JP7630261B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, gaming machines (pachinko gaming machines) have been known that have a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming media) move and that launch gaming balls into the gaming area in response to player operation. This type of gaming machine has a start winning hole as a detection area in the gaming area that detects gaming balls, and when it detects the entry of a gaming ball into the start winning hole, a random number value is acquired and stored in a storage means, and a gaming lottery is held to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won using the random number values stored in the storage means in a predetermined order. The effect display means then starts to display the varying effect patterns, and if the result of the gaming lottery is a jackpot, the effect patterns are displayed in a so-called reach mode and then stopped and displayed in a jackpot mode, and the gaming state transitions to a special gaming state. In the special game state, a predetermined number of rounds of play are executed, and in each round of play, a special device provided in the game area is operated to open the big prize opening, and a game ball is paid out each time it enters the big prize opening.

In some gaming machines of this type, after the special game state ends, the machine transitions to a time-saving state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low but the game ball is more likely to enter the starting winning hole, and when the number of game lotteries held in the time-saving state reaches a predetermined number, the machine transitions to the normal state (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-050678 A

In this type of gaming machine, the game lottery is held about 100 times in the time-saving state, but since the probability of winning a jackpot is low in the time-saving state, it is rare for a jackpot to be won in the time-saving state.

This type of gaming machine is also provided with a handle for operating the game balls, but if a strong force is applied to the handle when moving the machine, the handle may not operate properly, which could affect fair play. This type of gaming machine is also provided with rails to guide the launched game balls into the play area, but if the rails are not installed correctly, the game balls may not move properly, which could affect fair play.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the entertainment value of the game and ensure fair play.

(1) The present invention is a gaming machine having a gaming area in which a gaming medium moves, comprising: a lottery means for conducting a lottery on the condition that the gaming medium enters a predetermined area provided in the gaming area; a specific game execution means for executing a specific game on the condition that a specific result is obtained in the lottery; and a probability state that is controllable between a plurality of probability states including a first probability state in which the probability of obtaining a specific result in the lottery is high and a second probability state in which the probability of obtaining a specific result in the lottery is low, and a first control state in which the gaming medium easily enters the predetermined area and a second control state in which the gaming medium hardly enters the predetermined area. The gaming machine is characterized in that it has a state control means that can control the control state between a plurality of control states including a second control state, the state control means controls the state to the second probability state on the condition that the number of lotteries performed since the start of the state in which the first control state is the first state has reached a first number, and controls the state to the second control state on the condition that the number of lotteries performed since the start of the state in which the first control state is the first state has reached a second number, which is a value greater than the first number, and the second number is a value greater than the reciprocal of the probability that a specific result will be obtained in the lottery in the second probability state.

In the present invention, even if a specific result is not obtained in a lottery in a state that is the first probability state and the first control state, the second number of times is a value greater than the reciprocal of the probability that a specific result will be obtained in a lottery in the second probability state and the first control state, so it is possible to obtain a specific result in a lottery in the second probability state and the first control state.

(2) In the present invention, the state control means may be configured to start a state in which the first probability state is the second control state after the end of a specific game when a specific result is obtained in the lottery in the state in which the second probability state is the first control state.

In this way, even if a specific result is not obtained in the lottery in the state where the first probability state is the first control state, it is possible to control to a state where the first probability state is the second control state via a state where the second probability state is the first control state.

(3) The present invention may further include a frame body, and an operation unit that is rotatably supported on the frame body and is used to operate the launching device to launch gaming media, the operation unit being provided with a finger hook portion for a player to hook his/her finger and rotatable from an initial position to a maximum rotation position, and the finger hook portion may be configured so that in the initial position and the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion does not protrude below the lower edge of the door body.

In this way, the finger grip does not protrude below the lower edge of the frame, so that even if the gaming machine is placed on a floor or the like, the finger grip will not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the operating unit will not be damaged.

The present invention provides a gaming machine that can increase the entertainment value of the game and ensure fair play.

1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a game board of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is an oblique view showing the appearance of a jackpot opening of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a status display unit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram of a gaming state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specified number of times in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view of a handle of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a handle of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

1. Configuration of the gaming machine Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used for playing games using gaming balls (gaming media) loaned from an amusement facility, and includes an outer frame 2 forming the outer surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 provided inside the gaming machine and forming a playing area 4 in which the gaming balls move, a glass unit 8 that allows the gaming board 6 to be visible but not touched by the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached.

The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a number of front frame lamps 12 that output special lights to liven up the game. Additionally, speakers 14 that output special sounds to liven up the game are provided on the left and right sides of the upper part and the left and right sides of the lower part of the front frame 10.

An upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout outlet 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to the player is provided on the left side of the inner side of the upper tray 16. A handle 20 is provided on the right side of the lower part of the front frame 10, and when a player turns the handle 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launching device (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated to launch game balls into the playing area 4. The launching device of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

A supply port 22 is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16 to supply game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. Also, below the upper tray 16, a lower tray 24 is provided to store surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

In addition, a performance button 26 (performance operation means) is provided on the front edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

Figure 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the game board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 in which the game balls move. In addition, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28 at the left end of the game area 4, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) provided below the game board 6 to the game area 4.

In addition, in the center of the game board 6, there is provided a presentation unit 36 that includes a liquid crystal display 32 (presentation display means) that displays presentation images and the like to liven up the game, and a display frame 34 that is formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. And in the display frame 34, above the center of the liquid crystal display 32, there is provided a display frame lamp 38 that outputs presentation light and the like to liven up the game.

In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the LCD display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls through the game area 4 on the left or right side of the LCD display 32. A large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed into the game area 4 so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, so that the direction of movement of the game ball moving through the game area 4 changes randomly.

In addition, an opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls can pass as they fall through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32. Game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a left passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the LCD display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 that allows game balls to fall downward from the stage 44. Game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the left passage 42 move back and forth across the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

A first start winning opening 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44, into which a game ball that has fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. This first start winning opening 46 has a built-in sensor that detects the entry of a game ball, and is configured so that when a game ball enters, the game ball is collected inside the gaming machine. Each time a game ball enters the first start winning opening 46, a predetermined number of game balls (a prescribed number of one or more, for example, three) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery (game lottery) is held to obtain a first special random number value (lottery information) and determine whether or not the player has won a jackpot (a specific result).

The game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32 is provided with a pass gate 48 through which game balls pass without being collected inside the game machine. This pass gate 48 has a built-in sensor that detects the passage of a game ball, and each time a game ball passes through the pass gate 48, a normal lottery is held to obtain a normal random number value (lottery information) and determine whether or not a normal win has occurred. Here, in this embodiment, the pass gate 48 is provided so that game balls falling through the game area 4 on the right side have a high probability of passing through the pass gate 48.

In addition, in the right-side game area 4, below the passing gate 48, there is provided a second start winning port 50 (predetermined area) through which the game ball is collected inside the game machine when it enters. This second start winning port 50 has a built-in sensor that detects the entry of the game ball, and is provided with a normal role 52 (auxiliary means) having a movable member that blocks the second start winning port 50, and the normal role 52 is configured to be operable between a closed state (non-entry state) in which the game ball cannot enter the second start winning port 50 and an open state (entry state) in which the game ball can enter. The normal role 52 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the movable member, and is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions when a normal win is won in the normal lottery. Each time a game ball enters the second start winning hole 50, a predetermined number of game balls (a prescribed number equal to or greater than one, for example, two) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery (game lottery) is held to obtain a second special random number value (lottery information) and determine whether or not the player has won a jackpot.

In addition, below the second start winning port 50, the right-side game area 4 is provided with a large winning port 54 through which game balls falling through the right-side game area 4 can enter and which is then collected inside the game machine when the game balls enter. This large winning port 54 has a built-in sensor that detects each game ball that has entered the large winning port 54, and is provided with a special device 56 having a plate-shaped member that blocks the large winning port 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state (non-entry state) in which game balls cannot enter the large winning port 54 and an open state (entry state) in which game balls can enter. The special device 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the plate-shaped member, and is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in a big win game (specific game) that starts when a big win is won in a special lottery. Each time a game ball enters the big prize opening 54, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 15 balls) are paid out to the player.

3(A) and 3(B) are perspective views showing the large prize opening 54 with the special feature 56 in an open state. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the large prize opening 54 in this embodiment is composed of a specific area 64 provided on the left side of the inside of the large prize opening 54 and into which the game ball can enter, and a normal area 66 provided on the right side of the inside of the large prize opening 54 and into which the game ball can enter. The specific area 64 has a built-in sensor that detects the entry of the game ball, and a specific feature 68 having a plate-shaped member that blocks the specific area 64 is provided, and the specific feature 68 is configured to be operable between an open state (entry-enabled state) in which the game ball can enter the specific area 64 as shown in FIG. 3(A) and a closed state (non-entry state) in which the game ball cannot enter the specific area 64 as shown in FIG. 3(B). The specific feature 68 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the plate-shaped member, and is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition during a big win game. When the special role 56 is open and the game ball enters the big prize opening 54, if the specific role 68 is open, the game ball can enter the specific area 64, but if the specific role 68 is not open, the game ball cannot enter the specific area 64.

The normal area 66 also has a built-in sensor that detects the entry of a game ball, but there is no plate-like member that blocks the normal area 66, so that the game ball can enter when the special device 56 is in the open state.

Therefore, when the special role 56 is open and the game ball enters the big prize opening 54, if the specific role 68 is open, the game ball enters the specific area 64 or the normal area 66, and if the specific role 68 is closed, the game ball does not enter the specific area 64 but enters the normal area 66. When the game ball enters the specific area 64 or the normal area 66, the game ball is discharged from the big prize opening 54 and is configured to be collected inside the gaming machine.

In addition, in the right-side game area 4, below the big prize opening 54, a right passage 68 is provided through which game balls falling through the right-side game area 4 pass, and the right passage 68 is provided with a third start prize opening 70 through which the game balls enter and are collected inside the game machine. This third start prize opening 70 has a built-in sensor that detects the entry of a game ball, and each time a game ball enters the third start prize opening 70, a predetermined number of game balls (a prescribed number of one or more, for example, one) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery (game lottery) is held to obtain a second special random number value (lottery information) and determine whether or not a big prize has been won.

In this embodiment, all game balls that fall through the right-side game area 4 and do not enter the second start winning hole 50 or the large winning hole 54 pass through the right passage 52, and almost all game balls that pass through the right passage 52 enter the third start winning hole 70.

As shown in FIG. 2, at the bottom of the game area 4, there is an outlet 72 that collects game balls that fall through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning holes and are returned to the inside of the game machine.

The game ball launching device is configured so that the launching force of the game ball changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the handle 20 shown in FIG. 1. When the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls in the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls in the game area 4 on the right side.

The player therefore adjusts the amount of rotation of the handle 20 depending on the game situation, and performs a left hit to launch the game ball so that it falls through the left side of the game area 4 and enters the first start winning opening 46, or a right hit to launch the game ball so that it falls through the right side of the game area 4 and passes through the passing gate 48, or enters the second start winning opening 50, the big winning opening 54, or the third start winning opening 70.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the gaming ball falls in the left-hand gaming area 4, the gaming ball will not enter the second start winning hole 50, the large winning hole 54, or the third start winning hole 70, and if the gaming ball falls in the right-hand gaming area 4, the gaming ball will not enter the first start winning hole 46.

In addition, at the bottom right of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, there is a status display unit 80 that indicates various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps, etc.

Figure 4 (A) is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 80. As shown in Figure 4 (A), the status display unit 80 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 82, a normal hold display unit 84, a first special symbol display unit 86, a first special hold display unit 88, a second special symbol display unit 90, a second special hold display unit 92, and a game status display unit 94.

The normal pattern display unit 82 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal lottery is held, the two lamps are made to flash to display the normal pattern in a variable manner, and the two lamps are made to light or turn off to display the normal pattern in a stationary manner, thereby displaying the result of the normal lottery.

The normal hold display unit 84 is made up of two lamps, and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of reserved normal random numbers when the normal random numbers are held in cases where the normal random numbers are already being displayed in a changing or stopped state when the game ball passes through the passing gate 48, and a normal lottery cannot be performed even if the normal random numbers are obtained, and a normal hold number of 0 to 4 is displayed by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or blinking of the two lamps.

The first special pattern display unit 86 is composed of a seven-segment display, and when a special lottery is held by the entry of a gaming ball into the first start winning hole 46, the seven-segment display is caused to flash to display a variable first special pattern, and the seven-segment display is caused to light up in one of a number of different modes to display a static display of the first special pattern, thereby displaying the result of the special lottery.

The first special reserve display unit 88 is composed of two lamps, and displays a first special reserve number corresponding to the number of the reserved first special random number value when the first special pattern is being displayed in a changing or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the first start winning port 46, and when the first special random number value is reserved because a special lottery cannot be held even if the first special random number value is obtained, and displays a first special reserve number of 0 to 4 by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or blinking of the two lamps.

The second special pattern display unit 90 is composed of a seven-segment display, and when a special lottery is held by the entry of a gaming ball into the second start winning port 50, the seven-segment display is caused to flash to display a variable second special pattern, and the seven-segment display is caused to light up in one of a number of different modes to display a static display of the second special pattern, thereby displaying the result of the special lottery.

The second special reserve display unit 92 is composed of two lamps, and displays a second special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved second special random number values when the second special pattern is being displayed in a changing or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the second start winning port 50, and the second special random number value is reserved because a special lottery cannot be held even if the second special random number value is obtained. A combination of turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps displays a second special reserve number of 0 to 4.

The game status display unit 94 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game status currently set by a combination of turning on, off, or blinking the six lamps. In this embodiment, in addition to the special game status described above, six types of game status can be set: normal status, first time-saving status, second time-saving status (specific status), special status, first probability variable status, and second probability variable status, as shown in FIG. 4(B), and the type of game status currently set is displayed by a combination of turning on, off, or blinking the six lamps.

Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(B), in each of the six types of game states, the special drawing state (probability state), which is the drawing state of the special drawing, is set to either a special drawing high probability state (first probability state) in which the probability of winning a jackpot in the special drawing is high, or a special drawing low probability state (second probability state) in which the probability of winning a jackpot in the special drawing is low, and the regular drawing state (control state), which is the drawing state of the regular drawing, is set to either a regular drawing high probability state (first control state) in which the probability of winning a regular win in the regular drawing is high, or a regular drawing low probability state (second control state) in which the probability of winning a regular win in the regular drawing is low.

In detail, in the normal state, the special drawing state is set to a special drawing low probability state and the normal drawing state is set to a normal drawing low probability state; in the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, the special drawing state is set to a special drawing low probability state and the normal drawing state is set to a normal drawing high probability state; in the special state, the special drawing state is set to a special drawing high probability state and the normal drawing state is set to a normal drawing low probability state; in the first probability change state and the second probability change state, the special drawing state is set to a special drawing high probability state and the normal drawing state is set to a normal drawing high probability state.

Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board 100 (game control means) and a sub-board 102. The functions of each board, such as the main board 100 and the sub-board 102, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROMs (an example of information storage media), or RAMs, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM or the like.

The main board 100 receives input signals from input means such as the passing gate sensor 104, the first start winning port sensor 106, the second start winning port sensor 108, the third start winning port sensor 110, the specific area sensor 112, the normal area sensor 114, and the payout sensor 116, and performs various calculations to execute the game. Based on the calculation results, the main board 100 controls the operation of output means such as the status display drive device 120, the normal role drive device 122, the special role drive device 124, the specific role drive device 128, and the payout device 130.

The sub-board 102 also receives signals sent from the main board 100 and input signals from the performance button switch 150, performs various calculations to execute performances according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of the performance devices 176, such as the performance display device 170, the sound device 172, and the performance object drive device 174, based on the results of the calculations.

The main board 100 is configured to include a random number generating means 210, a normal lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal gimmick control means 224, a special lottery means 230, a special display control means 240, a game state transition control means 250, a big win game execution means 260, a small win game execution means 262, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

The random number generating means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is realized by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers, or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate through a specified count range). Note that in this embodiment, "random number values" include not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that, even if their generation is regular, can actually function as random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

The normal lottery means 220 acquires a normal random number value from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the passing gate sensor 104, which detects each game ball passing through the passing gate 48, stores the normal random number value in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290, and performs a normal lottery for the normal random number value read from the normal random number storage means 2912 to determine whether or not the game is a normal win.

In detail, the normal random number storage means 2912 is provided with four normal reserve memory areas, normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired normal random number values, and one normal reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the normal random number value read from normal reserve memory area 1 and used for the normal lottery until the variable display and stationary display of the normal pattern are completed. When the normal random number value is acquired from the random number generating means 210, if the normal random number value is not stored in any of normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the normal lottery means 220 first stores the acquired normal random number value in normal reserve memory area 1. When the normal random number value is stored in normal reserve memory area 1, if the normal pattern is not being displayed variably or stationary, that is, if the normal random number value is not stored in the normal reserve memory area and the control to open the movable member of the normal role object 52 is not being executed, the normal random number value is immediately read from the normal reserve memory area 1 to perform the normal lottery, and the normal random number value used for the normal lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., if a normal random number value is stored in the normal reserved memory area, or if control is being executed to open the movable member of the normal reel 52, the normal random number value is reserved in the normal reserved memory area 1.

When a normal random number value is reserved in normal reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from pass gate sensor 104 to obtain a normal random number value, normal lottery means 220 stores the normal random number value in the normal reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which no normal random number value is reserved, on the condition that the number of normal random number values reserved in normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the normal reserve number is less than four.

Then, when the normal symbol variable display and stationary display are completed, the normal lottery means 220 erases the normal random number value stored in the normal reserve memory area, and if a normal random number value is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1, it reads out the normal random number value from the normal reserve memory area 1 to perform a normal lottery, provided that control to open the movable member of the normal role device 52 is not being executed, and stores the normal random number value used in the normal lottery in the normal reserve memory area. Here, if a normal random number value remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining normal random number value is moved from the original normal reserve memory area to the normal reserve memory area with the ordinal number one smaller. For example, if a normal random number value remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 to the normal reserve memory area 3, it is moved to the normal reserve memory area 1 to the normal reserve memory area 2.

In this way, in the normal random number storage means 2912, normal random number values for which a normal lottery has been performed are reserved in the normal reserve memory area up to a maximum of one, and normal random number values for which a normal lottery has not been performed are reserved in normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4 up to a maximum of four.

The details of the regular lottery are explained below. The regular lottery means 220 performs regular winning determination processing, regular fluctuation pattern determination processing, etc. as the regular lottery.

The normal win determination process is a process for determining whether or not a normal win has occurred. In the normal win determination process, the normal lottery means 220 determines, based on the game state, which of the multiple types of normal lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to when performing the random number determination process.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the normal lottery table A and the normal lottery table B shown in Figures 6(A) and 6(B), and in each normal lottery table, a normal win or loss is associated with each of the 100 normal random number values from 0 to 99.

In detail, the normal lottery table A shown in FIG. 6(A) is selected when the game state at the time of performing the normal lottery for the normal random number value is the normal state or the special state, i.e., when the normal lottery state is the normal low probability state, and the correspondence between the normal win or loss and multiple random number values is set so that the probability of winning a normal win is approximately 13/20.

The normal lottery table B shown in FIG. 6(B) is selected when the game state at the time of performing the normal lottery for the normal random number value is the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state, i.e., when the normal lottery state is the normal high probability state, and the correspondence between the normal win or loss and the normal random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that the probability of winning a normal win is approximately 19/20.

Then, the normal lottery means 220 refers to the selected normal lottery table and determines whether or not a normal random number value read from the normal reserve memory area 1 of the normal random number memory means 2912 corresponds to a normal win, thereby determining whether or not a normal win has been won.

Then, in the case where a normal win is won, the normal lottery means 220 sets the winning flag for the normal win to the ON state in the flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290, and in the case where a loss is won, the normal lottery means 220 sets the winning flag for the normal win to the OFF state.

The normal variation pattern determination process is a process for determining which of a plurality of variation patterns the normal symbol variation pattern should be, depending on the game state. In the normal variation pattern determination process, the normal selection means 220 determines the normal symbol variation pattern to be normal variation pattern 1 when the game state is normal or special, i.e., when the normal symbol selection state is a normal symbol low probability state, and determines the normal symbol variation pattern to be normal variation pattern 2 when the game state is the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state, i.e., when the normal symbol selection state is a normal symbol high probability state.

The normal display control means 222 is a means for controlling the status display drive device 120 based on the results of the normal lottery, and performs normal pattern display control processing and normal hold display control processing.

In the normal symbol display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays the normal symbol by blinking the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 82 until the change time corresponding to the normal symbol change pattern determined in the normal change pattern determination process has elapsed, and displays the normal symbol in a stopped state by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 82 depending on whether or not a normal win has been won in the normal win determination process, thereby displaying the result of the normal lottery on the normal symbol display unit 82.

In detail, in this embodiment, when the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is normal fluctuation pattern 1, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 5 seconds, and when the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is normal fluctuation pattern 2, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 0.5 seconds. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the game state at the time when the normal lottery is performed is the normal state or special state, that is, when the normal symbol lottery state is a normal symbol low probability state, the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is determined to be normal fluctuation pattern 1, and the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 5 seconds, and when the game state at the time when the normal lottery is performed is the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state, that is, when the normal symbol lottery state is a normal symbol high probability state, the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is determined to be normal fluctuation pattern 2, and the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 0.5 seconds, so that the opportunity to execute the normal lottery arrives more frequently when the game state is the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state.

In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays a normal hold number between 0 and 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 84 according to the number of normal random numbers stored in the normal random number storage means 2912.

The normal role control means 224 is a means for controlling the normal role drive device 122 based on the results of the normal lottery, and performs normal role control process 1, normal role control process 2, etc.

In normal role control process 1, when the game state is normal or special, that is, when the normal symbol lottery state is in a normal symbol low probability state, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, and the normal role drive device 122 is controlled to open the normal role 52 until one second has elapsed and then return to the closed state.

In normal role control process 2, when the game state is the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state, i.e., when the normal symbol lottery state is the normal symbol high probability state, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, the normal role drive device 122 is controlled to open the normal role 52 until 2 seconds have elapsed and then return to the closed state.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the normal device 52 operates in such a way that the game ball can enter the second start winning hole 50 more easily in normal device control process 2 than in normal device control process 1.

The special lottery means 230 acquires a special lottery random number value from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 that detects game balls entering the first start winning port 46 one by one, and stores the special lottery random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290 as a first special random number value. The special lottery means 230 also acquires a special lottery random number value from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the second start winning port sensor 108 that detects game balls entering the second start winning port 50 one by one, or based on the input of a detection signal from the third start winning port sensor 110 that detects game balls entering the third start winning port 70 one by one, and stores the special lottery random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 as a second special random number value. The special lottery means 230 then uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to conduct a special lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won.

In detail, the special random number storage means 2914 is provided with four first special reservation memory areas, first special reservation memory area 1 to first special reservation memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired first special random number value, one first special reservation memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the first special random number value read from first special reservation memory area 1 and used in the special lottery until the variable display and stationary display of the first special symbol is completed, four second special reservation memory areas, second special reservation memory area 1 to second special reservation memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired second special random number value, and one second special reservation memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the second special random number value read from second special reservation memory area 1 and used in the special lottery until the variable display and stationary display of the second special symbol is completed.

Then, when the special lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for a special lottery based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning hole sensor 106, if the first special random number value is not stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for the special lottery as the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1. Then, when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the first special random number value is not stored in the first special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special lottery means 230 immediately reads out the first special random number value from the first special reserve memory area 1 to perform a special lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special lottery in the first special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the first special symbol is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., if the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserved memory area, or the game state is a special game state, or a small win game is being played, the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserved memory area 1.

When the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the first start winning port sensor 106 to obtain a random number value for a special lottery, the special lottery means 230 stores the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 that has the smallest ordinal number and is not reserved for the first special random number value, on the condition that the number of first special random number values reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the first special reservation number is less than four.

Furthermore, when the special lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for a special lottery based on the input of a detection signal from the second start winning hole sensor 108 or the third start winning hole sensor 110, if the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for the special lottery as a second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area 1. Then, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area 1, if the second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the second special random number value is not stored in the second special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special lottery means 230 immediately reads out the second special random number value from the second special reserve memory area 1 to perform a special lottery, and stores the second special random number value used in the special lottery in the second special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., if the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserved memory area, or the game state is a special game state, or a small win game is being played, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserved memory area 1.

When the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the second start winning port sensor 108 and the third start winning port sensor 110 to obtain a random number value for a special lottery, the special lottery means 230 stores the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which the second special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of second special random number values reserved in the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the second special reservation number is less than four.

Then, when the variable display and stop display of the first special symbol is completed, the special lottery means 230 erases the first special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area. Then, when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 to perform a special lottery, and the first special random number value obtained by the special lottery is stored in the first special reservation memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being played. Also, when the variable display and stop display of the second special symbol is completed, the second special random number value stored in the second special reservation memory area is erased. Then, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reservation memory area 1, the second special random number value is read from the second special reservation memory area 1 to perform a special lottery, and the second special random number value obtained by the special lottery is stored in the second special reservation memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being played. That is, in this embodiment, the first special random number value and the second special random number value are consumed in parallel, so that the display of the second special pattern may start changing while the display of the first special pattern is changing, or the display of the first special pattern may start changing while the display of the second special pattern is changing.

In addition, when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed on the condition that the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4, and when the second special random number value is stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4, the second special random number value is read from the second special reservation memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed even if the first special random number value is stored in any of the first special reservation memory areas 1 to 4. In other words, the second special random number value may be consumed in preference to the first special random number value. In addition, regardless of whether it is the first special random number value or the second special random number value, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be read in the order stored in the special random number storage means 2914 and a special lottery may be performed. In other words, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be consumed in the order in which the game ball enters the first start winning hole 46 or the second start winning hole 50.

Then, if the first special random number value remains in the first special reserve memory area 2 or later when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, or if the second special random number value remains in the second special reserve memory area 2 or later when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, the remaining first special random number value or second special random number value is moved from the original special reserve memory area to a special reserve memory area with an ordinal number one smaller. For example, when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special random number value remains in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4, the first special random number value stored in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is moved to each of the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 3, and when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, if the second special random number value remains in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 3, the second special random number value stored in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 3 is moved to each of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 2.

In this way, in the special random number storage means 2914, first special random number values for which a special lottery has not been performed are reserved in the first special reservation memory area 1 to the first special reservation memory area 4, with a maximum of four, and second special random number values for which a special lottery has not been performed are reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4, with a maximum of four.

The special lottery will be described in detail below. The special lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random numbers, such as a jackpot determination random number, a pattern determination random number, a fluctuation group determination random number, a first half fluctuation pattern determination random number, and a second half fluctuation pattern determination random number, as special lottery random number values based on the detection signal input from the first start winning port sensor 106, the second start winning port sensor 108, or the third start winning port sensor 110, and stores these multiple types of random number values in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value. The special lottery means 230 then performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, a fluctuation group determination process, a first half fluctuation pattern determination process, and a second half fluctuation pattern determination process as special lottery processes.

The jackpot determination process is a process of reading out one jackpot determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and determining whether or not a jackpot or a small jackpot has been won. Here, one jackpot determination random number value is obtained from 65,536 jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535 based on the detection signal input from the first start winning hole sensor 106, the second start winning hole sensor 108, or the third start winning hole sensor 110, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the jackpot determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of jackpot lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to when performing the random number determination process, depending on whether the one jackpot determination random number value that was read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value, and depending on the game state at the time when the jackpot determination process is performed.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores jackpot lottery table A to jackpot lottery table B shown in Figures 6(C) to 6(D), and in each jackpot lottery table, a jackpot, a small jackpot, or a miss is associated with each of the 65,536 jackpot determination random number values from 0 to 65,535.

