JP6911228B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a plurality of gaming states.

There is known a gaming machine that expands the range of games by including a small hit symbol in a special symbol in addition to the big hit symbol (for example, Patent Document 1). In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when a gaming ball enters the first starting port, either a jackpot symbol or a lost symbol is determined as the first special symbol, and the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is determined. The first lottery to be decided will be held. When a game ball enters the second starting port, one of a big hit symbol, a small hit symbol, and a lost symbol is determined as the second special symbol, and the fluctuation time of the second special symbol is determined. A lottery will be held. In this gaming machine, the second lottery, in which the small hit symbol may be determined, is more advantageous to the player than the first lottery. The first special symbol and the second special symbol fluctuate by a determined fluctuation time, respectively, and are stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display and the second special symbol display. When the jackpot symbol is displayed, the jackpot game in which the jackpot is opened multiple times is executed. When the small hit symbol is displayed, the small hit game in which the big winning opening is opened once is executed. Since the first lottery and the second lottery can be executed at the same time in this gaming machine, the jackpot symbol may be determined in both the first lottery and the second lottery. In this case, since the gaming machine cannot execute the two jackpot games at the same time, one of the jackpot symbols is rewritten as a lost symbol.

Further, in the above-mentioned gaming machine, the game proceeds in a low-probability gaming state in which the probability of acquiring the right to execute the jackpot game is low, or in a high-probability gaming state in which the probability of acquiring the right to execute the jackpot game is high. In the low-probability gaming state, when a game ball enters the second starting port and a lost symbol is determined in the second lottery, the fluctuation time is determined to be 10 hours. Therefore, in the low-probability gaming state, only the first lottery is substantially performed. As a result, the player launches the game ball aiming at the first starting port in the low-probability gaming state, and aims at the second starting opening in which the second lottery advantageous to the player is performed in the high-probability gaming state. Fire a game ball. In this way, the gaming machine causes the player to obtain a prize ball by the jackpot game in the low-probability gaming state, and causes the player to win the prize ball by the small hit game in addition to the jackpot game in the high-probability gaming state. Have the player perform a game based on the original game playability.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-47205

In the above-mentioned gaming machine, the process of rewriting the jackpot symbol to the lost symbol increases the burden on the CPU. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable not to execute the first lottery and the second lottery at the same time. In this case, if the lost symbol is determined in the second lottery in the low-probability gaming state, the fluctuation time is extremely long, so that the first lottery may become substantially infeasible. Therefore, it is not realistic to set the fluctuation time when the lost symbol is determined in the second lottery in the low probability gaming state to be extremely long. When the fluctuation time when the lost symbol is determined in the second lottery in the low-probability gaming state is set short, the player is advantageous to the player in the low-probability gaming state, for example, contrary to the original game playability. There is a risk of firing a game ball at the second starting port in order to execute the lottery.

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a small hit game and suppressing a player from playing a game different from the original gaming property.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is provided on a game board with a launching device capable of launching a game ball with a first launch intensity and a second launch intensity different from the first launch intensity, and the first launch device is provided by the launcher. A first starting port in which a game ball fired at a firing intensity is easier to win than a game ball fired at the second firing strength, and a third state provided on the game board where the game ball can win a prize. The game ball can be changed to a fourth state in which it is difficult or impossible to win a prize than in the third state, and the game ball launched by the launching device at the second firing intensity is launched at the first firing intensity. A variable starting port that is easier to win than the played ball, a first state that is provided on the game board and allows the game ball to win, and a second state that the game ball cannot win. Acquired by the first acquisition means for acquiring the first random number and the first acquisition means when the game ball wins a prize at the winning opening, the gate provided on the game board, and the first starting opening. Based on the first random number, at least a jackpot or a loss is determined, and a second random number is acquired when the game ball wins a prize at the second starting port. Based on the second acquisition means, the second random number acquired by the second acquisition means, the second determination means for determining whether the hit is a big hit, a small hit, or a loss, and the game ball hits the gate. With the passage as an opportunity, the third acquisition means for acquiring the third random number and the third acquisition means for determining whether it is a normal hit or a loss based on the third random number acquired by the third acquisition means. The determination means, and the first control means for executing the jackpot game by setting the variable winning opening to the first state when the first determination means or the second determination means determines that the jackpot is a jackpot. When it is determined by the second determination means that it is a small hit, the second control means for executing the small hit game by setting the variable winning opening to the first state, and the third determination means for a normal hit. When it is determined that the second starting port is in the third state, a third control means for executing a normal hit game and a predetermined game ball when the game ball wins a prize in the variable winning opening. A means for paying out a prize ball and a means for generating a game state including a first game state, a second game state, and a third game state after the end of the jackpot game, and the firing Specific notification suggesting that the device launches the game ball at the first firing intensity. The jackpot probability determined to be a jackpot by the first determination means and the second determination means, which is provided with the specific notification effect execution means capable of executing the effect, is a low probability and a higher probability higher than the low probability. The first gaming state is the gaming state in which the jackpot probability is the low probability, and the second gaming state is the gaming state in which the jackpot probability is the high probability. In the gaming state, the jackpot probability is the high probability, and the ratio of the second starting port to the third state is higher than that of both the first gaming state and the second gaming state. Yes, the small hit probability determined to be a small hit by the second determination means is higher than the high probability, and in the first gaming state and the third gaming state, the second determination means per unit time. The number of times determined to be is less than the number of times determined per unit time by the second determining means in the second gaming state, and the generating means is a big hit by the second determining means in the first gaming state. When it is determined that the third game state is always generated, and when the third game state is determined to be a big hit by the second determination means, the first game state or the first game state is always determined. (Iii) A game state is generated, and the specific notification effect executing means executes the specific notification effect when a determination is made by the second determination means in the first game state and the third game state.

In the above-mentioned gaming machine, the small hit probability is higher than the high probability. As a result, the gaming machine can realize a configuration in which the player can acquire the privilege in the small hit game in addition to the acquisition of the privilege by the big hit game. Further, the number of times determined per unit time by the second determination means is smaller in the first gaming state and the third gaming state than in the second gaming state. Therefore, in the first gaming state and the third gaming state, the efficiency with which the player acquires the prize ball is lower than that in the second gaming state. That is, the first gaming state and the third gaming state are more disadvantageous to the player than the second gaming state. In addition, a game ball launched at the second firing intensity is more likely to win a prize at the second starting port than a game ball launched at the first firing intensity. By firing the game ball with the second firing intensity, the player can obtain the privilege not only by the big hit game but also by the small hit game. However, when it is determined by the second determination means that the jackpot is a big hit in the first gaming state, a third gaming state that is disadvantageous to the player always occurs after the jackpot game is completed. Further, when the second determination means determines that the jackpot is a big hit in the third gaming state, the second gaming state does not occur after the jackpot game ends. In addition, when a jackpot determination is made based on the winning of the game ball at the second starting port in the first game state and the third game state, a specific notification effect suggesting that the game ball is fired at the first firing intensity. Is executed. Therefore, the gaming machine can guide the player to the original game in which the gaming ball is launched at the first firing intensity in the first gaming state and the third gaming state. Therefore, the gaming machine can prevent the player from playing a game different from the original gaming property.

It is a front view of the gaming machine 1. It is a front view of the game board 2. It is a front view of the center accessory 60. It is a state transition diagram for demonstrating the change of the gaming state in the gaming machine 1. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure of the game machine 1. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the 1st jackpot relation information storage area of a RAM 52. It is a conceptual diagram of the small hit symbol determination table stored in ROM 53. It is a conceptual diagram of the first variation pattern determination table stored in ROM 53. It is a conceptual diagram of the 2nd variation pattern determination table stored in ROM 53. It is a conceptual diagram of the long-term variation pattern determination table stored in ROM 53. It is a conceptual diagram of the special variation pattern determination table stored in ROM 53. It is a flowchart of the main processing executed in the main control board 41. It is a flowchart of special symbol processing executed in the main processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol processing executed in the main processing. It is a flowchart of special symbol processing executed in the main processing. It is a flowchart of the 2nd variation pattern determination processing executed in the special symbol processing. It is a flowchart of the special electric accessory processing executed in the main processing. It is a flowchart of the game state occurrence processing executed in the special electric accessory processing. It is a flowchart of the sub-control board processing executed in the sub-control board 58. It is explanatory drawing which shows the display mode of the specific notification effect in game machine 1.

The gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front side, the back side, the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of FIG. 1 are the front side, the rear side, the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of the gaming machine 1, respectively.

A schematic configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The gaming machine 1 is provided with a gaming board 2. The game board 2 has a substantially square plate shape in front view, and the front surface is protected by a front frame 13 holding a transparent glass plate. An upper plate 5 is provided at the lower part of the game board 2. The upper plate 5 supplies a metal game ball to the launching device 37 (see FIG. 5) and receives a prize ball. An operation button 9 operated by the player is provided in the upper center of the upper plate 5. Immediately below the upper plate 5, a lower plate 10 for receiving a prize ball is provided. On the right side of the lower plate 10, a firing handle 11 for adjusting the firing intensity of the game ball by the launching device 37 is provided. Speakers 48 are provided at both left and right corners of the upper part of the front frame 13.

A substantially circular game area 4 surrounded by a guide rail 3 is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. The game ball launched by the launching device 37 flows down in the game area 4. The game ball launched by the launching device 37 at the first firing intensity, which is a firing intensity lower than the predetermined strength, flows down, for example, as shown by the arrow 14 in FIG. A game ball launched by the launching device 37 at a second firing intensity, which is a firing intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined strength, flows down, for example, as shown by an arrow 15 in FIG. Hereinafter, launching a game ball with the first firing intensity is referred to as "left-handed", and launching a game ball with the second firing intensity is referred to as "right-handed".

A display screen 28 composed of an LCD (liquid crystal display) or the like is provided at substantially the center of the game area 4. The display screen 28 displays various images, and particularly displays a demo symbol for notifying the result of the jackpot determination. The game machine 1 changes a plurality of (three in the present embodiment) demo symbols, and then executes a notification effect for confirming and displaying a combination of demo symbols indicating the result of the jackpot determination, thereby performing a jackpot determination result. Is notified to the player.

A center accessory 60, which is a front view circular game member, is attached to the central portion of the game area 4 so as to surround the display screen 28. A diving port 80 opened upward is provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction at the upper end portion of the center accessory 60. A first starting port 16 is provided at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction at the lower end portion of the center accessory 60.

