JP7201250B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines, and more particularly to pachinko machines.

Gaming machines, typified by pachinko machines, variably display a plurality of symbol rows having decorative symbols in accordance with the progress of the game to inform the player of the result of a special symbol lottery. There is something that suggests the possibility of a big hit by the action of In the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, three symbol rows are variably displayed in the center of the screen, and the symbol rows are in a ready-to-win state (decorative symbols are displayed stationary except for one symbol row, and the remaining symbol rows are is displayed), there is a case where the movable body is moved to the center of the screen. It is disclosed that the symbol row is variably displayed by pressing.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-32053

However, when the symbol row related to the decorative symbols is displayed in a reduced size as described above, the individual decorative symbols themselves that are variably displayed also become difficult to see due to their small size.
On the other hand, there is still room for improvement in terms of increasing the amusement of the game with regard to the reduced display and normal display of the symbol rows related to such decorative symbols.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a technique for improving the interest of a game in a gaming machine capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbol rows related to decorative symbols in at least two sizes. offer.

According to the present invention, with the start of pattern variation, a win-or-fail determination is executed to determine whether or not a jackpot will be won, and a plurality of symbol rows having decorative symbols are variably displayed to correspond to the results of the pertinence/non-applicability determination. The combination of decorative patterns is stopped and displayed, and when the result of determination of suitability is a big hit, the jackpot game can be started after the pattern variation is completed, and the start of pattern variation is suspended until the variation start condition is satisfied. The gaming machine comprises image display means and display control means for controlling the image display means, wherein the display control means selects a first symbol row or the first symbol row as the plurality of symbol rows. A second pattern row having a smaller display area than the pattern row can be variably displayed, and the first pattern row is a combination of a normal pattern row and a decorative pattern of the first pattern row, or There is a case where the form of the decorative pattern of the first pattern row is different from the normal pattern row and becomes a special pattern row, and the special pattern row is variably displayed as the first pattern row. is higher than the expectation of winning a big hit in the symbol variation in which the special symbol row is not variably displayed as the first symbol row and the normal symbol row is variably displayed, and the first symbol row is variably displayed. There is a first variation state to be displayed and a second variation state in which the first symbol row is not variably displayed and the second symbol row is variably displayed, and the symbol variation is completed in the second variation state. And a first case of switching to the first variation state with the start of the symbol variation next to the symbol variation, and a symbol variation completed in the first variation state and the symbol variation next to the symbol variation There is a second case in which the first fluctuation state is maintained when is started, and the ratio of the special symbol row to be variably displayed in the next symbol fluctuation according to the first case is the It is higher than the rate at which the special symbol row is variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the second case, or the special symbol row can be variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the first case. On the other hand, the special symbol row is not variably displayed in the next symbol variation in the second case, and the number of symbol rows constituting the special symbol row and the number of symbol rows constituting the normal symbol row , are the same, and for each symbol row constituting the special symbol row, the number of decorative symbols possessed by the symbol row and the number of decorative symbols possessed by the symbol row corresponding to the symbol row among the normal symbol rows. and are the same, and each pattern row that constitutes the normal pattern row has the same pattern. Thus, the first pattern indicating the jackpot winning of the maximum number of rounds among the jackpots that can be won in the pattern variation is included, and each pattern row constituting the special pattern row has the same pattern, so that the first symbol A second pattern is included which indicates that it is more advantageous than the pattern matching by the pattern, and the second pattern includes a plurality of including the big win in addition to winning the jackpot of the maximum number of rounds by the pattern matching. There is provided a game machine characterized by indicating that a jackpot of is won .

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the amusement of a game in a gaming machine capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbol rows related to decorative symbols in at least two sizes.

1 is a front view of a game machine; FIG. It is a figure which shows the pattern display apparatus arrange|positioned at area|region II shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a bird's-eye view showing a group of operation buttons arranged in an area III shown in FIG. 1 and the periphery thereof; It is a figure which shows the game board installed in a game machine. It is a rear view of the gaming machine. It is a block diagram showing a control configuration provided in the gaming machine. It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration provided in the gaming machine. Figure 8 (a) is a lottery table for special figure propriety determination, Figure 8 (b) is a lottery table for special figure 1 stop symbol lottery, and Figure 8 (c) is for special figure 2 stop symbol lottery is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table of . FIG. 9(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special figure variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing the average variation time relationship for each special figure variation pattern derivation state. FIG. 10(a) is a diagram specifically showing a main pattern display as a display form of a pattern row of decorative patterns, and FIG. 10(b) shows a mini pattern display as a display form of a pattern row of decorative patterns. It is a figure shown concretely. It is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between one symbol row in the normal fluctuation production pattern and one symbol row in the special fluctuation production pattern. FIG. 12(a) is a diagram specifically showing a background image in the Okipachi production mode, and FIG. 12(b) is a diagram specifically showing a flower blooming production. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for a flower blooming effect; FIG. 14(a) is a diagram specifically showing how the flower blooming effect is executed across a plurality of pattern variations, and FIG. It is a figure shown concretely. FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing a state similar to that of FIG. 14(b), and FIG. 15(b) is a diagram schematically showing development effects executed after FIG. 15(a).

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up" and "down" refer to the front side (player side) of the gaming machine 10 as shown in FIG. ) shall be designated as viewed from the

<Overview>
Before describing the details of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, an overview of features of the present embodiment will be described.
The gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called pachinko gaming machine, and executes a win-or-fail judgment to determine whether or not a jackpot will be won with the start of symbol variation, and changes a plurality of symbol rows having decorative symbols. Then, the combination of decorative symbols corresponding to the result of the success/failure judgment is stopped and displayed, and when the result of the success/failure judgment is a big win, the big win game can be started after the completion of the symbol variation, and the variation start condition. It is possible to suspend the start of the symbol variation until is satisfied.
The gaming machine 10 includes at least image display means and display control means.
In this embodiment, the effect display device 80 (main display section 81, sub display section 82) is exemplified as the image display means.
The display control means is means for controlling the image display means, and in this embodiment, the first sub-control board 200, the second sub-control board 300, the normal effect control means 220 and the like are exemplified.

The display control means can variably display the first symbol row or the second symbol row whose display area is smaller than that of the first symbol row.
Each of the first symbol row and the second symbol row is a plurality of symbol rows having decorative symbols. In this embodiment, the main symbol display BS is exemplified as the first symbol row, and the mini symbol is the second symbol row. A display MS is illustrated. However, in the second symbol row, the size of the decorative symbols variably displayed in each symbol row may be smaller than that in the first symbol row.
The first symbol row may be a normal symbol row or may be a special symbol row.
The special symbol row is different from the normal symbol row in the combination of the decorative symbols possessed by the first symbol row, the mode of the decorative symbols possessed by the first symbol row, or both.
Here, "combination of decorative patterns is different" means that in each pattern row, the pattern types of the decorative patterns are completely different between the normal pattern row and the special pattern row, part of the pattern types are different, or the decorative pattern types are different. It includes that the number of symbol types is different from each other. As an example of the case where the decorative pattern types are completely different from each other, each pattern row in the normal pattern row has 1 to 9 decorative patterns imitating Arabic numerals, and each pattern in the special pattern row. For example, the row has one to nine decorative patterns imitating Chinese numerals. As an example of the case where the number of decorative pattern types differs from each other, each pattern row in the normal pattern row has 1 to 9 decorative patterns, and each pattern row in the special pattern row has 4 out of 3 patterns. An example with a pattern and five 7-pattern decorative patterns is given. In the present embodiment, a normal variation effect pattern having 1 to 9 decorative symbols is given as an example of a normal symbol sequence, and a special variation effect pattern having 7 symbols and a V symbol is an example of a special symbol sequence. mentioned. In the present embodiment, the normal variation production pattern (normal symbol row) and the special variation production pattern (special symbol row) have the same number of decorative symbols, which are nine in each symbol row, while the decorations each symbol row has. This is an example in which the number of symbol types of symbols is different (9 and 2).
"Decorative designs differ in mode" includes the fact that the decorative designs themselves are the same but differ in mode, such as the effect colors of the decorative designs being different.

Here, the degree of expectation for winning the jackpot in the symbol variation in which the special symbol row is variably displayed as the first symbol row is the symbol variation in which the special symbol row is not variably displayed as the first symbol row and the normal symbol row is variably displayed. It is higher than the expectation of winning the jackpot.
In the present embodiment, when a special variation effect pattern as an example of a special symbol row is determined as the variation display pattern of the decorative symbol, the 10R probability variation jackpot is confirmed in the variation, whereas the special variation in the variation Even if the result of the judging whether the symbol is correct or not, the normal variation effect pattern as an example of the normal symbol sequence can be determined.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a first variation state in which the first symbol row is variably displayed and a second variation state in which the second symbol row is variably displayed without the first symbol row being variably displayed. ing.
The first variation state and the second variation state mean the display state in which the variation display of the decorative symbol row is performed, and the switching timing between them is synchronized with the start and end of the special symbol symbol variation. It's okay, it doesn't have to be synchronous.
In the first variation state, the first symbol row may be variably displayed, and the second symbol row may or may not be variably displayed.
Here, the first symbol row or the second symbol row is not variably displayed may be a state in which the first symbol row or the second symbol row itself is not displayed, or a state in which the first symbol row or the second symbol row is not displayed. may be fixedly displayed without changing.
In this embodiment, as the first variation state, the first variation display state in which the main symbol display BS (first symbol row) is displayed and the mini symbol display MS (second symbol row) is not displayed is exemplified. As the second variation state, a second variation display state is exemplified in which the main symbol display BS (first symbol row) is not displayed and the mini symbol display MS (second symbol row) is displayed.

Then, in the gaming machine 10, a first case of switching to the first variation state triggered by the completion of the symbol variation in the second variation state and the start of the symbol variation next to the symbol variation, and the first variation state. In the second case, the first variation state is maintained when the symbol variation is completed and the symbol variation next to the symbol variation is started.
In the first case, a certain symbol variation is completed in the second variation state, and it may be switched to the first variation state at the same time as the start of the next symbol variation, or slightly after the start of the next symbol variation. It may be the case that the state is switched to the first fluctuation state after a certain amount of time. The latter short time is, for example, the time during which the next symbol variation is being executed, and is the time required to switch when the next symbol variation is started.
Further, when switching from the second variation state to the first variation state in the first case, after the variation display of the symbol row of the decorative symbols related to the second variation state is erased once, the symbol row related to the first variation state may be variably displayed. In addition, when the first variation state is maintained across the symbol variations in the second case, the variation display of the symbol row of the decorative symbols relating to the first variation state may be erased once during the process.
In the present embodiment, the first variable display state is switched to the second variable display state along with the execution of the flower blooming effect determined according to the result of preliminary determination of the pending symbol variation (the symbol variation to be read ahead). , and an example of switching from the second variable display state to the first variable display state with the start of the pattern variation of the look-ahead object as an opportunity.

The rate at which the special symbol row is variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the first case is higher than the percentage at which the special symbol row is variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the second case, or While the special symbol row can be variably displayed in the next symbol variation in the first case, the special symbol row is not variably displayed in the next symbol variation in the second case.
In other words, the symbol variation (the next symbol variation) whose start is the trigger for switching from the second variation state to the first variation state is the symbol variation in which the first variation state is maintained from the immediately preceding symbol variation ( The ratio of variably displaying the special symbol row is higher than the next symbol variation), or the special symbol row can be variably displayed in the former symbol variation, but the special symbol row is not variably displayed in the latter symbol variation. .
In the present embodiment, when the flower blooming effect is executed in the off-patch effect mode, and the symbol a is determined as the stop symbol of the special figure 2 in the target symbol variation (the next symbol variation) of the flower blossoming effect ( 75%), the special variation effect pattern is determined (the special symbol is variably displayed), and in other cases, the special variation effect pattern is not determined (the special symbol is not variably displayed). ing. Therefore, in this embodiment, the special symbol row can be variably displayed in the next symbol variation in the first case, while the special symbol row is not variably displayed in the next symbol variation in the second case. can be said to be mentioned.

Here, the start timing of the variable display of the special symbol row may be any timing as long as the next symbol variation related to the first case is being executed, but preferably, the decoration in the next symbol variation It is the timing until the symbol row of symbols becomes the ready-to-win state, and more preferably, the timing when the second variation state is switched to the first variation state.
In the present embodiment, the variable display of the decorative symbol row (special symbol row) according to the special variable effect pattern is more preferably performed at the timing of switching from the mini symbol display MS to the main symbol display BS, that is, at the main symbol display BS. It gives an example to start with.

Thus, in the present embodiment, the second variation state (the state in which the first symbol row is not variably displayed and the second symbol row is variably displayed) is changed to the first variation state (the state in which the first symbol row is variably displayed). ), the rate at which the special symbol row with a high probability of winning the jackpot is variably displayed is that the special symbol row is variably displayed in the symbol variation in which the first variation state is maintained from the immediately preceding symbol variation. Alternatively, the special symbol row can be variably displayed in the former symbol variation, while the special symbol row is not variably displayed in the latter symbol variation.
As a result, in the pattern variation when the symbol row of the decorative pattern is difficult to visually recognize in the variable display of the second symbol row in the second variation state to the first variation state, the special symbol row with high expectation of winning the big win is displayed. When the variable display is performed, the variable display of the special pattern row is performed in the first pattern row, so that the special pattern row with a high expectation of winning the jackpot can be easily recognized, and the amusement of the game can be improved. It should be noted that for a player with little gaming experience, the second symbol row with a smaller display area can be variably displayed in the symbol variation immediately before the symbol variation in which the special symbol row is variably displayed. Since it becomes difficult to visually recognize the pattern row of the decorative pattern, it is possible to suppress confusion due to the change to the special pattern row.