In detail, the jackpot lottery table A shown in FIG. 6(C) is selected when the game state at the time when the jackpot determination process is performed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value is the normal state, the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, i.e., when the special chart lottery state is the special chart low probability state, and the correspondence between the jackpot, small win or miss and the jackpot determination random number value between 0 and 65535 is set so that the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1/150 and the probability of winning a small win is approximately 1/30.

The jackpot lottery table B shown in FIG. 6(D) is selected when the game state at the time when the jackpot determination process is performed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value is a special state, a first probability variable state or a second probability variable state, i.e., when the special chart lottery state is a special chart high probability state, and the correspondence between the jackpot, small win or miss and the jackpot determination random number value between 0 and 65535 is set so that the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1/50 and the probability of winning a small win is approximately 1/30.

Then, the special lottery means 230 refers to the selected jackpot lottery table and determines whether the jackpot determination random number value read from the first reserved memory area 1 or the second reserved memory area 1 corresponds to a jackpot or a small jackpot, thereby determining whether a jackpot or a small jackpot has been won.

Then, the special lottery means 230 sets the winning flag for the jackpot in the flag storage means 2916 to the ON state if a jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, sets the winning flag for the small jackpot in the flag storage means 2916 to the ON state if a small jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, and sets the winning flag for the jackpot and the winning flag for the small jackpot to the OFF state if a miss is won in the jackpot determination process.

The jackpot determination random number may be set so that the probability of winning a small jackpot is different between the jackpot lottery table selected when the game state is the normal state, the first time-saving state, or the second time-saving state, and the jackpot lottery table selected when the game state is the special state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state. Also, as the jackpot lottery table selected when the game state is the normal state, the first time-saving state, or the second time-saving state, and the jackpot lottery table selected when the game state is the special state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state, respectively, a jackpot lottery table selected when the jackpot determination process is performed for the first special random number value, and a jackpot lottery table selected when the jackpot determination process is performed for the second special random number value may be stored. In this case, the jackpot determination random number may be set so that the probability of winning a small jackpot is different between the jackpot lottery table selected when the jackpot determination process is performed for the first special random number value, and the jackpot lottery table selected when the jackpot determination process is performed for the second special random number value.

The pattern determination process is a process carried out when a big win or small win is won in the big win determination process, and involves reading out one pattern determination random number value contained in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and in the event of a big win, determining which of five big win patterns, namely, 5 round normal pattern, 10 round normal pattern, 10 round special chance pattern A, 10 round special chance pattern B, or 10 round special chance pattern C, will be used as the big win pattern (type of small win); and in the event of a small win, determining which of the small win pattern A or small win pattern B will be used as the small win pattern (type of small win). Here, one pattern determination random number value is obtained from 100 pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 based on the detection signal input from the first start winning hole sensor 106, the second start winning hole sensor 108, or the third start winning hole sensor 110, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in the random number determination process, depending on whether the one pattern determination random number value that was read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the pattern lottery tables A to D shown in Figures 7(A) to 7(D), and in each pattern lottery table, one of the 5-round normal patterns, 10-round normal patterns, 10-round special pattern A, 10-round special pattern B, or 10-round special pattern C, or one of the small win patterns A and small win pattern B, is associated with each of the 100 pattern determination random numbers from 0 to 99.

In detail, the symbol selection table A shown in FIG. 7(A) is selected when a jackpot is won and one of the read symbol determination random numbers is stored as the first special random number, and the correspondence between each symbol and the random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that the 5-round normal symbol has a 40% chance of winning, the 10-round normal symbol has a 59% chance of winning, and the 10-round special symbol A has a 1% chance of winning.

The symbol selection table B shown in FIG. 7(B) is selected when a jackpot is won and one of the read symbol determination random numbers is stored as the second special random number, and the correspondence between each symbol and the random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that the 10-round probability change symbol A is won with a 5% probability, the 10-round probability change symbol B is won with a 5% probability, and the 10-round probability change symbol C is won with a 90% probability.

The pattern selection table C shown in FIG. 7(C) is selected when a small prize is won and one of the read pattern determination random numbers is stored as the first special random number, and the correspondence between the small prize pattern A and the random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that the small prize pattern A is won with a 100% probability.

The pattern selection table D shown in FIG. 7(D) is selected when a small prize is won and one of the read pattern determination random numbers is stored as the second special random number, and the correspondence between the small prize pattern B and the random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that the small prize pattern B is won with a 100% probability.

The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected pattern lottery table and determines whether the one read pattern determination random number value corresponds to one of the multiple types of big win patterns or the multiple types of small win patterns, thereby determining whether one of the multiple types of big win patterns or the multiple types of small win patterns has been selected.

The special lottery means 230 then sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning big win symbol or small win symbol to the ON state in the flag storage means 2916.

The variable group determination process is a process that is performed when the jackpot determination process is a miss, and is a process that reads out one variable group determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and determines which of group 0 to group 5 the variable group to which the variable pattern of the first special pattern or the second special pattern belongs. Here, one variable group determination random number value is obtained from 100 variable group determination random number values from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning hole sensor 106, the second start winning hole sensor 108, or the third start winning hole sensor 110, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the variable group determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of variable group lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to when performing the random number determination process, depending on whether the one variable group determination random number value read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value, and depending on the game state and the first special reserved number or the second special reserved number at the time when the variable group determination process is performed.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores variable group lottery tables A to F shown in Figures 8(A) to 8(F). In each variable group lottery table, one of groups 0 to 6 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values from 0 to 99.

In detail, the variable group selection table A shown in Fig. 8(A) is selected when the game state at the time when the variable group determination process is performed for the first special random number value is normal and the number of reserved first special random number values is 0 to 1, and one of groups 2 to 5 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values from 0 to 99. The variable group selection table B shown in Fig. 8(B) is selected when the game state at the time when the variable group determination process is performed for the first special random number value is normal and the number of reserved first special random number values is 2 to 3, and one of groups 1 to 2 and groups 4 to 5 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values from 0 to 99. The variable group selection table C shown in FIG. 8(C) is selected when the game state at the time of performing the variable group determination process for the first special random number value is the normal state and the number of reserved first special random number values is four, and one of group 1, group 4, and group 5 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values from 0 to 99. The variable group selection table D shown in FIG. 8(D) is selected regardless of the number of reserved first special random number values and second special random number values when the game state at the time of performing the variable group determination process for the first special random number value or the second special random number value is the first time-saving state, special state, first probability variable state, or second probability variable state, and one of group 0, group 4, and group 5 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values from 0 to 99.

Furthermore, the variable group selection table E shown in FIG. 8(E) is selected when the game state at the time when the variable group determination process is performed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value is the second time-saving state, regardless of the number of reserved first special random number values and the second special random number value, and group 0 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values from 0 to 99.Furthermore, the variable group selection table F shown in FIG. 8(F) is selected when the game state at the time when the variable group determination process is performed for the second special random number value is the normal state, regardless of the number of reserved second special random number values, and one of groups 4 to 6 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values from 0 to 99.

Then, the special lottery means 230 refers to the selected variable group lottery table and determines which of the multiple types of variable groups the one variable group determination random number value that has been read out corresponds to, thereby determining one variable group from the multiple types of variable groups.

Therefore, in the variable group determination process for the first special random number value, if the game state is normal and the number of reserved first special random number values is 0 to 1, one of group 2, group 3, group 4, and group 5 is determined; if the game state is normal and the number of reserved first special random number values is 2 to 3, one of group 1, group 2, group 4, and group 5 is determined; if the game state is normal and the number of reserved first special random number values is 4, one of group 1, group 4, and group 5 is determined.

In addition, in the variable group determination process for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, if the game state is the first time-saving state, special state, first probability variable state, or second probability variable state, one of group 0, group 4, and group 5 is determined regardless of the number of reserved first special random number value or second special random number value, and if the game state is the second time-saving state, group 0 is determined regardless of the number of reserved first special random number value or second special random number value.

In addition, in the variable group determination process for the second special random number value, if the game state is normal, one of group 4, group 5, and group 6 will be determined regardless of the number of reserved second special random number values.

The first half fluctuation pattern determination process is a process of reading out one first half fluctuation pattern determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserved memory area 1 or the second special reserved memory area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and determining which of the multiple types of first half fluctuation patterns the first half fluctuation pattern corresponding to the first half (first part) of the fluctuation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol should be. Here, one first half fluctuation pattern determination random number value is obtained from 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning hole sensor 106, the second start winning hole sensor 108, or the third start winning hole sensor 110, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

In the first half fluctuation pattern determination process, the special selection means 230 selects which of the multiple types of first half fluctuation pattern selection tables stored in the selection table storage means 2910 to refer to in the random number determination process according to the fluctuation group determined in the fluctuation group determination process if the jackpot determination process results in a miss, and according to the type of jackpot pattern or small jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if the jackpot determination process results in a win or small jackpot.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the lottery table A for the first half fluctuation pattern when losing to the lottery table G for the first half fluctuation pattern when losing shown in FIG. 9, and the lottery table A for the first half fluctuation pattern when winning to the lottery table C for the first half fluctuation pattern when winning shown in FIG. 10. In each of the first half fluctuation pattern lottery tables, one of the multiple types of first half fluctuation patterns from no first half fluctuation pattern to first half fluctuation pattern 8 is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

In detail, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table A shown in FIG. 9(A) is selected when a loss occurs and group 1 is determined, and first half fluctuation pattern 1, with a fluctuation time set to 3 seconds, is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

Furthermore, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table B shown in FIG. 9(B) is selected when a loss occurs and group 2 is determined, and first half fluctuation pattern 1 or first half fluctuation pattern 2 with a fluctuation time set to 5 seconds is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

Furthermore, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table C shown in FIG. 9(C) is selected when a loss occurs and group 3 is determined, and first half fluctuation pattern 2 or first half fluctuation pattern 3, in which the fluctuation time is set to 10 seconds, is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

Furthermore, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table D shown in FIG. 9(D) is selected when a loss occurs and group 4 is determined, and each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 is associated with first half fluctuation pattern 4, with a fluctuation time set to 15 seconds, or first half fluctuation pattern 5, with a fluctuation time set to 20 seconds.

Furthermore, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table E shown in FIG. 9(E) is selected when a loss occurs and group 5 is determined, and each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 is associated with first half fluctuation pattern 6, with a fluctuation time set to 25 seconds, or first half fluctuation pattern 7, with a fluctuation time set to 30 seconds.

Furthermore, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table F shown in FIG. 9(F) is selected when a loss occurs and group 6 is determined, and first half fluctuation pattern 8, with a fluctuation time set to 590 seconds, is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

The first half fluctuation pattern lottery table G shown in FIG. 9(G) is selected when a loss occurs and group 0 is determined, and each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 is associated with no first half fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time set to 0 seconds.

The winning first half fluctuation pattern selection table A shown in FIG. 10(A) is selected when a jackpot is won and one of the 10 round probability variable patterns A to C is determined, and one of the first half fluctuation patterns 3 to 7 is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

The winning first half fluctuation pattern selection table B shown in FIG. 10(B) is selected when a jackpot is won and either a 5-round normal pattern or a 10-round normal pattern is determined, and one of the first half fluctuation patterns 3 to 7 is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

The winning first half fluctuation pattern selection table C shown in FIG. 10(C) is selected when a small win is won and either small win pattern A or small win pattern B is determined, and no first half fluctuation pattern is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

Then, the special selection means 230 refers to the selected first half fluctuation pattern selection table and determines which of the multiple types of first half fluctuation patterns the one first half fluctuation pattern determination random number value that has been read corresponds to, thereby selecting one first half fluctuation pattern from the multiple types of first half fluctuation patterns.

Therefore, in the first half fluctuation pattern determination process, if there is a miss, one of the first half fluctuation patterns from no first half fluctuation pattern to first half fluctuation pattern 7 shown in Figure 9 is determined, if there is a big win, one of the first half fluctuation patterns 3 to 7 shown in Figures 10 (A) and 10 (B) is determined, and if there is a small win, no first half fluctuation pattern shown in Figure 10 (C) is determined.

The latter half fluctuation pattern determination process is a process of reading out one latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and determining which of the multiple types of latter half fluctuation patterns the latter half fluctuation pattern corresponding to the latter half (second part) of the fluctuation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol should be. Here, one latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number value is obtained from 100 latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning hole sensor 106, the second start winning hole sensor 108, or the third start winning hole sensor 110, and is stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914.

In the second half fluctuation pattern determination process, the special selection means 230 selects which of the multiple types of second half fluctuation pattern selection tables stored in the selection table storage means 2910 to refer to in the random number determination process, depending on the first half fluctuation pattern determined in the first half fluctuation pattern determination process.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the lottery table A for the latter half fluctuation pattern when losing to the lottery table F for the latter half fluctuation pattern when losing shown in FIG. 11, and the lottery table A for the latter half fluctuation pattern when winning to the lottery table F shown in FIG. 12. In each of the latter half fluctuation pattern lottery tables, one of the no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 to no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 and the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 is associated with each of the 100 fluctuation group determination random number values from 0 to 99.

In detail, the latter half fluctuation pattern selection table A shown in FIG. 11(A) is selected when a miss occurs and either no first half fluctuation pattern or first half fluctuation pattern 8 is determined, and each of the 100 latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 is associated with a no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 with a fluctuation time set to 1 second.

The latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table B shown in FIG. 11(B) is selected when a miss occurs and the first half fluctuation pattern 1 is determined, and each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 is associated with a no-reach fluctuation pattern 2 with a fluctuation time set to 2 seconds.

Furthermore, the latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table C shown in FIG. 11(C) is selected when a miss occurs and the first half fluctuation pattern 2 is determined, and each of the 100 latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 is associated with the no-reach fluctuation pattern 2 or the no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 with a fluctuation time set to 5 seconds.

Furthermore, the latter half fluctuation pattern selection table D shown in FIG. 11(D) is selected when a miss occurs and the first half fluctuation pattern 3 is determined, and each of the 100 latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 is associated with the reach fluctuation pattern 1 with a fluctuation time set to 20 seconds or the no-reach fluctuation pattern 2 with a fluctuation time set to 30 seconds.

