Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving interest in a game.SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with a ball entry facilitating state control means for setting a ball entry facilitating state in which the movable member is more likely to facilitate the entry of the game ball into the ball entry port than in the normal game state based on the establishment of a prescribed condition, and when the execution of a special game is determined and the ball entry facilitating state is set after the execution of the special game in the case of playing a game by a prescribed game method, the game machine has a plurality of kinds of ball entry facilitating states having different corresponding stock numbers.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] A known gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine, which includes a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming value) move and a launching device that launches gaming balls into the gaming area. The pachinko gaming machine includes a starting port provided in the gaming area, and when a gaming ball is detected entering the starting port, a special symbol lottery is held. If the result of the special symbol lottery is a win, the gaming state transitions to a special gaming state, and multiple special games are played in the special gaming state. In each special game, a big prize opening provided in the gaming area opens, and gaming balls are paid out based on the entry of the gaming ball into the big prize opening (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-047467 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, there is a demand for gaming machines to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of gaming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: A gaming machine having a gaming area (gaming area 4) in which a gaming ball moves, and launching a gaming ball into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, An entrance (second starting entrance 49) provided in the game area; A movable member (normal accessory 54) capable of changing the ease of entry of the game ball into the ball entry opening; A lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230) for performing a lottery for the execution of a special game based on the entry of a game ball into the ball entry opening; a special game control means (special game execution means 260) for executing the special game when the result of the lottery results in the execution of the special game; and a game state control means (game state control means 250) for setting a game state in which the movable member is more likely to allow game balls to enter the game ball entrance hole than in a normal game state based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. When playing a game in a predetermined game method, the execution of the special game is decided and the number of times that the easy-to-score state is set after the execution of the special game is substantially determined to be the stock number. There are multiple types of easy-to-score states that correspond to different numbers of stocks.

[0007] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to stock multiple special games and easy-to-score states, thereby widening the scope of playability and increasing the enjoyment of the game. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating its external configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 5]This is a diagram showing the normal pattern lottery table. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the winning lottery table. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a symbol lottery table. [Figure 8] This is a diagram to explain the display of the performance patterns and reserved patterns. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of the game state. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the type of winning symbol and the game state to which the player transitions. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of the gaming state according to the modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the type of winning symbol and the game state to which the player transitions in the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "rear," "up and down" means the top side of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down," and "left and right" means the left hand side of the player playing on the gaming machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right." This embodiment will be described taking as an example the case where the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to pachinko gaming machines and may be applied to other gaming machines as well.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is used for playing games using gaming balls (gaming media, gaming value) loaned from an amusement facility, and includes an outer frame 2 forming the exterior surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 provided inside the gaming machine and forming a gaming area 4 in which the gaming balls move, an inner frame 7 for holding the gaming board 6, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but inaccessible to players, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. The inner frame 7 is attached to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The front frame 10 is also attached to the inner frame 7 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The inner frame 7 (and the front frame 10) can be opened and closed between a closed position (closed state) that closes the opening of the outer frame 2 and an open position (open state) that opens the opening of the outer frame 2.

[0012] The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a plurality of lamps 12 that output light effects to enhance the game. In addition, speakers 14 (sound devices, sound output means) that output sounds to enhance the game are provided on the left and right sides of the upper part and the left and right sides of the lower part of the front frame 10.

[0013] An upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided in the center of the lower part of the front frame 10, and a payout opening 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to a player is provided on the left side of the inner side of the upper tray 16. A grip unit 20 is provided on the right side of the lower part of the front frame 10, and when a player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise facing the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated, and game balls are launched into the gaming area 4. The launcher of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0014] A supply port 22 is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16 to supply game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. In addition, a lower tray 24 is provided below the upper tray 16 to store surplus game balls when the upper tray 16 cannot store all the game balls.

[0015] In addition, a performance button 26 (performance operation means) is provided on the front edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance performed by the gaming machine changes.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, a circular outer rail 28 is provided on the gaming board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the gaming area 4 in which gaming balls move. In addition, an arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided on the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) provided below the gaming board 6 to the gaming area 4.

[0017] At the center of the game board 6, there is provided a liquid crystal display 32 (effect display device, display means) that displays effect images and the like to liven up the game, and an effect unit 36 ​​that includes a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. At the center above the liquid crystal display 32, there is provided a lamp 38 (illumination means) that constitutes the effect unit 36 ​​and outputs effect light and the like to liven up the game.

[0018] In this embodiment, the game balls cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game balls launched from the launching device fall into the game area 4a on the left side or the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. In addition, in the game area 4, many game nails (not shown) are nailed so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, and the moving direction of the game balls moving in the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0019] An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling in the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, allowing game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, so that game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0020] A first start opening 46 (first area) is provided below the center of the stage 44, into which a gaming ball that has fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44 can enter. A first start opening switch 100 (see FIG. 4) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the first start opening 46 is also provided within the first start opening 46. When the first start opening switch 100 detects a gaming ball (entry of a gaming ball into the first start opening 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 200 executes a first special symbol lottery (first lottery) as a special symbol lottery. Based on the detection signal input from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 (see FIG. 4) to pay out a prize ball (one ball). In addition, the gaming ball that enters the first starting opening 46 is collected inside the gaming machine.

[0021] To the left of the first starting opening 46 in the gaming area 4, multiple (three) general winning openings 47 (upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, and lower left general winning opening 47c) are provided. The gaming board 6 is also provided with a general winning opening switch 101 (see FIG. 4) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c. When the general winning opening switch 101 detects a gaming ball (entry of a gaming ball into the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the general winning opening switch 101, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform a payout operation of prize balls. One general prize opening switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, or only one may be provided for multiple (for example, three) general prize openings 47. Furthermore, in addition to the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, general prize opening switches corresponding to these general prize openings may also be provided.

[0022] Furthermore, a passage gate 48 through which gaming balls pass without being collected inside the gaming machine is provided in the gaming area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A gate switch 102 (see FIG. 4) that detects the passage of a gaming ball is disposed within the passage gate 48. When the gate switch 102 detects a gaming ball (passage of the gaming ball through the passage gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Furthermore, based on the input of the detection signal from the gate switch 102, the main control board 200 executes a normal symbol lottery that determines whether or not a normal win has been won.

[0023] In addition, a second start opening 49 (predetermined area, second area) is provided below the passage gate 48 in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A second start opening switch 103 (see FIG. 4) is provided in the second start opening 49 to detect a game ball that has entered the second start opening 49. When the second start opening switch 103 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the second start opening 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the input of the detection signal from the second start opening switch 103, the main control board 200 executes a second special symbol lottery (second lottery) as a special symbol lottery. Based on the input of the detection signal from the second start opening switch 103, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to pay out a prize ball (one ball). The game ball that has entered the second start opening 49 is collected inside the gaming machine.

[0024] The second starting opening 49 is provided with a normal role device 54 (movable member) that can move between a reduced state (closed state) in which it is difficult for a gaming ball to enter the second starting opening 49 (a state in which it is difficult for a gaming ball to enter the second starting opening 49), and an expanded state (open state) in which it is easy for a gaming ball to enter (a state in which it is easy for a gaming ball to enter the second starting opening 49). The normal role device 54 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to enter the expanded state (open state) under predetermined conditions when a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery.

[0025] A special prize opening 50 (third area) is provided in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A count switch 104 (see FIG. 4) is disposed within the special prize opening 50 to detect game balls that have entered the special prize opening 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the special prize opening 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104, the main control board 200 causes the payout device 130 to perform a payout operation of prize balls (10 balls). Based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104, the main control board 200 counts the number of game balls that have entered the special prize opening 50. The game balls that have entered the special prize opening 50 are collected inside the gaming machine.

[0026] The large prize opening 50 is provided with a special device 56 (movable member) that can move between a closed state (non-entry state) in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 50 and an open state (entry state) in which game balls can enter. The special device 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to open under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a large prize is won in the special symbol lottery. The special device 56 is also controlled to open under predetermined conditions in a small prize game state that starts when a small prize is won in the special symbol lottery.

[0027] The large prize opening 50 is provided with a specific area (not shown), a discharge area (not shown), and a distribution means (not shown) that distributes gaming balls that enter the large prize opening 50 to either the specific area or the discharge area. A specific area switch 107 (see FIG. 4) is disposed in the specific area. The specific area switch 107 outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 based on the detection of a gaming ball passing through the specific area (passage of a gaming ball through the specific area). The distribution means can be switched between a specific area passing state in which gaming balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the specific area, and a non-specific area passing state in which gaming balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the discharge area. In other words, when the distribution means is switched to the specific area passing state, gaming balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are distributed to the specific area. This prevents gaming balls that enter the large prize opening 50 from passing through the discharge area. On the other hand, when the distribution means is displaced to the non-specific area passing state, a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 50 is distributed to the discharge area. This makes it impossible for a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 50 to pass through the specific area. The distribution means is displaced by the specific area solenoid. A gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 50 is first detected by the count switch 104, and then distributed by the distribution means to either the specific area or the discharge area, and after passing through that area, is discharged to the discharge path. At this time, the gaming ball distributed to the specific area is detected by the specific area switch 107.