In addition, in the gaming machine 10, the number of symbol rows constituting the special symbol row and the number of symbol rows constituting the normal symbol row are the same, and each symbol row constituting the special symbol row has the same number of symbol rows. It is preferable that the number of decorative symbols possessed is the same as the number of decorative symbols possessed by the symbol row corresponding to the symbol row out of the normal symbol rows.
In the present embodiment, the number of symbol rows is the same (three rows) in both the special fluctuation effect pattern, which is an example of the special symbol row, and the normal fluctuation effect pattern, which is an example of the normal symbol row. The number of decorative patterns is also the same (9) in both.
By making the structures of the special symbol row and the normal symbol row as equal as possible in this way, it is possible to reduce discomfort caused by the change to the special symbol row and prevent the loss of interest in the game.
The gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

<Regarding the structure of the game machine 10>
First, the structure of the game machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.
1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device 90 arranged in the area II shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a view showing a game board 50 installed in the game machine 10, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the game machine 10. FIG.
It should be noted that each configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is only necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and configurations and functions not shown here are added to the gaming machine 10. You may Also, the game machine 10 does not necessarily have all of the configurations shown here, and some of the configurations or functions may be omitted to the extent that the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

The game machine 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, and game balls are placed in a front area (hereinafter referred to as "game area 50a") of a game board 50 on which a large number of game nails (not shown) are erected. A game is played in which a prize ball is obtained when a game ball is launched and enters a winning hole (for example, the big winning hole 55 or the like). In the following description, the entry of a game ball into a winning hole may be simply expressed as "winning (into a winning hole)".

The game machine 10 is configured to cover the front side of the game board 50 with a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 15 that opens forward and backward, a middle frame 17 that detachably holds the game board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and the game board 50. and a front frame 20 that has been formed.

The middle frame 17 is rotatably supported around the left end by a hinge mechanism (not shown) on the same side as the hinge mechanism 21 , and can be opened and closed to the front side of the outer frame 15 . The middle frame 17 is locked and unlocked by the cylinder lock 23 (insert the door key into the cylinder lock 23 and move the door key in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the front frame 20 (to the right in this embodiment). turn) is possible.

The front frame 20 is rotatably supported by a hinge mechanism 21 centering on the left end side, and can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame 17 . The front frame 20 is locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (insert the door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turn the door key in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the middle frame 17 (left in this embodiment). ) is possible.
In addition, the front frame 20 includes a transparent member 25 arranged to cover the game area 50a, and the transparent member 25 protects the game area 50a and the game board 50 as seen through.
In addition, the front frame 20 is provided with an upper ball receiving tray 27 and a lower ball receiving tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball receiving tray 27 and the lower ball receiving tray 29 are separated vertically and provided integrally with the front frame 20. .
In addition, the front frame 20 has an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball tray 29, and by turning the operation handle 31, game balls stored in the upper ball tray 27 are shot toward the game area 50a. It's like

As shown in FIG. 3, on the upper surface of the upper ball tray 27, a group of operation buttons to be operated by the player are arranged. This operation button group is provided with a ball lending button 39a and a return button 39b for accepting return operation of the prepaid card as a main operation unit 39 electrically connected to the main control board 100, which will be described later. 1 As an operation unit electrically connected to the sub-control board 200, an effect button that can accept a player's operation for switching the effect that occurs during the game or for obtaining various information related to the gaming machine 10. 37, and cursor buttons 38 (38a, 38b, 38c, 38d) for instructing up, down, left, and right operations, respectively. Each operation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting an operation, and the control board to be connected detects the operation of each operation unit based on changes in the detection state of the sensor.
A movable decorative body 22 that is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown) is provided on the side of the upper bulb tray 27 .
The movable decorative body 22 is operated by the actuator and is capable of receiving a player's pressing operation. That is, the movable decorative body 22 is a movable body and an operating part. The operation of the movable decorative body 22 is detected by a change in the detection state of the sensor in the same manner as other operation units.

Below the lower ball receiving tray 29, a ball removing mechanism 36 for discharging game balls stored in the lower ball receiving tray 29 downward is provided. By operating the ball extraction mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball receiving tray 29 is opened, and the game ball is naturally dropped from the bottom opening and discharged.
Although illustration is omitted, the upper ball receiving tray 27 is provided with a mechanism for moving the stored ball to the lower ball receiving tray 29 by operating it in the same manner as the ball removing mechanism 36. By operating both mechanisms 36, it is possible to discharge the stored balls.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are provided on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20, respectively. The upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed of light-transmitting covers, and effect lamps 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) are provided inside the covers, respectively. there is The speaker 33 and the production lamp 35 can output sound or turn on or off in conjunction with production, error production, or the like that occurs during the game.

The effect display device 80 is composed of a main display section 81 arranged substantially in the center of the game board 50 and a sub-display section 82 arranged around the main display section 81 . The sub-display section 82 includes an upper sub-display section 82a arranged above the main display section 81, a left sub-display section 82b arranged on the left side of the main display section 81, and a left sub-display section 82b arranged on the right side of the main display section 81. and a right sub-display portion 82c disposed in the .
Here, the main display section 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display device, and the upper sub-display section 82a, left sub-display section 82b, and right sub-display section 82c are movable liquid crystal displays operated by actuators such as motors (not shown). It is a display device.

The main display unit 81 can display variable display of decorative symbols performed in conjunction with variable display in a first special symbol display device 91 or a second special symbol display device 92, which will be described later, and further various other effects. can also be displayed.
In the variable display of the decorative symbols displayed on the main display portion 81, the displayed decorative symbols form three symbol rows. The direction of the variable display of each pattern row is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, the depth direction, or a combination thereof (diagonal direction).
Here, the depth direction is actually a two-dimensional variable display on the display screen of the main display section 81, but the decorative pattern is displayed from the back of the main display section 81 to the front or the opposite direction. It refers to a virtual direction recognized by a player in a display mode using a technique (for example, the perspective method) that makes the player recognize that the display is changing.
In addition, the decorative patterns in this embodiment include "1 pattern" imitating the number "1", "2 patterns" imitating the number "2", "3 patterns" imitating the number "3", "4 patterns" imitating the number "4", "5 patterns" imitating the number "5", "6 patterns" imitating the number "6", "7 patterns" imitating the number "7" , "8 patterns" imitating the number "8", and "9 patterns" imitating the number "9", and these patterns are provided in each pattern row. In the following description, "1 pattern", "3 patterns", "5 patterns", "7 patterns", and "9 patterns" are collectively referred to as "odd number patterns", and "2 patterns" and "4 patterns". , "6 symbols" and "8 symbols" may be collectively referred to as "even number symbols".

Each of the sub display units 82 is not only provided mainly for displaying an effect image related to the effect, but also configured to be movable.
The initial positions of the sub-display portions 82 are such that the upper sub-display portion 82a is on the upper side of the main display portion 81, the left sub-display portion 82b is on the left side of the main display portion 81, and the right sub-display portion 82b is on the left side of the main display portion 81. The portion 82c is on the right side of the main display portion 81, and each of the sub-display portions 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions to a position overlapping the display area of the decorative pattern in the main display portion 81.

It should be noted that the effect display device 80 (the main display section 81, the upper sub-display section 82a, the left sub-display section 82b, and the right sub-display section 82c) in the present embodiment all adopt a liquid crystal display device. Implementation of the invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of display devices such as a drum type and a dot matrix type can be employed as the effect display device 80 .

A rendering shield 83 is arranged between the main display section 81 and the sub-display section 82 . Furthermore, the effect shield 83 is composed of an upper left effect shield 83a, an upper right effect shield 83b, a lower left effect shield 83c, and a lower right effect shield 83d. is configured to be movable in the direction of shielding the

A plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter abbreviated as “LEDs”) are arranged on the lower right side of the main display section 81 , and these LEDs constitute the display area of the pattern display device 90 . A special symbol and a normal symbol are displayed on the symbol display device 90 .
Also, the pattern display device 90 is arranged at a position that is more difficult for the player to visually recognize than the main display section 81, and the display area of the pattern display device 90 is smaller than the display area of the main display section 81. .
Note that the arrangement and number of LEDs associated with the pattern display device 90 in this embodiment are as shown in FIG. not to be

The special symbol is a symbol stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol variation that determines whether or not to activate the special electric accessory (for example, the special electric accessory 65). The special symbols in this embodiment include a first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 and a second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 92 .
In addition, the special design may be abbreviated as "special design", the first special design as "special design 1", and the second special design as "special design 2".

The normal symbol is a symbol that is stop-displayed as a result of the symbol variation that determines whether or not to operate the normal electric accessory (for example, the normal electric accessory 61). The normal design in this embodiment is displayed on the normal design display device 93 .
In addition, the normal symbol may be abbreviated as "normal figure", and the normal electric accessory may be referred to as "electric chew".

The symbol display device 90 is provided with a first special symbol reservation lamp 94, a second special symbol reservation lamp 95, and a normal symbol reservation lamp 96 in addition to the display devices described above.
The first special symbol reservation lamp 94 can specify the number of reserved special symbol 1 symbol variations, and the second special symbol reservation lamp 95 can specify the number of reserved special symbol 2 symbol variations. And, the normal design reservation lamp 96 can specify the number of design fluctuations of the normal design that is reserved, and both of the lighting modes of the two LEDs (in this embodiment, only right lighting = 1, left and right lighting = 2, blinking on the right side + constant lighting on the left side = 3, blinking on the left and right sides = 4) makes it possible to specify the number of corresponding symbol variations.

In the following description, the symbol variation that stops and displays the special symbol after the special symbol is displayed by the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 is referred to as "symbol variation of the special symbol". In the description, the symbol variation of stopping and displaying the normal symbol after the normal symbol display device 93 is variably displayed may be referred to as "symbol variation of the normal symbol".
Further, in the following description, the variation display of the decorative symbols displayed on the main display section 81 is referred to as "decorative symbol variation" to distinguish it from "special symbol variation" or "universal symbol variation". may be indicated.
It should be noted that, in the following description, when simply referred to as "symbol variation", it means the symbol variation of special symbols unless otherwise specified.

On the front surface of the game board 50, as shown in FIG. 4, obstacles such as a large number of game nails (not shown), windmills 52, and decorative members are arranged so that the launched game balls roll. A game area 50a is defined in .
Further, on the left side and the upper side of the game area 50a, curved outer rails 51 and inner rails 53 are provided to guide game balls shot by rotating the operation handle 31 to the upper part of the game area 50a. It is The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with reference to the center of the game area 50a. Here, the windmill 52 is a peg-shaped mechanism for changing the falling direction of the game ball.

The gaming machine 10 is capable of adjusting the strength of the launch of the game ball depending on the magnitude of the rotational operation amount (for example, the rotation angle) of the operating handle 31. Various obstacles are placed in the game area 50a so that the game ball rolls on either X (so-called left-handed hitting) or the second flow path Y (so-called right-handed hitting) where the game ball hit harder rolls. are placed.

In FIG. 4, the main winning openings 55, 1st starting opening 57, 2nd starting opening 59, gate 63, and general winning opening 67 are illustrated as main winning openings. , and the arrangement is an example, and the number and arrangement thereof may be changed as appropriate as long as the roles described below are satisfied.

The big winning opening 55 is arranged in the lower right part of the game area 50a. A large winning opening sensor 72 is attached to the large winning opening 55, and the winning to the large winning opening 55 is determined based on the detection result of the large winning opening sensor 72. In the embodiment, 15) prize balls are awarded.
In addition, in this embodiment, as compared with the case of rolling from the first flow path X, when rolling from the second flow path Y, more game balls roll toward the big winning opening 55 Each obstacle is placed.

A special electric accessory 65 is arranged above the big prize opening 55 . The special electric accessory 65 is a member that switches between an open state in which it is easy to win a prize in the big prize opening 55 and a closed state in which it is difficult to enter a ball. Transition to one of the states.
More specifically, the special electric role product 65 will be in an open state in at least a part of the jackpot game that is set due to the fact that the jackpot is derived by the special figure success/failure determination that will be described later. Winning to the winning opening 55 is allowed. In this way, when the special electric accessory 65 is in the open state, it becomes easy to win a prize in the big prize opening 55. Therefore, the jackpot game in which the chance of winning prize balls is greatly increased is an advantageous game state. It can be said that
In the jackpot game, the open state and the closed state of the special electric accessory 65 are alternately set, and one open state (sometimes referred to as “round”, and the total number of rounds generated in one jackpot is “round number") is terminated when a predetermined number (in this embodiment, 10) of game balls enter the big winning slot 55, and the special electric accessory 65 is closed. becomes.
In addition, one open state is also ended based on the passage of a sufficient time (in this embodiment, 30s (seconds)) for a predetermined number of game balls to enter the big winning opening 55. do.
Here, when the special electric accessory 65 is set from the open state to the closed state based on the winning of 10 game balls in one round, it cannot be immediately closed. Therefore, in one round, more than 10 game balls may enter the big winning hole 55, and this winning may be referred to as over winning.

The first starting port 57 is arranged in the central lower part of the game area 50a. A first starting hole sensor 70 is attached to the first starting hole 57, and the winning to the first starting hole 57 is determined based on the detection result of the first starting hole sensor 70, and is associated with the first starting hole 57. The determined number (4 in this embodiment) of prize balls are awarded. In at least a part when winning a prize related to the first starting port 57 is determined, the symbol variation of the special figure 1 will be performed.
In addition, in the game area 50a according to the present embodiment, more game balls roll toward the first start port 57 when rolling from the first flow path X than when rolling from the second flow path Y. It is assumed that an obstacle such as a game nail is arranged so as to roll.

The second starting port 59 is arranged in the lower right part of the game area 50a. A second starting hole sensor 71 is attached to the second starting hole 59, and the winning to the second starting hole 59 is determined by the detection result of the second starting hole sensor 71, and is associated with the second starting hole 59. The determined number (1 in this embodiment) of prize balls are awarded.
In at least a part when the winning to the second starting port 59 is determined, the pattern variation of the special figure 2 will be performed.
In addition, in the game area 50a according to the present embodiment, more game balls roll toward the second start port 59 when rolling from the second flow path Y than when rolling from the first flow path X. It is assumed that an obstacle such as a game nail is arranged so as to roll.

