Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving the amusement of a game.SOLUTION: In the case of shifting to a normal state after the end of a special game state based on the winning of a jackpot pattern B or in the case of shifting to the normal state after the end of a first time-shortened state or a second time-shortened state, left hitting display 512 is displayed on the display area of a liquid crystal display 32. A left hitting sound for instructing (informing) a player to perform left hitting is outputted from a speaker 14, but in the case of shifting to a normal state after the end of a special game state based on the winning of a jackpot pattern C, a left hitting display 512 is displayed in a display area of a liquid crystal display 32, but the left hitting sound is not outputted from the speaker 14.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (pachinko machines) have been known that include a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming media) move and that launch gaming balls into the gaming area in response to player input. This type of gaming machine has a start entry slot as a detection area in the gaming area for detecting gaming balls. Upon detecting the entry of a gaming ball into the start entry slot, a random number value is acquired and stored in a memory device. A gaming lottery is then conducted to determine whether a jackpot has been won or not, using the stored random number values ​​in a predetermined order. The display device then begins to display a varying pattern. If the result of the gaming lottery is a jackpot, the pattern is displayed stationary in a jackpot mode, and the gaming state transitions to a special gaming state. In the special gaming state, a predetermined number of jackpot games are executed, and in each jackpot game, a special device provided in the gaming area is operated to open the jackpot entry slot, and a gaming ball is paid out each time a gaming ball enters the jackpot entry slot.

[0003] In this type of gaming machine, the presentation device displays the changing and stopping display of the presentation patterns in accordance with the changing and stopping display of the patterns on the display means, and also displays special patterns that are different from the presentation patterns (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-80977 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In this type of gaming machine, the results of the game lottery corresponding to the performance symbols and the results of the game lottery corresponding to the special symbols are in a one-to-one correspondence, and the player's impression of the game lottery results is consistent.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately display performance patterns to increase the enjoyment of the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention is a gaming machine having a gaming area in which gaming media move, and is equipped with a game control means for progressing a game in accordance with the result of a lottery, and a presentation control means for controlling the presentation of the game, wherein the gaming area includes a first area and a second area, and the game control means transitions the gaming state between a plurality of gaming states including a first state and a second state that is more advantageous to the player than the first state, and when the result of the lottery is the first result or the second result, executes a specific game in which the gaming media can enter a predetermined area provided in the second area, and when the result of the lottery is the first result, transitions to the second state when the specific game ends, and when the second state ends, transitions to the first state, and when the result of the lottery is the second result, the specific game ends. and transition to the first state, and the presentation control means variably displays a plurality of presentation symbols according to the result of the lottery, and when the result of the lottery is the first result, variably displays the plurality of presentation symbols and then stops and displays the plurality of presentation symbols in a specific manner, and when the second state ends and transition is to the first state, displays an instruction display instructing to move a game medium to the first area and outputs an instruction sound instructing to move a game medium to the first area, and when the result of the lottery is the second result, variably displays the plurality of presentation symbols and then displays a specific display, and when the specific game ends and transition is to the first state, displays the instruction display but does not output the instruction sound.

[0008] According to the present invention, a specific game is executed when the result of the lottery is the first result and when the result is the second result, but the presence or absence of a specific display and instruction voice can make the player's impression different when the result of the lottery is the first result and when the result is the second result.

[0009] (2) Furthermore, in the present invention, the game control means may execute the specific game when the result of the lottery is the third result, and transition to the first state when the specific game is completed, and the presentation control means may, when the result of the lottery is the third result, cause the multiple presentation symbols to be displayed in a variable manner and then cause the multiple presentation symbols to be displayed stationary in the specific manner, and, when the specific game is completed and transition to the first state is made, cause the instruction display to be displayed and the instruction sound to be output.

[0010] In this way, the special game is executed even if the result of the lottery is the third result, but depending on whether or not a special display and instruction voice is displayed, the impression given to the player when the result of the lottery is the first or third result can be made different from when the result is the second result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a game board of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an oblique view showing the appearance of a large prize opening of an gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a status display unit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 3 is a state transition diagram of the gaming state in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing transition destinations of game states in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing images displayed on a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing images displayed on a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing images displayed on a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing images displayed on a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The first embodiment will be described below. Note that the first embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the first embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0014] 1. Configuration of the gaming machine 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment. The gaming machine of the first embodiment is used to play games using gaming balls (gaming media) loaned from an amusement facility, and includes an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a playing area 4 in which the gaming balls move, 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.

[0015] 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 front frame lamps 12 that output light effects to enhance the game. Additionally, speakers 14 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.

[0016] 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 handle 20 is provided on the right side of the lower part of the front frame 10, and when a player turns the handle 20 clockwise 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 the first embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0017] A supply port 22 is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16 to supply game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. Also, 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.

[0018] 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 in the gaming machine changes.

[0019] 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. 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 into the gaming area 4.

[0020] Also, in the center of the game board 6, there is provided a liquid crystal display 32 (effect display unit) 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. This display frame 34 has a portion made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material, there are provided a plurality of display frame lamps 38 that output effect lights and the like to liven up the game.

[0021] In the first embodiment, the game balls cannot pass through the front side of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game balls launched from the launching device fall through the game area 4 (first area) on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 or the game area 4 (second area) on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. In the game area 4, a large number of 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 through the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0022] An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling in the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD 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 LCD display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, allowing game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, so that game balls that fall from the passage 42 onto the stage 44 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0023] A first start winning 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. This first start winning opening 46 has a built-in sensor that detects the entry of a gaming ball, and is configured so that when a gaming ball enters, the gaming ball is collected inside the gaming machine (discharged from the gaming area 4), and each time a gaming ball enters the first start winning opening 46, a predetermined number of gaming balls (a specified number of one or more, for example, four) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery (gaming lottery, gaming judgment) is held to obtain a random number value and determine (judge) whether or not the player has won a jackpot.

[0024] In addition, at the bottom of the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32, there are provided a first general winning opening 47-1, a second general winning opening 47-2, and a third general winning opening 47-3, through which game balls enter and are collected inside the game machine. The first general winning opening 47-1, the second general winning opening 47-2 and the third general winning opening 47-3 each have a built-in sensor that detects each game ball that enters the first general winning opening 47-1, the second general winning opening 47-2 or the third general winning opening 47-3, and are configured so that when a game ball enters, the game ball is collected inside the gaming machine.Each time a game ball enters the first general winning opening 47-1, the second general winning opening 47-2 or the third general winning opening 47-3, a predetermined number of game balls (a specified number greater than one, for example, four or seven) are paid out to the player, but no special lottery is held.

[0025] In detail, in the first embodiment, a sensor is provided on the path along which the gaming balls passing through the first general winning opening 47-1 pass, for detecting each gaming ball that has entered the first general winning opening 47-1. Then, each time a gaming ball that has entered the first general winning opening 47-1 is detected, four gaming balls are paid out to the player.

[0026] Meanwhile, the path taken by a gaming ball that has entered the second general winning opening 47-2 and the path taken by a gaming ball that has entered the third general winning opening 47-3 merge (connect) to form a single path internally, and a sensor is provided on the merged path to detect each gaming ball that has entered the second general winning opening 47-2 or the third general winning opening 47-3. Each time a gaming ball that has entered the second general winning opening 47-1 or the third general winning opening 47-2 is detected, seven gaming balls are paid out to the player.

[0027] In addition, a passing gate 48 is provided in the gaming area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, through which gaming balls pass without being collected inside the gaming machine. This passing gate 48 has a built-in sensor that detects the passing of a gaming ball, and every time a gaming ball passes through the passing gate 48, a random number value is acquired and a normal lottery (game judgment) is performed to determine (judge) whether or not the game has won.