A gate 12 is provided on the upper right side of the center accessory 60, and a second starting port 17 is provided on the lower right side. Below the gate 12, the first big winning opening 18 and the second big winning opening 19 are provided side by side in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, when the first large winning opening 18 and the second large winning opening 19 are collectively referred to, or when any of them is not specified, it is also referred to as a "large winning opening". The gaming machine 1 includes a first major winning opening 18 and a second major winning opening 19 as the major winning openings, but any one of them may be provided. Below the second major winning opening 19, a normal winning opening 30 is provided. A normal winning opening 34 is provided at the lower left of the second starting opening 17. Three ordinary winning openings 31, 32, 33 are provided on the upper left side of the ordinary winning opening 34. An out opening 8 is provided below the normal winning opening 34 and at the lower center of the game area 4. A game ball that flows down to the lower side of the game area 4 without winning the first starting port 16, the second starting port 17, the normal winning openings 30 to 33, the first major winning opening 18, the second major winning opening 19, etc. Is collected by the out port 8 and discharged to the outside of the game board 2. When the game ball wins in the first starting port 16, the second starting port 17, the normal winning openings 30 to 34, the first major winning opening 18, or the second major winning opening 19, the prize ball payout device 49 described later. (See FIG. 5), a predetermined game ball (prize ball) is paid out as a privilege.

The second starting port 17, the first winning opening 18, and the second winning opening 19 each include opening / closing members 171, 181 and 191 that can be electrically opened and closed by a solenoid. The game ball can win a prize in the second starting opening 17, the first big winning opening 18, and the second big winning opening 19 only when the opening / closing members 171, 181, 191 are opened. On the other hand, when the opening / closing members 171, 181, 191 are closed, the game ball cannot win a prize in the second starting opening 17, the first winning opening 18, and the second winning opening 19.

At the lower right of the game board 2, a symbol display unit 24 for displaying the result of the jackpot determination, the number of reserved balls, and the like is provided. The symbol display unit 24 includes a first special symbol display unit, a second special symbol display unit, a normal symbol display unit, a first special symbol storage number display LED, a second special symbol storage number display LED, and a normal symbol storage number display LED. To be equipped with. The first special symbol display unit and the second special symbol display unit are each composed of one 7-segment LED, and display the first special symbol and the second special symbol indicating the results of the first jackpot determination and the second jackpot determination. Hereinafter, when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are collectively used, or when any of them is not specified, they are also referred to as "special symbols". When the first jackpot judgment and the second jackpot judgment are collectively referred to, or when either is not specified, it is also referred to as "big hit judgment". Further, the gaming machine 1 includes a jackpot symbol and a lost symbol as the first special symbol, and a jackpot symbol, a lost symbol, and a plurality of small hit symbols as the second special symbol.

The normal symbol display unit displays the result of the normal hit determination by turning on and off the LED. The first special symbol memory number display LED and the second special symbol memory number display LED each display the number of game balls (so-called "special symbol reserved ball number") for which the result of the jackpot determination has not yet been displayed. Hereinafter, the number of special symbol reserved balls for which the result of the first jackpot determination has not yet been displayed is referred to as the "first reserved ball number". The number of special symbol reserved balls for which the result of the second jackpot determination has not yet been displayed is referred to as the "second reserved ball number". In the present embodiment, the upper limit of the number of special symbol reserved balls that can be stored is four, respectively. The normal symbol storage number display LED displays the number of game balls (so-called "normal symbol reserved ball number") for which the result of the normal collision determination has not yet been displayed.

The detailed structure of the center accessory 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The center accessory 60 has a thickness in the front-rear direction and has an outer peripheral wall 600 having an annular shape in the front view. The outer peripheral wall 600 is formed from the left and right ends of the diving port 80 at the upper end to the vicinity of the first starting port 16 at the lower end along the circumferential direction. A display opening 60A for exposing the display screen 28 to the front is provided at a substantially central portion of the inner region surrounded by the outer peripheral wall 600. Further, in the inner region of the center accessory 60, a first flow path 64, a branch portion 65, a second flow path 66, and a third flow path 67 are provided as flow paths in which the game ball can move.

The first flow path 64 extends downward from the diving port 80 so as to be curved slightly to the right. A swivel portion 64A is provided at the lower end of the first flow path 64. The swivel portion 64A has an inner peripheral surface on which the game ball that has entered the swivel portion 64A can swivel in the vertical direction. The downstream end of the first flow path 64 communicates with the branch portion 65 provided above the display opening 60A via an opening formed at the lower end of the swivel portion 64A.

The second flow path 66 and the third flow path 67 branch from the branch portion 65 in different directions. Inside the branch portion 65, a switching member 100, which is a game member that changes the flow direction of the game ball flowing down the game area 4, is provided. The switching member 100 is a movable body that is swingably provided around the support shaft 100A in the branch portion 65. The tip 101 of the switching member 100 is provided with a crune 102 that can hold the game ball for a predetermined time in a swirled state. A through hole (not shown) through which the game ball passes is provided at the end of the crune 102 on the support shaft 100A side. The game ball whose turning is weakened on the crune 102 falls from the through hole. A torsion spring (not shown) is provided on the support shaft 100A. The torsion spring applies an urging force so that the switching member 100 is held in a state of extending from the support shaft 100A to the upper left. The switching member 100 distributes the game ball supplied from the swivel portion 64A to either the second flow path 66 or the third flow path 67.

The second flow path 66 extends downward from the branch portion 65 in the lower left direction, and further extends downward on the left side of the display opening 60A. The lower end of the second flow path 66 is connected to the crune 200 described later. The third flow path 67 extends downward from the branch portion 65 in the lower right direction, and further extends downward on the right side of the display opening 60A in a spiral manner. The lower end of the third flow path 67 is connected to the crune 200 described later.

On the right side of the display opening 60A, a storage device 68 capable of storing only one game ball inside is provided. The third flow path 67 is connected to the storage device 68 in the middle of the spiral flow path. When the game ball is not stored inside the storage device 68, the storage device 68 captures only one game ball flowing through the third flow path 67 and stores it inside itself. On the other hand, when the game balls are stored inside the storage device 68, the game balls flowing through the third flow path 67 flow down to the discharge port 67A without being captured by the storage device 68.

The storage device 68 includes a storage release solenoid 99 (see FIG. 5) inside. When the storage release solenoid 99 is operated while the game balls are stored inside the storage device 68, the storage of the game balls is released. A touch sensor 70 is provided on the upper left side of the display opening 60A in the center accessory 60. The storage release solenoid 99 is operated by the player holding his / her hand over the touch sensor 70. The game ball released from the storage by the storage device 68 flows down toward the crune 200, which will be described later.

The crune 200 is a dish-shaped gaming member having a substantially circular shape in a plan view. A second flow path 66 is connected to the left portion of the crune 200. A third flow path 67 and a storage device 68 are connected to the right portion of the crune 200, respectively. The crune 200 is provided with a plurality of through holes (not shown) penetrating in the vertical direction along the circumferential direction. The game ball can pass through a plurality of through holes provided in the crune 200. The game ball passing through the second flow path 66 or the third flow path 67 and the game ball discharged by the storage device 68 fall through the through hole of the crune 200. The game ball that has fallen from the crune 200 flows down toward the first starting port 16 and wins a prize at the first starting port 16 or is discharged to the lower side of the center accessory 60.

According to the above configuration, most of the left-handed game balls flow down the left side of the center accessory 60. Most of the right-handed game balls flow down the right side of the center accessory 60. Further, the gate 12, the first big winning opening 18, the second big winning opening 19, and the second starting opening 17 are provided on the right side of the center accessory 60. Therefore, a right-handed game ball is easier to win than a left-handed game ball at the gate 12, the first big winning opening 18, the second big winning opening 19, and the second starting opening 17. Further, the diving port 80 is provided in the center accessory 60 at a substantially central portion in the left-right direction. Therefore, the left-handed game ball is easier to enter the diving port 80 than the right-handed game ball. The game ball that has entered the diving port 80 passes through the first flow path 64, falls to the branch portion 65, is guided to the left by the switching member 100, and flows down from the support shaft 100A to the crune 102.

When the game ball flows down to the crune 102, the weight of the game ball causes the switching member 100 to rotate to a position where the lower end of the crune 102 connects to the upper end of the second flow path 66. After that, the game ball falling from the through hole of the crune 102 passes through the second flow path 66 and flows down to the crune 200.

When the subsequent game ball that has passed through the first flow path 64 falls to the branch portion 65 while the game ball is turning on the inner peripheral wall of the crune 102, the game ball is guided to the right side by the switching member 100, and the first It passes through the three flow paths 67 and is stored in the storage device 68. The game ball discharged from the storage device 68 flows down to the crune 200.

The game ball falling from the through hole of the crune 200 heads toward the first starting port 16. As a result, the left-handed game ball is more likely to win the first starting port 16 than the right-handed game ball. The game ball that fails to win the first starting port 16 enters the normal winning opening 34 or the out opening 8 (see FIG. 2).

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the flow of the game in the game machine 1 will be schematically described. In FIG. 4, the flow of the game based on the first jackpot determination is indicated by a white arrow, and the flow of the game based on the second jackpot determination is indicated by a black arrow.

First, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 will be described. The gaming machine 1 is provided with a big hit game, a normal hit game, and a small hit game. The gaming machine 1 has a non-probability fluctuation state (hereinafter, referred to as “non-probability change state”) in which the jackpot probability determined to be a jackpot by the jackpot determination is low (about 1/30 in the present embodiment). A probability fluctuation state (hereinafter, referred to as “probability change state”), which is higher than the low probability (about 1/29 in the present embodiment), can be generated after the jackpot game is completed. Further, in the gaming machine 1, the ratio of the second starting port 17 being opened is higher than that of the non-time saving state, and the ratio of the second starting port 17 being opened is higher than that of the non-time saving state. A time saving state can be generated after the jackpot game is completed. Depending on the combination of these, the gaming machine 1 has a "non-probability change non-time saving state" (hereinafter referred to as "normal state"), a "probability change non-time saving state" (hereinafter referred to as "chance state"), and a "probability change time saving state". (Hereinafter referred to as "penalty state"), any one of the three game states occurs after the jackpot game is completed. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the game may be divided into four or more gaming states including a “non-probability variation time saving state” and the like. As a result, the gaming machine 1 can provide a surprising game in which the game content becomes complicated and it is difficult for the player to predict the gaming state.

The first jackpot determination will be described. When the game ball wins the first starting port 16, a first jackpot determination is performed to determine whether the game ball is a jackpot or a loss. If the result of the first jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot game in which the jackpot is opened a predetermined number of times (four times in this embodiment) is executed. In the jackpot game of the present embodiment, the first winning opening 18 and the second winning opening 19 are alternately opened. More specifically, the first big winning opening 18 is opened in the odd round, and when the first big winning opening 18 is closed, it becomes the next round (even land). The second big prize opening 19 will be opened in even-numbered rounds. The period from the opening of the big prize opening to the closing is counted as one round. All jackpot games in this embodiment are terminated after the jackpots are continuously opened up to the fourth round. When a game ball wins in the large winning opening, a predetermined prize ball is paid out by the prize ball payout device 49 (see FIG. 5).