A normal electric accessory 61 is arranged in the flow path connected to the second starting port 59 . The normal electric accessory 61 is a member that switches between an open state in which it is easy to enter a game ball in the second starting port 59 or a closed state in which it is difficult to enter a game ball. transitions to either an open state or a closed state.
More specifically, the ordinary electric accessory 61 is in an open state in at least a part of the game per normal pattern that is performed by winning in the pattern variation of the normal pattern, and accordingly the winning to the second start port 59. is allowed. In this way, when the normal electric accessory 61 is in the open state, it becomes easier to win the second starting port 59, so while suppressing the decrease in the number of game balls due to the prize balls, the symbol variation of the special figure 2 It can greatly increase the chances of being executed.

The gate 63 is arranged in the right central portion of the game area 50a. A gate sensor 74 is attached to the gate 63, and passage of the game ball to the gate 63 (this case may also be referred to as winning) is determined based on the detection result of the gate sensor 74. In at least a part of the case where winning to the gate 63 is determined, the pattern variation of the normal pattern will be performed.
In addition, in this embodiment, compared with the case of rolling from the first flow path X, when rolling from the second flow path Y, more game balls roll toward the gate 63, so that each obstacle things are placed.

The general winning opening 67 is arranged in the lower left part of the game area 50a. A general winning slot sensor 73 is attached to the general winning slot 67, and the winning to the general winning slot 67 is determined by the detection result of the general winning slot sensor 73, and the number associated with the general winning slot 67 ( In this embodiment, 4) prize balls are provided.
In addition, in this embodiment, as compared with the case of rolling from the second flow path Y, more game balls roll toward the general winning opening 67 when rolling from the first flow path X. Each obstacle is arranged, but each obstacle may be arranged so that many game balls roll toward the general winning opening 67 when rolling from the second flow path Y. . Also, a plurality of general prize winning openings 67 may be provided.

The out port 69 is arranged at the bottom of the game area 50a. A game ball that is hit into the game area 50a and does not enter the above-described winning holes falls into an out hole 69 and is processed as an out ball.

In addition, in this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 is provided for detecting a game ball (hereinafter referred to as an "out ball") that has entered the above-described winning hole or out hole 69, and an out ball sensor is provided. The number of out balls counted using 75 detections can be used to derive the base value.
Here, the base value is a value derived from the number of safe balls (number of prize balls)/number of out balls×100 in the most disadvantageous state (to be described later, special low probability and normal low probability).

On the back of the game board 50, as shown in FIG. A second sub-control board case 309 storing a control board 300, a power control board case 509 storing a power control board 500, and a payout control board case 409 storing a payout control board 400 are attached. In addition to the rear surfaces of the control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an opening/closing cover 45 that covers part of the rear surface of the main control board case 109 is detachably attached.
The substrate case and cover that cover each substrate are made of a member having transparency, and the corresponding substrate can be visually recognized through each case and cover.

The power control board 500 is provided with a power switch 40 that is operated to supply the game machine 10 with the primary power supplied from the power supply facility of the game island.
Thus, in the state of being installed on the game island, unless the middle frame 17 is opened, it becomes difficult to operate each operation unit (power switch 40, etc.) provided on the back side of the game board 50. FIG.

A game ball tank 46 for storing game balls supplied from the ball supply facility of the game island is arranged on the back surface of the game board 50 above the opening/closing cover 45 . The game ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 connected to the upper ball tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48, and the balls put out by the payout unit 48 pass through the payout passage 49. is paid out to the upper ball receiving tray 27.

So far, the structure of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment has been described, but these are only specific examples, and the present invention can also be implemented with another structure.

<Regarding the control configuration of the game machine 10>
Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the control configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine 10. As shown in FIG. The control configuration shown in FIG. 6 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may have a control configuration not shown in FIG.

The main control board 100 includes a CPU 101 that performs various arithmetic processing related to games, a ROM 102 that stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 that functions as a temporary storage area and a buffer memory, and peripherals. Equipped with an I/O port 104 for inputting and outputting signals between the board and each device, and a random number circuit 105 for generating random numbers (hard random numbers) by operating in a system separate from the program processing by the CPU 101, These are interconnected via an internal bus.

The CPU 101 reads various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performs arithmetic processing, thereby executing various processes related to the main control of the game.
The RAM 103 is backed up by backup power generated in a backup power supply circuit 502, which will be described later. Specifically, among the information stored in the RAM 103, when power is restored after a power failure, various types of information are backed up so that the game machine 10 can be restored to the state immediately before the power failure. is configured to For example, in addition to data such as the stack pointer and each register held when the power failure occurred, the state of the gaming machine 10 at that time (game stopped state or playable state), the current special drawing lottery state, the current Information related to the game such as the normal drawing state, whether or not the jackpot game is in progress, the stop patterns of the special figures 1 and 2, the holding information of the pattern fluctuation, the number of round games in the big hit game, etc. are backed up. be.

In the present embodiment, at least an area in which such game-related information is stored (sometimes referred to as a game-related area of the RAM 103) and a checksum complement and a backup flag for the game-related area of the RAM 103 are stored. is stored (sometimes referred to as a game-related backup information area of the RAM 103) is backed up.
When power is restored, the gaming machine 10 is restored using the backed-up various information stored in the game-related area of the RAM 103 and the game-related backup information area of the RAM 103 .

A specific backup method in this embodiment is not limited at all. For example, the area to be backed up in the RAM 103 may be implemented with a configuration that can hold data in a non-volatile manner even in a power failure state. As another example, in the RAM 103, different hardware is provided for a first memory configured to be able to hold data in a non-volatile manner even in a power failure state and a second memory referred to when the game machine 10 operates. In that case, the gaming machine 10 saves the information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when the power is cut off, and transfers the saved information from the first memory to the first memory when the power is restored. It is sufficient to recover to the second memory.

In addition, the main control board 100 includes a first starting opening sensor 70, a second starting opening sensor 71, a large winning opening sensor 72, a general winning opening sensor 73, a gate sensor 74, an out ball sensor 75, a middle frame door opening sensor 76, and the like. , and detection signals from these sensors can be input to the CPU 101 via the I/O port 104 .

In addition, the main control board 100 includes a first special symbol display device 91, a second special symbol display device 92, a normal symbol display device 93, a first special symbol reservation lamp 94, a second special symbol reservation lamp 95, and a normal symbol reservation lamp. 96 , is electrically connected to the normal electric accessory solenoid 62 and the special electric accessory solenoid 66 , and configured to be able to control these via the I/O port 104 .
Similarly, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the main operation section 39 and configured to be able to detect the operation of the main operation section 39 .

The main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line. They are communicably connected only in the direction, and various control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200 .
Data cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the first sub-control board 200 cannot request the main control board 100 to transmit data. is configured to
Also, in this embodiment, a parallel transmission method is used for data transmission from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, but a serial transmission method may be used.

The first sub-control board 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs various arithmetic processing related to game effects based on the effect control command from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores data such as effect control programs and various lottery tables, and a temporary storage area. and an I/O port 204 for inputting/outputting signals between peripheral boards and devices. It is configured to execute main control relating to game effects according to a control program stored in ROM 202 .
The first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the effect button 37 and the cursor button 38, and is configured to detect the operation of the operation section.

In addition, the first sub-control board 200, in the effect control processing based on the effect control command from the main control board 100, to the second sub-control board 300 image and sound control command and sound control command, effect lamp Lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as 35, movable control data for controlling the movement of movable bodies such as the effect shielding body 83, the movable decorative body 22, and the sub-display section 82 are generated.
Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 so that two-way communication is possible, and various commands are transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the second sub-control board 300. , a response command (ACK command) indicating that the command was successfully received is transmitted from the second sub-control board 300 to the first sub-control board 200 as a response.

Also, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the effect lamp 35 and transmits lamp control data via the I/O port 204 . The lighting of the effect lamp 35 is controlled by lamp control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 .

In addition, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to a controller that controls each actuator that powers the movable decoration 22, the sub-display section 82, and the effect shield 83 via an I/O port 204. , to send commands containing motion control data.
Then, the controller receives a command transmitted from the first sub-control board 200, and controls each actuator according to the movable control data included in the command, so that the effect shield 83, the movable decoration 22, or the sub It is configured to operate the display unit 82 .

The second sub-control board 300 stores a CPU 301 that performs various kinds of arithmetic processing related to image effects and sound effects based on control commands from the first sub-control board 200, control programs that control images and sounds, various data, and the like. It comprises a ROM 302, a RAM 303 functioning as a temporary storage area or a work area or a buffer memory, and an I/O port 304 for inputting/outputting signals between peripheral boards and devices. It is configured to execute main control related to various effects according to the control program.
In addition, although not shown, the second sub-control board 300 includes a VDP for generating image data in accordance with the content of the effect determined by the effect content determining means 225, which will be described later, based on the control signal received from the CPU 301, and the CPU 301. and a sound source IC that generates audio data based on the control signal received from the device. The VDP is a so-called image processor, reads image data stored in the image ROM according to instructions from the CPU 301 , processes the image data, and transmits the generated image data to the effect display device 80 . This VDP is connected to a high-speed VRAM used for developing and processing image data read out from the image ROM. The sound source IC reads the audio data stored in the audio ROM in response to an instruction from the CPU 301, and outputs the final audio data generated by synthesizing the read audio data to the speaker 33 via the amplifier.

The payout control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU 401, a ROM 402 and a RAM 403 (all not shown).
In addition, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to be capable of two-way communication, and controls the payout unit 48 based on the payout control command from the main control board 100 to pay out game balls. is executed, and the ball feeding mechanism and the shooting mechanism are synchronously driven based on the amount of operation of the operating handle 31 to control the shooting of the game ball.

The power supply control board 500 generates a normal power supply circuit 501 and a backup power supply for generating normal power supply to electronic and electric parts such as the above-mentioned control board based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply facility of the game island. It is composed of a backup power supply circuit 502 and a power failure detection circuit 503 that detects a power failure (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply reaches a predetermined voltage drop).
Also, the power switch 40 is connected to the power control board 500, and on the premise that primary power is supplied from the power supply facility of the game island, when the power switch 40 is turned on, the power control board 500 is turned on. A normal power supply is generated by the normal power supply circuit 501, and power is supplied to electronic components and electrical components including the above-described control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). is supplied.
In addition, when the power failure detection circuit 503 detects the power failure, the power supply control board 500 outputs a power failure signal (NMI signal) to the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400 respectively. Send to
The backup power supply circuit 502 is charged when power is supplied to the game machine 10 from the power supply facility on the game island.
In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the payout control board 400, the power failure detection circuit 503 is not provided on the power control board 500, and the main control board 100, the first sub control board 200, and the payout control board 400 may be provided.

<Regarding the functional configuration of the game machine 10>
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. As shown in FIG. The functional configuration shown in FIG. 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may have functional configurations not shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, the main control board 100 includes an entry determination means 110, a main random number generation means 115, a main reservation control means 120, a preliminary determination means 125, a special figure lottery means 130, a normal figure lottery means 135, and a jackpot game. Control means 140, symbol display control means 145, electric accessory control means 150, game state control means 155, main information storage means 160, main error control means 165, main command management means 170, power interruption processing execution means 175, and It is provided with electric processing execution means 180, and these means functionally represent what is realized by each control configuration on the main control board 100 described using FIG.

The main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by means provided on the main control board 100, data derived by calculations in the means, etc., in corresponding storage areas. . In particular, the data (effect control commands, etc.) stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 are sent by the command transmission means to the sub-command management means 270 of the first sub-control board 200, which will be described later. sent.

The winning-ball determining means 110 determines whether or not a game has been won in each winning hole based on the detection result of the sensor provided in each winning hole.

The main random number generating means 115 can generate a plurality of types of random numbers with different update ranges by the random number circuit 105, and at the timing when it is determined that a prize has been awarded to the winning slot, the random number circuit 105 generates one or more random numbers corresponding to the winning slot. Get (latch) a random number.
More specifically, the main random number generating means 115, when it is determined that the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 to win, generates a random number for special figure win/loss determination, a special figure stop symbol, which will be described later. A random number for lottery and a random number for special figure variation pattern lottery are acquired. When the winning of the gate 63 is determined, the random number for determining whether the normal pattern is correct, the random number for the normal pattern lottery, and the random number for the normal pattern fluctuation pattern lottery, which will be described later, are stored in the main information storage means 160 correspondingly. Store in the area.

The main suspension control means 120 performs control relating to suspension of the symbol variation of the special figure and suspension of the symbol variation of the normal figure. Regarding the special figure 1, the random number for the special figure judgment, the random number for the special figure stop pattern lottery, and the random number for the special figure fluctuation pattern lottery, which were obtained as a result of winning the first start port 57, It is withheld (stored) as the operation suspension information of FIG.
More specifically, the main reservation control means 120 is added by 1 each time the operation reservation information of the special figure 1 is reserved, and the operation reservation information of the special figure 1 is used (in the lottery of the special figure lottery means 130 used) is decremented by 1 for each (hereinafter referred to as "special figure 1 suspension counter"), and the value of the special figure 1 suspension counter reaches the upper limit (in this embodiment, 4), The operation suspension information is stored in the storage area corresponding to the current special figure 1 suspension counter of the main information storage means 160, and each time the operation suspension information is used, the used operation suspension information is cleared, and the remaining operation Hold information is controlled to move (shift) from the current storage area to the storage area corresponding to the special figure 1 reservation counter that is 1 less than the current special figure 1 reservation counter in order from the smallest special figure 1 reservation counter. .
In addition, the main reservation control means 120 performs the same control as the above-described control separately from the special figure 1 for the special figure 2 and the general figure, and the reservation counter for the special figure 2 is referred to as the special figure 2 reservation counter.
Further, in the following description, "suspension of operation suspension information" may be expressed as "suspension of pattern variation".
In addition, when the main reservation control means 120 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation reservation information (holding counter) of the special figure 1 or the special figure 2, the effect control including the special figure 1 reservation counter and the special figure 2 reservation counter A command (pending command) is generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .
It should be noted that, in the present embodiment, when both the operation pending information corresponding to the special figure 1 and the operation holding information corresponding to the special figure 2 are reserved, the operation pending information corresponding to the special figure 2 is preferentially The priority variation used is done.