[0028] Also, below the gaming area 4 on the right side of the LCD display 32, there is provided a second start winning opening 50 (second area) into which a gaming ball is collected inside the gaming machine when it enters. This second start winning opening 50 has a built-in sensor that detects each gaming ball that enters the second start winning opening 50, and is provided with a normal role device 52 (assistance means) that has an auxiliary member that can operate between a reduced state (a state that does not assist entry, a non-assistance state) in which it is difficult for a gaming ball to enter the second start winning opening 50, and an expanded state (a state that assists entry, an assistance state) in which it is easy for a gaming ball to enter. The normal role device 52 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the auxiliary member, and is controlled to enter the expanded state under predetermined conditions when a normal prize is won in the normal lottery. Then, each time a game ball enters the second start winning port 50, a predetermined number of game balls (a prescribed number greater than one, for example, one) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery is held to obtain a random number value and determine whether the player has won a big or small prize.

[0029] In addition, in the gaming area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a fourth general winning port 47-4 is provided above and to the left of the second start winning port 50, through which a gaming ball is collected into the gaming machine when it enters. The fourth general winning port 47-4 has a built-in sensor that detects each gaming ball that enters the fourth general winning port 47-4, and is configured so that the gaming ball is collected into the gaming machine when it enters, and each time one gaming ball enters the fourth general winning port 47-4, a predetermined number of gaming balls (a specified number of one or more, for example, three) is paid out to the player, but no special lottery is held.

[0030] In addition, in the gaming area 4 to the right of the LCD display 32, below the passage gate 48, there is a large prize opening 54 through which game balls enter and are collected inside the gaming machine. This large prize opening 54 has a built-in sensor that detects each game ball that enters the large prize opening 54, and is equipped with a special device 56 having a plate-shaped member that blocks the large prize opening 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state (entry-prohibited state) in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 54 and an open state (entry-allowed state) in which game balls can enter. The special device 56 also has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the plate-shaped member, and is controlled to open under predetermined conditions during a small prize game that begins when a small prize is won in a special lottery. Each time a game ball enters the large prize opening 54, a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., nine) are paid out to the player.

[0031] 3A and 3B are perspective views showing the large prize opening 54 with the special device 56 in an open state. As shown in FIG. 3A, the large prize opening 54 of the first embodiment is configured with a specific area 64 located on the left side of the large prize opening 54 and through which game balls can enter, and a normal area 66 located on the right side of the large prize opening 54 and through which game balls can enter. The specific area 64 incorporates a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball, and is provided with a specific device 68 having a plate-like member that blocks the specific area 64. The specific device 68 is configured to be operable between an open state (entry-enabled state) in which game balls can enter the specific area 64 as shown in FIG. 3A, and a closed state (entry-disabled state) in which game balls cannot enter the specific area 64 as shown in FIG. 3B. The specific device 68 incorporates a drive device such as a solenoid that operates the plate-like member, and is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions during a small prize game. When the special device 56 is in the open state and the gaming ball enters the big prize opening 54, if the specific device 68 is in the open state, the gaming ball can enter the specific area 64, and if the specific device 68 is not in the open state, the gaming ball cannot enter the specific area 64.

[0032] The normal area 66 also has a built-in sensor that detects the entry of a game ball, but there is no plate-like member that blocks the normal area 66, so that the game ball can enter when the special device 56 is in the open state.

[0033] Therefore, when the special role device 56 is in the open state and the gaming ball enters the big prize opening 54, if the specific role device 68 is in the open state, the gaming ball enters the specific area 64 or the normal area 66, and if the specific role device 68 is in the closed state, the gaming ball does not enter the specific area 64 but enters the normal area 66. When the gaming ball enters the specific area 64 or the normal area 66, the gaming ball is discharged from the big prize opening 54 and is configured to be collected inside the gaming machine.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, an outlet 69 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4 to collect game balls that have fallen through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning holes into the game machine.

[0035] 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 handle 20 shown in Figure 1. When the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls through the game area 40 on the right side of the LCD display 32.

[0036] Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the handle 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls down the left-hand game area 40, passes through the opening 40, the passage 42 and the stage 44 and enters the first starting winning opening 46, or enters the first general winning opening 47-1, the second general winning opening 47-2 and the third general winning opening 47-3 (left-handed hit), or so that it falls down the right-hand game area 4 and passes through the passing gate 48, or enters the fourth general winning opening 47-4, the second starting winning opening 50 and the big winning opening 54 (right-handed hit).

[0037] Here, in the gaming machine of the first embodiment, when the gaming ball falls through the left-hand gaming area 4, the gaming ball does not pass through the passing gate 48, and the gaming ball does not enter the fourth general winning opening 47-4, the second starting winning opening 50, or the large winning opening 54; and when the gaming ball falls through the right-hand gaming area 4, the gaming ball does not enter the first starting winning opening 46, the first general winning opening 47-1, the second general winning opening 47-2, or the third general winning opening 47-3.

[0038] In Figure 2, two game nails are shown directly above the first starting winning slot 46, the first general winning slot 47-1, the second general winning slot 47-2, the third general winning slot 47-3 and the fourth general winning slot 47-4 to adjust the entry of game balls into each of the first starting winning slot 46, the first general winning slot 47-1, the second general winning slot 47-2, the third general winning slot 47-3 and the fourth general winning slot 47-4, but there are also many other game nails hammered into the surface of the game board 6.

[0039] In addition, a right hit lamp 70 that notifies (instructs) the player to make a right hit is provided at the bottom right of the game board 6, outside the game area 4. In addition, below the right hit lamp 70, a status display unit 71 is provided that indicates various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps, etc.

[0040] 4 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 71. As shown in FIG. 4, the status display unit 71 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 80, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

[0041] The normal symbol display unit 72 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal 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 lottery.

[0042] 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 for the normal lottery when the random number for the normal lottery is held in a case where the normal pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state when the game ball passes through the passing gate 48, and the normal lottery random number is not able to be performed even if the random number for the normal lottery is obtained, and displays 0 to 4 normal hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0043] The first special pattern display unit 76 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a special lottery is held by a game ball entering the first starting winning port 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 special lottery.

[0044] The first special hold display unit 78 is composed of two lamps, and displays a first special hold number corresponding to the number of the reserved first special random number value when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the first starting winning port 46, and when the special lottery random number value is obtained but a special lottery cannot be held, so the special lottery random number value is reserved as the first special random number value.By combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps, it displays 0 to 4 first special hold numbers.

[0045] The second special pattern display unit 80 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a special lottery is held by a game ball entering the second starting winning port 50, the 7-segment display is made to flash to display a changing second special pattern, and the 7-segment display is made to light up in one of a plurality of modes to display a static display of the second special pattern, thereby displaying the result of the special lottery.

[0046] The second special reserve display unit 82 is composed of two lamps, and displays a second special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved second special random number values ​​when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the second starting winning port 50, and when the random number value for the special lottery is obtained but a special lottery cannot be held, so the random number value for the special lottery is reserved as a second special random number value.The second special reserve number is displayed as 0 to 4 by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0047] The game status display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game status that is currently set by a combination of turning on, off, or flashing the six lamps. In the first embodiment, it is possible to set a normal status, a special game status that starts when a jackpot is won in a special lottery, and a time-saving status that shortens the time for the first special symbol or second special symbol to fluctuate, thereby frequently triggering the execution of a special lottery, and the type of game status that is set is displayed by a combination of turning on, off, or flashing the six lamps.

[0048] 5 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of the first embodiment. The gaming machine of the first embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board 100 (game control means) and a sub-board 102. The functions of each board, such as the main board 100 and the sub-board 102, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), 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.