Furthermore, the latter half fluctuation pattern selection table E shown in FIG. 11(E) is selected when a miss occurs and the first half fluctuation pattern 4 or first half fluctuation pattern 5 is determined, and each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 is associated with the reach fluctuation pattern 1, the reach fluctuation pattern 2, or the reach fluctuation pattern 3 with a fluctuation time set to 40 seconds.

Furthermore, the latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table F shown in FIG. 11(F) is selected when a miss occurs and the first half fluctuation pattern 6 or first half fluctuation pattern 7 is determined, and each of the 100 latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 is associated with the reach fluctuation pattern 3, the reach fluctuation pattern 4 with a fluctuation time set to 50 seconds, or the reach fluctuation pattern 5 with a fluctuation time set to 60 seconds.

The winning second half fluctuation pattern selection table A shown in FIG. 12(A) is selected when a jackpot is won and first half fluctuation pattern 3 is determined, and reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5 are associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

The winning second half fluctuation pattern lottery table B shown in FIG. 12(B) is selected when a jackpot is won and first half fluctuation pattern 4 is determined, and reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5 are associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

The winning time latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table C shown in FIG. 12(C) is selected when a jackpot is won and first half fluctuation pattern 5 is determined, and reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5 are associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

The winning second half fluctuation pattern selection table D shown in FIG. 12(D) is selected when a jackpot is won and first half fluctuation pattern 6 is determined, and reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5 are associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

The winning second half fluctuation pattern selection table E shown in FIG. 12(E) is selected when a jackpot is won and first half fluctuation pattern 7 is determined, and reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5 are associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

The winning second half fluctuation pattern selection table F shown in FIG. 12(F) is selected when a big win or small win is won and no first half fluctuation pattern is determined, and the no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 is associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99.

Then, the special selection means 230 refers to the selected latter half fluctuation pattern selection table and determines whether the one read out later half fluctuation pattern determination random number value corresponds to one of the multiple types of no-reach fluctuation patterns or the multiple types of reach fluctuation patterns, thereby selecting one later half fluctuation pattern from the multiple types of no-reach fluctuation patterns and the multiple types of reach fluctuation patterns.

Therefore, in the latter half fluctuation pattern determination process, if there is a miss, one of the non-reach fluctuation patterns 1 to 3 and the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 shown in FIG. 11 is determined, if there is a big win, one of the reach fluctuation patterns 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 12 (A) to FIG. 12 (E) is determined, and if there is a small win, the non-reach fluctuation pattern 1 shown in FIG. 12 (F) is determined.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 to 12, a fluctuation time is set for each of the multiple types of first half fluctuation patterns and the multiple types of second half fluctuation patterns. In detail, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, a relatively short fluctuation time of 0 to 5 seconds is set for first half fluctuation pattern no to first half fluctuation pattern 2 that can be determined by the first half fluctuation pattern determination process in the event of a miss, and a relatively long fluctuation time of 10 to 30 seconds is set for first half fluctuation pattern 3 to first half fluctuation pattern 7 that can be determined by the first half fluctuation pattern determination process in both the event of a miss and the event of a jackpot.

As shown in FIG. 11, the non-reach fluctuation pattern 1 to non-reach fluctuation pattern 3 that can be determined by the latter-stage fluctuation pattern determination process in the event of a miss are set to relatively short fluctuation times of 1 to 5 seconds, while the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5 that can be determined by the latter-stage fluctuation pattern determination process in both the event of a miss and the event of a jackpot are set to relatively long fluctuation times of 20 to 60 seconds.

Therefore, even if the player misses, if the first half fluctuation pattern 3 to first half fluctuation pattern 7, which have relatively long fluctuation times, are determined in the first half fluctuation pattern determination process, and if the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5, which have relatively long fluctuation times, are determined in the second half fluctuation pattern determination process, the player can have a sense of anticipation of winning the jackpot.

In this embodiment, when the first special random number value is a miss, the game state is normal, and the number of reserved first special random numbers is 0 to 1, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group selection table A shown in FIG. 8 (A), making it easier to determine group 2 or group 3, and the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern selection table B when a miss is displayed in FIG. 9 (B) or the first half fluctuation pattern selection table C when a miss is displayed in FIG. 9 (C), making it easier to determine the first half fluctuation pattern 1 in which the fluctuation time is set to 3 seconds or the first half fluctuation pattern 2 in which the fluctuation time is set to 5 seconds, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern selection table B when a miss is displayed in FIG. 11 (B) or the second half fluctuation pattern selection table C when a miss is displayed in FIG. 11 (C), making it easier to determine the no-reach fluctuation pattern 2 in which the fluctuation time is set to 2 seconds or the no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 in which the fluctuation time is set to 5 seconds.

When the first special random number value is a miss, the game state is normal, and the number of reserved first special random numbers is 2 to 3, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group selection table B shown in FIG. 8 (B), and group 1 or group 2 is likely to be determined. In the first half fluctuation pattern determination process, the first half fluctuation pattern selection table A when a miss is shown in FIG. 9 (A) or the first half fluctuation pattern selection table B when a miss is shown in FIG. 9 (B) is referenced, and no first half fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time set to 0 seconds or first half fluctuation pattern 1 with a fluctuation time set to 3 seconds is likely to be determined. In the second half fluctuation pattern determination process, the second half fluctuation pattern selection table A when a miss is shown in FIG. 11 (A) or the second half fluctuation pattern selection table B when a miss is shown in FIG. 11 (B) is referenced, and no reach fluctuation pattern 1 with a fluctuation time set to 1 second or no reach fluctuation pattern 2 with a fluctuation time set to 2 seconds is likely to be determined.

In addition, when the first special random number value is a miss, the game state is normal, and the number of reserved first special random numbers is four, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group lottery table C shown in FIG. 8 (C), making it easier to determine group 1, and the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table A when a miss is displayed as shown in FIG. 9 (A), making it easier to determine no first half fluctuation pattern with the fluctuation time set to 0 seconds, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern lottery table A when a miss is displayed as shown in FIG. 11 (A), making it easier to determine no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 with the fluctuation time set to 1 second.

In addition, when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is a miss and the game state is the first time-saving state, the special state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state, regardless of the number of reserved first special random number values, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group selection table D shown in FIG. 8 (D), making it easier to determine group 0, and the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern selection table G when a miss is displayed as shown in FIG. 9 (G), making it easier to determine no first half fluctuation pattern with the fluctuation time set to 0 seconds, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern selection table A when a miss is displayed as shown in FIG. 11 (A), making it easier to determine no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 with the fluctuation time set to 1 second.

In addition, when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is a miss and the game state is the second time-saving state, regardless of the number of reserved first special random number values, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group selection table E shown in FIG. 8 (E) and always determines group 0, and the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern selection table G when a miss is displayed as shown in FIG. 9 (G) and determines no first half fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 0 seconds, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern selection table A when a miss is displayed as shown in FIG. 11 (A) and determines no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 in which the fluctuation time is set to 1 second.

In addition, when the second special random number value is a miss and the game state is normal, regardless of the number of reserved second special random number values, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group selection table F shown in FIG. 8 (F), making it easier to determine group 6, and the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern selection table F when a miss shown in FIG. 9 (F), making it easier to determine first half fluctuation pattern 8, in which the fluctuation time is set to 590 seconds, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern selection table A when a miss shown in FIG. 11 (A), making it easier to determine no-reach fluctuation pattern 1, in which the fluctuation time is set to 1 second.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the first special random number value is a miss, in the normal state, the more reserved the first special random number value is, the shorter the fluctuation time of the first special symbol is likely to be set, so that the frequency with which the opportunity to execute the special lottery occurs can be increased.

In addition, with regard to the first special random number value and the second special random number value, if they are misses, in the first time-saving state, special state, first highly variable state, or second highly variable state, an extremely short fluctuation time is often set as the fluctuation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, regardless of the number of reserved first special random number values or second special random number values, and in the second time-saving state, an extremely short fluctuation time is always set as the fluctuation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, regardless of the number of reserved first special random number values or second special random number values, so that the frequency with which the opportunity to execute the special lottery occurs can be made extremely high.

On the other hand, when the second special random number value is a miss, an extremely long time is often set as the time for the second special symbol to change, regardless of the number of reserved second special random numbers under normal circumstances, making it possible to extremely reduce the frequency with which the special lottery is triggered.

In addition, in the case of a small win, regardless of whether the number is the first special random number or the second special random number, and regardless of the number of reserved first special random number or second special random number, the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern selection table for small wins shown in Figure 10 (C) and determines no first half fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 0 seconds, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern selection table for wins shown in Figure 12 (F) and determines no reach fluctuation pattern 1 in which the fluctuation time is set to 1 second.

In this embodiment, when a small win occurs, an extremely short change time is set as the change time for the first special pattern or the second special pattern regardless of the number of reserved symbols, so the frequency with which the opportunity to execute the special lottery occurs can be made extremely high.

As described above, when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is not being displayed in a variable manner, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special lottery means 230 reads the first special random number value or the second special random number value from the special random number storage means 2914 and performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, a variable group determination process, a first half variable pattern determination process, and a second half variable pattern determination process as a special lottery, but also performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, a variable group determination process, a first half variable pattern determination process, and a second half variable pattern determination process as a pre-determination process when storing the first special random number value or the second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 (pre-determination means).

In detail, when the special lottery means 230 (preliminary judgment means) acquires a random number value for special lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning hole sensor 106, the second start winning hole sensor 108 or the third start winning hole sensor 110, before storing the value as the first special random number value in any of the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4, or before storing the value as the second special random number value in any of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 4, the special lottery means 230 performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, a fluctuation group determination process, a first half fluctuation pattern determination process and a second half fluctuation pattern determination process as preliminary judgment processes for the first special random number value or the second special random number value according to the game status and the number of reserved balls at that time.

Then, the special lottery means 230 stores the pre-determination results, including the results of the jackpot determination process, the pattern determination process, the variable group determination process, the first half variable pattern determination process, and the second half variable pattern determination process, in one of the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4, or in one of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 4, in correspondence with the first special random number value or the second special random number value that was the subject of the pre-determination process.

The special display control means 240 is a means for controlling the status display drive device 120 based on the results of the special lottery, and performs a first special pattern display control process, a second special pattern display control process, a first special hold display control process, and a second special hold display control process.

The first special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when the first special random number value is read out from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to fluctuate by flashing the seven-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 86 until the sum of the fluctuating time according to the first half fluctuating pattern determined in the first half fluctuating pattern determination process and the fluctuating time according to the second half fluctuating pattern determined in the second half fluctuating pattern determination process has elapsed, and then causes the first special pattern to be displayed stationary by lighting the seven-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 86 in a predetermined manner.

In this embodiment, the display modes of the 7-segment display are predefined to correspond to each of the five types of jackpot symbols, two types of small jackpot symbols, and miss symbols, and the special display control means 240 stops and displays the first special symbol by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 86 in a manner according to whether a jackpot or small jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a manner according to the jackpot symbol determined in the symbol determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and causes the first special symbol display unit 86 to display the result of the special lottery.

The second special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when a second special random number value is read out from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed, and the special display control means 240 causes the second special pattern to fluctuate by flashing the seven-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 90 until the sum of the fluctuating time according to the first half fluctuating pattern determined in the first half fluctuating pattern determination process and the fluctuating time according to the second half fluctuating pattern determined in the second half fluctuating pattern determination process has elapsed, and then causes the second special pattern to be displayed stationary by lighting the seven-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 90 in a predetermined manner.

The special display control means 240 then stops and displays the second special pattern by lighting up the seven-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 90 in a manner according to whether a big win or a small win has been won in the big win determination process, and in a manner according to the big win pattern or small win pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a big win or small win has been won in the big win determination process, and causes the second special pattern display unit 90 to display the result of the special lottery.

In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays a first special hold number between 0 and 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 88 according to the number of the first special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

In the second special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays a second special hold number between 0 and 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the second special hold display unit 92 depending on the number of second special random numbers stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

The game state transition control means 250 (state control means) performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state between the normal state, the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the special state, the first highly variable state, and the second highly variable state, passing through the special game state, based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, as shown in FIG. 13.

The normal state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple game states, and if a jackpot is won in the normal state, the game state is transitioned to the special game state. In the normal state, the game state transition control means 250 sets the special drawing state to a special drawing low probability state, and sets the normal drawing state to a normal drawing low probability state (special drawing low, normal drawing low).

In more detail, in the normal state, as described above, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal lottery is set low at approximately 13/20, the normal symbol variation time is set to 5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal device 52 is set to 1 second, making it more difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 50 than in the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first special probability state, and the second special probability state.

As for the special lottery, the probability of winning the jackpot is set low at approximately 1/150, and the time it takes for the first special symbol to change varies depending on the number of reserved symbols, while the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is often extremely long at 591 seconds. Therefore, under normal circumstances, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball from the left so that it enters the first start winning hole 46.

In the normal state, the value stored in the probability bonus count counter 2928, which counts the probability bonus count, which is the number of special lotteries held in the special lottery high probability state (first number), is set to 0, and the value stored in the auxiliary count counter 2930, which counts the auxiliary count, which is the number of special lotteries held in the normal lottery high probability state (second number), is set to 0.

The special game state is initiated when a jackpot is won in the normal state, the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the special state, the first special probability state, or the second special probability state, and ends when a jackpot game is played, including a predetermined number of rounds (number of times played) depending on the type of jackpot symbol.

In detail, the special game state starts when the 5-round regular pattern is won, and the special game state ends when 5 rounds of round play from the 1st round to the 5th round have been played.

In addition, a special game state is initiated based on whether the 10-round normal symbol or any of the 10-round special symbol A to 10-round special symbol C is selected, and the special game state ends when 10 rounds of round play from the 1st round to the 10th round have been played.