A pre-determination means 125 executes pre-determination for a look-ahead performance targeting the operation suspension information at least in part when the operation suspension information of the special figure is suspended at a predetermined pre-determination timing.
More specifically, the pre-determination means 125 reads each random number of the operation suspension information reserved this time, and pre-determines each of the special figure propriety determination, the special figure stop symbol lottery, and the special figure fluctuation pattern lottery, which will be described later. Run. In each preliminary determination, a lottery table (not shown) that is the same as or equivalent to the lottery table used in the lottery corresponding to each preliminary determination is used. Therefore, the results of these preliminary determinations are the same as the results of the lottery executed later.
Further, the pre-determination means 125 generates an effect control command (pre-determination command) including the derived result of the pre-determination, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .
In this embodiment, for these prior determination, the special figure lottery state controlled by the gaming state control means 155 described later, the general figure lottery state and the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state are also pre-determined, and the prior determination command Information indicating their states is set.
In addition, as described above, the pre-determination command is transmitted at least in part when the operation suspension information of the special figure is suspended at the predetermined timing of the pre-determination (generated and stored in the main information storage means 160 transmission command area), so it will be sent following the pending command described above. Here, the timing of the predetermined pre-determination means that it is not during the jackpot game, furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the operation suspension information of the special figure 1 is suspended during the normal figure high probability described later , since the prior determination is restricted, the transmission of the prior determination command corresponding to the prior determination is also restricted.

The special figure lottery means 130 includes a special figure propriety determination means 131, a special figure stop pattern lottery means 132, and a special figure fluctuation pattern derivation means 133. The processing by each means is executed in order of the fluctuation pattern deriving means 133 . The special figure lottery means 130 reads the earliest operation suspension information among the operation suspension information held in the main information storage means 160 when the special figure fluctuation start condition is satisfied.
It should be noted that "the special figure fluctuation start condition is satisfied" is, for example, that the jackpot is not in progress, neither the special figure 1 nor the special figure 2 is in the process of pattern fluctuation, the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 all the conditions for the presence of the operation pending information in at least one of the

Here, FIGS. 8A to 8C are diagrams schematically showing lottery tables used in the main control board 100. FIG.
In the lottery using the lottery table, including those other than these lottery tables, the lottery values stored in the lottery table are sequentially added to the read random numbers according to a predetermined order (there is only one lottery value to be targeted). , the number of times of addition is one), and the result corresponding to the lottery value in which carry (overflow) occurs is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the description of the lottery tables, names are given to the lottery tables for convenience of explanation. Often these names do not specify the area where the data is stored. The illustrated lottery table may include items described for convenience of explanation and "-" or "0" as lottery values, but these do not necessarily indicate data stored in each ROM. is not. And, the results with "-" or "0" written as the lottery value will not win the lottery. Furthermore, when the same lottery value as the random number range used for the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained in the range) is described in the lottery table, the result is derived 100%. you don't have to. Also, if the total value of the lottery values used in one lottery coincides with the random number range used in the lottery, the last addition of the lottery values always generates a carry, so that addition is not necessary. Well, in that case, the lottery value itself used for the addition becomes unnecessary.

The special figure suitability determination means 131 reads the random number for the special figure suitability determination for each pattern variation, and uses the read random number and the lottery table for the special figure suitability determination to determine by lottery whether to win a big hit or a loss. Execute the special figure propriety determination to be determined.
FIG. 8(a) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for special figure propriety determination, and this lottery table is commonly used for special figure 1 and special figure 2. FIG. The range of random numbers used in the special figure propriety determination is from 0 to 65535, so if the special figure lottery state has a low probability (hereinafter, may be abbreviated as "special figure low probability"), 205/65536 A big hit is derived with a probability of (approximately 1/320). On the other hand, when the special figure lottery state has a high probability (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as "special figure high probability"), a big hit is derived with a probability of 600/65536 (about 1/109).

The special figure stop symbol lottery means 132 reads the random number for the special figure stop symbol lottery when the result of the special figure success/failure determination is a big hit, and uses the read random number and the lottery table for the special figure stop symbol lottery. The stop pattern of the special figure is determined by lottery.
FIG. 8(b) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for the special figure 1 stop symbol lottery, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is from 0 to 99. FIG. Therefore, when a big hit is derived in special figure 1, symbol A is determined as a stop symbol with a probability of 50/100 (1/2), and symbol B is determined with a probability of 50/100 (1/2).
Here, the symbol A has a number of rounds of 4, and after the jackpot game is over, a pattern that becomes a special figure high probability and a normal figure high probability (hereinafter referred to as a "variable probability pattern"), and the jackpot related to the symbol is a "variable probability It is sometimes called "big hit"). On the other hand, the symbol B has 4 rounds, and after the jackpot game ends, the symbol that becomes a special pattern low probability and a general pattern high probability (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "normal pattern", and the jackpot related to the pattern is called "normal It is sometimes called "big hit"). Therefore, it can be said that the symbol A is a more advantageous symbol than the symbol B in the special symbol lottery state after the big hit game.
FIG. 8(c) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for the special figure 2 stop symbol lottery, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 99 in the same way as the special figure 1 stop symbol lottery. be. Therefore, when a big hit is derived in the special figure 2, the symbol a is determined with a probability of 75/100 (about 1/1.33), and the symbol b is determined with a probability of 25/100 (1/4) as the stop symbol. be done.
Here, the pattern a has 10 rounds, and is a probability variable pattern that becomes a special pattern high probability and a normal pattern high probability after the end of the big hit game, and the pattern b has 4 rounds, and is a special pattern after the end of the big hit game. It is a variable pattern that is high and high. Therefore, it can be said that symbol a is a stop symbol that is more advantageous than symbol b in terms of the number of rounds.
In the following description, the jackpot associated with symbol a may be referred to as a 10R probability variable jackpot, and the jackpot associated with symbol b may be referred to as a 4R probability variable jackpot.

A special figure stop symbol lottery means 132, when the result of the special figure success/failure determination is not a big hit, uniformly sets the symbol C when the special figure 1 is lost and the symbol c when the special figure 2 is lost as a stop symbol. decide.
In addition, in this embodiment, the ratio (50/100) of the special figure high probability after the end of the big hit game by the special figure 1 and the ratio of the special figure high probability after the end of the big hit game by the special figure 2 (100/100 ) is different (the pattern variation of the special figure 2 is more advantageous than the pattern variation of the special figure 1). Although the details are omitted, this difference is when the game ball passes through the V winning area provided in the big winning opening 55 during the jackpot game (when the sensor provided in the V winning area detects the game ball). Whether or not to provide a round (in this embodiment, provided in the 4th round of the jackpot game related to the variable probability jackpot) that has a function of making the special figure high probability after the jackpot game ends and makes it easy to pass through the V winning area It is realized by changing the special figure stop pattern.

The special figure variation pattern derivation means 133 has a plurality of types of special figure variation pattern lottery tables to be referred to when determining the special figure variation pattern, and the current special figure variation pattern derivation state and the special figure propriety determination in this pattern variation. Based on the results, select one special figure fluctuation pattern lottery table for determining the special figure fluctuation pattern in this pattern fluctuation, and select the special figure fluctuation pattern lottery table and the random number for the special figure fluctuation pattern lottery Use to determine one special figure variation pattern (special figure variation pattern in this pattern variation), and to determine the variation time based on the determined special figure variation pattern.
In addition, details such as transition conditions will be described later, but the special figure variation pattern derivation state in this embodiment includes the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. exist. Then, the above-described special figure variation pattern determination method is adopted in the special figure variation pattern variation of the special figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, and in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, the special figure 2 is adopted in the symbol variation, and the symbol variation of the other special figure in each special figure variation pattern derivation state is determined by one predetermined special figure variation pattern according to the result of the special figure propriety determination.

In this embodiment, the special figure variation pattern lottery table referred to during the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB has a development effect as a special figure variation pattern that can be selected when the result of the special figure propriety determination is lost. A special figure variation pattern HNP that is not executed and a special figure variation pattern HSP that executes a development performance are provided, and the development performance is a special figure variation pattern that can be selected when the result of the special figure suitability determination is a big hit. There is provided a special figure variation pattern ASP to be executed.
For example, in this special figure fluctuation pattern lottery table, when the result of the special figure suitability determination is lost, the special figure fluctuation pattern HSP for which the development production is executed is determined with a probability of 1/20, and the development production is performed. A lottery value is set so that the special figure variation pattern HNP that is not executed is determined with a probability of about 1/1.05.
It should be noted that the special figure variation pattern HNP, the special figure variation pattern HSP, and the special figure variation pattern ASP listed here are generic names of the special figure variation patterns that satisfy each requirement, and the special figure variation patterns that correspond to each may exist more than once.

The special figure fluctuation pattern derivation means 133, at the start of the symbol fluctuation, the result of the special figure propriety determination, the stop pattern of the determined special figure, and the production control command (variation start command) including the determined special figure variation pattern The command is generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .

Like the special figure lottery means 130, the general pattern lottery means 135 reads out the earliest operation suspension information among the operation suspension information held in the main information storage means 160 when the pattern of the general pattern is not changing. , Using the read random numbers, the general pattern suitability determination is performed to determine the suitability of the general pattern, and the normal electric accessory 61 is controlled to the open state by the general pattern suitability determination. In the case, the normal pattern stop pattern lottery that determines the normal pattern stop pattern by lottery, and the normal pattern fluctuation pattern lottery that determines the normal pattern fluctuation pattern (fluctuation time) by lottery are executed.
More specifically, in the determination of whether or not the normal drawing is successful, the normal drawing state has a high probability (sometimes abbreviated as "normal drawing high probability") and the normal drawing drawing state has a low probability ("normal drawing There is a case where it is abbreviated as "low probability"), and the drawing of the lottery table is omitted. While losing with a probability of 1/65536, it will be a hit with a probability of 1/65536, and the remaining probability of 65535/65536 will be a loss. It should be noted that in the general pattern low probability, it may not be per general pattern (65536/65536 will be lost).

In the normal stop symbol lottery, as in the special stop symbol lottery, a lottery table (not shown) for the normal stop symbol lottery is selected from a plurality of types of stop symbols with different patterns of opening the normal electric accessories 61. One stop symbol is determined by the lottery used. In addition, when it becomes a loss in the general pattern right or wrong determination, the stop pattern is uniformly determined in the same way as the special figure 1 and special figure 2.
In addition, in the normal figure fluctuation pattern lottery, as with the special figure fluctuation pattern lottery, one normal figure fluctuation by lottery using the lottery table (not shown) for the general figure fluctuation pattern lottery from multiple types of normal figure fluctuation patterns. A pattern is determined.
In this way, it can be said that the normal map high probability has a higher probability of being derived from the normal map hit than the normal map low probability, and the advantage is higher than the normal map low probability.

When the result of the special figure lottery is a big hit, the big hit game control means 140 relates to the big hit start demonstration according to the special figure variation pattern derivation state from which the big hit is derived and the stop pattern of the special figure related to the big hit. The demo time and the demo time related to the jackpot end demo are determined.
Here, the jackpot start demonstration is a state that is set at the same time as the jackpot game is started, and at the end of the jackpot start demonstration, a round game in which the above-described rounds are continuously executed is started. The jackpot end demonstration is a state that is set at the same time as the end of the round game, and the jackpot game is ended at the same time as the end of the jackpot end demonstration. In particular, in the present embodiment, the demonstration time of the jackpot start demonstration related to the jackpot derived in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA is the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB or the jackpot derived in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. It is configured to be longer than the demonstration time of the jackpot start demonstration.

In addition, when the big win starts, the big win game control means 140 generates an effect control command (big win start command) including a demonstration time related to the big win start demonstration, stores it in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160, and ends the big win. Sometimes, an effect control command (jackpot end command) including a demonstration time related to the jackpot end demonstration is generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. - 特許庁

The symbol display control means 145 variably displays the special symbol 1 on the first special symbol display device 91 according to the variation time based on the special symbol variation pattern of the special symbol 1, and determines by the special symbol stop symbol lottery after the variation time has elapsed. The special figure 1 is stopped and displayed with the stopped pattern. Similarly, according to the variation time based on the special symbol variation pattern of the second special symbol, the special symbol 2 is variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 92, and the stop determined by the special symbol stop symbol lottery after the variation time has elapsed The special figure 2 is stopped and displayed in the design.
In addition, the symbol display control means 145 has a special figure game timer for managing the time (variation time, stop display time) related to the display of the special figure 1 and the special figure 2, and when the special figure is stopped and displayed (At the timing when the value of the special game timer becomes "0"), an effect control command (variation stop command) for requesting a fixed stop (fixed display) of the decorative pattern is generated, and the command is sent to the main information storage means. 160 is stored in the transmission command storage area.
Here, the final stop display of the decorative symbols means the final stop display of the decorative symbols in the symbol variation, and is different from the temporary stop display of the decorative symbols that may occur during the execution of the symbol variation. In the temporary stop display of the decorative symbols, for example, the stationary displayed decorative symbols are shaken up and down in small increments (so-called shaking fluctuation). Even when the same decorative pattern is stopped and displayed such that the pattern does not fluctuate, the stopped display mode of the decorative pattern that is fixedly stopped and the stopped display mode of the decorative pattern that is temporarily stopped, is different. Therefore, the player can recognize whether the decorative symbol stop display is a fixed stop display or a temporary stop display. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the stop display of the decorative symbols in the following description refers to the temporary stop display of the decorative symbols.