[0049] The main board 100 has a passing gate sensor 104 that detects each game ball passing through the passing gate 48, a first start winning port sensor 106 that detects each game ball that enters the first start winning port 46, a second start winning port sensor 107 that detects each game ball that enters the second start winning port 50, a large winning port sensor 108 that detects each game ball that enters the large winning port 54, a specific area sensor 110 that detects each game ball that enters the specific area 64, i.e., each game ball that passes through the specific area 64 and is discharged from the large winning port 54, a normal area sensor 112 that detects each game ball that enters the normal area 66, i.e., each game ball that passes through the normal area 66 and is discharged from the large winning port 54, and a first general winning port sensor 113 that detects each game ball that enters the first general winning port 47-1. The sensor 114-1 receives input signals from input means such as the first general winning port sensor 114-1 that detects each game ball that has entered the second general winning port 47-2 or the third general winning port 47-3, the second general winning port sensor 114-2 that detects each game ball that has entered the fourth general winning port 47-4, and the payout sensor 116 that operates each time a game ball is paid out, and performs various calculations to execute the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operation of output means such as the status display drive device 120 that turns on the lamp of the status display unit 71, the normal role drive device 122 that operates the normal role 52, the special role drive device 124 that operates the special role 56, the specific role drive device 128 that operates the specific role 68, and the payout device 130.

[0050] In addition, the sub-board 102 receives signals sent from the main board 100 and input signals from the effect button switch 150, performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operation of the effect devices 176, such as the effect display device 170, sound device 172, and effect object drive device 174.

[0051] The main board 100 is configured to include a setting change means 205, a random number generation means 210, a normal lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal device control means 224, a special lottery means 230, a special display control means 240, a small win game execution means 250, a big win game execution means 252, a game state transition control means 260, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

[0052] The setting change means 205 controls changing the setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage means 2905. In the first embodiment, six setting states, Setting 1 to Setting 6, and a setting state without any setting states are provided as setting states of the gaming machine. When a setting key is inserted into a key cylinder constituting a setting change switch provided inside the main body of the gaming machine of the first embodiment and the setting key is turned clockwise, and then the gaming machine is powered on, the setting change means 205 controls the gaming machine to a setting change permitted state. When a reset switch provided inside the main body of the gaming machine of the first embodiment is activated in the setting change permitted state, the setting value indicating the setting state of the gaming machine is changed in the following order: Setting 1 → Setting 2 →... Setting 6 → No Setting → Setting 1 →... each time an input signal is received from the reset switch, the setting value indicating the setting state of the gaming machine is changed. When the setting key is turned counterclockwise and returned to the reference position, the setting value is confirmed, and the confirmed setting value is stored in the setting value storage means 2905.

[0053] The setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage means 2905 are maintained even when the power to the gaming machine is turned off, and the same setting values ​​are set when the power is turned on again unless an operation to change the setting values ​​is performed. As a result, in the gaming machine of the first embodiment, when multiple gaming machines are installed in an amusement facility, different setting values ​​can be set for each of the multiple gaming machines, or different setting values ​​can be set for a single gaming machine depending on the day.

[0054] Furthermore, when the setting change means 205 performs control to change the setting value, it sets a setting change flag to the ON state in the flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290, and when the power of the gaming machine is turned off, it sets the setting change flag to the OFF state. Furthermore, when the setting change means 205 does not perform control to change the setting value, it sets the setting change flag to the OFF state in the flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290.

[0055] 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 the first embodiment, the "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.

[0056] The normal lottery means 220 acquires a random number value for the normal lottery (lottery information) from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the passing gate sensor 104, which detects each game ball passing through the passing gate 48, and stores it in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290, and then performs a normal lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has been won based on the random number value for the normal lottery read from the normal random number storage means 2912.

[0057] In detail, the normal random number storage means 2912 is provided with four normal reserve memory areas, normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired random number values ​​for the normal lottery. Then, separate from the normal random number storage means 2912, one normal reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the random number values ​​for the normal lottery that have been read from the normal reserve memory area 1 of the normal random number storage means 2912 and used in the normal lottery until the variable display and stop display of the normal symbols are completed. Then, when the normal lottery random number value is acquired from the random number generation means 210, if the random number value for the normal lottery is not stored in any of the normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4, the normal lottery means 220 first stores the acquired random number value for the normal lottery in the normal reserve memory area 1. Then, at the time when the random number value for the normal lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area 1, if the normal pattern is not in a variable or stationary display, i.e., if the random number value for the normal lottery is not stored in the normal reserve memory area, the random number value for the normal lottery is immediately read out from the normal reserve memory area 1 and a normal lottery is performed, and the random number value for the normal lottery obtained by the normal lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the normal pattern is in a variable or stationary display, i.e., if the random number value for the normal lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area, the random number value for the normal lottery is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1.

[0058] Then, when a random number value for the normal lottery is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the passing gate sensor 104 to acquire a random number value for the normal lottery, the normal lottery means 220 stores the random number value for the normal 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 lottery is not reserved, on the condition that the number of random number values ​​for the normal 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.

[0059] Then, when the variable display and stationary display of the normal symbols are finished, the normal lottery means 220 erases the random number values ​​for the normal lottery stored in the normal reserve memory area, and if random number values ​​for the normal lottery are reserved in normal reserve memory area 1, it reads the random number values ​​for the normal lottery from normal reserve memory area 1 to conduct a normal lottery, and stores the random number values ​​for the normal lottery obtained by the normal lottery in the normal reserve memory area. Here, if random number values ​​for the normal lottery remain in normal reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining random number values ​​for the normal lottery are moved from the original normal reserve memory area to the normal reserve memory area with the smaller ordinal number by one. For example, if random number values ​​for the normal lottery remain in normal reserve memory area 2 to normal reserve memory area 3, they are moved to normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 2.

[0060] In this way, in the normal random number memory means 2912, the random number values ​​for the normal lottery for which a normal lottery has been held are held in the normal holding memory area up to a maximum of one, and the random number values ​​for the normal lottery for which a normal lottery has not been held are held in the normal holding memory area 1 to normal holding memory area 4 up to a maximum of four.

[0061] The regular lottery is described in detail below. The regular lottery means 220 performs regular winning determination processing, regular variation pattern determination processing, and the like as the regular lottery.

[0062] The normal win determination process is a process for determining whether a normal win has been won or not. In the first embodiment, a normal lottery table is stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290, and in the normal lottery table, a normal win or a loss is associated with each of 100 normal lottery random number values ​​from 0 to 99. In detail, in the normal lottery table, a correspondence relationship between a normal win or a loss and a plurality of random number values ​​is set so that a normal win is won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0063] The normal lottery means 220 then determines whether or not a normal lottery random number value read from the normal reserve memory area 1 of the normal random number memory means 2912 corresponds to a normal win by referring to the normal lottery table, thereby determining whether or not the normal win has been won.

[0064] When a normal winning is won, the normal lottery means 220 sets a winning flag for the normal winning to an ON state in the flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290, and when a loss occurs, sets the winning flag for the normal winning to an OFF state.

[0065] The normal variation pattern determination process is a process for determining which of a plurality of variation patterns the normal symbol variation pattern should be based on the game state. In the normal variation pattern determination process, the normal lottery means 220 determines the normal symbol variation pattern to be normal variation pattern 1 when the game state is not in the time-saving state, and determines the normal symbol variation pattern to be normal variation pattern 2 when the game state is in the time-saving state.

[0066] The normal display control means 222 is a means for controlling the status display drive device 120 based on the result of the normal lottery, and performs normal symbol display control processing and normal hold display control processing.

[0067] 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 variation time corresponding to the normal pattern variation pattern determined in the normal variation pattern determination process has elapsed, and displays the result of the normal 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.

