JP6047538B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  There is a gaming machine that determines whether or not a special game advantageous to the player is performed, when a starting condition such as a ball entering the starting port of the game ball or an operation of a start lever is established. When this determination is made, the symbol display unit displays the variation result of the symbol for a certain period of time, and then displays a stop display associated with the determination result to notify the player of the determination result.

  Here, for example, in a pachinko gaming machine, if a game ball enters the start port while the variation is displayed on the symbol display, the determination based on the new entry is not made immediately, and the symbol on the variation display is stopped. Until it is displayed, the right to be judged is withheld. Then, a hold display indicating that the right to receive the determination is held is displayed on the hold display.

  In this type of gaming machine, for example, by changing the display mode of the hold display by the hold display, predetermined information regarding the hold of the right to receive the determination indicated by the hold display may be presented to the player. (For example, refer to Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2005-95272 A JP 2011-189087 A

  An object of this invention is to provide a new interest in the production based on starting conditions.

The present invention that achieves the above object is realized as the following gaming machine. This gaming machine
A determination means (234) for determining whether or not to shift to a special gaming state advantageous to the player when a predetermined starting condition is established;
Symbol display means (221, 222) for stopping and displaying a symbol indicating the determination result after variably displaying the symbol for a predetermined time according to the determination result by the determination unit (234);
Storage means (203, 303) for storing start information based on establishment of start conditions up to a predetermined number;
Information display means (114) for displaying the starting information stored in the storage means (203, 303),
When the predetermined start condition is satisfied without interruption for a predetermined number of times, the information display means (114) performs a predetermined effect in a manner different from the case where the predetermined start condition is interrupted until the predetermined number of times is satisfied. A gaming machine characterized by performing display.
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to make the player recognize by the hold display that the special symbol lottery determination is continuously performed and the opportunity to play the jackpot game is obtained. Can expect a sense of expectation.

  In addition, the said code | symbol in this column is attached | subjected illustratively in the description of this invention, and this invention is not reduced by this code | symbol.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a new interest can be provided in the production based on starting conditions.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. (A) is an enlarged view showing an example of a display device arranged at the lower right of the game board, (b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of the pachinko game machine of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the game control part of this Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the random number used by this Embodiment, (a) is a figure which shows the structural example of a jackpot random number, (b) is a figure which shows the structural example of a jackpot symbol random number, (c) is a reach random number FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a hit random number. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the fluctuation pattern used in a fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of an effect control part, (a) is a figure which shows a main process, (b) is a figure which shows an interruption process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of command reception processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of a mode flag. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during the end of the fluctuation effect of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the win production | presentation selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the ending effect selection process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the customer waiting command reception process of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the content of effect button processing. FIG. 27A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a RAM of the game control unit, FIG. 27A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a storage area, and FIG. 27B is a storage unit illustrated in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows each structure of these. FIG. 28A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a RAM of an effect control unit, FIG. 28A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reserved storage area, and FIG. 28B is a storage illustrated in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows each structure of a part. FIG. 29A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of random numbers used in the preliminary determination process, FIG. 29A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of jackpot random numbers in the preliminary determination process, and FIG. 29B is a diagram illustrating the preliminary determination process. FIG. 29C is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of reach random numbers in the pre-determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the prior determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the reception process of the alerting | reporting command by an effect control part. It is a figure which shows the example of the hold display effect displayed on an image display part. It is a figure which shows the example of the notice effect using a hold display. It is a figure which shows the mode of the notice effect change accompanying digestion of holding | maintenance. It is a figure which shows the mode of the other change of the notice production | presentation accompanying digestion of holding | maintenance. It is a figure which shows the example of a special effect. It is a figure which shows a mode that the display mode of a pending | holding display changes according to the continuous conditions to satisfy | fill, FIG.37 (a) is a figure which shows the example of a normal display mode, FIG.37 (b) shows the 1st continuous condition. The figure which shows the example of the display mode when satisfied, FIG.37 (c) is the figure which shows the example of the display mode when the 2nd continuous condition is satisfied. It is a figure which shows the example of a holding | maintenance display effect in the case of not distinguishing the holding | maintenance which concerns on winning of a 1st start opening, and the holding | maintenance which concerns on winning of a 2nd start opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front view of a rotating game machine to which the present embodiment is applied. It is a figure for demonstrating the inside of a cabinet. It is a figure which shows the back surface of a front door. It is a figure which shows an example of an electrical structure of a rotating type game machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol arrangement | positioning table used for control of symbol display. It is a figure which shows an example of the symbol code table used for control of symbol display. It is a flowchart of the main loop process in a main control board. It is a figure which shows the mode of the control which generate | occur | produces an event after progress for a fixed period after internal winning.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[Basic configuration of gaming machine]
FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
A pachinko gaming machine 100 as an example of the gaming machine shown in the figure is configured to pay out a prize ball when a game ball launched by an instruction operation by a player wins. The pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a game board 110 on which game balls are launched, and a frame member 150 surrounding the game board 110. The game board 110 is detachably attached to the frame member 150.

The game board 110 has a game area 111 for playing with a game ball on the front surface, a rail member 112 that forms a passage where a game ball launched from below rises toward the upper position of the game area 111, and a game A guide member 113 for guiding the game ball is provided on the right side of the region 111.
In the present embodiment, an image display unit 114 that displays various images for production is provided at a position of the game area 111 that is easily visible to the player. The image display unit 114 includes a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays a decorative symbol for notifying the player of a symbol lottery result (symbol variation result), for example, as the game progresses by the player, An effect image by the appearance of a character or the appearance of an item or an effect image using a later-described hold display is displayed.
In addition, a movable accessory 115 and a board lamp 116 used for various effects are provided on the front surface of the game board 110. The movable accessory 115 performs various effects by operating on the game board 110, and the board lamp 116 performs various effects by emitting light.

  The game area 111 is provided with a game nail and a windmill (not shown) for changing the direction in which the game ball falls. Further, in the game area 111, various bonuses relating to winning and lottery are arranged at predetermined positions. In addition, the game area 111 is provided with a discharge port 117 through which game balls launched into the game area 111 that have not been won in the winning area are discharged out of the game area 111.

  In the present embodiment, as various functions related to winning and lottery, a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) starts when a game ball wins, and it is normal when a game ball passes. A start gate (hereinafter simply referred to as a gate) 124 for starting a symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is disposed on the game board 110. In FIG. 1, the gates 124 are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 111, the left gate 124 is indicated as 124L, and the right gate 124 is indicated as 124R. Moreover, the 1st starting port 121 and the 2nd starting port 122 here say the winning opening used as the operation opportunity of the predetermined 1 special symbol display. Specifically, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are provided with switches (a first start port switch 211 and a second start port switch 212 described later) that detect the passage of a game ball when winning a prize. It has been. And when a game ball wins the 1st starting port 121 or the 2nd starting port 122, this switch will detect the passage of a gaming ball as an opportunity to operate a special symbol display.

  The second start port 122 includes an electric tulip (opening / closing member) 123 as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers that are opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 0.15 to 1.8 seconds) and for a specified number of times (for example, 1 to 3 times) while lighting or blinking.

  The pachinko gaming machine 100 has, as gaming states, a low probability state with a low winning probability and a high probability state with a higher winning probability than the low probability state based on the winning probability of the jackpot lottery. And it is controlled to either the low probability state or the high probability state under a predetermined condition. Further, the pachinko gaming machine 100 has a short time state where there are few winning opportunities at the second start port 122 and a short state when there are more winning opportunities at the second start port 122 than in the short time state. Then, under a predetermined condition, the state is controlled to be either a timeless state or a timeless state. The short-time state is controlled by any one or a combination of, for example, increasing the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, reducing the normal symbol variation time, or extending the opening time of the electric tulip 123. It is a gaming state to be played. In the short time state, the special symbol variation time of the special symbol may be shortened.

Also, in this embodiment, as other prizes and lottery items, a lottery is performed even if a game ball wins a grand prize opening 125 as a special electric bonus that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery. An ordinary winning opening 126 that is not present is arranged on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110.

  Also, on the back side of the game board 110, a game control board that determines whether or not a special symbol is won, an effect control board that comprehensively controls effects, an image control board that controls effects by images and sounds, various lamps, Various substrates (not shown) such as a lamp control substrate for controlling the effect by the movable accessory 115 are attached. In addition, a switching power supply (not shown) that converts the supplied 24V AC power source into a DC power source and outputs it to various boards and the like is disposed on the back surface of the game board 110.

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with a hitting force according to the operation angle. And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing interlocked with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. And a plate 153 for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In the present embodiment, the plate 153 is configured as an integrated upper and lower plate, but a configuration example in which the upper plate and the lower plate are separated is also conceivable. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

The frame member 150 also includes a stop button 154 for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball even when the player is touching the handle 151 of the launch device, and a game ball stored in the tray 153. A take-out button 155 for dropping and taking out the box (not shown).
Further, the frame member 150 includes a speaker 156 and a frame lamp 157 for notifying the gaming state and situation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 and performing various effects. The speaker 156 performs various effects using music, voice, and sound effects. The frame lamp 157 is composed of a light emitting body such as an LED, and performs various effects by light depending on a pattern due to lighting and blinking, a difference in emission color, and the like. In addition, about the frame lamp | ramp 157, the structural example which enables it to perform the effect which changes the irradiation direction of light can be considered.
The frame member 150 also includes a transparent plate (not shown) for separating the game board 110 from the player.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of a display 130 arranged at the lower right of the game board 110. b) is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. The second special symbol display 222 that operates in response to the above and the normal symbol display 223 that operates in response to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display unit 221 displays the lottery result after stopping displaying the special symbol based on the winning of the first start port 121 after variably displaying. The second special symbol display 222 displays the lottery result after the special symbol is variably displayed on the basis of the winning of the second start port 122 after being variably displayed. The first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 display the determination result after variably displaying the symbol for a predetermined time according to the determination result by a special symbol determination unit 234 described later, which is a determination unit. It is a symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbol to be shown. Based on the fact that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the normal symbol display 223 displays the lottery result by stopping the normal symbol after variably displaying it. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 are each constituted by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode. Similarly, the normal symbol display 223 is also composed of a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery is displayed according to the lighting mode.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. In the present embodiment, the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 are each configured by a display device in which LEDs are arranged, and the number of holds is determined depending on the lighting mode. Is displayed.

  Here, the hold will be described. If a game ball wins in the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 during the special symbol change display operation (while the change display for one win is being performed), the special symbol is changing. In addition, the special symbol variation display operation based on the subsequent winning cannot be started. Therefore, the number of subsequent winnings is stored up to a prescribed number (for example, 4), and the right to start the special symbol lottery for the winning game ball is until the variable display operation for the previously winning game ball ends. , Will be held. In other words, the hold is start information for executing a process related to determining whether or not to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player based on the establishment of a start condition described later. For normal symbols, the same processing as for special symbols is performed. The fact that such a hold has been made and the number of hold (unchanged number) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219 and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

  Furthermore, the display device 130 includes a state display device 224 that displays the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100. In the present embodiment, the status indicator 224 is configured by a display device in which two LEDs are arranged. One of the two LEDs notifies whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a high probability state in which the winning probability of the special symbol lottery is high. The other one is to notify by lighting whether or not the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a short time state in which it is easy to win the second starting port 122. In addition, the status indicator 224 is further provided with an LED, and by lighting it to the right (by changing the hitting force of the game ball), it is possible to notify by lighting whether or not the player is in an advantageous state. Good.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of an input device, an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 composed of a plurality of keys adjacent to the effect button 161 and arranged in a substantially cross shape are provided. Are disposed on the frame member 150. In the illustrated example, the player can instruct one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating an effect key 162 including four keys arranged in a cross, for example. It is possible to select the designated image by operating the effect button 161. In addition to the effect buttons 161 and the effect keys 162 shown in the figure, various input forms such as levers, dials, and the like can be adopted as the input device.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit. As shown in the figure, the control unit is provided with a game control unit 200 that determines whether or not a special symbol has been won as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A ramp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 400 for performing payout control of the payout ball.

  As described above, the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, the image / sound control unit 310, the lamp control unit 320, and the payout control unit 400 are each a game as a main board disposed on the rear surface of the game board 110. The control board, the effect control board as the sub board, the image control board, the lamp control board, and the payout control board are individually configured.

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 is used as a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when determining whether or not a special symbol is won, a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like, a working memory of the CPU 201, and the like. RAM 203 to be provided.
When the game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery and sends the lottery result to the effect control unit 300. In addition, the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state and the change information of the short time state and the short time state are sent to the effect control unit 300.
Further, the game control unit 200 performs control to increase the probability of winning the normal symbol lottery, shorten the normal symbol variation time, or extend the opening time of the electric tulip 123. In addition, the game control unit 200 holds up to the limit number (for example, four) of the unchangeable amount when the game ball continuously wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, or the game ball continues. Thus, the suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) of the unchangeable amount when passing through the gate 124.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 opens until the special winning opening 125, which is a special electric accessory, satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Control is performed so that the round for maintaining the state is repeated a predetermined number of times. Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled.

Further, when the game ball is won in the first start port 121, the second start port 122, the big winning port 125, and the normal winning port 126, the game control unit 200 per game ball according to the place where the game ball has won. The payout control unit 400 is instructed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls. For example, when a game ball wins at the first start port 121, three prize balls, when a game ball wins at the second start port 122, four prize balls, and when a game ball wins the big prize port 125, thirteen prizes. When a game ball wins the ball, the normal winning opening 126, an instruction command (command) is sent to the payout control unit 400 so as to pay out 10 prize balls. Even if it is detected that the game ball has passed through the gate 124, the payout control unit 400 is not instructed to pay out the prize ball in conjunction therewith.
When the payout control unit 400 pays out a prize ball in accordance with an instruction from the game control unit 200, the game control unit 200 acquires information on the number of prize balls paid out from the payout control unit 400. As a result, the number of prize balls paid out is managed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game control unit 200 includes a first start port detection unit (first start port switch (SW)) 211 that detects a winning of a game ball to the first start port 121, as shown in FIG. , A second start port detection unit (second start port switch (SW)) 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the second start port 122, an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213 that opens and closes the electric tulip 123, and the gate 124. A gate detection unit (gate switch (SW)) 214 for detecting the passage of the game ball is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 has a large winning port detecting unit (large winning port switch (SW)) 215 for detecting a winning of a game ball to the large winning port 125, and the large winning port 125 is inclined to be in a closed state. A large winning opening / closing unit 216 set to the open state and a normal winning opening detecting unit (normal winning opening switch (SW)) 217 for detecting the winning of a game ball to the normal winning opening 126 are connected.

In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol hold indicator 218 that displays the number of unreserved reserves that have been won to the first start port 121 during the change of the special symbol within a limit number (for example, four). , A second special symbol hold indicator 219 that displays within the limit the number of non-changed reserves won to the second starting port 122 during the change of the special symbol, and the non-changed display that has passed through the gate 124 during the change of the normal symbol A normal symbol hold indicator 220 for displaying the fluctuation hold amount within the limit number is connected.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a special symbol variation display and a special symbol lottery result performed by winning a game ball in the first starting port 121, and a second starting port. A second special symbol display 222 that displays the result of the special symbol variation display and special symbol lottery performed by winning the game ball to 122, and the normal symbol display that displays the normal symbol variation display and the normal symbol lottery result A device 223 and a state indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are connected.

  Then, detection signals detected by the first start port switch 211, the second start port switch 212, the gate switch 214, the big winning port switch 215 and the normal winning port switch 217 are sent to the game control unit 200. In addition, the control signal from the game control unit 200 includes an electric tulip opening / closing unit 213, a prize winning opening / closing unit 216, a first special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219, a normal symbol hold indicator 220, It is sent to the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, the normal symbol display 223, and the status display 224. Thereby, the game control unit 200 performs various controls related to the number of payout prize balls.

  Further, a board external information terminal board 250 that transmits various kinds of information to a host computer (not shown) installed in the hall is connected to the game control unit 200. Then, the game control unit 200 transmits information about the number of paid-out prize balls, information indicating the state of the game control unit 200, and the like acquired from the payout control unit 400 to the host computer via the board external information terminal board 250. To do.

[Configuration and function of production control unit]
The effect control unit 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs calculation processing when controlling the effect, a ROM 302 that stores programs executed by the CPU 301 and various data, a RAM 303 that is used as a work memory of the CPU 301, and the like. And a real-time clock (RTC) 304 for measuring.
The effect control unit 300 sets the contents of the effect, for example, based on the determination result of whether or not the winning in the special symbol lottery sent from the game control unit 200 and the variation pattern. At that time, in response to an operation input from the user using the effect button 161 or the effect key 162, the effect content corresponding to the operation input may be set. In this case, for example, a signal (operation signal) corresponding to an operation is received from a controller (not shown) such as the effect button 161, and the operation content identified by the operation signal is reflected in the setting of the effect.
In addition, when the game is interrupted for a predetermined period, the effect control unit 300 instructs the setting of the screen display for waiting for a customer as one of the effects.
Furthermore, the production control unit 300 sets the production content based on the change information of the high probability state and the low probability state received from the game control unit 200, and the change information of the short time state and the short time state.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. And a RAM 313 used as a memory or the like.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.
Specifically, in the ROM 312 of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored.
The ROM 312 further stores various types of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles. The CPU 311 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 312. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, etc., and voice processing using the read acoustic data are performed using the read image data.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.
Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

[Configuration and function of payout control unit]
The payout control unit 400 includes a CPU 401 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling payout of payout balls, a ROM 402 that stores programs executed by the CPU 401, various data, and the like, and a RAM 403 that is used as a work memory for the CPU 401 and the like. And.
The payout control unit 400 controls payout of the payout ball based on the command sent from the game control unit 200.
Specifically, the payout control unit 400 acquires from the game control unit 200 a command for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the place where the game ball has won (such as the first start port 121). Then, the payout driving unit 411 is controlled so as to pay out the number of prize balls specified by the command. Here, the payout drive unit 411 includes a drive motor that sends out the game ball from the storage unit of the game ball.

The payout control unit 400 also includes a payout ball detection unit 412 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout drive unit 411, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Sphere detection unit 413 for detecting whether or not there is a storage, and whether or not the plate 153 in which a game ball used when a player plays a game or a prized ball to be held is full is detected. A full tank detection unit 414 is connected. Then, the payout control unit 400 receives detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, the ball presence detection unit 413, and the full tank detection unit 414, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.
Further, the payout control unit 400 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 400, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 411, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, etc. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 450. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200. As shown in the figure, the game control unit 200 includes a random number acquisition unit 231, a normal symbol determination unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol determination unit 234 as functional units that execute various lottery processes. And a normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 as a functional unit that executes a process associated with special symbol variation.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc., as a function unit for a prize winning opening operation control unit 238, an electric tulip operation control unit 239, and a prize ball processing unit 240. And an output control unit 241 and a random number control unit 242.

