Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing interest in a game by an unprecedented image display method.SOLUTION: A game machine can display a specific image within a display area pertaining to an image display section, can have a first display area within the display area pertaining to the image display section, can have a second boundary inside a first boundary that is an outer edge of the first display area, allows a specific image to be visible in a second display area located inside the second boundary, and allows the area of the second display area to change without changing the area of the first display area when a specific condition is satisfied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines.

Background Art

[0002] Some gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines are equipped with an image display device and display an image in a display area related to the image display device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] These days, gaming machines equipped with such an image display device are common, and simply displaying an image lacks novelty and there is room for improvement from the perspective of enhancing the gaming interest.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine capable of enhancing the gaming interest by a novel image display method.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine including an image display unit, wherein a specific image can be displayed within a display area related to the image display unit, the display area related to the image display unit may have a first display area, a second boundary may be provided inside a first boundary which is an outer edge of the first display area, the specific image is visible in a second display area which is inside the second boundary, and when a specific condition is satisfied, the area of the second display area can change without the area of the first display area changing.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine capable of improving gaming interest by an unprecedented image display method.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the state of viewing the gaming machine 10 from the front side (the player side) as shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. Note that "advantageous (degree of advantage)" in the following description means being advantageous to the player, and further, unless otherwise specified, it means being advantageous in terms of the amount of acquired prize balls (gaming media) (including not only the payout of gaming balls but also the payout of medals) excluding the production aspects such as so-called premium images.

[0010] <Features of the Present Invention> Before explaining the details of the gaming machine 10 in the present embodiment, the features of the invention (the present invention) described in the present embodiment will be explained. Note that in explaining the features, the configurations in parentheses are examples of the configurations of the present embodiment corresponding to the immediately preceding configurations, and the configurations may be described in parentheses for the same purpose in the description of the gaming machine 10 after the explanation.

[0011] The present invention is a gaming machine provided with an image display unit, wherein a specific image (count notification image hg) can be displayed within the display area related to the image display unit, the display area related to the image display unit may have a first display area (first display area da1), a second boundary (second line L2) may be provided inside a first boundary (first line L1) which is the outer edge of the first display area, the specific image is visible in a second display area (second display area da2) inside the second boundary, when a specific condition is satisfied, the area of the second display area can change without the area of the first display area changing, and it is a gaming machine characterized by this.

[0012] According to the present invention, a new image display effect is provided that changes the area of the second display area where the specific image is visible, and it is possible to make it easier to recognize the change in the area.

[0013] As will be described later, the first display area is preferably an area closed by the first boundary, but a part of the boundary surrounding the display area may be open. This is the same in the relationship between the second display area and the second boundary.

[0014] Also, the first boundary does not have to be an actually displayed line and may not be the outer edge of the first display area that is not displayed. This is the same for the second boundary.

[0015] Also, the change in the area of the first display area is not limited to the area expanding or shrinking, and includes the area expanding (without the area shrinking, so-called monotonic increase) and the area shrinking (without the area expanding, so-called monotonic decrease). Note that the location where the area of the first display area changes, more specifically, the location of the increasing part when the area of the first display area increases and the location of the decreasing part when the area of the first display area decreases do not have to be positions determined in advance with respect to the current area of the first display area as in the present embodiment described later, and these positions may not have regularity. Furthermore, the amount of change in the area related to the first display area per time, more specifically, the amount of increase in the area related to the first display area per time and the amount of decrease in the area related to the first display area per time do not have to be predetermined amounts as in the present embodiment described later, and the amounts of increase and decrease may not have regularity.

[0016] Also, the above-mentioned "in the second display area, the specific image is visible" preferably means that the specific image is visible only in the second display area, but is not limited to this, and includes that a part of the specific image is visible in the display area outside the second specific area (second boundary). This is the same in the fourth display area and the predetermined display area described later.

[0017] In addition, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment described below is a pachinko machine that pays out actual game balls as prize balls. However, the gaming machine according to the present invention may be a pachinko machine (so-called smart pachinko) that awards prize balls as electronic data. Furthermore, the gaming machine according to the present invention may be a conventional slot machine that rotates a plurality of reels by using a predetermined number of medals to execute a symbol variation and pays out medals based on the result of the symbol variation (the stop state of the plurality of reels), or may be a slot machine that pays out all medals as electronic data (so-called smart slot).

[0018] The gaming machine 10 having the above features will be specifically described based on the following embodiments.

[0019] <Regarding the structure of the gaming machine 10> First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, FIG. 2 is a view showing the symbol display device 90 disposed in the area II shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a bird's-eye view showing the operation button group disposed in the area III shown in FIG. 1 and its periphery, FIG. 4 is a view showing the game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10, and FIG. 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine 10. Note that each component illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5 is merely an example necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and components and functions not illustrated here may be added to the gaming machine 10. Further, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to include all of the components illustrated here, and some components or functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0020] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, which fires a game ball into the front area of a game board 50 (hereinafter referred to as the "game area 50a") where a large number of game pins (not shown) are erected, and conducts a game in which a prize ball is obtained when the game ball enters a winning opening (for example, a large winning opening 55, etc.). In the following description, the entry of the game ball into the winning opening may be simply expressed as "winning (the winning opening)".

[0021] The gaming machine 10 includes a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 15 that opens front and rear, an intermediate frame 17 that detachably holds the game board 50 on the front opening side of the outer frame 15, and a front frame 20 configured to cover the front side of the game board 50.

[0022] The intermediate frame 17 is rotatably supported about the left end side by a hinge mechanism (not shown) on the same side as the hinge mechanism 21, and can be opened and closed in front of the outer frame 15. The intermediate frame 17 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (insert the door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turn the door key in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the front frame 20 (right in this embodiment)).

[0023] The front frame 20 is rotatably supported about the left end side by the hinge mechanism 21 and can be opened and closed with respect to the intermediate frame 17. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (insert the door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turn the door key in the direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the intermediate frame 17 (left in this embodiment)). Further, the front frame 20 includes a transparent member 25 disposed so as to cover the game area 50a, and the transparent member 25 provides perspective protection for the game area 50a and the game board 50. Further, the front frame 20 includes an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are vertically spaced apart and provided integrally with the front frame 20. In this embodiment, a full detection sensor (not shown) for detecting that the lower ball tray 29 is full of the game balls discharged is provided upstream of the lower discharge port 30 that discharges the game balls to the lower ball tray 29. Further, the front frame 20 is provided with an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball receiving tray 29, and by rotating the operation handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball receiving tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a.

[0024] Although not shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the middle frame 17 has a middle frame opening / closing sensor 76 for detecting whether the middle frame 17 is in an open state or a closed state with respect to the outer frame 15, and a front frame opening / closing sensor 77 for detecting whether the front frame 20 is in an open state or a closed state with respect to the middle frame 17. In the present embodiment, all of these opening / closing sensors are turned on in the open state and turned off in the closed state. However, these opening / closing sensors may be configured to be turned off in the open state and turned on in the closed state. Thereby, the gaming machine 10 can detect both the opening / closing state of the middle frame 17 with respect to the outer frame 15 and the opening / closing state of the front frame 20 with respect to the middle frame 17.

[0025] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, an operation button group operated by the player is arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball receiving tray 27. In this operation button group, as a main operation unit 39 electrically connected to a main control board 100 described later, a ball lending button 39a and a return button 39b for receiving a return operation of a prepaid card are provided. As an operation unit electrically connected to a first sub-control board 200 described later, an effect button 37 for receiving an operation of the player for switching an effect generated during the game or obtaining various information related to the gaming machine 10, and cursor buttons 38 (an upper cursor button 38a, a lower cursor button 38b, a left cursor button 38c, a right cursor button 38d, and a middle cursor button 38e) for instructing operations in the up, down, left, and right directions, etc. are included. Note that each operation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting an operation, and the control board to be connected detects the operation of each operation unit based on a change in the detection state of the sensor. Furthermore, a movable decorative body 22 operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown) is provided on the side of the upper ball receiving tray 27.

[0026] Below the lower ball receiving tray 29, a ball discharging mechanism 36 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower ball receiving tray 29 downward is provided. By operating this ball discharging mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed in the bottom surface of the lower ball receiving tray 29 opens, and the game balls naturally fall and are discharged from the bottom opening. Although not shown, the upper ball receiving tray 27 is provided with a mechanism that operates in the same manner as the ball discharging mechanism 36 to move the stored balls to the lower ball receiving tray 29. By operating both this mechanism and the ball discharging mechanism 36, it is possible to discharge the stored balls.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20. Further, the upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed of a light-transmissive cover, and frame lamps 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) are respectively disposed inside thereof. The speakers 33 and the frame lamps 35 can emit sound, light up, or go out in conjunction with effects and error notifications generated during the game.

[0028] The effect display device 80 is composed of a main display portion 81 disposed substantially at the center of the game board 50 and sub-display portions 82 disposed around the main display portion 81. The sub-display portions 82 further include an upper sub-display portion 82a disposed above the main display portion 81, a left sub-display portion 82b disposed on the left side of the main display portion 81, and a right sub-display portion 82c disposed on the right side of the main display portion 81. Here, the main display portion 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display device, and the upper sub-display portion 82a, the left sub-display portion 82b, and the right sub-display portion 82c are movable liquid crystal display devices that operate by an actuator such as a motor (not shown).

[0029] The main display portion 81 can display the variation display of a symbol sequence that is performed in conjunction with the variation display in the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 described later, and can further display various other effects. In the variable display of the symbol sequence (decorative symbol) displayed on the main display unit 81, the displayed decorative symbol forms three symbol sequences. Although the direction of the variable display of each symbol sequence in the present embodiment is downward, the direction is not particularly limited. For example, it may be any of upward, left - right direction, depth direction, or a combination thereof (diagonal direction). Here, the depth direction refers to a virtual direction recognized by the player in a display mode using a technique (for example, perspective method) that makes the player recognize that the symbol sequence is variably displayed from the back to the front direction or the reverse direction of the main display unit 81, even though it is actually a planar variable display on the display screen of the main display unit 81. In addition, the decorative symbols in the present embodiment include a "1 symbol" imitating the number "1", a "2 symbol" imitating the number "2", a "3 symbol" imitating the number "3", a "4 symbol" imitating the number "4", a "5 symbol" imitating the number "5", a "6 symbol" imitating the number "6", a "7 symbol" imitating the number "7", an "8 symbol" imitating the number "8", and a "9 symbol" imitating the number "9", and these symbols are provided in each symbol sequence. In the following description, the "1 symbol", "3 symbol", "5 symbol", "7 symbol", and "9 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "odd symbols", and the "2 symbol", "4 symbol", "6 symbol", "8 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "even symbols".

[0030] Each of the sub - display units 82 is provided not only mainly for displaying effect images related to effects but also is configured to be movable. Note that the initial position of each is such that the upper sub - display unit 82a is above with respect to the main display unit 81, the left sub - display unit 82b is on the left with respect to the main display unit 81, the right sub - display unit 82c is on the right with respect to the main display unit 81, and each of the sub - display units 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions to a position where the entire display area of the sub - display unit 82 overlaps the display area of the main display unit 81. However, even in the initial position shown in FIG. 4, the upper half of the display area of the sub - display unit 82 (especially the left sub - display unit 82b and the right sub - display unit 82c) is visible to the player.

[0031] On the lower right side of the main display unit 81, a plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter abbreviated as "LEDs") are arranged, and the display area of the symbol display device 90 is constituted by these LEDs. A special symbol and a normal symbol are displayed on the symbol display device 90. Also, the symbol display device 90 is arranged at a position where it is more difficult for the player to visually recognize than the main display unit 81, and the display area of the symbol display device 90 has a smaller area than the display area of the main display unit 81. Note that the arrangement and number of the LEDs related to the symbol display device 90 in the present embodiment are as shown in FIG. 2, but this is only an example, and the arrangement and number of the LEDs related to the symbol display device 90 are not limited to this example.

[0032] The special symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol variation that determines whether or not to operate a special electric accessory (for example, the special electric accessory 65). The special symbols in the present embodiment include a first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 and a second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 92. Note that the special symbol may be abbreviated as "special symbol", the first special symbol may be abbreviated as "special symbol 1", and the second special symbol may be abbreviated as "special symbol 2".

[0033] The normal symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol variation that determines whether or not to operate a normal electric accessory (for example, the normal electric accessory 61). The normal symbol in the present embodiment is displayed on the normal symbol display device 93. Note that the normal symbol may be abbreviated as "normal symbol", and the normal electric accessory may be referred to as "electric chew".