[0068] In detail, in the first embodiment, when the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is normal fluctuation pattern 1, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds, and when the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is normal fluctuation pattern 2, the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 1 second. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the game state at the time of the normal lottery is not in the time-saving state, the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is determined to be normal fluctuation pattern 1, and the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds, and when the game state at the time of the normal lottery is in the time-saving state, the normal symbol fluctuation pattern is determined to be normal fluctuation pattern 2, and the normal symbol fluctuation time is set to 1 second, so that when the game state is in the time-saving state, the opportunity to execute the normal lottery arrives more frequently.

[0069] In the normal hold display control processing, 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 lottery stored in the normal random number memory means 2912.

[0070] The normal accessory control means 224 is a means for controlling the normal accessory drive device 122 based on the result of the normal lottery, and performs normal accessory control processing 1, normal accessory control processing 2, etc.

[0071] In the normal device control process 1, when the game state is not in the time-saving state, when the normal symbol is displayed stopped in a manner indicating a normal win, the drive control of the normal device drive device 122 is performed so that the normal device 52 is expanded until 0.1 seconds have elapsed and then returns to the reduced state.

[0072] In the normal device control process 2, when the game state is in the time-shortened state, when the normal symbol is displayed stopped in a manner indicating a normal win, the drive control of the normal device drive device 122 is performed so that the normal device 52 is expanded until 2 seconds have elapsed and then returns to the reduced state.

[0073] Therefore, in normal device control process 1, normal device 52 operates so as to hardly increase the ease with which game balls can enter second start winning port 50, whereas in normal device control process 2, normal device 52 operates so as to increase the ease with which game balls can enter second start winning port 50.

[0074] The special lottery means 230 (determination means) acquires a random number value for special lottery (lottery information) from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 that detects gaming balls entering the first start winning port 46 one by one, and stores the 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 lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special lottery (lottery information) from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the second start winning port sensor 107 that detects gaming balls entering the second start winning port 50 one by one, and stores the value as a second special random number value (second lottery information) in the special random number storage means 2914. The special lottery means 230 then uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to conduct a special lottery to determine whether or not there will be a big win or a small win.

[0075] In detail, the special random number memory means 2914 has four first special reserve memory areas, namely, first special reserve memory area 1 to first special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired first special random number values, and four second special reserve memory areas, namely, second special reserve memory area 1 to second special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired second special random number values, and one special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the first special random number value or second special random number value read from first special reserve memory area 1 or second special reserve memory area 1 and used in the special lottery until the varying and stopping display of the first special pattern or second special pattern ends.

[0076] Then, when the special lottery means 230 acquires the random number value for the special lottery based on the detection signal being input from the first start winning port sensor 106, if the first special random number value is not stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for the special lottery as the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1. Then, at the time the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the first special random number value or the second special random number value is not stored in the special reserve memory area, and the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, and the game state is not a special game state, the special lottery means 230 immediately reads out the first special random number value from the first special reserve memory area 1, performs a special lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special lottery in the special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the first special pattern or the second special pattern is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., if the first special random number value or the second special random number value is stored in the special reserve memory area, or if the second special random number value is stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, or if the game state is a special game state, the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1.

[0077] 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 entry port sensor 106 to obtain a random number value for a special lottery, the special lottery means 230 stores the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 that has the smallest ordinal number and 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 areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the first special reserve number is less than four.

[0078] Furthermore, when the special lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for a special lottery based on the input of a detection signal from the second start winning port sensor 107, if the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for the special lottery as a second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area 1. Then, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the first special random number value or the second special random number value is not stored in the special reserve memory area, and the game state is not a special game state, the special lottery means 230 immediately reads out the second special random number value from the second special reserve memory area 1, performs a special lottery, and stores the second special random number value used in the special lottery in the special reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, that is, when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is stored in the special reserve memory area, or when the game state is a special game state, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1.

[0079] Then, 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 entry port sensor 107 to obtain a random number value for a special lottery, the special lottery means 230 stores the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which the second special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of second special random number values ​​reserved in the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., the second special reserve number is less than four.

[0080] Then, when the variable display and stationary display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol ends, the special lottery means 230 erases the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special reservation memory area. Then, if the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, the special lottery means 230 reads the first special random number value from the first special reservation memory area 1, performs a special lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special lottery in the special reservation memory area, on the condition that the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4 and the game state is not a special game state. On the other hand, when the second special random number value is stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, even if the first special random number value is stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, a special lottery is performed, and the second special random number value obtained by the special lottery is stored in the special reserve memory area, provided that the gaming state is not a special gaming state. That is, in the first embodiment, the second special random number value is consumed with priority over the first special random number value.

[0081] 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 conduct a special lottery. In other words, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be read out in the order in which the gaming balls enter the first start winning slot 46 or the second start winning slot 50 to conduct a special lottery.

[0082] Then, 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 the special reserve memory area with the next smaller ordinal number. 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 3 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 3 is moved to each of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 2.

[0083] In this way, in the special random number memory means 2914, the first special random number value or the second special random number value for which a special lottery has been held is held in the special holding memory area up to a maximum of one, the first special random number value for which a special lottery has not been held is held in the first special holding memory area 1 to the first special holding memory area 4 up to a maximum of four, and the second special random number value for which a special lottery has not been held is held in the second special holding memory area 1 to the second special holding memory area 4 up to a maximum of four.

[0084] The special lottery will be described in detail below. The special lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random number values, such as a jackpot determination random number value, a symbol determination random number value, a fluctuation group determination random number value, a first fluctuation pattern determination random number value, and a second fluctuation pattern determination random number value, as random number values ​​for the special lottery based on the detection signal input from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port sensor 107, 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 lottery means 230 performs a jackpot determination process, a symbol determination process, a fluctuation group determination process, a first fluctuation pattern determination process, a second fluctuation pattern determination process, and the like as the special lottery.

[0085] The jackpot determination process is a process for determining whether a jackpot or a small jackpot has occurred by reading out one jackpot determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914. Here, one jackpot determination random number value is obtained from 65,536 jackpot determination random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port 107, 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.

[0086] In the jackpot determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of jackpot lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to in performing the random number determination process, depending on whether the one jackpot determination random number value that was read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0087] In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a jackpot lottery table A and a jackpot lottery table B as shown in Fig. 6. In each jackpot lottery table, a jackpot or a small jackpot is associated with each of 65,536 jackpot determination random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535. In detail, in the jackpot lottery table A, the correspondence relationship between a jackpot or a loss and a jackpot determination random number value from 0 to 65535 is set so that a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1 / 199 and a loss with a probability of about 198 / 199, and in the jackpot lottery table B, the correspondence relationship between a jackpot, a small win, or a loss and a jackpot determination random number value from 0 to 65535 is set so that a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1 / 199, a small win with a probability of about 2 / 199, and a loss with a probability of about 196 / 199.The special lottery means 230 selects the jackpot lottery table A when one read-out jackpot determination random number value is stored as a first special random number value, and selects the jackpot lottery table B when one read-out jackpot determination random number value is stored as a second special random number value.

[0088] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected jackpot lottery table and determines whether the one read jackpot determination random number value is associated with a jackpot or a small jackpot, thereby determining whether a jackpot or a small jackpot has been won.

[0089] If a big win is won, the special lottery means 230 sets the big win flag to ON in the flag storage means 2916, and if a small win is won, the special lottery means 230 sets the small win flag to ON in the flag storage means 2916, and if a loss occurs, the special lottery means 230 sets the big win flag and the small win flag to OFF.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores six sets of jackpot lottery tables A to B, each with a different probability of winning a jackpot, in association with the six setting values ​​(setting 1 to setting 6) and no setting. If the gaming state at the time of performing the jackpot determination process is the normal state or the time-saving state, the special lottery means 230 selects one of the jackpot lottery tables A to B corresponding to the setting value based on the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 2905.