The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number related to a special symbol when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. Specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of numerical values and used for determination by the special symbol determination unit 234.
The random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number related to a normal symbol when a game ball passes through the gate 124. Specifically, one numerical value (random number value) is selected (obtained) from a predetermined range of numerical values, and used for determination by the normal symbol determination unit 232.
The special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 controls the fluctuation of the special symbol according to the lottery result when the special symbol lottery is performed.

  The special symbol determination unit 234 uses a random number table as shown in FIG. 17-1 at the start of the variation of the special symbol, and the lottery result is “whether or not the jackpot is won”, “the type of jackpot when winning the jackpot” , “Whether it is a small win or not when a big win is not won” is determined. That is, the random number acquisition unit 231 acquires a random number value related to a special symbol when the first starting port switch 211 or the second starting port switch 212 serving as a detection unit detects passage of a game ball, and determines a special symbol. The unit 234 determines based on the acquired random number value whether or not to play a special game (such as a big hit game) advantageous to the player. In other words, the special symbol determination unit 234 is a determination unit that determines whether or not to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player when the start condition that the game ball passes through the start area is satisfied. . The special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) described above refers to processing in the random number acquisition unit 231 and the special symbol determination unit 234.

  Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the type of jackpot is determined depending on the combination of the short-time state or the short-time state and the high-probability state or the low-probability state. In other words, the type of jackpot based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game is a jackpot that becomes a high probability short-time gaming state having both a short-time state and a high-probability state after the jackpot game ends (hereinafter, high probability A jackpot that becomes a low probability short-game state with both a short-time state and a low-probability state (hereinafter, a jackpot of a low-probability short-game state), both a short-time non-state state and a high-probability state A jackpot that becomes a low probability short-time non-game state that has both a short-time no-game state and a low-probability state that has both a short-time and low-probability state There is a possibility of a jackpot of probable short gameless state). Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

  In addition, the “bonanza” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of gaming balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to pay out gaming balls because the jackpot game time is short. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the grand prize opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 29.5 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times). It is. In the “short win”, a round in which the special winning opening 125 is opened for a certain time (for example, 0.1 second) is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times).

In addition, in the case of “small winning” when the big winning is not won, for example, a small winning game is performed in which the big winning opening 125 is opened for a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 times) for 0.1 seconds. At the time of winning the small hit, the game state before the small win is continued even after the small hit game is completed. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the high probability short game state, the high probability short time gaming state is continued even after the small hit game ends, and the gaming state does not shift. Similarly, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the low probability short-time non-game state, the low-probability short short no-game state is continued even after the small hit game ends, and the game state does not shift.
Further, “small hit” is a kind of “out of game”, and none of the above gaming states that are advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 selects a variation pattern (variation time) of a special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. Here, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern based on the determination result whether or not to play the jackpot game, the determination result whether or not to reach, and the like. Then, based on the variation pattern selected by the variation pattern selection unit 235, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol. Details of operations of the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 and the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 will be described later.
Here, “reach” is an effect for causing a player to expect a big hit in a decorative pattern to be described later.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol determination unit 232 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or not”.
The normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 controls the fluctuation of the normal symbol according to the lottery result of the normal symbol.
The electric tulip operation control unit 239 releases the electric tulip 123 for a predetermined time and a predetermined number of times when it is determined as “winning” by the normal symbol lottery, so that the game ball can be easily won at the second start port 122. Generate a state. Further, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 is not generated.

The special winning opening operation control unit 238 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
The prize ball processing unit 240 sets a command for controlling the number of prizes to be received for various types of winnings and lotteries, and a command for controlling the payout of prize balls according to the prize.
The output control unit 241 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400.
The random number control unit 242 controls updating of various random values used in processing by the main control unit.

[Basic operation of gaming machine]
Next, the basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 configured as described above will be described.
The basic operation of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is performed by a game control unit 200 that is a main control means. Under the control of the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300, which is a sub-control means, controls the game effect, and the payout control unit 400 controls the payout of the prize ball.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing main operations of the game control unit 200.
The game control unit 200 repeatedly executes each process shown in FIG. 5 at regular time intervals (for example, 4 milliseconds) in a normal operation except for special cases such as when the power is turned on or when the power is turned off. Referring to FIG. 4, random number update processing, switch processing, symbol processing, electric accessory processing, prize ball processing, and output processing are sequentially executed (steps 501 to 506).

  In the random number update process (step 501), the random number control unit 242 of the game control unit 200 updates various random number values used in the process by the main control unit. Details of the setting of the random number and the update of the random value will be described later.

As the switch process (step 502), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. A lottery process is executed.
In the gate switch process, the normal symbol determination unit 232 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the gate switch 214 of FIG. 3 and executes a process for normal symbol lottery when the switch is turned on.
Details of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (step 503), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol determination unit 234, and the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 perform the special symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation.
In the normal symbol process, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 performs a normal symbol variation and a process associated with the symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

As the electric accessory process (step 504), a big prize opening process and an electric tulip process are performed.
In the special prize opening process, the special prize opening operation controller 238 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the special prize opening 125 based on a predetermined condition.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123 based on a predetermined condition.
Detailed contents of these electric accessory processing will be described later.

In the winning ball process (step 505), the winning ball processing unit 240 of the game control unit 200 sets a command for controlling the number of winnings and a control for paying out a winning ball according to winning.
In the output process (step 506), the output control unit 241 of the game control unit 200 outputs a control command to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400. The control command is generated in each process up to step 505, set in the RAM 203, and output in this output process.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process in the switch process shown in step 502 of FIG.
In the start port switch process, a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122 are sequentially performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball has won the first start port 121 and the first start port switch 211 is turned on (step 601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U1 in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (step 602). ). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U1 has reached the upper limit value (No in step 602), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the hold number U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in step 602), the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the hold number U1 (step 603). And the random number acquisition part 231 of the game control part 200 acquires the random value for the lottery by this time winning, and stores it in RAM203 (step 604). Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value. Random numbers here include jackpot random numbers that determine jackpot, jackpot or loss, jackpot type (short or short state after the end of jackpot game, short or short state, high probability state and low probability state, long hit, short Symbol random number value that determines the winning pattern, jackpot symbol random number value, fluctuation pattern random number value for specifying the variation pattern in symbol variation, reach random number value that determines whether or not to perform with reach in the event of a loss, etc. Is included.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lotion) (Step 605). In this pre-determination process, the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, at step 605). In addition, in the gaming machine that does not perform the notice effect based on the advance determination, the advance determination process may be omitted.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U1 in step 603 in the RAM 203 (step 606), and processing for winning in the first start port 121 Exit. When the preliminary determination process in step 605 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 605 is included in the pending number increase command.

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (step 607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned ON, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged hold number U2 in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit value (step 608). ). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in step 608), it is not possible to hold any more unchanging winnings, so the processing for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the holding number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 608), the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the holding number U2 (Step 609). Then, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random number value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (step 610). Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122, as in step 604 above, random numbers for special symbol lottery (big hit random number value, big hit symbol random value), reach random number value, variation pattern random value, etc.) To be acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. Then, the result of the special symbol lottery is determined in the later special symbol processing by this random number value.

Next, the game control unit 200 performs a pre-determination process for giving a notice effect of a lottery result to a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is pending (that is, an undrawn lottery). (Step 611). The contents of this preliminary determination process are the same as in step 605 above. This prior determination process may also be omitted in a gaming machine that does not perform a notice effect based on prior determination.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number U2 in step 609 in the RAM 203 (step 612), and a process for winning at the second start port 122 Exit. When the preliminary determination process in step 611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 611 is included in the pending number increase command.

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process when a game ball passes through the gate 124.
In this gate switch process, the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on (step 701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the unchanged holding number G is less than the upper limit value (step 702). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of reserves G has reached the upper limit (No in step 702), no more unchanging winnings can be reserved, and the gate switch processing is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit value (Yes in step 702), the game control unit 200 adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (step 703). Then, the random number acquisition unit 231 of the game control unit 200 acquires a random value for the lottery by the current winning and stores it in the RAM 203 (step 704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random number value (such as a winning random number value) for normal symbol lottery is acquired.

  After the random value is acquired in step 704, the game control unit 200 sets a hold number G increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the hold number G in step 703 in the RAM 203 (step 705). The process for winning in the gate 124 is terminated.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this special symbol process, the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the setting of a flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter, flag setting) ( Step 801). Here, the winning game flag is a flag that is set to identify that the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit. Either the long winning game flag or the short winning game flag is set according to the type of winning. In the present embodiment, these are collectively called a winning game flag.

  When the winning game flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is already in a big hit, the special symbol processing is terminated without starting the special symbol variation (Yes in Step 801). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is OFF (No in Step 801), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the special symbol variation (Step 802). . If the special symbol is not changing (No in step 802), then the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 performs processing related to the number U1 and U2 (see FIG. 6) of the special symbols that have not been changed (steps 803 to 806). . In the present embodiment, the number of holds U1 related to winning of the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning of the second start port 122 are distinguished, so this processing is also performed for each corresponding start port. .

  Specifically, the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines whether or not the number of holds U2 related to winning in the second start port 122 is 1 or more (step 803). When the number of reservations U2 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U2 (Step 804). On the other hand, if the hold number U2 = 0 (No in step 803), the special symbol variation control unit 233 next determines whether the hold number U1 related to winning in the first start port 121 is 1 or more (step 805). . When the number of reservations U1 is 1 or more (Yes in Step 805), the special symbol variation control unit 233 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 806). On the other hand, if the number of holdings U1 = 0 (No in step 805), it means that there is no winning for starting the special symbol lottery, so the special symbol change is not started, and the waiting for a different routine is set. The process is executed and the process is terminated (step 816).

  After subtracting the holding number U1 or the holding number U2 in step 804 or step 806, the special symbol variation control unit 233 turns off the customer waiting flag set in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 807). The customer waiting flag is a flag for identifying that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, and is set in the customer waiting setting process (step 816, see FIG. 12).

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (steps 808 and 809). As will be described in detail later, by the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process, setting information for variation of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a variation pattern, etc.) is determined. Is done. These pieces of information are included in a change start command sent to the effect control unit 300.

  Thereafter, the special symbol variation control unit 233 is displayed by the first special symbol display unit 221 and the second special symbol display unit 222 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents determined in the jackpot determination process and the variation pattern selection process. The special symbol change is started (step 810). Then, a change start command including setting information indicating the setting contents (a jackpot symbol, a gaming state, a change pattern, etc.) is generated and set in the RAM 203 (step 811). The variation start command set in step 811 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  If it is determined in step 802 that the special symbol is changing (Yes in step 802), or after the change start command is set in step 811, the special symbol fluctuation control unit 233 determines whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. (Step 812). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time since the start of the variation of the special symbol at step 810 has reached the variation time set in the variation pattern selection process at step 809. If the variation time has not elapsed (No in step 812), the special symbol variation is continued, and the special symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in step 812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first determines the special symbol variation in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 as a big hit in step 808. Stop at the symbol determined in the determination process (step 813). A change stop command for stopping a decorative design to be described later is set in the RAM 203 (step 814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (step 815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The change stop command set in step 814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Big hit judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the jackpot determination process (step 808 in FIG. 8).
In this jackpot determination process, the special symbol determination unit 234 of the game control unit 200 first determines a jackpot random number value in the current special symbol lottery (step 901), and determines whether or not the jackpot or small hit ( Steps 902, 905). The value of the jackpot random number acquired at step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches the value set as the winning value of the jackpot or the value set as the winning value of the jackpot. It is determined by judging whether or not (see FIG. 17A).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a big hit (Yes in step 902), then the special symbol determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random value (step 903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (high or low probability state, short or short state, short or short state, long or short hit) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value for each jackpot type (see FIG. 17-1 (b)).

  After the above determination, the special symbol determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (step 904).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a small hit (No in step 902, Yes in step 905), then the special symbol determination unit 234 displays a symbol indicating that it is a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol). The setting information is set in the RAM 203 (step 906).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is neither big win nor small win (No in step 902 and step 905), then the special symbol determination unit 234 sets a symbol indicating that the lottery has shifted (hereinafter referred to as a loss symbol). Information is set in the RAM 203 (step 907).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process (step 809 in FIG. 8).
In this variation pattern selection process, the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery using the determination result in step 902 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). (Step 1001). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1001), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1002).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in step 1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random number value to determine whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. Perform (step 1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value acquired in step 604 or step 610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value (FIG. 17-3 ( c)).
As a result of the determination using the random number value, when the reach effect is performed (Yes in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

  Next, the variation pattern selection unit 235 determines the variation pattern random value using the variation pattern random value acquired in Step 604 or Step 610 of FIG. 6 and the variation pattern table set in Steps 1002, 1005, and 1006. Perform (step 1007). That is, the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 refers to the fluctuation pattern table set in the RAM 203 and selects a fluctuation pattern corresponding to the random value of the fluctuation pattern random number. Therefore, even if the same random number value is acquired, the variation referred to depending on the state difference such as whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit or not and whether or not a reach effect is performed if it is not a big hit Since the pattern table is different, the determined variation pattern is different.

  Thereafter, the variation pattern selection unit 235 sets the variation pattern selected in Step 1007 in the RAM 203 as setting information (Step 1008). The variation pattern setting information set in step 1008 is included in the variation start command set in step 811 of FIG. 8, and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG. Details of the variation pattern selected in this embodiment and its setting will be described later.

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process (step 815 in FIG. 8).
In this stop process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not a flag indicating that the time is short (hereinafter referred to as a short time flag) is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1101). If the time reduction flag is ON (Yes in step 1101), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time reduction state (step 1102), and whether the number of lotteries J has become 0. Whether or not is checked (step 1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in Step 1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (Step 1104). It should be noted that the operation for turning on the hourly flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special winning opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in Step 1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in Step 1104, or if the value of the lottery count J is not 0 (No in Step 1103), the game control unit 200 next In the flag setting of the RAM 203, it is checked whether or not a flag indicating a high probability state (hereinafter, probability variation flag) is ON (step 1105). When both the probability variation flag and the previous time-short flag are ON, the high-probability short-time gaming state is established, and when the probability variation flag is ON and the time-short flag is OFF, the high-probability time-short no-game state.

  When the probability variation flag is ON (Yes in Step 1105), the game control unit 200 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the high probability state (Step 1106), and the number of lotteries X becomes 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1107). If the number of times of lottery X = 0 (Yes in Step 1107), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (Step 1108). Note that the operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the probability change flag is OFF (No in step 1105), or after the probability change flag is turned OFF in step 1108, or if the value of the lottery count X is not 0 (No in step 1107), the game control unit 200 next Then, it is determined whether or not the special symbol lottery has been won (step 1109). If it is a big hit (Yes in step 1109), the game control unit 200 next determines whether or not the big hit type is a long win (step 1110).

  Here, the determination of whether or not the jackpot is possible can be made based on the determination result of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). For example, if any of the symbols shown in the diagram of FIG. 17-1 (b), which will be described later, is set, Yes in step 1109. If a lost symbol or a small bonus symbol is set in the RAM 203 by the big hit determination process, No in step 1109.

  When the jackpot type is a long hit (Yes in Step 1110), the game control unit 200 turns on the long hit game flag (Step 1111). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. In addition, here, in the long hit, it is not distinguished whether it is a high probability state or a low probability state. Whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state is specified by turning on a corresponding flag in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  When the big hit type is not long hit (No in Step 1110), the game control unit 200 turns on the short hit game flag (Step 1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit. Similar to the case of long hit, the case of short hit does not distinguish between a high probability state and a low probability state.

  After turning on the winning game flag in step 1111 or step 1112, the game control unit 200 initializes the values of the lottery times J and X (step 1113). Further, the game control unit 200 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in step 1101 and the lottery count J is not 0 in step 1103 (step 1114). Similarly, if the probability variation flag is ON in step 1105 and the lottery count X is not 0 in step 1107, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (step 1114).

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big win (No in Step 1109), the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (Step 1115). ). If it is not a small hit (No in step 1115), the in-stop process is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is a small hit (Yes in step 1115), the game control unit 200 starts a small hit game (step 1116). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state. In the small hit game, as described above, the special winning opening 125 is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, and is ended after a predetermined time has elapsed.

After initializing the values of the lottery times J and X in step 1113, the game control unit 200 starts an opening operation (step 1117). Here, the contents of the opening operation differ depending on which of steps 1111 and 1112 the winning game flag is turned on. In other words, depending on the state of the winning game flag, one of the opening operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game and the short winning game is performed.
Thereafter, the game control unit 200 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1118), and ends the stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process (step 816 in FIG. 8).
In this customer waiting setting process, the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  When the customer waiting flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, the processing is ended as it is (Yes in step 1201). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game control unit 200 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1202), and turns on the customer waiting flag (step 1203). The customer waiting command set in step 1202 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG. The customer waiting flag is set in a state where there is no suspension with the special symbol change stopped.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the normal symbol processing in the symbol processing shown in step 503 of FIG.
In this normal symbol process, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set when a normal symbol lottery is won. The state in which the auxiliary game flag is set is a state in which the electric tulip 123 is opened in accordance with the electric tulip process (FIG. 16) described later and it is easy to win the second start port 122 (auxiliary game state).

  When the auxiliary game flag is ON, since the auxiliary game state has already been reached and the normal symbol is stopped, the normal symbol processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation (Yes in step 1301). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is OFF (No in step 1301), the normal symbol variation control unit 237 next determines whether or not the current state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the normal symbol variation (step 1302). . If the normal symbol is not changing (No in step 1302), then the normal symbol change control unit 237 determines whether the number G of the normal symbols remaining unchanged (see FIG. 7) is 1 or more (step 1303). If the holding number G = 0 (No in step 1303), it means that there is no winning for starting the normal symbol lottery, and therefore the processing is terminated without starting the normal symbol variation.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in Step 1303), the normal symbol variation control unit 237 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G (Step 1304), and the random number in the current normal symbol lottery It is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won (step 1305). Whether or not winning is determined is determined whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in step 704 of FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value in a table or the like shown in FIG. To be determined.

  Next, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 sets the normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol lottery (step 1306). That is, when a normal symbol lottery is won, a symbol representing the winning (hereinafter referred to as a winning symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information. On the other hand, when the normal symbol lottery is not won, a symbol indicating that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol) is set in the RAM 203 as setting information.

