation pattern table distribution process (S510A, S510C) 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 table distribution is obtained. A variation pattern is determined using the variation pattern table set in the minute processing (S510A, S510C) and the random value acquired in the processing in 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. The process of S562 constitutes a specific example of the process as “variation pattern determining means”. However, in this embodiment, when the “special variation pattern table” is used (during the special variation mode), the variation pattern is determined without considering the “reach random number” or the “number of special symbols held”.

Following the process of S562, the special figure 2 symbol determination random number acquired in the process of S306b of FIG. Random number} is read (S564), and in the second special symbol display unit 62b {special symbol 1 symbol variation start processing (S500a), the first special symbol display unit 62
The symbol to be stopped and displayed at a} is determined (S566). In addition, the result of the success / failure judgment is “big hit”
If it is, the mode of jackpot is determined by the processing of S566. That is, the processing of S566 constitutes “big hit mode determining means”.

As described above, when the CPU 201 performs the process of determining the variation pattern and the stop symbol of the special symbol, the second special symbol display unit 62b {the special symbol 1 symbol variation start process (S500a), the first special symbol In the symbol display unit 62a}, in the second special symbol {special symbol 1 symbol variation start processing (S500a), the first special symbol} starts to be varied (S570) and the sub-control unit 200A (sub-control board 220). ), A predetermined command (design variation start command) indicating the start of symbol variation is transmitted (S572). That is, the main control board 200
The CPU 201 transmits a “variation pattern designation command (command for designating a variation 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 variation pattern is whether or not a reach effect is performed, a symbol that stops and displays a special symbol is a symbol (
It is determined in consideration of various conditions such as whether or not a big hit symbol or a small hit symbol), and if the variation pattern is known, the time for which the special symbol is variably displayed can be determined. Also, if the special symbol stop information designation command is analyzed, if the special symbol stops at the winning symbol (big hit symbol), stops at the off symbol, or further stops at the big hit symbol, the big hit symbol is "first "Normal jackpot symbol", "second normal jackpot symbol", "first probability variable jackpot symbol",
It is possible to know which is the “second probability variation big hit symbol” or “third probability variation big hit 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. Sub-control board 2
In accordance with the content of the effect thus determined, 20 is the effect display control board 222 and the amplifier board 2.
24. By controlling the decoration drive board 226 and the like, the effect of the determined content is performed.

Returning to FIG. 23, “the number of reservations regarding the second special symbol” is “zero” (S31).
4b; YES), when “the number of holds regarding the first special symbol” is not “zero” (S314a)
; NO), from the predetermined address of the RAM 202, the oldest determination random number (the one obtained in S306a, the special figure 1 big lottery random number and the special figure 1 small lottery random number) is read (S316)
a), a winning / no-go determination process is performed (S320a), and 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. 28 similarly to S320b, and the special figure 1 symbol variation start process performed as the process of S500a is also according to FIGS. This is performed in the same manner as the symbol variation start process (S500b).

Next, when it is determined that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing in the process of S310 (see FIG. 23) of the special symbol game process (S300) (S310; YES), 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 (S35)
0; 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)
Then, it is determined whether or not the stop display mode is a mode for winning (that is, a big hit symbol) (S352 in FIG. 24).

First, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 will be described. That is, when the special symbol stopped and displayed in the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b is “out-of-line symbol” (S352; NO), any of the special fluctuation flags 1 to 4 Is set (set to ON) (S390). If it is not set (S390; NO), the process proceeds to S398. On the other hand, if it is set (S390; YES), the special variation counter that has been set is decremented by “1” (“
-1 ") is performed (S392).

Here, the special variation counter constitutes a specific example of “use period setting means”, and the main control unit 20
0 is provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 202. This “special variation counter” is a counter for setting the use period of each special variation pattern table, and a natural number for specifying the use period is set when the use of each special variation pattern table is started. Note that the usage period is defined by the upper limit number of symbol variations performed after the start of use of each special variation pattern table. If the special variation counter is within the period of use of any special variation pattern table (during the special variation mode), the count value is “natural number” and is outside the period of use of all the special variation pattern tables. In some cases, the count value is set to “zero”.
In this embodiment, the usage period of all the special variation pattern tables is defined by a common counter, but it can be defined by a separate counter for each special variation pattern table.

Referring back to FIG. 24, the CPU 201 performs the process of S392 (the process of setting the special fluctuation counter to “−1”), and then determines whether or not the special fluctuation counter has become “zero” (S394). ). In other words, "displacement" that occurred while using the "special variation pattern table"
(S390; YES), after performing the process of updating the corresponding special variation counter (the process of subtracting “1”) (S392), the usage period of the “special variation pattern table” is terminated by the current symbol variation. It is determined whether or not (S394).

If the use period has not ended (S394; NO), the process directly proceeds to the process of S398 in FIG. 25, and if the use period has ended (S394; YES), “the special fluctuation flag set to ON ( A process of canceling (setting OFF) the special variation flag corresponding to the special variation pattern table that has been used (S395), and a mode designation command as a sub-control board 220.
After the process of transmitting to (S397), the process proceeds to S398 of FIG. Here, the “mode designation command” means that the current gaming mode is “low probability normal variation mode (this implementation) based on the state of the special variation counter and the gaming state flag (probability variation flag, variation shortening flag, release extension flag). In the example, it is synonymous with the low probability normal open mode.) ”,“ Low probability shortening variation mode (in this embodiment, synonymous with the low probability open extension mode.) ”,“ High probability shortening variation mode (this implementation) In the example, this command is synonymous with the high probability open extension mode.) ”,“ Special variation mode (high probability) ”, and“ special variation mode (low probability) ”.

The special variation mode is a mode for performing symbol variation using a special variation pattern table. The “first special variation mode” is a “mode for performing symbol variation using the first special variation pattern table”, and the “second special variation mode” is “using the second special variation pattern table”. The “third special variation mode” is the “mode for performing symbol variation using the third special variation pattern table”, and the “fourth special variation mode” is the “first special variation mode”. 4 is a mode for performing symbol variation using the special variation pattern table of No. 4.

In the process of S398, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON). In other words, when the game mode at the time of detachment is the “low probability normal variation mode”, S3
A negative determination is made in the process of 98, and the special symbol game process (S300) is left as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the game mode at the time of occurrence of the deviation is “low probability shortening variation mode”, a positive determination is made in the process of S398, and the value of the variation shortening counter is set to “1”.
After subtraction (“−1”) (S400), it is determined whether or not the value of the fluctuation shortening counter has become “zero” (S404). If it is not “zero” (S404; NO),
As it is, the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

When it is determined in the processing of S404 that the value of the fluctuation shortening counter has become “zero” (S4
04; YES), the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is switched from the low probability shortening variation mode to the low probability normal variation mode. For this reason, the process (S410) of canceling the fluctuation shortening flag,
A process of canceling the release extension flag (S415) and a mode designation command are sent to the sub-control board 22
After performing the process of transmitting to 0 (S430), exiting the special symbol game process (S300),
Returning to the game control process of FIG. In the process of S430, a “mode designation command” that designates the low-probability normal variation mode is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. Further, in this embodiment, when the probability variation big hit (first probability variation big hit, second probability variation big hit, third probability variation big hit) is generated, the initial value of the fluctuation shortening counter is set to “10000”. S40
A positive determination of 4 cannot occur and a “high probability normal variation mode” does not occur.

