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 can be visually recognized in a second display area which is 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, the first display area may have a predetermined boundary whose shape is different from that of the second boundary, and the predetermined boundary exists at the time when the first boundary appears.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine capable of improving gaming interest by a never-before-seen image display method.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Mode for Carrying Out 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 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 with respect to the acquisition amount of prize balls (gaming media) (including not only the payout of gaming balls but also the payout of medals) excluding the effects 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. 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, A specific image (number-of-times notification image hg) can be displayed within the display area related to the above-described image display unit. The display area related to the above-described 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) that is the outer edge of the above-described first display area. The above-described specific image is visible in a second display area (second display area da2) inside the above-described second boundary. When a specific condition is satisfied, the area of the above-described second display area may change while the area of the above-described first display area remains unchanged. The above-described first display area may have a predetermined boundary (fifth line L5) that has a shape different from that of the above-described second boundary. The above-described predetermined boundary exists when the above-described first boundary appears. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

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

[0013] As will be described later, it is preferable that the above-described first display area is an area closed by the above-described first boundary, but a part of the boundary surrounding the display area may be open. The same applies to the relationship between the above-described second display area and the above-described second boundary.

[0014] Also, the above-described first boundary does not have to be an actually displayed line and may not be displayed as long as it is the outer edge of the above-described first display area. The same applies to the above-described second boundary.

[0015] Also, the change in the area of the above-described 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 that causes the area change of the first display area, more specifically, the position of the increasing part when the area of the first display area increases or the position of the decreasing part when the area of the first display area decreases, does not have to be a position predetermined with respect to the current area of the first display area as in the present embodiment described later, and these positions may have no 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 or the amount of decrease in the area related to the first display area per time, also does not have to be a predetermined amount as in the present embodiment described later, and the increase amount or decrease amount may have no 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). The same applies to the fourth display area and the predetermined display area described later.

[0017] Also, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment described later is a pachinko machine that pays out actual game balls as prize balls, but 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 (so-called smart slot) that pays out all medals as electronic data.

[0018] The gaming machine 10 having the above characteristics 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 what is 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 the present 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 "game area 50a") where a large number of game pins (not shown) are erected, and when the game ball enters a winning opening (for example, a large winning opening 55, etc.), a winning ball is obtained. In the following description, the entry of a game ball into a winning opening may be simply expressed as "(winning at the winning opening)".

[0021] The gaming machine 10 includes a rectangular frame-shaped outer frame 15 that opens to the front and rear, an intermediate frame 17 that detachably holds the game board 50 on the opening front 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 on the front side of the outer frame 15. Note that the intermediate frame 17 can be locked and unlocked (insert a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turn the door key in a 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 a hinge mechanism 21 and can be opened and closed with respect to the middle frame 17. Note that the front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (insert a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turn the door key in a direction opposite to the unlocking direction of the middle 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 see-through 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 has become full with the game balls discharged is provided upstream of the lower discharge port 30 for discharging the game balls to the lower ball tray 29. Further, the front frame 20 includes an operation handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball tray 29, and by rotating the operation handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball 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 door opening 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 door opening 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 this embodiment, all of these door opening sensors are ON in the open state and OFF in the closed state. However, these door opening sensors may be configured to be OFF in the open state and ON in the closed state. Thereby, the gaming machine 10 can detect both the open / closed state of the middle frame 17 with respect to the outer frame 15 and the open / closed state of the front frame 20 with respect to the middle frame 17.

[0025] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, operation buttons operated by the player are arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball receiving tray 27. In this operation button group, as the main operation unit 39 electrically connected to the main control board 100 described later, a ball lending button 39a and a return button 39b for receiving the return operation of the prepaid card are provided. As an operation unit electrically connected to the first sub-control board 200 described later, an effect button 37 that can receive the player's operation for switching the effects generated during the game or obtaining various information related to the gaming machine 10, and cursor buttons 38 (upper cursor button 38a, lower cursor button 38b, left cursor button 38c, right cursor button 38d, center cursor button 38e) for instructing operations in the up, down, left, and right directions, etc. are included. Each operation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting operations, and the control board to be connected detects the operations of each operation unit based on changes 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] A ball extraction mechanism 36 for discharging the game balls stored in the lower ball receiving tray 29 downward is provided below the lower ball receiving tray 29. By operating this ball extraction mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on 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, similar to the ball extraction mechanism 36, moves the stored balls to the lower ball receiving tray 29 by operation. By operating both this mechanism and the ball extraction mechanism 36, it becomes possible to discharge the stored balls.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are respectively arranged 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 arranged inside thereof. The speakers 33 and the frame lamps 35 can emit sound, light up, or go out in conjunction with effects generated during the game, error notifications, etc.