  Next, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 sets the fluctuation time of the normal symbol (step 1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11 and steps 1504 and 1507 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in step 1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 starts normal symbol fluctuations in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 3 based on the setting contents of step 1307 (step 1308).

  After starting normal symbol variation in step 1308 or when it is determined in step 1302 that normal symbol variation is in progress (Yes in step 1302), the normal symbol variation control unit 237 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed. (Step 1309). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of normal symbol fluctuation in step 1308 has reached the fluctuation time set in step 1307. If the fluctuation time has not elapsed (No in step 1309), the normal symbol variation is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation time is over (Yes in step 1309), the normal symbol fluctuation control unit 237 stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display unit 223 (step 1310). Then, the normal symbol variation control unit 237 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won based on the stopped normal symbol (step 1311). If it is elected (Yes in Step 1311), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (Step 1312). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in step 1311), the normal symbol process is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the big prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In this special winning opening process, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the winning game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, so the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1401). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1401), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next performs the operation control at the time of the big hit started in the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the opening operation is in progress (step 1402).

  When the pachinko gaming machine 100 is opening (Yes in Step 1402), the next prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not a predetermined time for opening operation (opening time) has elapsed. Judgment is made (step 1403). If the opening time has not elapsed, the opening operation at the special winning opening 125 is continued, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1403). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1403), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next sets the operation of the special winning opening 125 (step 1404) and initializes the winning number C (C = 0) (step 1405), the value of the number of operation rounds R of the big prize opening 125 is incremented by 1 from the current value (step 1406), and the big prize opening 125 is started (opened) (step 1407).

  In the operation setting of step 1404, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. As the case where the big prize opening 125 is operated, there are a case where it is a big win per long or short in a special symbol lottery and a case where it is a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type. As an example, in the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one round is performed once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the action of the big winning opening 125 that can be seen by the player is the same in the case of short win and small win, and the short win and the small win are distinguished only from the action of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. I can't do it.

  As another example, 15 rounds (15R) are activated per long, 29.5 seconds are released once per round, 2 rounds (2R) are activated per short, and 0 are rounded per round. .9 seconds are opened twice, and with a small hit, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.9 seconds is opened twice in this round. In this case as well, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared, both 0.9 seconds are released twice, and the action of the big prize opening 125 that can be seen by the player is in the case of short hits. It is the same in the case of small hits.

  The law stipulates that the cumulative opening time of the special winning opening 125 must be set within 1.8 seconds for a small hit. On the other hand, in the case of a big hit (long hit or short win), the big winning opening 125 must be continuously opened a plurality of times. Therefore, as described above, when it is difficult to visually distinguish the operation at the small hit and the operation at the short hit, the small hit is within a range that satisfies the cumulative open time within 1.8 seconds in one operation, An operation mode in which the big prize opening 125 is opened two or more times is set, and in the short win, the same number of rounds as the number of small hits is set.

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the opening time in the operation pattern set in Step 1404 has elapsed (Step 1408). When the open state at the big prize opening 125 has not passed the opening time (No in step 1408), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 then determines that the number C of winning prizes to the big prize opening 125 is a predetermined number (for example, It is determined whether or not (9) or more (step 1409). If the opening time has not elapsed and the number C of winning prizes is less than the prescribed number, the operating state (opening state) of the big winning opening 125 is continued, so that the big winning opening process is terminated (step 1409). No). On the other hand, if the opening time has passed (Yes in Step 1408) or the winning number C has reached the specified number (Yes in Step 1409), the special winning opening operation controller 238 ends the operation of the special winning opening 125 ( (Step 1410).

  Next, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the round number R of the operation of the special winning opening 125 has reached the maximum value set in Step 1404 (Step 1411). If the maximum value has not been reached, the remaining operations are performed, and the special winning opening process is terminated (No in step 1411).

If the number of rounds R of the operation of the special prize opening 125 reaches the maximum value (Yes in Step 1411), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 then starts the ending operation (Step 1412). Here, the content of the ending operation corresponds to the state of the winning game flag among the ending operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game and the short winning game.
Thereafter, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 sets an ending command for performing the effect in the ending operation according to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1413). This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

  Next, the prize winning opening operation control unit 238 resets the round number R of the action of the prize winning opening 125 to 0 (step 1414), and then performs an ending operation in which an elapsed time from the start of the ending operation is set in advance. It is determined whether or not the time to be played (ending time) has passed (step 1417). If the ending time has not elapsed, the ending operation is continued, and thus the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1417). On the other hand, if the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 then performs a game state setting process by the game control unit 200 (step 1418), and then turns off the winning game flag. Then, the special winning opening process is terminated (step 1419). The contents of the game state setting process will be described later.

  If it is determined in step 1402 that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not opening (No in step 1402), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not ending is in progress (step 1415). If ending is in progress (Yes in step 1415), the operations after step 1417 are executed.

On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending (No in step 1415), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the special prize opening 125 is operating (opening) (step 1416). . If it is not in operation (No in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1405 is executed. If it is in operation (Yes in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1408 is executed.
The effect performed in the small hit game described above is the same as the effect performed in the short hit game, and it is not possible to distinguish short hit and small hit from the effect.

[Game state setting process]
FIG. 15 shows the content of the game state setting process (step 1418) performed by the game control unit 200 when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417).
When the game state setting process is performed, the winning game flag is set to ON in step 1401 of FIG. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the game control unit 200 first determines the type of the hit (steps 1501, 1502, 1503, 1506). These determinations can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

If it is a small hit (Yes in step 1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
When the winning type is a big hit in the low probability short game state (No in Step 1501, Yes in Steps 1502 and 1503), the game control unit 200 turns on the short time flag (Step 1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the low gaming state when the probability is low. In addition, the game control unit 200 sets an initial value of the lottery count J (step 1505), and ends the game state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the low probability short game state is performed 100 times, the low probability short game state is ended and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the hit type is a big hit in the low probability short-time non-game state (No in step 1501, Yes in 1502, No in step 1503), the game control unit 200 performs processing without turning on both the short-time flag and the probability variation flag. Exit. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot becomes a low probability short time no game state.

  When the winning type is a big hit with a high probability short-time gaming state (No in Steps 1501 and 1502, Yes in Step 1506), the game control unit 200 turns on the short-time flag (Step 1507), and the initial value of the number of lottery J Is set (step 1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. In addition, the game control unit 200 turns on the probability variation flag (step 1509) and sets the initial value of the number of lotteries X (step 1510). The initial value of the number of times of lottery X is 10,000 in the illustrated example. As a result, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability and short gaming state. If the lottery in the high probability short game state is performed 10,000 times, the high probability short game state is terminated and the low probability short short game state is entered.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a big hit with a high probability short-time non-game state (No in steps 1501, 1502, and step 1506), the game control unit 200 turns on only the probability change flag (step 1509), An initial value (10000 times) is set (step 1510). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a high probability short time no gaming state. Then, if the lottery in the high probability short-time non-game state is performed 10,000 times, the high-probability short-time non-game state is finished and the low-probability short-time non-game state is entered.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process in the electric accessory process shown in Step 504 of FIG.
In the electric tulip process, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Step 1602).

  When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in step 1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (step 1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern ( Step 1604). Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, steps 1504 and 1507 in FIG. For example, when the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in step 1603, an operation pattern that opens once with a release time of 0.15 seconds is set, and when the time reduction flag is ON, 1.80 seconds are set. An operation pattern that opens three times in the opening time is set. Thus, normally, when the time reduction flag is ON (when it is in the time reduction state), the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the winning support that makes it easy to win the second start port 122 (electricity chewing support). Is done.

  When it is determined in step 1602 that the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Yes in step 1602), or after the electric tulip 123 is operated in step 1604, the electric tulip operation control unit 239 opens in the set operation pattern. It is determined whether time has passed (step 1605). If the opening time has not elapsed, the operation state (open state) of the electric tulip 123 is continued, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1605). On the other hand, if the opening time has elapsed (Yes in step 1605), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the auxiliary game flag to OFF and ends the electric tulip process (step 1606).

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 10), the normal symbol process (FIG. 13), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a random number (determination table) used in the special symbol lottery and the normal symbol lottery in the present embodiment.
FIG. 17-1 (a) shows a configuration example of jackpot random numbers used in the special symbol lottery, FIG. 17-1 (b) shows a configuration example of jackpot symbol random numbers used in the special symbol lottery, and FIG. 17-1 (c). Shows a configuration example of reach random numbers used in the special symbol lottery, and FIG. 17-1 (d) shows a configuration example of hit random numbers used in the normal symbol lottery.

  Referring to FIG. 17A, as the jackpot random number determination value, two types of gaming states of the pachinko gaming machine 100, a jackpot of a low probability state and a jackpot of a high probability state, and a jackpot are set. . The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299 in all cases. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a low probability state (a jackpot lottery), only one winning value is set, and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of a special symbol lottery in a high probability state, 10 winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). That is, in the example shown in the figure, if the winning symbols 121 and 122 are won in the high probability state and the special symbol lottery is performed, the winning probability is 10 times that in the case where the special symbol lottery is performed in the low probability state. Further, three winning values are set regardless of the low probability state or the high probability state, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

  Referring to FIG. 17-1 (b), five types of jackpot symbols are prepared: low probability symbol A, low probability symbol B, high probability symbol A, high probability symbol B, and latent probability symbol. Here, the low-probability symbol A and the low-probability symbol B are symbols indicating that the low-probability state is a big hit. Of these, the low-probability symbol A is a long win (low-probability short-time gaming state), and the low-probability symbol B is Represents each short hit (low probability, short no-game state). The high-probability symbol A and the high-probability symbol B are symbols representing a jackpot of a high-probability state. Among these symbols, the high-probability symbol A is a long win (high-probability short-time gaming state), and the high-probability symbol B is a short-hit ( High probability short-time non-game state). The latent symbol is a symbol representing that it is a big hit in a high probability short-time no-game state. Therefore, the high probability symbol B and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is a condition for performing a latent effect that does not clearly notify the player that the probability state is high. Therefore, it is provided separately from the high probability symbol B. The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

In the low probability pattern A, 35 values are assigned as winning values in both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol A when winning a jackpot is 35/250 (= 7/50).
In the low probability symbol B, 15 values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning with the low probability symbol B is 15/250 (= 3/50).

In the high probability symbol A, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 25/250 (= 1/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121.
On the other hand, 175 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol A is 175/250 (= 7/10) in the case of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122.

In the high probability symbol B, 75 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 75/250 (= 3/10).
On the other hand, 25 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, the probability of winning with the high-probability symbol B in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122 is 25/250 (= 1/10).

In the latent symbol, 100 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the latent symbol when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 100/250 (= 2/5).
On the other hand, the winning value in the latent symbol is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the latent symbol.

  As described above, in the example shown in FIG. 17B, the jackpot when winning the first start port 121 is a jackpot (high probability symbol B, latent probability symbol) of the high probability short-time non-game state. The probability that the probability is high and the jackpot when winning at the second start port 122 is a jackpot (high probability symbol A) of the high probability short-time gaming state is high. In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 on the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

Next, the determination of reach random numbers will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17-1 (c), the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, and 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery results (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and the reach effect is performed. There are 228 random numbers assigned to no lottery result (no reach). In other words, in the illustrated example, when a special symbol lottery is not won, a reach effect is performed with a probability of 22/250 (= 11/125).

It should be noted that the effect with reach and the effect without reach determined by the reach random number indicate a mode of effect performed in the image display unit 114. That is, during the variation display of special symbols, for example, three columns of symbols consisting of a number sequence in which numbers 1 to 9 are continuously written in the vertical direction are displayed, and the variation display of special symbols is started. At the same time, these symbols start to scroll.
Then, in the effect with reach, when the scroll is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the scroll and each symbol is stopped and displayed, first, any two symbols (sequence) stop first. At this time, the same number is stopped and displayed on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally, and the last one row gradually decreases the scrolling speed, and there is a sense of expectation that three identical numbers will be aligned on the straight line. Give to the player. Such an effect with reach includes a so-called super reach effect in which various characters appear or a story develops before the last line of scrolling stops. On the other hand, unlike the effect with reach, the effect without reach does not produce an effect that gives the player a sense of expectation, and the symbols stop and display in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. Is.
As described above, the reach random number is used to determine whether to perform an effect with reach or an effect without reach in the image display unit 114 when the result of the determination of the jackpot random number is a loss. A reachable effect appears with a probability, so that the player is appropriately expected.
In addition, when a big win is won, a reachable effect is always performed, and finally the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are aligned on a straight line extending horizontally or diagonally. On the other hand, in the case of winning with a small win or loss, the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed in a state where the same numbers are not aligned on the straight line.

Next, the determination of the winning random number used for the normal symbol lottery will be described.
Referring to FIG. 17-1 (d), the range of the random number value is 10 from 0 to 9, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time-short flag is OFF, and the winning when the time-short flag is ON. Nine values are assigned as values. Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed in the timeless state, the player wins with a probability of 1/10. On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed in the short-time state, the player wins with a probability of 9/10.

A random value as determination information used for various types of lottery starts from a predetermined initial value and is incremented by one each time the random number update process (step 501) shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 13). The Note that this random number counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the set maximum random number (for example, 299 for the jackpot random number shown in FIG. 17A). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.
Note that the random number range, the winning value ratio, and the winning value shown in the configuration example of each random number in FIG. 17A are merely examples, and are not limited to the illustrated values.

[Setting example of fluctuation pattern]
Next, an example of setting a variation pattern used in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
FIG. 17-2 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of a variation pattern used in the variation pattern selection process illustrated in FIG. 10.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 17B, three types of variation patterns A to C are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit (in the case of Yes in step 1001 in FIG. 10). . Also, six types of variation patterns D to I are set as variation patterns when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of place (in the case of No in step 1001 in FIG. 10). The fluctuation time is 90 seconds for the fluctuation pattern A, 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern B, 30 seconds for the fluctuation pattern C, 60 seconds for the fluctuation pattern D, 30 seconds for the fluctuation pattern E, 15 seconds for the fluctuation pattern F, and 15 seconds for the fluctuation pattern G. 13 seconds, the fluctuation pattern H is set to 7 seconds, and the fluctuation pattern I is set to 3 seconds. That is, the special symbol variation pattern determines the determination result in the special symbol lottery and the special symbol variation time.

  The variation patterns D to F are variation patterns that are selected when the reach effect is performed (Yes in step 1004 in FIG. 10), and the variation patterns G to I are when the reach effect is not performed ( This is set as the variation pattern selected in the case of No in step 1004 of FIG. Since the reach effect is always performed when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, the presence or absence of the reach effect is not referred to when the variation patterns A to C are selected.

  Further, among the variation patterns G to I, when the variation pattern G has a holding number of 0, when the variation pattern H has one or two holding numbers, the variation pattern I has a holding number of three or four. It is set as a variation pattern to be selected for each of the individual patterns. That is, the average time of the special symbol variation is set to be shorter as the number of pending determinations in the special symbol lottery is larger.

  The game control unit 200 uses the variation pattern random number value (see steps 604 and 610 in FIG. 6) acquired when the game ball wins the start ports 121 and 122, the determination result shown in the setting example in FIG. The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined based on conditions such as the presence / absence of production and the number of holds. Then, the information of the determined variation pattern of the special symbol is included in the variation start command and is sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300. As will be described later, in the effect control unit 300, an effect corresponding to a change time specified based on information of a change pattern included in the change start command (executable during the change time) as an effect when the special symbol changes Is selected and executed.

Although not shown, the variation pattern A is selected at the highest rate among the variation patterns A to C selected when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is a big hit, and the variation at the next highest rate. It can be set so that the pattern B is selected and the variation pattern C is selected at the lowest rate.
In the example shown in FIG. 17B, the case where the game ball wins the first start port 121 and the case where the game ball wins the second start port 122 are not distinguished, but the first start port 121 and the second start port 121 The setting of the variation pattern can be made different depending on which of the start openings 122 is won.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 includes a main process shown in FIG. 18A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 18A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (step 1801), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (step 1802), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (step 1803).

  The interrupt process is periodically performed according to the period set in step 1802. Referring to FIG. 18B, in this interruption process, the effect control unit 300 receives a command from the game control unit 200 and performs a command reception process (step 1811). In this command reception process, an effect pattern is selected. In addition, the effect control unit 300 performs effect button processing for accepting an operation of the effect button 161 or the like by the player (step 1812). Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs command transmission processing for transmitting a command including information on the selected effect pattern to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 (step 1813). As a result, effects such as image display on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 are performed.

[Command reception processing by the production control unit]
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the contents of the command reception process (step 1811 in FIG. 18B).
In this command reception process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not the received command is a command for increasing the number of holds (holding number increase command) (step 1901). This pending number increase command is set in the start port switch process shown in FIG. 6 in the game control unit 200 (steps 606 and 612), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG. Is done. If the command is an increase command for the number of holdings (Yes in Step 1901), the effect control unit 300 adds 1 to the value of the number of holdings held in the RAM 303 (Step 1902), and shows the value of the number of holdings after the addition. A number command is set in the RAM 303 (step 1903).

When the received command is not a pending number increase command (No in step 1901), or when a command is received after setting the pending number increase command in step 1903, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is a change start command. Is determined (step 1904). This variation start command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (step 811), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a change start command (Yes in Step 1904), the effect control unit 300 executes an effect selection process (Step 1905). Details of the effect selection process will be described later.

When the received command is not a change start command (No in Step 1901 and Step 1904), or when a command is received after the execution selection process in Step 1905 is performed, the effect control unit 300 determines whether the received command is a change stop command Is determined (step 1906). This variation stop command is set in the special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 in the game control unit 200 (step 814), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is a variation stop command (Yes in Step 1906), the effect control unit 300 executes a process during the end of the variation effect (Step 1907). Details of the process during the end of the variation effect will be described later.

When the received command is not the change start command and the change stop command (No in Step 1901, Step 1904, and Step 1906), or when the command is received after the execution of the changing effect end process in Step 1907, the effect control unit 300 It is determined whether or not the received command is an opening command for starting the opening in the jackpot effect (step 1908). This opening command is set in the stop process shown in FIG. 11 (step 1118), and transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
When the received command is an opening command (Yes in Step 1908), the effect control unit 300 executes a hit effect selection process (Step 1909). Details of the winning effect selection process will be described later.