Here, when a positive determination is made in the process of S404, when the positive determination of S394 is made, use of the “normal variation pattern table” is started from the next symbol variation. Further, among the cases where a negative determination is made in the process of S404, when the positive determination of S394 is made, the use of the “shortened variation pattern table” is started from the next symbol variation. That is, use of the variation pattern table corresponding to the original game mode of the gaming machine 1 is started.

On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG.
U201 sets (stores) information indicating the current game progress in a buffer to be referred to at the end of a “big hit game” to be described later (S354). Specifically, "type of jackpot (
Whether it is a probable big hit or a normal big hit) ”,“ Special Fluctuation Flag Status ”,“
“Status of game state flag” is set (stored) (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, a process of setting the “open pattern of the big winning opening 31a” is performed according to the generated big hit mode (S374). In other words, the generated jackpot is “second
In the case of “probable big hit of”, “opening pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the second big hit game”
If the generated big hit is “second normal big hit” or “second probable big hit”,
In the third jackpot game, the winning pattern for the big winning opening 31a is “first
In the case of “ordinary big hit” or “first probable big hit”, after each “open pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the first big hit game” is set (S374), the process proceeds to S378. In the process of S374, when the “first probable big hit” is not irregular, the general “open pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the first big win game” is the same as the “first normal big win”. If the “first probability variation jackpot” is irregular, the irregular “open pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the first jackpot game” is set. That is, as a general pattern, a pattern in which “25 seconds” is opened 16 times with a predetermined interval time (for example, 2 seconds) ”is set, and as an irregular pattern,“ 2.5 seconds is set. (4th
The pattern is set to repeat 16 times (16 rounds) with a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) “open repetitive operation in which opening is performed 10 times over a total open time”).

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 the present embodiment, While the “hit game flag” is set (that is, when the jackpot game execution means is operating)
The probability variation function, symbol variation shortening function, and opening extension function do not work. For this reason, S
After the process of 378, the special symbol game process (S300) is completed through a series of processes after S379.

That is, in the process of S378, when the “big hit game flag” is set, it is determined whether any special variation flag is set (set to ON) (S379).
If neither is set (S379; NO), the process proceeds to S382. On the other hand, if it is set (S379; YES), after performing the processing (S380) for canceling the set special fluctuation flag (any of the special fluctuation flags 1 to 4) (set to OFF), The process proceeds to S382.

In the process of S382, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (
S382) If not set (S382; NO), the process proceeds to S384 as it is, and if set (S382; YES), after canceling the probability change flag (set to OFF) (S383), 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. , FIG.
Return to 0 game control processing. On the other hand, in the process of S384, if it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) (S384; YES), the process of releasing the fluctuation shortening flag (set to OFF) (S386) and release Cancel extension flag (set to OFF)
After performing the process (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. 20, a jackpot game process (FIG. 36) described later is started and a jackpot game is executed.

In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the game mode is set by selecting (setting) ON / OFF of the “game state flag (probability change flag, fluctuation shortening flag, release extension flag)”. That is, each process of “S383, S386, S388, S410, and S415” in FIG. 25 and the process of “S765, S775, and S780” in FIG. Each special variation pattern table is used regardless of the “game mode set by the game mode setting means”.

E. Big hit game processing (S600)
If the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines that the “big hit game flag” is set (set to ON) while repeatedly performing the game control process of FIG. 20 (S60).
2; YES), the big hit game process is started (S600), and the “big hit game” is realized.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the flow of the big hit game process (S600). When the special winning opening 31a is opened, as described above, once the predetermined opening time (set in the process of S374 in FIG. 24) elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls have won the big winning opening 31a. Although it is closed, it reopens after a predetermined closing time. Here, the closed large winning device 3
A game in which 1 is in an open state and is in an open state again (a game from opening the big prize opening 31a to closing it) is referred to as “unit action (in the case of a big hit game)” To do. When this unit operation is repeated a predetermined number of times (2 times or 16 times),
End the jackpot game. Hereinafter, detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIGS. 36 to 38.

When the big hit game (the first big hit game young, the second big hit game or the third big hit game) is started, it is first determined whether or not the big winning opening 31a is open (S604). Here, the big winning opening 31a is closed in the “normal gaming state that is not the big hit gaming state”, and therefore, the big winning opening 31a is closed immediately after the start of the winning game. Therefore, immediately after the start of the big hit game, it is determined that the big winning opening 31a is not being opened (S604; NO), and then it is determined whether or not the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S612). That is, it is determined whether or not “the number of unit actions executed after the start of the big hit game” has reached the corresponding hit game set number (two or sixteen times and set in the process of S374 in FIG. 24). (S61
2).

However, immediately after the big hit game is started, the end condition for the big hit game is not satisfied, so S6
In the process of 12, a negative determination is inevitably made (S612; NO). For this reason, S6
The process proceeds to the process of No. 14, 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 (S61).
4). 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 big hit game is started, it is determined that the closing time of the big prize opening has elapsed (S614; YES) because the big prize opening 31a is closed (S614; YES). After opening the mouth 31a (S616), the big hit game process shown in FIG. 36 is once ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, it performs a series of various processes shown in FIG. 20, and then starts the big hit game process (S600) 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. 20 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the big hit game processing (
S600) is also executed repeatedly about every 4 msec. If 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 (S60).
6). In other words, if the running jackpot game is an irregular "first jackpot game"
It is determined whether or not the first opening time (25 seconds) has elapsed, and the irregular “first jackpot game”
If it is, it is determined whether or not a time (25 seconds) 10 times as long as the fourth opening time (2.5 seconds) has elapsed. In addition, 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, In the case of “big hit game”, it is determined whether or not the third opening time (6 seconds) has elapsed. Here, the first opening time (25 seconds) is a large number of game balls (8 to 10 balls, provided that the nail adjustment is severe,
For example, 6) is a sufficient time for winning, and the second opening time is a time when it is difficult for the game ball to win.

If the opening time (first opening time, second opening time or third opening time, etc.) of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606; YES), after closing the special winning opening 31a (S610)
), The big hit game process (S600) shown in FIG. 36 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.

The opening time (the first opening time or the second opening time) of the grand prize winning opening 31a has not elapsed (S
606; NO), when the number of winnings has not reached the prescribed number (S608; NO), the big winning opening 3
While leaving 1a open, the player exits the big hit game process of FIG. 36 and returns to the game control process of FIG.

When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the “big hit gaming state” (when the big hit gaming flag is set), while the game control process of FIG.
Whether the opening time of 1a elapses (S606; YES) or a predetermined number of game balls are won in the big winning opening 31a (S608; YES), and the big winning opening 31a is closed (S610).
Thus, one unit operation is completed.

When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the “big hit gaming state”, the big hit game processing (S6) is again performed.
00) is executed, and it is determined in S604 that the special winning opening 31a is closed (S604).
NO), it is determined whether or not the termination condition of the “big hit game” is satisfied (S612).
That is, when the “big hit game” is “a big hit game related to the first big hit game”, it is determined whether or not the number of unit operations (number of rounds) executed during the “big hit game” has reached “16”. And
In the case of “big hit game related to the second jackpot” or “big hit game related to the third jackpot”, has the number of unit operations (number of rounds) executed during that “big hit game” reached “2”? It is determined whether or not. 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).

On the other hand, in the process of S612, if it is determined that the termination condition of the “big hit game” is satisfied (S612; YES), after performing the “big hit game end process (S700)” shown below, The process (S600) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Next, referring to FIG. 37, the process at the end of the big game (S700) will be described.