In addition, the symbol display control means 145 causes the normal symbol display device 93 to variably display the normal symbol according to the normal symbol fluctuation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbol, and after the variation time elapses, the normal symbol by the normal symbol stop symbol lottery. The determined stop pattern is stopped and displayed.
In addition, the symbol display control means 145 has a general pattern game timer for managing the time (fluctuation time, stop display time) relating to the display of the general pattern.

When the result of the special figure lottery is a big hit, the electric role product control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric role product solenoid 66 after the stop display of the special figure, and turns the special electric role product 65 into a special figure. It is opened according to the opening pattern corresponding to the stop pattern. The jackpot game is a game state in which one opening and closing operation of the special electric accessory 65 is regarded as one round game, and the round game is continuously executed for a prescribed number of rounds (10R and 4R in this example).
In addition, when the electric accessory control means 150 wins the normal figure win/loss lottery, it outputs a control signal to the normal electric accessory solenoid 62 to move the normal electric accessory 61 according to the opening pattern corresponding to the normal figure stop symbol. open up.

The game state control means 155 controls the special figure lottery state. Specifically, the game state control means 155, as described above, at the start of the jackpot game, irrespective of the pattern associated with the jackpot, the special figure low probability, at the end of the jackpot game associated with the normal jackpot, the special figure low probability is maintained, and at the end of the jackpot game related to the probability variable jackpot, the special figure is high probability.

In addition, the game state control means 155 controls the normal drawing lottery state. Specifically, the game state control means 155, at the start of the big win, regardless of the pattern related to the big win, normal pattern low probability, at the end of the jackpot game related to the normal big win, until the symbol variation is performed 100 times. The pattern is high (after 100 pattern changes, the normal pattern is low), and at the end of the jackpot related to the probability variation jackpot, the normal pattern is high until the pattern changes 160 times (after 160 pattern changes). ).

In addition, the game state control means 155 controls the above-described special figure variation pattern derivation state. The transition of this special figure variation pattern derivation state will be described with reference to FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b). Incidentally, FIG. 9(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special figure variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 9(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the average variation time for each special figure variation pattern derivation state. .
As shown in FIG. 9(a), the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state is the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA corresponding to the special figure low probability and the general figure low probability, the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PA corresponding to the special figure high probability and the general figure high probability It consists of a figure variation pattern derivation state PB and a special figure variation pattern derivation state PC corresponding to a special figure low certainty and a normal figure high accuracy, and a special figure according to the special figure lottery state and the general figure lottery state except during the big hit game The figure fluctuation pattern derivation state is set. The transition conditions between the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC include transition conditions (i) to transition conditions (iv).
Transition condition (i) is the end of the jackpot game related to the probability variable jackpot, transition condition (ii) is the end of the jackpot game related to the normal jackpot, transition condition (iii) is the end of the 100th symbol variation, transition condition (iv) is This is the end of the 160th symbol variation. In addition, when the jackpot game related to the normal jackpot is started in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is set again after the end of the jackpot game (symbol in the transition condition (iii) counting of variations starts from 0). Similarly, when the jackpot game related to the probability variable jackpot is started in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB is set again after the end of the jackpot game (in the transition condition (iv) The counting of pattern variations is started from 0).

Also, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the average variation time of each of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA , Toku-zu fluctuation pattern derivation state PC, Toku-zu fluctuation pattern derivation state PB are shortened in order. This is mainly due to the difference in the length of the variation time of the basic special figure variation pattern with the highest rate of selection in each special figure variation pattern derivation state.
Further, in this embodiment, the difference between the average variation time of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA and the average time of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is the average variation time of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC and the special figure variation pattern derivation greater than the difference in state PB.

In addition, the game state control means 155, when the special figure lottery state, the general figure lottery state, and the update of the special figure variation pattern derivation state occur, the production control command (game state designation command) including each state after the update is generated, and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .

As described above, the main information storage means 160 is means for temporarily storing data read by each means, data derived by calculations and the like by each means, etc. in corresponding storage areas.

The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I/O port 104 and determines whether the gaming machine 10 is in an error state. If it is determined to be in an error state, an effect control command (error command) including the error information is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .
It should be noted that the main error control means 165 makes the payout control board 400 regulate the shooting of the game ball when an error state of high importance such as an error state detected by a magnetic sensor (not shown) occurs. , a process other than storing the error command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 may be executed.

The main command management means 170 transmits the effect control command to the first sub control board 200 when the effect control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .
In principle, each effect control command is transmitted according to the order stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. FIG.

The power-off processing execution unit 175 executes power-off processing based on receiving a power-off signal from the power control board 500 .
Specifically, for the area related to the game in the RAM 103, a process of deriving the checksum of the area, storing the complement of the checksum in the backup information area related to the game of the RAM 103, and A process of turning ON a backup flag indicating that power-off processing has been executed (stores the backup flag in the game-related backup information area of the RAM 103) is executed.

The power recovery process execution unit 180 executes power recovery recovery process upon power-on (power recovery).
In the power recovery process, the power recovery process executing means 180 performs a RAM abnormality check on the game area of the RAM 103 . In the RAM abnormality check, it is determined whether or not a backup flag is stored in the backup information area related to the game of the RAM 103 (whether or not the backup flag is ON). When the flag is ON), the checksum of the area related to the game is derived, and it is determined whether or not the checksum matches the checksum stored in the backup information area related to the area. If they match, the check result is normal, and if they do not match, it is abnormal.

If the RAM abnormality check determines normality, the power recovery process execution means 180 generates a power recovery recovery command and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 . In the power recovery return command, information stored in the area related to the game of the RAM 103 (at the time of power failure, the special figure lottery state, the normal figure lottery state, whether the jackpot game is in progress, the special figure 1 and the special figure 2 stop pattern, hold information of pattern fluctuation, the number of round games in the big hit game, etc.).
On the other hand, when the RAM abnormality check determines that there is an abnormality, the power recovery process executing means 180 initializes the information in the area of the RAM 103 relating to the game. As a result, the previous special figure lottery state, general figure lottery state, special figure variation pattern derivation state, etc. are initialized, for example, the special figure lottery state is a special figure low probability, and the general figure lottery state And the special figure variation pattern derivation state is the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA corresponding to the special figure low probability and the general figure low probability.
The power recovery process execution means 180 generates a power recovery recovery command including information related to the initialized game, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 .

The first sub-control board 200, as shown in FIG. and sub-command management means 270, and these means functionally represent what is realized by each control configuration on the first sub-control board 200 described with reference to FIG.
The sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in the means, etc., in corresponding storage areas. . Various commands transmitted from the main command management means 170 are stored in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 . In the following description, the fact that various commands transmitted from the main command management means 170 are stored in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 is simply referred to as reception of various commands. may be expressed.

The sub-random number generation means 210 can generate random numbers (software random numbers) updated by program processing by the CPU 201, and acquires the random numbers at the timing when each lottery (details will be described later) by the normal performance control means 220 is executed.

The normal production control means 220 includes production mode control means 221, production route determination means 222, sub-suspension control means 223, prefetch production control means 224, production content determination means 225, decorative pattern control means 226, and jackpot production control means 227 and the like. Prepare.

The performance mode control means 221 controls the transition of the performance mode in a form consistent with the special figure variation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100 side when the game state designation command is transmitted.
The production mode in the present embodiment is roughly divided into a normal production mode, a time-saving production mode, and a probability variable production mode. A time saving production mode corresponds to the special figure fluctuation pattern derivation state PC.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of production modes are provided as the probability variable production mode, and when the operation of the cursor button 38 is detected in the probability variable production mode, according to the operation, from among the plurality of production modes One probability variation production mode is set. In the following description, as one of the variable probability production modes, the Oki Pachi production mode is exemplified.
However, the variable probability effect mode such as the Oki Pachi effect mode may be automatically selected in response to a predetermined condition without depending on the operation of the cursor button 38 .

Effect route determination means 222, when a pre-determination command is transmitted, based on the result of pre-determination (special figure variation pattern in this embodiment) included in the command, corresponds to the currently reserved symbol variation. Decide (set) the production route.
Here, the production route is the production from the start to the end of the pattern variation, and defines the process of the production that notifies the result of the special figure propriety determination in the design variation, and is executed in the design variation. The content of the effect is determined according to the effect route corresponding to the symbol variation by the effect content determining means 225, which will be described later.
In this embodiment, as the production routes determined in the variable probability production mode, there are a jackpot production route in which the development production is executed, a development loss production route in which the development production is executed, and a non-development loss production route in which the development production is not executed. at least provided. Then, the special figure variation pattern HNP in which the development presentation at the time of failure is not executed is associated with the non-development loss presentation route, and the special figure variation pattern HSP in which the development presentation at the time of failure is performed is associated with the development loss presentation route. A special figure variation pattern ASP for executing a development performance at the time of a big win is associated with a big win performance route.

In the jackpot production route, the decorative patterns are in a reach state with one pseudo-fluctuation or through multiple pseudo-fluctuations (a state in which the decorative patterns are stopped and displayed except for one pattern row and the rest of the pattern rows are variably displayed. ) or a full rotation reach state (a state in which each pattern row is displayed in a fluctuating manner with matching patterns), and then a development effect is executed, and after the development effect is completed, the decorative patterns are aligned and displayed fixed and stopped (all This is a production route that is fixed and displayed with the same (similar) decorative patterns in the pattern row.
In the development loss production route, the decorative pattern becomes a reach state with one pseudo-variation or through multiple pseudo-variations. This is a production route in which the production is executed, and after the development production ends, the decorative symbols are separated and fixed and stopped display (different (heterogeneous) decorative patterns are fixed and stopped in all the pattern rows).
In the non-development loss production route, the decorative pattern does not enter the reach state, and the decorative pattern is fixed and stopped with a loose pattern, so that the result of the special pattern judgment in this pattern change is a production that informs you that it is a loss. Root.

Sub-reservation control means 223, when receiving a reservation command (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the occurrence of a reservation winning prize), based on the information of the special figure 1 reservation counter and the special figure 2 reservation counter included in the command , Effect data for displaying the number of reserved images corresponding to the special figure 1 reserved counter and the number of reserved images corresponding to the special figure 2 reserved counter in the reserved display area of the main display part 81 are set.
Here, the pending image is an image displayed corresponding to each of the operation pending information, and the shape, color, etc., suggest the advantage of the pattern variation executed based on the corresponding operation pending information. There is
In this embodiment, four positions are provided as positions for displaying the pending images in the pending display area. Denoted as a display area, a pending 2 display area, a pending 3 display area, and a pending 4 display area.
In addition, in the present embodiment, an image (denoted as “the relevant pending image”) equivalent to the pending image corresponding to the pattern variation being executed (the so-called relevant variation) is displayed on the main display unit 81, and its shape and color are displayed. etc. may suggest the degree of advantage of the change.
In this specification, the notations of 'the reserved image' and 'the reserved image' are used separately. When simply described as "suspended image", the image refers to the suspended image corresponding to the operation suspended information (sustained pattern variation), and does not include the suspended image.

The look-ahead effect control means 224 determines the contents of the look-ahead effect based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command when the pre-determination command is received.
The look-ahead effect is the degree of expectation for the result of the special figure propriety determination in the design variation of the look-ahead target over one or more design variations before the design variation of the look-ahead target starts, and the design variation of the look-ahead target This is an effect that suggests the content of the effect to be executed.
The look-ahead effect in this embodiment includes a flower blooming effect that can be executed in the Okipachi effect mode.
The flower blooming effect, which will be described later in detail, is a effect in which the background image in the offshore patch effect mode is switched from an image of a flower in bud state to an image of a flower in a blooming state, and is used as a trigger for determining the execution of the flower blooming effect. To deterministically inform that the result of the special figure success/failure determination in the symbol variation to be read ahead is a big hit. However, the flower blooming effect is executed so as to suggest the degree of expectation for winning the jackpot with respect to the result of the special symbol suitability determination in the target pattern variation of the flower blooming effect, or the degree of expectation that the big win will be awarded after the end of the target pattern variation. may

The performance content determination means 225 determines the content of performance to be executed in the current pattern variation according to the performance route already determined by the performance route determination means 222 when the variation start command is transmitted.
More specifically, the effect content determination means 225 uses the effect pattern lottery table corresponding to the effect route determined by the effect route determination means 222 to determine the effect content (effect pattern) for each effect execution timing in the pattern variation. It will be determined by lottery, etc. By doing so, it is possible to change the content of the performance related to (executed according to) the determined performance route, and to connect the performance in one symbol variation. Moreover, even if the same production route is determined, the production to be executed can be diversified.
The timing for determining the content of the effect includes, for example, the start of pattern variation.

In this embodiment, the performance content determining means 225 determines the detailed contents of the development performance when the performance route for executing the development performance (development loss performance route or big hit performance route) is determined.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the effect content determination means 225 determines the variable display state of the decorative symbols and the number of decorative symbols based on the effect route, the effect mode, and the stop pattern of the decorative symbols determined by the decorative symbol control means 226, which will be described later. A variable performance pattern is determined.

FIG. 10(a) is a diagram specifically showing a main pattern display as a display form of a pattern row of decorative patterns, and FIG. 10(b) shows a mini pattern display as a display form of a pattern row of decorative patterns. It is a figure shown concretely.
As shown in FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, as the display form of the three decorative pattern rows, a form in which the display is variably displayed in the central portion of the main display portion 81, and There is provided a form in which the symbols are variably displayed in a display area smaller than the main symbol display. The former is referred to as main symbol display BS, and the latter is referred to as mini symbol display MS.
The performance content determination means 225 provides, as variable display states of decorative patterns, a first variable display state in which the main pattern display BS is displayed and the mini pattern display MS is not displayed, and a main pattern display BS is not displayed and the mini pattern display MS is not displayed. is appropriately determined at a predetermined timing of the content of the effect. For example, the basic state (normal state) in the variable display state of the decorative symbols is set to the first variable display state, and the second variable display state is set during the development effect and the blooming flower effect.