The first time-saving state is initiated when the special game state, which is initiated based on winning either the 5-round regular pattern or the 10-round regular pattern, ends, and transitions to the special game state when a jackpot is won in the first time-saving state. In the first time-saving state, the game state transition control means 250 sets the special pattern selection state to a special pattern low probability state, and sets the regular pattern selection state to a regular pattern high probability state.

In detail, in the first time-saving state, as described above, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal lottery is set high at approximately 19/20, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal device 52 is set to 2 seconds, so that most of the game balls falling in the right-side game area 4 can enter the second start winning hole 50.

As for the special lottery, the probability of winning the jackpot is set low at approximately 1/150, but since the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is often extremely short, the first time-saving state is a game state in which it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that it enters the second start winning hole 50.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the number of chance turns and the number of auxiliary turns that are set after the special game state ends are predetermined according to the type of jackpot symbol and the game state when the jackpot is won. For 5-round regular symbols and 10-round regular symbols, the number of chance turns is set to 0 and the number of auxiliary turns is set to 40, regardless of the game state when the jackpot is won.

Therefore, when the special game state that is started based on winning either the 5-round normal pattern or the 10-round normal pattern ends regardless of the game state, the game state transitions to the first time-saving state, the value stored in the special number counter 2928 is set to 0, and the value stored in the auxiliary number counter 2930 is set to 40.

Each time a special lottery is held in the first time-saving state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value equivalent to one special lottery (for example, 1) from the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930. When the number of times that a special lottery has been held in the first time-saving state without a jackpot being won reaches 40, the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 becomes 0, and the normal lottery state is set to a normal low probability state, thereby ending the first time-saving state and starting the normal state.

The special state is initiated when the special game state initiated based on winning either the 10-round probability variable symbol B or the 10-round probability variable symbol C in the first or second time-saving state ends, and transition to the special game state occurs when a jackpot is won in the special state. Also, it is resumed when the special game state initiated based on winning the 10-round probability variable symbol C in the special state ends. In the special state, the game state transition control means 250 sets the special symbol selection state to a special symbol high probability state, and sets the normal symbol selection state to a normal symbol low probability state.

In detail, in the special state, as described above, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal lottery is set low at approximately 13/20, the normal symbol variation time is set to 5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal device 52 is set to 1 second, so that most of the game balls that fall in the right-side game area 4 cannot enter the second start winning hole 50, but game balls that cannot enter the second start winning hole 50 can enter the third start winning hole 70.

As for the special lottery, the probability of winning the jackpot is set high at approximately 1/50, and the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is often extremely short, so the special state is one in which it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that it enters the third start winning hole 70.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, for the 10-round probability variation pattern B and the 10-round probability variation pattern C, if the game state when the jackpot is won is the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, the probability variation count is set to 70 times and the auxiliary count is set to 0 times. Also, for the 10-round probability variation pattern C, if the game state when the jackpot is won is a special state, the probability variation count is set to 70 times and the auxiliary count is set to 0 times.

Therefore, when the special game state that is started based on winning either the 10-round probability change symbol B or the 10-round probability change symbol C in the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state ends, or when the special game state that is started based on winning the 10-round probability change symbol C in the special state ends, the game state transitions to the special state, the memory value of the probability change count counter 2928 is set to 70, and the memory value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is set to 0.

Each time a special lottery is performed in the special state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value equivalent to one special lottery (for example, 1) from the stored value of the probability change counter 2928. When the number of times that a special lottery has been performed in the special state without a jackpot being won reaches 70, the stored value of the probability change counter 2928 becomes 0, and the special lottery state is set to a special low probability state, ending the special state and starting the normal state.

The first probability variable state is initiated when the special game state that was initiated based on winning the 10-round probability variable pattern B in the special state ends, and transition to the special game state occurs when a jackpot is won in the first probability variable state. In the first probability variable state, the game state transition control means 250 sets the special symbol selection state to a special symbol high probability state, and sets the normal symbol selection state to a normal symbol high probability state.

In more detail, in the first probability variation state, as described above, the probability of winning a normal winning in the normal lottery is set high at approximately 19/20, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal role device 52 is set to 2 seconds, so that most of the game balls falling in the right-side game area 4 can enter the second start winning hole 50.

As for the special lottery, the probability of winning the jackpot is set high at about 1/50, and the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is often extremely short, so the first special state is a game state in which it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that it enters the second start winning hole 50.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, for the 10-round probability variation pattern B, if the game state when the jackpot is won is a special state, the probability variation count is set to 70 times and the auxiliary count is set to 20 times.

Therefore, when the special game state that was started based on winning the 10-round probability variation pattern B in the special state ends, the game state transitions to the first probability variation state, the value stored in the probability variation count counter 2928 is set to 70, and the value stored in the auxiliary count counter 2930 is set to 20.

Each time a special lottery is performed in the first probability variable state, a decrement update is performed to subtract a value equivalent to one special lottery (for example, 1) from the stored value of the probability variable count counter 2928 and the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930. When the number of times that special lotteries have been performed without a jackpot being won in the first probability variable state reaches 20, the stored value of the probability variable count counter 2928 is 50, but the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 becomes 0, so the special lottery state is maintained in the special lottery high probability state, but the normal lottery state is set to the normal lottery low probability state, and the first probability variable state ends and the special state begins.

Therefore, when the first probability variable state transitions to the special state by the stored value of the auxiliary number of times counter 2930 reaching a threshold value, the special state starts with the stored value of the probability variable number of times counter 2928 at 50, so when the number of times the special lottery has been held in the special state reaches 50, the stored value of the probability variable number of times counter 2928 becomes 0, and the special drawing state is set to the special drawing low probability state, ending the special state and starting the normal state.

The second probability variable state is started when a special game state started based on winning the 10-round probability variable pattern A in either the normal state, the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, or the special state ends, or when a special game state started based on winning any of the 10-round probability variable pattern A, 10-round probability variable pattern B, or 10-round probability variable pattern C in the first probability variable state ends, and the special game state is entered when a jackpot is won in the second probability variable state. The second probability variable state is resumed when a special game state started based on winning any of the 10-round probability variable pattern A, 10-round probability variable pattern B, or 10-round probability variable pattern C in the second probability variable state ends. In the second probability variable state, the game state transition control means 250 sets the special pattern selection state to the special pattern high probability state, and sets the normal pattern selection state to the normal pattern high probability state.

In more detail, in the second probability state, as described above, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal lottery is set high at approximately 19/20, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal device 52 is set to 2 seconds, so that most of the game balls falling in the right-side game area 4 can enter the second start winning hole 50.

As for the special lottery, the probability of winning the jackpot is set high at about 1/50, and the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is often extremely short, so the second special state is a game state in which it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that it enters the second start winning hole 50.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, for the 10-round probability variation pattern A, the number of probability variations is set to 70 and the auxiliary number is set to 10,000, regardless of the game state when the jackpot is won. Also, for the 10-round probability variation pattern B and the 10-round probability variation pattern C, if the game state when the jackpot is won is the first probability variation state or the second probability variation state, the number of probability variations is set to 70 and the auxiliary number is set to 10,000.

Therefore, when the special game state that is started based on winning the 10-round probability change symbol A ends regardless of the game state, or when the special game state that is started based on winning the 10-round probability change symbol B or 10-round probability change symbol C in the first probability change state or the second probability change state ends, the game state transitions to the second probability change state, the memory value of the probability change count counter 2928 is set to 70, and the memory value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is set to 10,000.

Each time a special drawing is performed in the second probability variable state, a decrement update is performed to subtract a value equivalent to one special drawing (for example, 1) from the stored value of the probability variable count counter 2928 and the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930. When the number of times that special drawings have been performed without a jackpot being won in the second probability variable state reaches 70, the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is 9930, but the stored value of the probability variable count counter 2928 becomes 0, so that the normal drawing state is maintained in the normal high probability state, but the special drawing state is set to the special low probability state, and the second probability variable state ends and the second time-saving state begins.

The second time-saving state is started when the second probability variable state ends as a result of the stored value of the probability variable count counter 2928 becoming 0 in the second probability variable state, and when a jackpot is won in the second time-saving state, a transition to a special game state is made. In the second time-saving state, the game state transition control means 250 sets the special chart lottery state to a special chart low probability state, and sets the normal chart lottery state to a normal chart high probability state.

In more detail, in the second time-saving state, as described above, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal lottery is set high at approximately 19/20, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal device 52 is set to 2 seconds, so that most of the game balls falling in the right-side game area 4 can enter the second start winning hole 50.

As for the special lottery, the probability of winning the jackpot is set low at approximately 1/150, but since the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is often extremely short, the second time-saving state is a game state in which it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that it enters the second start winning hole 50.

The second time-saving state is initiated when the value stored in the special chance count counter 2928 becomes 0 in the second special chance state, and therefore begins in a state in which the value stored in the special chance count counter 2928 is 0 and the value stored in the auxiliary count counter 2930 is 9930.

Each time a special lottery is held in the second time-saving state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value equivalent to one special lottery (for example, 1) from the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930. When the number of times that special lotteries have been held in the second time-saving state without a jackpot being won reaches 9,930, the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 becomes 0, and the normal lottery state is set to a normal low probability state, ending the second time-saving state and starting the normal state.

However, in the second time-saving state, although the probability of winning the jackpot in the special lottery is set to approximately 1/150, in most cases the jackpot is won and the special game state begins before the number of special lotteries held in the second time-saving state reaches 9,930, and there is almost no transition from the second time-saving state to the normal state. In other words, the second time-saving state is designed to continue until a jackpot is won.

The jackpot game execution means 260 executes one of the jackpot games A to C based on the jackpot being won in the special lottery.

The jackpot game A is executed based on the fact that the 5-round normal symbol has been selected in a special lottery, and the jackpot game execution means 260 sets a value (e.g., 5) equivalent to the predetermined number of rounds for the 5-round normal symbol as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933 in the main memory 290, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 5), the jackpot game A ends.

In detail, in the jackpot game A, in each of the first to fifth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 in the main memory 290 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 opens, or when the value of the jackpot number counter 2936, which is incremented by a value equivalent to one game ball (e.g., 1) when the specific area sensor 112 or the normal area sensor 114 detects the entry of one game ball, reaches an upper limit value (e.g., 10), the special feature drive device 124 is controlled so that the special feature 56 closes. Then, the end condition for one round is considered to be met, and "1" is incremented to the value of the round counter 2933.

The jackpot game B is executed based on the fact that the 10-round normal symbol has been selected in the special lottery, and the jackpot game execution means 260 sets a value (e.g., 10) equivalent to the predetermined number of rounds for the 10-round normal symbol as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933 in the main memory 290, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special device 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 10), the jackpot game B ends.

In more detail, in the big win game B, in each round play from the first round to the tenth round, when the opening timer 2934 in the main memory 290 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 opens, or when the value of the big win counter 2936 reaches an upper limit (e.g., 10), the special feature drive device 124 is controlled so that the special feature 56 closes. Then, the end condition for one round is met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

The jackpot game C is executed based on the fact that one of the 10 round probability variable symbols A to C is selected in the special lottery. The jackpot game execution means 260 sets a value (e.g., 10) equivalent to the predetermined number of rounds for the 10 round probability variable symbols A to C as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933 in the main memory 290, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each of the first to ninth rounds, and when the special role 56 and the specific role 68 complete their operation in a predetermined manner in the tenth round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 10), the jackpot game C ends.

In detail, in the big win game C, in the round play of each of the first to ninth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 of the main memory 290 counts 29 seconds after the special role 56 is opened or when the value of the big win counter 2936 reaches an upper limit (e.g., 10), the special role drive device 124 is driven and controlled so that the special role 56 is closed. In addition, in the round play of the tenth round, when the opening timer 2934 of the main memory 290 counts 29 seconds after the special role 56 and the specific role 68 are opened or when the value of the big win counter 2936 reaches an upper limit (e.g., 10), the special role drive device 124 and the specific role drive device 128 are driven and controlled so that the special role 56 and the specific role 68 are closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition of one round is met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

In this embodiment, in the jackpot game C, if it is detected that even one game ball has entered the specific area 64 during the 10th round of round play, the game state will transition to the special state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state after the special game state ends, but if it is not detected that a game ball has entered the specific area 64 during the 10th round of round play, the game state will transition to the normal state after the special game state ends.

However, in the jackpot game C, the special feature 56 and the specific feature 68 are kept open for 29 seconds during the 10th round, so if the game balls are continuously shot so that they enter the big prize opening 54, it is almost certain that the game balls will enter the specific area 64.

The small win game execution means 262 executes small win game A or small win game B based on the fact that a small win has been won in the special lottery.

The small win game A is executed based on the small win pattern A being selected in a special lottery, and the small win game execution means 262 sets a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the small win pattern A, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and when the special role 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in one round, an incremental update is performed to add a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 1), the small win game A ends.

In detail, in the small prize game A, when the opening timer 2934 counts 0.1 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened during one round of play, or when the value of the big prize counter 2936 reaches an upper limit (e.g., 10), the special feature drive device 124 is controlled to close the special feature 56. Then, the end condition for one round is considered to be met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

Small win game B is executed based on the fact that small win pattern B has been selected in a special lottery, and the small win game execution means 262 sets a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round, which is a predetermined number of rounds for small win pattern B, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and when the special role 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in one round, an incremental update is performed to add a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 1), the small win game B ends.

In detail, in the small prize game B, when the opening timer 2934 counts 0.2 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened during one round of play, or when the value of the big prize counter 2936 reaches an upper limit (e.g., 10), the special feature drive device 124 is controlled so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, the end condition for one round is met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

The payout control means 270 controls the payout device 130 to pay out a number of game balls equivalent to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106, a detection signal from the second start winning port sensor 108, a detection signal from the third start winning port sensor 110, a detection signal from the specific area sensor 112, and a detection signal from the normal area sensor 114. In detail, the payout control means 270 transmits a command to the payout device 130 to pay out four game balls each time the first start winning port sensor 106 detects the entry of one game ball, transmits a command to the payout device 130 to pay out one game ball each time the second start winning port sensor 108 or the third start winning port sensor 110 detects the entry of one game ball, and transmits a command to the payout device 130 to pay out 15 game balls each time the specific area sensor 112 or the normal area sensor 114 detects the entry of one game ball.