[0028] The effect display device 80 is composed of a main display portion 81 arranged substantially at the center of the game board 50 and a sub-display portion 82 arranged around the main display portion 81. The sub-display portion 82 further includes an upper sub-display portion 82a arranged above the main display portion 81, a left sub-display portion 82b arranged on the left side of the main display portion 81, and a right sub-display portion 82c arranged 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 a variable display of a symbol sequence that is performed in conjunction with the variable 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 portion 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 upward, left-right direction, depth direction, or any combination (diagonal direction) of these. 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 it appear as if the symbol sequence is variably displayed from the back to the front direction or the reverse direction of the main display portion 81, although it is actually a planar variable display on the display screen of the main display portion 81. In addition, the decorative patterns in this embodiment include a "1 pattern" imitating the number "1", a "2 pattern" imitating the number "2", a "3 pattern" imitating the number "3", a "4 pattern" imitating the number "4", a "5 pattern" imitating the number "5", a "6 pattern" imitating the number "6", a "7 pattern" imitating the number "7", an "8 pattern" imitating the number "8", and a "9 pattern" imitating the number "9". These patterns are provided in each pattern column. In the following description, the "1 pattern", "3 pattern", "5 pattern", "7 pattern", and "9 pattern" may be collectively referred to as "odd patterns", and the "2 pattern", "4 pattern", "6 pattern", and "8 pattern" may be collectively referred to as "even patterns".

[0030] Each of the sub-display units 82 is provided not only for displaying effect images mainly related to effects but also configured to be movable. Note that the initial position of each is as follows: 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 with 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] A plurality of light emitting diodes (hereinafter abbreviated as "LEDs") are arranged on the lower right side of the main display unit 81, and the display area of the symbol display device 90 is constituted by these LEDs. Special symbols and normal symbols are displayed on the symbol display device 90. In addition, the symbol display device 90 is arranged at a position where it is less visible to the player 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 LEDs related to the symbol display device 90 in this embodiment are as shown in FIG. 2, but this is just an example, and the arrangement and number of 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 the symbol variation that determines whether to operate a special electric accessory (for example, the special electric accessory 65). The special symbols in this embodiment include the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 and the 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 as "Special Symbol 1", and the second special symbol as "Special Symbol 2".

[0033] The normal symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of the symbol variation that determines whether to operate a normal electric accessory (for example, the normal electric accessory 61). The normal symbol in this 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 Chute".

[0034] In addition to the above-described display devices, the symbol display device 90 is provided with a first special symbol hold lamp 94, a second special symbol hold lamp 95, and a normal symbol hold lamp 96. The first special symbol hold lamp 94 can identify the number of symbol variations of the held Special Symbol 1, the second special symbol hold lamp 95 can identify the number of symbol variations of the held Special Symbol 2, and the normal symbol hold lamp 96 can identify the number of symbol variations of the held Normal Symbol. All of them can identify the corresponding number of symbol variations by the lighting modes of two LEDs (in this embodiment, only the right LED always on = 1, both the left and right LEDs always on = 2, the right LED blinks + the left LED always on = 3, both the left and right LEDs blink = 4).

[0035] In the following description, the symbol variation in which the special symbol is variably displayed by the first special symbol display device 91 or the second special symbol display device 92 and then stopped is referred to as "symbol variation of the special symbol". In the following description, the symbol variation in which the normal symbol is variably displayed by the normal symbol display device 93 and then stopped may be referred to as "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 "symbol variation of the decorative symbol" separately from "symbol variation of the special symbol" and "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] As shown in FIG. 4, on the front surface of the game board 50, a number of obstacles such as game pins (not shown), a windmill 52, and decorative members are arranged, whereby a game area 50a is defined so that the launched game balls roll. 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 for guiding 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 adjust the strength of launching the game balls according to the magnitude of the rotational operation amount (for example, rotational angle) of the operation handle 31. The first flow path X (so-called left shot) along which the game balls launched more weakly roll and the second flow path Y (so-called right shot) along which the game balls launched more strongly roll are provided. Various obstacles are arranged in the game area 50a so that the game balls roll along either one of them.

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

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

[0040] A special electric accessory 65 is disposed above the big winning opening 55. The special electric accessory 65 is a member that can be switched between an open state in which winning at the big winning opening 55 is easy and a closed state in which it is difficult for balls to enter, and is switched 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 a jackpot game started due to a jackpot being derived by a special figure validity determination described later, or in part of a minor win game started due to a minor win being derived by the special figure validity 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 a jackpot game or a minor win game in which the chance of obtaining prize balls is greatly increased is in an advantageous game state. Further, although details will be described later, the minor win game in this 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" in some cases, and the total number of round games occurring in one jackpot may be referred to as the "number of rounds" in some cases) 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 closed. Further, one open state in the jackpot game also ends based on a predetermined amount of time (in this embodiment, 30 s (seconds)) having elapsed, which is 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, it ends when 1.8 seconds have elapsed since the release state of the special electric accessory 65, or when 10 game balls have won the big winning opening 55. Therefore, in the small win game, it is difficult for game balls to win the big winning opening 55 compared to the big win game.

[0041] The first start opening 57 is arranged at the lower center of the game area 50a. A first start opening sensor 70 is attached to the first start opening 57, and the winning of the first start opening 57 is determined based on the detection result of the first start opening sensor 70, and the number of prize balls corresponding to the first start opening 57 (in this embodiment, 4) is awarded. In at least a part of the case where the winning of the first start opening 57 is determined, the symbol variation of Fig. 1 of the special drawing is performed. Note that the game area 50a according to the present embodiment is provided with obstacles such as game pins so 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 opening 59 is arranged at the lower right of the game area 50a. A second start opening sensor 71 is attached to the second start opening 59, and the winning of the second start opening 59 is determined based on the detection result of the second start opening sensor 71, and the number of prize balls corresponding to the second start opening 59 (in this embodiment, 1) is awarded. In at least a part of the case where the winning of the second start opening 59 is determined, the symbol variation of Fig. 2 of the special drawing is performed. Note that the game area 50a according to the present embodiment is provided with obstacles such as game pins so that more game balls roll toward the second start opening 59 when rolling from the second flow path Y than when rolling from the first flow path X.