When the big hit game end process (S700) is activated, the CPU 201 releases (sets to OFF) the big hit game flag (the big hit game flag set to ON in the process of S378 in FIG. 24) as shown in FIG. (S705), the above-mentioned “big hit end reference buffer (FIG. 2)
4 ”(see S354 of 4)”, the state at the time of the big hit symbol stop display is acquired (S710). That is, the type of hit symbol (first normal big hit symbol, second normal big hit symbol, first positive probability big hit symbol, second positive probability big hit symbol, third positive probability big hit symbol, which is stopped in the process of S344 in FIG. Information regarding symbols ”and information regarding the state of various flags (probability variation flag, variation shortening flag, release extension flag, special variation flag 1, special variation flag 2, special variation flag 3, special variation flag 4, etc.) are acquired (S710). ).

Subsequently, based on the information regarding the states of the various flags acquired in the process of S710, it is determined whether or not all the special variation flags 1 to 4 are released (set to OFF) when the big hit occurs (S
715). If a positive determination is made in the processing of S715, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation reduction flag is set (set to ON) when a big hit occurs (S717), and a negative determination is made. (That is, when the normal variation pattern table is used when the big hit occurs) (S717; NO), the processing of setting (specifying ON) “special variation flag 1” (S720) and the special variation counter “ After performing the process of setting “30” (S850), the process proceeds to the process after S755 in FIG. Here, “processing of S720” is CP
U201 constitutes a specific example of “processing to be performed as a special variation pattern table use starting unit”, and by performing S720, the usage period of the first special variation pattern table is started.

On the other hand, when the big hit occurs, the special fluctuation flags 1 to 4 are all OFF, and the fluctuation reduction flag is set (set to ON) at the big hit (S715; YES, S717; YES),
Without performing the process of setting the special variation flag or the process of setting the use period for the special variation pattern, the process proceeds to the process of S755 and after in FIG. In this case, the use of any special variation pattern table was started, but no big hit occurred during the use period.
This occurs when a big hit occurs during the period of use of the “shortening variation pattern table”. And
In this case, since the special variation flag is not set, the variation pattern table corresponding to the game mode is used for the symbol variation after the big hit game ends (see FIG. 28).

Next, when it is determined that one of the special variation flags 1 to 4 is set (set to ON) when the big hit occurs based on the information on the state of various flags acquired in the process of S710 (
The process of S715; YES) will be described. First, if the special variation flag 1 is set (set to ON) when the big hit occurs (S725; YES), the processing (S730) for setting (set ON) the “special variation flag 2”; Then, after performing the process of setting “30” in the special variation counter (S750), the process proceeds to the process after S755 in FIG. Then, the use period of the second special variation pattern table is started by performing S730.

Also, if “special variation flag 2” is set (set to ON) when a big hit occurs (S725; NO, S735; YES), processing for setting (set to ON) “special variation flag 3” (S740) and processing for setting "30" in the special variation counter (S750)
), The process proceeds to S755 and subsequent steps in FIG. Then, the use period of the third special variation pattern table is started by performing this S740.

Further, if the special hit flag 1 and the special change flag 2 are not set when the big hit occurs (S725; NO, S735; NO), the set when the big hit occurs (set ON) ) Is "Special Fluctuation Flag 3" or "Special Fluctuation Flag 4"
It will be either. In such a case, the “special variation flag 4” is set (O
(Set to N) (S745) and set the special variation counter to “30” (S
850), the process proceeds to S755 and subsequent steps in FIG. That is, in this embodiment, not only when “special variation flag 3” is set (set to NO) when a big hit occurs, but also when “special variation flag 4” is set, “special variation flag 4” ”Set (ON
(S745) is performed.

When the special variation flag 3 is set (set to ON) when the big hit occurs, the use period of the fourth special variation pattern table is started by performing S745. If it is the “special variation flag 4” that has been set (set to ON), the use period of the fourth special variation pattern table is started again by performing S745. Here, “processing of S730”, “processing of S740”, and “processing of S745 performed when the special variation flag 3 is set when a big hit occurs” are performed by the CPU 201 as “special variation pattern table changing means”. A specific example of “processing” is configured.

In this embodiment, when the special variation flag 4 is set (set to ON) when the big hit occurs, the special variation flag 4 is set again. That means
When the big hit is generated at the time of using the Nth special fluctuation pattern table, the aspect of using the Nth special fluctuation pattern table again is illustrated. However, unlike the present embodiment, when a big hit occurs in the Nth special fluctuation pattern table, the state shifts to a state where another special fluctuation pattern table is used {the (N-1) special fluctuation pattern table is used. The mode of transition to the state,
A mode of shifting to a state of using the first special variation pattern table}), a mode of stopping the use of the special variation pattern table, and the like can also be exemplified.

Next, in the process of S755, based on the information regarding the “type of jackpot symbol” acquired in the process of the previous S710 (FIG. 37), it is determined whether or not the current jackpot symbol is a probable variable symbol. to decide. If a positive determination is made in the process of S755 (S755; YES),
In other words, the current jackpot symbol is “first probability variation jackpot symbol”, “second jackpot symbol” and “
If the symbol is one of the “third probability variation big hit symbol”, the fluctuation shortening counter is set to “10,000”.
Is set (S760), and the probability variation flag is set (set to ON) (S76).
5), the process of setting the shortening variation flag (S775), and the process of setting the release extension flag (S780) are performed, and then the process proceeds to S785.

Here, the “variation shortening counter” indicates “the upper limit number of variations of the special symbol executed while shortening the variation”. When the value becomes “zero”, the shortening variation is not performed in the next symbol variation. I will not.

On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in the process of S755 (S755; NO), that is, when the current jackpot symbol is either the “first normal jackpot symbol” or the “second normal jackpot symbol” The process of setting “100” to the fluctuation shortening counter (S770), the process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S775), and the process of setting the release extension flag (S780).
Then, the process proceeds to S785.

In S785, a process of transmitting a “mode designation command” to the sub-control board 220 is performed, and when this process ends, the big hit game end process (S700) ends. Here, the “mode designation command” includes a special counter and a gaming state flag (probability change flag, fluctuation shortening flag,
Based on the state of the open extension flag), any of “low probability normal variation mode”, “low probability shortening variation mode”, “high probability shortening variation mode”, and “special variation modes 1 to 4 (high probability or low probability)” It is a command to specify.

In other words, if the “special variation counter” is set to “zero” (all the special variation flags are OFF), (a) if all the gaming state flags are set to OFF, “low probability normal variation” A command designating “mode” is transmitted, and (b) a command for designating “low probability shortening variation mode” when “variation shortening flag” and “open extension flag” are set to ON among the gaming state flags. Is transmitted, and (c) if the gaming state flags are all set to ON, a command designating the “high probability shortening variation mode” is transmitted. On the other hand, "special counter"
Is not “zero” (any special flag is set to ON), regardless of the game mode specified by the game state flag, “special variation mode corresponding to the set special variation flag” A command specifying is sent.

(7) Effect Control Processing Next, with reference to FIG. 39, the sub-control unit 220A (the CPU 220a of the sub-control board 220 constituting the sub-control unit 220A) is used for the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222).
An outline of the “production control process” performed in cooperation with the project will be described. Note that FIG. 39 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, initialization processing is performed (S980). Thereafter, until the power is turned off (until an affirmative determination is made in S2300), main processes such as an effect mode setting process (S1000) and a symbol variation effect related process (S1100) are repeatedly executed. Note that the time required for one round of the process in FIG. 39 is approximately 2 msec, and therefore these processes are repeatedly executed about every 2 msec. Hereinafter, the sub-control processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

a. Production mode setting process (S1000)
As shown in FIG. 40, 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 140 (S1005). . When the CPU 220a receives the mode designation command (S1005; YES), the CPU 220a analyzes the content of the received mode designation command. If it is determined that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the special variation mode (any one of the special variation modes 1 to 4) (S1010; YES), it corresponds to the special variation mode that received the effect mode. After setting to the special effect mode (S1012) and further performing the process of S1020, the effect mode setting process (S1000) is terminated.