The payout device 130 performs the operation of paying out the number of game balls (payout information) instructed by the payout control means 270. In this payout device 130, a payout motor is provided in a game ball tank that stores game balls, and the payout control means 270 controls the rotation angle of the payout motor to pay out the instructed number of game balls from the game ball tank. The payout device 130 is also provided with a payout sensor 116 that is activated each time a game ball is paid out, and the payout control means 270 can manage the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 130 based on the payout signal from the payout sensor 116.

The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated according to the results of various calculations in the main board 100 to the sub-board 102. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, only one-way communication from the main board 100 to the sub-board 102 is possible between the main board 100 and the sub-board 102, and the communication connection is such that information cannot be transmitted from the sub-board 102 to the main board 100.

Next, we will explain the sub-substrate 102. The sub-substrate 102 is configured to include a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 310.

Based on various commands sent from the main board 100, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the performance data storage means 3110 of the sub-memory 310, the performance control means 300 controls the performance display device 170 to light or blink the front frame lamp 12 and the display frame lamp 38, display a performance image on the LCD display 32, control the sound device 172 to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and drive the performance object drive device 174 to operate the performance object, thereby controlling the performance device 176 to execute performances to liven up or assist the game.

In particular, the performance data storage means 3110 stores a large number of performance image data for displaying images on the LCD display 32, and the performance control means 300 draws images in the frame buffer of the sub-memory 310 for each frame (1/30th of a second) based on this performance image data, and displays the drawn images on the LCD display 32, thereby playing and displaying a moving image on the LCD display 32.

The performance control means 300 performs processes such as status performance processing, special lottery performance processing, and hold display performance processing to cause the performance device 176 to execute performances.

In the state presentation process, the presentation control means 300 executes presentations that suggest to the player the current game state by moving the character image on the liquid crystal display 32, changing the background image, and changing the presentation sound output from the speaker 14 according to the current game state, based on commands corresponding to the game state and counter value on the main board 100.

In the special lottery performance process, when the main board 100 performs a preliminary determination process, the performance control means 300 performs a performance lottery to provisionally determine the performance content of the special lottery performance based on a command corresponding to the preliminary determination result, and when the main board 100 performs a special lottery, the performance control means 300 performs a performance lottery to finally determine the performance content of the special lottery performance based on a command corresponding to the result of the special lottery. Then, the performance control means 300 causes the performance device 176 to execute the special lottery performance so as to match the varying and stationary display of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 86, or so as to match the varying and stationary display of the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 90.

Specifically, in the special lottery performance process, the performance control means 300 displays a background image (not shown) on the liquid crystal display 32 as shown in FIG. 15(A), and displays a left performance pattern 350, a middle performance pattern 352, and a right performance pattern 354 in front of the background image. Then, each time a first special random number value is read out from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed, the performance control means 300 displays the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 in a variable manner as shown in FIG. 15(B) with the start of variable display of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 86, or each time a second special random number value is read out from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed, with the start of variable display of the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 90, and then displays the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 in a variable manner as shown in FIG. In the jackpot determination process in the jackpot determination process, the left performance pattern 350, the center performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a stopped state in a manner according to whether or not a jackpot has been won, and in a manner according to the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won, and the background image on the liquid crystal display 32 is changed in a manner according to each of the multiple types of performance patterns, and a performance video in which a character image moves is played and displayed, thereby executing a special lottery performance on the liquid crystal display 32 according to the type of performance pattern. Note that the downward arrows in the figure indicate that the left performance pattern 350, the center performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are each being displayed in a rapidly changing state.

In more detail, in the special lottery performance processing, the performance control means 300 obtains multiple types of random number values, such as a random number value for determining the first half performance pattern and a random number value for determining the second half performance pattern, as random number values for the performance lottery based on the input of a command corresponding to the preliminary determination result or a command corresponding to the result of the special lottery from the main board 100, and performs a first half performance pattern determination process and a second half performance pattern determination process as the performance lottery.

The first half performance pattern determination process is a process for determining which of multiple types of first half performance patterns should be used as the first half performance pattern corresponding to the first half of the special lottery performance, based on one acquired first half performance pattern determination random number value. In the first half performance pattern determination process, the performance control means 300 selects which of the multiple types of first half performance pattern lottery tables stored in the performance lottery table storage means 3112 of the sub-memory 310 to refer to for random number determination processing, according to the first half variation pattern determined in the first half variation pattern determination process.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, eight types of first half performance pattern selection tables, first half performance pattern selection table A to first half performance pattern selection table H, are stored in the performance selection table storage means 3112 in response to the results of the first half fluctuation pattern determination process in the main board 100 being first half fluctuation pattern 1 to first half fluctuation pattern 8 (not shown). In each first half performance pattern selection table, one of a plurality of types of first half performance patterns is associated with each of the 100 first half performance pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99. The performance control means 300 selects the first half performance pattern selection table A when the result of the first half fluctuation pattern determination process is first half fluctuation pattern 1, and selects the first half performance pattern selection table B when the result of the first half fluctuation pattern determination process is first half fluctuation pattern 2, and so on, selecting the first half performance pattern selection table corresponding to the first half fluctuation pattern determined in the first half fluctuation pattern determination process.

Then, the performance control means 300 refers to the selected first half performance pattern lottery table and determines which of the multiple types of first half performance patterns the single first half performance pattern determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining one first half performance pattern from the multiple types of first half performance patterns.

The second half performance pattern determination process is a process for determining which of multiple types of second half performance patterns the second half performance pattern corresponding to the second half part of the special lottery performance should be based on one acquired second half performance pattern determination random number value. In the second half performance pattern determination process, the performance control means 300 selects which of the multiple types of second half performance pattern lottery tables stored in the performance lottery table storage means 3112 to refer to for random number determination processing, according to the second half variation pattern determined in the second half variation pattern determination process.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, eight types of second half performance pattern selection tables, namely, second half performance pattern selection table A to second half performance pattern selection table H, are stored in the performance selection table storage means 3112 in response to the cases where the result of the second half variation pattern determination process in the main board 100 is each of the no-reach variation pattern 1 to no-reach variation pattern 3 and the reach variation pattern 1 to the reach variation pattern 5 (not shown). In each second half performance pattern selection table, one of multiple types of no-reach performance patterns (non-winning mode) and multiple types of reach performance patterns (common mode) is associated with each of the 100 second half performance pattern determination random number values from 0 to 99 as multiple types of second half performance patterns. In addition, the performance control means 300 selects the second half performance pattern selection table A when the result of the second half variation pattern determination process is the no-reach variation pattern 1, and selects the second half performance pattern selection table D when the result of the second half variation pattern determination process is the reach variation pattern 1, and so on, selecting the second half performance pattern selection table corresponding to the second half variation pattern determined in the second half variation pattern determination process.

Then, the performance control means 300 refers to the selected second half performance pattern lottery table and determines whether one second half performance pattern determination random number value corresponds to one of the multiple types of no-reach performance patterns or multiple types of reach performance patterns, thereby determining one no-reach performance pattern or one reach performance pattern from the multiple types of no-reach performance patterns and multiple types of reach performance patterns.

Here, a performance time is set for each of the multiple types of first half performance patterns, and the performance times of the first half performance patterns that can be determined by first half performance pattern selection table A are all set to 3 seconds, the same as the fluctuation time of first half fluctuation pattern 1, and the performance times of the first half performance patterns that can be determined by first half performance pattern selection table B are all set to 5 seconds, the same as the fluctuation time of first half fluctuation pattern 2, and so on, the performance times of the first half performance patterns that can be determined by each first half performance pattern selection table are set to be the same as the fluctuation time of the first half fluctuation pattern corresponding to each first half performance pattern selection table.

In addition, a presentation time is set for each of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns and the multiple types of reach presentation patterns, and the presentation time of each of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns that can be determined by the second half presentation pattern selection table A is set to 1 second, which is the same as the fluctuation time of no-reach fluctuation pattern 1, and the presentation time of each of the multiple types of reach presentation patterns that can be determined by the second half presentation pattern selection table E is set to 20 seconds, which is the same as the fluctuation time of reach fluctuation pattern 1, and so on.The presentation time of each of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns or multiple types of reach presentation patterns that can be determined by each second half presentation pattern selection table is set to the same as the fluctuation time of the no-reach fluctuation pattern or reach fluctuation pattern corresponding to each second half presentation pattern selection table.

In the special lottery performance process, the performance control means 300 starts the execution of the special lottery performance in synchronization with the start of the variable display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 86 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 90, and executes the special lottery performance for a performance time that is the sum of the performance time according to the first half performance pattern determined in the first half performance pattern determination process and the performance time according to the second half performance pattern determined in the second half performance pattern determination process. This synchronizes the variable time of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 86 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 90 with the performance time of the special lottery performance.

For example, if the jackpot determination process is a miss and a non-reach presentation pattern is determined in the latter half presentation pattern determination process, the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 86 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display section 90 starts to change, and as shown in FIG. 15(B), the left presentation pattern 350, the middle presentation pattern 352, and the right presentation pattern 354 start to change, as shown in FIG. 15(C), and first, as shown in FIG. 15(C), the left presentation pattern 350 is displayed temporarily stopped in one of two ways (a way showing "5" in FIG. 15(C)) so as to sway slightly without being completely stopped, and then, as shown in FIG. 15(D), the right presentation pattern 354 is displayed temporarily stopped in a way different from the left presentation pattern 350 (non-reach mode).

Then, before the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 86 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display section 90 is displayed stopped, the middle performance pattern 352 is displayed temporarily stopped in a manner (missing manner) different from the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354, as shown in FIG. 15(E), and at approximately the same timing as the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 86 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display section 90 is displayed stopped, the middle performance pattern 352 is displayed definitively stopped in a manner (missing manner) different from the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354, as shown in FIG. 15(F).

For example, if a jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, or if a jackpot is lost in the jackpot determination process and a reach presentation pattern is determined in the latter half presentation pattern determination process, then as the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 86 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 90 begins to change, the left presentation pattern 350, middle presentation pattern 352 and right presentation pattern 354 begin to change, as shown in Figure 16 (A), and as shown in Figure 16 (B), first the left presentation pattern 350 is temporarily stopped and displayed, and then, as shown in Figure 16 (C), the right presentation pattern 354 is temporarily stopped and displayed in the same manner (reach manner) as the left presentation pattern 350, while the middle presentation pattern 352 remains changed and displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 16(D), playback display of the effect video corresponding to the determined reach effect pattern begins, and playback display of the effect video ends within the change time of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 86 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display section 90.

In detail, in the example of FIG. 16(D), a performance video in which main character A fights enemy character B is played and displayed in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, and when this performance video is played and displayed, instead of the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352, and right performance pattern 354 displayed in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, a reduced left performance pattern 360 corresponding to the left performance pattern 350, a reduced middle performance pattern 362 corresponding to the middle performance pattern 352, and a reduced right performance pattern 364 corresponding to the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in the upper right corner of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32. That is, as shown in FIG. 16(D), the reduced left performance pattern 360 and the reduced right performance pattern 364 are displayed temporarily stopped in the same manner (reach manner) while the reduced middle performance pattern 362 is displayed in a variable manner.

If a jackpot has been won, as shown in FIG. 16(E), a presentation video in which main character A defeats enemy character B is played back in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, and the shrinking middle presentation pattern 362 is provisionally stopped in the same manner (jackpot manner) as the shrinking left presentation pattern 360 and the shrinking right presentation pattern 364 in the upper right corner of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, thereby provisionally informing the player that a jackpot has been won.

Then, the animation in which main character A defeats enemy character B ends, and as shown in FIG. 16(F), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352, and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a provisionally stopped state in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, and then, as shown in FIG. 16(G), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352, and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a definite stopped state in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, and a sound effect is output from the speaker 14 to inform the player that he or she has won the jackpot, thereby definitively informing the player that he or she has won the jackpot.

On the other hand, if the jackpot is not won, as shown in FIG. 16(H), a presentation video in which main character A is defeated by enemy character B is played in the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, and the shrinking middle presentation pattern 362 is provisionally stopped and displayed in a different manner (reach miss mode) from the shrinking left presentation pattern 360 and the shrinking right presentation pattern 364 in the upper right corner of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, provisionally informing the player that a miss has occurred.

Then, the video of main character A being defeated by enemy character B ends, and as shown in FIG. 16(I), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352, and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a provisionally stopped state in the center of the display area of the LCD display 32, and then as shown in FIG. 16(J), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352, and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a definitively stopped state in the center of the display area of the LCD display 32, thereby definitively informing the player that they have lost.

In the special lottery presentation process, a common presentation video may be played and displayed in both the event of a big win and a loss, so when a common presentation video is played and displayed, it can greatly increase the player's anticipation of winning the big win.

In this embodiment, the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352, and right performance pattern 354 are displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in a varying manner according to the type of variation of the first or second special pattern in the status display device 70, thereby increasing the player's anticipation of winning the jackpot, while the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352, and right performance pattern 354 are displayed as provisional stops and then as definitive stops in a manner according to the results of the special lottery, thereby informing the player of the results of the special lottery.

In the hold display performance processing, the performance control means 300 displays on the LCD display 32 an image indicating the status of the first special random number value or the second special random number value held in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290 based on a command corresponding to the first special hold number or the second special hold number in the main board 100. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17(A), four reserved display areas (display areas) of the first reserved display area 411 to the fourth reserved display area 414 are provided at the bottom of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, corresponding to the first special reserved memory area 1 to the first special reserved memory area 4 or the second special reserved memory area 1 to the second special reserved memory area 4 of the special random number storage means 2914. As shown in FIG. 17(A), each reserved display area can display a first reserved image 420 indicating which of the first special reserved memory areas 1 to 4 the first special reserved memory area is storing the first special random number value, or as shown in FIG. 17(B), a second reserved image 422 indicating which of the second special reserved memory areas 1 to 4 the second special reserved memory area is storing the second special random number value.