[0091] In detail, in jackpot lottery tables A to B corresponding to settings 1 to 6, the correspondence between jackpots and random numbers is set so that the higher the setting value, the higher the probability of winning a jackpot, that is, the probability of winning a jackpot increases in the order of setting 6 > setting 5 > ... > setting 1. In addition, jackpot lottery tables A to B corresponding to no setting are common to jackpot lottery tables A to B corresponding to setting 1.

[0092] Note that the jackpot lottery tables A to B shown in Figure 6, in which the probability of winning a jackpot is set to approximately 1 / 199, are the jackpot lottery tables A to B that are selected when the setting value is setting 1 or no setting, and although not shown, the jackpot lottery tables A to B that are selected when the setting value is setting 6 have the probability of winning a jackpot set to approximately 1 / 149.

[0093] The pattern determination process is a process that is performed when a jackpot or small jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, and involves reading out one pattern determination random number value contained in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, and if a jackpot is won, determining whether the jackpot pattern (type of jackpot) will be jackpot pattern A, jackpot pattern B, jackpot pattern C, or jackpot pattern D, and determining whether the small jackpot pattern (type of small jackpot) will be small jackpot pattern A, small jackpot pattern B, or small jackpot pattern C. Here, one pattern determination random number value is obtained from 100 pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 based on the detection signal input from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port sensor 107, 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.

[0094] In the symbol determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in the random number determination process, depending on whether the read symbol determination random number value was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value. In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores symbol lottery tables A to C as shown in FIG.

[0095] In detail, the pattern lottery table 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 jackpot pattern A, jackpot pattern B or jackpot pattern C and the random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that the probability of winning the jackpot pattern A is 47 / 100, the probability of winning the jackpot pattern B is 16 / 100, and the probability of winning the jackpot pattern C is 37 / 100.

[0096] Furthermore, the pattern lottery table B is selected when a jackpot is won and one of the read pattern determination random numbers is stored as the second special random number, and the correspondence between the jackpot pattern D and the random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that the jackpot pattern D is won with a probability of 100 / 100.

[0097] In addition, the pattern lottery table C is selected when a small win is won, and the correspondence between the small win pattern A, small win pattern B or small win pattern C and a random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that the small win pattern A is won with a probability of 27 / 100, the small win pattern B is won with a probability of 23 / 100, and the small win pattern C is won with a probability of 50 / 100.

[0098] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected symbol lottery table and determines whether the read-out symbol determination random number value corresponds to one of a plurality of types of big win symbols or a plurality of types of small win symbols, thereby determining which of a plurality of types of big win symbols or a plurality of types of small win symbols has been won.

[0099] Then, the special lottery means 230 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning big winning symbol or small winning symbol to the ON state in the flag storage means 2916.

[0100] The variable group determination process is a process performed when the jackpot determination process is a miss, and is a process of reading out one variable group determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area 1 or the second special reservation memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, and determining which of group 0 to group 5 the variable group to which the variable pattern of the first special symbol or the second special symbol belongs. Here, one variable group determination random number value is obtained from 100 variable group determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port sensor 107, 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.

[0101] In the variable group determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of variable group lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to when performing the random number determination process, depending on the number of reservations, which is the sum of the first special reservation number and the second special reservation number, and the game status at the time when the variable group determination process is performed.

[0102] In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores variable group lottery tables A to D as shown in Fig. 7. In each variable group lottery table, one of groups 0 to 5 is associated with each of 100 variable group determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99. The special lottery means 230 selects variable group lottery table A when the gaming state at the time of performing the variable group determination process is normal and the number of reserved balls is 0 to 1, selects variable group lottery table B when the gaming state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 2 to 3, selects variable group lottery table C when the gaming state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 4 to 7, and selects variable group lottery table D under predetermined conditions when the gaming state is a time-shortened state.

[0103] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected variable group lottery table and determines which of the multiple types of variable groups the one variable group determination random number value that has been read out corresponds to, thereby determining one variable group from the multiple types of variable groups.

[0104] Therefore, in the variable group determination process, if the game state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 0 to 1, one of group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 5 is determined, if the game state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 2 to 3, one of group 1, group 2, group 3, group 4 and group 5 is determined, if the game state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 4 to 7, one of group 1, group 2, group 4 and group 5 is determined, and if the game state is time-saving, one of group 0, group 4 and group 5 is determined regardless of the number of reserved balls.

[0105] The first variation pattern determination process is a process of reading out one first variation pattern determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area 1 or the second special reservation memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, and determining which of a plurality of first half variation patterns the first half variation pattern corresponding to the first half part (first part) of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol should be. Here, one first variation pattern determination random number value is obtained from 100 first variation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port sensor 107, 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.

[0106] In the first variation pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of first variation pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in performing the random number determination process in accordance with the variation group determined in the variation group determination process if the jackpot determination process results in a miss, and in accordance with the game status at that time and the pattern determined in the pattern determination process in accordance with the game status at that time if a jackpot or small jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process.

[0107] In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores first variation pattern lottery tables A to I as shown in Figures 8 and 9. In each first variation pattern lottery table, one of the first variation pattern no first variation pattern and first variation pattern 1 to first variation pattern 7 is associated with each of the 100 first variation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 as a plurality of types of first half variation patterns.

[0108] If the special lottery means 230 loses and group 1 is determined, it selects the first variation pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 8, if the special lottery means 230 loses and group 2 is determined, it selects the first variation pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 8, if the special lottery means 230 loses and group 3 is determined, it selects the first variation pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 8, if the special lottery means 230 loses and group 4 is determined, it selects the first variation pattern lottery table D shown in Figure 8, if the special lottery means 230 loses and group 5 is determined, it selects the first variation pattern lottery table E shown in Figure 8, and if the special lottery means 230 loses and group 0 is determined, it selects the first variation pattern lottery table F shown in Figure 8.

[0109] In addition, if a jackpot is won in the normal state and jackpot pattern A or jackpot pattern B is determined, the first variation pattern lottery table G shown in Figure 9 is selected, if a jackpot is won in the normal state and jackpot pattern C is determined, the first variation pattern lottery table H shown in Figure 9 is selected, and if a jackpot or small jackpot is won in the time-saving state, the first variation pattern lottery table I shown in Figure 9 is selected.

[0110] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected first variation pattern lottery table and determines which of the multiple types of first half variation patterns the read-out one first variation pattern determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining one first half variation pattern from the multiple types of first half variation patterns.

[0111] Therefore, in the first fluctuation pattern determination process, if there is a miss, either no first half fluctuation pattern or one of first half fluctuation patterns 1 to 7 shown in Figure 8 is determined, if a jackpot is won in the normal state and jackpot pattern A or jackpot pattern B is determined, one of first half fluctuation patterns 5 to 7 shown in Figure 9 is determined, if a jackpot is won in the normal state and jackpot pattern C is determined, one of first half fluctuation patterns 1 to 3 shown in Figure 9 is determined, and if a jackpot or small jackpot is won in the time-saving state, one of first half fluctuation patterns 5 to 7 shown in Figure 9 is determined.

[0112] The second variation pattern determination process is a process of reading out one second variation pattern determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area 1 or the second special reservation memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, and determining which of a plurality of types of second variation patterns the latter variation pattern corresponding to the latter half (second part) of the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol should be. Here, one second variation pattern determination random number value is obtained from 100 second variation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning hole sensor 106 or the second start winning hole sensor 107, 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.

[0113] In the second variation pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of second variation pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in performing the random number determination process, depending on the first half variation pattern determined in the first variation pattern determination process or the result of the jackpot determination process.