[0028] In addition, an outlet 62 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4 to collect game balls that fall through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, and 50 into the game machine. Inside the game machine, a discharge path (not shown) is provided through which game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass. This game machine is configured so that all game balls shot into the game area 4 (all game balls collected from the game area 4) pass through the discharge path. That is, game balls shot into the game area 4 are collected from the game area 4 and flow into the discharge path by entering any of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, and 50 or passing through the outlet 62. Specifically, game balls that enter each of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, and 50 are detected by switches 100, 101, 103, and 104 disposed in the winning openings, and then guided to the discharge path. Furthermore, the gaming balls collected from the outlet 62 are guided to the discharge path. An out switch 106 (see FIG. 4) is disposed in the discharge path. When the out switch 106 detects a gaming ball passing through the discharge path (discharge of a gaming ball from the gaming area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Furthermore, the main control board 200 counts the number of gaming balls discharged from the gaming area 4 based on the input of the detection signal from the out switch 106.

[0029] The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch force of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 (handle) shown in Figure 1; when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls in the game area 4a (first game area, left-hitting area) on the left side of the LCD display 32; when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls in the game area 4b (second game area, right-hitting area) on the right side of the LCD display 32.

[0030] Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left-side game area 4a or passes through the opening 40, passage 42, and stage 44 to win in the first starting hole 46 (left hit), or launches the game ball so that it falls through the right-side game area 4b and passes through the passing gate 48 or wins in the second starting hole 49 or wins in the big winning hole 50 (right hit). Left hit may be called the first game method, and right hit may be called the second game method.

[0031] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a gaming ball falls through the left-side gaming area 4a, the gaming ball does not pass through the passing gate 48, and the gaming ball does not enter (win) the second start opening 49 or the big prize opening 50. In addition, when a gaming ball falls through the right-side gaming area 4b, the gaming ball does not enter the first start opening 46.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, a status display unit 70 is provided at the lower right of the gaming board 6, outside the gaming area 4, for indicating various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps or the like.

[0033] 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 70. As shown in FIG. 3, the status display unit 70 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 81, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

[0034] The normal symbol display unit 72 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal symbol lottery is held, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner by flashing the two lamps, and the normal symbol is displayed in a static manner by turning on or off the two lamps, thereby displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery.

[0035] The normal hold display unit 74 is composed of two lamps, and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of the reserved random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery when the random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery are reserved because the normal pattern lottery cannot be held even if the random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery are obtained, such as when the normal pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state when the game ball passes through the passing gate 48, and displays the normal hold number from 0 to 4 by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0036] The first special pattern display unit 76 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a first special pattern lottery is held by a gaming ball entering the first starting hole 46, the 7-segment display is made to flash to display the first special pattern in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display is made to light up in one of a plurality of modes to display the first special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the first special pattern lottery.

[0037] The first special reserve display unit 78 is composed of two lamps, and displays a first special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved first special random number values ​​when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the first starting hole 46, and the random number value for the special pattern lottery is reserved as the first special random number value because a special pattern lottery cannot be held even if the random number value for the special pattern lottery (lottery information) is obtained, and displays 0 to 4 first special reserve numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0038] The second special pattern display unit 81 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a second special pattern lottery is held by a gaming ball entering the second starting hole 49, the 7-segment display is made to flash to display the second special pattern in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display is made to light up in one of a plurality of modes to display the second special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the second special pattern lottery.

[0039] The second special reserve display unit 82 is composed of two lamps, and when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is already being displayed variably or stopped at the time the game ball enters the second starting hole 49, even if the random number for the special symbol lottery is acquired, the special symbol lottery random number cannot be performed, so the random number for the special symbol lottery is reserved as the second special random number. In this embodiment, the second special reserve number corresponding to the number of the reserved second special random number is displayed, and by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps, 0 to 1 second special reserve numbers can be displayed. In this embodiment, the upper limit of the second special reserve number is 1.

[0040] The game status display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game status currently set by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or flashing of the six lamps. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, multiple game statuses can be set, including a normal status, a time-saving status (first time-saving status, second time-saving status, third time-saving status, fourth time-saving status, and fifth time-saving status), and a special game status. In the time-saving status, the time for the first special symbol or second special symbol to fluctuate is shortened compared to the normal status, and the opportunity to execute the special symbol lottery occurs more frequently.

[0041] 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main control board 200 (game control means) and a sub-control board 202. The functions of each board, such as the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM, etc.

[0042] The main control board 200 receives input signals from input means such as the gate switch 102, the first start port switch 100, the second start port switch 103, the general winning port switch 101, the count switch 104, the out switch 106, and the specific area switch 107, performs various calculations to execute the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operation of output means such as the normal device 54, the special device 56, and the payout device 130.

[0043] In addition, the sub-control board 202 receives signals sent from the main control board 200 and input signals from the effect button switch 150, which detects operation of the effect button 26, and performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operation of effect devices such as lamps 12, 38, speaker 14, and LCD display 32.

[0044] The main control board 200 is configured to include a random number generating means 210, a normal symbol lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal device control means 224, a special symbol lottery means 230, a special display control means 240, a game status control means 250, a special game execution means 260, a small win game execution means 262, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

[0045] The random number generating means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is realized by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers, or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate within a predetermined count range). Note that in this embodiment, the term "random number value" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that are generated regularly but can actually function as random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0046] (Regular design lottery) The normal symbol lottery means 220 acquires a random number value for the normal symbol lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the gate switch 102 that detects each game ball passing through the passage gate 48, stores the random number value for the normal symbol lottery in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290, and performs a normal symbol lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has been won based on the random number value for the normal symbol lottery read from the normal random number storage means 2912.

[0047] In detail, the normal random number memory means 2912 has four normal reserve memory areas, normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4, which are memory areas for storing the acquired random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery, and one normal reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery that are read from normal reserve memory area 1 and used to draw the normal pattern until the changing and stopping display of the normal pattern ends.

[0048] Then, when normal pattern lottery means 220 acquires the random number value for normal pattern lottery from random number generating means 210, if the random number value for normal pattern lottery is not stored in any of normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4, it first stores the acquired random number value for normal pattern lottery in normal reserve memory area 1. Then, at the time the random number value for normal pattern lottery is stored in normal reserve memory area 1, if the normal pattern is not being displayed variably or stationarily, that is, if the random number value for normal pattern lottery is not stored in the normal reserve memory area and control to open normal role device 54 is not being executed, it immediately reads out the random number value for normal pattern lottery from normal reserve memory area 1 and performs a normal pattern lottery, and stores the random number value for normal pattern lottery used in the normal pattern lottery in the normal reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, that is, when the random number value for the normal symbol lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area or when control to open the normal device 54 is being executed, the random number value for the normal symbol lottery is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1.

[0049] Then, when a random number value for the normal pattern lottery is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the gate switch 102 to obtain a random number value for the normal pattern lottery, the normal pattern lottery means 220 stores the random number value for the normal pattern lottery in the normal reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which a random number value for the normal pattern lottery is not reserved, on the condition that the number of random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery reserved in the normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., the normal reserve number is less than four.

[0050] Then, when the variable display and stationary display of the normal symbols are finished, the normal symbol lottery means 220 erases the random number values ​​for normal symbol lottery stored in the normal reserve memory area, and if a random number value for normal symbol lottery is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1, it reads the random number value for normal symbol lottery from the normal reserve memory area 1, performs a normal symbol lottery, and stores the random number value for normal symbol lottery obtained by the normal symbol lottery in the normal reserve memory area, provided that control to open the normal accessory 54 is not being executed. Here, if a random number value for normal symbol lottery remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 or later, it moves the remaining random number value for normal symbol lottery from the original normal reserve memory area to the normal reserve memory area with the smaller ordinal number by one. For example, if a random number value for normal symbol lottery remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 to the normal reserve memory area 3, it moves it to the normal reserve memory area 1 to the normal reserve memory area 2.

[0051] In this way, in the normal random number memory means 2912, the random number value for the normal pattern lottery for which a normal pattern lottery has been held is held in the normal hold memory area up to a maximum of one, and the random number value for the normal pattern lottery for which a normal pattern lottery has not been held is held in the normal hold memory area 1 to normal hold memory area 4 up to a maximum of four.

[0052] The normal symbol lottery means 220 performs normal winning determination processing, normal symbol determination processing, and the like as the normal symbol lottery.

[0053] The normal winning determination process is a process for determining whether or not a normal winning has occurred. In the normal winning determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 performs a random number determination process by referring to the normal winning lottery table stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290.

