JP2014226171A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine having an auxiliary game state set longer in the time period, for which a movable member is opened, than an ordinary game state.SOLUTION: A game machine comprises: special game judgment means for judging whether a special game is played or not; an electric tulip for becoming into either a closed state to make difficult the passage of a game ball into a start port and an open state to make the passage easy; operation judgment means for judging whether the electric tulip is actuated into the open state, at the momentum of the passage of a gate game ball; specific game setting means for setting the specific game state, in which the time period for actuating the electric tulip is actuated into the open state, longer than an ordinary game state; high-probability setting means for setting the probability for attaining the decision result to actuate the electric tulip in the open state, at a higher probability than that of the normal game state; and a low probability transition decision means for deciding whether or not the probability for attaining the decision result to actuate the electric tulip into the open state is made lower than the high probability, at the momentum that the game ball has passed a gate.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that produces effects according to the game situation.

In a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a big hit lottery is performed when a game ball wins a prize such as a start opening. When the jackpot is won, the gaming machine is put into a jackpot gaming state in which the jackpot is opened and many winning balls can be obtained.
In addition, the starting port of a gaming machine or the like has either a closed state that makes it difficult to pass the game ball to the starting port, or an open state that facilitates the passing of the game ball to the starting port. A movable member (for example, an electric tulip) is provided. And in the gaming machine provided with such a movable member, an auxiliary game state in which the time for the movable member to open is set longer than the normal state is set (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-063306 A

By the way, in general, the auxiliary gaming state is set in a gaming state such as a short gaming state in which a winning is made in the case of a special symbol lottery and a transition is made after the big winning gaming state. Furthermore, this auxiliary game state is terminated when a special symbol lottery such as the occurrence of a jackpot or the case where a predetermined number of lotteries is satisfied is triggered. As described above, in the conventional gaming machine, the auxiliary gaming state has a limited gameability because the state changes in response to the special symbol lottery.
It is an object of the present invention to extend gameability in a gaming machine having an auxiliary gaming state in which the time for the movable member to open is set longer than the normal gaming state.

  The present invention that achieves the above object is a special method for determining whether or not to play a special game advantageous to a player when the game ball passes through a start port provided in a game area where the game ball can flow down. Game determining means 234, a movable member 123 that is in one of a closed state that makes it difficult to pass the game ball to the start port, and an open state that makes it easy to pass the game ball to the start port, When the game ball has passed through a specific area 124 in the area, the operation determining means 237 for determining whether or not to move the movable member 123 to the open state, and the operation determining means 237 to open the movable member 123. The specific game setting means 238 for setting a specific game state that makes the operation time longer than the normal game state, and the movable member 123 in the determination of the operation determination means 237 when the specific game state is set. Triggered by the high probability setting means 238 for setting the probability of obtaining the determination result to operate in the open state to a high probability higher than the normal gaming state, and the passing of the game ball in the specific area 124 during the specific gaming state, A gaming machine comprising: a low-probability transition determination unit 237 that determines whether or not a probability of obtaining a determination result for operating the movable member 123 in an open state is lower than a high probability.

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

  According to the present invention, it is possible to expand the game in a gaming machine having an auxiliary game state in which the time for the movable member to open is set longer than the normal game state.

It is a schematic front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is the elements on larger scale of the pachinko game machine of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of the control unit of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the game control part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the main operation | movement of the game control part of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a start port switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the gate switch process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the special symbol process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the jackpot determination process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the fluctuation pattern selection process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the process during a stop. It is a flowchart which shows the content of a customer waiting | standby setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of normal symbol processing. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the big prize opening process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the game state setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an electric tulip process. It is a figure which shows an example of the table referred in special symbol processing. It is a figure which shows an example of the table referred in a normal symbol process. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation | movement pattern of an electric tulip. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the presentation control part of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the game progress triggered by the falling lottery. It is an example of the effect of the image displayed on the image display part of this embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the game progress in the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment.

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, the first starting port 121 and the second starting port 122 where a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) is started when a game ball enters and a game ball passes as various prizes related to winning and lottery. Then, a gate 124 as an example of a specific area where the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) starts is arranged on the game board 110. Here, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 refer to a winning port related to winning a game ball that activates one predetermined special symbol display.

  The second starting port 122 includes an electric tulip 123 (an example of a movable member) as a normal electric accessory that is turned on and off by a pair of blades in the shape of tulip flowers opened and closed by an electric solenoid. In the electric tulip 123, when the blade is closed, it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second start port 122, but when the blade is opened, the entrance of the second start port 122 is expanded and the game ball is moved to the second start port 122. It is configured to be easy to enter. When the electric tulip 123 wins the normal symbol lottery, the blade opens for a specified time (for example, 6 seconds) and a specified number of times (for example, 3 times) while lighting or flashing.

  In the case of the pachinko gaming machine 100, when the jackpot probability of winning the jackpot in the special symbol lottery varies under a predetermined condition (from a low probability state (for example, 1/300) to a high probability state (for example, 1/30)) Variation). In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 100 can reduce the special symbol variation time during the special symbol lottery under a predetermined condition, increase the probability of winning during the normal symbol lottery, or the normal symbol variation time during the normal symbol lottery. It may be shortened, the opening time of the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be extended, or the number of times the blades of the electric tulips 123 may be opened.

Also, in this embodiment, the lottery does not start even if a game ball is won and the large winning opening 125 as a special electric accessory that opens according to the result of the special symbol lottery as other prizes and lotteries. A normal winning opening 126 is disposed on the game board 110.
In the present embodiment, the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 are disposed in the game area 111. However, a configuration example in which only one of them is disposed or another start port is disposed. A configuration example is also conceivable. In the present embodiment, one big winning opening 125 is arranged in the game area 111, but a configuration example in which a plurality of big winning openings 125 are arranged is also conceivable.
In the present embodiment, a display 130 for displaying a lottery result and the number of holds is arranged at the lower right position of the game board 110.

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

When the player touches the handle 151 and rotates the lever 152 in the clockwise direction, the frame member 150 moves the game balls at a predetermined time interval (for example, 100 per minute) with the hitting force according to the operation angle And a launching device (not shown) for electrically firing. In addition, the frame member 150 includes a supply device (not shown) that sequentially supplies game balls to the launching device one by one at a timing in conjunction with the operation of the player's lever 152, and a game ball that the supply device supplies to the launching device. And a plate 153 (see FIG. 2B) for temporarily storing. For example, a payout ball by a payout unit is paid out to the plate 153.
In addition, in this embodiment, although the plate | plate 153 is comprised by the upper-lower plate integral, the structural example which isolate | separates an upper plate and a lower plate is also considered. A configuration example in which the handle 151 of the launching device emits light under a predetermined condition is also conceivable.

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

FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2A is an enlarged view showing an example of the display 130 arranged on the lower right side of the gaming board 110, and FIG. 2B is a partial plan view of the pachinko gaming machine 100. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the display 130 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 receives a first special symbol display 221 that operates in response to winning of the first starting port 121 and a winning of the second starting port 122. A second special symbol display 222 that operates correspondingly and a normal symbol display 223 that operates corresponding to the passage of the gate 124 are provided. The first special symbol display 221 variably displays the special symbol resulting from winning of the first start port 121 and displays the lottery result. The second special symbol display 222 variably displays special symbols resulting from winning at the second start port 122 and displays the lottery results. The normal symbol display unit 223 displays the normal symbol variably and displays the lottery result when the game ball passes through the gate 124. Each of the first special symbol display 221, the second special symbol display 222, and the normal symbol display 223 is composed of an LED display device, and a symbol representing each lottery result is displayed according to its lighting mode.

  In addition, the indicator 130 operates in response to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the first special symbol hold indicator 218 that operates corresponding to the hold in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222. 2 a special symbol hold indicator 219 and a normal symbol hold indicator 220 that operates in response to the hold in the normal symbol indicator 223. Each of the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220 is configured by an LED display device, and the number of holds is displayed by its lighting mode.

  Here, the hold will be described. If there is a prize with another game ball during the fluctuation display operation of special symbols or normal symbols (while the fluctuation display for one win is being performed), the symbol fluctuation display operation for the winning game ball will be A predetermined number (for example, four) is held until the variation display operation for the game ball won in is completed. The fact that such a hold is made and the number of the hold (the number of undrawn lots) are displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 218, the second special symbol hold indicator 219, and the normal symbol hold indicator 220.