[0114] In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores second variation pattern lottery tables A to H as shown in Figures 10 and 11. In each second variation pattern lottery table, one of no-reach variation patterns 1 to 3 and reach variation patterns 1 to 5 is associated with each of 100 variation group determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0115] If it is determined that there is no first half fluctuation pattern, the special lottery means 230 selects the second fluctuation pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 10, if it is determined that first half fluctuation pattern 1 is determined, it selects the second fluctuation pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 10, if it is determined that any of first half fluctuation pattern 2 to first half fluctuation pattern 4 is determined, it selects the second fluctuation pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 10, if it is a miss and first half fluctuation pattern 5 or first half fluctuation pattern 6 is determined, it selects the second fluctuation pattern lottery table D shown in Figure 10, and if it is a miss and first half fluctuation pattern 6 or first half fluctuation pattern 7 is determined, it selects the second fluctuation pattern lottery table E shown in Figure 10.

[0116] In addition, if a big hit or small hit is won and first half fluctuation pattern 5 is determined, the second fluctuation pattern lottery table F shown in Figure 11 is selected, if a big hit or small hit is won and first half fluctuation pattern 6 is determined, the second fluctuation pattern lottery table G shown in Figure 11 is selected, and if a big hit or small hit is won and first half fluctuation pattern 7 is determined, the second fluctuation pattern lottery table H shown in Figure 11 is selected.

[0117] In addition, the correspondence between the first variation pattern lottery table and the second variation pattern lottery table does not have to be a one-to-one relationship, and the correspondence between the first variation pattern lottery table and the second variation pattern lottery table may change depending on the determined variation group.

[0118] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected second variation pattern lottery table and determines whether the read one second variation pattern determination random number value corresponds to one of the multiple types of no-reach variation patterns or the multiple types of reach variation patterns, thereby determining one latter half variation pattern from the multiple types of no-reach variation patterns and the multiple types of reach variation patterns.

[0119] Therefore, in the second fluctuation pattern determination process, if a miss occurs, any one of no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 to no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 and reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5 shown in Figure 10 is determined, if a jackpot is won in the normal state and jackpot pattern A or jackpot pattern B is determined, and if a jackpot or small jackpot is won in the time-saving state, any one of reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5 shown in Figure 11 is determined, and if a jackpot is won in the normal state and jackpot pattern C is determined, any one of no-reach fluctuation pattern 2 to reach fluctuation pattern 3 shown in Figure 10 is determined.

[0120] Here, in the first embodiment, a fluctuation time is set for each of a plurality of types of first half fluctuation patterns and a plurality of types of second half fluctuation patterns, as shown in Figures 8 to 11. In detail, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, a relatively short fluctuation time of 0 to 10.5 seconds is set for first half fluctuation pattern no to first half fluctuation pattern 4 that can be determined in the first fluctuation pattern determination process in the case of a miss, and a relatively long fluctuation time of 24 to 62 seconds is set for first half fluctuation pattern 5 to first half fluctuation pattern 7 that can be determined in the first fluctuation pattern determination process in both the case of a miss and the case of a jackpot.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 10, the no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 to no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 that can be determined by the second fluctuation pattern determination process in the event of a miss are set to relatively short fluctuation times of 1 to 3 seconds, while the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5 that can be determined by the second fluctuation pattern determination process in both the event of a miss and the event of a jackpot are set to relatively long fluctuation times of 60 to 100 seconds.

[0122] Therefore, even if the result is a miss, if the second variation pattern determination process determines one of reach variation patterns 1 to 5, which has a relatively long variation time, the player can have hope of winning a jackpot.

[0123] On the other hand, in the normal state, when a jackpot is won and jackpot pattern C is determined, a relatively short fluctuation time of 1 second to 6 seconds is set for first half fluctuation pattern 1 to first half fluctuation pattern 3 that can be determined in the first fluctuation pattern determination process, as shown in Figure 9, and a relatively short fluctuation time of 1 second to 3 seconds is set for no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 to no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 that can be determined in the second fluctuation pattern determination process when any of first half fluctuation pattern 1 to first half fluctuation pattern 3 is determined, as shown in Figure 10.

[0124] Therefore, when a jackpot is won in the normal state and the jackpot pattern C is determined, a short variation time is set as the variation time of the first special pattern, so that the player can be given the impression that he has not won the jackpot.

[0125] Also, in the first embodiment, if the winning combination is a miss, the game status is normal, and the number of reserved balls is 0 to 1, the variable group determination process refers to the variable group lottery table A shown in Figure 7, and while group 3 may be determined, group 2 is more likely to be determined; therefore, the first variable pattern determination process refers to the first variable pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 8, and first half variable pattern 1, in which the variable time is set to 1 second, or first half variable pattern 2, in which the variable time is set to 3 seconds, is more likely to be determined; and the second variable pattern determination process refers to the second variable pattern lottery table B or second variable pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 10, and no-reach variable pattern 2, in which the variable time is set to 2 seconds, or no-reach variable pattern 3, in which the variable time is set to 3 seconds, is more likely to be determined.

[0126] Also, if the result is a miss, the game status is normal, and the number of reserved balls is 2 to 3, the variable group determination process refers to variable group lottery table B shown in Figure 7, and while group 2 or group 3 may be determined, group 1 is more likely to be determined; therefore, the first variable pattern determination process refers to first variable pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 8, and first half variable pattern 1, in which the variable time is set to 1 second, is more likely to be determined; and the second variable pattern determination process refers to second variable pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 10, and no-reach variable pattern 2, in which the variable time is set to 2 seconds, is more likely to be determined.

[0127] Also, if the result is a miss, the game status is normal, and the number of reserved balls is 4 to 7, the variable group determination process refers to the variable group lottery table C shown in Figure 7, and group 3 is not determined and group 1 is more likely to be determined, so the first variable pattern determination process refers to the first variable pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 8, and first half variable pattern 1, in which the variable time is set to 1 second, is more likely to be determined, and the second variable pattern determination process refers to the second variable pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 10, and no-reach variable pattern 2, in which the variable time is set to 2 seconds, is more likely to be determined.

[0128] Also, if the result is a miss and the game state is in the time-saving state, regardless of the number of reserved balls, the variable group determination process refers to the variable group lottery table D shown in Figure 7, making it easier to determine group 0, and the first variable pattern determination process refers to the first variable pattern lottery table F shown in Figure 8, making it easier to determine a no-first-half variable pattern with the variable time set to 0 seconds, and the second variable pattern determination process refers to the second variable pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 10, making it easier to determine a no-reach variable pattern 1 with the variable time set to 1 second.

[0129] Therefore, in the case of a loss, in the normal state, the more reserved numbers there are, the shorter the time period set for the first special symbol or the second special symbol to change, which increases the frequency with which the special lottery is triggered.Furthermore, in the time-saving state, regardless of the reserved number, the shorter the time period set for the first special symbol or the second special symbol to change, which increases the frequency with which the special lottery is triggered.

[0130] Furthermore, as described above, when the first special pattern or the second special pattern is not being displayed in a variable manner, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special lottery means 230 reads out the first special random number value or the second special random number value from the special random number storage means 2914 and performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, a variable group determination process, a first variable pattern determination process, a second variable pattern determination process, etc. as a special lottery, but even when storing the first special random number value or the second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914, it also performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, a variable group determination process, a first variable pattern determination process, a second variable pattern determination process, etc. as a pre-determination process (game lottery, game determination) (pre-determination means).

[0131] In detail, when the special lottery means 230 (preliminary judgment means) acquires a random number value for a special lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106 or the second start winning port sensor 107, before storing it as a first special random number value in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, or before storing it as a second special random number value in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special lottery means 230 performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, a variation group determination process, a first variation pattern determination process, and a second variation pattern determination process as a preliminary judgment process for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, depending on the game status and the number of reserves at that time.