If the received command is not a change start command, change stop command, or opening command (No in step 1901, step 1904, step 1906, and step 1908), or if a command is received after the hit effect selection process in step 1909, Control unit 300 determines whether or not the received command is an ending command for starting the ending in the jackpot effect (step 1910). This ending command is set in the big prize opening process shown in FIG. 14 (step 1413), and is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (step 506) shown in FIG.
If the received command is an ending command (Yes in Step 1910), the effect control unit 300 executes an ending effect selection process (Step 1911). Details of the ending effect selection process will be described later.

  If the received command is not a variation start command, variation stop command, opening command, or ending command (No in step 1901, step 1904, step 1906, step 1908, and step 1910), or after the end of the ending effect selection process in step 1911 Next, the effect control unit 300 executes a customer waiting command reception process for shifting the received command to the customer waiting state (step 1912). Details of the customer waiting command reception process will be described later.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a setting example of the mode flag.
When an effect is performed by the effect control unit 300, various effect patterns are selected and executed based on the set effect mode. This effect mode is determined by a mode flag set in the RAM 303. Here, the mode flag is set to any value from 0 to 4, and five types of effect modes from A mode to E mode are assigned to each mode flag. The mode flag is set according to the lottery result of the special symbol lottery or the number of lotteries of the special symbol lottery.
Mode flag 1 for jackpot of high probability symbol A, mode flag 2 for jackpot of low probability symbol A, mode flag 3 for jackpots of high probability symbol B and low probability symbol B, and jackpot of latent symbol symbol A mode flag 4 is assigned to each small hit. Here, the types of these symbols are the same as those shown in FIG. 17-1 (b). No mode flag 0 is assigned to any of them. In mode flags 1 to 4, mode flag 0 is set by executing special symbol lottery a predetermined number of times.
Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 20, the parameter M (M value) used in the process during the end of the changing effect is set individually for each mode except the A mode.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect selection process (step 1905) of FIG.
In this effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received variation start command (step 2101). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (step 2102), and subtracts 1 from the value of the number of holdings held in the RAM 303 (step 2103). Then, the effect control unit 300 is based on various setting information (information about jackpot type, gaming state after jackpot game, variation pattern, etc.) obtained from the analysis result of the change start command and the effect mode determined by the mode flag. Then, an effect pattern (fluctuation effect pattern) of the symbol variation by the image displayed on the image display unit 114 in the effect mode is selected (step 2104). Finally, the effect control unit 300 reads from the ROM 302 image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern, and sets a change effect start command instructing the start of execution of the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. Then, the effect selection process ends (step 2105).
Although not described in detail, in the symbol variation effect pattern selection process in step 2104, the effect mode, the variation pattern, and the effect random number (one of the random numbers updated in step 1801 in FIG. The production pattern is determined based on the random number value). Based on the effect pattern determined here, the decorative symbol variation display, the background effect, and the notice effect are determined. The decorative symbol variation display is an effect display performed by the image display unit 114 in accordance with the special symbol variation display performed by the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222. In this variable display of decorative symbols, a reach effect or the like is executed.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the changing effect end process (step 1907) of FIG.
In the process during the end of the change effect, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received change stop command (step 2201). Further, the effect control unit 300 refers to the current mode flag of the pachinko gaming machine 100 from the setting of the RAM 303 (step 2202). Then, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is based on the information indicating the type of the symbol when the special symbol variation obtained from the analysis result of the variation stop command is stopped (big hit or small hit). It is determined whether or not (step 2203). If it is any hit (Yes in Step 2203), the mode flag set in the RAM 303 is changed based on the setting example shown in FIG. 20 according to the type of hit (Step 2204).

  On the other hand, when the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is not successful (No in Step 2203), the effect control unit 300 next checks whether or not the value of the mode flag is 0 (Step 2205). When the mode flag is not 0 (No in Step 2205), the effect control unit 300 subtracts 1 from the parameter M (Step 2206), and checks whether the value of M has become 0 (Step 2207). If the value of M becomes 0 (Yes in Step 2207), the effect control unit 300 sets the mode flag to 0 (Step 2208).

  If the mode flag is 0 in Step 2205 (Yes in Step 2205), if the value of the parameter M is not 0 in Step 2207 (No in Step 2207), or the mode flag is set to 0 in Step 2208 After or after changing the mode flag in step 2204, the effect control unit 300 sets a change effect end command for instructing the end of the effect of symbol change in the RAM 303, and ends the process during the end of the change effect ( Step 2209). Here, referring to FIG. 20, when the mode flag is changed in step 2204, the effect mode after the end of the change effect is an effect mode corresponding to the winning type. When the mode flag is 0 in step 2205 and when the mode flag is set to 0 in step 2208, the effect mode after the end of the change effect is the A mode. If the value of the parameter M does not become 0 in step 2207, the previous production mode is continued.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of the hit effect selection process (step 1909) of FIG.
In the winning effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received opening command (step 2301) and selects an effect pattern (winning effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag (step 2301). 2302). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets a hit effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (step 2303). As a result, the performance during the big hit is determined.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of the ending effect selection process (step 1911) of FIG.
In this ending effect selection process, the effect control unit 300 first analyzes the received ending command (step 2401), and selects an effect pattern (ending effect pattern) according to the contents of the effect mode based on the mode flag (step 2401). 2402). Then, the effect control unit 300 reads out image data and sound data used for the effect by the selected effect pattern from the ROM 302, and sets an ending effect start command for instructing the selected effect in the RAM 303 together with these data. The effect selection process is terminated (step 2403).

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting command reception process (step 1912) of FIG.
The production control unit 300 determines whether or not a customer waiting command for shifting to the customer waiting state has been received (step 2501). When the customer waiting command is received (Yes in step 2501), the effect control unit 300 starts measuring the elapsed time (step 2502) and turns on the measurement flag in the RAM 303 (step 2503). On the other hand, when the received command is not a customer waiting command (No in Step 2501), the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 is ON (Step 2504). If the measurement flag is OFF (No in step 2504), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated.

  When the measurement flag is ON (Yes in step 2504 or after being turned ON in step 2503), the effect control unit 300 next determines whether or not the measurement time has reached a predetermined time-up time ( Step 2505). If the time is not up (No in step 2505), the customer waiting command reception process is terminated. On the other hand, when the time is up (Yes in Step 2505), the effect control unit 300 turns off the measurement flag held in the RAM 303 (Step 2506), and sets a customer waiting effect command for performing the customer waiting effect in the RAM 303. Then, the customer waiting command reception process ends (step 2507).

  When the command reception process is completed as described above, the RAM 303 is set with any one of a variation effect start command, a variation effect end command, a hit effect start command, an ending effect start command, and a customer waiting effect command.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the effect button process (step 1812 in FIG. 18B).
In this effect button process, the effect control unit 300 first determines whether or not an operation means such as the effect button 161 by the player has been operated (step 2601). Here, the operation of the operation means includes turning on the effect button 161 and turning it on when the center key and the surrounding keys of the effect key 162 are pressed. In addition, when an operation device other than the effect button 161 and the effect key 162 such as a touch panel is provided in the pachinko gaming machine 100, this includes detecting the operation of the device. The effect control unit 300 receives an operation signal from the controller of these devices and detects that an operation has been performed.

  If the operation means such as the effect button 161 is operated (Yes in step 2601), the effect control unit 300 sets an effect button command including information indicating the operation content of the operation means in the RAM 303 and ends the effect button process. (Step 2602).

  Thereafter, the effect control unit 300 performs the command transmission process (step 1813) of FIG. 18B, and the command set in the RAM 303 by the above-described command reception process and effect button process is transmitted to the image / sound control unit 310 and Transmit to the lamp controller 320. Then, the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320 display an image on the image display unit 114, sound output, operation of the movable accessory 115, light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the received command. Is controlled to execute the set effect.

[Advance notice based on prior judgment]
Next, a notice effect based on prior determination according to the present embodiment will be described.
In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the game ball wins the first start port 121 (see FIG. 1 or 3) and the first start port switch 211 (see FIG. 3) is turned on. And when the game ball is won at the second start port 122 (see FIG. 1 or 3) and the second start port switch 212 (see FIG. 3) is turned ON, the lottery at the time of symbol change Prior to the determination (see steps 808 and 809 in FIG. 8), the lottery result of the special symbol lottery is pre-determined (prefetched) (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6).

  Further, in the present embodiment, based on the result of the above prior determination, a notice effect (suggest effect) for indicating the determination result to the player is performed. This notice effect is executed at the time of a symbol change for another winning ball that is performed prior to a symbol change for the winning ball (holding ball) for which a prior determination has been made. In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of holding balls is four per one starting port (first starting port 121 or second starting port 122) (see FIG. 6). In addition, priority is given to the digestion of the reserved balls in the second start port 122. In this case, for example, when a preliminary determination is made with respect to the reserved ball with the second start opening 122, the maximum symbol variation for four winning balls is performed before the symbol variation for the reserved ball is performed. It becomes. In the notice effect related to the reserved ball that has been determined in advance, if multiple symbol changes are made before the symbol change for the reserved ball, even if the notice effect that spans the multiple symbol changes is performed good.

[Configuration of the RAM of the Game Control Unit and the RAM of the Production Control Unit for Performing the Advance Effect]
In order to execute such a notice effect based on the prior determination, the RAM 203 of the game control unit 200 and the RAM 303 of the effect control unit 300 in the present embodiment have the following configurations.
FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 203 (see FIG. 3) of the game control unit 200 according to the present embodiment. (A) of the same figure is a block diagram which shows the structure of the storage area 204, (b) is a block diagram which shows each structure of the memory | storage part shown to (a).

  As shown to (a) of the figure, RAM203 is provided with the storage area 204 as a special symbol holding | maintenance storage area which memorize | stores the jackpot random number acquired by the jackpot random number lottery. This storage area 204 has eight storage units corresponding to the maximum number of reservations of the first start port 121 and the number of reservations of the second start port 122 (when the upper limit value of each reservation number is 4). . Specifically, the storage area 204 includes a first storage unit 204a, a second storage unit 204a, a third storage unit 204c, a fourth storage unit 204d, a fifth storage unit 204e, a sixth storage unit 204f, and a seventh storage. Part 204g and eighth storage part 204h.

  Further, as shown in (b) of the figure, each of these storage units 204a to 204h includes an area for storing the number of fluctuations N when winning the jackpot, and a winning start port (first start port 121). Or an area in which information indicating the second start port 122) is stored. Each of the storage units 204a to 204h includes an area for storing the acquired jackpot random number, an area for storing a design random number, and an area for storing a reach random number. That is, each of the storage units 204a to 204h stores a jackpot random number, a design random number, and a reach random number.

  Here, each random number is stored in order from the first storage unit 204a. More specifically, for example, when no random number is stored in any of the first storage unit 204a to the eighth storage unit 204h, the acquired random number is stored in the first storage unit 204a. Further, for example, when random numbers are already stored in the first storage unit 204a to the fourth storage unit 204d, the acquired random number is stored in the fifth storage unit 204e.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the RAM 303 (see FIG. 3) of the effect control unit 300 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 28A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the reserved storage areas 305 and 306, and FIG. 28B is a block diagram showing the configuration of each storage unit shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 28A, the RAM 303 includes a first hold storage area 305 and a second hold storage area 306 as a hold status storage area for storing a status where a hold ball is held. The first holding storage area 305 and the second holding storage area 306 correspond to holding for winning in the first starting port 121 and holding for winning in the second starting port 122, respectively. Have. Specifically, the first reserved storage area 305 includes a first storage unit 305a, a second storage unit 305b, a third storage unit 305c, and a fourth storage unit 305d. The second reserved storage area 306 includes a first storage unit 306a, a second storage unit 306b, a third storage unit 306c, and a fourth storage unit 306d.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, each of these storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d includes a hold flag storage area for turning on / off the hold flag and a notification flag for turning on / off the notice flag. And a storage area. The hold flag is a flag for identifying the presence or absence of a hold ball for each of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d. That is, for example, when the number of holds due to winning at the first start port 121 is 3, the hold flag is turned ON in the three hold flag storage areas of the first to third storage units 305a, 305b, and 305c. The notification flag is a flag for identifying the presence / absence of a notification command of a pre-read result to be described later for each reserved ball. That is, for example, when a pre-determination process (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6 and FIG. 29 described later) is performed on the above-described three reserved balls and a notification command is set for the third reserved ball, In the notification flag storage area of the three storage unit 305c, the notification flag is turned ON.

  That is, the RAM 203 and the RAM 303 function as a storage unit that stores hold information that is start information based on establishment of a predetermined start condition with a predetermined number as a limit in the game control unit 200 and the effect control unit 300. In addition, the game control unit 200 enters the special game state before the determination of the special symbol determination unit 234 triggered by the establishment of the start condition corresponding to the start information based on the hold information that is the start information. It is a prior determination means for performing a prior determination process regarding whether to shift. The effect control unit 300 is an effect control unit that performs a notice effect for giving a notice (improvement) of a preliminary determination result.

  Although not particularly shown, the RAM 203 has an area for storing prior determination information (hereinafter referred to as a prior determination information storage area) separately from the configuration shown in FIG. The pre-determination information is information obtained by the pre-determination process based on each random number (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6). The content of the pre-determination information is the same as the information obtained as various determination results in the special symbol processing (see FIG. 8), and specifically, the type of winning (big hit, small hit, off) and big hit In this case, the type of jackpot and the content of the production are information for indicating whether the production is a reachable production or a non-reach production. The pre-determination information stored in the pre-determination information storage area is unique or independent from the hold information corresponding to the winning ball (holding ball) subjected to the pre-determination process (hereinafter referred to as hold information). At the timing, it is included in the pending number increase command and the change start command and sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300.

[Preliminary judgment processing]
Next, the prior determination process (see steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6) will be described in detail.
First, a determination method using random numbers in the prior determination process will be described.
FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of random numbers used in the pre-determination process in the present embodiment. FIG. 29A shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number in the predetermination process, FIG. 29B shows an example configuration of a design random number in the predetermination process, and FIG. 29C shows a reach random number in the predetermination process. The example of a structure of each is shown.

Referring to FIG. 29 (a), the jackpot random number in the prior determination process has the same configuration as the jackpot random number in the jackpot determination process shown in FIG. 17-1 (a). In other words, two types of game states of the pachinko gaming machine 100 are set: a jackpot with a low probability state and a jackpot with a high probability state. The range of random numbers is 300 from 0 to 299 in all cases. The winning probability in the prior determination is 1/300 in the low probability state and 10/300 (= 1/30) in the high probability state.
In addition, the determination as to whether or not a small hit is made when there is a shift in the special symbol lottery has the same configuration as the random number shown in FIG. That is, the winning probability per small is 3/300 (= 1/100) regardless of the low probability state or the high probability state.

  Referring to FIG. 29 (b), the jackpot symbol random number in the prior determination process has the same configuration as the jackpot symbol random number in the jackpot determination process shown in FIG. 17-1 (b). That is, as a type of jackpot based on a special symbol triggered by winning the first starting port 121, a jackpot of low probability symbol A, a jackpot of low probability symbol B, a jackpot of high probability symbol A, a jackpot of high probability symbol B Five types of jackpots and jackpots of latent patterns are prepared. In addition, as a type of jackpot based on a special symbol triggered by winning the second starting port 122, a jackpot of low probability symbol A, a jackpot of low probability symbol B, a jackpot of high probability symbol A, a jackpot of high probability symbol B Four types of jackpots are available.

  The range of the random number value is 250 from 0 to 249 regardless of which of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 is won. In addition, for the high probability symbol A and the high probability symbol B, different winning values are set depending on whether the first starting port 121 is won or the second starting port 122 is won, and the winning probabilities are different. .

  Referring to FIG. 29 (c), the reach random number in the pre-determination process has the same configuration as the reach random number in the variation pattern selection process shown in FIG. 17-1 (c). That is, the range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249, 22 random numbers are assigned to the lottery result (with reach) for performing the reach effect, and 228 to the lottery result (without reach) for the reach effect. Random number values are assigned. Therefore, when the special symbol lottery is not a big hit, it is determined by the prior determination that the reach effect is performed with a probability of 8.8 / 100 (= 22/250).

[Preliminary judgment processing by game control unit]
FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the contents of the preliminary determination processing (steps 605 and 611 in FIG. 6) according to the present embodiment.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 30, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the internal state is a high probability state (step 3001), and if it is determined that the internal state is a high probability state (Yes in step 3001), It is determined whether the jackpot lottery right acquired in FIG. 6) corresponds to the number of jackpot lottery rights after the transition to the current high probability state.

  That is, if the winning of the jackpot that the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes a high probability state (in the example shown in FIG. 29B, the jackpot of the high probability symbol A and the jackpot of the high probability symbol B) is confirmed, the jackpot is won. The number N of fluctuations at that time is set to the reference number M. For example, when the jackpot of the high probability symbol A is won by the 200th jackpot lottery (special symbol fluctuation display) after turning on the power, the data “200” is stored in the RAM 203, and accordingly When the internal state is high probability, it becomes a short game state. Therefore, the jackpot lottery performed at the 201st time after turning on the power corresponds to the first jackpot lottery after shifting to the high probability short-time gaming state, and similarly, the jackpot lottery performed at the 210th time The lottery corresponds to the tenth jackpot lottery after shifting to the high probability short-time gaming state. In this way, it is calculated how many jackpot lotteries the right of the jackpot lottery acquired by the start port switch process (see FIG. 6) corresponds to the high probability short-time gaming state. Specifically, the game control unit 200 obtains the calculated value Z by subtracting the reference number M from the variation number N (step 3002).

Then, the game control unit 200 determines whether or not the calculated value Z is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times X (step 3003). The predetermined number of times X here is the upper limit number of times that the big hit random number is determined based on the high probability state hit determination table (see FIG. 29A).
Here, for example, if the winning state where the gaming state after the jackpot game becomes the high probability short-time gaming state is won, then the jackpot random number is determined based on the hit determination table for the high probability state with the upper limit being 100 times. Think about the case. In this case, the predetermined number of times X is set to 100, and it is determined whether or not the calculation value Z is 100 or less.
That is, whether the jackpot random number acquired by the start switch processing (see FIG. 6) is determined based on the hit determination table for the high probability state, or for the low probability state when the high probability short-time gaming state ends. Here, it is determined whether the determination is made based on the winning determination table (see FIG. 29A).
For example, suppose that the winning jackpot of the high-probability symbol A (the long win that becomes the short game state at the high probability) is won by the 200th jackpot lottery (number of fluctuations N = 200) after the power is turned on. Thereafter, 98 jackpot lotteries were performed after entering the high-probability short-lived gaming state, and in a situation where the jackpot has not been won yet, the number of changes N = 299 hold A, the number of changes N = 300 hold B, Assume that the hold C with the number of fluctuations N = 301 is stored in the RAM 203. At this time, since the reference number M = 200 is set, the hold A is the calculated value Z = 99, the hold B is the calculated value Z = 100, and the hold C is the calculated value Z = 101. Accordingly, hold A and hold B are determined as “YES” in step 3003, and hold C is determined as “NO” in step 3003.
As described above, the processing of step 3002 and step 3003 makes it possible to make a jackpot determination based not on the current internal state but on the internal state at the time of special symbol processing. Therefore, an accurate determination result can be derived even when the gaming state changes from the high probability state to the low probability state.