The normal collision detection will be described. When the game ball passes through the gate 12, a normal hit determination for determining whether it is a normal hit or a loss is performed. If the result of the normal hit determination is a normal hit, the normal hit game in which the second starting port 17 is continuously opened a predetermined number of times (three times in this embodiment) is executed. In the present embodiment, in the time saving state (penalty state), the normal hit probability determined to be a normal hit by the normal hit determination is 65535/65536. In the non-time saving state (normal state and chance state), the normal hit probability is 65534/65536. In the present embodiment, by making the normal hit probability in the time-saving state higher than the normal hit probability in the non-time-saving state, the rate at which the second starting port 17 is opened in the non-time-saving state is higher than that in the non-time-saving state. It is configured in. By increasing the number of times and the time that the second starting port 17 is opened in the time saving state as compared with the non-time saving state, the ratio of the second starting port 17 being opened in the time saving state is higher than that in the non-time saving state. May be configured to be higher.

The second jackpot determination will be described. When the second starting port 17 is opened during the normal hit game and the game ball wins a prize, a second big hit determination is performed to determine whether the game is a big hit, a small hit, or a loss. If the result of the second jackpot determination is a jackpot, a jackpot game equivalent to the jackpot game described above is executed. If the result of the second big hit determination is a small hit, the small hit game in which the first big winning opening 18 is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time is executed. In the present embodiment, as a small hit game, a "long opening small hit game" in which opening for a maximum of 1.2 seconds is performed once at a maximum of 1.2 seconds at the first large winning opening 18, and a maximum of 0.6 at the first large winning opening 18. There is a "short open small hit game" in which the opening per second is performed up to twice (see FIG. 7). Further, the small hit game is different from the big hit game in that the game state does not change before and after the small hit game. The small hit probability determined to be a small hit in the second big hit determination is a certain probability (about 1/3 in this embodiment) regardless of the gaming state, and is higher than the big hit probability (high probability) in the probabilistic state. Is also set high.

The total maximum opening time of the first big winning opening 18 in one small hit game (in this embodiment, both the long open small hit game and the short open small hit game are 1.2 seconds) is the launching device 37. The time is set longer than the interval at which the game ball is fired (0.6 seconds in this embodiment). As a result, in the small hit game, it becomes easy for one or more fired game balls to win in the first large winning opening 18. That is, in the small hit game, the prize ball payout device 49 makes it easy to pay out the prize ball for the game ball that has won the first prize opening 18. When the prize balls for the game balls that have won the first prize opening 18 are paid out, the number of balls held by the player increases. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 can adjust the increase / decrease of the number of balls held by the player by the small hit game. In the gaming machine 1, since the number of balls held by the player increases due to the small hit game, the second big hit determination in which the small hit game may be executed is more advantageous to the player than the first big hit determination.

According to the above configuration, the jackpot probabilities in the normal state and the penalty state are about 1/30 and about 1/29, respectively. The normal hit probabilities in the normal state and the penalty state are 65534/65536 and 65535/65536, respectively. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the normal state and the penalty state are substantially equivalent. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to grasp whether the gaming state is a normal state or a penalty state.

Further, in the gaming machine 1, when the jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot, there is a 100% probability that a probability change state (chance state or penalty state) will occur after the jackpot game is completed. However, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment ends the probability change state when the number of times the jackpot game is executed (hereinafter referred to as "the number of jackpots") reaches the specified number of times (15 times in the present embodiment). However, it is a pachinko machine that has a function (hereinafter referred to as "limiter") that causes a non-probability change state (normal state). The number of jackpots is cleared and set to "0" when the 15th jackpot game is executed. That is, when the gaming state shifts from the normal state to the probabilistic state, that is, when the jackpot game based on the first hit is executed, the number of jackpots is counted and becomes one. Then, when the jackpot game is executed 14 times in the probabilistic state, the number of jackpots becomes 15 times, the normal state occurs after the jackpot game ends, and the number of jackpots is cleared.

The conditions for the occurrence and termination of the probabilistic state are not limited to the above examples. The gaming machine 1 may include a jackpot symbol in which a probabilistic state occurs and a jackpot symbol in which a normal state occurs as a jackpot symbol. Further, the gaming machine 1 causes a probability change state after the end of the jackpot game, and the sum of the number of first jackpot determinations and the number of second jackpot determinations performed thereafter (hereinafter referred to as "determination number") is predetermined. It may be a pachinko machine having a so-called "number-cutting probability changing function" in which the probability fluctuation state ends when the number of times of the above is reached. Further, in the gaming machine 1, a specific area may be provided inside the big winning opening, and a probabilistic state may occur after the big hit game ends when the game ball passes through the specific area during the big hit game.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the gaming machine 1, when the first jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot in the normal state, the jackpot game is executed and a chance state is generated. On the other hand, if it is determined by the second jackpot determination in the normal state that the jackpot is a jackpot, the jackpot game is executed and a penalty state is generated.

If it is determined by the first jackpot determination in the chance state that the jackpot is a jackpot, the jackpot game is executed. In this case, it is determined whether the number of jackpots has reached the specified number of times. If the number of jackpots is less than the specified number, the chance state is continuously generated and the number of jackpots is added by "1". On the other hand, when the number of big hits has reached the specified number, the limiter is activated to cause a normal state, and the number of big hits is cleared to "0".

If the second jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot in the chance state, the jackpot game is executed. In this case, it is determined whether the number of jackpots has reached the specified number of times. If the number of jackpots is less than the specified number, the chance state is continuously generated and the number of jackpots is added by "1". On the other hand, when the number of big hits has reached the specified number, the limiter is activated to cause a normal state, and the number of big hits is cleared to "0".

If the first jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot in the penalty state, the jackpot game is executed. In this case, it is determined whether the number of jackpots has reached the specified number of times. If the number of jackpots is less than the specified number, a chance state occurs and the number of jackpots is added by "1". In this case, since the number of jackpots is not reset, it is counted from "2" or more (the continuation currently being counted). On the other hand, when the number of big hits has reached the specified number, the limiter is activated to cause a normal state, and the number of big hits is cleared to "0".

If the second jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot in the penalty state, the jackpot game is executed. In this case, it is determined whether the number of jackpots has reached the specified number of times. If the number of jackpots is less than the specified number, a penalty state is continuously generated and the number of jackpots is added by "1". On the other hand, when the number of big hits has reached the specified number, the limiter is activated to cause a normal state, and the number of big hits is cleared to "0".

As described above, in the gaming machine 1, when the second jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot in the normal state, a penalty state is always generated. In addition, when it is determined by the second jackpot determination in the penalty state that it is a jackpot, a gaming state (normal state or penalty state) different from the chance state is always generated. That is, in the gaming machine 1, when the second jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot in the penalty state, the chance state is not generated after the jackpot game is completed. In addition, when the first jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot in the normal state and a chance state is generated, the number of jackpots is cleared to "0" when the normal state is generated, so that the number of jackpots is "0". Is counted from "1". That is, in this case, a chance state occurs after the jackpot game 14 times in a row. On the other hand, if it is determined to be a big hit by the first big hit judgment in the penalty state, even if a chance state occurs, the number of big hits is not cleared, so it is continuously counted from the continuation of the number of big hits currently counted. NS. That is, in this case, the maximum number of times that the chance state is generated after the big hit game is 13 times. That is, the number of times that the chance state is continuously generated after the jackpot game is smaller when the chance state is generated through the penalty state than when the chance state is generated without the penalty state.

Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 40 of the gaming machine 1 includes at least a main control board 41, a sub control board 58, an effect control board 43, a payout control board 45, and a relay board 47.

The main control board 41 controls the main control of the gaming machine 1. The main control board 41 includes a main control board CPU unit 56. The main control board CPU unit 56 includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, and a ROM 53. The CPU 51 performs various arithmetic processes such as the main process described later. The RAM 52 temporarily stores the data. Specifically, the RAM 52 is provided with a first jackpot-related information storage area (see FIG. 6), which will be described later. The ROM 53 stores a control program and the like. Specifically, the ROM 53 stores a small hit symbol determination table (see FIG. 7), a variation pattern determination table (see FIGS. 8 to 11), and the like, which will be described later.

An interrupt signal generation circuit 57 is connected to the main control board CPU unit 56. The main control board 41 executes a program each time an interrupt signal is input from the interrupt signal generation circuit 57. The main control board 41 has an output port 55, a first start port switch 81, a second start port switch 82, a payout control board 45, a touch sensor 70, a storage release solenoid 99, and a sub control via the I / O interface 54. The board 58 and the relay board 47 are connected. The output port 55 outputs the information of the game machine 1 to the game hall management computer (not shown). The first start port switch 81 and the second start port switch 82 detect the game balls that have won prizes in the first start port 16 and the second start port 17, respectively. The payout control board 45 includes a CPU 45a and the like, controls the operation of the prize ball payout device 49 in response to a command transmitted from the main control board 41, and pays out game balls as a predetermined privilege. The touch sensor 70 can detect that the player holds his hand. When the touch sensor 70 detects that the player's hand is held up, the storage release solenoid 99 releases the storage of the game ball by the storage device 68.

The sub-control board 58 includes a CPU 581, a RAM 582, and a ROM 583. The sub control board 58 performs comprehensive control such as production according to a command transmitted from the main control board 41. The effect control board 43, the speaker 48, and the operation button 9 are connected to the sub control board 58.

The effect control board 43 includes a CPU 43a and the like, and controls the display operation of the display screen 28 according to a command transmitted from the sub control board 58. The speaker 48 and the operation button 9 are controlled by the sub control board 58.

On the relay board 47, a normal symbol operation switch 98, a first prize opening switch 96, a second prize opening switch 97, a first prize opening opening / closing solenoid 91, a second winning opening opening / closing solenoid 92, and a second starting port The open / close solenoid 93 and the symbol display unit 24 are connected. The normal symbol operation switch 98 detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 12. The first large winning opening switch 96 and the second large winning opening switch 97 detect the game balls that have won in the first large winning opening 18 and the second large winning opening 19, respectively. The first prize opening opening / closing solenoid 91 and the second winning opening opening / closing solenoid 92 open / close the opening / closing member 181 and the opening / closing member 191, respectively. The second starting port opening / closing solenoid 93 opens / closes the opening / closing member 171.

The power supply board 42 is connected to the main control board 41 and the launching device 37, and supplies stabilized DC power to each board and the launching device 37. The launching device 37 launches one game ball into the game area 4 at regular intervals (0.6 seconds in this embodiment).

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the first jackpot-related information storage area of the RAM 52 will be described. The RAM 52 is also provided with a second jackpot-related information storage area, a normal hit-related information storage area, and the like. However, since the configurations of the second jackpot-related information storage area and the ordinary hit-related information storage area are substantially the same as the configurations of the first jackpot-related information storage area, the description will be simplified. The first jackpot-related information storage area and the second jackpot-related information storage area are used in the special symbol processing (see FIGS. 13 to 15) of the main processing described later.