[0054] In this embodiment, in the normal win lottery table, a normal win is associated with each of 100 normal symbol lottery random number values ​​from 0 to 99, and the probability of winning a normal win in the normal symbol lottery is 1 / 1 (100 / 100). In other words, in the normal win lottery table, the correspondence between a normal win and a random number value is set so that a normal win is won with a probability of 1 / 1. The normal symbol lottery means 220 refers to the normal win lottery table and determines whether one normal symbol lottery random number value read out from the normal reserve memory area 1 of the normal random number memory means 2912 is associated with a normal win, thereby determining whether a normal win has been won.

[0055] In this embodiment, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects the normal winning lottery table regardless of the game state. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a normal winning in the normal symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

[0056] The normal symbol determination process is performed when a normal win is won in the normal winning determination process, and is a process for determining which of a plurality of normal winning symbols the normal winning symbol (type of normal winning) will be. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, "normal symbol 1", "normal symbol 2", and "normal symbol 3" are set as the type. In the normal symbol determination process, the probability (winning probability) of "normal symbol 1" being determined is 64880 / 65536, the probability (winning probability) of "normal symbol 2" being determined is 358 / 65536, and the probability (winning probability) of "normal symbol 3" being determined is 298 / 65536.

[0057] In this embodiment, when a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery, the normal device 54 is opened (opened / closed) in an opening pattern (opening mode / opening / closing mode) corresponding to the type of normal win determined. In this embodiment, a short opening pattern (first opening pattern) and a long opening pattern (second opening pattern) are set as types of opening patterns of the normal device 54. The short opening pattern is an opening pattern that makes it difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In the short opening pattern, the time during which the normal device 54 is in an open state (expanded state) is set shorter than in the long opening pattern. In the short opening pattern, for example, the number of openings of the normal device 54 is set to one, and the opening time of the normal device 54 is set to approximately 0.05 [s]. The long opening pattern is an opening pattern that makes it easy for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In the long opening pattern, the time during which the normal device 54 is in an open state (expanded state) is set longer than in the short opening pattern. In the long opening pattern, for example, the number of times the normal device 54 is opened is set to 1 (or 4), and the opening time of the normal device 54 is set to about 6 [s] (or the total opening time of the normal device 54 for each time is set to about 5.5 [s]). For this reason, when the long opening pattern is selected as the opening pattern of the normal device 54, if the game is played by hitting to the right, it is almost certain that the game ball will enter the second starting hole 49.

[0058] In the normal symbol determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects which of the multiple types of normal symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in performing the random number determination process, depending on the game status at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed.

[0059] When the game state is normal, the normal symbol lottery table A shown in Figure 5 (a) is selected. In this case, even if any of "normal symbol 1" to "normal symbol 3" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is set. As a result, if a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery in the normal state, the short opening pattern is set with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0060] When the game state is the first time-saving state, the normal symbol lottery table B shown in Figure 5(b) is selected. In this case, if "Normal symbol 1" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is selected, if "Normal symbol 2" is determined, the long opening pattern is selected, and if "Normal symbol 3" is determined, the long opening pattern is selected. As a result, if a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery in the second time-saving state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1 / 99.9.

[0061] When the game state is the second time-saving state to the fifth time-saving state, the normal symbol lottery table C shown in Figure 5 (c) is selected. In this case, even if any of "normal symbol 1" to "normal symbol 3" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the long opening pattern is set. As a result, if a normal hit is won in the normal symbol lottery in the first time-saving state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0062] The probability of a long opening pattern being selected when a normal winning symbol is selected in the normal symbol lottery differs between the second to fifth time-saving states and the first time-saving state. The probability is higher in the second to fifth time-saving states than in the first time-saving state. Furthermore, in the first to fifth time-saving states, the normal device 54 is operated so that the game ball can enter the second starting hole 49 more easily than in the normal state, making the states more advantageous to the player than the normal state.

[0063] The normal symbol lottery means 220 determines the normal symbol variation pattern (variation time) according to the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed (normal variation pattern determination process). In this embodiment, when the game state is a time-saving state (first time-saving state to fifth time-saving state), the normal symbol variation time is set shorter than when the game state is a normal state. Note that the normal symbol variation time may differ in each of the first time-saving state to fifth time-saving state.

[0064] The normal display control means 222 performs normal symbol display control processing and normal hold display control processing based on the result of the normal symbol lottery.

[0065] In the normal pattern display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays the normal pattern in a variable manner by flashing the two lamps of the normal pattern display unit 72 until the variable time corresponding to the normal pattern variable pattern determined in the normal variable pattern determination process has elapsed, and displays the result of the normal pattern lottery on the normal pattern display unit 72 by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal pattern display unit 72 to stop the normal pattern depending on whether a normal win has been won in the normal win determination process.

[0066] In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays 0 to 4 normal hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74, depending on the number of random number values ​​for normal pattern lottery stored in the normal random number memory means 2912.

[0067] The normal accessory control means 224 (movable member control means) is a means for controlling the normal accessory drive device based on the result of the normal symbol lottery, and performs normal accessory control processing. In the normal accessory control processing, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, drive control of the normal accessory drive device is performed so that the normal accessory 54 opens (opens and closes) in a determined opening pattern (opening mode, opening and closing mode).

[0068] In addition, in the normal symbol lottery, the decision to open the normal device 54 may be made based on the game state or the establishment of other conditions, and the lottery process may not be executed. In such a configuration, for example, the decision to open the normal device 54 may be made uniformly only when the gate switch 102 detects the passage of the gaming ball through the passage gate 48 in the time-saving state.

[0069] (Special design lottery) The special symbol lottery means 230 (lottery information acquisition means, lottery means) acquires a random number value (lottery information) for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 that detects gaming balls entering the first start port 46 one by one, and stores the acquired random number value as a first special random number value (first lottery information) in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290. In addition, the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value (lottery information) for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103 that detects gaming balls entering the second start port 49 one by one, and stores the acquired random number value as a second special random number value (second lottery information) in the special random number storage means 2914. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to perform a special symbol lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot will be won.

[0070] The special random number memory means 2914 has four first special reserve memory areas, first special reserve memory area 1 to first special reserve memory area 4, which are memory areas for storing the acquired first special random number values, and one first special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the first special random number value read from first special reserve memory area 1 and used in the special pattern lottery until the varying and stopping display of the first special pattern ends.

[0071] When the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires the random number value for the special symbol lottery based on the detection signal being input from the first start port switch 100, in a state where the first special random number value is not stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special symbol lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for the special symbol lottery as the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1. Then, at the time when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the first special random number value is not stored in the first special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special symbol lottery means 230 immediately reads out the first special random number value from the first special reserve memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special symbol lottery in the first special reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the first special symbol is being displayed in a variable or stopped state, i.e., when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area, or when the game state is a special game state, or when a small win game is being played, the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1.

[0072] Then, when a first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the first start port switch 100 to obtain a random number value for the special pattern lottery, the special pattern lottery means 230 stores the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 that has the smallest ordinal number and in which the first special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of first special random number values ​​reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is less than four, i.e., the first special reserve number is less than four.

[0073] The special random number storage means 2914 is provided with four second special reservation storage areas, second special reservation storage area 1 to second special reservation storage area 4, as storage areas for storing the acquired second special random number values, and one second special reservation storage area is provided as a storage area for storing the second special random number value read from the second special reservation storage area 1 and used in the special pattern lottery until the variable display and stop display of the second special pattern are completed. In this embodiment, since the upper limit of the second special reservation number is 1, four second special reservation storage areas, second special reservation storage area 1 to second special reservation storage area 4, are not provided as storage areas for storing the second special random number values, and only the second special reservation storage area 1 may be provided.

[0074] When the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires the random number value for the special symbol lottery based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, in a state where the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special symbol lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for the special symbol lottery as a second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area 1. Then, at the time when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area 1, if the second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the second special random number value is not stored in the second special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special symbol lottery means 230 immediately reads out the second special random number value from the second special reserve memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the second special random number value used in the special symbol lottery in the second special reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable or stopped state, that is, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, or when the game state is a special game state, or when a small win game is being executed, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1.

[0075] In addition, when a second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the second start port switch 103 to obtain a random number value for the special pattern lottery, the special pattern lottery means 230 may be configured to store the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which the second special random number value is not reserved, provided that the number of second special random number values ​​reserved in the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., the second special reserve number is less than four.

[0076] When the variable display and stationary display of the first special symbol are completed, the special symbol lottery means 230 erases the first special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area. Then, if the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, the special symbol lottery means 230 reads the first special random number value from the first special reserve memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special symbol lottery in the first special reserve memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being executed.

[0077] When the variable display and stationary display of the second special symbol have ended, the special symbol lottery means 230 erases the second special random number value stored in the second special reserve memory area. Then, if the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area 1, the special symbol lottery means 230 reads the second special random number value from the second special reserve memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the second special random number value used in the special symbol lottery in the second special reserve memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being executed.