  The frame member 150 of the pachinko gaming machine 100 includes an input device for a player to input an effect. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the present embodiment, as an example of the input device, there are an effect button 161 and an effect key 162 that is adjacent to the effect button 161 and includes a plurality of keys arranged in a substantially cross shape. It is disposed on the frame member 150. The production key 162 is configured such that one central key is arranged at the center, and four peripheral keys having substantially the same shape are arranged around the central key. The player can select one of a plurality of images displayed on the image display unit 114 by operating the four peripheral keys, and can select the selected image by operating the center key. Can be entered as information.

[Configuration of control unit]
Next, a control unit that performs operation control and signal processing in the pachinko gaming machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the control unit of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit includes a game control unit 200 that performs various controls relating to the number of prize balls to be paid out, such as internal lottery and determination of winning, as main control means. Further, as sub-control means, an effect control unit 300 that comprehensively controls effects, an image / sound control unit 310 that controls effects using images and sound, and effects using various lamps and movable accessories 115 A ramp control unit 320 for controlling the payout, and a payout control unit 400 for performing payout control of the payout ball.

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

[Configuration and function of game control unit]
The game control unit 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs arithmetic processing when performing various controls related to the number of paid-out prize balls, such as internal lottery and winning determination, and a ROM 202 that stores programs executed by the CPU 201, various data, and the like. And a RAM 203 used as a working memory for the CPU 201.
The game control unit 200 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, and sends a determination result as to whether or not it is a win in the special symbol lottery to the effect control unit 300. Also, fluctuation setting of winning probability at special symbol lottery (for example, fluctuation setting from 1/300 to 1/30), special symbol fluctuation time shortening at special symbol lottery, and normal symbol at normal symbol lottery The variable time is set to be shortened, and the setting content is sent to the effect control unit 300.
Further, the game control unit 200 controls the extension of the opening time of the blades of the electric tulip 123, the setting of the number of times the blades of the electric tulip 123 are opened, and the setting of the opening / closing operation interval when the blades are opened. In addition, when a game ball continuously wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122, the game ball is suspended until the limit number (for example, four) for the undrawn lots, or the game ball continuously passes through the gate 124. The suspension is set up to the limit number (for example, 4) for the undrawn lots.
In addition, the game control unit 200 performs a predetermined number of rounds that maintain an open state until the special winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, 30 seconds have passed or 10 game balls have been won) according to the result of the special symbol lottery. Control to repeat. Furthermore, the opening / closing operation interval when the special winning opening 125 is opened is controlled.

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

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

In addition, the game control unit 200 displays the reserved number for the undrawn special symbol lottery (big win lottery) started by winning the game ball at the first start port 121 within the limit number (for example, four). A special symbol hold indicator 218, a second special symbol hold indicator 219 for displaying the number of unsold lots in the special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball in the second start port 122 within the limit number, A normal symbol hold indicator 220 is connected to the normal symbol lottery display (open / close lottery) started by the passage of the game ball to the gate 124 and displays the number of unsettled hold numbers within the limit number.
Further, the game control unit 200 includes a first special symbol display 221 for displaying a result of a special symbol lottery started by winning a game ball at the first start port 121, and a game ball to the second start port 122. A second special symbol display 222 for displaying the result of the special symbol lottery started by winning, a normal symbol display 223 for displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery, and a status indicator 224 for displaying the state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 , Is connected.

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

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

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

Furthermore, when the game control unit 200 changes the winning probability at the time of the special symbol lottery, shortens the special symbol fluctuation time at the time of the special symbol lottery, and shortens the normal symbol fluctuation time at the time of the normal symbol lottery. In this case, the production control unit 300 sets the production content corresponding to the set content.
In addition, the effect control unit 300 sends a command for instructing execution of the set effect contents to the image / sound control unit 310 and the lamp control unit 320.

[Configuration / Function of Image / Sound Control Unit]
The image / sound control unit 310 is a CPU 311 that performs arithmetic processing for controlling the image and sound representing the content of the effect, a ROM 312 that stores programs executed by the CPU 311, various data, and the like. And a RAM 313 used as a memory or the like.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls the image displayed on the image display unit 114 and the sound output from the speaker 156 based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300.

Specifically, in the ROM 312 of the image / sound control unit 310, a symbol image or background image displayed during the game on the image display unit 114, a decorative symbol for notifying the player of the lottery result, and a notice effect for the player Image data such as a character or item for displaying is stored. Furthermore, various kinds of acoustic data such as music and sound output from the speaker 156 in synchronization with the image data or independently of the image data, and sound effects such as jingles are stored. The CPU 311 selects and reads out the data corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300 from the image data and the sound data stored in the ROM 312. Furthermore, image processing for background image display, symbol image display, symbol image variation, character / item display, etc., and voice processing using the read acoustic data are performed using the read image data.
Then, the image / sound control unit 310 controls screen display on the image display unit 114 based on the image data subjected to image processing. Further, the sound output from the speaker 156 is controlled by the sound data subjected to the sound processing.

[Configuration and function of lamp control unit]
The lamp control unit 320 stores a CPU 321 that performs arithmetic processing when controlling the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 and the operation of the movable accessory 115, and programs executed by the CPU 321 and various data. A ROM 322 and a RAM 323 used as a working memory for the CPU 321 are provided.
The lamp control unit 320 controls lighting / flashing of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157, the emission color, and the like based on the command sent from the effect control unit 300. Further, the operation of the movable accessory 115 is controlled.

Specifically, the ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores lighting / flashing pattern data and emission color pattern data (emission pattern) for the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 according to the production contents set by the production control unit 300. Data) is stored. The CPU 321 selects and reads out the light emission pattern data stored in the ROM 322 corresponding to the command sent from the effect control unit 300. The lamp controller 320 controls the light emission of the panel lamp 116 and the frame lamp 157 based on the read light emission pattern data.
The ROM 322 of the lamp control unit 320 stores operation pattern data of the movable accessory 115 corresponding to the production content set by the production control unit 300. The CPU 321 controls the operation of the movable accessory 115 based on the read operation pattern data.

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

  The payout control unit 400 also includes a payout ball detection unit 412 that detects the number of prize balls actually paid out from the game ball storage unit by the payout drive unit 411, and a game ball in the storage unit (not shown). Sphere detection unit 413 for detecting whether or not there is a storage, and whether or not the plate 153 in which a game ball used when a player plays a game or a prized ball to be held is full is detected. A full tank detection unit 414 is connected. Then, the payout control unit 400 receives detection signals detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, the ball presence detection unit 413, and the full tank detection unit 414, and performs predetermined processing according to these detection signals.

  Further, the payout control unit 400 is connected to a frame external information terminal board 450 that transmits various types of information to a host computer installed in the hall. Then, the payout control unit 400, for example, information on the number of prize balls instructed to pay out to the payout driving unit 411, information on the number of prize balls actually paid out detected by the payout ball detection unit 412, etc. Is transmitted to the host computer via the frame external information terminal board 450. Also, similar information is transmitted to the game control unit 200.

[Functional configuration of game control unit]
Next, the functional configuration of the game control unit 200 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the game control unit 200 of the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the game control unit 200 is a special symbol lottery unit 231, a normal symbol lottery unit 232, a special symbol variation control unit 233, and a special symbol lottery result determination as functional units that execute various lottery processes. A unit 234 and a normal symbol control unit 237.
In addition, the game control unit 200 includes a variation pattern selection unit 235 and a game progress control unit 236 as functional units that execute processing associated with special symbol variation.
Furthermore, the game control unit 200 is a function unit that executes operation control of various types of objects and data processing related to a prize ball, etc., as a function unit for a prize winning opening operation control unit 238, an electric tulip operation control unit 239, and a prize ball processing unit 240. And an output control unit 241 and a random number control unit 242.

The special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a special symbol lottery when a game ball wins the first start port 121 or the second start port 122.
The normal symbol lottery unit 232 performs the normal symbol lottery when the game ball passes through the gate 124.
When a special symbol lottery is performed, the special symbol variation control unit 233 controls the variation of the special symbol according to the lottery result.

The special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 as an example of the special game determination means, when the special symbol lottery is performed, the lottery result is “whether or not it is a big hit”, “the type of the big hit when winning the big hit” , “Whether it is a small win or not when a big win is not won” is determined.
Here, the “hit” is divided into a plurality of types according to the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Specifically, the jackpot depends on the combination of the presence / absence of the short gaming state when the opening time of the electric tulip 123 is set longer than the normal gaming state and the presence / absence of the probability variation gaming state where the winning probability of the jackpot fluctuates with high probability. The type is determined.
Note that the short-time gaming state in the present embodiment is based on the condition that the opening time of the electric tulip 123 is set longer than the normal gaming state as described above. In the present embodiment, the variation time in the normal symbol lottery and the variation time in the special symbol are shortened as compared with the normal gaming state.