The details of such switching of the variable display state will be described later. Note that the display size and display position of the mini symbol display MS are not limited to the example of FIG. 10(b). For example, the mini symbol display MS may be displayed on the lower right, upper left, or lower left of the main display portion 81, or may be displayed on the sub display portion .
In addition, in the first variable display state in this embodiment, as a preferred form, the mini symbol display MS is not displayed, but it is possible to display the mini symbol display MS at least partly. That is, it is preferable that there is at least a case where the second symbol row (mini symbol display MS) is not displayed in the first variation state (first variation display state).
In this way, by not displaying the second symbol row as much as possible in the first variation state, it is possible to concentrate on the variation display of the first symbol row, and the variation display of the special symbol row is performed in the first symbol row. In this case, it becomes easy to recognize the special pattern row with high expectation of winning the jackpot, and the effect of enhancing the amusement of the game can be maintained.

Conversely, a variable display state in which both the main symbol display BS (first symbol row) and the mini symbol display MS (second symbol row) are displayed together may be further provided as the variable display state of the decorative symbols. A display state may be provided instead of the first variable display state.
In this case, in the gaming machine 10, even in the first variation state (first variation display state), it is possible to express that at least the decorative symbols are variably displayed in the second symbol row (mini symbol display MS), a variable display mode of the second symbol row (mini symbol display MS) when the decorative symbols are variably displayed in the second symbol row (mini symbol display MS) in the first variation state (first variation display state); It is preferable that the variable display mode of the second symbol row (mini symbol display MS) in the two-variable state (second variable display state) is the same.
Here, the variable display modes of the second symbol rows are the same means that the display modes of both the decorative symbols are the same when the decorative symbols of the second symbol rows are visible during the variable display. In other words, if the decorative pattern of the second pattern row is not visible during the variable display, it means that both decorative patterns are not visible.
Even in such a form, even at the time of switching between the first variation state and the second variation state, the presence of the second symbol row is less likely to catch the eye, so the variation of the first symbol row To maintain the effect of increasing interest in a game by making it possible to concentrate on the display, making it easy to recognize a special pattern row with a high expectation of winning a jackpot when the variable display of the special pattern row is performed in the first pattern row. be able to.

Further, in the present embodiment, the variable performance patterns of decorative symbols determined by the performance content determining means 225 include at least the normal variable performance pattern and the special variable performance pattern.
The normal fluctuating effect pattern is a effect pattern in which nine decorative patterns, ie, 1 pattern to 9 patterns, are variably displayed in a predetermined direction (for example, depth direction) in each pattern row.
In the special variation effect pattern, each pattern except for the 7 patterns in each pattern row is replaced with 7 patterns or 2 types of V patterns (designs that imitate the letter "V") 9 decorative patterns in 3 pattern rows It is an effect pattern that slowly changes and displays in a predetermined direction (for example, the depth direction) in an aligned state (“7 alignment” and “V alignment”), and can also be called a full-rotation ready-to-reach effect pattern.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between one symbol row NZ in the normal variation performance pattern and one symbol row SZ in the special variation performance pattern. In the example of FIG. 11, 1, 3, 5 and 9 symbols are replaced with 7 symbols, and 2, 4, 6 and 8 symbols are replaced with V symbols.
However, the number of symbol rows and the number of decorative symbols for each symbol row in the normal fluctuation effect pattern and the special fluctuation effect pattern are not limited to such examples. In the gaming machine 10, the number (3) of symbol rows constituting the special symbol row (special fluctuation production pattern) and the number (3) of symbol rows constituting the normal symbol row (normal fluctuation production pattern) are the same. Yes, for each pattern row that constitutes a special pattern row (special variable production pattern), the number of decorative patterns (9) that the pattern row has and the corresponding pattern row in the normal pattern row (normal fluctuation production pattern) It is preferable that the number (9) of the decorative symbols in the corresponding symbol row is the same.
By making the structures of the special symbol row and the normal symbol row as equal as possible in this way, it is possible to reduce discomfort caused by the change to the special symbol row and prevent a decrease in interest in the game.

Also, in this embodiment, the special variation performance pattern may be selected only at the start of the pattern variation leading to the 10R probability variation big hit in the Oki Pachi performance mode, and the normal variation performance pattern is selected otherwise. Furthermore, when a special variation production pattern is selected, the number of V symbols in each symbol row suggests the degree of expectation of the holding series.
The reserved series whose degree of expectation is suggested by the V pattern wins the jackpot in the pattern variation that is reserved at the start of the pattern variation from which a part of the reserved series, that is, the jackpot (10R probability variable jackpot in this embodiment) is derived. indicates that Therefore, it can be said that the V symbol variably displayed in the special variable performance pattern is a kind of holding consecutive suggestive performance.
The combination of the number of 7 symbols and V symbols in each symbol row in such a special variation effect pattern is determined by the effect content determination means 225, and the determination method will be described later.

The decorative design control means 226, when the variation start command is transmitted, based on the determined stop design of the special design, the combination of the final (determined stop display) stop design of the decorative design (left design/ medium design, right design) is determined.
More specifically, the pattern A corresponds to a pattern set consisting of odd-numbered patterns, the pattern B corresponds to a pattern set consisting of even-numbered patterns, and the pattern C or the pattern c corresponds to a loose pattern. Further, the pattern a corresponds to a pattern set consisting of 7 patterns, and the pattern b corresponds to a pattern set consisting of odd-numbered patterns excluding the 7 patterns.
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the decorative symbol control means 226 determines a combination of 7 symbols or an odd symbol excluding 7 symbols as a combination of stop symbols as described above in the Oki-pachi effect mode, it is held at that time. Further referring to the result of preliminary determination in the pattern variation, when the result of preliminary determination indicates a big win (10R probability variable big win in this embodiment), the V pattern matching is determined as the holding continuous stop pattern.
It should be noted that when the combination of decorative symbols to be determined corresponds to the stop symbol of the special symbol, it is not always necessary to have the above-described correspondence relationship. If the expected degree of the combination of decorative patterns determined is not high, in some cases (ratio lower than the proportion of the above-mentioned correspondence relationship), a combination of decorative patterns different from the above-mentioned correspondence relationship It may be adopted, and even in such a case, it can be said that the determined combination of decorative symbols corresponds to the stop symbol of the special figure.
In the above example, the decorative symbol control means 226 determined the combination of the stop symbols of the decorative symbols and the combination of the V symbols as the holding consecutive stop symbols. By further referring to the result of the preliminary determination in the pending symbol variation, the V symbol alignment may be determined as the combination of the decorative symbols and the stopped symbols.

A big win performance control means 227, when a big win start command is transmitted, determines the contents of the big win performance for notifying that the big win game is in progress based on the information or the like included in the command. Incidentally, the big win effects include a start demonstration effect for notifying the start of the big win game, a round effect for notifying that the round game is in progress, and an end demo effect for notifying the end of the big win game.

The normal effect control means 220 reads the effect data of each device corresponding to the effect at the execution timing of each effect as necessary according to the content of the effect determined by the above-described means provided in the first sub-control board 200, If the read effect data includes effect data related to an image, an image control command is generated based on the effect data, and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 . Further, when the read performance data includes performance data related to sound, a voice control command related to sound is generated based on the performance data, and the command is stored in a transmission command storage area of sub-information storage means 260. - 特許庁

The sub-error control means 230 reads out error notification effect data for executing an error notification effect when an error command (effect control command) is received. For example, the error notification effect data read when an error command related to a right-handed error is received includes effect data related to a character image of "Please return to left-handed" and "Please return to left-handed". An image control command and an audio control command are generated based on the effect data, and the commands are stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 .
In this embodiment, all error states are determined by the main error control means 165. However, for error states other than those of high importance accompanied by the output of a security signal (for example, a right-handed error, etc.), a sub-error The control means 230 may make the determination. In this case, the sub-error control means 230 may receive from the main control board 100 a command including the state of the sensor related to the determination of the error state.

The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling lighting of the effect lamp 35, and when the effect data read by the normal effect control means 220 includes effect data corresponding to the effect lamp 35 reads the lamp control data based on the effect data, and transmits the read lamp control data to the effect lamp 35 .

The movable accessory control means 250 holds movable control data for controlling the movements of the effect shielding body 83, the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display section 82, and the effect data read by the normal effect control means 220. If there is effect data corresponding to the movable accessory, the movable control data is read based on the effect data, and the read movable control data is applied to each controller of the effect shield 83, the movable decoration 22, and the sub-display unit 82. Send to

As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 temporarily stores the data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, the data derived by the calculations in the means, etc. in the corresponding storage areas. It is a means to

The subcommand management means 270 receives the effect control command transmitted from the main control board 100, stores the received effect command in the received command storage area of the sub information storage means 260, and stores the transmission command in the sub information storage means 260. If an image control command is stored in the area, the image control command is transmitted to the second sub-control board 300 . In principle, each image control command is transmitted according to the order stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. FIG.

<Flower blooming performance>
Here, the flower blooming effect will be described with reference to FIG. 12 . FIG. 12(a) is a diagram specifically showing a background image in the Okipachi production mode, and FIG. 12(b) is a diagram specifically showing a flower blooming production.
When the Oki Pachi effect mode is set as the variable probability effect mode, the main display section 81 displays a background image as shown in FIG. In this background image, an image CF of a flower in a bud state is displayed as an initial state.
Further, in the Okipachi effect mode, a pending image is displayed in the pending display area, and the pending image ("Hold 0") is displayed to the left of the pending display area. In FIG. 12 (a), four pattern variations of the special figure 2 are reserved, and the reserved images are respectively displayed in the reserved 1 display area, the reserved 2 display area, the reserved 3 display area, and the reserved 4 display area ) are displayed.
In addition, in the initial state of the off-patch performance mode, the variable display state of the decorative symbols is set as the first variable display state, and the variable performance pattern of the decorative symbols is set as the normal variable performance pattern. That is, as shown in FIG. 12(a), the symbol row of decorative symbols is variably displayed in the main symbol display BS according to the normal variation performance pattern (1 symbol to 9 symbols). That is, in this case, the row of decorative symbols is superimposed on the image CF of the flower in bud state, and is variably displayed in the central portion of the main display portion 81 .

In the Okipachi production mode, it is determined whether or not to execute the flower blooming production based on the result of the preliminary determination included in the preliminary determination command. When execution of the flower blooming effect is determined by the prefetch effect control means 224, as shown in FIG. 12B, the background image on the main display section 81 changes from the image CF of the flower in bud to the image of the flower in bloom. switched to OFF.
In addition, the variable display state of the decorative pattern is switched from the first variable display state to the second variable display state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the symbol row of decorative symbols is variably displayed according to the normal variation performance pattern (1 symbol to 9 symbols) in the mini symbol display MS. As a result, the pattern string of the decorative patterns and the image OF of the flower in blooming state are not superimposed, so that the switching to the image OF of the flower in blooming state, that is, the flower blooming performance can be easily grasped by the player. can.

In this embodiment, when execution of the flower blooming effect is determined, the flower blooming effect described above is immediately executed. Specifically, when the pattern variation of the special figure 2 is suspended in the Oki Pachi production mode, the suspended pattern variation is pre-determined as the symbol variation to be read ahead, and the flower blooms based on the result of the pre-determination. Whether or not to execute the performance is determined. That is, in the present embodiment, at the timing when the pattern variation of the special figure 2 is suspended in the Okipachi production mode (at the time of the pending winning), the flower blooming production can be executed.
In the example of FIG. 12(b), when the special figure 2 pattern variation corresponding to the reserved image in the reserved 4 display area is reserved, flower blooming effect is executed.
However, the execution timing of the flower blooming effect is not limited to such an example, and is while the pattern variation (target pattern variation of the flower blooming effect) that is the trigger for the execution of the flower blooming effect is suspended, For example, it may be the start of the next symbol variation when the target symbol variation is held and won.

That is, in the gaming machine 10, when the next symbol variation (symbol variation to be read ahead) in the first case is suspended, the first variation state (the symbol row of the decorative symbol is the main symbol display BS It can be expressed as switching from a first variable display state in which variable display is performed) to a second variable state (second variable display state in which a pattern row of decorative symbols is variably displayed in the mini symbol display MS). Here, the switching from the first variation state to the second variation state occurs when the pattern variation is suspended when the pattern variation is being executed and there is no suspension (suspension of the symbol variation corresponding to the suspension image in the suspension 1 display area sometimes) can happen.
As a result, the period of the second variation state can be made longer, and by switching from the second variation state to the first variation state after making the player well aware of the second variation state, the state is switched to the first variation state. It is possible to enhance the effect of improving the amusement of the game when the variation display of the special symbol row with high expectation of winning the big hit is performed in the symbol variation at the time of winning.