When the game control unit 200 determines that the calculated value Z is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times X (Yes in step 3003), next, the jackpot for changing the internal state after the jackpot game to a low probability state (in FIG. It is determined whether or not the pre-determination information relating to “big jackpot” is stored before the start-up switch process (see FIG. 6) is started (step 3004). This is because if such a holding ball is put on hold first, the gaming state becomes a low probability state when digesting the holding ball put on hold in the start port switch process (see FIG. 6). It is.
Therefore, if it is determined No in step 3004, a hit determination table for a high probability state (when probability change) is selected (step 3006). If it is determined Yes in step 3004, a low probability state (normally) A hit determination table is selected (step 3007).

On the other hand, when the current gaming state is a low probability state (No in step 3001), or when it is determined that the calculated value Z exceeds the predetermined number X even if the current gaming state is a high probability state (step) In step 3003, the following processing is performed. That is, the game control unit 200 stores in the advance determination information storage area of the RAM 203 the advance determination information related to the jackpot for changing the gaming state after the jackpot game to a high probability state (described as “a jackpot with probability change” in FIG. 30). Then, it is determined whether or not it is stored before the start port switch process (see FIG. 6) is started (step 3005). For example, in step 605 of the start port switch process (see FIG. 6), when a random number as the hold information is stored in the sixth storage unit 204f (see FIG. 27) of the storage area 204, the first storage unit 204a to the second storage unit 204a. As the prior determination information corresponding to the hold related to the hold information stored in the 5 storage unit 204e (see FIG. 27), the advance determination information related to any one of the jackpots that are in a high probability state is stored in the advance determination information storage area. Judge whether or not. That is, it is determined whether there is a reserve sphere that is digested earlier than the currently generated reserve sphere in the start port switch process (see FIG. 6) changes the internal state to the high probability state. This is because if such a holding ball exists first, the internal state becomes a high probability state when digesting the holding ball generated this time in the start port switch process.
Therefore, when it is determined No in step 3005, a hit determination table for the low probability state (normal time) is selected (step 3007), and when it is determined Yes, it is for the high probability state (probability change time). A winning determination table is selected (step 3006).

  Although not shown in detail, in step 3004 and step 3005, it is assumed that the jackpot for changing the gaming state after the jackpot game to a high probability state and the jackpot for changing the gaming state after the jackpot game to a low probability state in advance. When stored in the determination information storage area, the game control unit 200 makes the above determination (steps 3004 and 3005) based on the prior determination information related to the reserved ball to be digested later among these two jackpots. Do.

  As described above, the processing of step 3004 and step 3005 makes it possible to determine the jackpot based on the internal state during the special symbol processing. Therefore, even when the internal state changes from the high probability state to the low probability state, or when the internal state changes from the low probability state to the high probability state, an accurate prior determination result can be derived.

  Thereafter, the game control unit 200 determines each random number based on the selected determination table (step 3008), and stores the determination result as prior determination information in the prior determination information storage area (step 3009). Then, it is determined whether or not the determination result is a big hit or a small win (step 3010). If the big hit or the small hit is (Yes in step 3010), a prefetch result notification command (in FIG. Is set (step 3011), and if it is lost (No in step 3010), a normal command is set (step 3012), and the pre-determination process ends. The normal command is a command for displaying only the number of holds without notifying the result of the prior determination (prefetching) in a hold display effect described later. These set commands are included in the pending number increase command (see steps 606 and 612 in FIG. 6), and are transmitted to the effect control unit 300 in the output process (see step 506 in FIG. 5).

  It is also conceivable to employ control not shown in FIG. 30 in the prior determination process. For example, if it is a loss (No in step 3010), it is determined whether or not a reach effect is performed during the change, and if it is determined that a reach effect is performed, a reach command is set. Further, when it is determined in advance that it is a big hit (Yes in Step 3010), the type of jackpot is determined in advance.

[Preliminary production by production control unit]
In the pachinko gaming machine 100, when a game ball wins further to the starting port during a special symbol change and a holding ball is generated, the first special symbol hold display on the display 130 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). Display according to the number of holdings is performed by the device 218 and the second special symbol holding display 219. Further, in addition to the display by the display device 130, the pachinko gaming machine 100 performs an effect (holding display effect) for displaying information (presence / absence, number of holds, etc.) regarding the reserved ball on the image display unit 114 as a part of the effect display. There is. Furthermore, when a preliminary determination is made regarding the holding ball as described above, a notice effect that informs or suggests the determination result can be performed. In order to perform this notice effect, the effect control unit 300 performs the notification command reception process.

  As described above, the notification command and the normal command are sent from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 in the pending number increase command. Therefore, in the command reception process (see step 1811 in FIG. 18B and FIG. 19), when receiving the hold number increase command, the effect control unit 300 sets the hold number addition and sets the hold number command (step 1901). In addition, the notification command or the normal command is extracted from the pending number increase command and stored in the RAM 303.

[Notification command acceptance processing]
FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the contents of notification command reception processing by the effect control unit 300.
After the processing at the time of reception of the above-described hold number increase command, the effect control unit 300 determines whether or not a notification command extracted from the hold number increase command is stored in the RAM 303 (step 3101). If it is determined that the notification command is stored (Yes in step 3101), the effect control unit 300 stores the storage area (first to fourth storage units 305a to 305d and first to fourth storages) corresponding to the current reserved ball in the RAM 303. In any of the units 306a to 306d), the hold flag and the notification flag are turned ON. When the normal command is extracted from the hold number increase command instead of the notification command, only the hold flag is turned ON (step 3102). If the notification command is not stored (No in step 3101), the notification command receiving process is terminated.

  Next, the production control unit 300 determines whether or not the notification flag is ON in any of the first to fourth storage units 305a to 305d and the first to fourth storage units 306a to 306d of the RAM 303 (step) 3103). When it is determined that the notification flag is ON in any of the storage units 305a to 305d and 306a to 306d (Yes in step 3103), the effect control unit 300 next has the variation time T longer than the predetermined value K. Whether or not (step 3104). When it is determined that the variation time T is greater than the predetermined value K (Yes in step 3104), a notification effect command for performing a notice effect (notification effect) is set (step 3105), and the notification command The acceptance process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the notification flag is not ON in any of the first to fourth storage units 305a to 305d and the first to fourth storage units 306a to 306d (No in step 3103), the fluctuation time T is a predetermined value. When it is determined that it is equal to or less than K (No in Step 3104), the effect control unit 300 sets a normal effect command for performing a normal effect that does not notify the prefetch result (Step 3106), and ends the notification command receiving process. .

  These commands are for informing the player of the number of holds in the effect control process, and individual information for each hold ball (whether the hold ball is related to the first start port 121 or the second start port 122) , And the number of the holding ball at each starting port). The notification effect command also includes information indicating which of the first to fourth storage units 305a to 305d and the first to fourth storage units 306a to 306d has the notification flag turned on.

  More specifically, the variation time T referred to here is a time during which the special symbol varies due to the jackpot determination process (see FIG. 9), and can also be referred to as a variation time related to the variation. Further, the predetermined value K is a value larger than the time (scale) necessary for performing the notice effect. For example, when the scale of the notice effect to be executed is 3 seconds, a value of 4 seconds may be adopted as the predetermined value K. This is because the notice effect cannot be performed during the symbol change unless the fluctuation time T is longer than the scale of the notice effect to be executed. Therefore, even when the notification flag is ON in any of the first to fourth storage units 305a to 305d and the first to fourth storage units 306a to 306d, the variation time T is equal to or less than the predetermined value K. Is set not a notification effect command but a normal effect command (see steps 3103, 3104, 3106).

  Note that the variation time T is not necessarily limited to one special symbol variation time (a time during which a special symbol variation relating to one winning ball (holding ball) is performed). That is, as the fluctuation time T, a time during which the symbol fluctuation is performed a plurality of times (two or three times when the upper limit of the number of holdings is four) can be set. In other words, the time obtained by adding a plurality of fluctuation times becomes the value H. In this case, the effect is performed as a notice effect (so-called continuous notice) performed over a plurality of symbol variations.

  When the notice effect spans multiple symbol variations, not only guarantees the lower limit value of the entire variation time T as shown in step 3004 of FIG. 30, but also the overall effect for the scale of the notice effect (continuous notice). It is necessary to limit the variation time in the symbol variation that is the target of the notice effect so that the length of the variation time T is not too long.

[Advance notice with hold display effect]
FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hold display effect displayed on the image display unit 114.
According to the present embodiment, the right to receive the determination of the special symbol lottery is stored, and when the determination is suspended (hereinafter simply referred to as “hold”), the image display unit 114 is displayed with the hold information. That is, in the present embodiment, the image display unit 114 functions as an information display unit that displays the hold information that is the start information. Further, the hold display of the image display unit 114 is performed by display control of the image / sound control unit 310 under the effect control by the effect control unit 300. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the effect control unit 300 and the image / sound control unit 310 function as a display control unit that controls the hold display that is the display of the start information based on the determination result of the prior determination process. In the example shown in FIG. 32, a number of marks (white circle “◯” in the illustrated example) corresponding to the number of reservations is displayed at the bottom of the display screen of the image display unit 114. In the present embodiment, a hold display 10 (10a to 10d) indicating a hold generated by winning the first start port 121 and a hold display 20 (10a to 10d) indicating a hold generated by winning the second start port 122 ( 20a-20d) are displayed separately.

  The hold displays 10 and 20 are displayed at a maximum of four on the basis of the upper limit of the number of holds. Further, the positions of the displayed hold displays 10 and 20 are specified based on the number of holds. For example, if the number of holds on hold generated by winning the first start port 121 is 1, the hold display 10a is displayed. If the number of holds is two, hold indications 10a and 10b are displayed. If the number of holds is 3, hold indications 10a, 10b, 10c are displayed. If the number of holds is 4, hold indications 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are displayed. In the same manner, the hold generated by winning the second start port 122 is also displayed in the order of hold display 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d.

  In the illustrated example, the number of hold displays 10a and 10b and the hold displays 20a, 20b, and 20c corresponding to the current number of holds are indicated by solid lines, and are displayed when a hold occurs although not currently displayed. The hold displays 10c and 10d and the hold display 20d are indicated by broken lines. Therefore, FIG. 32 shows an example in which there are two holds generated by winning the first start port 121 and three holds generated by winning the second start port 122.

  In the present embodiment, a notice effect (suggest effect) that suggests a result of prior determination is performed using the hold display effect. Specifically, for example, when it is suggested by prior determination that a big win that is one of the special games advantageous to the player at any hold is won, or when a big win is not won at any hold The hold displays 10 and 20 are displayed in a different manner. Specifically, it is conceivable to change the display colors of the hold displays 10 and 20 or display a mark different from the normal display. Further, in the present embodiment, when a jackpot is won in any hold by prior determination, the hold displays 10 and 20 corresponding to the hold determined in advance that the jackpot has been won, and the other hold displays 10 and 20 The display by the notice effect is performed using any of the hold displays 10 and 20 including That is, the modes of the hold displays 10 and 20 corresponding to the hold determined to have won the jackpot in the prior determination are not necessarily changed.

FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of a notice effect using a hold display.
In the example shown in FIG. 33, an example of the notice effect by the hold display 20 for the hold caused by winning the second start port 122 is shown. In the example shown in the figure, the number of on-hold holds generated by winning the second start port 122 is four. Here, as a notice effect, the display 20c for the third hold is displayed differently from the other hold displays 20a, 20b, and 20d by the display control of the image / sound control unit 310 as the display control means (star-shaped display). Mark “☆”).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the hold displays 10 and 20 that are displayed by the notice effect and the hold displays 10 and 20 corresponding to the hold determined to have won the jackpot in the prior determination are as follows: It does not always match. Therefore, in FIG. 33, the hold determined to have won the jackpot by the prior determination is not necessarily the third hold corresponding to the hold display 20c displayed by the notice effect. For example, there may be a case where a notice effect is performed on the hold display 20c corresponding to the third hold although it is determined in advance that the jackpot has been won for the second hold or the fourth hold. In addition, as indicated, it may be determined in advance that the jackpot is won for the third hold, and a notice effect may be performed on the hold display 20c. In addition, the determination of which holding display 10 or 20 is used for the announcement effect (whether the display mode of the holding display 10 or 20 is different) is determined by, for example, lottery (determination) using random numbers. You may carry out based on a predetermined rule and a scenario.

  Specific control can be performed as follows, for example. First, based on the notification command acquired from the game control unit 200, the effect control unit 300 performs a notice effect to change the display mode of the hold indications 10 and 20 with respect to the hold determined to have won the jackpot. A notification effect command is transmitted to the sound control unit 310. The image / sound control unit 310 performs a notice effect by the hold displays 10 and 20 based on the notification effect command acquired from the effect control unit 300. At this time, the image / sound control unit 310 independently changes the display mode and determines the positions of the hold displays 10 and 20 regardless of the acquired notification effect command.

  As described above, the hold displays 10 and 20 that are displayed by the notice effect may not match the hold displays 10 and 20 corresponding to the hold determined to have won the jackpot in the prior determination. Although the player can know that there is a possibility of winning the jackpot by the advance notice, the player cannot specify in which holding the jackpot is pre-determined. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the player's expectation until the jackpot determination is actually performed in the jackpot determination process (see FIGS. 8 and 9) and the jackpot game is started.

  By the way, the number of holds increases and decreases as the game progresses. Specifically, if the hold is digested and the determination in the jackpot determination process is performed, the number of holds will decrease. In addition, if a new hold is generated by winning the game balls at the start ports 121 and 122, the number of holds increases. Therefore, it is necessary to change the positions of the hold displays 10 and 20 based on the notice effect (hereinafter, the display position of the notice effect) in accordance with the change in the number of holds. Here, the timing at which the hold is exhausted is the time when the current special symbol variation ends and the next special symbol variation begins, and can be clearly identified, whereas the game ball wins the start opening 121, 122 The timing to do cannot be specified in advance. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the display position of the notice effect is changed at the timing when the hold is consumed.

  As with the initial display position, the display position of the notice effect that changes with the suspension of reservation may be determined by lottery using random numbers, or may be performed based on a predetermined rule or scenario. When the display position of the notice effect is determined by lottery every time the hold is consumed, the display position of the notice effect changes irregularly every time the hold is consumed. In addition, when the display position of the notice effect is determined based on a predetermined rule or scenario, when the number of holds increases due to a change in special symbols, a new display position is set when the display position of the notice effect is updated. The rules and scenarios used for determination may be changed according to the number of holds at that time.

  In addition, as described above, when the display position of the notice effect is changed with digestion of the hold, the display position of the first notice effect is determined to be the pre-determined hold position that has been won by the special symbol lottery. It is conceivable to control based on the above. Specifically, for example, the case where the notice effect is started in the hold indications 10 and 20 (the hold indication 20c in the example shown in FIG. 33) corresponding to the hold determined in advance as having won the jackpot is the first effect. To do. In addition, the case where the notice effect is started in the hold indications 10 and 20 other than the hold indications 10 and 20 corresponding to the hold determined in advance as having won the jackpot is set as the second effect. And it controls so that the execution probability of a 1st effect and a 2nd effect differs according to the kind of jackpot determined beforehand. For example, in the case of a jackpot that is in a high probability state after a jackpot game, the probability that the first effect is performed is high, and in the case of a jackpot that is in a low probability state after the jackpot game, the probability that the second effect is performed is increased. It can be considered to control.

  Furthermore, the execution probability of the notice effect itself may be controlled differently according to the jackpot type determined in advance. For example, in the case of a jackpot that becomes a high probability short-time non-game state after a jackpot game, the probability that a notice effect will be performed is low, and in the case of a jackpot that becomes a high-probability short game state or a low-probability short game state after a jackpot game, a notice effect It is conceivable to control so as to increase the probability of occurrence of.

  Regardless of which control is used, when a special symbol change (the change) based on the hold that is determined to have been won by the jackpot in the prior determination is started, You may make it perform the display by a notice effect in the hold display 10 and 20 immediately before shifting to a fluctuation | variation. When the notice effect is performed at the time of shifting to the change, the player can recognize that the notice for the special symbol lottery this time has been given.

  Further, not only when it is determined that the jackpot is won in the prior determination, but also when it is determined that the jackpot is not a jackpot, a notice effect (so-called “gase”) may be performed with a predetermined probability. In this case, the notice effect may be ended without the notice effect being performed on the first hold indications 10a and 20a in the process in which the hold is digested after the notice effect is started. Furthermore, when a special symbol lottery based on suspension is performed continuously for a predetermined number of times or more, it is possible to perform a notice effect with a predetermined probability even if it is determined in the prior determination that it is not a big hit. In this case, the number of times that the special symbol lottery has been continuously performed may be, for example, a case in which four or more consecutive maximum numbers of suspensions for one start port 121, 122 are continuously performed. it can. Furthermore, even if it is determined that it is not a big hit in the prior determination, in the effect control that performs the notice effect with a predetermined probability, if it is determined that the big hit, the fluctuation based on the hold determined to be a big hit In the hold display 10 and 20 immediately before the transition, the probability of performing the display by the notice effect is increased, and when it is determined that it is not the big hit, the hold display 10 immediately before the shift to the fluctuation based on the hold determined to be the big hit. , 20 may be controlled so as to reduce the probability of performing display by the notice effect.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating a change in the notice effect due to the on-hold digestion.
In the example shown in FIG. 34, an example of the notice effect by the hold display 20 for the hold caused by winning the second start port 122 is shown. In this example, the position of the hold display 20 by the notice effect is determined by lottery every time the hold is consumed. Further, in FIG. 34, the hold display 20 corresponding to the hold determined in advance as having won the jackpot is indicated by a black circle “●”. In addition, when the hold display 20 corresponding to the hold determined in advance as having won the jackpot and the hold display 20 where the notice effect is performed (displayed by a star “☆”) match, the black star “ It shall be indicated by “★”.