On the other hand, as a result of analyzing the content of the received mode designation command, if it is determined that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is not the special variation mode (S1010; NO), the CPU 220a determines that the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 is the shortened variation mode (low probability). It is determined whether or not the mode is the variation shortening mode or the high probability variation shortening mode (S1016), and if it is determined that the mode is the shortening variation mode (S1016; Y
ES), the effect mode is set to the shortened variation effect mode (S1017), and after the process of S1020 is further performed, the effect mode setting process (S1000) is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode is not the shortened variation mode, that is, the normal variation mode (low probability normal variation mode) (
S1016; NO), the production mode is set to the normal production mode (S1018), and further S10
After performing the process 20, the effect mode setting process (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, according to the gaming mode of the gaming machine 1 (“any of special variation modes 1 to 4”, “low probability normal variation mode”, “low probability shortening variation mode”, “high probability shortening variation mode”) Effects such as changing the background display of the screen 27a or displaying a dedicated character for each game mode are performed. In particular, in any of special effects modes 1 to 4, an effect that is significantly different from the normal effect mode is executed.

b. Symbol variation effect related processing (S1100)
In the symbol variation effect related process (S1100), as shown in FIG.
When 20A (CPU 220a of sub-control board 220 constituting sub-control unit 220A) receives a command at the start of symbol variation (S1105; YES), the processing after S1110 is executed. Here, the commands received in the processing of S1105 are a variation pattern designation command (CHP) and a special symbol stop information designation command (CJS).

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. Then, if the result of the determination is a big hit (S1110; YES), based on the received variation pattern designation command, “a big hit effect 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 (effect display device 2)
7) (step S1115), the process proceeds to S1150. Here, when the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command is a special variation pattern, the effect pattern at the time of the big hit is the above-mentioned “battle effect over 25 seconds (special effect 1)”, “over 18 seconds” An effect pattern for executing one of “battle effect (special effect 2)”, “battle effect (special effect 3) performed over 14 seconds”, or “battle effect (special effect 4) performed over 8 seconds” Become(
(See FIG. 35).

Further, when the result of the determination is wrong (S1110; NO, S1135; NO), “the effect pattern at the time of the outage (the effect display executed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is based on the received variation pattern designation command”. Execution mode, presence / absence of reach display, reach display mode when reach display, etc. ”and“ outage stop pattern (display screen 2 of effect display device 27)
After performing the process of determining the “pseudo-symbol mode in which the disconnection is confirmed and displayed at 7a” (S1145)
, The process proceeds to S1150. Here, when the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command is a special variation pattern, the effect pattern of the off effect is “20” described above.
"Battle effect (secondary effect 1) over 2 seconds", "Battle effect (secondary effect 2) over 15 seconds"
) ”,“ Battle Effect Performed Over 10 Seconds (Special Effect 3) ”, or“ Battle Effect Performed Over 5 Seconds (Special Effect 4) ”(see FIG. 34).

In the processing of S1150, the sub-control unit 220A performs S1115, S based on the received variation pattern designation command (CHP) and special symbol stop information designation command (CJS).
A command (effect display detail command) for designating the “effect pattern” and “pseudo symbol stop pattern” determined in 1140 or S1145 is transmitted to the effect display control unit 222A (effect display control board 222). Then, the variable display of effect symbols such as pseudo symbols and background symbols is started (S1150). That is, the symbol variation effect display on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is started (S1150).

Then, 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 2
20A transfers the received effect stop designation command 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).

(8) Effects of the embodiment In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a big hit is generated when the normal fluctuation pattern table is used, the use of the special fluctuation pattern table regardless of the game mode is started after the big hit game ends. When a big hit is generated when the special variation pattern table is used, use of “another special variation pattern table regardless of the game mode” is started after the big hit game ends. That is, until the use of the fourth special variation pattern table is started, the use of another special variation pattern is started in sequence by generating a big hit when using each special variation pattern.

That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, once the gaming machine shifts to a state where the special variation pattern table is used and a special effect (symbol variation effect) independent of the game mode is started,
By generating a big hit within the usage period of the table, the state is shifted to a state in which another special variation pattern table is sequentially used, and further different special effects (design variation effects) are performed. Thereby, a variation can be given to the symbol variation effect after the end of the big hit game, and the game entertainment after the big hit game can be enhanced.

Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, since the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is ignored only during the period of use of the special variation pattern table, the symbol variation which is neither a normal variation nor a shortened variation described later is performed. Effective production can be performed over the period of use. That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the execution time of the symbol variation effect is constant regardless of whether the probability mode is the high probability mode or the low probability mode in the “use period” of the special variation pattern table. It is time. That is, even in the case where the shortening variation starts immediately in the conventional gaming machine, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is not constrained by it and creates a special pattern (special variation mode).

Then, when the variation mode of the gaming machine 1 is the normal variation mode and the variation shortening mode, an effect that is not executed (for example, a battle effect) is repeated, whereby an “effective and effective effect” is executed. In the present embodiment, there is only one type of variation pattern (special variation pattern) stored in each special variation pattern table (for winning and losing), and the variation time for the entire predetermined period can be calculated in advance. Production can be performed. For example, if no hit occurs within a predetermined period, the total time of symbol variation can be predicted.
On the display screen 27a, it is possible to produce an effect such that a predetermined movie is continuously played from the start to the end of a predetermined period.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the value of the special variation counter is set to a value smaller than the value of the variation shortening counter (the number of times of variation shortening), a special hit is not generated during the special variation mode (special effect). Even after the change mode is completed, the player can obtain a profit by opening extension or shortening change. Furthermore, when the probability mode after the big hit game is the low probability mode, the special variation mode continues for a longer period than when the probability mode is the high probability mode. For this reason, if the player fails to obtain a “big hit” during the special performance, the player will continue to play the original game mode (high probability mode, low probability mode, variation shortening mode, normal variation mode, open extension mode, normal The game is played in the open mode. Note that even in a gaming machine in which the probability mode after the big hit game is not notified, the player can predict the probability mode depending on the duration of the special variation mode.

Next, a gaming machine according to a modified example of the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as modified example 1) will be described.
In the first modification, FIG. 42 is used instead of FIG. 10, and FIG. 4 is used instead of FIG.
Example 3 except that FIG. 44 is used instead of FIG. 12, FIG. 44 is used instead of FIG. 12, changes shown in FIG. 45 are added to FIG. 24, and FIG. 46 is used instead of FIG. Same as 1.

That is, in the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment, the probability of jackpot in the determination of success / failure is about “1/400” in the normal probability mode (low probability mode), and about “
1/40 ”(see FIG. 10), and the setting value (initial value) of the special variation counter is“
30 ”(see FIG. 37). For this reason, “the case where the special variation pattern table use starting means is activated” and “the case where the special variation pattern table changing means is activated one after another and the special variation pattern table is changed one after another” Is likely to occur when continuously generated, and is less likely to occur in games in the normal probability mode (low probability mode).