[0034] Also, in addition to the above-described display devices, a first special symbol hold lamp 94, a second special symbol hold lamp 95, and a normal symbol hold lamp 96 are provided in the symbol display device 90. The first special symbol hold lamp 94 enables identification of the number of symbol variations of special symbol 1 that are on hold, the second special symbol hold lamp 95 enables identification of the number of symbol variations of special symbol 2 that are on hold, and the normal symbol hold lamp 96 enables identification of the number of symbol variations of the normal symbol that are on hold. In each case, the number of corresponding symbol variations can be identified by the lighting states of two LEDs (in this embodiment, only the right LED always on = 1, both the right and left LEDs always on = 2, the right LED flashing + the left LED always on = 3, both the right and left LEDs flashing = 4).

[0035] In the following description, the symbol variation in which the special symbol is stopped from being variably displayed after being variably displayed by the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 is referred to as "the symbol variation of the special symbol", and in the following description, the symbol variation in which the normal symbol is stopped from being variably displayed after being variably displayed by the normal symbol display device 93 may be referred to as "the symbol variation of the normal symbol". Also, in the following description, the variable display of the symbol sequence (decorative symbol) displayed on the main display unit 81 described above may be referred to as "the symbol variation of the decorative symbol", distinguished from "the symbol variation of the special symbol" and "the symbol variation of the normal symbol". In the following description, when simply referred to as "symbol variation", it means the symbol variation of the special symbol unless otherwise specified.

[0036] On the front surface of the game board 50, as shown in FIG. 4, a game area 50a is defined so that the launched game balls roll due to the arrangement of a number of game pins (not shown), a windmill 52, and obstacles such as decorative members. Also, on the left side and the upper side of the game area 50a, a curved outer rail 51 and an inner rail 53 are arranged to guide the game balls launched by the rotational operation of the operation handle 31 to the upper part of the game area 50a. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with respect to the center of the game area 50a. Here, the windmill 52 is a mechanism for changing the direction of the fall of the game balls and is in the shape of a nail.

[0037] The gaming machine 10 can control the strength of shooting out game balls according to the magnitude of the rotational operation amount (e.g., rotational angle) of the operation handle 31. Various obstacles are arranged in the game area 50a so that the game balls can roll through either the first flow path X (so-called left shot) where the game balls shot out more weakly roll or the second flow path Y (so-called right shot) where the game balls shot out more strongly roll.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows, as main winning ports, the big winning port 55, the first starting port 57, the second starting port 59, the gate 63, and the general winning port 67. However, the shown winning ports are just examples, and the number and arrangement thereof may be changed as appropriate.

[0039] The big winning port 55 is arranged at the lower right part of the game area 50a. A big winning port sensor 72 is attached to the big winning port 55. The winning at the big winning port 55 is determined based on the detection result of the big winning port sensor 72, and a number (15 in this embodiment) of prize balls corresponding to the big winning port 55 are awarded. In this embodiment, compared with the case of rolling from the first flow path X, the obstacles are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the big winning port 55 when rolling from the second flow path Y.

[0040] A special electric accessory 65 is arranged above the big winning port 55. The special electric accessory 65 is a member that can be alternately transitioned between an open state where it is easy to win at the big winning port 55 and a closed state where it is difficult for balls to enter. It transitions to either the open state or the closed state by a special electric accessory solenoid 66. More specifically, the special electric accessory 65 becomes open in part of the jackpot game started due to a jackpot being derived by the special figure win / loss determination described later, or in part of the small win game started due to a small win being derived by the special figure win / loss determination, and accordingly, winning at the big winning opening 55 is permitted. Thus, when the special electric accessory 65 is in the open state, since winning at the big winning opening 55 becomes easy, it can be said that the jackpot game and the small win game, in which the chance of obtaining prize balls is significantly increased, are in an advantageous game state. Also, although details will be described later, the small win game in the present embodiment can result in a jackpot game. In the jackpot game, the open state and the closed state of the special electric accessory 65 are alternately set, and one open state (which may be referred to as a "round game" and the total number of round games occurring in one jackpot may be referred to as the "number of rounds") ends based on a predetermined number (in this embodiment, 10) of game balls winning at the big winning opening 55, and the special electric accessory 65 becomes in the closed state. Further, one open state in the jackpot game also ends based on the elapse of a predetermined amount of time (in this embodiment, 30 s (seconds)) sufficient for a predetermined number of game balls to win at the big winning opening 55. On the other hand, in the small win game, the open state of the special electric accessory 65 ends when 1.8 s has elapsed or when 10 game balls have won at the big winning opening 55. Therefore, in the small win game, it is more difficult for game balls to win at the big winning opening 55 compared to the jackpot game.

[0041] The first start opening 57 is disposed at the center lower part of the game area 50a. A first start opening sensor 70 is attached to the first start opening 57, and winning at the first start opening 57 is determined based on the detection result of the first start opening sensor 70, and a corresponding number (in this embodiment, 4) of prize balls are awarded. In at least part of the case where winning at the first start opening 57 is determined, the symbol variation of FIG. 1 of the special figure is performed. Note that it is assumed that obstacles such as game nails are arranged in the game area 50a according to the present embodiment such that more game balls roll toward the first start opening 57 when rolling from the first flow path X than when rolling from the second flow path Y.

[0042] The second start port 59 is disposed at the lower right portion of the game area 50a. A second start port sensor 71 is attached to the second start port 59, and winning at the second start port 59 is determined based on the detection result of the second start port sensor 71, and a prize ball of a number (1 in this embodiment) associated with the second start port 59 is awarded. At least a part of the case where winning at the second start port 59 is determined, the symbol variation of FIG. 2 in the special drawing will be performed. Note that the game area 50a according to this embodiment is provided with obstacles such as game nails so that more game balls roll toward the second start port 59 when rolling from the second flow path Y than when rolling from the first flow path X.

[0043] A normal electric accessory 61 is disposed in the flow path connected to the second start port 59. The normal electric accessory 61 is a member that can be alternately transitioned to an open state where it is easy for a game ball to enter the second start port 59 or a closed state where it is difficult for a game ball to enter, and is transitioned to either the open state or the closed state by a normal electric accessory solenoid 62. More specifically, the normal electric accessory 61 becomes open when the result of the general drawing win / loss determination described later is a general drawing win (hereinafter, may be simply expressed as "general drawing win"), and accordingly, winning at the second start port 59 is permitted. Thus, when the normal electric accessory 61 is in the open state, winning at the second start port 59 becomes possible, so that while suppressing the decrease of game balls by prize balls, the opportunity to execute the symbol variation of FIG. 2 in the special drawing can be significantly increased.

[0044] The gate 63 is disposed at the right central portion of the game area 50a (particularly, on the second flow path Y). A gate sensor 74 is attached to the gate 63, and winning at the gate 63 is determined based on the detection result of the gate sensor 74. At least a part of the case where winning at the gate 63 is determined, the symbol variation of the general drawing will be performed.

[0045] The general winning opening 67 is disposed at the lower left part of the game area 50a (particularly, on the first flow path X). A general winning opening sensor 73 is attached to the general winning opening 67. Based on the detection result of the general winning opening sensor 73, winning at the general winning opening 67 is determined, and a corresponding number (4 in this embodiment) of prize balls are awarded.

[0046] The out opening 69 is disposed at the lowermost part of the game area 50a. Game balls that are launched into the game area 50a and do not enter any of the above-described winning openings fall into the out opening 69 and are processed as out balls. In this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 for detecting out balls, which are game balls that have entered the above-described winning openings and the out opening 69, is provided.

[0047] In addition to the above-described sensors, a magnetic detection sensor for detecting magnetism and a radio wave detection sensor for detecting radio waves (both not shown) are provided on the game board 50 in order to prevent fraudulent acts of receiving prize balls fraudulently.

[0048] On the back surface of the game board 50, as shown in FIG. 5, a main control board case 109 storing the main control board 100, a first sub-control board case 209 storing the first sub-control board 200, a second sub-control board case 309 storing the second sub-control board 300, a power control board case 509 storing the power control board 500, and a payout control board case 409 storing the payout control board 400 are mounted. In addition to the back surfaces of the first sub-control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an opening / closing cover 45 that covers a part of the back surface of the main control board case 109 is detachably mounted. Note that a RAM clear switch 43 is provided on the main control board 100. Also, the board cases and covers that cover the respective boards are configured by transparent members, and the corresponding boards are visible through the respective cases and covers.

[0049] On the back of the game board 50, above the opening / closing cover 45, there is arranged a game ball tank 46 for storing game balls supplied from the ball supply facility of the game island. The game ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 that leads to the upper ball receiving tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48. The balls paid out by the payout unit 48 are paid out to the upper ball receiving tray 27 through the payout passage 49.

[0050] So far, the structure of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment has been described, but these are just one specific example, and the present invention can also be implemented with another configuration.

[0051] <Regarding the control configuration of the gaming machine 10> Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the control configuration included in the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the control configuration included in the gaming machine 10. Note that the control configuration shown in FIG. 6 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may include a control configuration not shown in FIG. 6.

[0052] The main control board 100 includes a CPU 101 that performs various arithmetic processes related to the game, a ROM 102 that stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 that functions as a work area and buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, an I / O port 104 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and a random number circuit 105 that operates independently of the program processing by the CPU 101 to generate random numbers (hardware random numbers). These are interconnected via an internal bus.

[0053] The CPU 101 reads out various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performs arithmetic processing to execute various processes related to the main control of the game. The RAM 103 is backed up by the backup power supply generated by the backup power supply circuit 502 described later. Specifically, among the information stored in the RAM 103, various information that allows the gaming machine 10 to return to the state just before the power failure using that data at the time of power restoration (when the power is turned on) after the power failure occurs is configured to be backed up. For example, in addition to the data such as the stack pointer and each register held at the time of power failure, information related to the game such as the state of the gaming machine 10 at that time (game stop state or playable state), the current general drawing lottery state, etc. is targeted for backup. Note that these pieces of information are cleared (initialized) by the RAM clear process. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA (general drawing low probability described later) described later is newly set. Furthermore, when the RAM clear process is executed, the symbol sequence related to the decorative symbol becomes a state in which the initial symbol combination is stopped and displayed, and also becomes a state in which the initial symbol combination is stopped and displayed when the power is turned on and the symbol variation was not being executed at the time of the immediately preceding power failure. Also, this initial symbol combination is stopped and displayed only when the power is turned on and is not stopped and displayed by the execution of the symbol variation.

[0054] In the present embodiment, at least in addition to the area in which such information related to the game is stored (which may be referred to as the area related to the game of the RAM 103), the area in which the complement of the checksum and the backup flag related to the area related to the game of the RAM 103 are stored (which may be referred to as the backup information area related to the game of the RAM 103) is backed up. Then, at the time of power restoration, the gaming machine 10 returns using the various information stored in the backed-up area related to the game of the RAM 103 and the backup information area related to the game of the RAM 103. Note that there are no restrictions on the specific method of backup in this embodiment. For example, the area to be backed up in the RAM 103 may be implemented with a configuration capable of non-volatile data retention even in the power-off state. As another example, among the RAM 103, different hardware may be provided for a first memory configured to retain data non-volatilely even in the power-off state and a second memory referenced when the gaming machine 10 operates. In that case, the gaming machine 10 may back up the information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory at power-off and recover the backed-up information from the first memory to the second memory at power-on.

[0055] Also, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to a first start port sensor 70, a second start port sensor 71, a big winning port sensor 72, a general winning port sensor 73, a gate sensor 74, an out ball sensor 75, a middle frame opening sensor 76, a front frame opening sensor 77, etc., and is configured to be able to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU 101 via the I / O port 104. Although not shown in the figure, in addition to these sensors, the main control board 100 is also electrically connected to a full detection sensor, a magnetic detection sensor, and a radio wave detection sensor, and is configured to be able to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU 101 via the I / O port 104.

[0056] Also, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to a first special symbol display device 91, a second special symbol display device 92, a normal symbol display device 93, a first special symbol hold lamp 94, a second special symbol hold lamp 95, a normal symbol hold lamp 96, a normal electric accessory solenoid 62, and a special electric accessory solenoid 66, and is configured to be able to control these via the I / O port 104. Similarly, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the main operation unit 39 and the RAM clear switch 43, and is configured to be able to detect operations of the main operation unit 39.

[0057] The main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and are communicably connected only in a single direction from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200. Various effect control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200. Note that data cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the first sub-control board 200 is configured so that it cannot request data transmission to the main control board 100. Also, in this embodiment, a parallel transmission method is adopted for data transmission from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, but a serial transmission method may also be adopted.