First, it is assumed that there are four holds, and it is pre-determined that the jackpot is won for the third hold. Therefore, in FIG. 34A, the hold display 20c is indicated by a black circle “●”. At this time, a notice effect is performed using the hold display 20b corresponding to the second hold.
Next, when one hold is consumed, the hold that has been pre-determined to win the jackpot becomes the second hold. Therefore, in FIG. 34B, the hold display 20b is indicated by a black circle “●”. At this time, the position of the hold display 20 by the notice effect is determined again, and the notice effect is performed using the hold display 20c corresponding to the third hold.
Next, when one more hold is consumed, the hold that has been pre-determined to have won the jackpot becomes the first hold. At this time, the position of the hold display 20 by the notice effect is determined again, and the notice effect is performed using the hold display 20a corresponding to the first hold. Here, the position of the hold display 20 corresponding to the hold determined in advance as having won the jackpot coincides with the position of the hold display 20 by the notice effect. Therefore, in FIG. 34 (c), the hold display 20a is indicated by a black star mark “★”.
Next, when one more hold is consumed, a jackpot determination is made in the jackpot determination process (see FIGS. 8 and 9) based on the right related to the hold that has been previously determined to have been won. The production ends. If the determination result is a jackpot, a jackpot game is played. In the example shown in FIG. 34 (c), if the hold is digested as it is, the player shifts to the change in a state in which the notice effect is performed using the hold display 20a corresponding to the first hold. You can expect a big win in this special symbol drawing.

  As described above, if the positions of the hold displays 10 and 20 by the notice effect are determined by lottery or the like, the positions of the hold displays 10 and 20 by the notice effect can be changed irregularly every time the hold is digested. it can. In the example shown in FIG. 34, the four holdings were sequentially reduced as the holdings were digested. On the other hand, if the number of holds increases due to further winning of the game ball to the second starting port 122 during the change of the special symbol, the position of the hold display 20 by the notice effect is changed more complicatedly. Can do. For example, a hold display 20d corresponding to the fourth hold in the number of holds increased due to winning when the hold determined in advance as a jackpot by the digestion of the hold becomes the first hold or the second hold. It is possible that a notice effect will be performed.

  Moreover, in this Embodiment, the position of the hold display 10 and 20 by a notice effect can be set based on a predetermined rule. When determining the positions of the hold displays 10 and 20 based on the notice effect based on a predetermined rule, the positions of the hold displays 10 and 20 based on the notice effect move to the position set by this rule every time the hold is digested. Will be.

FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating a change in the notice effect due to the on-hold digestion.
In the example shown in FIG. 35, an example of the notice effect by the hold display 20 for the hold caused by winning the second start port 122 is shown. In this example, every time the hold is consumed, the position of the hold display 20 by the notice effect is determined based on a predetermined rule. As an example, here, a notice effect is initially performed using the hold display 20a corresponding to the first hold, and the target hold for which the notice effect is to be performed is shifted backward one by one each time one hold is consumed. It is assumed that the following rule is applied. Also, in FIG. 35, the hold display 20 corresponding to the hold determined in advance as having won the jackpot is indicated by a black circle “●”. In addition, when the hold display 20 corresponding to the hold determined in advance as having won the jackpot and the hold display 20 where the notice effect is performed (displayed by a star “☆”) match, the black star “ It shall be indicated by “★”.

First, it is assumed that there are four holds, and it is pre-determined that the jackpot is won for the third hold. Therefore, in FIG. 35A, the hold display 20c is indicated by a black circle “●”. At this time, the notice effect is performed using the hold display 20a corresponding to the first hold.
Next, when one hold is consumed, the hold that has been pre-determined to win the jackpot becomes the second hold. Therefore, in FIG. 35 (b), the hold display 20b is indicated by a black circle “●”. At this time, since the position of the hold display 20 by the notice effect is shifted backward from the hold (first hold) in FIG. 35 (a), the first hold is the target even after the hold is digested. It becomes. Therefore, the notice effect is performed using the hold display 20a corresponding to this hold.
Next, when one more hold is consumed, the hold that has been pre-determined to have won the jackpot becomes the first hold. At this time, since the position of the hold display 20 by the notice effect is shifted backward from the hold (first hold) in FIG. 35B, the first hold is targeted even after the hold is digested. It becomes. Here, the position of the hold display 20 corresponding to the hold determined in advance as having won the jackpot coincides with the position of the hold display 20 by the notice effect. Therefore, in FIG. 35 (c), the hold display 20a is indicated by a black star mark “★”.
Next, when one more hold is consumed, a jackpot determination is made in the jackpot determination process (see FIGS. 8 and 9) based on the right related to the hold that has been previously determined to have been won. The production ends. If the determination result is a jackpot, a jackpot game is played. In the example shown in FIG. 35 (c), if the hold is digested as it is, the player shifts to the change in a state in which the notice effect is performed using the hold display 20a corresponding to the first hold. You can expect a big win in this special symbol drawing.

  As described above, if the positions of the hold displays 10 and 20 based on the notice effect are determined based on a predetermined rule, the positions of the hold displays 10 and 20 based on the notice effect change regularly every time the hold is digested. Can be made. Note that the example shown in FIG. 35 is merely an example in which the positions of the hold displays 10 and 20 based on the notice effect are determined based on a predetermined rule, and the specific display position of the notice effect is as described above. It is not limited to examples. For example, with the digestion of the hold, the display position of the notice effect may be advanced forward one by one, or the notice effect may be performed using the hold displays 10 and 20 corresponding to the same hold. Furthermore, it is also possible to prepare a scenario that designates which hold display 10 or 20 is used for the notice effect every time the hold is consumed, and to change the display position of the notice effect according to this scenario.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the display positions of the notice effects are determined by lottery, or are determined according to predetermined rules and scenarios, so that the positions of the hold displays 10 and 20 where the notice effects are performed are complicated. It is possible to make it difficult for the player to determine in which holding the preliminary determination such as a big win is made. In the examples shown in FIGS. 33 to 35, the notice display using the hold display 20 (20 a to 20 d) indicating the hold caused by winning the second start opening 122 has been described. It goes without saying that the same notice display can be performed using the hold display 10 (10a to 10d) indicating the hold generated by winning the prize 121.

  In addition, in the example shown in FIGS. 33 to 35, as an example of the display form of the hold display 10 and 20 by the notice effect, a display having a shape different from the normal display is performed. The 20 specific display modes are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, when a notice effect is performed, a specific character is introduced, and the character is caused to perform an action related to the hold indications 10 and 20. And you may make it change the display mode of the hold displays 10 and 20 according to the action of a character.

  In the above example, one hold display 10, 20 is used as a notice effect for one prior determination result, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of hold indications 10 and 20 may be used to give a notice effect for one prior determination result, or the hold indications 10 and 20 used for a notice effect for one prior decision result as the hold is digested. You may vary the number of. Further, in the above example, the notice display effect of the preliminary determination result relating to the hold caused by winning the second start opening 122 is used using the hold display 20 corresponding to the hold caused by winning the second start opening 122. However, a notice effect may be performed using both the hold display 10 and the hold display 20. Such an extension makes it possible to change the positions of the hold displays 10 and 20 where the notice effect is performed in a more complicated manner.

[Special production to notify repeated execution of special symbol processing]
In the present embodiment, the right to receive the determination of the special symbol lottery is stored when the game ball wins the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 during the special symbol variation display accompanying the special symbol lottery, Judgment was put on hold. And this suspension set the upper limit to four winnings in each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122.

  However, if the game ball wins in either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 before the special symbol process (see FIG. 8) based on the last hold is completed, the game ball is won (hold) Special symbol processing is performed to digest the added hold. Therefore, the special symbol processing is repeated as long as a hold is continuously added by winning the first starting port 121 or the second starting port 122 before the special symbol processing based on the right to receive the determination of all the special symbol lotteries is completed. This is executed, and the special symbol variation display and stop display in the special symbol processing are also repeated continuously. Each time the special symbol process is repeatedly executed, an opportunity to win a jackpot in the determination of the special symbol lottery is obtained.

  In view of this, it is conceivable to perform an effect of informing the player of the number of repetitions when the special symbol variation display and stop display are repeated continuously for a certain number of times. The effect control unit 300 varies and stops the decorative symbol displayed on the image display unit 114 in accordance with the variation display and stop display of the special symbol performed in the special symbol processing. Further, the effect control unit 300 causes the image display unit 114 to display the hold display 10 and 20 in the hold display effect based on the hold generated by winning the first start port 121 or the second start port 122. Therefore, the effect control unit 300 continuously changes and stops the decoration symbol (repeated without interruption) by adding a hold while the decoration symbol is changing. Or not.

  In the present embodiment, the production control unit 300 counts the number of times that the decorative symbols have been fluctuated and stopped continuously, and when this number of times has reached a certain number of times (satisfying the continuous condition), A special effect will be performed as an effect to notify this. By this effect, the player recognizes that the special symbol lottery is continuously determined and the opportunity to play the jackpot game is obtained, so the player can feel the expectation of the player.

FIG. 36 is a diagram illustrating an example of special effects in the present embodiment.
In the present embodiment, as a special effect, when the decoration symbols are changed and stopped continuously for a certain number of times (for example, 10 times) or more, the hold displays 10 and 20 are displayed in a display mode different from the normal display mode. . In the example shown in FIG. 36, the hold displays 10 and 20 displayed on the image display unit 114 are displayed in a display mode (square “□”) different from the normal display (white circle “◯”) shown in FIG. ing. When the player recognizes that the display mode of the hold displays 10 and 20 has changed from the normal display mode to the display mode of the special effect, the decoration pattern is changed and stopped continuously for a certain number of times or more. Judgment can be made.

Furthermore, a plurality of conditions (continuous conditions) for the variation of the decorative symbols and the number of times of stoppage (continuous conditions) are set as execution conditions for the special effects, and the display forms of the hold displays 10 and 20 by the special effects are different according to the satisfied conditions. You may make it.
FIG. 37 is a diagram illustrating a manner in which the display modes of the hold displays 10 and 20 change according to the continuous condition that is satisfied. Fig. 37 (a) shows an example of a normal display mode, Fig. 37 (b) shows an example of a display mode when the first continuous condition is satisfied, and Fig. 37 (c) shows a second continuous condition. The example of the display mode when satisfied is shown.

In this example, it is assumed that the first continuation condition is satisfied when the decoration symbol is changed and stopped ten times or more continuously. Then, it is assumed that the second continuation condition is satisfied when the decoration symbol is changed and stopped 50 times or more continuously.
When the number of consecutive decorative symbol changes and stoppages does not reach ten, neither the first continuous condition nor the second continuous condition is satisfied, so the hold displays 10 and 20 are shown in FIG. Thus, it is a normal display (circle in the illustrated example).
Since the first continuous condition is satisfied when the number of consecutive decorative symbol changes and stops exceeds 10, the hold displays 10 and 20 are displayed differently from the normal display mode as shown in FIG. (Rectangle in the example shown).
Since the second continuous condition is satisfied when the number of consecutive decorative symbol changes and stops exceeds 50, the hold indications 10 and 20 are displayed in the normal state and the first continuous state as shown in FIG. The display mode is different from that when the condition is satisfied (in the illustrated example, a pentagon).

  Further, in this special effect, when the continuous variation display and stop display of the special symbols are likely to be interrupted, an effect may be provided informing the player of this. Specifically, when the number of holds becomes 1 or 0 (only the change concerned), the display mode of the hold indications 10 and 20 is further changed. For example, it may be possible to draw the player's attention by displaying different shapes or changing the size or color. By doing in this way, the player recognizes that the continuous change display and stop display of special symbols are likely to be interrupted, and is more aware of winning at the start ports 121 and 122. It can be carried out.

[Combination of notice and special effects]
In the present embodiment, it is possible to perform a combination of the above-described notice effect of the prior determination result and the special effect that notifies the repeated execution of the special symbol process. For example, in the operation example described with reference to FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, when the big win or the small win is won in the special symbol lottery prior determination, the notice effect is performed, but when the big win or the small win is won Even so, it is possible to control to perform the notice effect with a predetermined probability.
For example, when the big win or the small win is won in the preliminary determination of the special symbol lottery, and the notification command is set in the preliminary determination process of FIG. 30, the effect control unit 300 performs the lottery using the random number and the determination table, One of the notice effect and the normal effect is selected with a predetermined probability. In this way, even if it is determined in advance that the jackpot has been won, a notice effect (change in display mode) in the hold displays 10 and 20 may or may not be performed.
Then, the notice effect is performed with different probabilities by referring to different determination tables when the special effect is being performed and when the special effect is not being performed. Specifically, for example, when a special effect is being performed, a notice effect can be performed with a higher probability than during a normal time.

In addition, during normal times, a notice effect will always be given only when a big win or small win is won in the pre-judgment, and when a special production is performed, even if a big win or small win is not won in the pre-judgment It may be controlled to perform the notice effect with a predetermined probability. In this case, for example, the effect control unit 300 does not win either the big win or the small win in the special symbol lottery advance determination, and the special effect is performed when the normal command is set in the prior determination process of FIG. The effect control unit 300 performs a lottery using a random number and a determination table on the condition that the notice effect or the normal effect is selected with a predetermined probability. In this way, when the special effect is being performed, even if it is determined in advance that the jackpot or the jackpot has not been won, the notice effect in the hold display 10 or 20 (change of display mode) May or may not be done.
Note that even during normal times, a notice effect is performed with a different probability than when the special effect is executed (for example, with a lower probability than when the special effect is executed), even when the big hit or the small win is not won in the prior determination. You may control to. In this way, the expectation level of the notice effect (the probability of actually winning a big or small win when the notice effect is performed) differs between the execution of the special effect and the normal time. .

  By the way, as described with reference to FIG. 17-2, the variation pattern in the special symbol variation is set according to whether it is a big hit, whether to perform a reach effect, the number of holds, and the like. In the example shown in FIG. 17-2, when the determination result of the special symbol lottery is out of order and the reach effect (reach out of place) is not performed (variation patterns G to I), In the case of 1 or 2, the change time was set to be shorter as the number of reservations was larger in the case of 3 or 4. On the other hand, when the special effect of the present embodiment is performed, the change pattern setting table is switched. For example, the change time changes until the total number of holds based on the winnings of the start ports 121 and 122 is four. Instead, the short variation time may be selected after exceeding four.

[Other examples of hold display]
In the embodiment described above, the game control unit 200 uses the special symbol process (see FIG. 8) to determine the number of holds U1 related to winning at the first start port 121 and the number of holds U2 related to winning at the second start port 122. Along with this, the production control unit 300 is generated by the hold display 10 (10a to 10d) indicating the hold generated by winning the first start opening 121 and the second start opening 122 winning. The image is displayed on the image display unit 114 in distinction from the hold display 20 (20a to 20d) indicating the hold. On the other hand, it is possible to treat as one type of holding with an upper limit of 8 without distinguishing the holding number U1 related to winning at the first starting port 121 and the holding number U2 related to winning at the second starting port 122. It is.

FIG. 38 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hold display effect in the case where the hold related to winning in the first start port 121 and the hold related to winning in the second start port 122 are not distinguished.
According to the example shown in FIG. 38, the upper limit is set to 8 and the number corresponding to the number of holds without distinguishing the hold related to the winning of the first start port 121 and the hold related to the winning of the second start port 122. A mark (white circle “◯” in the illustrated example) is displayed. In the example shown in the figure, regardless of whether the first start port 121 is won or the second start port is won, if the first hold occurs during the change of the special symbol, the hold display 30a is displayed, If the second hold occurs, the hold display 30b is displayed. If the third hold occurs, the hold display 30c is displayed. If the fourth hold occurs, the hold display 30d is displayed. When the fifth hold is generated, the hold display 30e is displayed. When the sixth hold is generated, the hold display 30f is displayed. When the seventh hold is generated, the hold display 30g is displayed. If the eighth hold is generated, the hold display 30h is displayed. Regardless of whether the first start port 121 is on hold or the second start port 122 is on hold, the first hold is sequentially digested.
The example shown in FIG. 38 shows a state in which six holds are generated, and the hold displays 30a to 30f corresponding to the number of holds are indicated by solid lines, and the hold display 30g that does not correspond to the number of holds is shown. , 30h are indicated by broken lines.

  In such a hold display effect, when the notice effect described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 35 is performed, up to 8 hold displays 30a to 30h can be used in total. The effect of changing the position of the hold display 30 by the notice effect can be performed more complicated than the example using the four hold displays 20a to 20d. Further, in the above-described hold display effect, a special effect that notifies the repeated execution of the special symbol process described with reference to FIG. 36 may be executed. That is, in the hold displays 30a to 30h displayed as shown in FIG. 38, when the decoration symbols are changed and stopped continuously for a certain number of times (for example, 10 times) or more, they are displayed in a different display mode. be able to.

  In the above embodiment, the hold displays 10, 20, and 30 in the hold display effect are displayed on the image display unit 114. However, the hold displays 10 and 20 are displayed by light emitting means such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode). , 30 may be configured. In this case, the hold displays 10 and 20 are configured by arranging two sets of light emitting means, for example, four by four, and the hold display 30 is configured by arranging eight light emitting means, for example. And the difference in the display mode by the notice effect or the special effect with respect to the normal display mode is expressed by, for example, making the emission color different.

  In each of the above embodiments, a special game advantageous to the player is a jackpot game performed by winning a special symbol lottery in a special symbol lottery, and a game ball is won at the start ports 121 and 122 which are starting means. The notice effect based on the pre-judgment made at the time was explained. In addition, as a special game advantageous to the player, there is a high probability state or a short time state that shifts after the jackpot game ends according to the type of jackpot in the special symbol lottery, a game in which the big winning opening 125 is opened although it is not a jackpot. There are small hits in special symbol lottery to be performed. Therefore, in the notice effect using the hold indications 10 and 20 in the above-described embodiment, the type of jackpot is determined in advance, and a high-probability state or a short-time state is predicted after the jackpot game. You may make a notice of winning.

  Furthermore, as a type of jackpot game, a long hit with a long opening time of the big prize opening 125 and a short hit with a short opening time of the big prize opening 125 are prepared, and the big winning opening 125 is opened in the jackpot game with a short hit. In the present embodiment, when it is determined that it is difficult to distinguish between the action and the opening action of the big winning opening 125 in the small hit game, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the short win is won in the prior determination, the notice effect May be performed. In this way, the player can identify whether the opening operation of the special winning opening 125 is due to short win or small hit by confirming the notice effect.