  In other words, the types of jackpots include jackpots in which both a short-time gaming state and a probability variable gaming state occur after the jackpot game ends, a jackpot in which only a short-time gaming state occurs, a jackpot in which only a probability-changing gaming state occurs, a short-time gaming state, and There can be a jackpot where none of the probable gaming states occur. Hereinafter, when distinguishing these jackpots, they are distinguished by describing as “with time reduction”, “without time reduction”, “with certainty change”, “without certainty change”, etc., based on the gaming state that occurs after the end of the jackpot game. Each of these jackpots is associated with an individual special symbol, and the type of jackpot is determined according to the type of special symbol won in the special symbol lottery.

  In addition, the “hit” may be divided into a jackpot that can be expected to pay out a large amount of game balls for a long time, and a jackpot that can hardly be expected to be paid out. The former is called “long hit” and the latter is called “short hit”. For example, in “long win”, a round that is maintained until the open state of the big winning opening 125 satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number of game balls have been won) is repeated a predetermined number of times. In the “short win”, a round in which the big prize opening 125 is opened for a predetermined time is repeated a predetermined number of times.

  Note that a jackpot in which a probability change gaming state occurs (with probability change) after the jackpot game ends is also called “probability jackpot”, and a jackpot in which a probability change gaming state does not occur (without probability change) is also called “normal jackpot”. Also, depending on the game mode, only a probable gaming state occurs after the jackpot game ends, and a short-time gaming state does not occur (with certain change + no short-time) jackpots are "latent probability change jackpot", "sudden probability change jackpot" And so on. In addition, “probability jackpot” may be distinguished as “15 round (15R) probability jackpot”, “2 round (2R) probability jackpot” or the like based on the number of rounds in which the winning prize opening 125 is open. is there.

In addition, the “small winning” in the case where the big winning is not won, for example, a small winning game in which the opening and closing of the big winning opening 125 is performed a predetermined number of times is performed, and the gaming state at the time of winning the small winning is continued even after the winning. It is a hit. That is, when the game state at the time of winning the small hit is the probability variation game state, the probability variation game state is continued even after the end of the small hit game, and the game state does not shift. Similarly, if the gaming state at the time of winning the small hit is a normal gaming state (normal gaming state) in which neither probability fluctuation nor time reduction is made, the normal gaming state is continued even after the end of the small hitting game, The gaming state does not transition.
Further, in the “out of game”, neither “big hit” nor “small win” is set, and none of the above-described gaming states advantageous to the player is set.

The variation pattern selection unit 235 displays the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display 221 or the second special symbol display 222 when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit”. Select. Further, it is determined whether or not a reach effect is to be performed. The “reach effect” here is an effect performed by the image display unit 114 or the like for causing the player to expect a big hit.
The game progress control unit 236 controls the progress of the game in each game state.

When the normal symbol lottery is performed, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether the normal symbol lottery result is “winning or lost”. Furthermore, the normal symbol control part 237 of this embodiment determines whether the lottery result of the falling lottery is a fall when the normal symbol is drawn. Further, the fluctuation of the normal symbol is controlled according to the lottery result. The winning probability of this normal symbol lottery is high when there is a winning support (so-called electric chew support) to the second start port 122 by the opening of the electric tulip, which is mainly performed in the short-time gaming state.
When it is determined as “winning”, the electric tulip 123 is opened for a specified time and a specified number of times, and a state in which the winning probability of the game ball to the second start port 122 is increased is generated. At the time of the above winning support (electricity chew support), the specified number of times and the specified time increase, and the time for the open state becomes longer. In addition, when it is determined as “displacement”, such an open state of the electric tulip 123 does not occur.

The special winning opening operation control unit 238 controls the opening operation of the special winning opening 125.
The electric tulip operation control unit 239 controls the opening operation of the electric tulip 123.
The prize ball processing unit 240 controls the management of the number of prizes received for various types of winnings and lotteries, and controls the payout of prize balls according to the prizes.
The output control unit 241 controls the output of control commands from the game control unit 200 to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400.
The random number control unit 242 controls updating of various random number values used in processing by the main control unit and the sub control unit.
In the present embodiment, the normal symbol control unit 237 functions as one of the operation determination unit and the low probability transition determination unit. The special winning opening operation control unit 238 functions as one of the specific game setting means and the high probability setting means.

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

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

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

As the switch process (step 502), a start port switch process and a gate switch process are performed.
In the start port switch process, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 monitors the states of the first start port switch 211 and the second start port switch 212 in FIG. Processing for symbol lottery is executed.
In the gate switch process, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 monitors the state of the gate switch 214 in FIG. 2, and executes a process for the normal symbol lottery when the switch is turned on.
The detailed contents of these switch processes will be described later.

As the symbol processing (step 503), special symbol processing and normal symbol processing are performed.
In the special symbol processing, the special symbol variation control unit 233, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234, the variation pattern selection unit 235, and the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 perform special symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation. Done.
In the normal symbol processing, the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 performs normal symbol variation and processing associated with this symbol variation.
The detailed contents of these symbol processes will be described later.

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

In the prize ball processing (step 505), the prize ball processing unit 240 of the game control unit 200 controls the management of the number of winning prizes and the payout of prize balls according to the winning prize.
In the output process (step 506), the output control unit 241 of the game control unit 200 outputs a control command to the effect control unit 300 and the payout control unit 400. The control command is generated in each process up to step 505, set in the RAM 203, and output in this output process.

[Start-up switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the start port switch process.
Of the switch processes shown in step 502 (see FIG. 5), the start port switch process includes a process for winning at the first start port 121 and a process for winning at the second start port 122. Referring to FIG. 6, the special symbol lottery unit 231 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a game ball is won at the first starting port 121 and the first starting port switch 211 is turned on (step). 601). If the first start port switch 211 is turned ON, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U1 of the unlotted hold in the winning of the first start port 121 is less than the upper limit value (step). 602). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holdings U1 has reached the upper limit (No in step 602), the winnings for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, so the process for winning at the first start port 121 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the number of reservations U1 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 602), the special symbol lottery unit 231 then adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations U1 (Step 603). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 604). Here, since the first starting port 121 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery is acquired. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value. Random value here is a jackpot random value that determines jackpot, jackpot or lose, jackpot type (whether there is a short-time gaming state after the jackpot game, whether there is a promiscuous gaming state, per jackpot, short hit) A design random number value to be determined (a jackpot symbol random number value), a variation pattern random number for specifying a variation pattern in symbol variation, a reach random number value for determining whether or not to perform a reachable effect, and the like are included.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 605). In this pre-determination process, the lottery result is determined not at the start of symbol variation but at the start opening prize (that is, at step 605). In addition, in the gaming machine that does not perform the notice effect of the lottery result, this prior determination process may be omitted.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U1 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U1 in Step 603 in the RAM 203 (Step 606), and wins a prize at the first start port 121 The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 605 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 605 is included in the pending number U1 increase command.

  Next, a process for winning in the second start port 122 is performed. Referring to FIG. 6, next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the game ball has won the second start port 122 and the second start port switch 212 is turned on (step 607). If the second start port switch 212 is turned on, then the special symbol lottery unit 231 determines whether or not the number U2 of unreserved hold numbers in the winning of the second start port 122 is less than the upper limit (step). 608). In the example shown in FIG. 6, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds U2 has reached the upper limit (No in step 608), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any longer, and the process for winning at the second start port 122 is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the reserved number U2 is less than the upper limit value (Yes in Step 608), the special symbol lottery unit 231 next adds 1 to the value of the reserved number U2 (Step 609). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is acquired and stored in the RAM 203 (step 610). Here, since the winning of the second starting port 122 is won, a random number value for special symbol lottery (a jackpot random number, a jackpot symbol random number, a reach random number, a variation pattern random number, etc.) is acquired as in step 604 above. The random value acquired at this time is the value updated by the random number update process in step 501. And the result of the special symbol lottery is determined by this random number value.