Here, a method for determining execution of the flower blooming effect by the look-ahead effect control means 224 will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the look-ahead effect control means 224, when the result of the pre-determination included in the pre-determination command indicates a big hit in the Oki-pachi effect mode, when the pattern variation to be the pre-determination target (pre-read target) is suspended. Based on the reservation counter (included in the reservation command) of the special figure 2, a lottery is performed using the lottery table shown in FIG. 13 to determine whether to execute the flower blooming effect.
On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol suitability determination in the look-ahead target symbol variation indicates a failure in the Oki Pachi production mode, it is fixedly determined not to execute the flower blooming production.
In addition, the look-ahead effect control means 224, in the off-patch effect mode, even if the result of the special figure suitability determination in the design variation of the look-ahead target indicates a big hit, before the design variation of the look-ahead target (previous d) When the pattern variation which is reserved and the result of the special symbol win/no judgment indicates a big win is being executed or is being reserved, it is decided not to execute the flower blooming performance without conducting a lottery.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for flower blooming effects. The lottery table shown in FIG. 13 is a lottery table used when the result of the special figure success/failure determination in the look-ahead target symbol variation indicates a big hit, and the special figure 2 is held when the look-ahead target symbol variation is held. For each of the counter values (1 to 4), a lottery value is associated with whether or not the flower blooming effect is to be executed. The range of random numbers used for the lottery for the flower blooming effect is 0-49.
Specifically, when the value of the reservation counter of the special figure 2 at the time of reservation of the pattern variation to be read ahead is "1", it is determined to be executed with a probability of 10/50, and it is not executed with a probability of 40/50 is determined. If the value of the pending count is "2", it is determined to execute with a probability of 25/50, it is determined not to be executed with a probability of 25/50, and if the value of the pending count is "3" , determined to execute with a probability of 30/50, determined not to execute with a probability of 20/50, if the value of the pending count is "4", determined to execute with a probability of 15/50, 35 It is determined not to run with a probability of /50.
As described above, in the present embodiment, the probability that the flower blooming effect is executed when the pattern variation that becomes a big hit (probable variable jackpot in this embodiment) is suspended in the off-pachi production mode is the special The value of the pending counter in FIG. 2 increases in order of "1", "4", "2", and "3". However, it is not limited to such an example, and the probability of execution of the flower blooming effect may be made higher as the number of suspensions at the time when the target symbol variation is suspended increases.

<Varying display state of decorative patterns during execution of flower blooming effect and switching of variable effect pattern>
At the start of the pattern variation to be read ahead (the target pattern variation of the flower blooming effect) triggered by the execution decision of the flower blooming effect, the variable display state of the decorative pattern is switched.
FIG. 14(a) is a diagram specifically showing how the flower blooming effect is executed across a plurality of pattern variations, and FIG. It is a figure shown concretely.
As shown in FIG. 14(a), the flower blooming effect may be continuously executed over a plurality of symbol variations. In FIG. 14 (a), the flower blooming effect (see FIG. 12 (b)) executed at the time of suspension of the pattern variation of the special figure 2 corresponding to the suspension image of the suspension 4 display area is prior to the design variation. (In advance) continuously across the four design variations (symbol variations corresponding to “H0”, “H1”, “H2” and “H3” in FIG. 12(b)) It shows how it works. As a result, the pending image shown in the pending 1 display area in FIG. 14(a) corresponds to the target symbol variation of flower blooming effect (symbol variation corresponding to "H4" in FIG. 12(b)).

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the second variation state (the second variation display state in which the symbol row of decorative symbols is variably displayed in the mini symbol display MS) according to the first case is changed to the next variation state according to the first case. (corresponding to "H3" in FIG. 12B) immediately before the symbol variation (design variation to be read ahead for flower blooming production (equivalent to "H4" in FIG. 12B)) It can be described that it can straddle a plurality of continuous pattern variations (corresponding to "H0", "H1", "H2", and "H3" in FIG. 12(b)).
Here, "across a plurality of symbol variations" refers to the second variation state in at least a part of the execution period of each of the plurality of symbol variations, and the second variation throughout the entire symbol variation. It is not limited to being in a two-variation state.
As a result, by making the player well aware of the second variation state and switching from the second variation state to the first variation state, the degree of expectation of winning the jackpot is high in the symbol variation when switching to the first variation state. It is possible to enhance the effect of improving the amusement of the game when the pattern row is displayed in a variable manner.

When the target pattern variation of the flower blooming production is started, the reserved image ("Hold 0" in FIG. 14B) is associated with the target pattern variation, and the decorative pattern variation display state is changed to the second variation display state. to the first variable display state. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14(b), the symbol row of the decorative symbols is variably displayed on the main symbol display BS.
Here, the switching from the second variable display state to the first variable display state may be performed at the same time as the start of the target symbol variation of the flower blooming production, or may be performed after a short time has passed after the start of the target symbol variation. may be broken. Further, at the time of the switching, the main symbol display BS according to the first variable display state may be displayed after the mini symbol display MS related to the second variable display state is erased.

Furthermore, the effect content determining means 225 changes the main symbol display BS based on whether or not the flower blooming effect is being executed and the combination of the final stop symbols of the decorative symbols determined by the decorative symbol control means 226. A variable performance pattern of decorative symbols to be displayed is determined.
In the present embodiment, when the flower blooming effect is being executed and a set of 7 symbols is determined as the combination of the final stop symbols of the decorative symbols, the special variable effect pattern is determined as the variable effect pattern of the decorative symbols. be done. On the other hand, when the flower blooming effect is being executed, and when the combination of odd-numbered patterns excluding 7 patterns is determined as the final combination of decorative patterns to be stopped, and when the flower blooming effect is not being executed. , the normal variable performance pattern is determined as the variable performance pattern of the decorative symbol.
In the present embodiment, the combination of 7 symbols is determined as the final combination of the decorative symbols to be stopped when the special symbols to be stopped are determined to be symbol a, that is, the symbol corresponding to the 10R probability variable jackpot. , and 7 symbols are determined when the stop symbol of the special symbol is determined to be symbol b, that is, the symbol corresponding to the 4R probability variable jackpot.
For this reason, after the flower blossoming effect is executed, the symbol row of the decorative symbols fluctuates in the main symbol display BS by means of the special variable effect pattern (large rotation reach state) in which the 7 symbols and the V symbols are aligned and displayed slowly fluctuating. If displayed, it will be determined that the variation will lead to a 10R probability variable jackpot.
As a result, the pattern string of the decorative pattern and the image OF of the flower in bloom are superimposed, but since the display of the pattern string of the decorative pattern is larger than that of the mini pattern display MS, the special variation effect pattern is used. It is possible to make it easier for the player to grasp the variable display of the symbol row (large spinning reach).

That is, in this embodiment, the jackpot includes a first jackpot (normal jackpot or 4R probability variable jackpot) and a second jackpot (10R probability variable jackpot) that is more advantageous than the first jackpot. In the case of winning a big hit with the symbol variation in which the special symbol row is variably displayed (at the symbol display BS) (in the special variation performance pattern), the big hit can be the second big win (10R probability variable big win), while the first pattern row (On the main symbol display BS) If the special symbol row is not variably displayed and the normal symbol row is variably displayed (in the normal variation effect pattern), the big win must be the second big win in the event of winning a big hit. can be written. Furthermore, in the first case, the special symbol row (in the main symbol display BS) is variably displayed (in the special variation production pattern) as the first symbol row in the first case. In the case where the jackpot can be the second jackpot (10R probability variable jackpot), while the first pattern row in the first case (in the main symbol display BS) the special symbol row is not variably displayed and the normal symbol row is ( It can also be described that the big hit does not become the second big hit when the big win is won with the symbol variation (the next symbol variation) that is variably displayed (in the normal variation performance pattern).
As a result, it is possible to enhance the impression when the variable display of the special symbol row with high expectation of winning the big hit is performed in the first symbol row, and to further enhance the effect of improving the interest of the game.

However, the special variation effect pattern may be determined in a scene other than the above. For example, the special variable production pattern may be determined even when odd-numbered patterns excluding 7 patterns are determined as the combination of the final stop patterns of the decorative patterns, and may be determined depending on whether or not the flower blooming production is executed. may be determined regardless. In the former case, the special variation performance pattern may be composed of a combination of V, 7, 3, 5 and 9 decorative symbol rows.
The special variation performance pattern may be determined so that the expectation of winning the big win is higher than that of the normal variation performance pattern, and may be determined in other performance modes other than the Oki Pachi performance mode. For example, it may be determined by lottery whether to use the special variation performance pattern or the normal variation performance pattern. In this case, the special fluctuation production pattern has a higher expectation of winning a big hit than the normal fluctuation production pattern, and the flower blooming production is executed in the off-patch production mode, and the target pattern fluctuation of the flower blooming production (the next The lottery table is set so that the ratio of determining the special variation performance pattern in the symbol variation) is higher than the percentage of determining the special variation performance pattern in a certain symbol variation in which the flower blooming performance is not executed in the Okipachi performance mode. is set.
Furthermore, the lottery table may be set so that the special variation effect pattern can be determined without being restricted by the effect mode. Also in this case, the pattern variation in which the special variation performance pattern has a higher expectation of winning the jackpot than the normal variation performance pattern, and the variation display state of the decorative pattern is switched from the second variation display state to the first variation display state. The lottery table should be set so that the rate of determining the special variation performance pattern in , is higher than the rate of determining the special variation performance pattern in the pattern variation in which the first variation display state is maintained.

Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the jackpots include the first jackpot (regular jackpot or 4R probability variable jackpot) and the second jackpot (10R probability variable jackpot) that is more advantageous than the first jackpot. In the main symbol display BS), when the special symbol row is variably displayed (in the special variation production pattern), the ratio of the second big hit (10R probability variable big hit) to the second big hit when winning the big hit is the first pattern. In the case of winning a big hit with a pattern variation in which a special pattern row is not variably displayed as a row and a normal symbol row is variably displayed (with a normal variation production pattern), the ratio of the big win to the second big win is described as higher. be able to. Furthermore, in other words, in the case of winning a big hit in the next symbol variation in which the special symbol row (in the main symbol display BS) is variably displayed (in the special variation production pattern) as the first symbol row in the first case, that The ratio of the big hit to the second big hit (10R probability variable big hit) is the first symbol row in the first case, the special symbol row is not variably displayed and the normal symbol row is variably displayed (with a normal variable production pattern). It can also be described that when a big win is won in the next symbol variation, the ratio of the big win to the second big win is higher.
Even in this way, it is possible to enhance the impression when the variable display of the special symbol row with high expectation of winning the jackpot is performed in the first symbol row, and to further enhance the amusement of the game.

In addition, the variable display of the symbol row of the decorative symbols by the special variable production pattern (large spinning reach) may be started during execution of the target symbol variation of the flower blooming production, and after the start of the target symbol variation, the normal variation production pattern. It may be switched from the variable display of the pattern row of the decorative pattern by .
That is, in the gaming machine 10, in the first case (when switching from the second variable display state to the first variable display state), the next symbol variation related to the first case (the target symbol variation of the flower blooming effect). is started, the special symbol row (at the main symbol display BS) is being variably displayed as the first symbol row (at the main symbol display BS), or the next related to the first case Triggered by the start of pattern variation (target pattern variation for flower blooming effect), the normal pattern (normal variation effect pattern) is displayed as the first pattern row (in the main pattern display BS). It can be described by switching to the state where the special symbol row (special variation effect pattern) is variably displayed as the first symbol row (in the main symbol display BS).
The former case is more preferable, but even in the latter case, the special pattern row is switched to the variable display state at the start of the next symbol variation, so that the special symbol row with high expectation of winning the big win is more recognized. It becomes easier to play, and the effect of improving the interest of the game can be enhanced.

<Special variation production pattern and holding consecutive production>
When the special variation effect pattern is determined as described above, the effect content determination means 225 further determines whether or not the holding continuous stop pattern is determined by the decorative pattern control means 226, and based on the determination result. , determines the combination of the number of 7 symbols and V symbols in each symbol row in the special variation performance pattern. This determination may be made so that the number of V symbols increases on average when the holding consecutive stop pattern is determined, compared with the case where the holding consecutive stop pattern is not decided, It may be performed by lottery, or it may be performed fixedly.
As described above, in the present embodiment, when a special variation effect pattern is determined, the combination of the number of V symbols and 7 symbols in each symbol row suggests the degree of expectation of the holding series. Then, after execution of the special variation performance pattern, when the holding consecutive stop pattern is determined, the pattern row of the decorative symbols is confirmed and stopped with the V pattern decided as the holding consecutive stopping pattern, and the holding consecutive stop pattern is displayed. When the stop symbols are not determined, the fixed stop display is performed with all 7 symbols.
For this reason, it can be said that the fixed stop display in which the V symbols are aligned by the symbol row of the decorative symbols is an effect for definitely announcing the holding group.

<Special variation production pattern and development production>
FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing a state similar to that of FIG. 14(b), and FIG. 15(b) is a diagram schematically showing development effects executed after FIG. 15(a).
In the variable probability performance mode such as the Oki Pachi performance mode, a big hit performance route, a developed loss performance route, or a non-developed loss performance route can be determined. Then, when the jackpot performance route or the development loss performance route is determined, the decorative pattern is in the ready-to-win state, and the development performance is executed.
When the symbol row of decorative symbols is variably displayed on the main symbol display BS by a special variation effect pattern (in the case of FIG. 15(a)), as described above, the result of the special symbol win/loss determination in the variation indicates a big hit. , a jackpot production route is determined at the start of the variation. Therefore, after the display shown in FIG. 15(a), the flower blooming effect display is turned off, and the development effect is executed as shown in FIG. 15(b).
In the development effect, the variable display state of the decorative pattern is switched from the first variable display state (state shown in FIG. 15(a)) to the second variable display state (state shown in FIG. 15(b)). An image for development production is displayed in the part.
As a result, the symbol row of the decorative symbols is variably displayed in the mini symbol display MS, so that the player can easily see the development effect.