[0058] The first sub-control board 200 includes a CPU 201 that performs various arithmetic processes related to game effects based on the effect control commands from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 that stores data such as an effect control program and various lottery tables, a RAM 203 that functions as a work area and buffer memory as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 204 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device. These are interconnected via an internal bus, and the CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to game effects according to the control program stored in the ROM 202. Note that the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the effect button 37 and the cursor button 38, and is configured to be able to detect operations of the operation unit.

[0059] Also, the first sub-control board 200 generates an image control command for instructing an image to be displayed on the second sub-control board 300, a voice control command for instructing a voice to be output to the voice control board 310, lamp control data for controlling lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, movable control data for controlling the movement of the movable decoration 22, the sub-display unit 82, etc. in the effect control process based on the effect control command from the main control board 100. Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 and the audio control board 310 so as to enable two-way communication. While each control command (image control command, audio control command) is transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the second sub-control board 300 or the audio control board 310, as a response thereto, a response command (ACK command) indicating that the control command has been received normally is transmitted from each control board (the second sub-control board 300, the audio control board 310) to the first sub-control board 200.

[0060] Also, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the frame lamp 35 and transmits lamp control data via the I / O port 204. And the frame lamp 35 is configured such that its lighting is controlled by the lamp control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200. Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 and transmits movable control data via the I / O port 204. And the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 are configured such that their movement is controlled by the movable control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.

[0061] The second sub-control board 300 (not shown in the figure) includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes related to image rendering based on the image control command from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM that stores an image control program and various data, a RAM that functions as a work area and a buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port that inputs and outputs signals between the peripheral board and each device. The CPU is configured to execute main control related to image rendering according to the control program stored in the ROM (not shown in the figure). Furthermore, the second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a VDP that generates image data in accordance with the content of the effect determined by the effect content determination means 225 described later based on the control signal received from the CPU, and a sound source IC that generates acoustic data in accordance with the content of the effect based on the control signal received from the CPU. The VDP is a so-called image processor that reads image data stored in the image ROM in response to an instruction from the CPU, processes this image data, and transmits the generated image data to the main display unit 81 and the sub-display unit 82. Also, a high-speed VRAM used for the expansion and processing of the image data read from the image ROM is connected to this VDP.

[0062] The voice control board 310 includes a CPU 311 that performs various arithmetic processes related to voice effects based on the voice control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores voice control programs, voice data, etc., a RAM 313 that functions as a work area and buffer memory for temporary storage, and an I / O port 314 that inputs and outputs signals between the peripheral board and each device. The CPU 311 is configured to execute the main control related to voice effects according to the control program stored in the ROM 312. Therefore, the voice control board 310 reads the voice data stored in the ROM 312 in response to the voice control commands received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesizes the read voice data, and transmits the final synthesized voice data to the speaker 33 via an amplifier, enabling the speaker 33 to output sound.

[0063] The payout control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (all not shown in the figure). Also, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 so as to enable two-way communication. Based on the payout control commands from the main control board 100, it executes control to drive the payout unit 48 to payout game balls, and controls the launch of game balls by synchronously driving the ball feed mechanism and the launch mechanism based on the operation amount of the operation handle 31.

[0064] The power control board 500 includes a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates a normal power supply to supply electronic components and electrical components such as the above-described control boards based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates a backup power supply, and a power failure detection circuit 503 that detects a power failure (when the supply voltage by the normal power supply drops to a predetermined voltage). Also, a power switch 40 is connected to the power control board 500. On the premise that the primary power supply is supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island, when the power switch 40 is turned on, the normal power supply circuit 501 of the power control board 500 generates a normal power supply, and the power is supplied to the electronic components and electrical components including the above-described control boards (the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, the second sub-control board 300, and the payout control board 400). Also, when a power failure is detected by the power failure detection circuit 503, the power control board 500 transmits a power failure signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400. Also, the backup power supply circuit 502 is configured to be charged when the power is supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island to the gaming machine 10. Note that the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the payout control board 400, and the power failure detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power control board 500 but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the payout control board 400.

[0065] <Regarding the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10> Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the functional configuration shown in FIG. 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may have a functional configuration not shown in FIG. 7. Also, when explaining the functional configuration, FIGS. 8 to 12 will be referred to as necessary.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the main control board 100 includes a ball entry determination means 110, a main random number generation means 115, a main hold control means 120, a preliminary determination means 125, a special drawing selection means 130, a general drawing selection means 135, a jackpot game control means 140, a symbol display control means 145, an electric accessory control means 150, a game state control means 155, a main information storage means 160, a main error control means 165, a main command management means 170, a power restoration process execution means 175, and a power-off process execution means 180. These means functionally represent what is realized by each control configuration on the main control board 100 described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0067] First, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the main control board 100, data derived by calculations in the means, etc. in corresponding storage areas. In particular, the data (production control command) stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160 is transmitted to the sub-command management means 270 of the first sub-control board 200 described later by the command transmission means after being stored.

[0068] The ball entry determination means 110 determines the winning at each winning port based on the detection results of sensors provided at each winning port. In addition, when the ball entry determination means 110 determines the winning of a game ball by a sensor provided at a winning port such as the big winning port sensor 72, it generates a production control command (winning command) including information capable of specifying the type of the sensor related to the winning, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

[0069] The main random number generation means 115 can generate a plurality of types of random numbers with different update ranges by the random number circuit 105, and acquires (latches) one or more random numbers corresponding to the winning port from the random number circuit 105 at the timing when the winning at the winning port is determined. More specifically, when a winning at the first start port 57 or the second start port 59 is determined, the main random number generation means 115 acquires the random numbers for special drawing win / loss determination, the random numbers for special drawing stop symbol lottery, and the random numbers for special drawing variation pattern lottery, which will be described later. When a winning at the gate 63 is determined, the random numbers for general drawing win / loss determination, the random numbers for general drawing stop symbol lottery, and the random numbers for general drawing variation pattern lottery, which will be described later, are stored in the corresponding storage areas of the main information storage means 160. Note that the random number circuit 105 monitors whether a plurality of types of random numbers updated by itself are updated normally. When an update abnormality occurs where the random numbers are not updated normally, information indicating that the abnormality has occurred is written into a specific storage area of the random number circuit 105. Therefore, the CPU 101 can grasp that an update abnormality has occurred in the random number circuit 105.

[0070] The main hold control means 120 performs control related to holding the symbol variation of the special drawing and holding the symbol variation of the general drawing. Regarding the special drawing 1, the random numbers for special drawing win / loss determination, the random numbers for special drawing stop symbol lottery, and the random numbers for special drawing variation pattern lottery, which are acquired triggered by a winning at the first start port 57, are held (stored) as the operation hold information of the special drawing 1. More specifically, the main hold control means 120 is provided with a hold counter (hereinafter referred to as the "special drawing 1 hold counter") that is incremented by 1 each time the operation hold information of the special drawing 1 is held and decremented by 1 each time the operation hold information of the special drawing 1 is used (used in the lottery of the special drawing lottery means 130). Until the value of the special drawing 1 hold counter reaches the upper limit value (in this embodiment, 4), the operation hold information is stored in the storage area corresponding to the current special drawing 1 hold counter of the main information storage means 160. Each time the operation hold information is used, the used operation hold information is cleared, and the remaining operation hold information is moved (shifted) in order from the smallest special drawing 1 hold counter to the storage area corresponding to the special drawing 1 hold counter that is 1 less than the current special drawing 1 hold counter from the current storage area. Further, the main hold control means 120 also performs the same control as described above separately from FIG. 1 with respect to FIG. 2 of the special drawings and the general drawings. The hold counter in FIG. 2 of the special drawings is referred to as the FIG. 2 hold counter of the special drawings, and the upper limit value of the value of the FIG. 2 hold counter of the special drawings in the present embodiment is 4. Also, in the following description, "holding of the operation hold information" may be expressed as "holding of the symbol variation" or simply "holding". Further, when the main hold control means 120 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation hold information (hold counter) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 of the special drawings, it generates an effect control command (hold command) including the FIG. 1 hold counter and the FIG. 2 hold counter of the special drawings, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. In the present embodiment, when both the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 1 and the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 2 of the special drawings are held, a priority variation is performed in which the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 2 is preferentially used. However, instead of this priority variation, a winning order variation in which the operation hold information is used in the order in which it is held regardless of whether it corresponds to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, or a simultaneous variation in which the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 1 and the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 2 of the special drawings are used simultaneously when both are held may be adopted.

[0071] The pre-determination means 125 executes a pre-determination for a preview effect for at least a part of the case where the operation hold information of the special drawings is held at a predetermined pre-determination timing. More specifically, the pre-determination means 125 reads out each random number of the operation hold information held this time, and executes a pre-determination for each of the special drawing validity determination, the special drawing stop symbol lottery, and the special drawing variation pattern lottery, which will be described later. In each pre-determination, a lottery table (not shown) that is the same as or equivalent to the lottery table used for the lottery corresponding to each pre-determination is used. Therefore, the results of these pre-determinations are the same as the results of the lottery executed later. Further, the preliminary determination means 125 generates a presentation control command (preliminary determination command) including the result of the derived preliminary determination, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. Since the preliminary determination command is transmitted (generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160) at least in part at a predetermined preliminary determination timing, it will be transmitted following the above-mentioned hold command. Here, the predetermined preliminary determination timing includes, for example, the timing when the operation hold information of the special drawing is held. In this embodiment, when the operation hold information of Special Drawing 1 is held during the general drawing with high probability described later, the preliminary determination is restricted, and thus the transmission of the preliminary determination command corresponding to the preliminary determination is also restricted. On the other hand, regarding the case where the operation hold information of Special Drawing 2 is held during the general drawing with low probability described later, the preliminary determination may or may not be restricted.

[0072] The special drawing lottery means 130 includes a special drawing validity determination means 131, a special drawing stop symbol lottery means 132, and a special drawing variation pattern derivation means 133, and executes the processing by each means in the order of the special drawing validity determination means 131, the special drawing stop symbol lottery means 132, and the special drawing variation pattern derivation means 133. When the variation start condition of the special drawing is satisfied, the special drawing lottery means 130 reads out the earliest operation hold information among the operation hold information held in the main information storage means 160. Note that "the variation start condition of the special drawing is satisfied" means, as an example, that it is not during a big win game, that neither Special Drawing 1 nor Special Drawing 2 is in the process of executing a symbol variation (including during the stop display of the symbol variation related to Special Drawing 1 or Special Drawing 2), and that all conditions for the existence of operation hold information in at least one of Special Drawing 1 and Special Drawing 2 are satisfied.

[0073] Here, FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams schematically showing the lottery tables used in the main control board 100, and will be referred to as necessary in the following description. In addition, in the lottery using the lottery table, including those other than these lottery tables, for the read random numbers, the lottery values stored in the lottery table are sequentially added in a predetermined order (when there is only one target lottery value, the number of additions is one), and the result corresponding to the lottery value with a carry (digit overflow) generated is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the description of the lottery table, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the lottery table is named, but it is only necessary that the data such as the lottery values included in the lottery table corresponding to the name are stored in each ROM in an identifiable manner, and these names do not specify the area where the data is stored. In the illustrated lottery table, if there are items described for the convenience of explanation or if "-" or "0" is described as a lottery value, these do not necessarily indicate the data stored in each ROM. And one will not win with the result of "-" or "0" being described as a lottery value. Further, when the same lottery value as the random number range used in the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained within the range) is described in the lottery table, since the result is derived 100%, it is not necessarily necessary to conduct the lottery. Also, when the total value of the lottery values used in one lottery matches the random number range used in the lottery, a carry will always occur in the addition of the last lottery value, so it is not necessary to perform the addition, and in that case, the lottery value itself used for the addition is also unnecessary.

[0074] For each symbol variation, the special symbol win / loss determination means 131 reads a random number for special symbol win / loss determination and executes a special symbol win / loss determination to determine whether to win a big win, a small win, or a loss by lottery using the read random number and the lottery table for special symbol win / loss determination. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table for determining the validity of a special drawing. The lottery table is different between Special Drawing 1 and Special Drawing 2, and the range of random numbers used in these determinations is 0 to 65,535. Therefore, in the determination of the validity of Special Drawing 1, a jackpot is derived with a probability of 205 / 65,536 (about 1 / 320), and a miss occurs otherwise, and a minor win is not derived. On the other hand, in the determination of the validity of Special Drawing 2, a jackpot is derived with a probability of 205 / 65,536 (about 1 / 320), a minor win is derived with a probability of 1,820 / 65,536 (about 1 / 36.0), and a miss occurs otherwise. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, since a jackpot game can occur via a minor win, the probability of deriving a jackpot in the determination of the validity of a special drawing is set as the one probability described above.