[0043] An ordinary electric accessory 61 is arranged in the flow path connected to the second start opening 59. The ordinary electric accessory 61 is a member that can be switched between an open state where it is easy for game balls to enter the second start opening 59 and a closed state where it is difficult for game balls to enter, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 62. More specifically, the ordinary electric accessory 61 becomes open when the result of the ordinary pattern win determination described later is a win of the ordinary pattern (hereinafter, may be simply expressed as "ordinary pattern win"), and accordingly, winning in the second start port 59 is permitted. Thus, when the ordinary electric accessory 61 is in the open state, since winning in the second start port 59 becomes possible, it is possible to significantly increase the opportunity for executing the symbol variation of Special Figure 2 while suppressing the decrease of the game balls by the prize balls.

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

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

[0046] The out port 69 is disposed at the lowermost part of the game area 50a. The game balls that are launched into the game area 50a and do not enter the above-described winning ports fall into the out port 69 and are processed as out balls. Note that, in this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 for detecting out balls, which are game balls that have entered the above-described winning ports and the out port 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 cheating of receiving prize balls illegally.

[0048] On the back of the game board 50, as shown in FIG. 5, there are 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. In addition to the backs 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 of the main control board case 109 is detachably attached. Note that the main control board 100 is provided with a RAM clear switch 43. Also, the board cases and covers that cover each board are composed of members having transparency, and the corresponding boards are visible through each case and cover.

[0049] Moreover, 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 specific examples, and the present invention can also be implemented with other configurations.

[0051] <Regarding the control configuration of the gaming machine 10> Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the control configuration provided in the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the control configuration provided 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 be provided with 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 (hard random numbers), and these are interconnected via an internal bus.

[0053] The CPU 101 reads out various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performs arithmetic processes, thereby executing various processes related to the main control of the game. The RAM 103 is backed up by backup power generated by a backup power circuit 502 described later. Specifically, among the information stored in the RAM 103, various information that enables the gaming machine 10 to return to the state just before power failure using that data at the time of power restoration (when power is turned on) after a power failure is configured to be backed up. For example, in addition to 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) and the current general drawing lottery state is targeted for backup. Note that this information is cleared (initialized) by a RAM clear process. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, a special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA (general drawing low probability described later) is newly set. Furthermore, when the RAM clear process is executed, the symbol sequence related to the decorative symbols 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 symbol variation.

[0054] In this embodiment, in addition to at least the area where information related to such games is stored (which may be referred to as the game-related area of RAM103), the area where the complement of the checksum and the backup flag related to the game-related area of RAM103 are stored (which may be referred to as the game-related backup information area of RAM103) is backed up. Then, when power is restored, the gaming machine 10 resumes using the various information stored in the backed-up game-related area of RAM103 and the game-related backup information area of RAM103. Note that there are no restrictions on the specific method of backup in this embodiment. For example, the area of RAM103 to be backed up may be realized with a configuration that can retain data non-volatilely even in the power-off state. As another example, among the RAM103, 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 that is referenced when the gaming machine 10 is operating. In that case, the gaming machine 10 may save the information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when power is off, and recover the saved information from the first memory to the second memory when power is restored.

[0055] Also, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first start port sensor 70, the second start port sensor 71, the big winning port sensor 72, the general winning port sensor 73, the gate sensor 74, the out ball sensor 75, the middle frame opening sensor 76, the front frame opening sensor 77, etc., and is configured to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU101 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 input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU101 via the I / O port 104.

[0056] In addition, 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 the operation 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, and 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 such that it cannot request data transmission to the main control board 100. In addition, 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 a buffer memory as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 204 that inputs and outputs signals between the peripheral board 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 the operation of the operation unit.

[0059] In addition, based on the effect control process according to the effect control command from the main control board 100, 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, an audio control command for instructing audio to be output to the audio control board 310, lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, movable decoration body 22, and movable control data for controlling the movement of the sub-display unit 82, etc. 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 normally received 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] In addition, 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 to have its lighting 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 decoration body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 and transmits movable control data via the I / O port 204. And the movable decoration body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 are configured to have their movement controlled by the movable control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.

[0061] Although not shown in the drawings, the second sub-control board 300 includes a CPU that performs various arithmetic processes related to image effects based on image control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM that stores an image control program, various data, etc., a RAM that functions as a work area and buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device. The CPU is configured to execute main control related to image effects according to the control program stored in the ROM (all not shown in the drawings). Furthermore, the second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a VDP that generates image data along with the content of the effect determined by an 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 along 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 an 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. In addition, 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 voice control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores a voice control program, voice data, etc., a RAM 313 that functions as a work area and buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 314 that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device. The CPU 311 is configured to execute main control related to voice effects according to the control program stored in the ROM 312. Therefore, the voice control board 310 can read the voice data stored in the ROM 312 in response to the voice control command received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesize the read voice data, and transmit the final synthesized voice data to the speaker 33 via an amplifier to make the speaker 33 emit sound.

[0063] The payout control board 400 mainly consists of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM (all not shown in the figure). In addition, 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 command from the main control board 100, it executes control to drive the payout unit 48 to pay out game balls. At the same time, based on the operation amount of the operation handle 31, it synchronously drives the ball feeding mechanism and the firing mechanism to control the firing of game balls.