[0078] In this embodiment, since the first special random number value and the second special random number value are consumed in parallel, it is possible that the second special symbol variable display may begin while the first special symbol variable display is in progress, or that the first special symbol variable display may begin while the second special symbol variable display is in progress. Note that, when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 to perform a special symbol lottery, provided that the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4. When the second special random number value is stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the second special random number value may be read from the second special reserve memory area 1 to perform a special symbol lottery, even if the first special random number value is stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4. In other words, the second special random number value may be consumed with priority over the first special random number value. Furthermore, regardless of whether it is the first special random number value or the second special random number value, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be read out in the order stored in the special random number storage means 2914 to perform the special symbol lottery. In other words, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be consumed in the order in which the gaming ball enters the first start hole 46 or the second start hole 49.

[0079] When the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special random number value remains in the first special reserve memory area 2 or later, or when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, if the second special random number value remains in the second special reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining first special random number value or second special random number value is moved from the original special reserve memory area to a special reserve memory area with an ordinal number one smaller. For example, if a first special random number value remains in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4 when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, the first special random number value stored in each of the first special reserve memory area 2 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is moved to each of the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 3, and if a second special random number value remains in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 4 when the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, the second special random number value stored in each of the second special reserve memory area 2 to the second special reserve memory area 4 is moved to each of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 3.

[0080] In the special random number storage means 2914, first special random number values ​​for which a special symbol lottery has not been conducted are reserved up to a maximum of four in the first special reservation storage area 1 to the first special reservation storage area 4. Also, second special random number values ​​for which a special symbol lottery has not been conducted are reserved up to a maximum of one in the second special reservation storage area 1.

[0081] Next, the details of the special symbol lottery will be explained. The special symbol lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random number values, such as a winning determination random number value and a pattern determination random number value, as random number values ​​for the special symbol lottery based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and stores these multiple types of random number values ​​as first special random number values ​​or second special random number values ​​in the special random number storage means 2914. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 performs a winning determination process, a pattern determination process, etc. as the special symbol lottery.

[0082] The winning determination process is a process of reading out one winning determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, and determining whether or not there has been a big win or a small win. Here, one winning determination random number value is obtained from 65,536 winning determination random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number memory means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0083] In the winning determination process, the special symbol lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of winning lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to in performing the random number determination process, depending on whether the one winning determination random number value read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0084] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a winning lottery table A shown in Fig. 6(a) and a winning lottery table B shown in Fig. 6(b). In each winning lottery table, a big win, a small win, etc. are associated with each of 65536 winning determination random number values ​​from 0 to 65535.

[0085] The winning lottery table A is selected when performing a winning determination process for the first special random number value, and a correspondence relationship between each determination result and the winning determination random number value is set so that a "jackpot" is won with a probability of 1 / 319.69 (205 / 65536) and a "loss" is won with a probability of 318.69 / 319.69 (65331 / 65536). The special symbol lottery means 230 determines whether a "jackpot" or a "loss" has been won by referring to the winning lottery table A and determining whether the winning determination random number value read from the first special reserve memory area 1 is associated with a "jackpot" or a "loss." In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "jackpot" or a "loss" in the first special symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

[0086] The winning lottery table B is selected when performing the winning determination process for the second special random number value, and the correspondence between the judgment result and the winning determination random number value is set so that the "big win" is won with a probability of 1 / 319.69 (205 / 65536) and the "small win" is won with a probability of 318.69 / 319.69 (65331 / 65536). In other words, the correspondence between the judgment result and the winning determination random number value is set so that the "small win" is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 1. The special symbol lottery means 230 determines whether the "big win" or "small win" has been won by referring to the winning lottery table B and determining whether the winning determination random number value read from the second special reserve memory area 1 is associated with a "big win" or a "small win." In this embodiment, the second special symbol lottery is always a "win" (a "big win" or a "small win"), and is not a "lose" win. Note that in this embodiment, the probability of winning a "big win" or a "small win" in the second special symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

[0087] The symbol determination process is a process performed when a "big hit" or a "small hit" is won in the hit determination process. The symbol determination process reads out one symbol determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, and determines which of multiple big hit symbols will be the big hit symbol (type of big hit), if a "big hit" is won, and determines which of multiple small hit symbols will be the small hit symbol (type of small hit) if a "small hit" is won. Here, one symbol determination random number value is obtained from 100 symbol determination random numbers from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number memory means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0088] In the pattern determination process, the special pattern lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to when performing the random number determination process, depending on whether the one read-out pattern determination random number value was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0089] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a symbol lottery table A shown in Fig. 7(a), a symbol lottery table B shown in Fig. 7(b), and a symbol lottery table C shown in Fig. 7(c). In each symbol lottery table, a predetermined symbol is associated with each symbol determination random number value.

[0090] The pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 7(a) is selected when a "jackpot" is won and one of the read pattern determination random number values ​​is stored as the first special random number value, and the correspondence between the patterns and the pattern determination random number values ​​is set so that "winning pattern 1" is won with a 100% probability.

[0091] The pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 7(b) is selected when a "jackpot" is won and one of the read pattern determination random number values ​​is stored as the second special random number value, and the correspondence between the patterns and the pattern determination random number values ​​is set so that "winning pattern 2" has a 50% chance of winning, and "winning pattern 3" has a 50% chance of winning.

[0092] When a "jackpot" is won, the special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the symbol lottery table A or the symbol lottery table B and determines which jackpot symbol the one read-out symbol determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which jackpot symbol has been won.

[0093] The pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 7(c) is selected when a "small win" is won and one of the read pattern determination random number values ​​is stored as the second special random number value, and the correspondence between each pattern and the pattern determination random number value is set so that "small win pattern 1" is won with a 50% probability, and "small win pattern 2" is won with a 50% probability.

[0094] When a "small win" is won, the special symbol lottery means 230 refers to a symbol lottery table C and determines which small win symbol the one read symbol determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining which small win symbol has been won.

[0095] (jackpot design) The special game state begins when a "jackpot" is won in the special symbol lottery, and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (number of executions) of special games have been played according to the type (category) of the jackpot symbol.

[0096] When the special game state starts based on the winning of "winning pattern 1" in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that two rounds of special games, the first round and the second round, have been played (see Figure 10).

[0097] In addition, when the special game state is initiated based on the winning of "winning pattern 2" or "winning pattern 3" in the special pattern lottery, the special game state ends on the condition that 10 rounds of special games from the 1st round to the 10th round have been played.

[0098] Details will be given later, but if a "jackpot" is won in the special pattern lottery, at the end of the special game state, a predetermined number of time-saving periods will be set according to the jackpot pattern and game state, and a predetermined time-saving state will begin.

[0099] (Small winning pattern) The small win gaming state is initiated when a "small win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery), and ends when a predetermined number of small win games have been played (one in this embodiment). In the small win game, the first special device 56 is set to an open state that allows the game ball to enter the large prize opening 50, and the distribution means is shifted from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state. Specifically, in the small win game, the distribution means is shifted from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state so that the game ball that entered the large prize opening 50 during the execution of the small win game can easily (possibly) pass through the specific area. As a result, if either "small win symbol 1" or "small win symbol 2" is won in the second special symbol lottery, the game ball can easily (possibly) pass through the specific area in the small win gaming state. Then, when the passage of a game ball through a specific area is detected during the small win game state (when the passage of a game ball that has entered the large prize opening 50 through a specific area is detected during the execution of the small win game), a special game state is initiated based on the end of the small win game state.

[0100] In the second special symbol lottery, if the "small win symbol 1" is selected and the passage of the game ball through a specific area is detected in the small win game state, the number of rounds of play is set to 9. As a result, 10 rounds will be played, with the small win game being the first round of play (see Figure 10). Then, the special game state ends on the condition that 10 rounds of special play have been played.

[0101] In the second special symbol lottery, if the "small win symbol 2" is selected and the passage of the game ball through the specific area is detected in the small win game state, the number of round games is set to 9. As a result, 10 rounds will be played, with the small win game being the first round game (see Figure 10). Then, the special game state ends on the condition that 10 rounds of special games have been played.

[0102] Although details will be described later, at the end of the special game state, a predetermined number of time-saving times is set according to the small win symbol and game state, and a predetermined time-saving state is initiated. If the passage of the game ball through a specific area is not detected during the small win game state (if the passage of the game ball that entered the large prize opening 50 through a specific area is not detected during the execution of the small win game), the special game state is not initiated and the normal state is initiated.