In detail, when the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4, but the first special random number value is stored in the first special hold memory area 1, the performance control means 300 displays the first hold image 420 in the first hold display area 411; when the first special random number value is reserved in each of the first special hold memory area 1 and the first special hold memory area 2, the performance control means 300 displays the first hold image 420 in each of the first hold display area 411 and the second hold display area 412; and so on, when the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4, the performance control means 300 displays the first hold image 420 in each of the first hold display area 411 to the fourth hold display area 414 depending on the number of first special random number values reserved in the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 4. In the example of FIG. 17(A), the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4, and the first special random number value is reserved in each of the first special hold memory area 1 to 3, so that the first hold image 420 is displayed in each of the first hold display area 411 to third hold display area 413.

In addition, the performance control means 300 displays a second hold image 422 in the first hold display area 411 when a second special random number value is reserved in the second special hold memory area 1, regardless of whether the first special random number value is stored in any of the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 4, and displays a second hold image 422 in each of the first hold display area 411 and the second hold display area 412 when a second special random number value is reserved in each of the second special hold memory area 1 and the second special hold memory area 2, and so on. In other words, when a second special random number value is stored in any of the second special hold memory area 1 to the second special hold memory area 4, the performance control means 300 displays a second hold image 422 in each of the first hold display area 411 to the fourth hold display area 414 depending on the number of second special random number values reserved in the second special hold memory area 1 to the second special hold memory area 4. In the example of FIG. 17(B), a second special random number value is reserved in each of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 2, and therefore a second reserve image 422 is displayed in each of the first reserve display area 411 to the second reserve display area 412.

In this embodiment, a single reserved display area 430 is provided in the lower part of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, to the left of the first reserved display area 411, corresponding to the first or second special reserved memory area of the special random number storage means 2914, and the reserved display area 430 displays a first reserved image 420 when a first special random number value is read from the first special reserved memory area 1 and stored in the first special reserved memory area, and displays a second reserved image 422 when a second special random number value is read from the second special reserved memory area 1 and stored in the second special reserved memory area.

For example, in the state shown in FIG. 17(A), when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserved memory area 1, a special lottery is performed, and the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserved memory area, the performance control means 300 performs display control to move the first reserved image 420 displayed in the first reserved display area 411 to the reserved display area 430 as shown in FIG. 17(C), start the variable display of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354, and move the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserved display area after the second reserved display area 412 to the reserved display area with the ordinal number one smaller from the original reserved display area. This makes it possible to indicate that the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserved display area 430 corresponds to the first special random number value that is the subject of the current special lottery, and that the first reserved image 420 displayed after the first reserved display area 411 corresponds to the first special random number value that is the subject of the next or subsequent special lottery.

As shown in FIG. 17(D), when the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed as fixed stop to display the result of this special lottery, the first special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area is erased, and the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserved display area 430 is erased. Then, when the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed, the performance control means 300, not shown, moves the first reserved image 420 displayed in the first reserved display area 411 to the reserved display area 430, starts the variable display of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354, and performs display control to move the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserved display area from the second reserved display area 412 onwards to the reserved display area with an ordinal number one smaller than the original reserved display area.

Although not shown, when a plurality of second special random number values are reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 4, and a special lottery is conducted by reading the second special random number value from the second special reserve memory area 1 and storing the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area, the performance control means 300 moves the second reserve image 422 displayed in the first reserve display area 411 to the reserve display area 430, and initiates the varying display of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354, and performs display control to move the second reserve image 422 displayed in the reserve display areas from the second reserve display area 412 onwards to a reserve display area which is one ordinal smaller than the original reserve display area. This indicates that the second reserved image 422 displayed in the reserved display area 430 corresponds to the second special random number value that is the subject of the current special lottery, and that the second reserved image 422 displayed in the first reserved display area 411 and onwards corresponds to the second special random number value that is the subject of the next or subsequent special lottery.

In addition, the performance control means 300 causes the performance device 176 to execute a look-ahead performance during the period from when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is acquired until the variable display of the first special pattern or the second special pattern for the first special random number value or the second special random number value is completed, or during the period from when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is acquired until the variable display of the first special pattern or the second special pattern for the first special random number value or the second special random number value acquired immediately before the first special random number value or the second special random number value is completed, depending on the result of the advance judgment corresponding to the first special random number value or the second special random number value. In this embodiment, the look-ahead performance may, for example, change the color or shape of the first reserved image 420 or the second reserved image 422 corresponding to the first special random number value or the second special random number value for which the look-ahead performance is determined to be executed, display an effect image around the first reserved image 420 or the second reserved image 422, display an object image such as a character image, or display a special background image different from a normal background image. In this embodiment, when the game state is normal, the pre-reading performance is not performed for the second special random number value, and when the game state is the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the special state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state, the pre-reading performance is not performed for the first special random number value.

Here, the presentation control means 300 performs a pre-reading presentation for the first special random number value or the second special random number value only when the result of the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result corresponding to the first special random number value or the second special random number value is a jackpot win or a miss, and only when the special lottery presentation is performed in a reach presentation pattern.

In detail, in this embodiment, in each of the variable group lottery tables A to F shown in FIG. 8, among the variable group determination random number values 0 to 99, one of groups 0 to 6, excluding groups 4 and 5, is associated with each of the 90 variable group determination random number values 0 to 89, group 4 is associated with each of the eight variable group determination random number values 90 to 97, and group 5 is associated with each of the two variable group determination random number values 98 to 99. Therefore, when the variable group determination random number value is any of 0 to 89, depending on the reserved number or the game state, there are cases where a no-reach variable pattern is determined and cases where a reach variable pattern is determined, and when the variable group determination random number value is any of 90 to 99, regardless of the reserved number or the game state, a reach variable pattern is always determined and a no-reach variable pattern is never determined.

In this embodiment, when the special lottery means 230 fails in the jackpot determination process performed as the pre-determination process and the fluctuation group determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value is any value between 0 and 89, it sets indefinite value information indicating that it is uncertain whether a reach fluctuation pattern will be determined as the pre-determination result, and when it is any value between 90 and 99, it sets fixed value information indicating that a reach fluctuation pattern will definitely be determined as the pre-determination result.

Then, if the result of the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result indicates that a jackpot has been won, the performance control means 300 performs a pre-reading performance lottery to determine whether or not a pre-reading performance can be executed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, but if a jackpot has not been won, it determines whether or not the pre-determination result includes fixed value information, and if it does, performs a pre-reading performance lottery.

As a result, in this embodiment, even if the reserved number changes between the time when the pre-determination process is performed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value and the time when the special lottery is performed for the same first special random number value or the second special random number value, when a special lottery is performed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value for which it has been determined that a pre-reading performance will be performed, the special lottery performance will be executed in a reach performance pattern, even if the jackpot is won or not.

Then, when the performance control means 300 determines to execute a look-ahead performance in the look-ahead performance lottery for the first special random number value, if there is no first special random number value among the first special random number values reserved in the first special reserved memory area and the first special reserved memory area 1 to the first special reserved memory area 4 that is obtained before the first special random number value for which execution of the look-ahead performance has been determined, which is a first special random number value that is a winning jackpot as a result of the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result, or a first special random number value that is a losing jackpot as a result of the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result but includes fixed value information in the pre-determination result, the performance control means 300 determines that the start condition for the look-ahead performance is met and starts the look-ahead performance.

In addition, when it is decided to execute a pre-reading performance by the pre-reading performance lottery for the second special random number value, if there is no second special random number value among the second special random number values reserved in the second special reserved memory area and the second special reserved memory area 1 to the second special reserved memory area 4 that is obtained before the second special random number value for which execution of the pre-reading performance is decided, which is a second special random number value that is a winning jackpot as a result of the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result, or a second special random number value that is a losing jackpot as a result of the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result but includes fixed value information in the pre-determination result, then the start condition for the pre-reading performance is satisfied and the pre-reading performance is started.

In this embodiment, at the time when it is decided to execute a look-ahead performance for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, if a jackpot has already been confirmed for the reserved first special random number value or the second special random number value, if a special lottery performance is being executed in a reach performance pattern, or if it has been confirmed that a special lottery performance will be executed in a reach performance pattern, the look-ahead performance can be started after the special game state executed by the confirmed jackpot has ended, or after the special lottery performance by the reach performance pattern that is being executed or has been confirmed to be executed has ended.

3. Control method of this embodiment The control method of this embodiment will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the initial normal state is a game state in which the special drawing state is set to a special drawing low probability state, the normal drawing state is set to a normal drawing low probability state, and the left hand shot should be performed. Therefore, in the normal state, a special drawing is basically performed for the first special random number value, and when a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1/150, a 10-round probability pattern A is determined with a probability of 1%, and a 5-round normal pattern or a 10-round normal pattern is determined with a probability of 99%.

In normal conditions, about one in every 10 to 20 game balls that fall through the left-hand game area 4 enters the first start winning hole 46, and four game balls are paid out for each game ball that enters the first start winning hole 46, so the player plays while reducing the number of game balls he or she has in hand.

When a jackpot is won in the special lottery in the normal state and a 5-round normal pattern or a 10-round normal pattern is determined, the special game state ends and the first time-saving state is entered, the special pattern lottery state is set to a special pattern low probability state, the normal pattern lottery state is set to a normal pattern high probability state, and the value stored in the auxiliary count counter 2930 is set to 40.

And because the first time-saving state is a gaming state in which right-hand play should be performed, a special lottery is basically held for the second special random number value in the first time-saving state, and if a jackpot is won, which has a probability of about 1/150, there is a 5% probability that 10-round probability pattern A will be determined, a 5% probability that 10-round probability pattern B will be determined, and a 90% probability that 10-round probability pattern C will be determined.

In the first time-saving state, many of the game balls that fall through the right-side game area 4 enter the second start winning port 50, and almost all of the game balls that do not enter the second start winning port 50 enter the third start winning port 70. One game ball is paid out each time a game ball enters the second start winning port 50 or the third start winning port 70, so the player can play without reducing the number of game balls he or she has in hand.

Then, if a jackpot is won and a 10-round probability variation pattern B or a 10-round probability variation pattern C is determined before the number of times the special lottery has been held in the first time-saving state reaches 40, the special state will be entered after the special game state ends, the special lottery state will be set to a special lottery high probability state, the normal lottery state will be set to a normal lottery low probability state, and the value stored in the probability variation counter 2928 will be set to 70.

And because the special state is a game state in which right-hand play is required, a special lottery is basically held for the second special random number value in the special state, and if a jackpot is won, which has a probability of about 1/50, there is a 5% chance that 10-round probability variation pattern A will be determined, a 5% chance that 10-round probability variation pattern B will be determined, and a 90% chance that 10-round probability variation pattern C will be determined.

In the special state, many of the game balls that fall through the right-side game area 4 cannot enter the second start winning hole 50, but almost all of the game balls that do not enter the second start winning hole 50 enter the third start winning hole 70, so the player can play without losing the game balls he or she has in hand.

Then, if a jackpot is won and a 10-round probability variation C pattern is determined before the number of special lotteries held in the special state reaches 70, the game will transition back to the special state after the special game state ends.

In this embodiment, in the normal state, the probability of winning a jackpot is about 1/150, and when a 5-round normal pattern or a 10-round normal pattern is determined with a 99% probability, the state is switched to the first time-saving state, and by the time the number of times the special lottery has been performed in the first time-saving state reaches 40, the probability of winning a jackpot is about 1/150, and when a 10-round special pattern B or a 10-round special pattern C is determined with a 95% probability, the state is switched to the special state, thereby preventing excessive transitions to the special state, and once the special state is switched to, by the time the number of times the special lottery has been performed reaches 70, the probability of winning a jackpot is about 1/50, and when a 10-round special pattern C is determined with a 90% probability, the state is switched to the special state again, making it easier for the special state and the special game state to be repeated, allowing the player to obtain many game balls.

On the other hand, if a jackpot is won and a 10-round probability variation pattern B is determined before the number of special lotteries reaches 70 in the special state, the game will transition to the first probability variation state after the special game state ends, the special lottery state will be set to a special high probability state, the normal lottery state will be set to a normal high probability state, the value stored in the probability variation count counter 2928 will be set to 70, and the value stored in the auxiliary count counter 2930 will be set to 20.

The first probability change state is a game state in which right-hand hits are required, so in the first probability change state, a special lottery is basically held for the second special random number value, and if a jackpot is won, which has a probability of about 1/50, there is a 5% probability that 10-round probability change pattern A will be determined, a 5% probability that 10-round probability change pattern B will be determined, and a 90% probability that 10-round probability change pattern C will be determined.

In the first probability change state, many of the game balls that fall through the right-side game area 4 enter the second start winning hole 50, and almost all of the game balls that do not enter the second start winning hole 50 enter the third start winning hole 70, so the player can play without reducing the number of game balls he or she has.

Then, if a jackpot is won and one of the 10-round probability variation patterns A to C is determined before the number of special lotteries in the first probability variation state reaches 20, the game will transition to the second probability variation state after the special game state ends, the special pattern selection state will be set to the special pattern high probability state, the normal pattern selection state will be set to the normal pattern high probability state, the value stored in the probability variation count counter 2928 will be set to 70, and the value stored in the auxiliary count counter 2930 will be set to 10,000.

The second probability change state is a game state in which right-hand play should be performed, so in the second probability change state, a special lottery is basically held for the second special random number value, and if a jackpot is won, which has a probability of about 1/50, there is a 5% probability that 10-round probability change pattern A will be determined, a 5% probability that 10-round probability change pattern B will be determined, and a 90% probability that 10-round probability change pattern C will be determined.

In the second probability state, many of the game balls that fall through the right-side game area 4 enter the second start winning hole 50, and almost all of the game balls that do not enter the second start winning hole 50 enter the third start winning hole 70, so the player can play without reducing the number of game balls he or she has.

Then, if a jackpot is won and one of the 10-round probability variation patterns A to C is determined before the number of special lotteries in the second probability variation state reaches 70, the game will transition back to the second probability variation state after the special game state ends.