Next, the special symbol lottery unit 231 performs a pre-determination process for performing a notice effect of the lottery result on a winning ball (holding ball) for which a special symbol variation display operation is suspended (that is, an undrawn lottery). Perform (step 611). The contents of this preliminary determination process are the same as in step 605 above. This pre-determination process may also be omitted in gaming machines that do not perform the notice effect of the lottery result.
Thereafter, the special symbol lottery unit 231 sets a command for increasing the number of held U2 to notify the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the number of held U2 in step 609 in the RAM 203 (step 612), and wins a prize at the second starting port 122. The process for is terminated. When the preliminary determination process in step 611 is performed, the information on the determination result of the preliminary determination obtained in step 611 is included in the pending number U2 increase command.

[Gate switch processing in game control unit]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate switch process.
In the gate switch process of the switch processes shown in step 502 (see FIG. 5), the normal symbol lottery unit 232 of the game control unit 200 first passes the gate 124 and the gate switch 214 is turned on. It is determined whether or not (step 701). If the gate switch 214 is turned on, then the normal symbol lottery unit 232 determines whether or not the number of holds G for the undrawn lot is less than the upper limit value (step 702). In the example shown in FIG. 7, the upper limit value is four. If the number of holds G has reached the upper limit (No in Step 702), the winning for the undrawn lots cannot be held any more, so the gate switch process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the number of reservations G is less than the upper limit (Yes in Step 702), the normal symbol lottery unit 232 next adds 1 to the value of the number of reservations G (Step 703). Then, a random value for the lottery by the current winning is obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (step 704). Here, since the gate 124 is won, a random value (such as a winning random number) for normal symbol lottery is acquired. Furthermore, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 to which this embodiment is applied, in particular, a random number value for the falling lottery is also acquired. The falling lottery will be described in detail later.
After that, the normal symbol lottery unit 232 sets a retention number G increase command for notifying the effect control unit 300 of the increase in the retention number G in step 703 in the RAM 203 (step 705), The process ends.

[Special symbol processing in game control unit]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special symbol process.
In the special symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in step 503 (see FIG. 5), the special symbol variation control unit 233 of the game control unit 200 first hits the flag set in the RAM 203 (hereinafter referred to as flag setting). It is checked whether or not the game flag is ON (step 801). Here, when the result of the special symbol lottery is a big win or a small win, the win game flag is a flag that is set to identify a game state corresponding to these wins. Depending on the hit type, one of the long hit game flag, the short hit game flag, and the small hit game flag is set. In the present embodiment, these are collectively referred to as a winning game flag.

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

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

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

  Next, the special symbol variation control unit 233 executes jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing by separate routines (steps 808 and 809). As will be described in detail later, setting information (design, game state, variation pattern, etc.) included in the variation start command sent to the effect control unit 300 is determined by the jackpot determination processing and variation pattern selection processing.

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

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

  On the other hand, when the variation time has elapsed (Yes in step 812), the special symbol variation control unit 233 first stops the variation of the special symbols in the first special symbol display 221 and the second special symbol display 222 (step 813), a change stop command is set in the RAM 203 (step 814). Then, a stop routine process of another routine is executed (step 815). The contents of the stop process will be described later. The change stop command set in step 814 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

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

If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a big hit (Yes in step 902), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 determines a big hit symbol random number (step 903). Depending on the result of this determination, the type of jackpot (any of probability variation + time reduction, probability variation + no time shortage, no probability variation + time shortage, no probability variation + no time shortage) is determined. Which jackpot is determined is determined by whether the value of the jackpot symbol random number acquired in step 604 of FIG. 6 matches one of the preset values for each jackpot type (FIG. 17-1). (See (b)).
After the above determination, the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 sets the symbol representing the type of jackpot determined by the determination of the jackpot symbol random number (the jackpot symbol) as setting information in the RAM 203 (step 904).

  When the result of the random number determination in step 901 is a small hit (No in step 902, Yes in step 905), the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 next displays a symbol indicating a small hit (hereinafter referred to as a small hit symbol). ) As setting information in the RAM 203 (step 906).

  If the result of the random number determination in step 901 is neither big win nor small win (No in step 902 and step 905), then the special symbol lottery result determination unit 234 indicates that the lottery has been lost (hereinafter referred to as a lost symbol). Is set in the RAM 203 as setting information (step 907).

[Change pattern selection process by game control unit]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the variation pattern selection process.
In the variation pattern selection process (step 809 in FIG. 8), the variation pattern selection unit 235 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1001). This determination is the same as steps 901 and 902 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9) (the determination result of step 902 may be used). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1001), the fluctuation pattern selection unit 235 reads the big hit fluctuation pattern table from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1002).

On the other hand, if the jackpot has not been won (No in step 1001), the variation pattern selection unit 235 then determines a random number for determining whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect for causing the player to expect a jackpot. (Step 1003). Whether or not the reach effect is performed is determined by determining whether or not the reach random number value obtained in steps 604 and 610 in FIG. 6 matches a preset value (FIG. 17-1 (c). )reference).
As a result of determination using random numbers, when a reach effect is performed (Yes in step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads a variation pattern table for reach from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1005). When the reach effect is not performed (No in Step 1004), the variation pattern selection unit 235 reads the variation pattern table for loss from the ROM 202 and sets it in the RAM 203 (Step 1006).
Here, the variation pattern table is a table in which a plurality of variation patterns (variation times 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.) prepared in advance are associated with values of variation pattern random numbers.

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

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

[Processing during stop by game control unit]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the stop process.
In the stop process (step 815 in FIG. 8), the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the time reduction flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1101). The short time flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is the short time gaming state. When the time-short flag is ON (Yes in Step 1101), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) J in the time-short game state (Step 1102), and the number of lotteries J becomes 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1103). If the number of lotteries J = 0 (Yes in Step 1103), the time reduction flag is turned OFF (Step 1104). It should be noted that the operation for turning on the hourly flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number J are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special winning opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the time reduction flag is OFF (No in step 1101), or after the time reduction flag is turned OFF in step 1104, or if the value of the number of times of lottery J is not 0 (No in step 1103), then the game progress control unit 236 Checks whether or not the probability variation flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1105). The probability variation flag is a flag for identifying that the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 is a probability variation game.

  When the probability change flag is ON (Yes in Step 1105), the game progress control unit 236 subtracts 1 from the value of the number of lotteries (number of variations) X in the probability variation game state (Step 1106), and the number of lotteries X is set to 0. It is checked whether or not (step 1107). If the number of times of lottery X = 0 (Yes in Step 1107), the probability variation flag is turned OFF (Step 1108). Note that the operation for turning on the probability change flag and the setting of the initial value of the lottery number X are performed in a game state setting process (FIG. 15) in a special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  If the probability change flag is OFF (No in step 1105), or after the probability change flag is turned OFF in step 1108, or if the value of the lottery count X is not 0 (No in step 1107), then the game progress control unit 236 Determines whether or not a big win has been won in this special symbol lottery (step 1109). If it is a big hit (Yes in Step 1109), the game progress control unit 236 next determines whether or not the type of big hit is a long win (Step 1110).

These determinations can be made based on the type of symbol set in the setting information in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). For example, if the normal symbol A, the normal symbol B, the probability variation symbol A or the probability variation symbol B among the symbols shown in the diagram of FIG. 17-1 (b) described later is set, the type of jackpot is long hit It is judged. Further, when the normal symbol C, the probability variation symbol C or the latent probability symbol is set, it is determined that the type of jackpot is short hit.
Therefore, if the normal symbol A, the normal symbol B, the probability variation symbol A, or the probability variation symbol B is set in the setting information, it is Yes in both steps 1109 and 1110. If the normal symbol C, the probability variation symbol C, or the latent probability symbol is set, Yes in step 1109 and No in step 1110. If the off symbol or the small hit symbol is set, No in step 1109. Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

  When the jackpot type is a long hit (Yes in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the long hit game flag (Step 1111). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a jackpot gaming state (long winning gaming state) in which the jackpot type is long winning. Here, the presence / absence of probability fluctuation is not distinguished in the per unit length. The presence / absence of the probability change is specified by turning on the corresponding flag in the gaming state setting process (FIG. 15) in the special prize opening process (FIG. 14) described later.

  When the big hit type is not long hit (No in Step 1110), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the short hit game flag (Step 1112). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a big hit gaming state (short winning gaming state) in which the big hit type is short hit.

  After the winning game flag is turned ON in step 1111 or step 1112, the game progress control unit 236 initializes the values of the lottery times J and X (step 1113). That is, since the special symbol lottery was a big win (step 1109), the lottery times J and X are reset to 0 and newly counted again. Further, the game progress control unit 236 turns off the time reduction flag when the time reduction flag is ON in step 1101 and the lottery count J is not 0 in step 1103 (step 1114). Similarly, if the probability variation flag is ON in step 1105 and the lottery count X is not 0 in step 1107, the probability variation flag is turned OFF (step 1114).