In the present embodiment, the flower blooming production is executed when the pattern variation to be read ahead leads to a big hit (4R probability variable jackpot or 10R probability variable jackpot). Development production is executed. On the other hand, even if the pattern variation of the look-ahead target leads to a big hit, it is possible that the flower blooming effect is not executed as in the case of deriving a loss. While the symbol variation is being executed, the development performance may or may not be executed.
The variable display state of the decorative pattern is switched from the second variable display state to the first variable display state with the execution of the target pattern variation of the flower blooming effect as a trigger, and when the flower blooming effect is not executed, the first variable display is performed. maintained as is. Further, when the development effect is executed, the variable display state of the decorative symbols is switched from the first variable display state to the second variable display state, and when the development effect is not executed, the variable display state of the decorative symbols. is maintained in the first variable display state.
That is, in the gaming machine 10, there is a predetermined case where the first variation state is switched to the second variation state (when the development effect is executed) during the execution of the symbol variation, and the next symbol related to the first case. The ratio (100%) of the predetermined case during the execution of the variation (the target symbol variation of the flower blooming production) is the ratio of the predetermined case during the execution of the next symbol variation related to the second case ( less than 100%).
If the ratio of the predetermined case (when the development effect is executed) is such a ratio, it is not limited to the example of the present embodiment, and the development effect is executed during the execution of the target symbol variation of the flower blooming effect. There may be cases where it is not.
Also, although different from the present embodiment, a predetermined case (when the development effect is executed) during the execution of the next symbol change (target symbol change of the flower blooming effect) according to the first case, During the execution of the next symbol variation related to the second case, the predetermined case (case where the development effect is executed) may not occur.
Furthermore, during the execution of the symbol variation, as a predetermined case of switching from the first variation state to the second variation state, the development production was illustrated in the present embodiment, but in the predetermined case, production other than the development production may be
As a result, the variable display time of the special symbol row in the first variation state is shortened, and the excitement when finding the special symbol row with high expectation of winning the big win can be enhanced, and the amusement of the game can be enhanced. .

<About other modifications>
Modifications not described in the above description are listed below.

First, regarding the probability, ratio, and frequency in this embodiment and its modifications, as long as each relationship is secured, the lower one may not be elected, or the higher one may be elected. good too. In either case, the lottery itself may not be performed.
Furthermore, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in the present embodiment is an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.

In the above-described present embodiment, the switching from the second variable display state to the first variable display state is performed when the flower blooming effect is being executed in the offshore patch effect mode and the target symbol variation for the flower blooming effect (prediction target symbol variation) ) is started, and an example is given in which the flower blooming effect is executed only when the result of preliminary determination in the symbol variation to be read ahead indicates a big hit.
However, the switching from the second variable display state to the first variable display state may be executed also in the probability variable effect mode or other effect modes other than the Okipachi effect mode. In this case, the switching may be performed not only when the result of the special figure suitability determination in the symbol variation in which the switching is performed with the start as a trigger indicates a big hit but also when the failure is indicated. For example, the execution ratio of the switching when the result of the special figure success/failure determination in the pattern variation that was performed at the start of the switch indicates a big hit is the highest in the offshore performance mode, and the probability variation performance other than the offshore performance mode It may be configured to be the next highest in the mode and lower in the production mode other than the variable probability production mode.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the pattern row of decorative symbols is changed by switching from the second variable display state to the first variable display state, and the special variable effect pattern (large spinning reach) in the first variable display state after switching. Although the 10R probability variable big hit is determined and notified by the display, the switching and the variable display of the symbol row by the special variable performance pattern may be determined by lottery.
In addition, the variable display of the symbol row of the decorative symbols by the special variable effect pattern (large rotation reach) may be executed regardless of the switching from the second variable display state to the first variable display state, and may be performed in any mode other than the Oki Pachi effect mode. It may be executed in a probability variable performance mode or a performance mode other than the probability variable performance mode, and moreover, if the degree of expectation for winning a big hit is higher than the variable display by the normal variable performance pattern, it is also executed at the time of the normal jackpot or loss. may In the case where the variable display of the symbol row of the decorative symbols by the special variable performance pattern (large spinning reach) can be executed even when the game is lost, the combination of the decorative symbols or the mode of the decorative symbols are configured to suggest the degree of expectation for winning the jackpot. may

As a combination of such modified modes, the following modified examples can be exemplified.
For example, the flower blooming effect (prefetching effect) is a effect that suggests a jackpot winning against the preliminary judgment result in the pending pattern variation, and not only when the result of the preliminary judgment in the pattern variation to be prefetched indicates a big hit, A lottery or the like is used to determine whether or not execution is necessary so that it can be executed even when a failure is indicated. Along with the execution of this flower blooming effect, the variable display state of the decorative symbols is switched from the first variable display state to the second variable display state.
After that, with the start of the target pattern variation of the flower blooming effect (the pattern variation to be read ahead), the variable display state of the decorative pattern is switched from the second variable display state to the first variable display state, and the target pattern variation is executed. During (for example, at the start), there is a case where the symbol row of decorative symbols is variably displayed in a special variable performance pattern with a higher expectation of winning a big hit than the normal variable performance pattern. In the special variation effect pattern, as in the above-described embodiment, the number of V symbols in each symbol row suggests the degree of expectation of the holding series.
According to such a modification, in addition to the effects described in the above-described embodiment, the degree of expectation for winning the jackpot is increased by executing the flower blooming effect (predictive effect), and a special variation is obtained in the target pattern variation of the flower blooming effect. When the symbol row of the decorative symbols is variably displayed in the performance pattern, the degree of expectation can be further increased, and the effect of further enhancing the amusement of the game can be obtained.
On the other hand, according to the present embodiment described above, in which the flower blooming effect (read-ahead effect) is executed only when the preliminary determination result in the symbol variation to be read-ahead indicates a big win, the flower blooming effect is not known well. For the player, the degree of expectation for winning the jackpot can be suggested by the variable display of the decorative pattern by the special variable performance pattern, and for the player who is familiar with the flower blooming performance, the special variable performance is provided. Since the V pattern of the pattern can further suggest the degree of expectation of the holding group, the interest in the game can be enhanced for any player.
The present invention described above is not limited to the above description, and includes various modifications, improvements, etc. as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.

<Appendix>
This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1)
Along with the start of pattern variation, win/fail determination is executed to determine whether or not a big win is won, a plurality of pattern rows having decorative patterns are variably displayed, and the combination of decorative patterns corresponding to the result of hit/fail determination is stopped. A game machine capable of starting a jackpot game after completion of the symbol variation when the result of determination of whether or not to apply is a big win, and can suspend the start of the symbol variation until the condition for starting the variation is satisfied. hand,
an image display means;
display control means for controlling the image display means;
with
The display control means is capable of variably displaying, as the plurality of symbol rows, a first symbol row or a second symbol row having a smaller display area than the first symbol row,
The first pattern row is a normal pattern row, and a special pattern in which a combination of decorative patterns possessed by the first pattern row or a mode of the decorative patterns possessed by the first pattern row is different from the normal pattern row. There are cases where it becomes a column,
As for the degree of expectation for winning the jackpot in the symbol variation in which the special symbol row is variably displayed as the first symbol row, the normal symbol row is variably displayed as the first symbol row without the special symbol row being variably displayed. Higher than the winning expectation of the jackpot in the pattern fluctuation,
There is a first variation state in which the first symbol row is variably displayed and a second variation state in which the second symbol row is variably displayed without the first symbol row being variably displayed,
A first case where the symbol variation is completed in the second variation state and the symbol variation next to the symbol variation is started, and the symbol variation is switched to the first variation state. and a second case in which the first variation state is maintained when the symbol variation is completed and the symbol variation next to the symbol variation is started,
The rate at which the special symbol row is variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the first case is higher than the rate at which the special symbol row is variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the second case. High, or while the special symbol row can be variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the first case, the special symbol row is not variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the second case ,
The number of symbol rows constituting the special symbol row is the same as the number of symbol rows constituting the normal symbol row,
For each of the symbol rows constituting the special symbol row, the number of decorative symbols possessed by the symbol row is the same as the number of decorative symbols possessed by the symbol row corresponding to the symbol row among the normal symbol rows. ,
A gaming machine characterized by:
(2)
(1) The gaming machine according to
The second variation state according to the first case can span a plurality of consecutive symbol variations including the symbol variation immediately before the next symbol variation according to the first case,
A gaming machine characterized by:
(3)
The gaming machine according to (1) or (2),
Switching from the first variation state to the second variation state, triggered by the suspension of the next symbol variation according to the first case,
A gaming machine characterized by:
(4)
The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3),
In the first case, at the time when the next symbol variation relating to the first case is started, the special symbol row is being variably displayed as the first symbol row, or Triggered by the start of the next symbol variation according to the first case, the special symbol row is varied as the first symbol row from the state in which the normal symbol row is variably displayed as the first symbol row. switch to the displayed state,
A gaming machine characterized by:
(5)
The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4),
During the execution of symbol variation, there is a predetermined case where the first variation state is switched to the second variation state,
The ratio of the predetermined case during the execution of the next symbol variation related to the first case is higher than the ratio of the predetermined case during the execution of the next symbol variation related to the second case High, or while the predetermined case can occur during the execution of the next symbol variation related to the first case, the predetermined case does not occur during the execution of the next symbol variation related to the second case ,
A gaming machine characterized by:

10 Game Machine 15 Outer Frame 17 Middle Frame 20 Front Frame 21 Hinge Mechanism 22 Movable Decorative Body 23 Cylinder Lock 25 Transparent Member 27 Upper Sphere Receptacle 29 Lower Sphere Receptacle 31 Operation Handle 32 Upper Frame Part 33 (33a, 33b) Speakers 34a, 34b Left and right frame portions 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) Production lamp 36 Ball extraction mechanism 37 Production button 38 (38a, 38b, 38c, 38d) Cursor button 39 Main operation unit 39a Ball lending button 39b Return button 40 Power switch 45 Open/close cover 46 Game ball tank 47 Tank rail 48 Payout unit 49 Payout passage 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 55 Grand winning port 57 First start port 59 Second start port 61 Normal electric accessory 62 Normal electric role Object solenoid 63 Gate 65 Special electric accessory 66 Special electric accessory solenoid 67 General winning opening 69 Out opening 70 First starting opening sensor 71 Second starting opening sensor 72 Grand winning opening sensor 73 General winning opening sensor 74 Gate sensor 75 Out ball Sensor 76 Middle frame door open sensor 80 Effect display device 81 Main display part 82 Sub display part 82a Upper sub display part 82b Left sub display part 82c Right sub display part 83 Effect shield 83a Upper left effect shield 83b Upper right effect shield 83c Lower left Effect shield 83d Lower right effect shield 90 Design display device 91 First special design display device 92 Second special design display device 93 Normal design display device 94 First special design reservation lamp 95 Second special design reservation lamp 96 Normal design reservation Lamp 100 Main control board 101 CPU
102 ROMs
103 RAM
104 I / O port 105 random number circuit 109 main control board case 110 entering ball determination means 115 main random number generation means 120 main reservation control means 125 prior determination means 130 special figure lottery means 131 special figure success or failure determination means 132 special figure stop symbol lottery means 133 special figure fluctuation pattern derivation means 135 normal figure lottery means 140 jackpot game control means 145 symbol display control means 150 electric accessary control means 155 game state control means 160 main information storage means 165 main error control means 170 main command management means 175 electricity Power-off process executing means 180 Power restoration process executing means 200 First sub-control board 201 CPU
202 ROMs
203 RAM
204 I/O port 209 First sub-control board case 210 Sub-random number generating means 220 Normal effect control means 221 effect mode control means 222 effect route determination means 223 sub-hold control means 224 look-ahead effect control means 225 effect content determination means 226 decoration pattern Control means 227 Jackpot performance control means 230 Sub-error control means 240 Lamp control means 250 Movable role control means 260 Sub-information storage means 270 Sub-command management means 300 Second sub-control board 301 CPU
302 ROMs
303 RAM
304 I/O port 309 Second sub-control board case 400 Payout control board 401 CPU
402 ROMs
403 RAM
409 payout control board case 500 power supply control board 501 normal power supply circuit 502 backup power supply circuit 503 power failure detection circuit 509 power supply control board case X first channel Y second channel

Claims (1)

Along with the start of pattern variation, win/fail determination is executed to determine whether or not a big win is won, a plurality of pattern rows having decorative patterns are variably displayed, and the combination of decorative patterns corresponding to the result of hit/fail determination is stopped. A game machine capable of starting a jackpot game after completion of the symbol variation when the result of determination of whether or not to apply is a big win, and can suspend the start of the symbol variation until the condition for starting the variation is satisfied. hand,
an image display means;
display control means for controlling the image display means;
with
The display control means is capable of variably displaying, as the plurality of symbol rows, a first symbol row or a second symbol row having a smaller display area than the first symbol row,
The first pattern row is a normal pattern row, and a special pattern in which a combination of decorative patterns possessed by the first pattern row or a mode of the decorative patterns possessed by the first pattern row is different from the normal pattern row. There are cases where it becomes a column,
As for the degree of expectation for winning the jackpot in the symbol variation in which the special symbol row is variably displayed as the first symbol row, the normal symbol row is variably displayed as the first symbol row without the special symbol row being variably displayed. Higher than the winning expectation of the jackpot in the pattern fluctuation,
There is a first variation state in which the first symbol row is variably displayed and a second variation state in which the second symbol row is variably displayed without the first symbol row being variably displayed,
A first case where the symbol variation is completed in the second variation state and the symbol variation next to the symbol variation is started, and the symbol variation is switched to the first variation state. and a second case in which the first variation state is maintained when the symbol variation is completed and the symbol variation next to the symbol variation is started,
The rate at which the special symbol row is variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the first case is higher than the rate at which the special symbol row is variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the second case. High, or while the special symbol row can be variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the first case, the special symbol row is not variably displayed in the next symbol variation according to the second case ,
The number of symbol rows constituting the special symbol row is the same as the number of symbol rows constituting the normal symbol row,
For each of the symbol rows constituting the special symbol row, the number of decorative symbols possessed by the symbol row is the same as the number of decorative symbols possessed by the symbol row corresponding to the symbol row among the normal symbol rows. ,
Each of the symbol rows constituting the normal symbol row includes a first symbol indicating a jackpot winning of the maximum number of rounds among the jackpots that can be won in the symbol variation by matching the symbols,
Each pattern row that constitutes the special pattern row includes a second pattern that indicates that the pattern matching is advantageous compared to the pattern matching with the first pattern,
The second pattern indicates that, by matching the patterns, in addition to winning the jackpot of the maximum number of rounds, a plurality of jackpots including the jackpot will be won.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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