[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-mentioned control boards based on the primary power supply supplied from the power supply equipment on 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). In addition, 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 on 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 power is supplied to the electronic components and electrical components including the above-mentioned 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). In addition, when the power control board 500 detects a power failure by the power failure detection circuit 503, it 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. In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 is configured to be charged when the power supply is supplied from the power supply equipment on 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, or 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 include 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 pre-determination means 125, a special drawing means 130, a general drawing means 135, a big win 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 on 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 a winning at each winning port based on the detection results of sensors provided at each winning port. Also, when the ball entry determination means 110 determines a 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 opening from the random number circuit 105 at the timing when winning at the winning opening is determined. More specifically, when winning at the first start opening 57 or the second start opening 59 is determined, the main random number generation means 115 acquires the random numbers for special figure win / loss determination, the random numbers for special figure stop symbol lottery, and the random numbers for special figure variation pattern lottery, which will be described later. When winning at the gate 63 is determined, the random numbers for general figure win / loss determination, the random numbers for general figure stop symbol lottery, and the random numbers for general figure variation pattern lottery, which will be described later, are stored in the corresponding storage area 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, and 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 regarding the hold of the symbol variation of the special figure and the hold of the symbol variation of the general figure. Regarding the special figure 1, the random numbers for special figure win / loss determination, the random numbers for special figure stop symbol lottery, and the random numbers for special figure variation pattern lottery, which are acquired triggered by winning at the first start opening 57, are held (stored) as the operation hold information of the special figure 1. More specifically, each time the operation hold information in FIG. 1 is held, the main hold control means 120 increments a hold counter (hereinafter referred to as the "FIG. 1 hold counter") by 1, and each time the operation hold information in FIG. 1 is used (used in the lottery by the FIG. 1 lottery means 130), it decrements by 1. Until the value of the FIG. 1 hold counter reaches the upper limit value (4 in this embodiment), the operation hold information is stored in the storage area corresponding to the current FIG. 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 FIG. 1 hold counter to the storage area corresponding to the FIG. 1 hold counter that is 1 less than the current FIG. 1 hold counter from the current storage area. Also, with respect to FIG. 2 and the general drawing, the main hold control means 120 performs the same control as described above separately from FIG. 1. The hold counter for FIG. 2 is referred to as the FIG. 2 hold counter, and the upper limit value of the value of the FIG. 2 hold counter in this embodiment is 4. In the following description, "holding of operation hold information" may be expressed as "holding of symbol variation" or simply "holding". Also, when the main hold control means 120 updates (increments or decrements) the operation hold information (hold counter) of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, it generates an effect control command (hold command) including the FIG. 1 hold counter and the FIG. 2 hold counter, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. In this embodiment, when both the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 1 and the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 2 are held, priority variation is performed in which the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 2 is preferentially used. However, instead of this priority variation, winning order variation in which the operation hold information is used in the order in which it was held regardless of whether it corresponds to FIG. 1 or FIG. 2, or simultaneous variation in which the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 1 and the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 2 are used simultaneously when both the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 1 and the operation hold information corresponding to FIG. 2 are held may be adopted.

[0071] The pre - determination means 125 executes a pre - determination for a look - ahead effect for at least a part of the operation hold information of the special drawing when the operation hold information of the special drawing 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 will be the same as the results of the lotteries executed later. Also, the pre - determination means 125 generates an effect control command (pre - determination command) including the derived pre - determination result, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of the main information storage means 160. Since the pre - 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 pre - determination timing, it will be transmitted following the above - mentioned hold command. Here, the predetermined pre - determination timing is, 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 high - probability general drawing, which will be described later, the pre - determination is restricted, so the transmission of the pre - determination command corresponding to the pre - determination is also restricted. On the other hand, regarding the case where the operation hold information of special drawing 2 is held during the low - probability general drawing, which will be described later, the pre - 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 figure is satisfied" means, as an example, that it is not during a big win game, that neither special figure 1 nor special figure 2 is in the process of executing a symbol variation (including during the stop display of the symbol variation related to special figure 1 or special figure 2), and that all conditions that there is operation hold information in at least one of special figure 1 and special figure 2 are satisfied.

[0073] Here, FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams schematically showing lottery tables used in the main control board 100, and are referred to as necessary in the following description. Note that in lottery using lottery tables, including those other than these lottery tables, for the read random numbers, the lottery values stored in the lottery tables are sequentially added in a predetermined order (when there is only one target lottery value, the number of addition times 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 tables, for convenience of explanation, names are given to the lottery tables, but it is sufficient that data such as lottery values included in the lottery tables corresponding to the names are stored in each ROM in an identifiable manner, and these names do not specify the areas where the data is stored. In the illustrated lottery tables, if there are items described for convenience of explanation and cases where "-" or "0" is described as a lottery value, these do not necessarily indicate the data stored in each ROM. And it is not possible to win in the result where "-" or "0" is described as a lottery value. Further, when the same lottery value as the random number range (the number of random numbers that can be obtained within the range) used in the lottery 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 surely 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] The special figure validity determination means 131 reads a random number for special figure validity determination for each symbol variation, and uses the read random number and the lottery table for special figure validity determination to execute a special figure validity determination that determines whether to win a big win, a small win, or a loss by lottery. Figure 8(a) is a diagram schematically showing the lottery table for special figure validity determination. The lottery table is different between special figure 1 and special figure 2, and the range of the random numbers used in these determinations is 0 to 65535. Therefore, in the special figure validity determination for special figure 1, a big win is derived with a probability of 205 / 65536 (about 1 / 320), and otherwise it is a loss, and a small win is not derived. On the other hand, in the special figure validity determination for special figure 2, a big win is derived with a probability of 205 / 65536 (about 1 / 320), a small win is derived with a probability of 1820 / 65536 (about 1 / 36.0), and otherwise it is a loss. In addition, in the present embodiment, as will be described later, since a big win game can occur via a small win, the probability of deriving a big win in the special figure validity determination is the above-mentioned one probability.