A plurality of storage areas are provided in the first jackpot-related information storage area. When a game ball wins a prize in the first starting port 16, if the number of first reserved balls is less than 4 (0 to 3), random numbers are stored in order from the storage area having the smallest number. Hereinafter, the random number acquired when the game ball wins the first starting port 16 is referred to as a "first random number". The CPU 51 uses the storage area with the smallest number as the determination area among the first random numbers in the storage area that have not been processed yet, and performs various processing such as jackpot determination on the first random number stored in the determination area. When the processing related to the first random number stored in the determination area (specifically, the notification effect for notifying the determination result and the jackpot game executed when the determination result is a jackpot) is completed, the next smallest number is stored. The area is set as the determination area, and processing such as jackpot determination is repeated. The random numbers in the storage area for which processing has been completed may be deleted as appropriate.

Each storage area is provided with a first jackpot random number column and a first variation pattern determination random number column. When the game ball wins the first starting port 16, the value of each random number acquisition counter counted at that time is stored in each column. The value of the first jackpot random number is stored in the first jackpot random number column. The first jackpot random number is used for determining the first jackpot. The value (0 to 255) of the first variation pattern determination random number is stored in the first variation pattern determination random number column. The first variation pattern determination random number is used to determine the variation pattern (hereinafter, referred to as “first variation pattern”) of the symbol that notifies the result of the first jackpot determination. The fluctuation pattern is a fluctuation pattern of a symbol used when showing the result of a jackpot determination. According to this fluctuation pattern, the fluctuation time (execution time) of the special symbol displayed on the symbol display unit 24 and the demo symbol displayed on the display screen 28, and the display screen 28 and the speaker 48 in synchronization with the fluctuation of these symbols. The content (pattern) of the production performed by the above is determined. Then, the sub control board 58 causes the display screen 28 or the like to execute the content of the variation pattern determined by the main control board 41 together with the background color, the appearing characters, the music, and the like.

In the second jackpot-related information storage area, the value of the second jackpot random number is stored in the second jackpot random number column, and the second jackpot determination is performed. The value (0 to 255) of the second variation pattern determination random number is stored in the second variation pattern determination random number column. The second variation pattern determination random number is used to determine the variation pattern (hereinafter, referred to as “second variation pattern”) of the symbol that notifies the result of the second jackpot determination. Hereinafter, when the first variation pattern determination random number and the second variation pattern determination random number are generically referred to, or when any of them is not specified, they are also referred to as "variation pattern determination random numbers". Further, in the second big hit related information storage area, a small hit symbol determination random number column is further provided. The value (0 to 31) of the small hit symbol determination random number is stored in the small hit symbol determination random number column. The small hit symbol determination random number is used to determine one small hit symbol from a plurality of small hit symbols when the result of the second big hit determination is a small hit. The second big hit random number, the second fluctuation pattern determination random number, and the small hit symbol determination random number are acquired when the game ball wins the second starting port 17. Hereinafter, the random number acquired when the game ball wins the second starting port 17 is referred to as a “second random number”. In the normal hit-related information storage area, random numbers (hereinafter referred to as "third random numbers") acquired when the game ball wins the gate 12 are stored, and the normal symbol processing of the main processing described later (see FIG. 12). Used in.

The small hit symbol determination table stored in the ROM 53 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. The gaming machine 1 determines a small hit symbol indicating that the result of the second big hit determination is a small hit by referring to the small hit symbol determination table based on the small hit symbol determination random number. Specifically, the small hit symbol is provided with a "small hit A symbol" and a "small hit B symbol". For example, when the value of the small hit symbol determination random number is 0 to 15, the small hit A symbol is determined and the long open small hit game is executed. When the value of the small hit symbol determination random number is 16 to 31, the small hit B symbol is determined and the long open small hit game is executed. In the gaming machine 1, when it is determined that the second jackpot is a small hit, the probability that the small hit A symbol is determined and the probability that the small hit B symbol is determined are both 1/2. ..

The variation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 53 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. The gaming machine 1 determines the variation pattern when notifying the result of the jackpot determination by referring to the variation pattern determination table based on the value of the variation pattern determination random number. In the game machine 1, the variation pattern determination table includes a first variation pattern determination table (see FIG. 8), a second variation pattern determination table (see FIG. 9), a long-time variation pattern determination table (see FIG. 10), and a special variation. The pattern determination table (see FIG. 11) is stored in the ROM 53.

The special variation pattern determination table is referred to in order to determine the variation pattern when notifying the result of the second jackpot determination in the special variation state. The special fluctuation state is a state in which the number of determinations after the occurrence of the normal state reaches a specific number of times (4 times in the present embodiment) among the normal states. That is, the special fluctuation state is terminated when the number of determinations reaches four after the normal state is generated. The number of determinations is cleared and set to "0" when a normal state occurs.

The first variation pattern determination table is referred to for determining the variation pattern when notifying the result of the first jackpot determination. The second fluctuation pattern determination table is referred to in order to determine the fluctuation pattern when notifying the result of the second jackpot determination in the chance state. The long-term fluctuation pattern determination table is referred to for determining the fluctuation pattern when notifying the result of the second jackpot determination in the normal state which is not the special fluctuation state and the penalty state.

The first variation pattern determination table, the second variation pattern determination table, the long-time variation pattern determination table, and the special variation pattern determination table are each provided with a plurality of tables according to the result of the jackpot determination. A plurality of types of fluctuation patterns corresponding to the values of the fluctuation pattern determination random numbers (0 to 255) are assigned to each table. When the jackpot judgment is performed, the table according to the type of jackpot judgment, the game state, the judgment result, and whether or not it is a special fluctuation state is referred to, and from a plurality of fluctuation patterns depending on the value of the acquired fluctuation pattern determination random number. One variation pattern is determined. The main control board 41 transmits a command for designating the determined fluctuation pattern to the sub control board 58. The sub-control board 58 controls the display screen 28, the speaker 48, and the like according to the designated fluctuation pattern. Further, the main control board 41 fluctuates either the first special symbol or the second special symbol by the fluctuation time determined according to the determined fluctuation pattern.

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, in the gaming machine 1, the average time of the fluctuation time determined by the long-time fluctuation pattern determination table (about 200 seconds in the present embodiment) is the fluctuation time determined by the second fluctuation pattern determination table. Is set longer than the average time of (in this embodiment, about 30 seconds). The shortest fluctuation time (120 seconds in the present embodiment) determined by the long-term fluctuation pattern determination table is set longer than the longest fluctuation time (100 seconds in the present embodiment) defined by the second fluctuation pattern determination table. Has been done. Further, in the gaming machine 1, the average time of the fluctuation time determined by the special fluctuation pattern determination table (about 10 seconds in the present embodiment) is from the average time of the fluctuation time (about 200 seconds) determined by the long-term fluctuation pattern determination table. Is also set short. That is, in the gaming machine 1, the average time of the fluctuation time determined by the table referred to at the time of the second jackpot determination is different for each fluctuation pattern determination table. In addition, the shorter the fluctuation time of the second special symbol, the greater the number of times the second jackpot determination determines per unit time. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 can switch the number of times determined per unit time by the second jackpot determination by switching the fluctuation pattern determination table referred to at the time of the second jackpot determination.

According to the above configuration, in the gaming machine 1, the number of times determined per unit time by the second jackpot determination in the normal state and the penalty state is the number of times determined per unit time by the second jackpot determination in the chance state. Less than. Further, as the number of times the jackpot determination is determined per unit time increases, the number of times the jackpot game is executed per unit time increases, which is advantageous for the player. That is, in the gaming machine 1, the chance state is more advantageous to the player than the normal state and the penalty state. Therefore, the player plays the game in the hope that a chance state will occur.

Further, in the gaming machine 1, when the jackpot game is executed, the winning opening is opened, so that the player strikes right. The right-handed game ball may win a prize in the second starting port 17, and the second reserved ball may be stored in the RAM 52 after the jackpot ends. In this case, after the jackpot game is completed, the second jackpot determination is prioritized over the first jackpot determination. Here, when a normal state occurs after the jackpot game ends, when the long-time fluctuation pattern determination table is selected as the fluctuation pattern determination table, the second variation pattern determination table and the special variation pattern determination table are selected. However, the number of judgments per unit time is reduced. That is, there is a possibility that the player will be in a disadvantageous state due to the selection of the long-time fluctuation pattern. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1, the special variation pattern determination table is selected in order to determine the second variation pattern in the special variation state. As a result, when the normal state occurs after the jackpot game ends, the game machine 1 becomes a disadvantageous state for the player by selecting the long-time fluctuation pattern even if the second reserved ball is stored. Can be prevented. Further, the specific number of times is preferably the same value as the upper limit of the number of second reserved balls that can be stored (in this embodiment, "4"). The reason is that since the right-handed hit is always performed during the jackpot game, it is highly possible that the number of second reserved balls is stored up to the upper limit after the jackpot ends.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1, when it is determined by the second jackpot determination in the penalty state that the jackpot is a jackpot, a chance state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state and the penalty state does not occur (see FIG. 4). ). Further, as described above, the number of times a chance state is generated after a consecutive jackpot game is when the chance state is generated through the penalty state rather than when the chance state is generated without the penalty state. There are few. That is, in the gaming machine 1, the penalty state is more disadvantageous to the player than the normal state. Therefore, the player plays the game so that a penalty state does not occur. In addition, when it is determined by the first jackpot determination in the normal state and the penalty state that it is a jackpot, a chance state may occur after the jackpot game is completed. That is, the player strikes left at the first starting port 16 in the expectation that a chance state will occur in the normal state and the penalty state. Further, as described above, the second jackpot determination including the small hit symbol is more advantageous for the player than the first jackpot determination. Then, in the chance state, no other game state is generated after the big hit game unless the number of big hits reaches the specified number of times. Therefore, in the chance state, the player strikes right at the gate 12 and the second starting port 17.

As described above, in the game machine 1, in the normal state, the game ball is left-handed, which makes it easy for the game ball to win the first starting port 16 and difficult to win the second starting port 17, and during the big hit game and the small hit game, And in the chance state, the original flow of the game is that the game ball is right-handed to easily win the gate 12, the first big winning opening 18, the second big winning opening 19, and the second starting opening 17. .. That is, the penalty state is a state that occurs when a right-handed hit is made in a normal state contrary to the original playability, and the second big hit is determined to be a big hit. Therefore, when the player is playing the game according to the original playability, the possibility that a penalty state will occur is extremely low.

The main processing performed on the main control board 41 of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 18. When the CPU 51 detects an interrupt signal generated every 4 ms by the interrupt signal generation circuit 57 (see FIG. 5), the main process is executed by the CPU 51 according to a program stored in the ROM 53. Hereinafter, each step of the flowchart is abbreviated as "S".

First, command output processing is performed (S10). In the command output process, the control command is output to the sub control board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay board 47, and the like. The control command output here is a control command stored in the RAM 52 in the main process executed last time.

Next, the switch reading process is performed (S11). In the switch reading process, a process for detecting a game ball is performed from the detection results of each switch (see FIG. 5) provided in the gate 12, each starting port, each large winning opening, and the like.

Next, the counter update process is performed (S12). In the counter update process, the value of the random number acquisition counter stored in the RAM 52 is added, and the value of the timer counter is subtracted.