  In the above-described embodiment, the display mode of the hold displays 10 and 20 is changed as a special effect informing that the special symbol process (variation and stoppage of the special symbol) has been repeatedly performed for a certain number of times. Production control was performed. However, the type of effect executed as the special effect is not limited to the effect using the above-described hold displays 10 and 20. For example, a different background image is displayed on the image display unit 114, or a different character image is caused to appear when the number of continuous executions of the special symbol processing satisfies a predetermined continuous condition and when it does not satisfy the continuous condition. By doing so, the player may be notified whether or not the continuous condition is satisfied. Further, stage effects by different stages may be performed when the number of continuous executions of the special symbol processing satisfies a predetermined continuous condition and during normal times when the continuous condition is not satisfied.

[Application to a spinning machine]
The present embodiment can also be applied to a rotating game machine.
FIG. 39 is a front view of a rotating game machine to which the present embodiment is applied. FIG. 40 is a diagram for explaining the inside of the cabinet. FIG. 41 is a diagram illustrating the back surface of the front door.
As shown in FIG. 39, the spinning cylinder type gaming machine 5001 in this embodiment includes a cabinet 5002 and a front door 5003 that opens and closes the inside of the cabinet 5002.
The cabinet 5002 is a substantially rectangular box, has an opening on the front side, and supports the front door 5003 so that the opening portion can be opened and closed.

Further, the spinning machine 5001 includes a side lamp 5005, a medal slot 5006, a 1 BET button 5007, a MAX-BET button 5008, and a checkout button 5009.
A 1BET button 5007 is provided below a start lamp 5023 described later, and is a button that is pressed when one medal out of credited medals is used in a game.
A MAX-BET button 5008 is provided on the right side of the 1BET button 5007 when viewed from the front, and is a button that is pressed when a maximum number (for example, three) of medals that can be used in one game is used in a game. It is.
A settlement button 5009 is provided on the left side of the start lever 5010, which will be described later, and is a button for performing settlement of credited medals out of medals acquired by the player.

In addition, the spinning machine 5001 includes a start lever 5010, a left stop button 5011, a middle stop button 5012, a right stop button 5013, and a return button 5015.
The start lever 5010 is provided on the right side of the settlement button 5009 when viewed from the front, and accepts a game start operation by the player. When a start operation with respect to the start lever 5010 is detected, a random value is extracted by a main control board 5300, which will be described later, and rotation of a left reel 5017a, a middle reel 5017b, and a right reel 5017c, which will be described later, is started. Further, a start lever effect lamp 5042 described later is built in the gripping ball portion of the start lever 5010.

  The left stop button 5011, the middle stop button 5012, and the right stop button 5013 are provided on the right side of the start lever 5010 when viewed from the front. The left stop button 5011, the middle stop button 5012, and the right stop button 5013 are used to accept a stop operation for stopping the rotation of the left reel 5017a, middle reel 5017b, and right reel 5017c by the player. Hereinafter, the left stop button 5011, the middle stop button 5012, and the right stop button 5013 may be collectively referred to as “stop button S” in some cases.

Further, the rotating type gaming machine 5001 includes a selector 5016, a reel 5017, an effect button 5018, and a cross key 5019.
As shown in FIG. 41, the selector 5016 is provided inside the medal slot 5006, and determines whether or not the material and shape of the medal inserted into the medal slot 5006 are appropriate. When it is determined that the medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 5006 is an appropriate medal, the appropriate medal is guided to a hopper 5520 described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 5006 is not an appropriate medal, the medal is discharged from the medal payout opening 5033.

As shown in FIG. 40, the reel 5017 is provided inside the cabinet 5002 and has a cylindrical structure. The reel 5017 is provided coaxially, and includes a left reel 5017a, a middle reel 5017b, and a right reel 5017c that are provided side by side.
On the peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical structures of the left reel 5017a, middle reel 5017b, and right reel 5017c, a plurality of types of symbols are drawn in a row. The left reel 5017a, the middle reel 5017b, and the right reel 5017c are rotationally driven by stepping motors 5101, 5102, and 5103 (see FIG. 42) capable of stopping the rotation shafts of the reels 5017 at specified angles, so that a plurality of types of reels are provided. The symbols are displayed in a variable manner.

As shown in FIG. 39, the effect button 5018 is provided on the right side of the MAX-BET button 5008 as viewed from the front, and accepts an operation by the player during a predetermined effect. When an operation is detected, a later-described sub-control board 5400 controls a later-described liquid crystal display device 5041. The 1BET button 5007 and the MAX-BET button 5008 can be shared with the effect button 5018 without providing the effect button 5018.
The cross key 5019 is provided on the right side of the effect button 5018 when viewed from the front, can be pressed in at least two directions (usually four directions), and accepts an operation by the player.

In addition, the swing type gaming machine 5001 includes a panel 5020, a display window 5021, an effect lamp 5022, a start lamp 5023, and a BET lamp 5024.
The panel 5020 includes an effect lamp 5022, a start lamp 5023, a BET lamp 5024, a stored number display unit 5025, a game state display lamp 5026, a payout number display unit 5027, a thrown out display lamp 5028, a re-game display lamp 5029, and A stop operation order display lamp 5030 is displayed. The panel 5020 is provided with a display window 5021 that allows a left reel 5017a, a middle reel 5017b, and a right reel 5017c, which will be described later, to be visually recognized.

In the present embodiment, the effect lamp 5022 is arranged around the panel 5020 and emits light under predetermined conditions to notify the current state of the gaming machine (for example, ART state) and the like.
The start lamp 5023 is provided on the upper part of the 1BET button 5007 and notifies whether or not the start operation of the start lever 5010 can be accepted.

  The BET lamp 5024 is a lamp for informing the number of inserted medals used in the game. In the present embodiment, three BET lamps 5024, BET lamp 5024a to BET lamp 5024c, are provided. When the number of medals used for a game is one, the BET lamp 5024a is lit, and when the number of medals used for a game is two, the BET lamp 5024b is lit and used for a game. When the number of inserted medals is 3, the BET lamp 5024c is turned on.

Further, the spinning-type gaming machine 5001 has a stored number display 5050, a game state display lamp 5026, a payout number display 5027, a possible display lamp 5028, a re-game display lamp 5029, and a stop operation order display lamp 5030. ing.
The stored number display unit 5025 displays the number of stored medal that is a player's medals and is stored in the rotating game machine 5001.
The gaming state display lamp 5026 notifies the current gaming state by light emission control of the main control board 5300.
The payout number display 5027 displays the payout number of medals to be paid out according to the combination of symbols arranged on the effective line.
The insertable display lamp 5028 notifies whether or not medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 5006 can be stored.
The replay display lamp 5029 is turned on when a combination of symbols related to replay to be described later is displayed on the active line.

  The stop operation order display lamp 5030 is provided below the display window 5021 and navigates the stop order of the reels 5017. In the present embodiment, among the stop operation order display lamps 5030, the stop operation order display lamp 5030a is provided at the lower part of the left reel 5017a, and the stop operation order display lamp 5030b is provided at the lower part of the middle reel 5017b. A display lamp 5030c is provided below the right reel 5017c.

  When it is the optimal timing to stop the left stop button 5011, when the optimal timing is to turn on or blink the stop operation sequence display lamp 5030a and stop the middle stop button 5012. When the optimal timing is to turn on or blink the stop operation order display lamp 5030b and stop the right stop button 5013, the stop operation order display lamp 5030c is turned on or blinked to notify.

In addition, the rotating type gaming machine 5001 includes a tray unit 5032, a medal payout outlet 5033, and a speaker 5034.
The tray unit 5032 accepts and stores medals discharged from the medal payout outlet 5033.
The medal payout outlet 5033 discharges medals paid out based on the combination of symbols displayed on the active line.
The speaker 5034 outputs BGM, sound, sound effects, etc. when performing an effect.

  As shown in FIG. 39, the liquid crystal display device 5041 is provided above the reel 5017 and performs an effect of displaying moving images, still images, and the like. In addition, the liquid crystal display device 5041 notifies information related to a result of an internal lottery process described later, and notifies information necessary for stopping and displaying a combination of symbols related to winning on the active line.

  As shown in FIG. 40, the main control board 5300 is provided inside the cabinet 5002 and above the reel 5017, and controls the revolving game machine 5001. As shown in FIG. 41, the sub-control board 5400 is provided on the upper rear surface of the front door 5003, and controls the liquid crystal display device 5041 and the speaker 5034. The main control board 5300 and the sub control board 5400 will be described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 40, the power supply device 5510 is provided inside the cabinet 5002 and supplies a voltage to the rotary gaming machine 5001.
The hopper 5520 is provided inside the cabinet 5002 and pays out medals to the player.
Further, the hopper 5520 is provided with a discharge slit 5521. The discharge slit 5521 discharges medals from the hopper 5520.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrical configuration of a spinning cylinder gaming machine.
In the reel-type gaming machine 5001, a reel control board 5100, a relay board 5200, a sub-control board 5400, and a power supply board 5500 are connected to a main control board 5300 that controls the main operation of the spinning-game machine 5001. .

The main control board 5300 is provided with a main CPU 5301, a main ROM 5302, a main RAM 5303, a random number generator 5304, and an I / F (interface) circuit 5305.
The main CPU 5301 reads a program stored in the main ROM 5302 and performs predetermined arithmetic processing in accordance with the progress of the game, so that the reel control board 5100, the relay board 5200, the sub control board 5400, and the power supply board 5500 are processed. A predetermined signal is transmitted.
The main ROM 5302 stores a control program executed by the main CPU 5301, a data table such as a winning area determination table described later, data for transmitting a command to the sub control board 5400, and the like.
The main RAM 5303 is provided with a storage area for storing various data determined by execution of programs by the main CPU 5301. The main RAM 5303 is also used as a working memory that temporarily stores the calculation results by the main CPU 5301.

A random number generator 5304 generates a random number for determining a winning area, which will be described later.
An I / F (interface) circuit 5305 is a circuit for transmitting and receiving commands between the main control board 5300, the reel control board 5100, the relay board 5200, the sub control board 5400, and the power supply board 5500. The I / F circuit 5305 in this embodiment outputs data and commands to an external device.

  The relay board 5200 includes a 1 BET switch 5007 sw, a MAX-BET switch 5008 sw, a checkout switch 5009 sw, a start switch 5010 sw, a left stop switch 5011 sw, a middle stop switch 5012 sw, a right stop switch 5013 sw, a medal sensor 5016 s, a start lamp 5023, and a BET lamp 5024. , A stored number display device 5025, a game state display lamp 5026, a payout number display device 5027, a throw-in possible display lamp 5028, a re-game display lamp 5029, a setting display unit 5036, and a setting change switch 5037sw are connected.

  The 1BET switch 5007sw is a switch for detecting an operation of the 1BET button 5007 by the player. When the player's operation of the 1BET button 5007 is detected by the 1BET switch 5007sw, the main CPU 5301 performs control to use one medal from the medals stored by the player.

  The MAX-BET switch 5008sw is a switch for detecting an operation of the MAX-BET button 5008 by the player. When the operation of the MAX-BET button 5008 by the player is detected by the MAX-BET switch 5008sw, the main CPU 5301 performs control to use three medals from the medals stored by the player.

  The settlement switch 5009sw is a switch for detecting the operation of the settlement button 5009 by the player. When the adjustment switch 5009sw detects an operation of the payment button 5009 by the player, the main CPU 5301 causes the hopper 5520 of the power supply board 5500 to return the stored medal.

  The start switch 5010sw is a switch for detecting an operation of the start lever 5010 by the player. When an operation of the start lever 5010 by the player is detected by the start switch 5010sw, the main CPU 5301 performs control for starting the rotation of the reel 5017 and the like.

  The stop switch SW is a switch for detecting the operation of the stop button S by the player. Corresponding to each stop button S (left stop button 5011, middle stop button 5012, right stop button 5013), a left stop switch 5011sw, a middle stop switch 5012sw, and a right stop switch 5013sw are provided. When the stop switch SW detects an operation of the left stop button 5011 by the player, the main CPU 5301 performs stop control of the reel 5017.

The medal sensor 5016s is a sensor for detecting that a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 5006 has passed through the selector 5016.
The setting display unit 5036 displays a set value for specifying a payout rate (progress rate) in the spinning-reel game machine 5001.
The setting change switch 5037sw is a switch for detecting that the setting change button 5037 has been operated. When the operation of the setting change button 5037 is detected by the setting change switch 5037sw, the main CPU 5301 performs control to switch and display the setting value on the setting display unit 5036.

A power supply device 5510, a hopper 5520, and an auxiliary storage unit full sensor 5530s are connected to the power supply board 5500.
The power supply device 5510 is provided with a power switch 5511sw and a reset switch 5512sw, and these switches are connected to the power supply board 5500 via the power supply device 5510.

  The reel control board 5100 is connected to a stepping motor (5101, 5102, 5103) and a reel sensor (5111S, 5112S, 5113S) for detecting a reel index indicating that each reel 5017 has made one rotation.

  The sub-control board 5400 is a board mainly for controlling effects. The sub-control board 5400 includes an effect control board 5410, an image control board 5420, a sound control board 5430, a side lamp 5005, an effect button detection switch 5018sw, a cross key detection switch 5019sw, an effect lamp 5022, and a stop operation order display lamp 5030. , And a start lever effect lamp 5042 are connected.

The effect button detection switch 5018sw is a switch for detecting an operation of the effect button 5018 by the player.
The cross key detection switch 5019sw is a switch for detecting an operation of the cross key 5019 by the player.
The start lever effect lamp 5042 is lit and blinked under the control of the sub-control board 5400, and performs an effect appealing visually to the player.

  The effect control board 5410 is a board that mainly controls the side lamp 5005, the effect button detection switch 5018sw, the effect lamp 5022, the stop operation order display lamp 5030, and the start lever effect lamp 5042 during the effect. This effect control board 5410 is provided with an I / F (interface) circuit 5411, a sub CPU 5412, a random number generator 5413, a sub ROM 5414, and a sub RAM 5415.

The sub CPU 5412 reads an effect program stored in the sub ROM 5414 and performs a predetermined calculation based on a command from the main control board 5300, an input signal of the effect button detection switch 5018sw, and the cross key detection switch 5019sw. .
The random number generator 5413 generates a random number used when determining an effect or the like performed by the liquid crystal display device 5041, the speaker 5034, or the like. Further, the random number generator 5413 generates a random number for determining the number of games to be added to the ART state or the number of games in the ART state.
The sub ROM 5414 stores a program for executing an effect, an effect table, an ART lottery table, and the like. The sub ROM 5414 is mainly configured by a program storage area and a table storage area.
The sub RAM 5415 functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 5412 performs arithmetic processing.

The image control board 5420 includes a CPU 5421 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the image and sound that express the effect contents, an image ROM 5422 that stores programs executed by the CPU 5421, various data, and the like, and a work memory of the CPU 5421. And an image RAM 5423 that is used for the above. The image control board 5420 to which this embodiment is applied controls an image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5041 based on a command sent from the effect control board 5410. In addition, a general-purpose board 5038 is connected to the image control board 5420.
The general-purpose substrate 5038 is provided between the image control substrate 5420 and the liquid crystal display device 5041, and has a bridge function that converts the image data into a predetermined image format and outputs it when displaying the image data.

  The sound control board 5430 is a board for controlling the sound output of the speaker 5034 when performing an effect. The sound control board 5430 is based on a sound source IC 5431 that generates a sound signal for driving the speaker 5034, a sound source ROM 5432 that stores a program and data for executing a sound effect, and sound data corresponding to the effect. An audio RAM 5433 used to generate a sound such as BGM and an amplifier 5434 that amplifies an audio signal from the sound source IC 5431 and outputs the amplified audio signal to the speaker 5034 are provided.

[Game control]
Next, the game control by the rotating game machine 5001 will be described.
First, based on some tables used for game control, a game state, a game state transition, and the like will be described.

FIG. 43 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol arrangement table used for control of symbol display.
The symbol arrangement table defines the symbol position of the middle stage of the display window 5021 as “00” when the main CPU 5301 detects the reel index. Further, “00” to “20” corresponding to the symbol counter are assigned to the symbols in the order of the reel rotation direction with reference to the symbol position “00”.

FIG. 44 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol code table used for control of symbol display.
The symbol code table stores symbol codes corresponding to symbols arranged on the left reel 5017a, middle reel 5017b, and right reel 5017c, and data corresponding to each symbol.

  Further, the type of the symbol displayed on the display window 5021 can be specified based on the symbol counter value (“00” to “20”) and the symbol arrangement table and symbol code table. For example, when the value of the symbol counter corresponding to the left reel 5017a is “00”, the symbol “watermelon” at the symbol position “00” is displayed in the middle of the display window 5021. When the symbol displayed on the display window 5021 is specified, the main CPU 5301 stores “00000101” as data in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 5303. Note that data stored in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 5303 can be set as appropriate according to the effective line.

  In addition to the above-described symbol arrangement table and symbol code table, the spinning machine 5001 stores a table such as a symbol combination table, a gaming state transition table, a winning area table, a winning area determination table, and the like in the main ROM 5302. Then, in the rotary type gaming machine 5001, these tables are appropriately referred to as the game progresses.

  The symbol combination table (not shown) defines a symbol combination predetermined according to the type of privilege, a bit value corresponding to the symbol combination, and the number of medals to be paid out. When the symbol combination displayed along the active line matches the symbol combination specified in the symbol combination table, the main CPU 5301 pays out medals, activates a re-game, and plays a bonus (bonus) game. A privilege such as activation is given to the player. If the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line does not match the symbol combination defined in the symbol combination table, the game is “lost”.

  The gaming state transition table (not shown) shows the current gaming state, the condition for transitioning the gaming state, and the gaming state of the transition destination for each of the plurality of gaming states set in the spinning machine 5001. Stipulate. The main CPU 5301 refers to the gaming state transition table based on the gaming state of the current spinning-type gaming machine 5001, and if the transition conditions recorded in the referenced table are satisfied, the gaming state of the spinning-type gaming machine 5001 Are transferred to the game state of the transfer destination recorded in the referenced table.

  The winning area table (not shown) includes a winning area that constitutes a plurality of divisions (for example, “00” to “36”), and an internal winning combination corresponding to each winning area (design corresponding to a combination in an internal lottery process described later). Of the combinations that are allowed to be aligned on the active line), the operation of the condition device corresponding to each winning area, and whether or not each winning area can be determined in each gaming state. . Each winning area is associated with a predetermined combination of symbols (see FIG. 44). In addition, the winning area table defines combinations of symbols arranged on the active line according to the order in which the stop switch SW detects the stop operation by the player when each winning area is determined.