[0075] When the result of the determination of the validity of a special drawing is a jackpot or a minor win, the special drawing stop symbol lottery means 132 determines the stop symbol of the special drawing by lottery using a random number for special drawing stop symbol lottery (in this embodiment, in the range of 0 to 999) and a lottery table for special drawing stop symbol lottery. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(b), which is a diagram schematically showing the lottery table for stop symbol lottery used when a jackpot is derived in the determination of the validity of Special Drawing 1, when a jackpot is derived in the determination of the validity of Special Drawing 1, symbol A is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 100 / 1,000 (1 / 10), and each of symbols B to E is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 225 / 1,000 (about 1 / 4.44). Here, regardless of which of the symbols A to E is determined, after the end of the jackpot game corresponding to these stop symbols, the general winning probability described later will occur. However, the number of symbol variations during which the general winning probability continues (hereinafter referred to as the "specified number of times related to the general winning probability") is 80 times after the end of the jackpot game when symbol A is determined, 15 times after the end of the jackpot game when symbol B is determined, 20 times after the end of the jackpot game when symbol C is determined, 30 times after the end of the jackpot game when symbol D is determined, and 35 times after the end of the jackpot game when symbol E is determined. Also, the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to symbol A is 10, while the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to symbols B to E is 4. Therefore, it can be said that symbol A is more advantageous than any of symbols B to E from the viewpoints of both the number of rounds and the specified number of times related to the general winning probability. Also, in the following explanations, the jackpot game that occurs when symbol A is determined may be expressed as the "jackpot game related to symbol A", and the same applies to the jackpot games that occur when symbols B to E are determined.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8(c), which is a diagram schematically showing the lottery table for stop symbol lottery used when a minor win is derived in the special figure win / loss determination related to special figure 2, when a minor win is derived in the special figure win / loss determination related to special figure 2, symbol a is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 700 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.43), and symbol b is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 300 / 1000 (about 1 / 3.33). Here, in the jackpot game that occurs in the minor win game related to symbol a, the number of rounds of the jackpot game is 10, and it is a stop symbol that results in a general winning probability after the end of the jackpot game. The specified number of times related to this general winning probability is 80 times. On the other hand, in the jackpot game that occurs in the minor win game related to symbol b, the number of rounds of the jackpot game is 4, and it is a stop symbol that results in a general winning probability after the end of the jackpot game. The specified number of times related to this general winning probability is 80 times. Therefore, it can be said that symbol a is more advantageous than symbol b from the viewpoint of the number of rounds. In addition, the number of rounds in the jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs in the small win game is the number calculated with one play of the small win game as one round. Further, in the following description, the jackpot game that occurs in the small win game related to symbol a may be expressed as "jackpot game related to symbol a", and the jackpot game that occurs in the small win game related to symbol b may be expressed as "jackpot game related to symbol b".

[0077] As shown in FIG. 8(d), which is a diagram schematically showing the lottery table for stopping symbol lottery used when a jackpot is derived in the special drawing win / loss determination according to Special Drawing 2, when a jackpot is derived in the special drawing win / loss determination according to Special Drawing 2, symbol c is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). In particular, symbol c is such that the number of rounds of the jackpot game corresponding to the stopping symbol is 10, and it is the stopping symbol that becomes high probability in the general drawing after the end of the jackpot game, and the specified number of times related to the high probability in the general drawing is 80 times.

[0078] In addition, the special drawing stop symbol lottery means 132 determines symbol E as the stop symbol when the result of the special drawing win / loss determination according to Special Drawing 1 is a miss, and determines symbol d as the stop symbol when the result of the special drawing win / loss determination according to Special Drawing 2 is a miss.

[0079] Thus, in the above-described present embodiment, the jackpot game that occurs in the symbol variation according to Special Drawing 2 tends to be more advantageous than the jackpot game that occurs in the symbol variation according to Special Drawing 1. Therefore, the game interest can be further enhanced by the transition from the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA described later to another special drawing variation pattern derivation state.

[0080] The special figure variation pattern derivation means 133 has a plurality of types of special figure variation pattern lottery tables referred to when determining the special figure variation pattern. Based on the current special figure variation pattern derivation state and the result of this special figure validity determination, one special figure variation pattern lottery table for determining the current special figure variation pattern is selected, and one special figure variation pattern is determined using the selected special figure variation pattern lottery table and a random number for special figure variation pattern lottery, and the variation time is determined based on the determined special figure variation pattern. Here, the variation time refers to the time from when the symbol variation related to the special figure (special figure 1 or special figure 2) starts until the symbol variation ends. Details of the transition conditions and the like will be described later. In the special figure variation pattern derivation state in this embodiment, there are a special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, a special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, and a special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. And the above-described method for determining the special figure variation pattern is adopted in the symbol variation of special figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, and is adopted in the symbol variation of special figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. Note that in the symbol variation related to the other special figure in each special figure variation pattern derivation state, one special figure variation pattern determined in advance according to the result of the special figure validity determination is determined.

[0081] FIG. 9(a) is a diagram schematically showing the special figure variation pattern lottery table used in the symbol variation related to special figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, and the range of the random number used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 9(a), in the symbol variation related to special figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation pattern HNP to the special figure variation pattern ASP-C can be determined. Specifically, when the result of the special figure pass / fail determination is a miss in the symbol variation according to special figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 900 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.11), the special figure variation pattern HRP is determined with a probability of 52 / 1000 (about 1 / 19.2), the special figure variation pattern HSP1-A is determined with a probability of 13 / 1000 (about 1 / 76.9), the special figure variation pattern HSP1-B is determined with a probability of 11 / 1000 (about 1 / 90.9), the special figure variation pattern HSP2-A is determined with a probability of 9 / 1000 (about 1 / 111), the special figure variation pattern HSP2-B is determined with a probability of 7 / 1000 (about 1 / 143), the special figure variation pattern HSP3-A is determined with a probability of 5 / 1000 (1 / 200), and the special figure variation pattern HSP3-B is determined with a probability of 3 / 1000 (about 1 / 333). In this case, the special figure variation patterns ASP1-A to ASP-C are not determined. Note that although the details will be described later with reference to FIG. 9(b), when the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined, the special figure variation pattern is further specified using the value of the special figure 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation. On the other hand, when the result of the special figure pass / fail determination is a big win in the symbol variation according to special figure 1 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation pattern ASP1-A is determined with a probability of 90 / 1000 (about 1 / 11.1), the special figure variation pattern ASP1-B is determined with a probability of 110 / 1000 (about 1 / 9.09), the special figure variation pattern ASP2-A is determined with a probability of 135 / 1000 (about 1 / 7.41), the special figure variation pattern ASP2-B is determined with a probability of 165 / 1000 (about 1 / 6.06), the special figure variation pattern ASP3-A is determined with a probability of 180 / 1000 (about 1 / 5.56), the special figure variation pattern ASP3-B is determined with a probability of 220 / 1000 (about 1 / 4.56), and the special figure variation pattern ASP-C is determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10). In this case, the special figure variation patterns HNP to HSP3-B are not determined. As described above, in this embodiment, when the result of the special drawing validity determination fails in the symbol variation related to Special Drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, any one of the special drawing variation patterns HRP to HSP3-B is determined at a ratio of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined at a ratio of 900 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.11). Further, when the result of the special drawing validity determination is a big win in the symbol variation related to Special Drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, any one of the special drawing variation patterns ASP1-A to ASP-C is determined at a ratio of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Here, in the description of the special drawing variation patterns of this embodiment, when two special drawing variation patterns are described with "~" in between, it is assumed that the description of the special drawing variation patterns existing between the special drawing variation pattern described earlier and the special drawing variation pattern described later is omitted in accordance with the order shown in the drawing related to the special drawing variation pattern lottery table for each special drawing variation pattern derivation state. Also, in the description of the special drawing variation patterns of this embodiment, regardless of whether there is a description of the corresponding variation time, if the names of the special drawing variation patterns are different, it means that the different special drawing variation patterns are different.

[0082] FIG. 9(b) is a diagram schematically showing the special drawing variation pattern lottery table used when the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to Special Drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, and the range of the random number used in this lottery (different from the random number used in the lottery related to the special drawing variation pattern lottery table shown in FIG. 9(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 9(b), the special drawing variation pattern HNP that can be determined in the symbol variation related to Special Drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA includes the special drawing variation pattern HNP-A with a variation time of 3200 ms (milliseconds), the special drawing variation pattern HNP-B with a variation time of 5600 ms, the special drawing variation pattern HNP-C with a variation time of 8000 ms, and the special drawing variation pattern HNP-D with a variation time of 11200 ms, and the variation time becomes longer in this order. Specifically, when the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 3, the special drawing variation pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Similarly, when the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 2, the special drawing variation pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (about 1 / 6.67), and the special drawing variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.18). When the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 1, the special drawing variation pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), the special drawing variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (about 1 / 6.67), and the special drawing variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25). When the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 0, the special drawing variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), the special drawing variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special drawing variation pattern HNP-D is determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.18). In the following description, when the value of the special drawing hold counter to be referred to is 3, it may be referred to as "hold 3", when the value of the special drawing hold counter is 2, it may be referred to as "hold 2", when the value of the special drawing hold counter is 1, it may be referred to as "hold 1", and when the value of the special drawing hold counter is 0, it may be referred to as "hold 0". Thus, when the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, the special drawing variation pattern (variation time) that is likely to be determined depends on the value of the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation. More specifically, the smaller the value of the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation, the longer the symbol variation that is likely to be determined (the larger the value of the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation, the shorter the variation time that is likely to be determined). Also, such a special drawing variation pattern HNP (hereinafter may be referred to as the "basic special drawing variation pattern") also exists in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB and the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC. In these special drawing variation pattern derivation states, the hold counter to be referred to is different from that in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, and in each case, the value of the special drawing 2 hold counter is referred to.

[0083] Figure 10(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special drawing variation pattern lottery table used for the symbol variation according to Special Drawing 2 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB. The range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 10(a), in the symbol variation according to Special Drawing 2 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB, the special drawing variation patterns HNP to ASP-F can be determined. Specifically, in the symbol variation according to Special Drawing 2 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB, when the result of the special drawing pass / fail determination is a miss, the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 960 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.04), the special drawing variation pattern HSP-D is determined with a probability of 20 / 1000 (1 / 50), the special drawing variation pattern HSP-E is determined with a probability of 15 / 1000 (about 1 / 66.7), and the special drawing variation pattern HSP-F is determined with a probability of 5 / 1000 (1 / 200). In this case, the special drawing variation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F are not determined. Although the details will be described later with reference to Figure 10(b), when the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined, the special drawing variation pattern is further specified using the value of the special drawing 2 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation. And the method of determining the special drawing variation pattern using this special drawing 2 hold counter is the same in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB described later. On the other hand, in the symbol variation according to Special Drawing 2 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB, when the result of the special drawing pass / fail determination is a big win or a small win, the special drawing variation pattern ASP-D is determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), the special drawing variation pattern ASP-E is determined with a probability of 350 / 1000 (about 1 / 2.86), and the special drawing variation pattern ASP-F is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (about 1 / 6.67). In this case, the special drawing variation patterns HNP to HSP-F are not determined. Thus, in this embodiment, when the result of the special drawing validity determination is a miss in the symbol variation related to special drawing 2 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB, any one of the special drawing variation patterns HSP-D to HSP-F is determined at a rate of 40 / 1000 (1 / 25), and the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 960 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.04). Further, when the result of the special drawing validity determination is a big win or a small win in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB, any one of the special drawing variation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F is determined at a rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Note that in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB, in principle, the special drawing variation pattern is determined at the ratio described with reference to Fig. 10(a). However, when the result of the special drawing validity determination is a miss in the symbol variation related to special drawing 2 in the first rotation of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB, the special drawing variation pattern for a predetermined time (30,000 ms in this embodiment) is determined. This is for executing the time count acquisition effect described later.