[0103] In each round of special games (including small win games), the special feature 56 is closed when the opening timer in the main memory 290 counts a predetermined time (e.g., 29 seconds) after the special feature 56 opens, or when the value of the large prize counter 2920 in the main memory 290, which adds a value equivalent to one game ball (e.g., 1) when the count switch 104 detects the entry of one game ball, reaches its upper limit. The drive control of the special feature drive device is performed so that the special feature 56 closes. Note that the small win game is configured to end when the opening time reaches 1.8 seconds, but in reality, the opening is not continuous for 1.8 seconds. Instead, the opening is repeated for a short time of 0.15 seconds and a short time of 0.8 seconds, resulting in a total of 12 short openings, measuring the total opening time of 1.8 seconds. In this embodiment, the term "special game" may also include a small win game. Furthermore, the term "special game" is not limited to referring to a single round of game, but may also refer to an entire round of game (e.g., a 10-round special game).

[0104] In this embodiment, the "winning symbol 1" is a symbol corresponding to a jackpot, but it may also be a symbol corresponding to a small jackpot. In other words, a random number value associated with a "small jackpot" may be set in the winning lottery table A. In this case, if the "winning symbol 1" is selected in the special symbol lottery and the passage of the gaming ball through a specific area is detected in the small jackpot game state, the number of rounds of play may be set to one. As a result, two rounds will be played, with the small jackpot game being the first round of play. Also, the winning lottery table A and the winning lottery table B do not necessarily have a random number value associated with a "jackpot." In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery can be set to win a "jackpot," but the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery can be set to not win a "jackpot."

[0105] The special display control means 240 performs a first special pattern display control process, a second special pattern display control process, a first special hold display control process, and a second special hold display control process based on the results of the special pattern lottery.

[0106] The first special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special pattern lottery is conducted, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 until the variable time has elapsed, and then causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a stationary manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

[0107] In this embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is determined in advance in correspondence with each big win symbol and each small win symbol.

[0108] The special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a static state by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a manner corresponding to whether or not a "win" has been won in the win determination process, and in a manner corresponding to the winning pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a "win" has been won in the win determination process, and causes the first special pattern display unit 76 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

[0109] The second special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when a second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special pattern lottery is conducted, and the special display control means 240 causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 81 until the variable time has elapsed, and then causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a stationary manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 81 in a predetermined manner.

[0110] The special display control means 240 causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a static state by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 81 in a manner corresponding to whether or not a "win" has been won in the win determination process, and in a manner corresponding to the winning pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a "win" has been won in the win determination process, and causes the second special pattern display unit 81 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

[0111] In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 first special hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78 depending on the number of first special random number values ​​stored in the special random number memory means 2914.

[0112] In the second special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 second special hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or blinking the two lamps of the second special hold display unit 82 according to the number of second special random number values ​​stored in the special random number storage means 2914. In this embodiment, it is displayed that the second special hold number is 0 or 1.

[0113] Returning to Figure 4, the explanation will be made. The special game execution means 260 is a means for executing a special game based on the result of the special symbol lottery, and performs execution processing of the special game, etc. The small win game execution means 262 is a means for executing a small win game based on the winning of a small win in the special symbol lottery, and performs execution processing of the small win game, etc. The special game execution means 260 may include the small win game execution means 262.

[0114] The payout control means 270 controls the payout device 130 to pay out a number of game balls equivalent to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100, a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, a detection signal from the general winning port switch 101, and a detection signal from the count switch 104.

[0115] The payout device 130 operates to pay out the number of game balls to be paid out as instructed by the payout control means 270. The payout device 130 has a payout motor attached to a game ball tank that stores game balls, and the payout control means 270 controls the rotation angle of the payout motor to pay out the instructed number of game balls from the game ball tank. The payout device 130 also has a payout sensor that is activated each time a game ball is paid out, and the payout control means 270 can manage the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 130 based on a payout signal from the payout sensor.

[0116] The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated in accordance with the results of various calculations in the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are connected in a communication manner such that only one-way communication from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 is possible, and information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 202 to the main control board 200.

[0117] Next, we will explain the sub-control board 202. The sub-control board 202 is configured to include a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 302.

[0118] The performance control means 300 controls the performance device based on various commands sent from the main control board 200, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the performance data storage means 303 of the sub-memory 302, and controls the performance device to perform effects to liven up or assist the game, such as lighting or flashing the lamps 12, 38, displaying performance images on the LCD display 32, controlling the sound device to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and driving the performance object drive device to operate the performance objects.

[0119] The performance data storage means 303 stores a large number of performance image data for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 32, and the performance control means 300 draws an image in the frame buffer of the sub-memory 302 for each frame (1 / 30 seconds) based on this performance image data, and displays the drawn image on the liquid crystal display 32, thereby playing and displaying a moving image on the liquid crystal display 32.

[0120] The performance control means 300 executes a performance in which a performance pattern (demo pattern) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in accordance with (corresponding to) the varying and stationary display of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 76, or in accordance with (corresponding to) the varying and stationary display of the normal pattern in the normal pattern display section 72, and is capable of announcing the result of the first special pattern lottery or the normal pattern lottery. In the normal state, the performance control means 300 is capable of displaying on the liquid crystal display 32 performance patterns corresponding to the varying and stationary display of the first special pattern, and in the time-shortening states (first to fifth time-shortening states), is capable of displaying on the liquid crystal display 32 performance patterns corresponding to the varying and stationary display of the normal pattern. In addition, among the first to fifth time-saving states, in some of the time-saving states, the liquid crystal display 32 may be configured to display performance patterns corresponding to the normal pattern changing display and stop display, and in other of the time-saving states, the liquid crystal display 32 may not be configured to display performance patterns corresponding to the normal pattern changing display and stop display.

[0121] The display of the effect symbols in the normal state will be explained. Figure 8(a) shows the state before the first special symbol starts to change display. The left effect symbol 350, the middle effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 are displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32 as effect symbols. The left effect symbol 350 is displayed on the left side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, the middle effect symbol 352 is displayed in the center of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, and the right effect symbol 354 is displayed on the right side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. The left effect symbol 350, the middle effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 each form a sequence of nine effect symbols representing the numbers "1" to "9." Note that each effect symbol representing the numbers "1" to "9" may be configured to include decorative elements such as characters in addition to the numbers.

[0122] As shown in Figure 8(b), the display of the first special symbol begins, and the display of the effect symbol (the effect of the effect symbol) begins. The downward arrow in the figure indicates that the effect symbol is being displayed vertically at high speed (scrolling).

[0123] As shown in Figure 8(c), the effect pattern is displayed in a stopped state based on the stopped display of the first special pattern. The effect pattern is displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the first special pattern lottery. For example, if a jackpot is won in the first special pattern lottery, the effect pattern is displayed in a stopped state corresponding to the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process. Also, although not shown, in the time-saving state (first to fifth time-saving states), the effect pattern is displayed in a changing or stopped state according to the changing and stopped display of the normal pattern, just as in the normal state (as shown in Figures 8(a), 8(b), and 8(c)).

[0124] The performance control means 300 executes a performance in which an image showing the first special hold number or the normal hold number is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 based on the first special hold number or the normal hold number in the main control board 200. In the normal state, as shown in Figs. 8(a) to 8(c), a first hold image 420 (first hold pattern) corresponding to the first special hold number is displayed at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. In addition, in the time-saving state (first time-saving state to fifth time-saving state), as shown in Fig. 8(d), a second hold image 422 (second hold pattern) corresponding to the normal hold number is displayed at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32.

[0125] (Game state transition) As shown in FIG. 9, the game state control means 250 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state among multiple game states, including a normal state, a time-saving state, and a special game state, based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (transition condition). The time-saving states include a first time-saving state, a second time-saving state, a third time-saving state, a fourth time-saving state, and a fifth time-saving state. Although not shown, in this embodiment, except for the transition from the first time-saving state to the normal state, the transition (or continuation (resetting)) of each game state is performed via the special game state. However, the transition from the normal state to a certain time-saving state, the transition from a certain time-saving state to the normal state, and the transition from a certain time-saving state to another time-saving state may be performed without going through the special game state. Specifically, in the winning lottery table, a correspondence between each judgment result and a winning determination random number value may be set so that "C time-saving" is won with a predetermined probability. In other words, in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery), a case where "C time reduction" is won may be set as a case where "win (big win or small win)" is not won. Then, the game state control means 250 may set the game state to a specific time reduction state based on winning "C time reduction" in the special symbol lottery in the normal state or a specific time reduction state (a specific result in which a special game is not executed is determined).

[0126] The normal state (normal game state, non-time-saving state, low-probability state) is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple game states. In the normal state, if a normal win occurs in the normal symbol lottery, a short release pattern is set for the normal device 54 with a 1 / 1 probability. This makes it difficult (impossible) to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In other words, it is difficult (impossible) to obtain an opportunity to draw the second special symbol. In the normal state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball leftward so that the game ball enters the first starting hole 46 in order to obtain an opportunity to draw the first special symbol than to hit the ball rightward. In other words, the normal state is a game state in which left-handed hitting is recommended. Note that the presentation control means 300 displays a message on the LCD display 32 instructing (prompting) the player to play with a left-handed hit when the normal state begins (when the time-saving state ends), etc. Furthermore, when the player plays with a right-handed shot in the normal state, the presentation control means 300 causes the liquid crystal display 32 to display a display instructing (urging) the player to play with a left-handed shot.