[0132] Then, the special lottery means 230 stores the pre-determination results, including the results of each of the pre-determination processes, namely, the jackpot determination process, the pattern determination process, the variable group determination process, the first variable pattern determination process, and the second variable pattern determination process, in one of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, or in one of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, in correspondence with the first special random number value or the second special random number value that was the subject of the pre-determination process.

[0133] The special display control means 240 is a means for controlling the status display drive device 120 based on the results of the special lottery, and performs first special pattern display control processing, second special pattern display control processing, first special hold display control processing, and second special hold display control processing.

[0134] The first special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when the first special random number value is read out from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is 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 total variable time corresponding to the first half variable pattern determined in the first variable pattern determination process and the variable time corresponding to the second half variable pattern determined in the second variable pattern determination process has elapsed, and then causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

[0135] In the first embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is predetermined to correspond to each of the four types of jackpot patterns, three types of small jackpot patterns, and misses, and the special display control means 240 lights up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a mode depending on whether a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a mode depending on the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, thereby causing the first special pattern to be displayed in a stopped state, and causes the first special pattern display unit 76 to display the result of the special lottery.

[0136] The second special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when a second special random number value is read out from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is 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 80 until the total variable time corresponding to the first half variable pattern determined in the first variable pattern determination process and the variable time corresponding to the second half variable pattern determined in the second variable pattern determination process has elapsed, and then causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 in a predetermined manner.

[0137] The special display control means 240 then lights up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 80 in a manner depending on whether a big hit or a small hit has been won in the big hit determination process, and in a manner depending on the big hit pattern or small hit pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a big hit or a small hit has been won in the big hit determination process, thereby causing the second special pattern to be displayed in a static state, and causes the second special pattern display unit 80 to display the result of the special lottery.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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 flashing the two lamps of the second special hold display unit 82, depending on the number of second special random number values ​​stored in the special random number memory means 2914.

[0140] The small win game execution means 250 executes a small win game based on the result of the special lottery.

[0141] The small win game is executed based on whether small win symbol A, small win symbol B, or small win symbol C is selected in the special lottery, and the small win game execution means 250 sets a value (for example, 1) corresponding to one predetermined number of rounds for small win symbol A, small win symbol B, and small win symbol C as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and when the special role device 56 and the specific role device 68 operate in a predetermined manner during one round of small win game, an incremental update is performed to add a value (for example, 1) corresponding to one round of rounds to the stored value of the round counter 2933. When the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 1), the small win game ends.

[0142] In detail, in a small win game, the drive control of the special feature drive device 124 is performed so that the predetermined operation of the special feature 56 is such that the special feature 56 is opened and then closed when the opening timer 2934 counts 1.7 seconds. Also, the drive control of the specific feature drive device 128 is performed so that the predetermined operation of the specific feature 68 is such that the special feature 56 is opened and the specific feature 68 is opened, and then closed when the small win game ends.

[0143] Then, in one round of small win play, when the special feature 56 operates in a predetermined manner or the value of the large prize number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special feature drive device 124 and the specific feature drive device 128 is performed so that the special feature 56 and the specific feature 68 are in a closed state, and the end condition for one round is met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0144] In this way, in the first embodiment, during a small win game, the special device 56 is opened for 1.7 seconds, and the specific device 68 is maintained in the open state, so that if the game balls are continuously launched so that they enter the large prize opening 54, the game balls can enter the specific area 64 or the normal area 66.

[0145] The big win game execution means 252 executes one of the big win games A to D based on the result of the special lottery.

[0146] The jackpot game A is executed based on whether the jackpot symbol A, the jackpot symbol B, or the jackpot symbol C is selected in the special lottery, and the jackpot game execution means 252 sets a value (e.g., 3) equivalent to three rounds, which is a predetermined number of rounds, for the jackpot symbol A, the jackpot symbol B, or the jackpot symbol C, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role device 56 operates in a predetermined manner in each round. When the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 3), the jackpot game A ends.

[0147] In detail, in the jackpot game A, in the jackpot games of each of the first to third rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special accessory 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special accessory drive device 124 is performed so that the special accessory 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0148] The jackpot game B is executed based on the fact that the jackpot symbol D is won in the special lottery, and the jackpot game execution means 252 sets a value (for example, 10) equivalent to 10 times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the jackpot symbol D, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to one round number to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role device 56 operates in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 10), the jackpot game B ends.

[0149] In detail, in the jackpot game B, in the jackpot games of each of the first to tenth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special accessory 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special accessory drive device 124 is performed so that the special accessory 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0150] The jackpot game C is executed based on the detection of the entry of a game ball into the specific area 64 in a small jackpot game based on the winning of the small jackpot symbol A, small jackpot symbol B, or small jackpot symbol C in a special lottery, and the jackpot game execution means 252 sets a value (for example, 9) equivalent to 9 times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the small jackpot symbol A, small jackpot symbol B, and small jackpot symbol C, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) equivalent to one round number to the stored value of the round counter 2933 each time the special role device 56 operates in a predetermined manner in each round. When the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 9), the jackpot game C ends.

[0151] In detail, in the big win game C, the small win game is the first round, and in the subsequent big win games of each of the second to tenth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special win device 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the drive control of the special win device drive device 124 is performed so that the special win device 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition for one round is met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0152] As shown in Figure 12, the game state transition control means 260 (state control means) performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the normal state (non-time-saving state), the special game state, and the first and second time-saving states as time-saving states based on the establishment of predetermined transition conditions. The game state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are set, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0153] The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among multiple game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the special game state. In the normal state, the normal symbol variation time is long at 20 seconds, and the period during which the normal device 52 expands is short at 0.1 seconds, making it difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning slot 50. In other words, the normal state is a game state in which it is advantageous for the player to hit with the left hand.

[0154] Therefore, under normal circumstances, when a gaming ball enters the first start winning slot 46, a special lottery is conducted by referring to the jackpot lottery table A, which sets the probability of winning a jackpot at approximately 1 / 199.

[0155] Furthermore, the normal state ends when the number of times that a special lottery has been performed in the normal state reaches 950, which is a predetermined specified number of lotteries for the normal state, and the state transitions to the first time-shortening state. Specifically, when the normal state starts, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 950) corresponding to the specified number of lotteries corresponding to the normal state into the normal number counter 2940 of the main memory 290. Then, every time a special lottery is performed in the normal state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to the number of lotteries for one time from the stored value of the normal number counter 2940. Then, when the stored value of the normal number counter 2940 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0), the normal state ends and the first time-shortening state starts.

[0156] The special game state is initiated when a jackpot is won in a special lottery and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (number of executions) of jackpot games are played according to the type of jackpot symbol. The special game state is initiated when a gaming ball is detected entering the specific area 64 during a minor jackpot game and ends when a predetermined number of rounds of jackpot games are played.

[0157] In detail, if the special game state is initiated based on winning jackpot pattern A, jackpot pattern B or jackpot pattern C in a special lottery, the special game state will end when the three rounds of jackpot games from the first round to the third round are completed.

[0158] In addition, if the special game state is initiated based on winning the jackpot pattern D in the special lottery, the special game state will end when the jackpot games of 10 rounds from the 1st round to the 10th round are completed.

[0159] In addition, if a special game state is initiated based on the detection of a game ball entering a specific area 64 during a small win game, the special game state ends when the nine rounds of big win games from the second round to the tenth round are completed.

[0160] Furthermore, if the entry of a gaming ball into the specific area 64 is not detected during a small win game, the special game state is not started and the game state is maintained. Note that if the entry of a gaming ball into the specific area 64 is not detected during a small win game, the special game state may not be started and the game state may be transitioned to the normal state.

[0161] When the special game state based on the winning of the jackpot symbol B or the jackpot symbol C ends, the game state is shifted to the normal state.