On the other hand, in the gaming machine of the first modification, as shown in FIG. 42, the probability of jackpot in the determination of success / failure is about “1/100” in the normal probability mode (low probability mode), and in the high probability mode. About “1/10”. For this reason, even in a normal probability mode (low probability mode) game, “the case where the special variation pattern table use starting means is activated” or “the special variation pattern table changing means is activated one after another, and the special variation pattern table is activated one after another. It is easy to generate a “case to be changed to”.

In the first modification, when a big hit is generated in the determination of success / failure due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a, as shown in FIG. It is determined as either “first probability variation big hit” or “second probability variation big hit”. As the first jackpot game executed by the “first normal jackpot”, the opening / closing operation of the winning device 31 is scheduled to be ten times, and the first jackpot game executed by the “first probability change jackpot” is executed. As one big hit game, as the first big hit game, the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is 10 times (10
Round) and 5 (5 rounds) are planned.

Also, when a big hit is generated in the determination of success / failure due to the winning of the game ball to the second start winning device 17b, as shown in FIG. 44, the mode of the big win is “first normal big hit” or “first “Probable big hit”. As the first jackpot game executed by the “first normal jackpot”, the opening / closing operation of the winning device 31 is scheduled to be ten times, and the first jackpot game executed by the “first probability change jackpot” is executed. As the first jackpot game, as the first jackpot game, the opening / closing operation of the winning device 31 is 10 times (10 rounds), 5 times (5 rounds), 3 times (3 rounds) And are scheduled.

In Modification 1, as shown in FIG. 43 and FIG. 44, “100 times” open extension (variation shortening) is given after the big hit game ends (no big hit is generated) in any big hit. In this case, the opening extension means operates until 100 symbol variations are completed). However, if a probable big hit is generated, the number of times that the winning / failing determination is made with a high probability after the end of the big hit is 10 (
If no big hit is generated, the probability variation means operates until 10 symbol variations are completed).

In the big hit game end process (S700) of the first modification, the process proceeds to the process of S755 shown in FIG. 46 following the process of S750 or S717 of FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 46, the “type of jackpot symbol” obtained in the previous processing of S710 (FIG. 37).
If it is determined that the current jackpot symbol is a probabilistic variation symbol based on the information on (S755; YE)
S), a process for setting the probability variation flag (set to ON) (S765) and “1” in the probability variation counter.
After performing the process of setting “0”, the process proceeds to S770. Here, the value (“10” in this example) set in the probability variation counter indicates “the upper limit number of times of variation of the special symbol executed while operating the probability variation means”, and the value is “zero”. ", The operation of the probability changing means is stopped. Further, when a negative determination is made in the process of S755 (S755; N
O) Without proceeding to the processes of S765 and 767, the process proceeds to S770 as it is.

Then, in the process of S770, the process of setting “100” in the fluctuation shortening counter (S7)
70) is performed. That is, in the first modification, “100” is set to the fluctuation shortening counter regardless of whether or not the current big hit symbol is a probability variation symbol. Then, after performing the process of setting the fluctuation shortening flag (S775), the process of setting the release extension flag (S780), and the process of transmitting the “mode designation command” to the sub-control board 220 (S785), the big hit game The termination process (S700) is terminated.

In the special symbol game process of the first modification, as shown in FIG. 45, a negative determination in S390 (S
390; NO), the negative determination of S394 (S394; NO), or the process of S397, and then the process proceeds to S390c. In the process of S390c, the probability variation flag is set (
It is determined whether it is set to ON (S390c), and if it is not set (S390)
390c; NO), the process proceeds to S398 in FIG. On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is set (S390c; YES), after the processing of decrementing the value of the probability variation counter by “1” (decreases by 1) (S392c), whether the probability variation counter has become “zero” or not. (S3
94c). In other words, it is determined whether or not the high probability mode has ended due to the current symbol variation (
S394c). If the probability variation counter is not “zero” (S394c; N
O), the process proceeds to S398 in FIG. 25 as it is, and when it is “zero” (S39)
4c; YES), a command for designating the “low probability mode” is sent to the sub-control board 22
After performing the process of transmitting to 0 (S397c), the process proceeds to S398 of FIG.

The same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained by the first modification. Moreover, in the gaming machine 1 of the first modification, the “case in which the special variation pattern table use starting means is activated” or the “case in which the special variation pattern table changing means is activated one after another to change the special variation pattern table one after another. Can be easily generated regardless of the probability mode (high probability mode, low probability mode) of the gaming machine. In addition, although the modification 1 was demonstrated as a modification of Example 1, it can also be set as the modification of Example 2 or Example 3 mentioned later.

Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, FIG. 4 is used instead of FIG.
7 is different from the first embodiment in that 7 is used and FIG. 48 is used instead of FIG.

When the big hit game end process (S700) is activated, the CPU 201 of the main control unit 200A cancels (sets OFF) the big hit game flag (the big hit game flag in S378 of FIG. 47) as shown in FIG. 48 ( S705), the “big hit end reference buffer (FIG. 24) described above.
The state at the time of the big hit symbol stop display is acquired (S710). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the special variation flags 1 to 4 are all released (set to OFF) when the big hit occurs (S715). If an affirmative determination is made in step S715, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set (set to ON) when a big hit occurs (S717), and the fluctuation shortening flag is set (ON). Set) (
In S717; YES, the process proceeds to S755 and subsequent steps in FIG.

On the other hand, if the fluctuation reduction flag is not set (set to ON) when a big hit occurs (
In other words, when a normal variation pattern table is used when a big hit occurs (S717)
; NO), after performing the process (S720) of setting (set to ON) “special variation flag 1”, performing the process (S721) of adding “1” to the special variation mode continuous counter (“+1”) After that, it is determined whether or not the value of the special variation mode continuous counter is “5” (S72).
3). Here, the special variation mode continuous counter constitutes a specific example of the “occurrence number counting means” and is provided in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 of the main control unit 200. This special variation mode continuous counter is a counter for counting the number of occurrences of big hits that occur when each special variation pattern table is used, and is “zero” before the start of use of each special variation pattern table (see FIG. 47). reference). Then, the count value is incremented by “1” (“+1”) every time a big hit is generated when the special variation pattern table is used (S721).

After the process of S720 under the condition that all of the special fluctuation flags 1 to 4 are cleared (set to OFF) when the big hit occurs, the special fluctuation mode is used after the processing of S720 (when the normal fluctuation pattern table is used when the big hit occurs). Since the value of the continuous counter is “1”, the process of setting “30” to the special variation counter (S750) is performed after the negative determination in S723, and then FIG.
The process proceeds to S755 and subsequent steps. On the other hand, if a “first” big hit occurs while the first special variation pattern table is being used (when the special variation flag 1 is ON), S705, S71
Each process of 0, the negative determination of S715, the process of S721, and the process of S723 are performed.
In this case, since the value of the special variation mode continuous counter is “2”, after a negative determination in S723, a process of setting “30” to the special variation counter (S750) is performed, and then FIG.
The process shifts to the process of S755 onward in FIG.

That is, after performing the process of resetting the use period of the first special variation pattern table (the process of S750 is applicable) without performing the process of changing the special variation pattern table to be used, the process after S755 of FIG. Transition to processing. Similarly, when a big hit from “second time” to “third time” occurs during use of the first special variation pattern table, similarly, the negative determination of S723 is made and the special variation counter is set to “30”. ”Is set (S750), and the process proceeds to S755 and subsequent steps in FIG. Here, the “processing of S723” is the CPU 20
1 constitutes a specific example of “processing to be performed as first change prohibiting means”.