  A winning area determination table (internal lottery table, not shown) is provided for each gaming state possessed by the spinning gaming machine 5001, and each lottery value for each winning area in the gaming state is defined. In the winning area determination table, a lottery value for each winning area is defined for each set value related to the payout rate. In the winning area determination table relating to each gaming state, a certain gaming state is relatively advantageous to the player (compared to other gaming states) due to the level when the probability of “losing” is determined. It can be said that it is a gaming state or an unfavorable gaming state.

[Control by main control board]
FIG. 45 is a flowchart of main loop processing in the main control board 5300.
First, the main CPU 5301 performs initialization processing (step S101).

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs a game start management process (step S102). Specifically, a process for clearing the payout number and a process for setting the current gaming state are performed.

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs an overflow display process for displaying a predetermined error when the medal stored in the spinning cylinder gaming machine 5001 is full (step S103).

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs medal acceptance start processing (step S104). In this process, the main CPU 5301 permits the reception of medals when the re-game is not operating.

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs a set value confirmation process (step S105). Specifically, the main CPU 5301 reads the setting value stored in the setting value storage area provided in the main RAM 5303.

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs medal management processing such as medal insertion check processing (step S106).

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs an input / withdrawal sensor check process (step S107).

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs a start lever check process and determines whether or not the start switch 5010sw is ON (step S108).

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs an internal lottery process (step S109). In this internal lottery process, the main CPU 5301 determines a winning area by lottery. The lottery in the internal lottery process is performed based on, for example, a random value generated using a random number generator and the winning area determination table described above. At this time, the winning area determination table to be used differs depending on conditions such as the setting state related to the gaming state of the spinning-reel gaming machine 5001 and the payout rate, and the lottery values in this table are different, so these conditions are reflected. The drawn lottery result will be obtained.

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs a symbol code setting process (step S110). In this symbol code setting process, the main CPU 5301 determines whether or not to execute the spinning effect based on the winning area determined in step S109. The spinning effect is an effect performed by reversely rotating the left reel 5017a, middle reel 5017b, and right reel 5017c, accelerating or decelerating the rotation speed, or temporarily stopping the rotation.

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs reel rotation start preparation processing (step S111).

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs reel stop pre-processing (step S112).

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs a reel rotation start process for driving the stepping motors 5101, 5102 and 5103 to rotate the reel 5017 at a constant speed (step S113).

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs a process of setting an operable state flag provided corresponding to each stop button S in the main RAM 5303 (step S114). The operable state flag is used to determine whether or not the stop button S can be stopped.

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs processing during reel rotation (step S115).

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs processing for determining whether or not there is a stop request (step S116). Specifically, in step S115, the main CPU 5301 determines that a stop request has been made when the stop switch SW detects a stop operation on the stop button S by the player during reel rotation.

  If it is determined that there is a stop request (Yes in step S116), the main CPU 5301 next performs a process of setting a reel stop command in the main RAM 5303 (step S117). The reel stop command is information relating to the type of the reel 5017 that has been stopped, information relating to the symbol position when the stop switch SW detects a stop operation on the stop button S by the player, and symbol symbols corresponding to this symbol position. It is a command having such information.

  If it is determined that there is no stop request (No in step S116), or after the reel stop command is set in step S117, the main CPU 5301 next determines whether all reels have been stopped. (Step S118). If it is determined that all reels have not been stopped (No in step S118), the process returns to step S114, and the same processing is repeated until all reels have been stopped.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that all reels have been stopped (Yes in step S118), the main CPU 5301 next determines whether or not the stop button S is being operated (step S119). If it is determined that the stop button S is being operated (Yes in step S119), the process of step S119 is repeatedly executed until the stop button S is not being operated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the stop button S is not being operated (No in step S119), the main CPU 5301 performs display determination processing (step S120). In the display determination process, the main CPU 5301 performs a process of calculating the number of payouts according to the winning symbol combination.

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs an input / withdrawal sensor check process (step S121). In the loading / dispensing sensor check process, the main CPU 5301 performs processing for displaying an abnormality when an abnormality of the dispensing sensor is detected, as in step S107.

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs a payout process (step S122). In the payout processing, the main CPU 5301 performs processing such as medal payout.

  Next, the main CPU 5301 performs a game state transition process (step S123). In the game state transition process, the main CPU 5301 performs a process of shifting the game state based on the combination of symbols displayed on the active line. When the above process ends, the process returns to step S101 and the process is repeated.

[RT gaming state]
The gaming state of the spinning type gaming machine 5001 controlled by the main control board 5300 (main CPU 5301) includes, for example, a gaming state called an RT (replay time) gaming state. In this RT gaming state, the probability that a re-game where the start of the game is allowed to be determined by operating the start lever without performing the insertion operation of the game medium (medal) is determined as an internal winning combination other than the RT gaming state. The gaming state is higher than the gaming state (non-RT gaming state). In re-playing, a game can be performed without performing a game medium insertion operation, and therefore, a decrease in game media possessed by the player is suppressed. Therefore, it can be said that the RT gaming state with a high probability that this re-game is determined as an internal winning combination is a gaming state advantageous to the player as compared to the non-RT gaming state.

  Note that it is possible to set a plurality of RT gaming states and non-RT gaming states based on the difference in winning probability for each internal winning combination. In this case, for each of a plurality of RT gaming states and non-RT gaming states, a gaming state transition condition and a transition destination gaming state are defined in the gaming state transition table. When a plurality of RT game states are set, the probability that a re-game is determined as an internal winning combination may be different in each RT game state.

[State control by sub-control board]
In the swivel type gaming machine 5001 of the present embodiment, a state controlled by the sub control board 5400 (sub CPU 5412) is provided separately from the gaming state controlled by the main control board 5300 (main CPU 5301). . Various states can be set as states controlled by the sub control board 5400. Here, an AT (assist time) state will be described.

  Some internal winning combinations determined by the internal lottery process do not display a combination of symbols related to the internal winning combination unless the stop button S is operated in an appropriate operation order. Moreover, when a plurality of internal winning combinations are determined at the same time, a combination of symbols that is disadvantageous to the player is displayed. In the AT state, when such a specific internal winning combination is determined, the sub CPU 5412 performs control to notify an appropriate operation order or the like of the stop button S. Notification of an appropriate operation order or the like of the stop button S is performed by, for example, lighting or blinking of the stop operation order display lamp 5030 or an image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5041.

  In the AT state, the combination of symbols related to the internal winning combination can be stopped and displayed on the active line by performing the stop operation of the reel 5017 in accordance with the operation order notified by the player. In addition, when a plurality of internal winning combinations are determined at the same time, a combination of symbols that is more advantageous to the player can be stopped and displayed on the active line. Therefore, it can be said that this AT state is an advantageous state for the player as compared with a state other than the AT state (non-AT state).

[ART state]
A state in which the AT state is generated by the control of the sub control board 5400 (sub CPU 5412) in the state of being in the RT gaming state by the control of the main control board 5300 (main CPU 5301) is referred to as an ART (assist replay time) state. . As described above, since the reduction of the game media possessed by the player in the RT gaming state is suppressed and it becomes easier to display the symbol combination related to the internal winning combination more advantageous in the AT state, the ART state It can be said that this is an advantageous state for the player as compared to a state other than the state (non-ART state).

  When a plurality of RT gaming states are set, an RT gaming state having a high probability of shifting (promoting) to the ART state and an RT gaming state having a low probability of shifting to the ART state may be set. It is also possible to set an RT gaming state that does not enter the ART state. These are realized, for example, by appropriately setting conditions for generating an AT state for each RT gaming state.

  Further, depending on the game state transition condition in the main control board 5300 (main CPU 5301) and the setting of the operation order notified in the AT state, the stop operation notified by the control of the sub control board 5400 (sub CPU 5412) in the ART state. As long as the stop operation is performed in the order, the RT gaming state can be controlled to continue.

  Usually, the period during which the ART state continues is determined in advance. If the number of games (games) in the ART state is counted and the game is played a predetermined number of times, the ART state is canceled. In this case, during a game in the ART state, if a predetermined establishment condition (a specific internal winning combination is determined, etc.) is satisfied, the ART state is extended (so-called addition) by a predetermined number of games. May be performed. It is also possible to perform control so that the ART state can be easily generated (pulled back) again for a predetermined period after the ART state ends.

  Also, when the transition condition for shifting to the ART state is satisfied, the ART state is not generated immediately, but the ART state is generated after a predetermined period of time (for example, after a predetermined number of games have been consumed). May be performed. Furthermore, in a latent state between the satisfaction of the transition condition and the elapse of a certain period, if a predetermined expression condition (a specific internal winning combination is determined, etc.) is satisfied, the certain period elapses immediately. Control may be performed to generate an ART state). In this case, if the expression condition is not satisfied before the fixed period elapses in the latent state, it is possible to perform control so as not to generate the ART state.

[Progress of games on gaming machines]
In the spinning-reel type gaming machine 5001 configured as described above, when the player actually operates the start lever 5010, a predetermined random number value is extracted based on the detection of the operation of the start lever 5010. The internal lottery process (winning area) for determining whether or not it is allowed to have a combination of symbols corresponding to a combination based on the extracted random value and a winning area determination table in which a lottery value is specified for each combination Is determined). Then, stop control of the reel 5017 is performed based on the internal winning combination that is allowed to align the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination on the active line and the player's operation of the stop button S, and the internal winning combination is performed. The combination of symbols related to the combination is stopped and displayed on the active line. Then, according to the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the active line, control such as transition of the gaming state and provision of a privilege to the player is performed.

[Examples of special game progress]
Here, in the rotary type gaming machine 5001, after winning in the internal lottery process, an event (such as a transition of a gaming state or grant of a privilege to a player) is not immediately generated, but the game is performed a predetermined number of times. You can set up an internal winning combination that will generate an event before it is revealed.
In this case, information indicating that such an internal winning combination has been won is stored in a memory (for example, the main RAM 5303 shown in FIG. 42). In subsequent games, if the combination of symbols related to the internal winning combination is stopped and displayed on the active line based on the operation of the stop button S by the player, an event corresponding to the internal winning combination occurs.
On the other hand, if a game in which a combination of symbols related to an internal winning combination is not stopped and displayed on the active line in the game after the internal winning combination is repeated the number of times set for the internal winning combination, The combination of symbols related to the combination is stopped and displayed on the active line, and an event corresponding to the internal winning combination is generated.

FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating a control state in which an event is generated after a certain period of time has elapsed after internal winning.
In the example shown in FIG. 46, a game in which a combination of symbols related to the internal winning combination is not stopped and displayed on the active line after an internal lottery is performed in response to the operation of the start lever 5010 being performed is Q. When the game is executed once, the combination of symbols related to the internal winning combination is stopped and displayed on the active line in subsequent games. Then, an event corresponding to an internal winning combination such as a transition to the ART state or the RT state, an improvement to a degree advantageous to the player in the generated state, and provision of a privilege occurs.

  That is, in the control described above, an event is held until a predetermined number of games (Q times in the example shown in FIG. 46) is performed in the internal lottery performed when the start lever 5010 is operated. When the start condition for winning the internal winning combination to be generated is satisfied, start information indicating that the start condition for winning the internal winning combination is satisfied is stored in a memory as a storage means. In the case of this type of internal winning combination, the fact that the internal lottery is performed means that the main CPU 5301, which is a pre-determination unit, determines whether or not an event corresponding to the internal winning combination is generated by the determination unit described later. Thus, a prior determination is made for generating an event in a future game.

  Based on the internal winning combination and the player's operation of the stop button S, the main CPU 5301 as the determining means determines whether or not to generate an event corresponding to the internal winning combination. Also, the main CPU 5301 rotates the left reel 5017a, the middle reel 5017b, and the right reel 5017c, which are symbol display means, for a predetermined period to display the symbols variably, and then stops the symbol combination indicating the determination result on the effective line. Display.

  Further, after the start condition is established, the sub CPU 5412 and the CPU 5421 which are display control means display an effect image based on the start information on the liquid crystal display device 5041 which is the information display means, and an event occurs in a future game. It is possible to carry out a notice effect to give notice. As this notice effect, for example, an indication that suggests the number of remaining games up to a predetermined number of times to generate an event is performed, and an effect in which the value of the number of remaining games is decreased by 1 each time a game is played is considered. be able to. As a specific example of the notice effect, the number of marks corresponding to the number of remaining games is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5041, and image display control is performed so as to reduce the number of marks displayed according to the execution of the game. To do.

  In such a notice effect, for example, it may be possible to display a part of the mark in a display mode different from other marks. When such display control is performed, the player is given an impression that an event corresponding to an internal winning combination occurs in a game corresponding to a mark with a display mode different from other marks (hereinafter referred to as a special mode mark). Can be expected to increase the interest of the player. Further, the position of the special mode mark may be changed for every one or a plurality of games or at irregular timing. When the position of the special mode mark is changed, the position may be determined, for example, by lottery (determination) using a random number or based on a predetermined rule or scenario.

[Other examples of special game progress]
In addition, in the case of the swing type gaming machine 5001, after the RT state or the ART state occurs, it may be possible to change the contents of the generated state. For example, a replay is given in an internal lottery that is performed when the start lever 5010 is operated in a game that is performed when an RT state occurs (replay is activated). When an internal winning combination is won, the length of the RT state (number of remaining games) may be changed according to the internal winning combination selected later. In addition, since the AT state applied even in the ART state is a state given by the control of the sub CPU 5412, an arbitrary change condition is set in advance, and the AT state continues when this change condition is satisfied. You may control to change length (the number of remaining games).
When the RT state or the ART state is generated, a display that suggests the number of remaining games in the RT state or the ART state is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5041 according to the length that the generated RT state or the ART state continues. May be performed.

  When such game control and display control are performed, when a specific state (for example, ART state) continues for a predetermined number of games or more (satisfying continuous conditions), the remaining number of games in the RT state or ART state is determined. The display mode of the suggested display may be changed.

[Technical features of the present embodiment]
As described above, using the hold display effect, the advance effect of the preliminary determination result and the special effect informing the repeated execution of the special symbol processing are performed to reduce the information indicated by the advance effect, or the game in the gaming machine By notifying the situation, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player with respect to the hold display effect.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, it has been proposed to perform a preliminary presentation result in a hold display presentation and a special presentation informing the repeated execution of special symbol processing, that is, a gaming machine that achieves the above purpose ,
A determination means (234) for determining whether or not to shift to a special gaming state advantageous to the player when a predetermined starting condition is established;
Symbol display means (221, 222) for stopping and displaying a symbol indicating the determination result after variably displaying the symbol for a predetermined time according to the determination result by the determination unit (234);
Storage means (203, 303) for storing start information based on establishment of start conditions up to a predetermined number;
With respect to the start information stored in the storage means (203, 303), before the determination by the determination means (234) triggered by the establishment of the start condition corresponding to the start information, the special gaming state Pre-determination means (200) for making a pre-determination as to whether or not to shift to
Information display means (114) for displaying the starting information stored in the storage means (203, 303);
Based on the result of prior determination by the prior determination means (200), the display of the predetermined start information among the display of the start information by the information display means (114) is different from the display of other start information. Display control means (300, 310) for displaying,
The display control means (300, 310) displays the start information different from the start information corresponding to the pre-determination result by the pre-determination means (200) in a mode different from the display of other start information. This is a gaming machine characterized in that the game machine may be allowed to play.
With such a configuration, it can be seen that a pre-determination such as a big hit was made in any hold, but it can be difficult to determine which pre-determination such as a big win in any hold, Until the jackpot game or the like actually starts, the player's expectation can be maintained.
In the above gaming machine,
When the determination by the determination unit (234) based on one of the start conditions is performed, the display control unit (300, 310) displays the start information different from that before the determination is performed. It can be set as the structure displayed on the aspect different from the display of starting information.
In this way, as the position of the display according to a mode different from the display based on other rights changes in complex with the digestion of the hold, in which hold the prior determination such as the big win is made, It can be made more difficult to discriminate.
In the above gaming machine,
When the display control means (300, 310) satisfies a predetermined continuous condition based on the start information stored in the storage means (203, 303), the display control means (300, 310) relates to the determination result by the prior determination means (200). The display based on any one of the plurality of display of the start information is displayed in a mode different from the display of other start information,
In this way, since the degree of expectation of the information of the prior determination in the special symbol lottery changes depending on whether or not the determination of the special symbol lottery is continuously performed, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player. .

◆ A gaming machine that achieves the above objectives
A determination means (234) for determining whether or not to shift to a special gaming state advantageous to the player when a predetermined starting condition is established;
Symbol display means (221, 222) for stopping and displaying a symbol indicating the determination result after variably displaying the symbol for a predetermined time according to the determination result by the determination unit (234);
Storage means (203, 303) for storing start information based on establishment of start conditions up to a predetermined number;
Information display means (114) for displaying the starting information stored in the storage means (203, 303),
The information display means (114) is configured in a manner different from that in the case where the predetermined continuous condition based on the starting information stored in the storage means (203, 303) is satisfied, which is different from the case where the continuous condition is not satisfied. It is a gaming machine characterized by performing the effect display.
By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to make the player recognize by the hold display that the special symbol lottery determination is continuously performed and the opportunity to play the jackpot game is obtained. Can expect a sense of expectation.
In the above gaming machine,
With respect to the start information stored in the storage means (203, 303), before the determination by the determination means (234) triggered by the establishment of the start condition corresponding to the start information, the special gaming state Pre-determination means (200) for making a pre-determination as to whether or not to shift to
Production means for producing an effect based on the determination result by the prior determination means (200),
The effect means may be configured to perform an effect based on the determination result by the prior determination means (200) with a different probability from that when the continuous condition is not satisfied when the continuous condition is satisfied.
In this way, since the degree of expectation for obtaining information on prior determination in the special symbol lottery changes depending on whether or not the determination of the special symbol lottery is continuously performed, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player. it can.

100 ... Pachinko machine 114 ... Image display unit (information display means)
200: Game control unit (prior judgment means)
203, 303 ... RAM (storage means)
221: First special symbol display (symbol display means)
222 ... 2nd special symbol display (symbol display means)
234 ... Special symbol determination unit (determination means)
300 ... Production control unit (display control means)
310 ... Image / sound control unit (display control means)

Claims (1)

Judgment means for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player when a predetermined start condition is established,
According to the determination result by the determination means, after the symbol is variably displayed for a predetermined time, the symbol display means for stopping and displaying the symbol indicating the determination result;
Storage means for storing starting information based on establishment of starting conditions up to a predetermined number;
Information display means for displaying the start-up information stored in the storage means,
It said information display means, when the predetermined starting condition is established without interruption a predetermined number of times, performs differently, given effect display and if the predetermined start condition is interrupted until satisfied the predetermined number of times A gaming machine characterized by that.

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