In this embodiment, by the time the number of times the special lottery has been performed in the special state reaches 70, there is about a 1/50 chance of winning a jackpot, and there is a 5% chance of determining the 10-round probability variable pattern B. Furthermore, by the time the number of times the special lottery has been performed in the first probability variable state reaches 20, if a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1/50, the game will transition to the second probability variable state, thereby preventing excessive transition to the second probability variable state. If the game transitions to the second probability variable state, by the time the number of times the special lottery has been performed reaches 70, if a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1/50, the game will transition again to the second probability variable state, making it easier for the second probability variable state and the special game state to be repeated, allowing the player to obtain many game balls.

In this embodiment, if a jackpot is won and the 10-round probability variable pattern A is determined in either the normal state, the first time-saving state, the special state, or the second time-saving state, the game will transition to the second probability variable state after the special game state ends, so that the game can transition to the second probability variable state without passing through the first time-saving state, the special state, or the first probability variable state.

If no jackpot is won before the number of special draws in the second probability variable state reaches 70, the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is carried over to 9930, which is the initial value of the second probability variable state, 10000, minus 70, and the state transitions to the second time-saving state, the special drawing state is set to a special drawing low probability state, and the normal drawing state is set to a normal drawing high probability state.

The second time-saving state is a game state in which right-hand play should be performed, so in the second time-saving state, a special lottery is basically held for the second special random number value, and if a jackpot is won, which has a probability of about 1/150, there is a 5% probability that 10-round probability pattern A will be determined, a 5% probability that 10-round probability pattern B will be determined, and a 90% probability that 10-round probability pattern C will be determined.

In the second probability state, many of the game balls that fall through the right-side game area 4 enter the second start winning hole 50, and almost all of the game balls that do not enter the second start winning hole 50 enter the third start winning hole 70, so the player can play without reducing the number of game balls he or she has.

Then, if a jackpot is won and a 10-round probability variation pattern B or a 10-round probability variation pattern C is determined before the number of times the special lottery has been performed in the second time-saving state reaches 9,930, the special state will be entered after the special game state ends, the special lottery state will be set to a special lottery high probability state, the normal lottery state will be set to a normal lottery low probability state, and the value stored in the probability variation counter 2928 will be set to 70.

In other words, in the second time-saving state, the probability of winning a jackpot in the special lottery is set to approximately 1/150, but in most cases, a jackpot will be won and the special game state will begin before the number of special lotteries held in the second time-saving state reaches 9,930, and there is almost no transition from the second time-saving state to the normal state. In other words, the second time-saving state is designed to continue until a jackpot is won.

In the second time-saving state, as described above, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group selection table E shown in FIG. 8 (E), so that the reach fluctuation pattern is not determined, and the fluctuation time of the second special symbol is always set to the shortest time of 1 second.

As a result, in this embodiment, the opportunity to execute the special lottery occurs more frequently in the second time-saving state than in other game states, and the time until a jackpot is won in the second time-saving state is shortened as much as possible.

In this embodiment, even if a jackpot is not won in the second high probability state, a jackpot will definitely be won in the subsequent second time-saving state, and after the special game state ends, a transition to a special state will occur, so that if the game transitions to the second high probability state, it is guaranteed that a jackpot will be won at least once and that the game will transition to the special state again.

Thus, in this embodiment, the special state and the second probability variable state exist as game states in which the special game state is likely to be repeated, and while the special state and the second probability variable state have the same probability of the special game state being repeated, the second probability variable state is more advantageous to the player than the special state in that it is guaranteed that a jackpot will be won at least once and that the player will transition back to the special state.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the number of chance turns is set to a common number for each type of jackpot pattern, but the number of auxiliary turns is set to a different number depending on the type of jackpot pattern and the game state when the jackpot is won, so that the transition of game states as described above can be achieved without increasing the number of types of jackpot patterns.

Figure 18 (A) is an enlarged front view of the handle 20 shown in Figure 1. In Figure 18 (A), the handle 20 is in the initial position, and the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504 for hooking the fingers of the player gripping the handle 20 are formed on the upper part of the handle 20 when the handle 20 is in the initial position so as to protrude outward. In detail, the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504 are shaped so that the player's fingers are hooked when the player rotates the handle 20 from the initial position to the right around the rotation axis 506, making it easy for the player to rotate the handle 20 to the right. The handle 20 is provided so that it can rotate 100 degrees around the rotation axis 506 with respect to the front frame 10 from the initial position shown in Figure 18 (A) to the maximum rotation position of the handle 20 shown in Figure 18 (B).

In this embodiment, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504 protrude downward beyond the lower edge of the inner frame 7. Also, although the lower edge of the front frame 10 is located inside the lower edge of the inner frame 7, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504 protrude downward beyond the lower edge of the front frame 10.

In addition, in this embodiment, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504 protrude to the right beyond the right edge of the inner frame 7. Also, although the right edge of the front frame 10 is located inside the right edge of the inner frame 7, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504 protrude to the right beyond the right edge of the front frame 10.

In detail, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the distance d1 between the tip of the first finger hook 500 and the rotation shaft 506 is 53.4 mm, the distance d2 between the tip of the second finger hook 502 and the rotation shaft 506 is 45.6 mm, and the distance d3 between the tip of the third finger hook 504 and the rotation shaft 506 is 39.3 mm.

When the handle 20 is in the initial position, the distance e between the bottom end of the handle 20 and the rotation shaft 506 is 34.6 mm. The distance f1 between the lower edge of the front frame 10 and the rotation shaft 506 is 40.0 mm, and the distance f2 between the lower edge of the inner frame 7 and the rotation shaft 506 is 45.0 mm. The distance g1 between the right edge of the front frame 10 and the rotation shaft 506 is 49.1 mm, and the distance g2 between the right edge of the inner frame 7 and the rotation shaft 506 is 51.1 mm.

In this embodiment, among the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504, the first finger hook portion 500 has the greatest distance between its tip and the rotation axis 506, but the tip of the first finger hook portion 500 when the handle 20 is at the maximum rotation position is not located at the lowest point of the trajectory of the tip of the first finger hook portion 500 when the handle 20 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position.

As a result, in this embodiment, even if the gaming machine is placed on a floor or the like, the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, or the third finger hook portion 504 will not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the handle 20 will not be damaged.

In this embodiment, the operation torque required to rotate the handle 20 from the initial position is the first operation torque (6.8 x N), the position of the handle 20 where the game ball launched from the launching device can fall into the left-side game area 4 is the left-hand hit reference position, the operation torque required to rotate the handle 20 from the initial position to the left-hand hit reference position is the second operation torque (13.6 x N), and the operation torque required to rotate the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is the third operation torque (23.8 x N).The second operation torque is greater than the first operation torque, but the second operation torque is less than twice the first operation torque.

In this way, in this embodiment, the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque is small, and the operation torque does not increase suddenly between the initial position and the left hit reference position. As a result, in this embodiment, the difference between the first operation torque and the second operation torque can be felt by the player as being small, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third operating torque is greater than the second operating torque, but the third operating torque is less than twice the second operating torque.

In this way, in this embodiment, the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small, and the operation torque does not increase suddenly between the left hit reference position and the maximum rotation position. As a result, in this embodiment, the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque can be felt by the player as being small, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

In this embodiment, if the operating angle of the handle 20 from the initial position to the left-handed reference position is the first operating angle (45° to 60°), and the operating angle of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is the second operating angle (100° to 120°), the first operating angle (e.g., 45°) is less than half of the second operating angle (e.g., 100°).

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and modifications are introduced below. Note that the above embodiment and the various methods described below as modifications can be appropriately combined and adopted as a control method for realizing the present invention.

First, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the auxiliary number of times is set to 10,000 when the second probability variable state is entered, but when the second probability variable state is entered, the auxiliary number of times may be set to a value greater than the reciprocal of approximately 1/150, which is the probability of winning a jackpot in the special low probability state. In this case, the auxiliary number of times may be set to a number greater than the average number of special lotteries required to win a jackpot in the special low probability state.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is carried over in a state where it is subtracted from the initial value of the second special probability state when transitioning from the second special probability state to the second time-saving state. However, when transitioning from the second special probability state to the second time-saving state, the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 may be reset to a value such as 9930 that is greater than the reciprocal of approximately 1/150, which is the probability of winning a jackpot in the special low probability state.

In addition, when the second probability variable state is entered, the supplementary number of times may be set to a value greater than twice the reciprocal of the probability of winning a jackpot in the special low probability state, which is approximately 1/150. In this case, the supplementary number of times may be set to a number greater than twice the average number of special lotteries required to win a jackpot in the special low probability state, and the second time-saving state may be continued with a higher probability until a jackpot is won.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which, if the special lottery in the second time-saving state is unsuccessful, the variation time is always set to the shortest possible value of 1 second. However, the variation time may also be set to 3 seconds or the like, and one of multiple types of non-reach variation patterns may be determined.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which, when a jackpot is awarded in a special lottery in the second time-saving state, one of a number of types of reach fluctuation patterns is determined, just as in the case of a jackpot being awarded in a special lottery in another game state. However, it is also possible to always determine reach fluctuation pattern 1, which has the shortest fluctuation time, or to determine a reach fluctuation pattern with an even shorter fluctuation time that is determined only when a jackpot is awarded in a special lottery in the second time-saving state.

In other words, the average of the fluctuation time set when the special lottery in the second time-saving state results in a miss may be shorter than the average of the fluctuation time set when the special lottery in the other game states results in a miss, and the average of the fluctuation time set when the special lottery in the second time-saving state results in a jackpot may be shorter than the average of the fluctuation time set when the special lottery in the other game states results in a jackpot.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which almost all of the game balls that fall through the right-side game area 4 and do not enter the second start winning opening 50 or the large winning opening 54 enter the third start winning opening 70, but it is also possible for some of the game balls that fall through the right-side game area 4 and do not enter the second start winning opening 50 or the large winning opening 54 to enter the third start winning opening 70.

In the above embodiment, one game ball is paid out each time a game ball enters the second start winning port 50 or the third start winning port 70, so that in the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the special state, the first probability variable state, and the second probability variable state, the player can play without reducing the number of game balls he or she has. However, it is also possible to pay out two game balls each time a game ball enters the second start winning port 50, and pay out one game ball each time a game ball enters the third start winning port 70, so that in the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first probability variable state, and the second probability variable state, where game balls are more likely to enter the second start winning port 50, the ratio of the number of game balls paid out to the player to the number of game balls fired from the firing device is higher than in the special state, where game balls are less likely to enter the second start winning port 50.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the probability of winning a small prize is the same in the normal state, the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the special state, the first special probability state, and the second special probability state. However, it is also possible to make the probability of winning a small prize higher in the special state, the first special probability state, and the second special probability state than in the normal state, the first time-saving state, and the second time-saving state, so that the ratio of the number of game balls paid out to the player to the number of game balls fired from the firing device is higher in the special state, the first special probability state, and the second special probability state, in which small prize play is more likely to be played, than in the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, in which small prize play is less likely to be played.

2 Outer frame, 4 Play area, 6 Play board, 8 Glass unit, 10 Front frame,
12 Front frame lamp, 14 Speaker, 16 Upper tray, 18 Payout port, 20 Handle,
22 supply port, 24 bottom tray, 26 performance button, 28 outer rail, 30 inner rail,
32 liquid crystal display, 34 display frame, 36 directing unit,
38 display frame lamp, 40 opening, 42 left aisle, 44 stage,
46 first start winning port, 48 passing gate, 50 second start winning port, 52 normal role,
54 Large winning hole, 68 Right passage, 70 Third starting winning hole, 72 Out hole,

Claims (2)

A gaming machine having a gaming area in which a gaming medium moves,
A frame body,
an operation unit that is rotatably supported by the frame and that operates the launching device to launch the game media;
A lottery means for conducting a lottery on the condition that a gaming medium enters a predetermined area provided in the gaming area;
a specific game execution means for executing a specific game on the condition that a specific result is obtained in the lottery;
a state control means for controlling a probability state between a plurality of probability states including a first probability state in which the probability of obtaining a specific result in the lottery is high and a second probability state in which the probability of obtaining a specific result in the lottery is low, and for controlling a control state between a plurality of control states including a first control state in which the game medium is likely to enter the specified area and a second control state in which the game medium is unlikely to enter the specified area;
The state control means includes:
control the number of lotteries held since the start of the first probability state, which is the first control state, reaches a first number, to the second probability state; and control the number of lotteries held since the start of the first probability state, which is the first control state, reaches a second number, which is a value greater than the first number.
The second number of times is
a value greater than the reciprocal of the probability of a particular outcome being obtained in the lottery in the second probability state,
The operation unit includes:
A base and
a plurality of finger hooks formed to protrude outward from the base and for a player to hook his/her fingers on;
It is rotatable from the initial position to the maximum rotation position,
The plurality of finger hook portions include
a finger grip portion that protrudes downward from the base portion at the maximum rotation position,
Among the plurality of finger hooks, the finger hook with the largest protruding amount is designated as a specific finger hook,
a distance from a rotation center of the operation unit to a tip end of the specific finger rest portion is defined as a first distance;
If the distance from the rotation center of the operation unit to the lower edge of the frame is a second distance,
The first distance is greater than the second distance,
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the initial position and the maximum rotation position, none of the multiple finger grip portions protrudes below the lower edge of the frame. In claim 1 ,
an operation torque required to start rotating the operation unit from the initial position is defined as a first operation torque;
A position of the operation unit at which the game ball launched from the launching device can move within a predetermined area of the game area is set as a reference position;
an operation torque required to rotate the operation unit from the initial position to the reference position is defined as a second operation torque;
When an operation torque required to rotate the operation unit from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a third operation torque,
The second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque,
The third operating torque is greater than the second operating torque, is equal to or less than twice the second operating torque, and is equal to or more than twice the first operating torque,
an operation angle required to rotate the operation unit from the initial position to the reference position is defined as a first operation angle;
When an operation angle required to rotate the operation unit from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a second operation angle,
A gaming machine characterized in that the second operation angle is at least twice as large as the first operation angle.

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