[0084] Fig. 10(b) is a diagram schematically showing a special drawing variation pattern lottery table used when the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special drawing 2 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB. The range of the random number used in this lottery (different from the random number used in the lottery related to the special drawing variation pattern lottery table shown in Fig. 10(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Fig. 10(b), the special drawing variation pattern HNP that can be determined in the symbol variation related to special drawing 2 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB includes the special drawing variation pattern HNP-E with a variation time of 3000 ms and the special drawing variation pattern HNP-F with a variation time of 15000 ms. Specifically, when the special figure 2 retention counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 3, when the special figure 2 retention counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 2, and when the special figure 2 retention counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 1, the special figure variation pattern HNP-E is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). In these cases, the special figure variation pattern HNP-F is not determined. On the other hand, when the special figure 2 retention counter at the start of the current symbol variation is 0, the special figure variation pattern HNP-F is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). In these cases, the special figure variation pattern HNP-E is not determined. Note that the special figure variation pattern HNP-E and the special figure variation pattern HNP-F are different from any of the special figure variation patterns that can be determined when the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to special figure 1 in the above-described special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, and are also different from any of the special figure variation patterns that can be determined when the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC described later.

[0085] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special figure variation pattern lottery table used in the symbol variation related to special figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. The range of the random number used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 11(a), in the symbol variation related to special figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, the special figure variation patterns HNP to HSP-I can be determined. Specifically, when the result of the special figure validity determination is a miss in the symbol variation related to special figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 950 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.05), the special figure variation pattern HSP-G is determined with a probability of 25 / 1000 (1 / 40), the special figure variation pattern HSP-H is determined with a probability of 15 / 1000 (about 1 / 66.7), and the special figure variation pattern HSP-I is determined with a probability of 10 / 1000 (1 / 100). In this case, the special figure variation patterns ASP-G to ASP-I are not determined. On the other hand, in the symbol variation according to Special Figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, when the result of the special figure pass / fail determination is a big win or a small win, regardless of the rotation speed in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, the special figure variation pattern ASP-G is determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), the special figure variation pattern ASP-H is determined with a probability of 350 / 1000 (about 1 / 2.86), and the special figure variation pattern ASP-I is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (about 1 / 6.67). In this case, the special figure variation patterns HNP to HSP-I are not determined.

[0086] FIG. 11(b) is a diagram schematically showing a special figure variation pattern lottery table used when the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation according to Special Figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. The range of the random number used in this lottery (different from the random number used in the lottery related to the special figure variation pattern lottery table shown in FIG. 11(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 11(b), the special figure variation patterns HNP that can be determined in the symbol variation according to Special Figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC include the special figure variation pattern HNP-G with a variation time of 2000 ms and the special figure variation pattern HNP-H with a variation time of 10000 ms. Specifically, when the special figure 2 hold counter at the start of this symbol variation = 3, when the special figure 2 hold counter at the start of this symbol variation = 2, and when the special figure 2 hold counter at the start of this symbol variation = 1, the special figure variation pattern HNP-G is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). In these cases, the special figure variation pattern HNP-H is not determined. On the other hand, when the special figure 2 hold counter at the start of this symbol variation = 0, the special figure variation pattern HNP-H is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). In these cases, the special figure variation pattern HNP-G is not determined. Note that the special drawing variation pattern HNP-G and the special drawing variation pattern HNP-H are different from any of the special drawing variation patterns that can be determined when the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to the special drawing 1 in the above-described special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, and the special drawing variation patterns that can be determined when the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined in the symbol variation related to the special drawing 2 in the above-described special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB.

[0087] Also, at the start of the symbol variation, the special drawing variation pattern derivation means 133 generates an effect control command (variation start command) including the stopped symbol of the determined special drawing and the determined special drawing variation pattern as a result of the special drawing validity determination, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

[0088] Similar to the special drawing lottery means 130, when the general drawing is not in the process of symbol variation, the general drawing lottery means 135 reads out the earliest operation hold information among the operation hold information held in the main information storage means 160, executes a general drawing validity determination to determine the validity of the general drawing using the read random number, and determines various parameters related to the general drawing (general drawing variation time, general drawing stop display time, etc.) based on the result of the general drawing validity determination and information such as the current special drawing variation pattern derivation state. In the general drawing validity determination, there are a state where the general drawing lottery state is a high probability state (sometimes abbreviated as "general drawing high probability") and a state where the general drawing lottery state is a low probability state (sometimes abbreviated as "general drawing low probability"). Although the illustration of the lottery table is omitted, in this embodiment, in the general drawing high probability, the general drawing is a win with a probability of 65535 / 65536 and a loss with a probability of the remaining 1 / 65536. On the other hand, in the general drawing low probability, the general drawing is a win with a probability of 1 / 65536 and a loss with a probability of the remaining 65535 / 65536. Note that in the general drawing low probability, it may be set so that the general drawing is not a win (a loss with a probability of 65536 / 65536).

[0089] At the start of a big win game, the big win game control means 140 generates a production control command (big win start command) including information related to the big win game (number of rounds, subsequent special symbol variation pattern derivation state, etc.), stores it in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160, and at the end of the round game, generates a production control command (end demo command) including the demo time related to the end demo of the big win game, and stores it in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. This is the same even in the big win game caused by the small win game.

[0090] Also, when the result of the special symbol hit determination is a small win, the big win game control means 140 starts a small win game. When the game ball passes through the V winning area (not shown) provided in the big winning opening 55 in the small win game, after the end of the small win game, the big win game corresponding to the small win can be started. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the small win game functions as a game that causes a big win game. If the game ball does not pass through the V winning area in the small win game, the big win game is not started after the end of the small win game.

[0091] The symbol display control means 145 variably displays the special symbol 1 on the first special symbol display device 91 according to the variation time corresponding to the determined special symbol variation pattern of the special symbol 1, and stops and displays the special symbol 1 with the stop symbol determined by the special symbol stop symbol lottery after the elapse of the variation time. Similarly, according to the variation time corresponding to the determined special symbol variation pattern of the special symbol 2, the special symbol 2 is variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 92, and after the elapse of the variation time, the special symbol 2 is stopped and displayed with the stop symbol determined by the special symbol stop symbol lottery. Here, the stop display time (interval) of the symbol variation related to the special symbol refers to the time from when the special symbol is stopped and displayed until the symbol variation of the next special symbol can be started (when the result of the special symbol hit determination is a miss), or the time from when the symbol variation of the special symbol ends until the big win game or the small win game is started (when the result of the general symbol hit determination is a general symbol win). The stop display time of the symbol variation related to the special symbol in the present embodiment is uniformly 300 ms regardless of the type of special symbol and the result of the special symbol hit determination. In addition, the symbol display control means 145 has a special figure game timer for managing the time related to the display of the special figures in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the patent (fluctuation time, stop display time). When stopping and displaying the special figure (at the timing when the value of the special figure game timer becomes "0"), it generates an effect control command (fluctuation stop command) for requesting the definite stop display of the decorative symbol, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. Here, the definite stop display of the decorative symbol refers to the final stop display of the decorative symbol in the symbol fluctuation, which is different from the temporary stop display of the decorative symbol that may occur during the execution of the symbol fluctuation. In the temporary stop display of the decorative symbol, for example, the stopped decorative symbol has a small up-and-down swaying motion (so-called swaying fluctuation). On the other hand, in the definite stop display of the decorative symbol, even when the same decorative symbol is stopped and displayed, such as the stopped decorative symbol not having a swaying fluctuation, the stop display mode of the definitely stopped decorative symbol is different from the stop display mode of the temporarily stopped decorative symbol. Therefore, the player can recognize whether the stop display of the decorative symbol is a definite stop display or a temporary stop display.

[0092] Furthermore, the symbol display control means 145 variably displays the general symbol on the general symbol display device 93 according to the fluctuation time corresponding to the determined general symbol fluctuation pattern of the general symbol, and after the elapse of the fluctuation time, stops and displays the general symbol with the determined stop symbol. Note that the symbol display control means 145 has a general symbol game timer for managing the time related to the general symbol (general symbol fluctuation time, general symbol stop display time, etc.).

[0093] The electric accessory control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric accessory solenoid 66 in the above-mentioned big win game or small win game, and releases the special electric accessory 65 according to the release pattern corresponding to the stop symbol of the special figure.

[0094] The game state control means 155 controls the normal drawing lottery state. Specifically, at the start of a big win game, regardless of the stopped symbols of the special drawing related to the big win game, the normal drawing has a low probability. When specified conditions such as the end of the big win game are satisfied, the normal drawing has a high probability until a specified number of symbol variations related to the high-probability normal drawing are performed, and becomes a low-probability normal drawing when the specified number of symbol variations related to the high-probability normal drawing ends. In particular, in this embodiment, during a small win game, the normal drawing lottery state in the symbol variation in which the small win game occurs is maintained.

[0095] Such a normal drawing lottery state changes in linkage with the above-described special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state is managed by the game state control means 155. Hereinafter, the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state will be described with reference to FIGS. 12(a) and 12(b). Note that FIG. 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special drawing variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the average variation time for each special drawing variation pattern derivation state. As shown in FIG. 12(a), in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state, there is a special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA as a special drawing variation pattern derivation state corresponding to the low probability of the normal drawing, and as special drawing variation pattern derivation states corresponding to the high probability of the normal drawing, there are a special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB and a special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC. Except during a big win game, any one of these special drawing variation pattern derivation states is set. And there are transition conditions (i) to (v) for the transition conditions between the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA to the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PC.

[0096] Specifically, the transition condition (i) is the end of the jackpot game related to symbols B to E, the transition condition (ii) is the end of the jackpot game related to symbol A, and the transition condition (iii) is the end of the jackpot game related to symbol a, symbol b, or symbol c. Further, the transition condition (iv) is the end of the symbol variation that has been executed without sandwiching a jackpot game and the number of times of symbol variation related to Special Figure 2 has reached the specified number of times related to the high probability of the general figure in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB (15 times if it is after the end of the jackpot game related to symbol B, 20 times if it is after the end of the jackpot game related to symbol C, 30 times if it is after the end of the jackpot game related to symbol D, 35 times if it is after the end of the jackpot game related to symbol E). The transition condition (v) is the end of the symbol variation that has been executed without sandwiching a jackpot game and the number of times of symbol variation related to Special Figure 2 has reached the specified number of times related to the high probability of the general figure in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC (80 times). In the case where a jackpot game occurs in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, after the end of the jackpot game, it transitions back to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC again, and the number of times of symbol variation related to Special Figure 2 that can be executed until the specified number of times related to the high probability of the general figure in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is reset. Also, although not shown in the figure, in the case where a jackpot game does not occur in the small win game that occurs in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, and in the case where a jackpot game does not occur in the small win game related to the transition condition (iii), at the end of the small win game, the current special figure variation pattern derivation state ends and transitions to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 12(b), the average variation times of the special figure variation pattern derivation states PA, PB, and PC are shortened in the order of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. This is due to the length of the variation time related to the basic special figure variation pattern that is most easily determined in each special figure variation pattern derivation state. Here, the average variation time refers to the sum of the variation times obtained by multiplying the variation times related to the special figure variation patterns that can be selected in a certain special figure variation pattern derivation state by the appearance rate (derived by multiplying the winning probability of the special figure variation pattern by the probability of obtaining the result of the special figure pass / fail determination in any symbol variation). However, in this embodiment, when there is only one special figure variation pattern that can be selected in a certain special figure variation pattern derivation state, the variation time related to the special figure variation pattern is treated as the average variation time.

[0098] Further, when a transition occurs in the normal drawing lottery state or the special figure variation pattern derivation state, the game state control means 155 generates an effect control command (game state designation command) including the state after the transition, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, in each special figure variation pattern derivation state, the game state control means 155 counts the number of executions of the symbol variation related to the transition to another special figure variation pattern derivation state, and each time the symbol variation is started, generates an effect control command including the counted number of symbol variations, and stores the command in the transmission command area of the main information storage means 160. Note that the information included in the effect control command may be included in the above-described variation start command.

[0099] As described above, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing the data read by each means and the data derived by operations by each means, etc. in the corresponding storage areas.

[0100] The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I / O port 104 and determines whether an error has occurred in the gaming machine 10. When it is determined that an error has occurred, an effect control command (error command) including information capable of specifying the occurrence of the error is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

[0101] When an effect control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160, the main command management means 170 transmits the effect control command to the first sub-control board 200. In principle, each effect control command is transmitted in the order stored in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160.

[0102] The power restoration process execution means 175 includes a power restoration state setting means 176 and a playable state transition means 179.