On the other hand, when the result of the special symbol lottery this time is not a big hit (No in Step 1109), the game progress control unit 236 determines whether or not the result of the special symbol lottery this time is a big hit (Step). 1115). If it is not a small hit (No in step 1115), the in-stop process is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is a small hit (Yes in step 1115), the game progress control unit 236 turns on the small hit game flag (step 1116). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the small hit gaming state.

After initializing the values of the lottery times J and X in step 1113 and turning on the small hit game flag in step 1116, the game progress control unit 236 starts an opening operation (step 1117). Here, the contents of the opening operation differ depending on which of steps 1111, 1112, and 1116 the winning game flag is turned on. In other words, depending on the state of the winning game flag, one of the opening operations set in each gaming state of the long winning game, the short winning game, and the small winning game is performed.
Thereafter, the game progress control unit 236 sets an opening command for performing an effect in the opening operation corresponding to the winning game flag in the effect control unit 300 in the RAM 203 (step 1118), and ends the in-stop process. This opening command is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Customer waiting setting process by game control unit]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the customer waiting setting process.
In the customer waiting setting process (step 816 in FIG. 8), the game progress control unit 236 of the game control unit 200 first checks whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203 (step 1201). Here, the customer waiting flag is a flag that is set to identify that the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in a customer waiting state.

  When the customer waiting flag is ON, since the pachinko gaming machine 100 is in the customer waiting state, the processing is ended as it is (Yes in step 1201). On the other hand, when the customer waiting flag is OFF, the game progress control unit 236 generates a customer waiting command and sets it in the RAM 203 (step 1202), and turns on the customer waiting flag (step 1203). The customer waiting command set in step 1202 is transmitted to the effect control unit 300 by the output process shown in step 506 of FIG.

[Normal symbol processing by game control unit]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of normal symbol processing.
In the normal symbol processing of the symbol processing shown in step 503 (see FIG. 5), the normal symbol control unit 237 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether or not the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203. Check (step 1301). Here, the auxiliary game flag is a flag that is set in order to identify a game state (auxiliary game state) corresponding to a normal symbol lottery when winning. In the auxiliary gaming state, the electric tulip 123 is opened according to the electric tulip process (FIG. 16) described later, and the second start port 122 is easily won (assisted).

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

On the other hand, when the reserved number G is 1 or more (Yes in step 1303), the normal symbol control unit 237 subtracts 1 from the value of the reserved number G (step 1304), and the random number in the current normal symbol lottery is calculated. A determination is made to determine whether or not the normal symbol lottery has been won (step 1305). Whether or not the game is won is determined by determining whether or not the value of the winning random number acquired in step 704 in FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value.
Here, in the present embodiment, according to the result of the falling lottery described later, that is, when the time reduction flag is OFF or the time reduction flag is ON, and further, when the time reduction flag is ON, the fall flag is set. The value (table) set as the winning value differs depending on whether or not it is ON. The winning value will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

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

  Next, the normal symbol control unit 237 sets the variation time of the normal symbol (step 1307). This variation time is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, step 1506 in FIG. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON in the setting in step 1307, it is set to a short time (for example, 1.5 seconds), and when the time reduction flag is OFF, it is set to a long time (for example, 4.0 seconds). Is set. After this setting, the normal symbol control unit 237 starts normal symbol fluctuations in the normal symbol display 223 shown in FIG. 2 based on the setting contents of Step 1307 (Step 1308).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the fall determination in the fall lottery is performed together with the determination of the winning random number. Specifically, a fall determination process is performed to determine whether a fall has occurred and to determine whether or not a fall in the fall lottery has been won (step 1309). In the fall determination process, whether or not a fall is won is determined by judging whether or not the value of the fall random number acquired in step 704 in FIG. 7 matches the value set as the winning value.

When the falling lottery is won, the “falling flag” is set in the RAM 203. The fall flag is a flag for identifying a fall by winning the fall of the fall lottery when the hour flag is ON (time saving game state). As described above, when the fall flag is ON, the table to be referenced is different even if the time reduction flag is ON. That is, the falling lottery is a lottery for changing a winning value table (see FIG. 17-2 (to be described later)) used for determining a winning random number when the time-short flag is ON (when the time-short game state). Can also be understood. And in this embodiment, when winning a fall of a fall lottery, the process which makes it relatively hard to hit in a normal symbol lottery is performed.
The falling flag continues in the short time gaming state where the falling flag is set to ON until the hourly flag is turned OFF, and is reset when the time flag is turned ON again, and the falling flag is turned OFF.

  After starting normal symbol variation in step 1308 or when it is determined in step 1302 that normal symbol variation is in progress (Yes in step 1302), the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the variation time has elapsed. (Step 1310). That is, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the start of normal symbol fluctuation in step 1308 has reached the fluctuation time set in step 1307. If the variation time has not elapsed (No in step 1310), the normal symbol variation is continued, and the normal symbol processing is terminated as it is.

  On the other hand, when the fluctuation time is over (Yes in step 1310), the normal symbol control unit 237 stops the fluctuation of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display 223 (step 1311). Then, the normal symbol control unit 237 determines whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won based on the stopped normal symbol (step 1312). If it is won (Yes in Step 1312), the auxiliary game flag is turned ON (Step 1313). On the other hand, if the lottery is off (No in step 1312), the normal symbol process is terminated without turning on the auxiliary game flag.

[Large winning mouth processing by game control unit]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the special winning opening process.
In the special prize opening process in the electric accessory process shown in step 504 (see FIG. 5), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 of the game control unit 200 first turns on the winning game flag in the flag setting of the RAM 203. It is checked whether or not (step 1401). If the winning game flag is OFF, there is no prize winning in the big prize opening 125, so the big prize opening process is terminated (No in step 1401). On the other hand, if the winning game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1401), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 next performs the operation control at the time of the big hit started in the pachinko gaming machine 100 being stopped (FIG. 11). It is determined whether or not the opening operation is in progress (step 1402).

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

  In the operation setting of step 1404, the operation pattern of the special winning opening 125 and the number of rounds (operation round number) operated by the operation pattern are set. As the case where the big prize opening 125 is operated, there are a case where it is a big win per long or short in a special symbol lottery and a case where it is a small win. The operation pattern and the number of rounds are variously set according to the hit type.

  In the case of a long hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and 29.5 seconds are released once in one round. In the case of a short hit, for example, 15 rounds (15R) are operated, and one round is performed once for 0.1 seconds. In the case of a small hit, for example, one round (1R) is operated, and 0.1 second is released 15 times in this round. Here, when the operation with short hits and the operation with small hits are compared in the above examples, both 0.1 seconds of opening is performed 15 times. That is, the action of the big winning opening 125 that can be seen by the player is the same for the case of short win and the case of small win, and the short win and the small win are distinguished only from the action of the big winning opening 125 on the game board 110. I can't do it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  On the other hand, if the pachinko gaming machine 100 is not ending (No in step 1415), the special prize opening operation control unit 238 determines whether or not the special prize opening 125 is operating (opening) (step 1416). . If it is not in operation (No in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1405 is executed. If it is in operation (Yes in Step 1416), the operation after Step 1408 is executed.

[Game state setting process]
The contents of the game state setting process (step 1418) executed when the ending time has elapsed (Yes in step 1417) will be described.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the game state setting process.
As shown in FIG. 15, first of all, since the winning game flag is ON in step 1401 of FIG. 14, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 determines the type of winning (steps 1501, 1502, 1503, 1506). These determinations can be made based on, for example, the type of symbol set as setting information in the RAM 203 in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9). Since these determinations are substantially the same as steps 902, 903, and 905 of the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the determination results of steps 902, 903, and 905 may be used.

If the win type is a small win (Yes in step 1501), the gaming state (internal state of the pachinko gaming machine 100) is not changed, so the gaming state setting process is terminated.
If the winning type is a big hit with no positive change + a short time (No at step 1501, Yes at steps 1502 and 1503), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 turns on the short flag (step 1504). Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes the short-time gaming state. Further, the special winning opening operation controller 238 sets an initial value of the lottery number J (step 1505) and ends the gaming state setting process. The initial value of the lottery number J is 100 in the illustrated example. Therefore, if the lottery in the short-time gaming state is performed 100 times, the short-time gaming state ends.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a big hit with no probability change + no time reduction (No in step 1501, Yes in 1502, No in step 1503), the special winning opening operation control unit 238 does not set both the time reduction flag and the probability change flag to ON. The process ends. Therefore, the setting of the game state of the RAM 203 for the game after the jackpot does not result in a short-time game state or a probabilistic game state.