[0075] The special figure stop symbol lottery means 132 determines the stop symbol of the special figure by lottery using a random number for special figure stop symbol lottery (in this embodiment, in the range of 0 to 999) and a lottery table for special figure stop symbol lottery when the result of the special figure validity determination is a big win or a small win. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8(b), which is a diagram schematically showing the lottery table for stop symbol lottery used when a big win is derived in the special figure validity determination related to special figure 1, when a big win is derived in the special figure validity determination related to special figure 1, symbol A is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and each of symbols B to E is determined as the stop symbol with a probability of 225 / 1000 (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 be high. 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 description, 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 high general winning probability after the end of the jackpot game. The specified number of times related to this high 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 high general winning probability after the end of the jackpot game. The specified number of times related to this high 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 a minor win game is the number calculated with one instance of the minor win game as one round. Further, in the following description, the jackpot game that occurs in the minor win game related to symbol a may be expressed as "jackpot game related to symbol a", and the jackpot game that occurs in the minor 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 a lottery table for stopping symbol lottery used when a jackpot is derived in the special figure win / loss determination related to special figure 2, when a jackpot is derived in the special figure win / loss determination related to special figure 2, symbol c is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). In particular, symbol c corresponds to a jackpot game with 10 rounds for the stopping symbol, and is the stopping symbol that becomes a high-probability general figure after the end of the jackpot game, and the specified number of times related to the high-probability general figure is 80 times.

[0078] In addition, the special figure stopping symbol lottery means 132 determines symbol E as the stopping symbol when the result of the special figure win / loss determination related to special figure 1 is a miss, and determines symbol d as the stopping symbol when the result of the special figure win / loss determination related to special figure 2 is a miss.

[0079] Thus, in the above-described present embodiment, the jackpot game that occurs in the symbol variation related to special figure 2 tends to have a higher degree of advantage than the jackpot game that occurs in the symbol variation related to special figure 1. Therefore, the gaming interest can be further enhanced by the transition from the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, which will be described later, to another special figure 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, and based on the current special figure variation pattern derivation state and the result of the current special figure validity determination, selects one special figure variation pattern lottery table for determining the current special figure variation pattern, determines one special figure variation pattern using the selected special figure variation pattern lottery table and a random number for special figure variation pattern lottery, and determines the variation time 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 drawing win / loss determination is a loss in the symbol variation according to the special drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 900 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.11), the special drawing variation pattern HRP is determined with a probability of 52 / 1000 (about 1 / 19.2), the special drawing variation pattern HSP1-A is determined with a probability of 13 / 1000 (about 1 / 76.9), the special drawing variation pattern HSP1-B is determined with a probability of 11 / 1000 (about 1 / 90.9), the special drawing variation pattern HSP2-A is determined with a probability of 9 / 1000 (about 1 / 111), the special drawing variation pattern HSP2-B is determined with a probability of 7 / 1000 (about 1 / 143), the special drawing variation pattern HSP3-A is determined with a probability of 5 / 1000 (1 / 200), and the special drawing variation pattern HSP3-B is determined with a probability of 3 / 1000 (about 1 / 333). In this case, the special drawing 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 drawing variation pattern HNP is determined, the special drawing variation pattern is further specified using the value of the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation. On the other hand, when the result of the special drawing win / loss determination is a big win in the symbol variation according to the special drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, the special drawing variation pattern ASP1-A is determined with a probability of 90 / 1000 (about 1 / 11.1), the special drawing variation pattern ASP1-B is determined with a probability of 110 / 1000 (about 1 / 9.09), the special drawing variation pattern ASP2-A is determined with a probability of 135 / 1000 (about 1 / 7.41), the special drawing variation pattern ASP2-B is determined with a probability of 165 / 1000 (about 1 / 6.06), the special drawing variation pattern ASP3-A is determined with a probability of 180 / 1000 (about 1 / 5.56), the special drawing variation pattern ASP3-B is determined with a probability of 220 / 1000 (about 1 / 4.56), and the special drawing variation pattern ASP-C is determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10). In this case, the special drawing variation patterns HNP to HSP3-B are not determined. As described above, in this embodiment, when the result of the special drawing validity determination is incorrect in the symbol variation related to the 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 rate of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special drawing variation pattern HNP is determined at a rate 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 the 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 rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Here, in the description of the special drawing variation pattern 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 described 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 pattern 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] Figure 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 the special drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA. 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 Figure 9(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 9(b), among the special drawing variation patterns HNP that can be determined in the symbol variation related to the special drawing 1 in the special drawing variation pattern derivation state PA, there are a special drawing variation pattern HNP - A with a variation time of 3200 ms (milliseconds), a special drawing variation pattern HNP - B with a variation time of 5600 ms, a special drawing variation pattern HNP - C with a variation time of 8000 ms, and a 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". In this way, 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 more likely it is that a longer symbol variation will be determined (the larger the value of the special drawing 1 hold counter at the start of the current symbol variation, the more likely it is that a shorter variation time will 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 validity 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 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 validity 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. As described above, in this embodiment, when the result of the special drawing win / loss determination is a loss 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 win / loss 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 win / loss determination is a loss 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] Figure 11(a) is a diagram schematically showing a special figure variation pattern lottery table used for the symbol variation related to special figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC. The range of the random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 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 failure 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 one hand, in the symbol variation related to Special Figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, when the result of the special figure win or loss 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] Figure 11(b) is a diagram schematically showing the special figure variation pattern lottery table used when the special figure variation pattern HNP is determined 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 this lottery (different from the random number used in the lottery related to the special figure variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 11(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 11(b), among the special figure variation patterns HNP that can be determined in the symbol variation related to Special Figure 2 in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, there are 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 at the above-mentioned 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 of the above-mentioned special drawing variation pattern derivation state PB.