[0127] In the time-saving state, when a normal win occurs in the normal symbol lottery, the probability that a long-open pattern will be set for the normal device 54 is higher than in the normal state. Therefore, in the time-saving state, it is easier to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 (win) than in the normal state. In other words, it is easier to get an opportunity to win the second special symbol lottery. The time-saving state can be said to be a ball-entry-friendly state in which the normal device 54 is likely to enter the open state (a state in which it is easy for the ball to enter the second starting hole 49). On the other hand, the normal state can be said to be a state in which the normal device 54 is unlikely to enter the open state.

[0128] In addition, in the second to fifth time-shortening states, when a normal win occurs in the normal symbol lottery, the probability that a long opening pattern will be set for the normal device 54 is higher than in the first time-shortening state. Therefore, in the second to fifth time-shortening states, it is easier to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 (win) than in the first time-shortening state. In other words, it is easier to get an opportunity to win the second special symbol lottery.

[0129] In the time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that the game ball passes through the passage gate 48 in order to have a chance to draw the second special symbol than to hit the ball to the left. In other words, the time-saving state is a game state in which a right-handed hit is recommended. In this embodiment, the second special symbol lottery based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 49 is more likely to determine a transition to the special game state than the first special symbol lottery. In other words, the time-saving state has a higher probability of determining a transition to the special game state than the normal state. Note that the presentation control means 300 displays a display on the liquid crystal display 32 instructing (urging) the player to play by hitting the ball to the right in the time-saving state.

[0130] In this embodiment, the time-saving state in which it is easier to score a ball into the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state may be referred to as a high base state, and the normal state may be referred to as a low base state.

[0131] The time-saving state ends when the end condition is met. The time-saving state end condition includes an end condition based on the number of normal symbol variable displays (number of spins, number of normal symbol variable displays). In this embodiment, the end condition is met when the number of normal symbol variable displays executed in the time-saving state reaches the "time-saving count" set at the end of the special game state (at the start of each time-saving state). The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a time-saving counter 2931 that counts the number of normal symbol variable displays. At the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets a value corresponding to the winning symbol and game state in the time-saving counter 2931 as the time-saving count. In addition, the game state control means 250 subtracts "1" from the value of the time-saving counter 2931 each time a normal symbol variable display is executed. When the value of the time-saving counter 2931 reaches "0" as the variable display of the normal symbol is executed, the game state control means 250 determines that the termination condition of the time-saving state has been met, terminates the time-saving state, and transitions to the normal state. Note that in this embodiment, the termination condition of the time-saving state is based on the number of times the variable display of the normal symbol is executed, but as a modified example, the termination condition may be configured by replacing the number of times the variable display of the normal symbol is executed with the number of times the normal device 54 (normal electric device) is activated. Also, in this embodiment, the value set in the counter is subtracted at a predetermined opportunity, and when the value reaches "0," it is determined that the termination condition has been met. However, it is not limited to this, and the counter value may be incremented at a predetermined opportunity, and when the value reaches a predetermined value, it is determined that the termination condition has been met.

[0132] In this embodiment, if a "win" is won in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery or second special pattern lottery), a special game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50. For example, if a "big win" is won in the special pattern lottery, a special game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50. Also, if a "small win" is won in the special pattern lottery, a small win game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50, and when the passage of the game ball that entered the large prize opening 50 through the specific area 51 is detected in the small win game state, a special game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50. A player can win many prize balls by having game balls enter the large prize opening 50.

[0133] The transition of the game state will be explained in detail below.

[0134] The game state control means 250 transitions the game state to a special game state based on winning a "win (big win or small win)" in the special symbol lottery, but determines which game state to transition to after the special game state ends depending on the game state to be referenced and the symbol that has been won. Specifically, the game state control means 250 determines the game state (stored values ​​of each counter) after the special game state based on the winning of a "win" ends by referring to the game state at the time of the winning stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. Note that the timing for determining (setting) the game state after the end of the special game state by referring to the game state can be any timing from after the winning of a "win" (after the special symbol related to the winning starts to vary) until the end of the special game state.

[0135] That is, the gaming state control means 250 shifts the gaming state to a special gaming state based on winning a "win" in the special symbol lottery in various gaming states. After the special gaming state ends, the gaming state control means 250 shifts the gaming state to the gaming state at the time of winning and the gaming state corresponding to the winning symbol.

[0136] When a "win (jackpot)" is won in the normal state, the game state control means 250 can set the game state after the special game state ends to the first time-shortened state. In other words, when a "win (jackpot)" is won in the normal state, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the first time-shortened state with a predetermined probability (for example, 100%).

[0137] Furthermore, when a "win (small win)" is won in the first time-shortening state, the game state control means 250 can set the game state after the special game state ends to the fifth time-shortening state. In other words, when a "win (small win)" is won in the first time-shortening state, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fifth time-shortening state with a predetermined probability (for example, 100%).

[0138] Furthermore, when a "win (small win)" is won in the fifth time-shortened state, the game state control means 250 can set the game state after the end of the special game state to the fourth time-shortened state or the fifth time-shortened state. In other words, when a "win (small win)" is won in the fifth time-shortened state, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fourth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability (for example, 50%), and the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fifth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability (for example, 50%).

[0139] Furthermore, when a "win (small win)" is won in the fourth time-shortened state, the game state control means 250 can set the game state after the end of the special game state to the third time-shortened state or the fourth time-shortened state. In other words, when a "win (small win)" is won in the fourth time-shortened state, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the third time-shortened state with a predetermined probability (for example, 50%), and the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fourth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability (for example, 50%).

[0140] Furthermore, when a "win (small win)" is won in the third time-shortening state, the game state control means 250 can set the game state after the end of the special game state to the second time-shortening state or the third time-shortening state. In other words, when a "win (small win)" is won in the third time-shortening state, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the second time-shortening state with a predetermined probability (for example, 50%), and the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the third time-shortening state with a predetermined probability (for example, 50%).

[0141] Furthermore, when a "win (small win)" is won in the second time-shortening state, the game state control means 250 can set the game state after the end of the special game state to the first time-shortening state or the second time-shortening state. In other words, when a "win (small win)" is won in the second time-shortening state, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the first time-shortening state with a predetermined probability (for example, 50%), and the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the second time-shortening state with a predetermined probability (for example, 50%).

[0142] Next, the relationship between the symbols and the game state to which the game is transitioned will be described with reference to FIG.

[0143] In the normal state, if a player wins the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery) and also wins the "winning pattern 1", the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving times (the value stored in the time-saving counter 2931) to "100" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the first time-saving state.

[0144] If a player wins the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the first time-shortening state and also wins the small win pattern 1 or the small win pattern 2, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fifth time-shortening state.

[0145] In addition, if a player wins the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the first time-saving state and also wins the "winning pattern 2" or the "winning pattern 3," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving times (the stored value of the time-saving counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fifth time-saving state.

[0146] If a player wins the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the fifth time-shortening state and also wins the small win pattern 1, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fourth time-shortening state.

[0147] In addition, if a player wins the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the fifth time-shortening state and also wins the small win pattern 2, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the stored value of the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fifth time-shortening state.

[0148] In addition, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the fifth time-shortening state and the "win symbol 2" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fourth time-shortening state. In addition, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the fifth time-shortening state and the "win symbol 3" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fifth time-shortening state.

[0149] If a player wins the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the fourth time-shortening state and also wins the small win pattern 1, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the third time-shortening state.

[0150] In addition, if a "win" is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the fourth time-shortened state and the "small win pattern 2" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times (the stored value of the time-shortened counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fourth time-shortened state.

[0151] In addition, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the fourth time-shortening state and the "win symbol 2" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the third time-shortening state. In addition, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the fourth time-shortening state and the "win symbol 3" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fourth time-shortening state.

[0152] If a player wins the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the third time-shortening state and also wins the small win pattern 1, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the second time-shortening state.

[0153] In addition, if a "win" is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the third time-shortening state and the "small win pattern 2" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the stored value of the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the third time-shortening state.

[0154] In addition, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the third time-shortening state and the "win symbol 2" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the second time-shortening state. In addition, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the third time-shortening state and the "win symbol 3" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the third time-shortening state.

[0155] If a player wins "win" in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the second time-shortening state and also wins "small win pattern 1", the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "100" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the first time-shortening state.

[0156] In addition, if a "win" is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the second time-shortened state and the "small win pattern 2" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times (the stored value of the time-shortened counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the second time-shortened state.

[0157] In addition, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the second time-shortening state and the "win symbol 2" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "100" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the first time-shortening state. In addition, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the second time-shortening state and the "win symbol 3" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the second time-shortening state.