Next, special electric accessory processing is performed (S13). Although the details will be described later, in the special electric accessory processing, the processing for controlling the operation of the big hit game and the small hit game (mainly the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing member 181 and the opening / closing member 191) and the game after the big hit game is completed. Processing related to the state is performed (see FIGS. 17 and 18).

Next, special symbol processing is performed (S14). Although the details will be described later, in the special symbol processing, a jackpot determination, a determination of a fluctuation pattern, a game state transition processing, and the like are performed (see FIGS. 13 to 16).

Next, ordinary electric accessory processing is performed (S15). In the ordinary electric accessory process, a process for controlling the operation of the ordinary hit game is performed when the ordinary hit is achieved. If the time saving state is generated, the CPU 51 opens the second starting port 17 with a higher probability than in the non-time saving state. If the time saving flag described later is set to "ON", the CPU 51 determines that the time saving state is in progress.

Next, normal symbol processing is performed (S16). In the normal symbol processing, a third random number is acquired when the game ball passes through the gate 12 and the normal symbol operation switch 98 detects the game ball. Based on the acquired third random number, processing such as normal collision detection and storage of commands for controlling fluctuations of normal symbols is performed. In the present embodiment, as described above, the probability that the normal hit game is executed is slightly higher in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state, but it is substantially the same.

Next, a payout process (S17), an error check (S18), and an information output process (S19) are performed. In the payout process, the payout of prize balls is controlled. In the error check, when an error occurs, the error is notified using the display screen 28, the speaker 48, and the like. In the information output process, various information is output to the playground management computer (not shown).

The details of the special symbol processing (see S14 and FIG. 12) will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16. First, the flags used in the special symbol processing will be described. The RAM 52 stores a big hit game state flag, a small hit game state flag, a special symbol display state flag, a probability change flag, a time saving flag, a time saving preparation flag, and the like. As for the jackpot game status flag, "1" is stored during the jackpot game and becomes "ON", and when the jackpot game is not in progress, "0" is stored and becomes "OFF". As for the small hit game status flag, "1" is stored during the small hit game and becomes "ON", and when the small hit game is not in progress, "0" is stored and becomes "OFF". The special symbol display status flag stores "1" when one of the two special symbols is changing, "2" when one of the two special symbols is stopped, and "0" when both are neither changing nor stopped. Will be done. As for the probability change flag, "1" is stored in the probability fluctuation state and becomes "ON", and "0" is stored in the non-probability change state and becomes "OFF". As for the time saving flag, "1" is stored in the time saving state and becomes "ON", and "0" is stored in the non-time saving state and becomes "OFF". When the time saving preparation flag causes a time saving state after the jackpot game ends, "1" is stored and becomes "ON", and when the time saving flag becomes "ON", "0" is stored and "OFF". ".

As shown in FIG. 13, when the special symbol processing is started, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won a prize in the first starting port 16 (S21). When the first start port switch 81 (see FIG. 5) detects the winning of the game ball, the flag corresponding to the first start port switch 81 is set to "ON" in the switch read process (see S11 and FIG. 12) of the main process. Become. When this flag is "OFF" and it is determined that the game ball has not won a prize in the first starting port 16 (S21: NO), the process proceeds to S31 as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball has won a prize in the first starting port 16 (S21: YES), it is determined whether the value of the number of first reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is "4" (S22). .. When it is determined that the value of the number of first reserved spheres stored in the RAM 52 is "4" (S22: YES), the number of memorable first reserved spheres has reached the upper limit, so the processing remains as it is. Move to S31.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the number of first reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is not "4" (S22: NO), "1" is added to the number of first reserved balls (S23). Next, the first random number is acquired and stored in the storage area having the smallest number among the empty storage areas in the first jackpot-related information storage area (see FIG. 6) (S24). Specifically, the value of the first jackpot judgment counter, which is a random number acquisition counter for acquiring the first jackpot random number, is in the first jackpot random number column, and the first fluctuation pattern determination random number is in the first variation pattern determination random number column. The value of the first fluctuation pattern determination counter, which is a random number acquisition counter for acquiring the above, is stored.

Next, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won a prize in the second starting port 17 (S31). When the flag corresponding to the second start port switch 82 is "OFF" and it is determined that the game ball has not won in the second start port 17 (S31: NO), the process is S41 as it is (FIG. 14). See). On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball has won a prize in the second starting port 17 (S31: YES), it is determined whether the value of the number of second reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is "4" (S32). .. When it is determined that the value of the number of second reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is "4" (S32: YES), the number of memorable second reserved balls has reached the upper limit, so the processing remains as it is. Move to S41.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the number of second reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is not "4" (S32: NO), "1" is added to the number of second reserved balls (S33). Next, the second random number is acquired and stored in the second jackpot relationship information storage area of the RAM 52 (S34).

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not the game is in the big hit game state or the small hit game state (S41). When either the big hit game state flag or the small hit game state flag is "ON" and it is determined that the big hit game state or the small hit game state is in (S41: YES), the process is the main process as it is (FIG. 12) Return to. On the other hand, when both the big hit game state flag and the small hit game state flag are "OFF" and it is determined that neither the big hit game state nor the small hit game state is present (S41: NO), two special symbols It is determined whether any of the above is changing (S42). When the display state flag is not "1" and it is determined that neither of them is changing (S42: NO), it is determined whether any of the two special symbols is in the stop display (S43). When it is determined that the display status flag is not "2" and none of them are in the stop display (S43: NO), the process shifts to S51 (see FIG. 15), and the process related to the jackpot determination is performed.

In the jackpot determination, the second jackpot determination is prioritized over the first jackpot determination. As shown in FIG. 15, first, it is determined whether the value of the number of second reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is "1" or more (S51). When it is determined that the value of the number of second reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is "1" or more (S51: YES), the process related to the second jackpot determination is performed, and the details will be described later. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value of the number of second reserved balls is "0" (S51: NO), it is determined whether the value of the number of first reserved balls is "1" or more (S52). When it is determined that the value of the number of first reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is "0" (S52: NO), the process returns to the main process as it is.

First, the process related to the first jackpot determination will be described. When it is determined that the value of the number of first reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is "1" or more (S52: YES), the number of first reserved balls is subtracted by "1" (S61). Next, the determination area of the first jackpot-related information storage area (see FIG. 6) is shifted to the storage area of the next number (S62). Next, the first jackpot determination is performed according to the gaming state (S63). The determination tables for determining the first jackpot include a low-probability determination table (not shown) and a high-probability determination table (not shown) in which the values of the jackpot random numbers corresponding to "big hit" and "loss" are defined. (Omitted) is provided. The low probability determination table is selected during the non-probability change state. In the high probability determination table, the probability of being determined to be a big hit is set higher than in the non-probability change state, and is selected during the probability change state. In the first jackpot determination, the selected determination table is referred to, and it is determined whether the first jackpot random number stored in the determination area shifted in S62 corresponds to "big hit" or "loss". .. As a result, the first jackpot determination based on the undetermined first jackpot random number stored in the RAM 52 is performed in the order in which the first jackpot random number is stored.

Next, processing related to notification of the result of the first jackpot determination is performed. First, the first variation pattern determination table (see FIG. 8) is set as the variation pattern determination table referred to by the CPU 51 (S64). Next, the set first variation pattern determination table is referred to, one of the first variation patterns according to the determination result is determined by the value of the first variation pattern determination random number (S65), and the processing is as it is in S101. Move to.

Next, the process related to the second jackpot determination will be described. When it is determined that the value of the number of second reserved balls stored in the RAM 52 is "1" or more (S51: YES), the number of second reserved balls is subtracted by "1" (S71). Next, the determination area of the second jackpot-related information storage area is shifted to the storage area of the next number (S72). Next, the second jackpot determination is performed according to the gaming state (S73). In addition, the judgment table for performing the second big hit judgment includes a low probability judgment table (not shown) in which the values of the big hit random numbers corresponding to "big hit", "small hit", and "loss" are defined respectively. A high probability determination table (not shown) is provided. The low probability determination table is selected during the non-probability change state. In the high probability determination table, the probability of being determined to be a big hit is set higher than in the non-probability change state, and is selected during the probability change state. In the second jackpot judgment, the second jackpot random number stored in the judgment area shifted in S72 corresponds to any of "big hit", "small hit", and "miss" with reference to the selected judgment table. It is determined whether to do it. As a result, the second jackpot determination based on the undetermined second jackpot random number stored in the RAM 52 is performed in the order in which the second jackpot random number is stored.

Next, it is determined whether the result of the second jackpot determination is a jackpot (S81). When it is determined that it is a big hit (S81: YES), it is determined whether the gaming state is a chance state (S82). In S82, it is determined by referring to the probability change flag and the time saving flag. In the chance state, the probability change flag is "ON" and the time saving flag is "OFF". When it is determined that the gaming state is the chance state (S82: YES), the process shifts to S86 as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game state is not a chance state (that is, a normal state or a penalty state) (S82: NO), "1" indicating that a time saving state occurs after the jackpot game is completed is stored in the time saving preparation flag. Is set to "ON" (S83), and the process proceeds to S86 as it is. As a result, except when the limiter is activated, when the second jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot in the normal state and the penalty state, a time saving state (penalty state) occurs after the jackpot game ends in S165 described later.

If it is determined that the hit is not a big hit (S81: NO), it is determined whether the result of the second big hit determination is a small hit (S84). If it is determined that it is not a small hit (that is, a loss) (S84: NO), the process proceeds to S86 as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the hit is a small hit (S84: YES), the small hit symbol is determined by referring to the small hit symbol determination table (see FIG. 7) (S85). Next, a second variation pattern determination process, which is a process related to notification of the result of the second jackpot determination, is performed (S86).

The details of the second variation pattern determination process (S86, see FIG. 15) will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether the gaming state is the chance state (S91). In S91, as in S82, the determination is made by referring to the probability variation flag and the time saving flag. When it is determined that the gaming state is the chance state (S91: YES), the second variation pattern determination table (see FIG. 9) is set as the variation pattern determination table referred to by the CPU 51 (S92), and the process is S97 as it is. Move to.

Further, when it is determined that the gaming state is not the chance state (S91: NO), it is determined whether the gaming state is the normal state (S93). In S93, as in S82 and S91, the determination is made by referring to the probability variation flag and the time saving flag. In the normal state, both the probability change flag and the time saving flag are "OFF". When it is determined that the gaming state is a normal value state (S93: YES), it is determined whether the value of the number of determinations stored in the RAM 52 is "4" or less, which is the specific number of times (S94). The number of determinations is counted in S103, which will be described later, and is stored in the RAM 52. When it is determined that the value of the number of determinations stored in the RAM 52 is "4" or less (S94: YES), the special variation pattern determination table is used as the variation pattern determination table referred to by the CPU 51 because it is in the special variation state. (See FIG. 11) is set (S95), and the process proceeds to S97 as it is.