[0087] Also, the special drawing variation pattern derivation means 133 generates an effect control command (variation start command) including the stop symbol of the determined special drawing and the determined special drawing variation pattern as a result of the special drawing validity determination at the start of the symbol variation, 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 the earliest operation hold information among the operation hold information held in the main information storage means 160, executes a general drawing validity determination for determining 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 the remaining probability of 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 the remaining probability of 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] When starting a big win game, the big win game control means 140 generates an effect 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 when ending a round game, generates an effect 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 a small win game.

[0090] Also, when the result of the special symbol win / loss 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, a 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. Note that when 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 win / loss 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 win / loss 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 the special symbol and the result of the special symbol win / loss 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 drawing (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 fixed 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 fixed stop display of the decorative symbol refers to the final stop display of the decorative symbol during 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 shakes slightly up and down (so-called shake fluctuation). On the other hand, in the fixed stop display of the decorative symbol, even when the same decorative symbol is stopped and displayed, such as the stopped decorative symbol not being accompanied by shake fluctuation, the stop display mode of the fixed stop displayed decorative symbol is different from the stop display mode of the temporarily stopped displayed decorative symbol. Therefore, the player can recognize whether the stop display of the decorative symbol is a fixed stop display or a temporary stop display.

[0092] Furthermore, the symbol display control means 145 causes the general symbol to be variably displayed 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, causes the general symbol to be stopped and displayed 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 causes the special electric accessory 65 to be opened according to the opening pattern corresponding to the stop symbol of the special figure.

[0094] The game state control means 155 controls the normal drawing lottery state. Specifically, when starting 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, until a specified number of symbol fluctuations related to the high probability of the normal drawing are performed, the normal drawing has a high probability, and when the specified number of symbol fluctuations related to the high probability of the normal drawing ends, the normal drawing has a low probability. In particular, in this embodiment, during a small win game, the normal drawing lottery state in the symbol fluctuation in which the small win game occurs is maintained.

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

[0096] Specifically, the transition condition (i) is the end of the big win game related to symbols B to E, the transition condition (ii) is the end of the big win game related to symbol A, and the transition condition (iii) is the end of the big win 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 big win game and the number of times of symbol variation related to Special Figure 2 has reached the specified number of times related to the general figure high probability of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB (15 times if it is after the end of the big win game related to symbol B, 20 times if it is after the end of the big win game related to symbol C, 30 times if it is after the end of the big win game related to symbol D, 35 times if it is after the end of the big win game related to symbol E). The transition condition (v) is the end of the symbol variation that has been executed without sandwiching a big win game and the number of times of symbol variation related to Special Figure 2 has reached the specified number of times related to the general figure high probability of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC (80 times). In the case where a big win game occurs in the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC, after the end of the big win 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 general figure high probability of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC is reset. Also, although not shown in the figure, in the case where a big win 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 big win game does not occur in the small win game related to the transition condition (iii), when the small win game ends, 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 time of each of the special figure variation pattern derivation state PA, the special figure variation pattern derivation state PB, and the special figure variation pattern derivation state PC becomes shorter 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 validity determination, which is the probability that can occur 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, the 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), the RAM clear process is executed on the condition that the middle frame opening sensor 76 at the time of power restoration is ON and the playable state is set (when the middle frame opening sensor 76 at the time of power restoration is OFF, the RAM clear process is not executed and the playable state is set), 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), the 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 result of the sensors provided at each winning port (it is not necessary to consider the detection result 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 result of the 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] Based on receiving a power-off signal from the power control board 500, the power-off processing execution means 180 executes power-off processing. 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, an ornament pattern 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 takes consistency with the special figure variation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100 side. The effect modes in the present 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-judgment command, it determines (sets) the effect route corresponding to the figure variation held this time based on the result of the pre-judgment included in the command (in the present embodiment, the special figure variation pattern). When the special figure variation pattern corresponding to the figure variation is the above-mentioned special figure variation pattern HNP, the effect route is not determined when the pre-judgment command is transmitted, and at the start of the figure variation, the effect route is determined 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 for notifying 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 production route in this embodiment is roughly divided into a losing production route that notifies that the result of the special drawing validity determination in the current symbol variation is a miss (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 production 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 production route includes a non-developing losing production route where the developing production is not executed, and a developing losing production route where the developing production is executed. As will be described later, when the big win production route is determined, the developing production is executed. Here, the developing production is an effect that is executed after the decorative symbols enter the reach state (a state in which the decorative symbols are stopped and displayed except for one symbol column, and the remaining symbol columns are variably displayed), and refers to an effect 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 production. Therefore, in the developing production corresponding to the developing losing production route, a series of effects corresponding to the developing production are executed, and it is notified that the result of the special drawing validity determination in the current symbol variation is neither a big win nor a small win at the end of the production. On the other hand, in the developing production corresponding to the big win production route, a series of effects corresponding to the developing production are executed, and it is notified that 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 production. In particular, in this embodiment, in one production mode, for each of the determined special drawing variation patterns, a different production route corresponds. Therefore, in the following description, the production route for the special drawing variation pattern may sometimes be simply expressed by the special drawing variation pattern. However, a plurality of production routes may be associated with one special drawing variation pattern. In this case, one production route may be determined from the plurality of production routes corresponding to the determined special drawing variation pattern.