[0158] Here, when playing using a predetermined game method, the number of times that it is determined that a special game will be executed and that a time-saving state (a state where it is easy to score a ball) will be set after the execution of the special game is essentially confirmed (in other words, the guaranteed number of times). In other words, if there is a stock, the time-saving state after the execution of the special game is guaranteed for the number of stocks. Note that if the probability of the event occurring exceeds 99%, it can be said to be essentially confirmed, but when it is said to be essentially confirmed, the probability of the event occurring can also be 99.9% or more.

[0159] The second to fifth time-saving states each correspond to a different number of stocks.

[0160] Specifically, the second to fifth time-shortened states are time-shortened states in which, when a normal symbol lottery is executed, the long release of the normal device 54 is determined with a 1 / 1 chance, and the probability of winning a "small win" in the second special symbol lottery is approximately 1 / 1 (the probability of determining the execution of a special game is 1 / 1). Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a game is played by hitting the ball right in the second to fifth time-shortened states, the second start hole 49 is arranged so that, when a long release of the normal device 54 is determined, the probability of the game ball entering the second start hole 49 during the long release is extremely high (for example, so that the ball enters with a 1 / 1 chance). Furthermore, in the second to fifth time-shortened states, the number of time-shortened states (the value stored in the time-shortened counter 2931) is set to "1000." Therefore, in the second to fifth time-shortened states, if the game is progressed by hitting the right button, it is virtually impossible for the conditions for terminating the time-shortened state to be met before the execution of the special game is determined (a "win" is won), and the game state is virtually certain that the execution of the special game is determined (a "win" is won). Note that, for example, even if the second to fifth time-shortened states are time-shortened states in which the long release of the normal device 54 is determined with 1 in 99 when the normal symbol lottery is executed, by setting the number of time-shortened times (the value stored in the time-shortened counter 2931) to a large number (for example, to "10000"), the game state can be virtually certain that the execution of the special game is determined (a "win" is won).

[0161] Furthermore, in the case of a "win," the fifth time-saving state is set to the fourth or fifth time-saving state after a special game based on the "win" is played. In the case of a "win," the fourth time-saving state is set to the third or fourth time-saving state after a special game based on the "win" is played. In the case of a "win," the third time-saving state is set to the second or third time-saving state after a special game based on the "win" is played. In the case of a "win," the second time-saving state is set to the first or second time-saving state after a special game based on the "win." In other words, the second to fifth time-saving states are each game states that can transition to a time-saving state with an ordinal number one smaller when a "win" is played, but they do not transition to a time-saving state with an ordinal number two or more smaller or to the normal state. In other words, the second time-shortening state to the fifth time-shortening state are game states in which the execution of a special game is virtually certain (a "win" is won), and in which the time-shortening state is always set after the execution of the special game (the normal state is not set).

[0162] Therefore, for example, if the current game state is the fifth time-saving state, by the time the time-saving state ends and the normal state is set, the following are essentially confirmed (guaranteed): a win in the fifth time-saving state and a transition to the fourth time-saving state based on that win; a win in the fourth time-saving state and a transition to the third time-saving state based on that win; a win in the third time-saving state and a transition to the second time-saving state based on that win; a win in the second time-saving state and a transition to the first time-saving state based on that win; and the consumption of the number of time-saving plays in the first time-saving state. In other words, the fifth time-saving state is a time-saving state with the corresponding stock number set to "4." Similarly, the fourth time-saving state is a time-saving state with the corresponding stock number set to "3," the third time-saving state is a time-saving state with the corresponding stock number set to "2," and the second time-saving state is a time-saving state with the corresponding stock number set to "1."

[0163] In this embodiment, a counter for storing the stock number is not provided. In other words, in this embodiment, the stock number is substantially determined by the control related to the transition of each time-saving state described above. However, a counter for storing a memory value indicating the stock number may be provided in the main memory 290.

[0164] The effect control means 300 may execute an effect that notifies the player of the stock number in at least one of the second time-shortening state to the fifth time-shortening state. For example, the effect control means 300 may cause the liquid crystal display 32 to display a display indicating (suggesting) the current stock number in each of the second time-shortening state to the fifth time-shortening state.

[0165] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine having a gaming area (gaming area 4) in which a gaming ball moves, and launching a gaming ball into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, An entrance (second starting entrance 49) provided in the game area; A movable member (normal accessory 54) capable of changing the ease of entry of the game ball into the ball entry opening; A lottery means (special symbol lottery means 230) for performing a lottery for the execution of a special game based on the entry of a game ball into the ball entry opening; a special game control means (special game execution means 260) for executing the special game when the result of the lottery results in the execution of the special game; and a game state control means (game state control means 250) for setting an easy-to-enter state in which the movable member is more likely to allow game balls to enter the ball entrance than in a normal game state, based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (a predetermined result being obtained by the lottery), When playing a game in a predetermined game method, the execution of the special game is decided and the number of times that the easy-to-score state is set after the execution of the special game is substantially determined to be the stock number. There are multiple types of easy-to-score states that correspond to different numbers of stocks.

[0166] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to stock multiple special games and easy-to-score states, thereby broadening the scope of gameplay. This increases the interest in the game. Furthermore, it is possible to realize various gameplay features by setting the transition destination and transition conditions from various easy-to-score states to other easy-to-score states.

[0167] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, The easy-to-score state control means changes the type of easy-to-score state after the special game is played based on the specific result being obtained, depending on the game state (easy-to-score state) when the specific result of playing the special game is obtained by the lottery (in other words, when a specific pattern is won).

[0168] (Variation) In this embodiment, the second to fifth time-saving states are game states in which, when a "win" is won, the time-saving state at the time of the win or a time-saving state with an ordinal number one smaller than that of the time-saving state at the time of the win is set after a special game based on the "win" is played. However, they may also be game states in which a time-saving state with an ordinal number higher than that of the time-saving state at the time of the win can be set. In other words, in this embodiment, when a "win" is won, each time-saving state is a game state in which the stock number is maintained or the stock number is decreased by "1." However, at least one of the time-saving states may be a game state in which the stock number can be increased. For example, the second to fifth time-saving states can be configured as follows.

[0169] FIG. 11 shows the transition of the gaming state in the gaming machine according to this modified example.

[0170] When a "win (small win)" is won in the first time-shortened state, the game state control means 250 can set the game state after the end of the special game state to the second time-shortened state, the third time-shortened state, the fourth time-shortened state, or the fifth time-shortened state. In other words, when a "win (small win)" is won in the first time-shortened state, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the second time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the third time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fourth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, and the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fifth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability.

[0171] Furthermore, when a "win (small win)" is won in the fifth time-shortened state, the game state control means 250 can set the game state after the end of the special game state to the fourth time-shortened state or the fifth time-shortened state. In other words, when a "win (small win)" is won in the fifth time-shortened state, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fourth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, and the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fifth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability.

[0172] Furthermore, when a "win (small win)" is won in the fourth time-shortened state, the game state control means 250 can set the game state after the end of the special game state to the third time-shortened state, the fourth time-shortened state, or the fifth time-shortened state. In other words, when a "win (small win)" is won in the fourth time-shortened state, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the third time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fourth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, and the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fifth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability.

[0173] Furthermore, when a "win (small win)" is won in the third time-shortened state, the game state control means 250 can set the game state after the end of the special game state to the second time-shortened state, the third time-shortened state, the fourth time-shortened state, or the fifth time-shortened state. In other words, when a "win (small win)" is won in the third time-shortened state, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the second time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the third time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fourth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, and the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fifth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability.

[0174] Furthermore, when a "win (small win)" is won in the second time-shortened state, the game state control means 250 can set the game state after the end of the special game state to the first time-shortened state, the second time-shortened state, the third time-shortened state, the fourth time-shortened state, or the fifth time-shortened state. In other words, when a "win (small win)" is won in the second time-shortened state, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the first time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the second time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the third time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fourth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability, and the game state after the execution of the special game becomes the fifth time-shortened state with a predetermined probability.

[0175] Such a transition of the time-saving state can be realized by preparing a number of symbols corresponding to the number of time-saving states to which a transition from time-saving state 1 is desired for the symbol lottery table C shown in Fig. 7(c). For example, for the symbol lottery table C shown in Fig. 7(c), this can be realized by setting a correspondence between each symbol and a symbol determination random number value so that "small win symbol 3," "small win symbol 4," and "small win symbol 5" can be won in addition to "small win symbol 1" and "small win symbol 2."

[0176] 12, for example, in the first time-shortened state, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) and the "small win symbol 1" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times (the value stored in the time-shortened counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the second time-shortened state. Also, in the first time-shortened state, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) and the "small win symbol 2" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times (the value stored in the time-shortened counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the second time-shortened state. Furthermore, in the first time-shortened state, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) and the "small win symbol 3" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times (the value stored in the time-shortened counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the third time-shortened state. Furthermore, in the first time-shortened state, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) and the "small win symbol 4" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times (the value stored in the time-shortened counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fourth time-shortened state. In addition, if a "win" is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the first time-shortening state and the "small win pattern 5" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the stored value of the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fifth time-shortening state.