[0103] The power restoration state setting means 176 executes a power restoration state setting process for setting the power restoration state based on whether there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration, the state at the time of power cut-off immediately before the power restoration, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration, and the state of the middle frame opening sensor 76 at the time of power restoration. The power restoration states set by this process include a game stop state and a playable state (which may or may not involve the execution of a RAM clear process). Specifically, when there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration, a game stop state is set regardless of the state of the RAM clear switch 43 and the middle frame opening sensor 76 at the time of power restoration. Also, when there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration and the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration is ON (pressed state), a RAM clear process is executed on the condition that the middle frame opening sensor 76 at the time of power restoration is ON and a playable state is set (when the middle frame opening sensor 76 at the time of power restoration is OFF, a playable state is set without executing the RAM clear process), and when there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 at the time of power restoration and the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration is OFF (not pressed state), a playable state is set without executing the RAM clear process. Here, the game stop state is a power - on state in which the progress of the game becomes impossible by not executing processing according to the detection results of sensors provided at each winning port (it is not necessary to consider the detection results of the sensors themselves). On the other hand, the playable state is a power - on state in which the progress of the game becomes possible by executing processing according to the detection results of sensors provided at each winning port. In particular, when the RAM clear process is not executed at power - on, it returns to the playable state at the time of the previous power - off. For example, if the previous power - off occurred during the execution of a big win game or a small win game, it returns to the big win game or small win game that was being executed, and if the previous power - off occurred during the execution of a symbol variation, it returns to the symbol variation that was being executed.

[0104] Also, whether there is an abnormality in the RAM103 is determined by executing a RAM abnormality check (specifically, determining whether a backup flag is stored in the backup information area related to the target area (whether the backup flag is ON), and when the backup flag is stored (when the backup flag is ON), deriving the checksum of the complement stored in the target area and the backup information area related to the area, and when the calculation result is 0, determining that the target area is normal, and otherwise determining that the target area is abnormal) for the area related to the game in the RAM103.

[0105] The playable state transition means 179 executes a playable state transition process for transitioning to the playable state when the playable state is set. Specifically, in the playable state transition process, when the output of the security signal is ON, the process of turning off the output of the security signal and the initial setting of the device are executed. Also, in the initial setting of the device, processes such as transmitting a launch permission command for permitting the launch of game balls to the payout control board 400, setting a state in which ball entry into each winning port is valid, and setting data for starting the random number circuit 105 are executed.

[0106] The power-off processing execution means 180 executes power-off processing based on receiving a power-off signal from the power control board 500. Specifically, for the area related to the game in the RAM 103, it derives the checksum of the area, stores the complement of the checksum in the backup information area related to the game in the RAM 103, and turns on the backup flag indicating that the power-off processing for the area has been executed (stores the backup flag in the backup information area related to the game in the RAM 103).

[0107] As shown in FIG. 7, the first sub-control board 200 includes a sub-random number generation means 210, a normal effect control means 220, a sub-error control means 230, a lamp control means 240, a movable accessory control means 245, a sub-information storage means 260, and a sub-command management means 270. These means functionally represent what is realized by each control configuration on the first sub-control board 200 described with reference to FIG. 6. Here, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in the means, etc. in the corresponding storage areas. Also, the effect control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270. In the following description, the fact that the effect control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 may sometimes be simply expressed as the reception of the effect control command.

[0108] The sub-random number generation means 210 can generate a random number (software random number) updated by program processing by the CPU 201, and acquires the random number at the timing when each lottery by the normal effect control means 220 is executed.

[0109] Generally, the effect control means 220 includes an effect mode control means 221, an effect route determination means 222, a sub-hold control means 223, a pre-reading effect control means 224, an effect content determination means 225, a decorative symbol control means 226, and a jackpot effect control means 227.

[0110] When the effect mode control means 221 receives a game state designation command, it controls the transition of the effect mode in a manner that matches the special figure variation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100 side. The effect modes in this embodiment are roughly classified into a normal mode, a challenge mode, and a RUSH mode. The normal mode corresponds to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the challenge mode corresponds to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, and the RUSH mode corresponds to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC.

[0111] When the effect route determination means 222 receives a pre-determination command, it determines (sets) the effect route corresponding to the figure variation held this time based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command (in this embodiment, the special figure variation pattern). Note that when the special figure variation pattern corresponding to the figure variation is the above-mentioned special figure variation pattern HNP, the effect route determination means 222 does not determine the effect route when the pre-determination command is transmitted, and at the start of the figure variation, it determines the effect route based on the special figure variation pattern included in the variation start command (for example, if it is the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation patterns HNP-A to HNP-D). Here, the effect route is the effect from the start to the end of the figure variation, which defines the process of the effect that notifies the result of the special figure hit determination in the figure variation. The content of the effect executed in the figure variation will be determined according to the effect route corresponding to the figure variation by the effect content determination means 225 described later.

[0112] The presentation route in this embodiment is roughly classified into a losing presentation route that notifies that the result of the special drawing validity determination in the current symbol variation is a loss (that is, the result of the special drawing validity determination in the current symbol variation is neither a big win nor a small win), and a big win presentation route that notifies that the result of the special drawing validity determination in the current symbol variation is a big win or a small win. Furthermore, the losing presentation route includes a non-developing losing presentation route where the development presentation is not executed, and a developing losing presentation route where the development presentation is executed. As will be described later, when the big win presentation route is determined, the development presentation is executed. Here, the development presentation is a presentation that is executed after the decorative symbols enter the reach state (a state where the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed except for one symbol column, and the remaining symbol columns are variably displayed), and refers to a presentation that notifies whether the result of the special drawing validity determination in the current symbol variation is a big win or a small win at the end of the presentation. Therefore, in the development presentation corresponding to the developing losing presentation route, a series of presentations corresponding to the development presentation are executed, and it is notified at the end of the presentation that the result of the special drawing validity determination in the current symbol variation is neither a big win nor a small win. On the other hand, in the development presentation corresponding to the big win presentation route, a series of presentations corresponding to the development presentation are executed, and it is notified at the end of the presentation that the result of the special drawing validity determination in the current symbol variation is a big win or a small win. In particular, in this embodiment, in one presentation mode, for each of the determined special drawing variation patterns, a different presentation route corresponds. Therefore, in the following description, the presentation route for the special drawing variation pattern may sometimes be simply expressed by the special drawing variation pattern. However, a plurality of presentation routes may be associated with one special drawing variation pattern. In this case, one presentation route may be determined from the plurality of presentation routes corresponding to the determined special drawing variation pattern.

[0113] When the sub-hold control means 223 receives a hold command (hereinafter, may be simply expressed as the occurrence of a hold win), based on the information of the special figure 1 hold counter and the special figure 2 hold counter included in the command, it sets production data for displaying the number of hold images corresponding to the special figure 1 hold counter and the number of hold images corresponding to the special figure 2 hold counter in the hold display area (not shown) of the main display unit 81. Note that the hold image is an image that is the target of the hold prediction production that changes in various forms suggesting the degree of advantage such as the probability of a big win game occurring.

[0114] When the prediction production control means 224 receives a pre-judgment command, it determines the content of the so-called prediction production based on the result of the pre-judgment included in the command.

[0115] When the production content determination means 225 receives a variation start command, it determines the content of the production to be executed in the current symbol variation according to the production route already determined by the production route determination means 222.

[0116] When the decorative symbol control means 226 receives a variation start command, based on the determined stop symbol of the special figure, it determines the final (definitely stopped and displayed) combination of decorative symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol). Specifically, in the symbol variation related to special figure 1, the symbol alignment related to 7 symbols is determined for symbol A, and any of the symbol alignments related to the decorative symbols excluding 7 symbols is determined for symbols B to E. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the symbol alignment related to the decorative symbols excluding 7 symbols is stopped and displayed, it is impossible to judge the specified number of times related to the general figure high probability in the subsequent challenge mode (special figure variation pattern derivation state PB) from the stopped and displayed symbol alignment. On the other hand, when the symbol alignment related to 7 symbols is stopped and displayed, the player can judge that the RUSH mode will be set later. In addition, in the symbol variation according to Special Figure 2, for symbol a and symbol c, either the alignment of 7 symbols or the alignment of decorative symbols excluding the 7 symbols is determined, while for symbol b, either the alignment of decorative symbols excluding the 7 symbols is determined (the alignment of the 7 symbols is not determined). Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the alignment of decorative symbols excluding the 7 symbols is stopped and displayed, it becomes impossible to accurately determine the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to the alignment of the symbols. On the other hand, when the alignment of the 7 symbols is stopped and displayed, the player can determine that the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to the alignment of the symbols is 10.

[0117] When the jackpot effect control means 227 receives a jackpot start command, it determines the content of the effect during the jackpot game based on the information included in the command and the like. Note that the effects during the jackpot game include a round effect for notifying that it is during a round game and an end demo effect for notifying the end of the jackpot game.

[0118] The normal effect control means 220 reads out the effect data of each device corresponding to each effect at the execution timing of each effect according to the content of the effect determined by the above-described means provided in the first sub-control board 200. When there is effect data related to an image in the read effect data, an image control command is generated based on the effect data, and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. Further, when there is effect data related to sound in the read effect data, a voice control command related to sound is generated based on the effect data, and the command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. Further, when the power restoration state at power restoration becomes a playable state with the execution of the RAM clear process, the normal performance control means 220 reads out performance data for notifying that the state has become a playable state with the execution of the RAM clear process. When the power restoration state at power restoration becomes a playable state without the execution of the RAM clear process, the normal performance control means 220 reads out performance data for notifying that the state has become a playable state without the execution of the RAM clear process. Further, when the power restoration state at power restoration becomes a game stop state, the normal performance control means 220 reads out performance data for notifying that, in addition to the game stop state, the execution of the RAM clear process has become necessary. Although the details of these notifications are omitted, it is preferable that they be continuously executed for a certain period of time (for example, 30 s) after the execution starts, and the performance device for executing the notifications is not limited.

[0119] When an error command is transmitted, the sub-error control means 230 determines an error notification pattern and reads out performance data for executing an error notification according to the error notification pattern. Note that the error notification is executed with priority over the variable performance (the performance executed during the symbol variation). Here, the fact that the error notification is executed with priority means that, when the device related to the execution of the error notification and the device related to the execution of the variable performance are the same device, not only when only the error notification is executed in the device (the execution of the variable performance is restricted by the execution of the error notification), but also when the error notification is executed in a manner that is more easily recognized than the variable performance in the device. Further, the sub-error control means 230 may independently (independently of the main error control means 165) determine whether an error has occurred in the gaming machine 10, and read out performance data for executing an error notification when it is determined that an error has occurred.

[0120] The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35. For example, when there is lamp-corresponding production data in the production data read by the normal production control means 220, the lamp control means 240 reads the lamp control data based on the production data and transmits the read lamp control data to the lamp to be the execution target.

[0121] When there is production data corresponding to the movable props in the production data read by the normal production control means 220, the movable prop control means 245 reads the movable control data for controlling the movement of the movable decoration 22 and the sub-display unit 82 from the ROM 202 based on the production data, transmits the read movable control data to the movable decoration 22 and the sub-display unit 82, and controls the movement of the movable decoration 22 and the sub-display unit 82.

[0122] As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing the data read by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, the data derived by the calculation in the means, etc. in the corresponding storage areas.

[0123] The sub-command management means 270 receives the production control command transmitted from the main control board 100 and stores the received production command in the received command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260. Also, when an image control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260, the sub-command management means 270 transmits the image control command to the second sub-control board 300. Further, when an audio control command or a volume adjustment command is stored in the storage area, the sub-command management means 270 transmits these commands to the audio control board 310. In addition, these commands are generally transmitted in the order stored in the transmission command storage area of the sub-information storage means 260.

[0124] As described above, when a jackpot game occurs in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA according to the present embodiment, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB can be set after the end of the jackpot game. When a jackpot game occurs in the subsequent special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, a special figure variation pattern derivation state PC with a higher degree of advantage than the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB is set after the end of the jackpot game. And there are four types of specified numbers related to the high probability of the general figure in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, which are 15 times, 20 times, 30 times, and 35 times. In this order, the expectation of a jackpot game occurring in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB becomes higher. Therefore, the player pays attention to the number of times of the specified number related to the high probability of the general figure in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB. Regarding such game properties, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to execute a time-saving number acquisition effect that can specify the specified number related to the high probability of the general figure in the current (this time) special figure variation pattern derivation state PB. In particular, the time-saving number acquisition effect according to the present embodiment uses an image displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81, but the display method is devised. Hereinafter, the details of the time-saving number acquisition effect will be described.