[0113] When the sub-hold control means 223 receives a hold command (hereinafter, may simply be 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 preview effect that changes in various forms suggesting the degree of advantage such as the probability of a big win occurring.

[0114] When the preview effect control means 224 receives a pre-determination command, it determines the content of the so-called preview effect based on the result of the pre-determination 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, it determines the final (definitely stopped and displayed) combination of decorative symbols (left symbol, middle symbol, right symbol) based on the determined stop symbol of the special figure. Specifically, in the symbol variation related to special figure 1, the symbol alignment related to 7 symbols is determined for symbol A, and any one 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 not possible to determine 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 determine that the RUSH mode will be set later. In addition, in the symbol variation according to FIG. 2 of the special drawing, either the symbol alignment related to 7 symbols or the symbol alignment related to the decorative symbols excluding the 7 symbols is determined for the symbols a and c, while for the symbol b, either the symbol alignment related to the decorative symbols excluding the 7 symbols is determined (the symbol alignment related to the 7 symbols is not determined). Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the symbol alignment related to the 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 symbol alignment. On the other hand, when the symbol alignment related to the 7 symbols is stopped and displayed, the player can determine that the number of rounds of the jackpot game related to the symbol alignment 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 the 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 the 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. Also, when the power restoration state at power-on becomes a playable state with the execution of the RAM clear process, the normal effect control means 220 reads out effect data for notifying that the playable state has been reached with the execution of the RAM clear process. When the power restoration state at power-on becomes a playable state without the execution of the RAM clear process, the normal effect control means 220 reads out effect data for notifying that the playable state has been reached without the execution of the RAM clear process. Further, when the power restoration state at power-on becomes a game stop state, the normal effect control means 220 reads out effect 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 effect device for executing the notification is not limited.

[0119] When an error command is transmitted, the sub-error control means 230 determines an error notification pattern and reads out effect data for executing the error notification according to the error notification pattern. Note that the error notification is executed with priority over the variable effect (the effect 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 effect are the same device, not only when only the error notification is executed in the device (the execution of the variable effect 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 effect in the device. Also, 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 when it is determined that an error has occurred, read out effect data for executing the error notification.

[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 prop 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 decorative body 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 decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, and controls the movement of the movable decorative body 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 principle, these commands are 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 normal 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 normal 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 shortening number acquisition effect that can specify the specified number related to the high probability of the normal figure in the current (this time) special figure variation pattern derivation state PB. In particular, the time shortening 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 shortening number acquisition effect will be described.

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

[0126] As shown in FIG. 13, the time shortening 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 shortening 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 according to the special drawing 2 is a loss. When the result of the special drawing win / loss determination in the symbol variation according 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 of the second and subsequent rotations according to the special drawing 2, 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). The other part (numerical part) is 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 with right-handed shots!" is displayed in the display area other than the first display area da1 in the display area related to the main display part 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-to-last scene in Fig. 15, in the acquisition part, in the first display area da1, with the fifth line L5 displayed (the state where the fifth display area da5 is maintained), the second line L2 can be displayed, and the count notification image hg (especially 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 in the area is realized by changing the number of the second display areas da2 within 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] Thus, in the time-saving number acquisition effect in this embodiment, the first line L1 is displayed in 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. The number-of-times notification image hg is configured to be visible in the second display area da2 inside the second line L2. Moreover, the area of the second display area da2 is configured to be changeable, and when the area changes, the first display area da1 does not change. According to this, it is possible to provide a new image display effect of changing the area of the second display area da2 in which the number-of-times notification image hg is visible, and to make it easier to recognize the change in the area. In addition, 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 in the first display area da1. The area of the second display area da2 already existing in 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 in 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 an image (number-of-times notification image hg) capable of specifying 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, it is preferably an image capable of specifying the current gaming state (relating to the advantage degree of the player) as in this embodiment. 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] In addition, 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 the 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 was 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 does not have to 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 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 can 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, it can have 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 multiple types of shapes of the second line L2, the fifth line L5 preferably has a shape different from any of the shapes of the multiple 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 above-described second display area da2 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 count 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 count notification image hg can be increased.