On the other hand, if a “fourth” big hit occurs while using the first special variation pattern table,
Since the value of the special variation mode continuous counter is “5”, the process proceeds to S725 after a positive determination in S723. In this case, since “special variation flag 1” is set (set to ON) (S725; YES), “special variation flag 2” is set (
Processing (set to ON) (S730), processing to set (initialize) the value of the special variation mode continuous counter to "zero" (S747), and processing to set "30" to the special variation counter (
After performing S750), the process proceeds to S755 and subsequent steps in FIG. And this S73
By performing 0, the usage period of the second special variation pattern table is gradually started.

Even when the “special variation flag 2” is set (set to ON), the processing of S721 and the processing of S723 are performed every time the big hit game is finished. When a positive determination is made in the processing of S723, a negative determination of the processing of S725 and a positive determination of the processing of S735 are obtained (S725; NO, S735; YES), and “special variation flag 3 ”Set (
Processing (set to ON) (S740), processing to set (initialize) the value of the special variation mode continuous counter to "zero" (S747), and processing to set "30" to the special variation counter (
After performing S750), the process proceeds to S755 and subsequent steps in FIG. Then, the usage period of the third special variation pattern table is started.

Further, even when the “special variation flag 3” is set (set to ON), the processing of S721 and the processing of S723 are performed every time the big hit game is finished. When a positive determination is made in the process of S723, a negative determination of the process of S725 and a negative determination of the process of S735 are obtained (S725; NO, S735; NO), and “special variation flag 4 ”Set (O
Processing (set to N) (S745), processing to set (initialize) the value of the special variation mode continuous counter to “zero” (S747), and processing to set “30” to the special variation counter (S
750), the process proceeds to S755 and subsequent steps in FIG. Then, the usage period of the fourth special variation pattern table is started. If a positive determination is made in the process of S723 during the use period of the fourth special variation pattern table, a negative determination of the process of S725 and a negative determination of the process of S735 are performed, and then again. Set “Special variation flag 4” (
Processing (set to ON) (S745), processing for setting (initializing) the value of the special variation mode continuous counter to “zero” (S747), and processing for setting “30” to the special variation counter (S747).
After performing S750), the process proceeds to S755 and subsequent steps in FIG.

In the special symbol game process of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 47, when the usage period of the special variation pattern table used is passed within the usage period of the special variation pattern table (in the special variation mode) ( S394; NO), processing for canceling the special variation flag (the special variation flag corresponding to the special variation pattern table used) (S395), and processing for setting the value of the special variation mode continuous counter to “zero” (S396) Then, the process proceeds to S398 in FIG. 25 through the process of transmitting the mode designation command to the sub control board 220 (S397).

According to the second embodiment, the same effect as the first embodiment can be obtained. Moreover, in the second embodiment, since the hurdle for shifting to the next special variation pattern table (difficulty of establishment of the transition condition) is high, it is possible to further enhance the game entertainment.

Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment relates to a gaming machine in which special variation pattern table use starting means and special variation pattern table changing means are activated due to the occurrence of a small hit, in addition to the big hit lottery for the determination of success or failure. It is. In the third embodiment, FIG. 50A is used instead of FIG. 20, FIG. 49 is used instead of FIG. 10, FIG. 51 is used instead of FIG. 24, and FIG. A part of a) is changed as shown in FIG. 26B, a part of FIG. 27 is changed as shown in FIG. 50B, and the points shown in FIGS. 52 and 53 are added. Except for this, it is the same as Example 1.

First, as shown in FIG. 50 (a), in the game control process of the third embodiment, a prize ball payout process (S1).
0), normal symbol game processing (S100), normal electric equipment game processing (S200), special symbol game processing (S300), big hit game processing (S600), small hit game processing (S800), etc. are repeated. It is running. Then, when it is determined that a big hit is not generated in the winning / failing determination (first big win lottery) due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a (when the result of the big win lottery is out of place) ) And a lottery (small lottery) for determining whether or not to generate a small hit.

For this reason, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26 (b), the result of the big hit lottery in the success / failure determination process (S320a) performed due to the winning of the game ball to the first start winning device 17a. If it is out of place (losing), a lottery lottery is performed using the “special figure 1 small lottery random number read out in the process of S306a of FIG. 22” (S334). And this small hit lottery (S334)
In the case of winning (S336; YES), the “small hit flag” is set (set to ON) (S338), and the success / failure determination process (S320a) is terminated, and the special figure 1 symbol variation start process of FIG. (S500a). On the other hand, if the lottery lottery (S334) is lost (S33)
6; NO), “after setting a set off flag (a flag indicating that neither big hit nor small hit has occurred) (set to ON) (S339), the success / failure determination process (S320a) is terminated, and FIG.
3 shifts to the special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S500a). Unlike the third embodiment, the second
Determination process (S320b) that is performed due to the winning of a game ball to the start winning device 17b
Even in the case, a lottery lottery can be performed.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 49, also in the gaming machine of the third embodiment, the probability of jackpot in the determination of success / failure is about “1/400” in the normal probability mode (low probability mode), and about “ 1/40 "and the setting value of the special variation counter (initial value)
Is “30” (see FIGS. 37 and 53). However, the probability of hitting a small hit is high (about "
1/78) "," the case where the special variation pattern table use starting means is activated "and" the case where the special variation pattern table changing means is activated one after another and the special variation pattern table is changed one after another " It is also likely to occur in games in the normal probability mode (low probability mode).

Although illustration is omitted, the “small hit symbol” and the “second probability variation big hit symbol” are the same symbol. Moreover, the first jackpot lottery can generate a “second positive variation jackpot” as “a non-open extension type jackpot that does not trigger the operation of the opening extension means”, and when the first jackpot lottery is lost, The content of the second big hit game is the same as the content of the small hit game. In other words, each of the second big hit game and the small hit game is “the opening / closing operation of the big winning device 31 is performed while sandwiching a predetermined interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds).
It is said that the game is repeated per time. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to determine whether or not the gaming state (probability mode) after the occurrence of the “second probability variation big hit” or “small hit” is a high probability state (high probability mode). Therefore, it is necessary for the player to use an imagination in order to determine the probability mode (whether it is in a high probability state) of the gaming machine, and as a result, the gaming interest can be further enhanced.

In the special symbol game process (S300) of the third embodiment, the success / failure determination process (S320a)
In addition to the “small lottery”, the following points are different from the special symbol game process (S300) of the first embodiment. First, the symbol variation start process (S500b, 500a) shown in FIG.
As shown in partly modified in b), if the result of the success / failure determination process (S320a) is not “big hit” (S504; N0), whether or not the result of the success / failure determination process (S320a) is “small hit”. Determine whether. Then, in the case of a small hit (S504; NO, S506; YES), a “variation pattern table distribution process at the time of a small hit” is performed (S510B), and an appropriateness determination process (S32).
0b) is a result of “out of place (when it is neither big hit nor small hit)” (S504; N
O, S506; NO), the “variation pattern table distribution process at the time of deviation” is performed (S51).
0C) is different from the symbol variation start processing (S500b, 500a) of the first embodiment. Although illustration is omitted, in the third embodiment, the variation pattern table distribution processing (
As a variation pattern table for small hits used in “small hit”, “variation pattern table for high probability shortening variation mode”, “variation pattern table for high probability normal variation mode”, and “low probability shortening variation mode” "Variation pattern table" and "variation pattern table for low probability normal variation mode" are prepared. That is, in the third embodiment, as the game mode, “high probability shortening variation mode (high probability open extension mode)”, “high probability normal variation mode (high probability normal opening mode)”, and “low probability shortening variation mode ( Low probability open extension mode)
Then, four modes of “low probability normal fluctuation mode (low probability normal open mode)” may occur.