Further, when it is determined that the value of the number of determinations stored in the RAM 52 is "5" or more (S94: NO), or when it is determined that the gaming state is not the normal state (that is, the penalty state) (S93). : NO), a long-time fluctuation pattern determination table (see FIG. 10) is set as the variation pattern determination table referred to by the CPU 51 (S96), and the process proceeds to S97 as it is. That is, in the chance state, the second variation pattern determination table, in the special variation state, the special variation pattern determination table, and in the gaming state, which is neither the chance state nor the special state, the long-term variation pattern determination table determines the variation pattern. Set as a table.

Next, the variation pattern determination table (see FIGS. 9 to 11) set in the processing of S92, S95, or S96 is referred to, and one of the second variation patterns according to the determination result is the second variation pattern. It is determined by the value of the determined random number (S97), and the processing returns to the special symbol processing (see FIG. 15) as it is.

Returning to the description of FIG. When the variation pattern is determined in S65 or S97, the variation pattern designation command for designating the determined variation pattern is stored in the RAM 52 (S101). The variation pattern designation command is transmitted to the sub-control board 58 (see FIG. 5) in the command output process (see S10 and FIG. 12) of the main process to be executed next time. The fluctuation time of the special symbol determined according to the determined fluctuation pattern is set in the special symbol fluctuation time counter which is a timer counter (S102). Next, "1" is added to the number of determinations stored in the RAM 52 (S103). Next, "1" indicating that one of the two special symbols is changing is stored in the special symbol display state flag (S104), and the process returns to the main process as it is.

Returning to the description of FIG. In S42, when "1" is stored in the special symbol display state flag and it is determined that one of the two special symbols is changing (S42: YES), it is determined whether the fluctuation time has elapsed. (S111). If the value of the special symbol fluctuation time counter set in S102 (see FIG. 15) is not "0" and it is determined that the fluctuation time has not yet elapsed (S111: NO), the processing returns to the main processing as it is. .. On the other hand, when the value of the special symbol fluctuation time counter is "0" and it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S111: YES), the special symbol stop command is stored in the RAM 52 (S112). The special symbol stop command is transmitted to the sub-control board 58 (see FIG. 5) and the relay board 47 (see FIG. 5) in the next main process, and is transmitted to the demo symbol on the display screen 28 and the symbol display unit 24. Instruct to stop the fluctuation of the special symbol. A predetermined special symbol stop display time (for example, 0.4 seconds) is set in the special symbol stop time counter which is a timer counter (S113). Next, "2" indicating that one of the two special symbols is being stopped is stored in the special symbol display state flag (S114), and the process returns to the main process as it is.

Further, in S43, when "2" is stored in the special symbol display status flag and it is determined that one of the two special symbols is in the stop display (S43: YES), the stop display time has elapsed. Is determined (S121). If the value of the special symbol stop time counter set in S113 is not "0" and it is determined that the stop display time has not yet elapsed (S121: NO), the process returns to the main process as it is. On the other hand, when the value of the special symbol stop time counter is "0" and it is determined that the stop display time has elapsed (S121: YES), it means that neither of the two special symbols is fluctuating or stopped. The indicated "0" is stored in the special symbol display state flag (S122).

Next, when it is determined that the hit is a big hit or a small hit, a process related to the control of the flag for shifting to the big hit game or the small hit game is performed. First, it is determined whether the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot (S131). When it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit (131: YES), "1" indicating that the jackpot game is in progress is stored in the jackpot game state flag and is set to "ON" (S132). In the present embodiment, the number of rounds of the jackpot game is all four rounds. Therefore, "4" is stored in the RAM 52 as the number of rounds (S133). Next, the jackpot game start command for starting the control related to the jackpot game is stored in the RAM 52 (S134). The jackpot game start command is transmitted to the sub control board 58 in the command output process of the main process to be executed next time. In addition, during the jackpot game, a normal state is generated as a game state. Therefore, "0" is stored in the time saving flag and set to "OFF" (S135), and "0" is stored in the probability variation flag and set to "OFF" (S136). After that, the process returns to the main process as it is.

When it is determined that the result of the jackpot determination is not a jackpot (S131: NO), it is determined whether the result of the jackpot determination is a small hit (S137). When it is determined that it is a small hit (S137: YES), "1" indicating that the small hit game is in progress is stored in the small hit game status flag and set to "ON" (S138), and the processing is main as it is. Return to processing. On the other hand, when it is determined that the hit is not a small hit (S137: NO), the process returns to the main process as it is because it is a loss.

The details of the special electric accessory processing (see S13 and FIG. 12) will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. First, the flags used in the special electric accessory processing will be described. In the RAM 52, a flag for opening the large winning opening is stored. If either the 1st big winning opening 18 or the 2nd big winning opening 19 is in the open state, "1" is memorized and becomes "ON", and the 1st big winning opening 18 is set. When both the second big winning opening 19 and the second big winning opening 19 are closed, "0" is stored and becomes "OFF".

As shown in FIG. 17, when the special electric accessory processing is started, it is determined whether or not the game is in the jackpot game state (S141). When the jackpot game state flag is "ON" and it is determined that the jackpot game state is in the jackpot game state (S141: YES), it is determined whether the jackpot is in the open state (S142). When the opening flag is "ON" and it is determined that one of the two major winning openings is in the open state (S142: YES), the game ball wins in the open opening. Is determined (S143). When the first big winning opening switch 96 (see FIG. 5) or the second big winning opening switch 97 (see FIG. 5) detects the winning of the game ball, each of them is performed in the switch reading process (see S11 and FIG. 12) of the main process. The flag corresponding to the big winning opening switch is "ON". When this flag is "OFF" and it is determined that the game ball has not won a prize in the large winning opening (S143: NO), the process proceeds to S145 as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that a game ball has won a prize in the large winning opening (S143: YES), "1" is added to the number of winning balls in the large winning opening stored in the RAM 52 (S144).

Then, it is determined whether the predetermined opening time has elapsed (S145). When the value of the large winning opening opening time counter set in S156, which will be described later, is not "0" and it is determined that the opening time has not yet elapsed (S145: NO), the specified number (9 in this embodiment). It is determined whether or more game balls have won the big prize opening (S146). When it is determined in the process of S144 that the value of the number of winning balls in the large winning opening stored in the RAM 52 is "8" or less (S146: NO), the large winning opening is kept open. , The process returns to the main process (see FIG. 12) as it is. On the other hand, when the value of the number of winning balls in the large winning opening stored in the RAM 52 is "9" or more, and it is determined that more than the specified number of game balls have won the winning opening in the large winning opening (S146: YES), or large. When the value of the winning opening opening time counter is "0" and it is determined that the opening time has elapsed (S145: YES), a process for closing the winning opening is performed.

First, a command for closing the large winning opening is stored in the RAM 52 (S147). The grand prize opening closing command is transmitted to the relay board 47 in the command output process (see S10 and FIG. 12) of the main process to be executed next time. "0" is stored in the flag during the opening of the large winning opening and is set to "OFF" (S148). Next, the closing time of the large winning opening is set in the large winning opening closing time counter, which is a timer counter (S149), and the process returns to the main process as it is.

Further, when the opening flag is "OFF" and it is determined that both of the two large winning openings are closed (S142: NO), it is determined whether the closing time of the large winning openings has passed. (S151). If the value of the large winning opening closing time counter set in S149 is not "0" and it is determined that the closing time has not yet passed (S151: NO), the large winning opening is to be closed continuously. The process returns to the main process as it is. On the other hand, when the value of the big winning opening closing time counter is "0" and it is determined that the closing time has elapsed (S151: YES), a process of opening the big winning opening or a process of ending the big hit game is performed. Will be.

First, it is determined whether or not the large winning opening has been opened for a predetermined number of rounds (4 rounds) (S152). If the value of the number of rounds stored in the RAM 52 is not "0" and it is determined that the large winning opening has not yet been opened for a predetermined number of rounds (S152: NO), a process for opening the large winning opening is performed. Be told. On the other hand, when the value of the number of rounds stored in the RAM 52 is "0" and it is determined that the jackpot has been opened for a predetermined number of rounds (S152: YES), the process of ending the jackpot game is performed.

First, the process of opening the big winning opening will be described. The large winning opening opening command for opening the large winning opening is stored in the RAM 52 (S153). The grand prize opening closing command is transmitted to the relay board 47 in the command output process of the main process to be executed next time. The number of rounds stored in the RAM 52 is subtracted by "1" (S154). Next, "1" is stored in the flag for opening the large winning opening and is set to "ON" (S155). Next, the opening time of the large winning opening is set in the large winning opening opening time counter, which is a timer counter (S156). Next, the number of winning balls in the large winning opening is cleared and set to "0" (S157), and the processing returns to the main processing as it is.

Next, the process of ending the jackpot game will be described. "0" is stored in the jackpot game state flag and is set to "OFF" (S158). Next, "1" is added to the number of jackpots stored in the RAM 52 (S159). Next, the game state generation process, which is a process for generating the game state, is performed (S160), and the process returns to the main process as it is.

The details of the game state occurrence process (S160, see FIG. 17) will be described with reference to FIG. First, as described above, since the gaming machine 1 is a pachinko machine having a limiter, it is determined whether the value of the number of jackpots stored in the RAM 52 has reached the predetermined number of times "15" (S161). The number of big hits is counted in S159 and stored in the RAM 52. When it is determined that the value of the number of jackpots stored in the RAM 52 is not "15" (S161: NO), the limiter does not operate, so "1" is stored in the probability change flag and "ON" (S162). .. Next, it is determined whether the time saving preparation flag is "ON" (S163). When it is determined that the time saving preparation flag is "OFF" (S163: NO), the chance status notification command for notifying that the game status is the chance status is stored in the RAM 52 (S164), and the processing is special as it is. Return to the electric accessory processing (see FIG. 17). Further, in this case, in the game state after the big hit game, the probability change flag is "ON" in S162, and the time saving flag is "OFF" in S135 when the big hit game is started. A chance state is generated as a game state after the jackpot game. The chance status notification command is transmitted to the sub-control board 58 in the command output process (see S10 and FIG. 12) of the main process to be executed next time.

When it is determined that the time saving preparation flag is "ON" (S163: YES), "1" is stored in the time saving flag and the time saving flag is set to "ON" (S165). When the time saving preparation flag is determined to be a jackpot by the second jackpot determination in the normal state and the penalty state, S83 is performed and the time saving preparation flag is set to "ON". Next, "0" is stored in the time saving preparation flag and set to "OFF" (S166), and the processing returns to the special electric accessory processing as it is. Further, in this case, since the probability change flag is "ON" in S162 and the time reduction flag is "ON" in S165, a penalty state is generated as a game state after the big hit game. That is, except when the limiter is activated, when the second jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot in the normal state and the penalty state, a penalty state occurs after the jackpot game ends.

Further, when it is determined that the value of the number of jackpots stored in the RAM 52 is "15" (S161: YES), the limiter function is activated, so that the probability change flag remains "OFF" in S136. Will be done. That is, in this case, the game state after the big hit game is a normal state because the time saving flag is also "OFF" in S135. Then, the value of the number of jackpots is cleared and set to "0" (S167). Next, the value of the number of determinations is cleared and set to "0" (S168). Next, if the time saving preparation flag is "ON", "0" is stored and set to "OFF" (S169), and the processing returns to the special electric accessory processing as it is. In S169, the jackpot game in which the number of jackpots is 15 is set to "ON" only when the jackpot game is executed based on the fact that the jackpot is determined by the second jackpot determination in the penalty state. There is.