[0125] <Regarding the display content of the time-saving number acquisition effect> First, with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15, the details of the display content in the time-saving number acquisition effect according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the execution period of the time-saving number acquisition effect. FIG. 14(a) is a diagram showing a display example of the introduction part of the time-saving number acquisition effect, and FIG. 14(b) is a diagram showing a display example of the number notification image. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of the acquisition part of the time-saving number acquisition effect.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 13, the time-saving number acquisition effect according to the present embodiment is executed from the start of the end demo during the jackpot game (the period from the end of the round game during the jackpot game to the end of the jackpot game) to the end of the symbol variation related to the special figure 2 in the first rotation (the first) after the end of the jackpot game. And the time-saving number acquisition effect is divided into an introduction part and an acquisition part. The winning part is executed when the result of the special drawing win / loss determination in the symbol variation related to the special drawing 2 is a loss. When the result of the special drawing win / loss determination in the symbol variation related to the special drawing 2 is a small win or a big win, the winning part is not executed, and the variation pattern is determined in the same way as the symbol variation related to the special drawing 2 after the second rotation, and the effect corresponding to the determined variation pattern is executed. Note that the winning part in this embodiment continues for the variation time (30000 ms) related to the symbol variation pattern of the first rotation in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB. Also, when the symbol variation related to the special drawing 1 is first executed after the end of the big win game, the introduction part continues until the end of the symbol variation.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 14(a), in the introduction part executed in the end demo started after the round game ends, the first line L1 is displayed in the display area related to the main display unit 81, and the fifth line L5 is displayed in the first display area da1 inside the first line L1. Furthermore, in the fifth display area da5 inside the fifth line L5, the number-of-times notification image hg is configured to be visible.

[0128] Here, the number-of-times notification image hg is an image that can specify the specified number of times related to the general drawing high probability of the current special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB, as shown in FIG. 14(b). More specifically, the number-of-times notification image hg is composed of a numerical part (the part of "●●" shown in FIG. 14(b), and the numerical value of the expected number of times related to the general drawing high probability is entered in this part) and a character part of "times". Note that a part of the number-of-times notification image hg (the character part of "times") is visible in the fifth display area da5 as shown in FIG. 14(a). For the other part (numerical part), it will be visible in the second display area da2 and the fourth display area da4 described later.

[0129] Returning to FIG. 14(a), in the introduction part, an introduction image dg composed of the characters "Get time-saving counts by hitting right!" is displayed in the display area other than the first display area da1 in the display area related to the main display unit 81. Note that the introduction image dg will not be displayed in the acquisition part described later. Therefore, it can be said that the image is an image that can identify that it is the introduction part.

[0130] Subsequently, as shown from the first scene (the leftmost upper scene) to the second last scene in FIG. 15, in the acquisition part, in the first display area da1, with the fifth line L5 being displayed (the state where the fifth display area da5 is maintained), the second line L2 can be displayed, and the count notification image hg (particularly, the numerical part) can be visually recognized in the second display area da2 inside the second line L2. Furthermore, in the acquisition part, the area of the second display area da2 can change (the conditions for the change of the area will be described later), and the change of the area is realized by the change of the number of the second display areas da2 in the first display area da1. In this embodiment, in the time-saving count acquisition effect including the case where the area of the second display area da2 changes, the area of the first display area da1 is configured not to change. Also, in the example shown in FIG. 15, only the example where the area of the second display area da2 expands is described, but in this embodiment, the area can be reduced (details will be described later). Also, in this embodiment, when the fifth line L5 is displayed, the second line L2 is not displayed (the second display area da2 does not exist), but at this time, the second line L2 may be displayed (the second display area da2 may exist), such as in the state of the second scene from the top on the left side of FIG. 15.

[0131] As shown in the last scene of FIG. 15, at the end of the acquisition part, instead of the first line L1 (the first display area da1), the third line L3 is displayed, and instead of the second line L2, the fourth line L4 is displayed, and the count notification image hg can be visually recognized in the fourth display area da4 inside the fourth line L4. At this time, the fifth line L5 (the fifth display area da5) remains maintained. Note that the fourth line L4 is displayed in the third display area da3 inside the third line L3.

[0132] As described above, in the time-saving count acquisition effect in this embodiment, the first line L1 is displayed within the display area related to the main display unit 81, and the second line L2 is displayed in the first display area da1 inside the first line L1. In the second display area da2 inside the second line L2, the count notification image hg is configured to be visible. Furthermore, the area of the second display area da2 is configured to be changeable, and the first display area da1 does not change when the area changes. According to this, it is possible to provide a new image display effect that changes the area of the second display area da2 where the count notification image hg can be visually recognized, and it is possible to make it easier to recognize the change in the area. In achieving the above effect, as a method of changing the area of the second display area da2, it is not limited to the method according to this embodiment, that is, changing the number of the second display areas da2 within the first display area da1. The area of the second display area da2 that already exists within the first display area da1 may be changed, or a combination of these may be used. In particular, when changing the area of the second display area da2 by changing the number of the second display areas da2 within the first display area da1, it is allowed that some or all of the plurality of second display areas da2 (second line L2) are different in shape from other second display areas da2. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the image visible in the second line L2 is set as an image (count notification image hg) that can specify the specified number of times according to the general drawing with high accuracy of the current special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB. However, the content of the image to be made visible in the second display area da2 is not limited. However, as in this embodiment, it is preferably an image that can specify the current gaming state (related to the advantage degree of the player). Similarly, the conditions for changing the area of the second display area da2 are not limited to the conditions according to this embodiment (details will be described later), and various conditions may be adopted.

[0133] Also, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that each display area (the first display area da1 to the fifth display area da5) is an area closed by a corresponding line (the first line L1 to the fifth line L5). However, in the range where the display area can be defined, a part of the line surrounding the display area may be open for each display area.

[0134] Also, in the present embodiment, the first line L1 is an actually displayed line, but it is not limited to this. That is, if the first display area da1 exists within the display area related to the main display unit 81, the first line L1 may not be an actually displayed line such as the outer edge of the first display area da1. The same applies to the second line L2, the third line L3, the fourth line L4, and the fifth line L5 described above. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the lines (the first line L1 to the fifth line L5) do not overlap with each other, but a part of one of these lines may overlap with a part of another line.

[0135] From the above, in the gaming machine 10, a specific image (the number-of-times notification image hg) can be displayed within the display area related to the image display unit (the main display unit 81), the display area related to the image display unit may have a first display area (the first display area da1), and inside the first boundary (the first line L1) which is the outer edge of the first display area, there may be a second boundary (the second line L2). In the second display area (the second display area da2) which is inside the second boundary, the specific image can be visually recognized. When a specific condition is satisfied, it can be paraphrased that the area of the first display area does not change, while the area of the second display area can change.

[0136] In particular, in the present embodiment, the change in the area of the second display area da2 is realized by changing the number of the second display areas da2 within the first display area da1. According to this, it is possible to make it easier to recognize the change in the area of the second display area da2.

[0137] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when the above specific conditions are satisfied, it can be said that the area of the second display area (second display area da2) can change by changing the number of second display areas (second display areas da2) in the first display area (first display area da1).

[0138] Also, in the present embodiment, a fifth line L5 having a shape different from that of the second line L2 is displayed in the first display area da1. According to this, it is possible to make it easier to recognize the second display area da2. When there are a plurality of types of shapes of the second line L2, the fifth line L5 preferably has a shape different from any of the shapes of the plurality of types of second lines L2.

[0139] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, it can be said that the first display area (first display area da1) may have a predetermined boundary (fifth line L5) having a shape different from that of the second boundary (second line L2).

[0140] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the area of the second display area da2 changes, the area of the fifth display area da5 inside the fifth line L5 does not change. According to this, it is possible to make it easier to recognize the change in the area of the second display area da2.

[0141] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when the above specific conditions are satisfied and the area of the second display area (second display area da2) changes, it can be said that the area of the predetermined display area (fifth display area da5) inside the predetermined boundary (fifth line L5) does not change.

[0142] Also, in the present embodiment, the fifth line L5 is displayed when the first line L1 appears (see FIG. 14(a)). According to this, the effect of making it easier to recognize the second display area da2 described above can be enhanced.

[0143] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, it can be said that the predetermined boundary (fifth line L5) exists when the first boundary (first line L1) appears.

[0144] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the number-of-times notification image hg is visible in the fifth display area da5 inside the fifth line L5. According to this, the degree of attention to the number-of-times notification image hg can be increased.

[0145] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, it can be paraphrased that a specific image (number-of-times notification image hg) is visible in a predetermined display area inside a predetermined boundary (fifth line L5).

[0146] Also, as described above, in the present embodiment, at the end of the acquisition part, instead of the first line L1 (first display area da1), the third line L3 is displayed, and instead of the second line L2, the fourth line L4 is displayed, and the number-of-times notification image hg becomes visible in the fourth display area da4 inside the fourth line L4. According to this, it is possible to easily recognize that the change in the area of the second display area da2 has ended. In achieving the said effect, it is preferable that the display of the first line L1 (first display area da1) and the second line L2 (second display area da2) ends, but even if these displays do not end and these displays and the third line L3 (third display area da3) and the fourth line L4 (fourth display area da4) are made in parallel, it may be acceptable. Furthermore, the image that becomes visible in the fourth display area da4 does not have to be the number-of-times notification image hg, and it may be an image different from the number-of-times notification image hg.

[0147] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when the end condition is satisfied, it may have a third display area (third display area da3) within the display area related to the image display unit (main display unit 81), and may have a fourth boundary (fourth line L4) inside the third boundary (third line L3) which is the outer edge of the third display area, and a predetermined image identical or different from the specific image (number-of-times notification image hg) is visible in the fourth display area (fourth display area da4) inside the fourth boundary.

[0148] <Shortening Time Number Acquisition Performance Control Process> Next, with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, the details of the shortening time number acquisition performance control process for controlling the shortening time number acquisition performance will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the flow of the shortening time number acquisition performance control process, and this process is executed when an end demo command in a jackpot game (particularly, a jackpot game related to symbols B to E) occurring in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA is received. FIG. 17(a) is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table used for lottery of a change pattern related to the second display area, and the range of the random number used in this lottery is 0 to 999. FIG. 17(b) is a diagram showing a display example when the area of the second display area is reduced.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 16, in step S202 which is the first step in the shortening time number acquisition performance control process, performance data related to the introduction part is set. Thereby, the introduction part of the shortening time number acquisition performance is executed. In step S204, it is determined whether or not a winning of a game ball into the second start port 59 has occurred. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S206. If this condition is not satisfied (including the case where a winning of a game ball into a winning port other than the second start port 59 such as the first start port 57 occurs), the process proceeds to step S212.

[0150] In step S206, a change pattern lottery related to the second display area for lottery of the pattern of the area change of the second display area da2 described above is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 17(a), in the change pattern lottery related to the second display area, a change pattern of expanding the second display area is determined with a probability of 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5), a change pattern of reducing the second display area is determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the lottery is a non-winning with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2).

[0151] In step S208, it is determined whether or not the change pattern lottery related to the second display area has been won. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S210. If this condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S212.

[0152] In step S210, the effect data related to the change pattern won in the change pattern lottery related to the second display area is set. Specifically, in the change pattern lottery related to the second display area, when the change pattern of expanding the second display area is determined, as shown in the flow from the second scene from the top left in FIG. 15 to the third scene, the area of the second display area da2 expands. On the other hand, in the change pattern lottery related to the second display area, when the change pattern of shrinking the second display area is determined, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the area of the second display area da2 shrinks.

[0153] In step S212, it is determined whether or not the end condition of the time shortening count acquisition effect has been satisfied. If this condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S214. If this condition is not satisfied, the process returns to step S204. Here, the end condition of the time shortening count acquisition effect is satisfied when either the area of the second display area da2 has reached a specific size (in this embodiment, as shown in the scene immediately before the last scene in FIG. 15, a size that allows the entire numerical part of the count notification image hg to be visible) or a specified time (in this embodiment, 25000 ms) has elapsed.

[0154] In step S214, the effect data related to the final display is set (as a result, the display area related to the main display unit 81 becomes the state shown in the last scene of FIG. 15), and the time shortening count acquisition effect control process ends.

[0155] As described above, in the time shortening count acquisition effect according to this embodiment, in a part of the case where a winning of a game ball occurs, the area of the second display area da2 changes. According to this, it is possible to encourage the progress of the game (launching of the game ball) in the time shortening count acquisition effect. In achieving the above effect, the type of winning opening (winning) that can trigger the change in the area of the second display area da2 is not limited. Also, in this embodiment, by narrowing down the winning openings that trigger the change in the area of the second display area da2, or using a change pattern lottery related to the second display area, the event that "the area of the second display area da2 can change in part when a winning of a game ball occurs" is realized. However, this event may be realized by using any one of these factors. For example, the area of the second display area da2 may be changed based on the fact that the number of times a game ball wins the target winning opening (which may be the total number of prize balls) reaches a threshold value, thereby realizing this event.