Further, in the special symbol game process (S300) of the third embodiment, the special symbol is stopped and displayed through variable display, and when the stop display time has elapsed (S350 in FIG. 23; YES), FIG.
The process proceeds to S352c. In the processing of S352c, it is determined whether or not the stop display mode is a mode indicating winning (that is, a big hit symbol or a small hit symbol). And S3
If a negative determination is made in the process of 52c (S352c; NO), as in the first embodiment, S
The process proceeds to 390 and later. On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in the process of S352c (S
(352c; YES), information indicating the current game progress is set (stored) in a buffer to be referred to at the end of “winning game” described later (S354c). Specifically, "type of hit (whether it is big hit, small hit, or if it is big hit, whether it is a probable big hit or not)", "special variation flag status", "game status flag Is set (stored) (S354c).

Next, it is determined whether or not the generated hit is a small hit (S356), and if it is a small hit (S356; YES), after setting the “open pattern of the big winning opening 31a in the small hit game” (S358), a 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. Then, subsequent to the processing of S360, the processing after S390 is performed in the same manner as in the case of “out” (when a negative determination is made in the processing of S352c). Further, if it is determined by the process of S356 that the game is a big hit (S356; NO), the processes after S374 are performed as in the first embodiment.

While the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 repeatedly performs the game control process of FIG. 50 (a), the “small hit flag” is set (set to ON) in the small hit game process shown in FIG. If it is determined that there is a game (S802; YES), the “small hit game” is realized. In this small hit game process, if a positive determination is made in S802, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 31a is being opened (S804). However, immediately after the start of the small hit game, since the big winning opening 31a is closed, it is determined that the big winning opening 31a is not open immediately after the start of the small hit game (S804; NO). Thus, it is determined whether or not the condition for ending the small hit game is satisfied (S812). That is, the set number of small hit games (two times) corresponding to the “number of unit actions executed after the start of the small hit game” (“the number of times of opening / closing the plate 31b”, in other words, “the number of times the big winning opening 31a is opened”). ) Is determined (S812).

However, immediately after the small hit game is started, the end condition for the small hit game is not satisfied.
In the process of 12, a negative determination is inevitably made (S812; NO). For this reason, S8
The process proceeds to step 14 to determine whether an interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed (S814). That is, it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed. However,
Immediately after the small hit 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 (S814; YES), and the special winning opening is completed. 31a
Is released (S816), the small hit game process shown in FIG.
Return to the game control process of a).

Then, if a positive determination is made in the process of S804 while a series of various processes constituting the game control process are repeatedly executed at intervals of about 4 msec, has the opening time of the special winning opening 31a elapsed? It is determined whether or not (S806). And if the opening time (here 0.2 second) of the special winning opening 31a has passed (S806; YES), after closing the special winning opening 31a (S8)
10) Exit the small hit game process (S800) shown in FIG. 52 and return to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has not elapsed (806; N
O), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls won in the special winning opening 31a has reached a prescribed number (S80).
8). Even when the number of winning game balls reaches the specified number (S808; YES), the special winning opening 31a is closed (S810).

If the opening time of the big winning opening 31a has not elapsed (S806; NO) and the number of winnings has not reached the specified number (S808; NO), the small winning game of FIG. After exiting the process, the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Then, while the game control process of FIG. 50 (a) is repeatedly executed, does the opening time of the special winning opening 31a elapse (
(S806; YES), or a predetermined number of game balls have won the big prize opening 31a (S808)
YES), the special winning opening 31a is closed (S810). Thus, one unit operation (one opening of the special winning opening 31a) is completed.

Then, while the small hit game process (S800) is repeatedly executed, if it is determined in S804 that the big winning opening 31a is closed (S804; NO), whether or not the end condition of the “small hit game” is satisfied. Is determined (S812). That is, it is determined whether or not the opening operation for opening the special winning opening 31a for 0.2 seconds is performed twice, and if it is not performed twice (S812).
NO), after confirming that the interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has passed (S814;
YES), the special winning opening 31a is opened again (S816). On the other hand, in the process of S812, when it is determined that the end condition of the “small hit game” is satisfied (S812; YES)
) After performing the “small hit game end process (S900)” shown below, the small hit game process (S900)
800), and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Next, the “small hit big game end process (S900)” will be described with reference to FIG.

When the small hit game end process (S900) is started, the CPU 201 of the main control unit 200A, as shown in FIG. 53, the small hit game flag (the small hit game flag set to ON in the process of S360 in FIG. 51). Is released (set to OFF) (S905), the state at the time of the small hit symbol stop display is acquired by referring to the above-mentioned "reference buffer at the end of hit (see S354c in FIG. 51)" (S910) ). That is, information on the state of various flags (probability variation flag, variation shortening flag, release extension flag, special variation flag 1, special variation flag 2, special variation flag 3, special variation flag 4, etc.) at the time of occurrence of a small hit is acquired ( S910).

Subsequently, based on the information on the state of various flags acquired in the process of S910, it is determined whether or not the special variation flags 1 to 4 are all released (set to OFF) when a small hit occurs (S
915). When a positive determination is made in the process of S915 (when the special fluctuation flags 1 to 4 are all OFF), the process of setting (specifying the special fluctuation flag 1) (set to ON) (S920); After performing the process of setting “30” to the special variation counter (S950), the process proceeds to S985. Here, “the process of S920” constitutes a specific example of the “process that the CPU 201 performs as a special variation pattern table use start unit”.

On the other hand, a process when it is determined that any of the special fluctuation flags 1 to 4 is set (set to ON) when the small hit occurs (S915; YES) will be described. That is, if the special variation flag 1 is set (set to ON) when the small hit occurs (S925; Y
ES), a process of setting (special fluctuation flag 2) (set to ON) (S930) and a process of setting "30" to the special fluctuation counter (S950) are performed, and then the process proceeds to S985. Also, the special fluctuation flag 2 was set (set to ON) when the small hit occurred.
"(S925; NO, S935; YES)," special fluctuation flag 3 "is set (O
(Set to N) (S940), and set the special variation counter to “30” (S
950), the process proceeds to S985.

Further, if the special hit flag 1 and the special change flag 2 are not set (set to ON) when the small hit occurs (S925; NO, S935; NO), the “special fluctuation” is set when the small hit occurs. One of the “flag 3” and the “special variation flag 4” is set (set to ON). In this case, after performing the process of setting (specifying ON) “special fluctuation flag 4” (S945) and the process of setting “30” in the special fluctuation counter (S950), the process proceeds to S985. To do. That is, in the present embodiment, not only when “special variation flag 3” is set (set to ON) when the small hit occurs, but also “special variation flag 4”.
”Is also performed (S945) to set (set to ON)“ special variation flag 4 ”.

When the special variation flag 3 is set (set to ON) when the small hit occurs, the use period of the fourth special variation pattern table is started by performing S945, and the small hit When the “special variation flag 4” is set (set to ON) at the time of occurrence, the use period of the fourth special variation pattern table is started again by performing S945. Here, “processing of S930”, “processing of S940”, and “processing of S945 performed when the special variation flag 3 is set when the small hit occurs” are performed by the CPU 201 as “special variation pattern table changing means”. A specific example of “processing to be performed” is configured.