Returning to the description of FIG. In S141, when the big hit game state flag is "OFF" and it is determined that the game is not in the big hit game state (S141: NO), it is determined whether the game is in the small hit game state (S171). When the small hit game state flag is "OFF" and it is determined that the small hit game state is not present (S171: NO), the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 12) as it is. On the other hand, when the small hit game state flag is "ON" and it is determined that the small hit game state is in (S171: YES), the small hit game pattern corresponding to the small hit symbol determined in S85 is supported. The processing is executed (S172), and the processing returns to the main processing as it is. In S172, for example, when the small hit A symbol is determined in S85, a command for opening the first large winning opening 18 for a maximum of 1.2 seconds and a maximum of one time is sent to the RAM 52 in order to execute the long open small hit game. Be remembered. For example, when the small hit B symbol is determined in S85, a command for opening the first big winning opening 18 twice for a maximum of 0.6 seconds is stored in the RAM 52 in order to execute the short open small hit game. .. These commands are transmitted to the relay board 47 in the command output process (see S10 and FIG. 12) of the main process to be executed next time. As described above, since the game state does not change before and after the small hit game, the game state generation process is not performed.

The sub-control board processing performed on the sub-control board 58 will be described with reference to FIG. The sub-control board processing is executed by the CPU 581 according to the program stored in the ROM 583. First, the flags used in the sub-control board processing will be described. The chance state flag and the like are stored in the RAM 582. As for the chance status flag, when the chance status notification command is received from the main control board 41, "1" is stored and becomes "ON", and when the jackpot game start command is received, "0" is stored and "0" is stored. It becomes "OFF". Further, the sub control board 58 receives the chance status notification command when the chance status notification command is stored in the RAM 52 in S164 (see FIG. 18) and transmitted from the main control board 41 in S10 (see FIG. 12). .. The sub-control board 58 receives the jackpot game start command when the jackpot game start command is stored in the RAM 52 in S134 (see FIG. 14) and is transmitted from the main control board 41 in S10. The game state does not change from the time it occurs after the end of the jackpot game until the next jackpot starts. That is, when the chance state flag is "ON", the game state is the chance state. When the chance state is "OFF", the game state is a normal state or a penalty state.

First, it is determined whether or not the chance status notification command has been received (S181). When it is determined that the chance status notification command has not been received (S181: NO), the process proceeds to S191 as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the chance status notification command has been received (S181: YES), "1" is stored in the chance status flag and the command is set to "ON" (S182).

Next, it is determined whether or not the variation pattern designation command has been received (S191). If it is determined that the variation pattern specification command has not been received (S191: NO), the process proceeds to S201 as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the variation pattern designation command has been received (S191: YES), the variation pattern specified by the received variation pattern designation command is stored in the RAM 582 (S192).

Next, it is determined whether the fluctuation pattern stored in the RAM 582 is the second fluctuation pattern (S193). When it is determined that the variation pattern stored in the RAM 582 is the second variation pattern (S193: YES), it is determined whether the chance state flag is “ON” (S194). When it is determined that the chance state flag is "ON" (S194: YES), or when it is determined that the fluctuation pattern stored in the RAM 582 is not the second fluctuation pattern (that is, the first fluctuation pattern) (S193: NO), a process of controlling the notification effect according to the fluctuation pattern stored in the RAM 582 is performed (S195). For example, a command to start the variable display of the demo symbol is transmitted to the effect control board 43 that controls the display screen 28. Further, the speaker 48 and the like are controlled according to the fluctuation pattern. After that, the process shifts to S201.

Further, when it is determined that the chance state flag is "OFF" (S194: NO), a process of controlling the specific notification effect is performed during the fluctuation time corresponding to the fluctuation pattern stored in the RAM 582 (S196). .. The specific notification effect is an effect that suggests left-handedness, and is, for example, "please left-handed" as shown in FIG. In S196, a command for displaying the specific notification effect on the display screen 28 is transmitted to the effect control board 43. That is, when the gaming state is the normal state or the penalty state, the specific notification effect is executed. As a result, the gaming machine 1 can guide the player to the original gaming in the normal state and the penalty state.

Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop command has been received (S201). If it is determined that the special symbol stop command has not been received (S201: NO), the process proceeds to S211 as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the special symbol stop command has been received (S201: YES), the processing of ending the executed notification effect and confirming and displaying the demo symbol on the display screen 28 is performed (S202).

Next, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game start command has been received (S211). If it is determined that the jackpot game start command has not been received (S211: NO), the process returns to S181 as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the jackpot game start command has been received (S211: YES), a process for starting the production during the jackpot game is performed (S212). Next, "0" is stored in the chance state flag and set to "OFF" (S213), and the process returns to S181 as it is.

As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the number of times determined per unit time by the second jackpot determination is smaller in the normal state and the penalty state than in the chance state. Therefore, in the normal state and the penalty state, the player is less efficient in winning the prize ball than in the chance state. That is, the normal state and the penalty state are more disadvantageous to the player than the chance state. As a result, the player plays with the expectation that a chance state will occur. In addition, the right-handed game ball is more likely to win the second starting port 17 than the left-handed game ball. Since the second special symbol includes a small hit symbol in addition to the jackpot symbol, the player can win a prize ball not only by the jackpot game but also by the small hit game by hitting right. However, if it is determined by the second jackpot determination in the normal state that the jackpot is a jackpot, a penalty state is always generated after the jackpot game is completed. Further, in the penalty state, if the second jackpot determination determines that the jackpot is a jackpot, the chance state does not occur after the jackpot game ends. Further, in the gaming machine 1, when the second big hit determination is made in the normal state and the penalty state, a specific notification effect suggesting that the player strikes left is executed on the display screen 28. A left-handed game ball is more likely to win a prize in the first starting port 16 that triggers the first jackpot determination than in the second starting opening 17 that triggers the second jackpot determination. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 can guide the player to the original game in which the player strikes left in the normal state and the penalty state. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 can prevent the player from playing a game different from the original gaming property (that is, a game in which the player strikes right in a normal state).

Further, the gaming machine 1 includes a RAM 52 for storing the first reserved ball and the second reserved ball. In the gaming machine 1, when both the first reserved ball and the second reserved ball are stored in the RAM 52, the second jackpot determination is prioritized over the first jackpot determination. Therefore, in the gaming machine 1, the first jackpot determination and the second jackpot determination are not performed at the same time, so that the burden on the CPU 51 that controls the gaming machine 1 can be suppressed.

Further, in the gaming machine 1, the small hit probability is set higher than the big hit probability in the probabilistic state. As a result, the gaming machine 1 can realize a configuration in which the player can acquire the prize ball not only in the big hit game but also in the small hit game.

Further, as another example, the game machine 1 includes a gate provided on the game board, a third acquisition means for acquiring a third random number when the game ball passes through the gate, and the first acquisition means. (Iii) Based on the third random number acquired by the acquisition means, a third determination means for determining whether it is a normal hit or a loss, and a third determination means for determining whether it is a normal hit or a loss, when it is determined to be a normal hit by the third determination means. It is normal to set the second starting port, which can be changed into a third state in which the game ball can win, and a fourth state in which the game ball is more difficult to win or cannot win than the third state, in the third state. The jackpot probability includes a low probability and a high probability higher than the low probability, and the jackpot probability is the low probability in the first game state. The gaming state, the second gaming state is the gaming state in which the jackpot probability is the high probability, and the third gaming state is the second gaming state in which the jackpot probability is the high probability. The gaming state may be such that the ratio of the starting port to the third state is higher than that of either the first gaming state or the second gaming state. The gaming machine 1 is provided with a probabilistic change state and a non-probability change state, and a time saving state and a non-time saving state as game states. As a result, the gaming machine 1 can generate a normal state which is a non-probability non-time saving state, a chance state which is a probabilistic non-time saving state, and a penalty state which is a probabilistic time saving state by combining these. That is, the chance state in the probabilistic state is more advantageous to the player than the normal state in the non-probable state. As a result, the player plays with the expectation that a chance state will occur. That is, in the normal state, the player strikes left at the first starting port 16. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 can prevent the player from playing a game different from the original gaming property.

Further, as another example, the game machine 1 includes at least a notification effect executing means for executing a notification effect for notifying a determination result by the second determination means, and at least a first table and a second table, and the notification effect executing means. The notification effect table storage means for storing a plurality of notification effect tables that determine at least one execution time of the notification effect, and the notification effect table storage triggered by a game ball winning a prize at the second starting port. The first determination to determine the execution time from the selection means for selecting one notification effect table from the plurality of notification effect tables stored in the means and the one notification effect table selected by the selection means. The average time of the execution time defined by the second table is longer than the average time of the execution time defined by the first table, and the selection means has the notification effect in the second gaming state. The first table may be selected from the table, and the second table may be selected from the notification effect table in the first gaming state and the third gaming state. The gaming machine 1 includes a ROM 53 that stores a second variation pattern determination table and a long-time variation pattern determination table as the variation pattern determination table that is referred to when the second jackpot determination is made. The average time of the fluctuation time determined by the long-term fluctuation pattern determination table is set longer than the average time of the fluctuation time defined by the second fluctuation pattern determination table. When determining the second variation pattern, the CPU 51 selects the second variation pattern determination table in the chance state, and selects the long-time variation pattern determination table in the normal state and the penalty state. In this case, in the normal state and the penalty state, the fluctuation time becomes long, so that the player loses the efficiency of winning the prize ball. That is, the normal state and the penalty state are more disadvantageous to the player than the chance state. As a result, the player plays with the expectation that a second gaming state will occur. That is, in the normal state, the player shoots the game ball aiming at the first starting port 16. Therefore, the gaming machine 1 can prevent the player from playing a game different from the original gaming property.

Further, as another example, in the gaming machine 1, the second table may determine a plurality of the execution times. The long-term fluctuation pattern determination table defines a plurality of fluctuation times. As a result, it is difficult for the player to grasp the timing at which the fluctuation of the symbol (notification effect) ends. In addition, the big hit game and the small hit game are executed after the change of the symbol is completed. Therefore, in the normal state and the penalty state, when the second big hit determination determines that the game machine 1 is a big hit or a small hit, it is difficult for the gaming machine 1 to let the player know when the big winning opening is opened.