  When the winning type is a big hit with certain change + short time (No at Steps 1501 and 1502, Yes at Step 1506), the winning prize opening operation control unit 238 turns on the hourly flag (Step 1507), and the number of lottery times J Is set (step 1508). In this case, the initial value of the number of times of lottery J is 10,000 in the illustrated example. Further, the special winning opening operation control unit 238 sets the probability variation flag to ON (step 1509) and sets the initial value of the lottery number X (step 1510). The initial value of the lottery number X is 100 in the illustrated example. Thereby, the setting of the gaming state in the RAM 203 becomes a time-varying probability changing gaming state. If the lottery in the time-varying probability variation game state is performed 100 times, the time-variable probability variation game state ends.

  On the other hand, when the winning type is a big hit with probability variation + no time reduction (No in steps 1501, 1502, and step 1506), the big prize opening operation control unit 238 turns on only the probability variation flag (step 1509), and the number of lotteries An initial value of X (10000 times) is set (step 1510). As a result, the game state of the RAM 203 is set to a probabilistic gaming state in which time is not set. If the lottery in the timeless probability change game state is performed 10,000 times, the timeless probability change game state ends.

[Electric tulip processing by game control unit]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the electric tulip process.
In the electric tulip process among the electric accessory processes shown in step 504 (see FIG. 5), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 of the game control unit 200 first determines whether the auxiliary game flag is ON in the flag setting of the RAM 203. Whether or not is checked (step 1601). When the auxiliary game flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is not released, and thus the electric tulip process is terminated (No in step 1601). On the other hand, when the auxiliary game flag is ON (Yes in Step 1601), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 determines whether the electric tulip 123 is in operation (Step 1602).

When the electric tulip 123 is not in operation (No in step 1602), the electric tulip operation control unit 239 sets the operation pattern of the electric tulip 123 (step 1603), and operates the electric tulip 123 with the set operation pattern ( Step 1604). Here, the operation pattern is set based on the time reduction flag set in the processing of steps 1104 and 1114 in FIG. 11, steps 1503 and 1506 in FIG. If the time reduction flag is OFF at the time of setting in step 1603, for example, an operation pattern that opens once with a release time of 0.2 seconds is set, and the time reduction flag is ON and the fall flag is OFF For example, an operation pattern of opening three times with an opening time of 6 seconds is set.
In this way, basically, when the hourly flag is ON (when the hourly gaming state is set) and the fall flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is opened a plurality of times for a long time, and the second start port 122 is won. Winning support (Electric Chu support) is made easier.

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

[Random number judgment method]
Here, a determination method using random numbers performed in the jackpot determination process (FIG. 9), the variation pattern selection process (FIG. 10), the normal symbol process (FIG. 13), and the like will be described in detail.
FIG. 17A is a diagram illustrating an example of a table referred to in the special symbol process.
17A shows a configuration example of a jackpot random number, FIG. 17B shows a configuration example of a jackpot symbol random number, and FIG. 17C shows a configuration example of a reach random number. ing.

  Referring to FIG. 17-1 (a), the jackpot random number is set to two types, that is, a jackpot at normal time when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 100 does not change and a jackpot at the time of probability change, and a jackpot. The range of values of random numbers (big hit random numbers) is 300 from 0 to 299. In the case of a special symbol lottery (a jackpot lottery) during normal times, only one winning value is set and the winning probability is 1/300. In the case of special symbol lottery at the time of probability change, ten winning values are set, and the winning probability is 10/300 (= 1/30). In other words, in the example shown in the figure, if the special symbol lottery is performed by winning at the start ports 121 and 122 at the time of the probability change, the winning probability is 10 times as compared with the case where the special symbol lottery is performed at the normal time. In addition, three winning values are set regardless of whether or not the probability changes, and the winning probability is 3/300 (= 1/100).

Referring to FIG. 17-1 (b), there are seven types of jackpot symbols: normal symbol A, normal symbol B, normal symbol C, probability variation symbol A, probability variation symbol B, probability variation symbol C, and latent probability symbol. Yes.
Here, the normal symbol A, the normal symbol B, and the normal symbol C are symbols representing a big hit without any probability change. Of these, the normal symbol A is per length and there is a short time, the normal symbol B is per length and there is no time, and the normal symbol C is short and there is no time.
The probability variation symbol A, the probability variation symbol B, and the probability variation symbol C are symbols representing a jackpot with certain probability variation. Among these, the probability variation design A is per length and has a shorter time, the probability variation design B is per length and has no time, and the probability variation design C is a short per time and represents no time.
Further, the latent symbol is a symbol representing a short hit + a big hit without a short time. Therefore, the probability variation symbol C and the latent probability symbol have the same gaming state after the jackpot game, but the latent probability symbol is provided separately from the probability variation symbol C to be a condition for performing the probability variation latent effect.
The range of random number values is 250 from 0 to 249. In addition, in the jackpot symbol random number, a winning value is set for each of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 that trigger the special symbol lottery.

  In the normal symbol A, 20 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning in the normal symbol A (long win + short time) is 20/250 (= 2 / 25). On the other hand, 40 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning the normal symbol A (long win + short time) is 40/250 (= 4 / 25).

  In the normal symbol B, 20 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning in the normal symbol B (long win + no short time) is 20/250 (= 2 / 25). On the other hand, the winning value in the normal symbol B is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the normal symbol B.

  In the normal symbol C, ten values are assigned as winning values for both the first start port 121 and the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the jackpot, the probability of winning in the normal symbol C (short win + no short time) is 10/250 (= 1/25).

  In the probability variation symbol A, 20 values are assigned as winning values when winning in the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probable variation symbol A (long win + short time) when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 20/250 (= 2 / 25). On the other hand, 180 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning the big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning in the probability variation symbol A (long win + short time) is 180/250 (= 18 / 25).

  In the probability variation symbol B, 20 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, the probability of winning in the probable symbol B (long win + no short time) when winning a jackpot in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121 is 20/250 (= 2 / 25). On the other hand, the winning value in the normal symbol B is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the normal symbol B.

  In the probability variation symbol C, 60 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, when winning the big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning in the probable variation C (short win + no short time) is 60/250 (= 6 / 25). On the other hand, 20 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the second start port 122. Therefore, when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the second starting port 122, the probability of winning in the probable variation C (short win + no short time) is 20/250 (= 2 / 25).

  In the latent symbol, 100 values are assigned as winning values when winning at the first start port 121. Therefore, when winning a big win in the special symbol lottery started by winning the first starting port 121, the probability of winning in the latent symbol (short win + no short time) is 100/250 (= 10 / 25). On the other hand, the winning value in the latent symbol is not assigned to the second starting port 122, and when winning in the second starting port 122, it is not won in the latent symbol.

  In the example shown in FIG. 17-1 (b), for example, the jackpot when winning at the first start port 121 has a high probability of being a jackpot (probability variation symbol C, latent probability symbol) without short hit + short time, There is a high probability that the jackpot when winning at the 2 start opening 122 will be a jackpot (probability variation A) with a long win + short time. In this way, by making the winning probabilities of the jackpot types different when winning at the first start port 121 and when winning at the second start port 122, various game characteristics can be provided. Further, the arrangement of the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 in the game board 110 is devised so that it is easy to aim at either the first start port 121 or the second start port 122 in a specific state (mode). By configuring the above, it is possible to encourage the player to participate in more aggressive games.

Here, attention is paid to the normal symbol A, the normal symbol B, the probability variation symbol A, and the probability variation symbol B, which are winnings per long expectation of a relatively large number of balls for the player.
First, the normal symbol A and the normal symbol B are common to each other, and are different in terms of “with time” and “without time”. As described above, in the present embodiment, if attention is paid only to the normal symbol A and the normal symbol B, the first start port 121 is elected with “short time” with a probability of 1/2. On the other hand, at the second start port 122, the winning of “there is a short time” is won with a probability of 1/1.
In addition, the probability variation design A and the probability variation design B are common to each other, and differ in terms of “with time reduction” and “without time reduction”. As described above, in the present embodiment, when attention is paid only to the probability variation symbol A and the probability variation symbol B, the first start port 121 is won with a “short time” with a probability of 1/2. On the other hand, at the second start port 122, the winning of “there is a short time” is won with a probability of 1/1.