[0145] Therefore, it can be said that in the gaming machine 10, a specific image (count 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, the third line L3 is displayed instead of the first line L1 (first display area da1), and the fourth line L4 is displayed instead of the second line L2, and the count 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, these displays and the third line L3 (third display area da3) and the fourth line L4 (fourth display area da4) may be performed in parallel. Furthermore, the image visible in the fourth display area da4 does not have to be the count notification image hg, and it may be an image different from the count 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 (count 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 the end demo command in a jackpot game (particularly, the 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 the lottery table used for the change pattern lottery 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, the 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 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 lotterying 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, the change pattern of the second display area expansion is determined with a probability of 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5), the change pattern of the second display area reduction 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 a 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, production 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 by either the area of the second display area da2 reaching a specific size (in this embodiment, a size such that the entire numerical part of the count notification image hg is visible, as shown in the scene immediately before the last scene in FIG. 15) or the elapse of a specified time (in this embodiment, 25000 ms).

[0154] In step S214, production 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, the area of the second display area da2 changes in part when a winning of a game ball occurs. 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 a change in the area of the second display area da2 is not limited. Also, in the present embodiment, by narrowing down the winning openings that trigger a 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, the event may be realized 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 the 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 the present embodiment includes, in addition to the second starting opening 59, a first starting opening 57, a gate 63, etc. provided at a position different from the second starting opening 59. However, the winning opening that can trigger a change in the area of the second display area da2 is the second starting 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 a game ball toward the second starting opening 59. In achieving the above effect, if there is a detection sensor that does not trigger a change in the area of the second display area da2, the type of detection sensor that can trigger a change in the area of the second display area da2 is not limited. Furthermore, the number of game balls given when a detection sensor that can trigger a 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 such detection. This is the same in the following inventions.

[0158] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, as a detection sensor capable of ejecting a game ball and detecting the game ball, there are a first detection sensor (a detection sensor attached to the second starting port 59) and a second detection sensor (a detection sensor attached to the first starting 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 firing (launching) 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 ejection 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 time-saving number acquisition effect is performed, the ejection 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 time-saving number acquisition effect is the second starting port 59 provided in the direction of the second flow path Y, and the first starting 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 time-saving number acquisition effect, it is possible to make it easier to eject the game ball in the recommended ejection direction.

[0160] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, in the ejection direction of the game ball, there are a first ejection direction (the first flow path X) and a second ejection direction (the second flow path Y). There are a first gaming state (special figure variation pattern derivation state PA) in which the ejection of the game ball in the first ejection direction is recommended and a second gaming state (special figure variation pattern derivation state PB) in which the ejection of the game ball in the second ejection 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 starting port 57) is located in the first ejection direction, and the second detection sensor (a detection sensor attached to the second starting port 59) is located in the second ejection direction, which can be paraphrased as such. 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, the case where the first display area exists in other gaming states is allowed.

[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 addition, 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 the 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) may 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 omitted in the above explanation regarding the short-time count performance, 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, count notification image hg) for the display area related to the main display unit 81 is not limited.

[0165] In addition, in the time-saving number production 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 port (particularly, the second start port 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] In addition, although the time-saving number acquisition production 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 number acquisition production may be executed by another device different from the main display unit 81, such as the speaker 33 and 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 number acquisition production may be realized by the sub-display unit 82.

[0167] In addition, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment employs a so-called one-kind two-kind hybrid 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] In addition, 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 performing 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] In addition, regarding the high and low probabilities, ratios, frequencies, and the number of times in the present embodiment, if each relationship is ensured, the smaller value may be 0, or the larger value may be the maximum value. In particular, regarding the high and low of each ratio described above, as long as the appearance aspect is ensured, the control for realizing the high and low of each ratio is not limited. In addition, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in the present embodiment is an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.

[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 or not 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 an incorrect RAM clear process 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 an 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> The present embodiment includes the following technical ideas. (1) A gaming machine including an image display unit, A specific image 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, 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 a specific condition is satisfied, the area of the second display area may change without the area of the first display area changing, The first display area may have a predetermined boundary whose shape is different from that of the second boundary, The predetermined boundary exists at the time when the first boundary appears. The gaming machine is characterized by this. (2) The gaming machine according to (1) above, In a predetermined display area inside the predetermined boundary, the specific image is visible. The gaming machine is characterized by this.

Explanation of Signs

[0174] 10 Gaming machine 15 Outer frame 17 Middle frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable decorative body 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent member 27 Upper ball receiving tray 29 Lower ball receiving tray 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 Gaming 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 opening 57 First start opening 59 Second start opening 61 Normal electric accessory 62 Normal electric accessory solenoid 63 Gate 65 Special electric accessory 66 Special electric accessory solenoid 67 General winning opening 69 Out opening 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 opening sensor 77 Front frame opening sensor 80 Effect display device 81 Main display part 82 Sub display part 82a Upper sub display part 82b Left sub display part 82c Right sub display part 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 determination means 115 Main random number generation means 120 Main hold control means 125 Pre-determination means 130 Special figure lottery means 131 Special figure validity determination means 132 Special figure stop symbol lottery means 133 Special figure variation pattern derivation means 135 General figure 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 Power restoration process execution means 176 Power restoration state setting means 179 Game playable state transition means 180 Power-off process 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 Look-ahead 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 Control Board Case 310 Voice 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 Failure 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 Count 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 may not change, and the area of ​​the second display area may change; The first display area may have a predetermined boundary having a shape different from that of the second boundary, The predetermined boundary exists at the time when the first boundary appears. A gaming machine characterized by:

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, The specific image is visible in a predetermined display area inside the predetermined boundary. A gaming machine characterized by:

Images