Further, as another example, the gaming machine 1 includes a counting means for counting the number of times continuously determined by the first determination means and the second determination means other than the jackpot, and the notification effect table is provided. , The third table is included, and the selection means is the notification effect table from the time when the first game state is generated by the generation means after the end of the jackpot game until the counting means counts a specific number of times. The third table is selected in place of the second table, and the average time of the execution time specified in the third table is shorter than the average time of the execution time specified in the second table. May be good. The ROM 53 stores a special variation pattern determination table as a variation pattern determination table that is referred to when the second jackpot determination is made. In the gaming machine 1, when the jackpot game is executed, the winning opening is opened, so that the player strikes right. The right-handed game ball may win a prize in the second starting port 17, and the second reserved ball may be stored in the RAM 52 after the jackpot ends. In this case, the second jackpot determination is made after the jackpot game is completed. Here, when the number of big hits has reached the specified number of times, a normal state occurs after the big hit game is completed. In this case, when the long-time fluctuation pattern determination table is selected as the variation pattern determination table, the number of determinations per unit time is smaller than when the second variation pattern determination table and the special variation pattern determination table are selected. That is, there is a possibility that the player will be in a disadvantageous state due to the selection of the long-time fluctuation pattern. On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1, when the normal state occurs after the jackpot game ends, the special variation pattern determination table is selected as the variation pattern determination table in the second jackpot determination until the number of determinations reaches a specific number of times. As a result, when the normal state occurs after the jackpot game ends, the game machine 1 is in a disadvantageous state for the player because the long-time fluctuation pattern is selected even if the second reserved ball is stored in the RAM 52. Can be prevented from becoming.

Further, as another example, the gaming machine 1 defines a plurality of small hit game patterns that bring the variable winning opening into the first state when the small hit game is executed by the second control means. The small hit game table storage means for storing the table for small hits, and the small hit game table stored in the small hit game table storage means when the second determination means determines that the small hit is achieved. A second determining means for determining the small hit game pattern is provided, and the second control means executes the small hit game based on the small hit game pattern determined by the second determining means. May be good. The gaming machine 1 includes a ROM 53 that stores a plurality of small hit game patterns (long open small hit game pattern and short open small hit game pattern). When it is determined to be a small hit by the second big hit determination, one is determined from a plurality of small hit game patterns. The gaming machine 1 executes a small hit game based on the determined small hit pattern. As a result, it is difficult for the gaming machine 1 to let the player know when the large winning opening is opened and closed in the small hit game.

The first major winning opening 18 and the second major winning opening 19 in the present embodiment are examples of the "variable winning opening" of the present invention. The open state at the grand prize opening is an example of the "first state" of the present invention. The closed state at the grand prize opening is an example of the "second state" of the present invention. The normal state is an example of the "first gaming state" of the present invention. The chance state is an example of the "second game state" of the present invention. The penalty state is an example of the "third gaming state" of the present invention.

The first jackpot-related information storage area of the RAM 52 is an example of the "first random number storage means" of the present invention. The second jackpot-related information storage area of the RAM 52 is an example of the "second random number storage means" of the present invention. The prize ball payout device 49 is an example of the "prize ball payout means" of the present invention.

The CPU 51 that acquires the first random number in S24 of FIG. 13 is an example of the "first acquisition means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that acquires the second random number in S34 of FIG. 13 is an example of the "second acquisition means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the first jackpot determination in S63 of FIG. 15 is an example of the "first determination means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that performs the second jackpot determination in S73 of FIG. 15 is an example of the "second determination means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that controls the jackpot game in S141 to S149 and S151 to 159 of FIG. 17 is an example of the "first control means". The CPU 51 that controls the small hit game in S171 and S172 of FIG. 17 is an example of the "second control means" of the present invention. The CPU 51 that causes a game state after the end of the big hit game in S160 of FIG. 17 is an example of the “generation means” of the present invention. In S51 and S52 of FIG. 15, the CPU 51 that prioritizes the second jackpot determination over the first jackpot determination is an example of the "determination priority execution means" of the present invention. The CPU 581 that controls the specific notification effect in S196 of FIG. 19 is an example of the "specific notification effect execution means" of the present invention.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the specific notification effect may be executed by the speaker 48 or the like. For example, the display screen 28 may control the notification effect according to the second variation pattern stored in the RAM 582, generate a sound suggesting left-handedness by the speaker 48, and execute the specific notification effect. Further, the specific notification effect may be superimposed and displayed on the notification effect executed according to the second variation pattern on the display screen 28.

Further, the gaming machine 1 includes a big hit symbol and a lost symbol as the first special symbol, but may further include a small hit symbol as the first special symbol. In this case, the gaming machine 1 can provide a surprising game in which the content of the game becomes complicated and it is difficult to predict whether the player is a big hit game or a small hit game. Further, the gaming machine 1 may be provided with a plurality of jackpot symbols as special symbols. In this case, the gaming machine 1 can be provided with a jackpot gaming pattern corresponding to each of the plurality of jackpot symbols. As a result, the gaming machine 1 can provide a surprising game in which the game content becomes complicated and it is difficult for the player to predict the jackpot game pattern.

Further, the gaming machine 1 is provided with the first starting port 16 at the substantially central portion in the left-right direction at the lower end portion of the center accessory 60, but the gaming ball launched at the first firing intensity is launched at the second firing intensity. It may be provided at a position where it is easier to win a prize than the game ball that has been played. For example, the first starting port 16 may be provided on the outside (left or lower) of the center accessory 60.

Further, in the game machine 1, the first firing intensity is a firing intensity less than a predetermined intensity, the second firing intensity is a firing intensity equal to or higher than the predetermined strength, but the first firing strength is a firing strength equal to or higher than the predetermined strength. It may be a firing intensity equal to or higher than the second firing strength. In this case, the first starting port 16 may be provided at a position where the game ball launched at the first firing intensity is easier to win than the game ball launched at the second firing intensity. The second starting port 17 and the gate 12 may be provided at positions where the game ball launched at the second firing intensity is more likely to win the game ball launched at the first firing intensity, respectively.

Further, in the gaming machine 1, the second starting port 17 cannot win a prize for the game ball in the closed state, but may be able to win the game ball even in the closed state. Further, the opening / closing member 171 may be opened so that the game ball can win a prize more easily than in the closed state.

Further, the gaming machine 1 does not have to include a special variation pattern determination table. In this case, the gaming machine 1 may refer to the second variation pattern determination table instead of the special variation pattern determination table in order to determine the variation pattern when notifying the result of the second jackpot determination in the special variation state. .. In this case, the average time of the fluctuation time determined by the second fluctuation pattern determination table is shorter than the average time of the fluctuation time determined by the long-term fluctuation pattern determination table. Therefore, when the normal state occurs after the jackpot game ends, the gaming machine 1 is in a disadvantageous state for the player by selecting the long-time fluctuation pattern even if the second reserved ball is stored in the RAM 52. It can be prevented from becoming. Further, the gaming machine 1 can suppress an increase in the storage area of the ROM 53 that stores the fluctuation pattern determination table.

Further, in the game machine 1, when a game ball wins in the ordinary winning opening 34, only a predetermined prize ball is paid out, and the first random number is not acquired, but in addition to the predetermined prize ball being paid out, the first Random numbers may be obtained.

Furthermore, all elements described in the claims, specification, and drawings may be physically single or plural, unless there is a clear statement that consciously limits the number. It does not matter, and the arrangement may be changed as appropriate. In addition, the element names (names given to the elements) used in the claims and specifications are merely given for convenience in the description of this case, which gives rise to a special meaning. I'm not particularly aware of that. That is, the element name alone does not limit the interpretation of what the element is. For example, the "notification effect executing means" may be a single hardware or a software. Furthermore, whether a plurality of elements among all the elements are appropriately integrally configured or one element is divided into a plurality of elements is not specified unless it is specified in the claims or the like. Since all of these are matters that can be considered extremely easily by those skilled in the art, and all the patterns are within the assumed range even if all the patterns are not described in the specification, etc., they are included in the scope of rights according to the present invention. Of course. Therefore, simply adopting a gaming machine having a structural difference within such a range because it is not described in the present embodiment does not mean that the right according to the present invention has been circumvented. .. The same applies to differences in the configuration and shape of each element, which can be easily considered by those skilled in the art from the present embodiment.

1 Gaming machine 2 Gaming board 12 Gate 16 First starting port 17 Second starting port 18 First big winning opening 19 Second big winning opening 37 Launching device 49 Prize ball payout device 41 Main control board 51 CPU
52 RAM
53 ROM
58 Sub control board 581 CPU
582 RAM
583 ROM

Claims (1)

A launching device capable of launching a game ball with a first launch intensity and a second launch intensity different from the first launch intensity,
A first starting port provided on the game board, in which a game ball launched by the launching device at the first firing intensity is easier to win than a game ball launched at the second firing intensity.
It is provided on the game board and can be changed into a third state in which the game ball can win a prize and a fourth state in which the game ball is more difficult to win or cannot win than the third state. A second starting port in which a game ball launched at the second firing intensity is easier to win than a game ball launched at the first firing intensity.
A variable winning opening provided on the game board and capable of changing between a first state in which a game ball can win a prize and a second state in which a game ball cannot win a prize.
The gate provided on the game board and
The first acquisition means for acquiring the first random number when the game ball wins a prize at the first starting port, and
Based on the first random number acquired by the first acquisition means, the first determination means for determining at least whether it is a jackpot or a loss, and
A second acquisition means for acquiring a second random number when the game ball wins a prize at the second starting port, and
Based on the second random number acquired by the second acquisition means, a second determination means for determining whether it is a big hit, a small hit, or a loss, and
A third acquisition means for acquiring a third random number when the game ball passes through the gate,
Based on the third random number acquired by the third acquisition means, a third determination means for determining whether it is a normal hit or a loss, and
When the first determination means or the second determination means determines that the jackpot is a big hit, the first control means that executes the jackpot game by setting the variable winning opening to the first state.
When the second determination means determines that the small hit is a small hit, the second control means that executes the small hit game by setting the variable winning opening to the first state.
When the third determination means determines that the game is a normal hit, the third control means that executes the normal hit game by setting the second starting port to the third state.
When a game ball wins a prize in the variable winning opening, a prize ball payout means for paying a predetermined privilege and
A means of generating any of the first game state, the second game state, and the game state including the third game state after the end of the jackpot game, and
It is provided with a specific notification effect executing means capable of executing a specific notification effect suggesting that the game ball is launched with the first firing intensity by the launching device.
The jackpot probability determined to be a jackpot by the first determination means and the second determination means includes a low probability and a high probability higher than the low probability.
The first gaming state is the gaming state in which the jackpot probability is the low probability.
The second gaming state is the gaming state in which the jackpot probability is the high probability.
In the third gaming state, the jackpot probability is the high probability, and the ratio of causing the second starting port to be in the third state is higher than that of either the first gaming state or the second gaming state. It is in a game state,
The small hit probability determined to be a small hit by the second determination means is higher than the high probability.
The number of times determined per unit time by the second determining means in the first gaming state and the third gaming state is the number of times determined per unit time by the second determining means in the second gaming state. Less than
When the generating means is determined to be a big hit by the second determining means in the first gaming state, it always causes the third gaming state, and in the third gaming state, it is determined by the second determining means. When it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit, the first game state or the third game state is always generated.
The specific notification effect executing means is a gaming machine characterized in that the specific notification effect is executed when a determination is made by the second determination means in the first gaming state and the third gaming state.

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