  That is, paying attention to the normal symbol A, the normal symbol B, the probability variation symbol A, and the probability variation symbol B which are winning per long, at the first start port 121, the probability of “with time reduction” is ½, In the second start port 122, the probability that “there is a short time” is 1/1.

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

FIG. 17-2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table referred to in normal symbol processing.
FIG. 17-2 (a) shows a configuration example of a winning random number, FIG. 17-2 (b) shows a configuration example of a winning design random number, and FIG. 17-2 (c) shows a configuration example of a falling random number. ing.
Referring to FIG. 17-2 (a), the range of the random number value is 120 from 0 to 119, and one value is assigned as the winning value when the time reduction flag is OFF. Therefore, if a game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery (open / close lottery) is performed when the short-time gaming state has not occurred, the winning is made with a probability of 1/120.

On the other hand, when the time reduction flag is ON, the number of assigned winning values is different between when the fall flag is OFF and when the fall flag is ON. That is, when the time reduction flag is ON and the fall flag is OFF, 119 values are assigned as winning values. When the time flag is ON and the fall flag is ON, two values are assigned as winning values.
Therefore, when the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed when the short-time gaming state is occurring and the fall flag is OFF, the winning is performed with a probability of 119/120. However, even if the short-time gaming state is occurring, if the game ball passes through the gate 124 and the normal symbol lottery is performed when the fall flag is OFF, the winning with the probability of 2/120 It becomes.

  As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 to which the present embodiment is applied, even when the hourly flag is ON (in the hourly gaming state), when the fall flag is ON, the normal symbol The winning probability per lottery is set lower than the winning probability when the fall flag is OFF. In particular, in the present embodiment, as in the example of FIG. 17-2 (a), when the fall flag is ON, it is the same as (equal to or slightly higher) than when the time reduction flag is OFF. Probability). In other words, when the time reduction flag is ON, the probability that the electric tulip 123 will be opened when the game ball passes through the gate 124 is lower when the fall flag is ON than when the fall flag is OFF. .

Referring to FIG. 17B, five types of winning symbols are prepared: a winning ordinary symbol A1, a winning ordinary symbol A2, a winning ordinary symbol B1, a winning ordinary symbol B2, and a winning ordinary symbol C.
The winning ordinary symbol A1 and the winning ordinary symbol A2 are symbols that are selected when the hourly flag is OFF. Further, the winning normal symbol B1 and the winning normal symbol B2 are symbols that are selected when the hourly flag is ON and the falling flag is OFF. Furthermore, the winning normal symbol C is a symbol that is selected when the time reduction flag is ON and the falling flag is ON. The range of the random number value is 100 from 0 to 99.

In the hit normal symbol A1, 50 values are assigned as winning values when a game ball passes through the gate 124. Therefore, the probability of winning in the normal symbol A1 when winning in the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 124 is 50/100 (= 1/2).
In the hit normal symbol A2, 50 values are assigned as winning values when a game ball passes through the gate 124. Therefore, the probability of winning in the normal symbol A2 when winning in the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 124 is 50/100 (= 1/2).

In the hit normal symbol B1, 80 values are assigned as winning values when a game ball passes through the gate 124. Therefore, the probability of winning in the normal symbol B1 when winning in the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 124 is 80/100 (= 4/5).
In the winning normal symbol B2, 20 values are assigned as winning values when a game ball passes through the gate 124. Therefore, the probability of winning in the normal symbol B2 when winning in the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 124 is 20/100 (= 1/5).

  In the winning normal symbol C, 100 values are assigned as winning values when a game ball passes through the gate 124. Therefore, the probability of winning in the normal symbol C when winning in the normal symbol lottery started by passing the game ball to the gate 124 is 100/100 (= 1/1).

  As shown in FIG. 17-2 (c), the fall random number is referred to in the fall determination process. The falling random number is a lottery that is executed together with the normal symbol lottery in the time-short game state (when the time-short flag is ON). That is, the fall determination is started when a game ball passes through the gate 124 in the short-time gaming state. The range of the random number value is 100 from 0 to 99. Three values are assigned as winning values. Therefore, as a result of the fall determination, the probability of winning the fall is 3/90 (= 1/30).

  These random number values start from a predetermined initial value and are incremented by one each time the random number update process (step 501) shown in FIG. 5 is performed. Then, the values at the time each lottery is performed are acquired by the start opening switch process (FIG. 6) and the gate switch process (FIG. 7), and used in the special symbol process (FIG. 8) and the normal symbol process (FIG. 13). The Note that this random value counter is an infinite loop counter, and returns to 0 again after reaching the maximum value of the set random number (for example, 299 for the big hit random number). In addition, since the random number update process is performed at regular intervals, if the initial value of each random number is specified, the winning value may be estimated based on such information. Therefore, in general, a mechanism for randomly changing the initial value of each random number at an appropriate timing has been introduced.

FIG. 17C is a diagram for explaining an operation pattern of the electric tulip 123.
As shown in FIG. 17C, in the present embodiment, when the time reduction flag is OFF, two symbols of “winning normal symbol A1” and “winning normal symbol A2” are set. In the “winning normal symbol A1”, the opening time is set to 0.2 seconds and the number of opening times is set to one. In “winning normal symbol A2”, the opening time is set to 3 seconds and the number of opening times is set to 2 times.
On the other hand, when the time reduction flag is ON and the fall flag is OFF, two symbols of “winning normal symbol B1” and “winning normal symbol B2” are set. In “winning normal symbol B1”, the opening time is set to 6 seconds and the number of opening times is set to 3 times. In addition, in the hit normal symbol B2 ", the opening time is set to 4 seconds and the number of opening times is set to 2.
Furthermore, when the time reduction flag is ON and the fall flag is ON, “winning normal symbol C” is set. In the “winning normal symbol C”, the opening time is set to 5.5 seconds and the number of opening times is set to two.

  As described above, basically, when the time reduction flag is ON (in the time reduction gaming state) and the fall flag is OFF, the electric tulip 123 is opened several times for a long time, and the second start Winning support (electrical chew support) that facilitates winning in the mouth 122 is performed.

However, although the winning probability is lower than when the time-short flag is ON (when in the short-time gaming state) and the fall flag is OFF, the normal symbol lottery is applied when the time-short flag is OFF, and the winning normal symbol In the case where A2 is won, electronic Chu support is provided. In this case, although the player is not in the short-time gaming state, the electric tulip 123 is opened for a certain period of time, so that the player can easily win the second starting port 122 and obtain the feeling obtained only for a certain period. I have to.
In addition, when the hourly flag is ON and the falling flag is ON, when the normal symbol C is won in the normal symbol lottery, the opening time of the electric tulip 123 is longer than that when the hourly flag is OFF. It is set to be longer than when the time-short flag is ON and the fall flag is OFF.

[Operation of production control unit]
Next, the operation of the effect control unit 300 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control unit 300 of the present embodiment.
The operation of the effect control unit 300 when receiving a command from the game control unit 200 includes a main process shown in FIG. 18A and an interrupt process shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 18A, the production control unit 300 first performs initial setting at the time of activation (step 1801), sets the cycle of the CTC (Counter / Timer Circuit) (step 1802), and then sets the cycle. Accordingly, the interrupt process is accepted while updating the random number used in the production control (step 1803).

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

Subsequently, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 to which the present embodiment is applied, game contents and effects executed in response to the falling lottery will be described in detail.
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of the game progress triggered by the falling lottery.
FIG. 20 is a rendering example of an image displayed on the image display unit 114 of the present embodiment.
Here, as an example, a case where, as a result of the special symbol lottery from the normal gaming state, the jackpot is won and the normal symbol A (long win + short time) is won will be described.
As shown in FIG. 19, the state before winning the jackpot is a normal gaming state (time-short flag is OFF). At this time, as shown in FIG. 20A, the image display unit 114 displays, for example, a background having no particular decoration and text such as “normal mode”. From this screen, the player can recognize that the game state is not the short-time game state but the normal game state.
The background screen displays a predetermined image on the image display unit 114 based on the setting information included in the change start command sent to the effect control unit 300 by the jackpot determination process and the change pattern selection process by the special symbol change control unit 233. indicate.