[0156] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, it can be said that the above specific conditions are satisfied in part when a winning occurs.

[0157] In addition, the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment includes, in addition to the second start opening 59, a first start opening 57, a gate 63, etc. provided at positions different from the second start opening 59. However, the winning opening that can trigger the change in the area of the second display area da2 is the second start opening 59. And as described above, a detection sensor for detecting a game ball is attached to each winning opening. According to this, in the time-saving number acquisition effect, it is possible to recommend hitting the game ball toward the second start opening 59. In achieving the above effect, if there is a detection sensor that does not trigger the change in the area of the second display area da2, the type of detection sensor that can trigger the change in the area of the second display area da2 is not limited. Furthermore, the number of game balls given when the detection sensor that can trigger the change in the area of the second display area da2 detects a game ball is not limited, and in fact, game balls may not be given by this detection. This is the same in the following inventions.

[0158] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, as a detection sensor capable of launching a game ball and detecting the game ball, there are a first detection sensor (a detection sensor attached to the second start port 59) and a second detection sensor (a detection sensor attached to the first start port 57 or the gate 63) whose installation positions are different from those of the first detection sensor. The above specific condition is not satisfied when the game ball is detected by the first detection sensor, and can be paraphrased as being satisfied in part when the game ball is detected by the second detection sensor.

[0159] In particular, in the present embodiment, in the launch (firing) direction of the game ball, there are a first flow path X and a second flow path Y. Then, as described above, in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the launch of the game ball toward the first flow path X is recommended, and in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB in which the short-time count acquisition effect is performed, the launch of the game ball toward the second flow path Y is recommended. And in the present embodiment, the winning port that can trigger the area change of the second display area da2 in the short-time count acquisition effect is the second start port 59 provided in the direction of the second flow path Y, and the first start port 57 provided in the direction of the first flow path X does not trigger the area change of the second display area da2. According to this, in the short-time count acquisition effect, it is possible to facilitate the launch of the game ball in the recommended launch direction.

[0160] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, in the launch direction of the game ball, there are a first launch direction (the first flow path X) and a second launch direction (the second flow path Y), and there are a first gaming state (the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA) in which the launch of the game ball in the first launch direction is recommended and a second gaming state (the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB) in which the launch of the game ball in the second launch direction is recommended. In the second gaming state, a first display area (the first display area da1) may exist. The first detection sensor (a detection sensor attached to the first start port 57) is located in the first launch direction, and the second detection sensor (a detection sensor attached to the second start port 59) is located in the second launch direction, which can be paraphrased. In addition, as long as the recommended shooting directions of the first gaming state and the second gaming state are different, the magnitude relationship of the advantages associated with these gaming states is not limited to that of the present embodiment. Further, as long as the first display area exists in the second gaming state, it is allowed that the first display area exists in other gaming states.

[0161] Also, in the present embodiment, although it is configured such that the first display area da1 is displayed from the end demonstration of the jackpot game immediately before transitioning to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, before the jackpot game occurs, that is, by starting the display of the first display area da1 from the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the first display area da1 may be displayed across the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB. According to this, when transitioning from the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, the game ball can be smoothly launched in the recommended shooting direction. In achieving the said effect, when transitioning from the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA to the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, it is not necessary to go through a jackpot game.

[0162] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when transitioning from the first gaming state (special figure variation pattern derivation state PA) to the second gaming state (special figure variation pattern derivation state PB), it can be said that the first display area (first display area da1) can exist across the first gaming state to the second gaming state.

[0163] <Regarding other modification examples> Regarding modification examples not described in the above explanation, they are listed below.

[0164] First, although it was omitted in the explanation regarding the time - shortening number performance described above, as long as the display contents shown in FIGS. 14(a), 15, and 17(b) are realized, the drawing method of each image (each line, the number notification image hg) for the display area related to the main display unit 81 is not limited.

[0165] Also, in the time-saving count performance according to the present embodiment, the trigger for the area change of the second display area da2 is the winning of a game ball into the winning opening (particularly, the second start opening 59), but it is not limited to this. For example, the winning of the game ball may be replaced with the performance of a game operation such as an operation on the effect button 37.

[0166] Also, although the time-saving count acquisition performance according to the present embodiment has been described as being executed using the main display unit 81, it is not limited to this. Specifically, the time-saving count acquisition performance may be executed by a device different from the main display unit 81, such as the speaker 33 or the effect lamp 35, in addition to the main display unit 81. Further, instead of the main display unit 81, each display related to the time-saving count acquisition performance may be realized by the sub-display unit 82.

[0167] Also, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment employs a so-called one-kind two-kind mixed machine that can derive both a small win that can cause a big win and a big win game in the special figure win / loss determination, but it is not limited to this, and a machine that can derive only a so-called two-kind win may be employed.

[0168] Also, in each special figure variation pattern derivation state, if the special figure variation pattern may be determined using the special figure variation pattern lottery table shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, the special figure variation pattern may be determined using another special figure variation pattern lottery table, or the special figure variation pattern may be determined without using the special figure variation pattern lottery table (without conducting a lottery). However, in each special figure variation pattern derivation state, it is preferable that the special figure variation pattern is determined using the special figure variation pattern lottery table shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 in a period of at least half of the period during which the special figure variation pattern derivation state continues.

[0169] Also, regarding the high or low probability, ratio, frequency, and the number of times in the present embodiment, as long as each relationship is ensured, the smaller value may be 0, or the larger value may be the maximum value. In particular, regarding the high or low of each ratio described above, as long as the appearance aspect is ensured, the control for realizing the high or low of each ratio is not limited. In addition, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in this embodiment is an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.

[0170] In the above description, the power restoration state at the time of power restoration is determined by referring to the state of the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power restoration. However, it may be configured to refer to whether the ON state time of the RAM clear switch 43 from the time of power restoration exceeds a specified time (for example, 3 s). By doing so, the occurrence of incorrect RAM clear processing can be further suppressed.

[0171] In the above description, when determining the power restoration state at the time of power restoration, the state of the middle frame opening / closing sensor 76 (the opening / closing state of the middle frame 17) is referred to. However, the power restoration state may be set without referring to the state. In this case, uniformly, the power restoration state at the time of power restoration may be set according to the case where the middle frame opening / closing sensor 76 is ON (the middle frame 17 is in the open state).

[0172] The present invention described above is not limited to the above description, and includes various modifications, improvements, and the like as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.

[0173] <Supplementary Note> This embodiment includes the following technical ideas. (1) A gaming machine including an image display unit, A specific image can be displayed within a display area related to the image display unit, The display area related to the image display unit may have a first display area, A second boundary may be provided inside a first boundary that is the outer edge of the first display area, The specific image is visible in a second display area that is inside the second boundary, When specific conditions are satisfied, the area of the second display area may change while the area of the first display area remains unchanged, A gaming machine characterized by the above. (2) The gaming machine according to the above (1), when the end condition is satisfied, a third display area may be provided within the display area related to the image display unit, a fourth boundary may be provided inside the third boundary which is the outer edge of the third display area, a predetermined image identical to or different from the specific image is visible in the fourth display area inside the fourth boundary, characterized by the above. (a) the specific condition is satisfied in part when a winning occurs, characterized by the above. (b) it is possible to launch a game ball, as a detection sensor for detecting a game ball, there are a first detection sensor and a second detection sensor whose installation positions are different from those of the first detection sensor, the specific condition is not satisfied when a game ball is detected by the first detection sensor, and is satisfied in part when a game ball is detected by the second detection sensor, characterized by the above. (c) in the launching direction of the game ball, there are a first launching direction and a second launching direction, there are a first gaming state in which launching of a game ball in the first launching direction is recommended and a second gaming state in which launching of a game ball in the second launching direction is recommended, at least in the second gaming state, the first display area may exist, the first detection sensor is located in the first launching direction, the second detection sensor is located in the second launching direction, characterized by the above. (d) when transitioning from the first gaming state to the second gaming state, the first display area may exist across the first gaming state and the second gaming state, characterized by the above.

Explanation of Signs

[0174] 10 Gaming machine 15 Outer frame 17 Middle frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable decoration 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent member 27 Upper ball receiver 29 Lower ball receiver 30 Lower discharge port 31 Operation handle 32 Upper frame part 33(33a, 33b) Speaker 34a, 34b Left and right side frame parts 35(35a, 35b, 35c) Frame lamp 36 Ball extraction mechanism 37 Effect button 38 Cursor button 38a Upper cursor button 38b Lower cursor button 38c Left cursor button 38d Right cursor button 38e Middle cursor button 39 Main operation part 39a Ball lending button 39b Return button 40 Power switch 43 RAM clear switch 45 Opening / closing cover 46 Game ball tank 47 Tank rail 48 Payout unit 49 Payout passage 50 Game board 50a Game area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 55 Big winning hole 57 First start hole 59 Second start hole 61 Normal electric accessory 62 Normal electric accessory solenoid 63 Gate 65 Special Electric Game Element 66 Solenoid of Special Electric Game Element 67 General Winning Opening 69 Out Port 70 First Start Opening Sensor 71 Second Start Opening Sensor 72 Big Winning Opening Sensor 73 General Winning Opening Sensor 74 Gate Sensor 75 Out Ball Sensor 76 Middle Frame Door Opening Sensor 77 Front Frame Door Opening Sensor 80 Effect Display Device 81 Main Display Section 82 Sub Display Section 82a Upper Sub Display Section 82b Left Sub Display Section 82c Right Sub Display Section 90 Symbol Display Device 91 First Special Symbol Display Device 92 Second Special Symbol Display Device 93 Normal Symbol Display Device 94 First Special Symbol Hold Lamp 95 Second Special Symbol Hold Lamp 96 Normal Symbol Hold Lamp 100 Main Control Board 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 I / O Port 105 Random Number Circuit 109 Main Control Board Case 110 Ball Entry Judgment Means 115 Main Random Number Generation Means 120 Main Hold Control Means 125 Pre-Judgment Means 130 Special Symbol Lottery Means 131 Special Symbol Hit Judgment Means 132 Special Symbol Stop Symbol Lottery Means 133 Special Symbol Variation Pattern Derivation Means 135 Normal Symbol Lottery Means 140 Big Win Game Control Means 145 Symbol Display Control Means 150 Electric accessory control means 155 Game state control means 160 Main information storage means 165 Main error control means 170 Main command management means 175 Restoration power processing execution means 176 Restoration power state setting means 179 Game playable state transition means 180 Power-off processing execution means 200 First sub-control board 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 I / O port 209 First sub-control board case 210 Sub-random number generation means 220 Normal performance control means 221 Performance mode control means 222 Performance route determination means 223 Sub-hold control means 224 Pre-read performance control means 225 Performance content determination means 226 Decoration symbol control means 227 Big win performance control means 230 Sub-error control means 240 Lamp control means 245 Movable accessory control means 260 Sub-information storage means 270 Sub-command management means 300 Second sub-control board 309 Second sub-control board case 310 Audio control board 311 CPU 312 ROM 313 RAM 314 I / O port 400 Payout control board 409 Payout control board case 500 Power control board 501 Normal power circuit 502 Backup power circuit 503 Power-off Detection Circuit 509 Power Control Board Case X First Flow Path Y Second Flow Path L1 First Line L2 Second Line L3 Third Line L4 Fourth Line L5 Fifth Line da1 First Display Area da2 Second Display Area da3 Third Display Area da4 Fourth Display Area da5 Fifth Display Area hg Number Notification Image dg Introduction Image

Claims

1. A gaming machine equipped with an image display unit, A specific image can be displayed within a display area of ​​the image display unit, A first display area may be included within a display area associated with the image display unit, A second boundary may be provided inside a first boundary that is an outer edge of the first display area, The specific image is viewable in a second display area inside the second boundary, When a specific condition is satisfied, the area of ​​the first display area does not change, and the area of ​​the second display area can change. A gaming machine characterized by:

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, When a termination condition is satisfied, a third display area may be provided within a display area associated with the image display unit, a fourth boundary may be provided inside a third boundary that is an outer edge of the third display area; In a fourth display area inside the fourth boundary, a predetermined image that is the same as or different from the specific image is visible. A gaming machine characterized by:

Images