[0177] Also, for example, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the fifth time-shortening state and the "small win symbol 1," "small win symbol 2," "small win symbol 3," or "small win symbol 4" is won, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening operations (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special gaming state, and sets the gaming state to the fourth time-shortening state. Also, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the fifth time-shortening state and the "small win symbol 5" is won, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening operations (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special gaming state, and sets the gaming state to the fifth time-shortening state.

[0178] Also, for example, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the fourth time-shortening state and the "small win symbol 1," "small win symbol 2," or "small win symbol 3" is won, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special gaming state, and sets the gaming state to the third time-shortening state. Also, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the fourth time-shortening state and the "small win symbol 4" is won, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special gaming state, and sets the gaming state to the fourth time-shortening state. In addition, if a "win" is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the fourth time-shortening state and the "small win pattern 5" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the stored value of the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fifth time-shortening state.

[0179] Also, for example, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the third time-shortening state and the "small win symbol 1" or the "small win symbol 2" is won, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special gaming state, and sets the gaming state to the second time-shortening state. Also, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the third time-shortening state and the "small win symbol 3" is won, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special gaming state, and sets the gaming state to the third time-shortening state. Furthermore, in the third time-shortening state, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) and the "small win symbol 4" is won, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special gaming state, and sets the gaming state to the fourth time-shortening state. Furthermore, in the third time-shortening state, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) and the "small win symbol 5" is won, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special gaming state, and sets the gaming state to the fifth time-shortening state.

[0180] Also, for example, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the second time-shortening state and the "small win symbol 1" is won, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "100" at the end of the special gaming state, and sets the gaming state to the first time-shortening state. Also, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) in the second time-shortening state and the "small win symbol 2" is won, the gaming state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times (the value stored in the time-shortening counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special gaming state, and sets the gaming state to the second time-shortening state. Furthermore, in the second time-shortened state, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) and the "small win symbol 3" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times (the value stored in the time-shortened counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the third time-shortened state. Furthermore, in the second time-shortened state, if a "win" is won in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery) and the "small win symbol 4" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times (the value stored in the time-shortened counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fourth time-shortened state. In addition, if a "win" is won in the special pattern lottery (second special pattern lottery) in the second time-shortened state and the "small win pattern 5" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times (the stored value of the time-shortened counter 2931) to "1000" at the end of the special game state, and sets the game state to the fifth time-shortened state.

[0181] The relationship between each symbol and the time-saving state to which the player transitions is merely illustrative and can be modified as appropriate. The number of symbols (small win symbols) provided does not have to be the same as the maximum number of time-saving states to which the player can transition from the first time-saving state (in this modified example, "5" is the number of time-saving states to which the player can transition from the second time-saving state), and may be greater than this number. For example, in this embodiment, the number of symbols (small win symbols) can be set to 100, ranging from "small win symbol 1" to "small win symbol 100," and the probability of each symbol winning in the symbol determination process (special symbol lottery) can be set to 1%. This allows the transition probability (transition rate) from each time-saving state to each other to be set (adjusted) in 1% increments. For example, for multiple time-saving states to which the player can transition from a specific time-saving state, the probability of a time-saving state being selected as a destination state can be set so that the larger the stock number of the time-saving state, the lower (or higher) the probability of the time-saving state being selected. Specifically, for example, the first to fifth time-saving states (more specifically, for example, the third to fifth time-saving states) that are the time-saving states to which a transition can be made from the second time-saving state can be made such that the probability of the time-saving state with a larger stock number being selected as the transition destination when a "win" is won in the second time-saving state can be set lower (or higher). Also, for example, the time-saving state with a larger stock number can be configured such that it becomes easier or more difficult to transition to a time-saving state with a larger stock number (so that the transition probability becomes higher or lower). Specifically, for example, among the second to fourth time-saving states, the time-saving state with a larger ordinal number can be configured such that it becomes easier or more difficult to transition to a time-saving state with a larger ordinal number when a "win" is won. Also, for example, the time-saving state with a larger stock number can be configured such that it becomes easier (or more difficult) to transition to a time-saving state with a larger ordinal number. Here, "high (or low) expectation of an increase in the number of stocks" includes, for example, a case where the expected value of the increase in the number of stocks is high (or small), or a case where the probability of the number of stocks increasing is high (or low).Furthermore, for example, the time-saving state with a larger stock number (or the time-saving state with a smaller stock number) may be configured so that the stock number is less likely to decrease (so that the probability of the stock number decreasing or the probability of the stock number being maintained is higher). Specifically, for example, among the second to fifth time-saving states, the time-saving state with a larger ordinal number (or the time-saving state with a smaller ordinal number), when a "win" is won, the probability of transitioning to a time-saving state with a smaller ordinal number than the time-saving state at the time of winning (so that the probability of the ordinal number being maintained is higher). In other words, the time-saving state with a larger stock number may be configured so that it is more or less favored in terms of increasing / decreasing or maintaining the stock number. In this way, different gameplay characteristics can be created depending on how the increase / decrease and maintenance of the stock number are set. Specifically, for example, a gameplay characteristic can be realized in which the stock number is less likely to increase when the stock number is small, but the increase rate or maintenance rate increases as the stock number increases, or conversely, a gameplay characteristic in which the increase rate or maintenance rate increases as the stock number decreases.

[0182] That is, in the second to fifth time-shortening states, when "small win symbol 1," "small win symbol 2," "small win symbol 3," "small win symbol 4," or "small win symbol 5" is won, the time-shortening state after the execution of the special game may be set to a time-shortening state in which the stock number is reduced by "1" from the time-shortening state at the time of the winning, a time-shortening state in which the stock number is maintained, or a time-shortening state in which the stock number is increased. In other words, the second to fifth time-shortening states may be configured so that, when the execution of a special game is decided, the time-shortening state after the execution of the special game will not be a time-shortening state in which the stock number is reduced by "2" or more from the time-shortening state at the time of the winning.

[0183] In this embodiment, the stock number and the time-saving state correspond one-to-one, but this need not be the case. That is, for example, multiple types of time-saving states may exist corresponding to a stock number of one. For example, a third time-saving state A and a third time-saving state B may be provided as a time-saving state (third time-saving state) in which the stock number is "3." Furthermore, when a first small win symbol is won in the fourth time-saving state (or the second time-saving state), the game state after the special game state ends may be the third time-saving state A. When a second small win symbol is won in the fourth time-saving state (or the second time-saving state), the game state after the special game state ends may be the third time-saving state B. Furthermore, multiple types of time-saving states corresponding to a stock number of one may have different expected degrees of increase in the stock number. Here, "different expected degrees of increase in the stock number" includes, for example, different expected values ​​of the increased stock number and different probabilities of the increased stock number. For example, the third time-shortening state A may be configured so that the number of stocks increases when a "win (small win)" is won (the second time-shortening state, the third time-shortening state, the fourth time-shortening state, or the fifth time-shortening state is set as the game state after the execution of the special game). Also, the third time-shortening state B may be configured so that the number of stocks does not increase when a "win (small win)" is won (the second time-shortening state or the third time-shortening state is set as the game state after the execution of the special game). Alternatively, the third time-shortening state B may be configured so that the number of stocks increases when a "win (small win)" is won, but the expected value or maximum value of the increase may be smaller than that of the third time-shortening state A (for example, the second time-shortening state, the third time-shortening state, or the fourth time-shortening state may be set as the game state after the execution of the special game).

[0184] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, various controls are not limited to those of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention allows for free combinations of components, modifications of components, or omission of components within the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines, such as controlled gaming machines that are designed so that players can play without touching the gaming balls. [Explanation of symbols]

[0185] 4 Gaming area 49 2nd starting port (ball entry port) 54 Ordinary accessories (movable parts) 200 Main control board (main control means) 230 Special design lottery means (lottery means) 250 Game state control means (ball entry ease state control means)

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine having a gaming area in which a gaming ball moves, and launching the gaming ball into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, An entrance provided in the game area; A movable member capable of changing the ease with which the game ball enters the ball entrance; a lottery means for holding a lottery for the execution of a special game based on the entry of a game ball into the ball entry opening; a special game control means for executing the special game when the result of the lottery is that the special game is executed; and a ball entry easy state control means for setting a ball entry easy state in which the movable member is more likely to enter the ball entry hole easily than in a normal game state, based on the establishment of a predetermined condition; When playing a game in a predetermined game method, the execution of the special game is decided and the number of times that the easy-to-score state is set after the execution of the special game is substantially determined to be the stock number. The ball has a plurality of easy-to-score states with different corresponding stock numbers. Gaming machine.

Images