In the present embodiment, an example of setting the special variation flag 4 again when the special variation flag 4 is set (set to ON) when the small hit occurs is illustrated. That is, an example in which the Nth special variation pattern table is used again when a small hit occurs when the Nth special variation pattern table is used is illustrated. However, unlike the present embodiment, when a small hit is generated in the Nth special variation pattern table, the state shifts to a state in which another special variation pattern table (for example, the first special variation pattern table) is used {(( N-1) A mode of shifting to a state of using the special variation pattern table, a mode of shifting to a state of using the first special variation pattern table, etc.}, a mode of stopping the use of the special variation pattern table, etc. You can also

Returning to FIG. 53, in the process of S985, a process of transmitting a “mode designation command” to the sub-control board 220 is performed, and when this process ends, the small hit game end process (S900) ends. Here, the “mode designation command” is based on the states of the special counter and the gaming state flag (probability variation flag, variation shortening flag, release extension flag), “low probability normal variation mode”, “
This is a command for designating one of “high probability normal variation mode”, “low probability shortening variation mode”, “high probability shortening variation mode”, and “special variation modes 1 to 4 (high probability or low probability)”.

According to Example 3, in addition to the effects of Example 1, the following effects can be obtained.
Small hits can be made more meaningful (value) to the player. That is, not only the big hit but also the small hit is generated, the special variation pattern table use starting means is activated or the special variation pattern table changing means is activated. That is, since the occurrence of the small hits triggers the start of use of the special variation pattern table and the change of the special variation pattern table to be used, the value (existence significance) of the small hits can be further increased. In the third embodiment as well, every time a hit occurs when the nth special variation pattern table is used, the hit occurrence count means for counting the hit occurrence count and the count value of the hit occurrence count count means P ( P
And a third change prohibiting means for prohibiting the operation of the special variation pattern table changing means until it becomes a natural number of 2 or more.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim. Can be easily replaced by these, and improvements based on knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate.

That is, in each embodiment, when a big hit is generated when the normal variation pattern table is used, the special variation pattern table use starting means is uniformly operated, and a big hit is generated when the first to third special variation pattern tables are used. Although the embodiment in which the special variation pattern table changing unit is uniformly operated is illustrated, the jackpot for operating the special variation pattern table use starting unit and the special variation pattern table changing unit is predetermined as in Modification 2 shown in FIG. It may be limited to a big hit. That is, in the second modification, the process of S712 is added “between the process of S710 and the process of S715”.

In the process of S712, it is determined whether or not the current jackpot symbol is a latent symbol (S712). Here, the “latent symbol” is the “second probable big hit symbol” that triggers the generation of the “non-open extension type big hit that does not trigger the operation of the opening extension means” as the “second probable big hit”. That is. Then, if the current big hit symbol is a latent symbol (S712; YES), the process proceeds to S785 in FIG. 38 without performing processing related to the setting of the special variation pattern table. That is, in the case of a non-open extension type big hit (specific big hit) that does not trigger the opening extension means, the process proceeds to the process of S785 in FIG. 38 without performing the processing related to the setting of the special variation pattern table. Here, the process of S712 constitutes a specific example of “a process performed by the CPU 201 as a start prohibiting unit” and “a process performed by the CPU 201 as a second change prohibiting unit”.

The mode of each special variation pattern table is not limited to that shown in each embodiment. That is, in each embodiment, a special variation pattern table storing one special variation pattern is used.
A special variation pattern table storing a plurality of special variation patterns can also be used.
For example, as each special variation pattern table, one in which a variation pattern with a long variation time and a variation pattern with a short variation time are alternately selected can be exemplified. In this case, while performing the effect display of the same content in each symbol variation (for example, while playing a movie showing the battle effect of the same content), display at normal display speed (normal playback) and fast display speed By alternately performing reproduction by (fast forward reproduction), it is possible to perform a more effective production (production with impact).

Further, among the variation patterns stored in each special variation pattern table, it is assumed that the predetermined variation pattern specifies the “longest variation time” and the other variation patterns identify the “shortest variation time”. , The value obtained by subtracting the "minimum variation time" from the "longest variation time" is the "difference"
In other words, the “range” in each special variation pattern table may be smaller than the “range” in the normal variation pattern table and the “range” in the shortened variation pattern table. For example, “difference” in each special variation pattern table is “1/15” of “difference” in the normal variation pattern table and “range” in the shortened variation pattern table.
"Or less (not including zero), and more preferably" 1/100 "or less (not including zero). In addition, the “difference” in the special variation pattern table is preferably set to “5 seconds” or less (not including zero), more preferably set to “2 seconds” or less (not including zero). More preferably, it is 1 second or less (excluding zero).

In the “special variation pattern table” of each embodiment, since the number of variation patterns stored is one, the variation pattern is determined without considering the “reach random number” or the “number of special symbols held”. In the invention of each claim, the variation pattern is determined without considering the “reach random number” and “the number of reserved special symbols” while having a plurality of variation patterns stored in the “special variation pattern table”. It is good.

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 The invention of each claim can be applied to a gaming machine including a device and a plurality of non-variable starter winning devices.

In each embodiment, the number (N) of special variation pattern tables is set to “4”, but the number of special variation pattern tables is not limited to this. For example, the number can be arbitrarily selected from 2 or more and 20 or less (particularly, the number can be arbitrarily selected from 2 or more and 10 or less). In Example 2, the value of “M” is set to “5”.
The value of “M” is not limited to this. For example, it can be arbitrarily selected from a value of 2 or more and 10 or less (particularly, a value of 2 or more and 5 or less can be arbitrarily selected).

  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 prize device (non-variable start prize device),
17b; second start winning device (variable start winning device),
27; production display device;
27a; display screen,
31; Grand prize device (variable prize device),
109; game ball payout device (prize ball payout means),
200A; main control unit (game mode setting means, variation pattern determination means, symbol variation control means, use period setting means, special variation pattern table use start means, special variation pattern table change means, occurrence count counting means, first change prohibition Means, variable time shortening means, start prohibition means,
Second change prohibiting means, hit occurrence count counting means, third change prohibiting means),
203; ROM (variation pattern table storage means)
220A; sub-control unit (design variation control means),
222A; effect display control unit.

Claims (1)

A variable start winning device capable of changing between a state where the game ball is difficult to win and a state where the game ball is easy to win, or one or more non-variable start start devices capable of winning the game ball, and Comprising two or more start winning devices including one or more variable start winning devices;
Based on the winning of the game ball in the starting winning device, the variable display device displays the variation of the symbol, and when the symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a win, the winning game for opening the big winning device is displayed. A gaming machine to execute,
A game mode setting means for setting the game mode when the symbol change display is performed to any one of a plurality of game modes;
As a variation pattern table used for determining the variation pattern of the symbol, a first variation pattern table that can be used according to the game mode set by the game mode setting means, and a predetermined value after the winning game is finished a variation pattern table storage means and the second fluctuation pattern table be usable is used regardless of the the game mode, the storing at least the period of use,
A variation pattern table setting unit for setting any one of the variation pattern tables stored in the variation pattern table storage unit as a variation pattern table to be used;
Variation pattern determining means for determining a variation pattern of the symbol using a variation pattern table set by the variation pattern table setting means;
With
The variation pattern table storage means stores a plurality of the second variation pattern tables,
The variation pattern table setting means includes:
If a hit occurs within the period of use of one of the second variation pattern tables, the second variation pattern table other than the second variation pattern table is different from the one second variation pattern table after the winning game related to the hit is completed. Can be set,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first variation pattern table can be set when the use period elapses without causing a hit within the use period of the second variation pattern table.

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