Then, as shown in FIG. 19, after winning the jackpot and executing the jackpot game, as an example of the special game state, the state shifts to the time-saving game state (the time-short flag is ON and the fall flag is OFF). In this state, as described above, when the game ball passes through the gate 124, it is won at the rate of 119/120 for the normal symbol lottery (see FIG. 17-2 (a)). Therefore, as long as the game ball passes through the gate 124, the state where the electric tulip 123 is opened is continued.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20B, in the short-time game state (the short-time flag is ON and the fall flag is OFF), a more gorgeous background is displayed than in the normal game state. A text suggesting that the game is in a short-time game state such as “challenge mode” is displayed. With this image display, the player can recognize that the game is in the short time gaming state.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 19, a case is considered where, when the time reduction flag is ON, a fall is won in the fall lottery (the fall flag is ON). In this state, as described above, when the game ball passes through the gate 124, it is won in the normal symbol lottery at a ratio of 2/120 (see FIG. 17-2 (a)). In this case, the winning probability is significantly lower than when the fall flag is OFF. Therefore, in practice, the electric tulip 123 is hardly opened.

  In the present embodiment, when the fall flag is turned ON, as shown in FIG. 20C, for example, a text that makes it seem that the short-time gaming state has ended, such as “end of challenge mode”, is displayed. The background of the display screen is also the same as the normal gaming state. At this time, although the internal state of the gaming machine is the short-time gaming state, the player thinks that the short-time gaming state has ended by the image display on the image display unit 114. Actually, even if the game ball is passed through the gate 124, the electric tulip 123 hardly opens, so that the player can easily think that the short-time game state has ended.

In general, the short-time gaming state will change from the normal gaming state triggered by the jackpot in the special symbol lottery, and then win the jackpot again, or meet the number of fluctuations in the predetermined normal symbol lottery The event ends with a lottery. On the other hand, in this embodiment, it is possible to make the player think that the short-time gaming state has ended by the falling lottery. It should be noted that the internal state of the gaming machine is a short-time gaming state, and for example, when the normal symbol lottery is won, the opening time of the electric tulip 123 is set to be long. However, if the fall of the fall lottery is won, it will be difficult to win the normal symbol lottery.
As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 according to the present embodiment, the short-time gaming state can be ended as a sense received by the player, not by the special symbol lottery but by the normal symbol lottery.

[Example of game progress]
FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of game progress in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment.
In this example of the game progress, the explanation is limited to the jackpot that is a “long hit” that can be expected to play in the jackpot game, and the “short hit” is omitted.
In a normal gaming state, the player first launches a game ball aiming for a prize at the first start port 121. After that, when winning at the first start port 121 and winning the jackpot lottery in the special symbol lottery, the jackpot is won. At this time, in the special symbol lottery, determination of the jackpot symbol is performed. And in the case of a big hit at the first start port 121, as shown in FIG. 17-1 (b), as the “long hit”, one of the normal symbol A, the normal symbol B, the probability variation symbol A and the probability variation symbol B To win.

  Here, as described above, the normal symbol A and the probability variation symbol A shift to the short-time gaming state after the jackpot ends, but the normal symbol B and the probability variation symbol B do not shift to the hour-short gaming state after the jackpot end. Then, as shown in FIG. 17-1 (b), the probability of winning the jackpot of “There is a short time” in the winning at the first start port 121 is set to ½. Accordingly, the player plays the game with a probability of 1/2 while expecting whether it is a big hit with “short time” or a big hit with “no short time”.

  Then, when the jackpot “having a short time” is won, the game shifts to the short-time game state after the jackpot game ends. In the present embodiment, the maximum value of the number of lotteries (number of fluctuations) in the short-time gaming state is set to 100 (see FIG. 15). In the pachinko gaming machine 100 to which the present embodiment is applied, a falling lottery is also executed every time a normal symbol lottery is performed in the short-time gaming state, as described with reference to FIG.

In the short-time gaming state, first, the winning probability in the normal symbol lottery is set to a high probability (for example, 119/120, see FIG. 17-2 (a)). And the winning to the 2nd starting port 122 is supported by electric Chu support. Further, in the present embodiment, the second start port 122 performs the determination more preferentially than the first start port 121 (see step 803 and step 805 in FIG. 8). Therefore, the special symbol lottery accompanying the winning at the second starting port 122 is basically performed by shifting to the short-time gaming state.
In this example, for example, the probability that the state set after the jackpot game becomes the probability variation gaming state is also set high. For example, when a big hit is made at the second start opening 122, the number of rounds of the big winning opening 125 in the big win game is often set more than when a big win is made at the first start opening 121. Therefore, the player expects a winning at the second start port 122.

Here, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, the fall determination is performed in the normal symbol lottery. In the short-time gaming state, the electric chew support is continued unless a fall is won in the fall lottery.
Then, as shown in FIG. 17-1 (b), the two jackpot symbols at the second start port 122 are the normal symbol A and the probability variation symbol A. These symbols shift to the short-time gaming state after the jackpot. Then, the probability of winning the “big time” jackpot in the winning at the second start port 122 is set to 1/1.
Accordingly, the jackpot at the winning at the second starting port 122 further increases the expectation of the jackpot at the second starting port 122 after the game ends.

On the other hand, in the case of winning the falling lottery, the electric chew support is substantially terminated. And in this embodiment, as demonstrated with reference to FIG.20 (b), when winning a fall in a time-saving gaming state, the effect as if the time-saving gaming state was complete | finished is performed. As a result, although the short-time gaming state continues as an internal state, the electric chew support is effectively terminated, and further, the player assumes that the short-time gaming state has been terminated by the display on the image display unit 114.
In practice, it is possible to expect only a prize at the first start port 121. In this state, the player expects to win once again with a short-time win at 1/2 of the jackpot at the first start port 121 and hopes to win a jackpot with a short-time again.

  First, in a normal gaming state, when winning at the first starting port 121 and winning the jackpot lottery in the special symbol lottery, and winning the jackpot without a short time, it does not shift to the short-time gaming state after the jackpot game ends . Then, in practice, only a winning at the first start port 121 can be expected. Even in this case, the player expects to win once again with a short-time win at 1/2 of the jackpot at the first start port 121, and expects to win a jackpot with a short-time again.

As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 to which the present embodiment is applied, by providing the falling lottery, the time-short game state can be ended in a pseudo manner in the time-short game state. In addition, since the electric chew support can be effectively terminated, it is possible to realize a change in the gaming state experienced by the player at a timing that could not be realized by the prior art.
In addition, in accordance with this, the ratio of the special symbol which gives “with time” or “without time” is changed in the first start port 121 and the second start port 122 as in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment. So, while expecting to win a jackpot with a short time, and if you win a jackpot with a short time, the game will be thrilling so that the short game state (electricity support) will not end at that time Unprecedented playability can be realized.

In the above-described embodiment, 100 times is set as the initial value of the number of lotteries regarding “with time” set as the type of jackpot symbol, but is not limited to this. That is to say, for “There is a short time” set as the type of jackpot symbol, a plurality of initial values of the number of lotteries (see step 1505 and step 1508 in FIG. 15) may be provided. For example, as the type of “There is a short time”, a plurality of lotteries whose initial values of the number of lotteries are 30, 50, and 100 are provided. Thus, for example, when the initial value of 30 lottery times is set as the short-time gaming state and when the initial value of 100 lottery times is set, about 30 times when the fall of the falling lottery is won A similar gaming state is formed when the electric chew support is completed.
Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 100 of the present embodiment, it is possible to expand the range of game play by providing the falling lottery in the normal symbol lottery.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Pachinko machine 121 ... 1st starting port 122 ... 2nd starting port 123 ... Electric tulip (movable member)
124 ... Gate (specific area)
125 ... Grand prize opening 200 ... Game control unit 234 ... Special symbol lottery result determination unit (special game determination means)
237 ... Normal symbol control unit (operation determination means, low probability transition determination means)
238 ... Grand prize opening operation control unit (specific game setting means, high probability setting means)
300 ... Production control unit

Claims (1)

Special game determination means for determining whether or not to perform a special game advantageous to the player, triggered by the passing of the game ball at a start port provided in a game area where the game ball can flow down;
A movable member that is in one of a closed state that makes it difficult for the game ball to pass to the start port and an open state that facilitates passage of the game ball to the start port;
An operation determination means for determining whether or not to operate the movable member in an open state, triggered by a game ball passing through a specific area in the game area;
Specific game setting means for setting a specific game state in which the time for operating the movable member in the open state by the operation determination means is longer than the normal game state;
A high probability setting means for setting a probability of obtaining a determination result of operating the movable member in the open state in the determination of the operation determination means when the specific gaming state is set;
It is determined whether or not the probability of obtaining the determination result for operating the movable member to the open state is lower than the high probability when a game ball has passed through the specific area during the specific game state. Low probability transition judging means;
A gaming machine comprising:

Images