[0162] The first time-saving state is entered when the special game state based on winning the jackpot symbol A ends, or when the normal state ends when the number of times a special lottery has been held in the normal state without a jackpot being won reaches 950, i.e., when the stored value of the normal count counter 2940 becomes 0, and it is possible to transition from the first time-saving state to either the special game state or the normal state.

[0163] In addition, the first time-shortened state ends and transitions to the normal state when the number of times special lotteries have been held in the first time-shortened state reaches 60, which is the predetermined number of lotteries for the first time-shortened state, or when the number of times small prizes have been won in the first time-shortened state reaches 1, which is the predetermined number of small prizes for the first time-shortened state.

[0164] In detail, when the first time-shortened state is started, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 60) corresponding to the specified number of lotteries corresponding to the first time-shortened state into the time-shortened count counter 2942 of the main memory 290, and writes a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to the specified number of small wins corresponding to the first time-shortened state into the small win count counter 2944 of the main memory 290. Then, every time a special lottery is held in the first time-shortened state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to the number of lotteries for one time from the stored value of the time-shortened count counter 2942, and every time a small win is won in the first time-shortened state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to the number of small wins for one time from the stored value of the small win count counter 2944. Then, when the stored value of the time-shortening counter 2942 reaches a threshold value (for example, 0) or the stored value of the small win count counter 2944 reaches a threshold value (for example, 0), the first time-shortening state is ended and the normal state is started.

[0165] Here, in the first embodiment, when a small win is won for the first time in the first time-saving state, the first time-saving state ends and the normal state begins at the timing when the variable display of the second special pattern begins for the special lottery in which the small win was won.

[0166] As a result, when a small win is won the first time in the first time-saving state, the small win game is played in the normal state, and the transition to the special game state is determined based on the detection of the game ball entering the specific area 64 in the normal state.

[0167] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the game state after the end of the special game state based on the detection of the game ball entering a specific area 64 in a small win game based on the winning of each small win symbol, i.e., the game state after the end of the special game state based on the winning of each small win symbol, is predetermined according to the game state when the transition to the special game state is decided.

[0168] Therefore, when a small win is won in the first time-shortened state, the game state at the time when it is decided to transition to the special game state based on the winning of each small win symbol will be the normal state, so as shown in Figure 13, if small win symbol A is won, the game state after the special game state ends will be set to the second time-shortened state, and if small win symbol B or small win symbol C is won, the game state after the special game state ends will be set to the first time-shortened state.

[0169] In other words, the first time-saving state is also initiated when the special game state based on the detection of the game ball entering the specific area 64 during a small win game based on the winning of small win pattern B or small win pattern C in the first time-saving state ends.

[0170] The second time-saving state is initiated when a special game state based on winning the big win symbol D, or a special game state based on the detection of a game ball entering a specific area 64 during a small win game based on winning the small win symbol A in the first time-saving state as described above, ends, and it is possible to transition from the second time-saving state to either the special game state or the normal state.

[0171] In addition, the second time-shortened state ends and transitions to the normal state when the number of times special lotteries have been held in the second time-shortened state reaches 120, which is the predetermined number of lotteries for the second time-shortened state, or when the number of times small prizes have been won in the second time-shortened state reaches 2, which is the predetermined number of small prizes for the second time-shortened state.

[0172] In detail, when the second time-shortened state is started, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value (e.g., 120) corresponding to the specified number of lotteries corresponding to the second time-shortened state into the time-shortened count counter 2942 of the main memory 290, and writes a value (e.g., 2) corresponding to the specified number of small wins corresponding to the second time-shortened state into the small win count counter 2944 of the main memory 290. Then, every time a special lottery is held in the second time-shortened state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to the number of lotteries for one time from the stored value of the time-shortened count counter 2942, and every time a small win is won in the second time-shortened state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to the number of small wins for one time from the stored value of the small win count counter 2944. Then, when the stored value of the time-shortening counter 2942 reaches a threshold value (for example, 0) or the stored value of the small win count counter 2944 reaches a threshold value (for example, 0), the second time-shortening state is ended and the normal state is started.

[0173] Here, in the first embodiment, even if a small win is won the first time in the second time-shortened state, the second time-shortened state is continued without being terminated, and the second time-shortened state is continued when the small win game ends without the game ball being detected entering the specific area 64, and when a small win is won the second time in the second time-shortened state, the second time-shortened state is terminated and the normal state is initiated at the timing when the variable display of the second special pattern begins for the special lottery in which the small win was won.

[0174] As a result, when a small jackpot is won the first time in the second time-shortened state, the small jackpot game is played in the second time-shortened state, and a transition to the special game state is determined based on the detection of the game ball entering the specific area 64 in the second time-shortened state.

[0175] Therefore, when a small win is won in the second time-shortened state, the game state at the time when it is decided to transition to the special game state based on the winning of each small win symbol becomes the second time-shortened state, so as shown in Figure 13, regardless of whether small win symbol A, small win symbol B or small win symbol C is won, the game state after the special game state ends is set to the second time-shortened state.

[0176] In other words, the second time-saving state is also initiated when the special game state based on the detection of the game ball entering the specific area 64 during a small win game based on the winning of small win pattern A, small win pattern B or small win pattern C in the second time-saving state ends.

[0177] In the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, the normal symbol variation time is short at 1 second, and the period during which the normal device 52 is in an expanded state is long at 2 seconds, which is advantageous to the player in that it is easier to get the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 50 than in the normal state. In other words, the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state are game states in which it is advantageous for the player to hit to the right.

[0178] Therefore, in the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, when the game ball enters the second start winning slot 50, the probability of winning a jackpot is basically set to about 1 / 199, just like in the normal state, but a special lottery is held by referring to jackpot lottery table B, which has the probability of winning a small jackpot set to about 2 / 199.

[0179] In addition, in the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, the time for the first special symbol or the second special symbol to change is set to a shorter time than in the normal state, so that the opportunity to execute the special lottery occurs more frequently than in the normal state.

[0180] In addition, in the first time-shortened state, the specified number of draws is 60, and in the second time-shortened state, the specified number of draws is 120, so the second time-shortened state is more advantageous to the player than the first time-shortened state in that the probability of winning a big or small jackpot and continuing the time-shortened state is higher.

[0181] In addition, in the first time-saving state, if a small win is won and small win pattern A is won with a probability of 27 / 100, the game state after the special game state ends will be set to the second time-saving state, and in the second time-saving state, if a small win is won, the game state after the special game state ends will be set to the second time-saving state regardless of which small win pattern is won, so the second time-saving state is more likely to set the game state after the special game state ends than the first time-saving state, which is also advantageous for the player.

[0182] In this way, in the first embodiment, even if the device is transitioned to the first time-saving state, it is unlikely to be transitioned to the second time-saving state, but once it is transitioned to the second time-saving state, it is likely to be transitioned to the second time-saving state repeatedly.

[0183] The payout control means 270 controls the payout device 130 to pay out a number of game balls equivalent to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning port sensor 106, a detection signal from the second start winning port sensor 107, a detection signal from the large winning port sensor 108, a detection signal from the first general winning port sensor 114-1, a detection signal from the second general winning port sensor 114-2, and a detection signal from the third general winning port sensor 114-3. In detail, the payout control means 270 transmits an instruction command to the payout device 130 to pay out four game balls each time the first start winning port sensor 106 detects the entry of one game ball, transmits an instruction command to the payout device 130 to pay out one game ball each time the second start winning port sensor 107 detects the entry of one game ball, transmits an instruction command to the payout device 130 to pay out ten game balls each time the large winning port sensor 108 detects the entry of one game ball, and transmits an instruction command to the payout device 130 to pay out ten game balls each time the first general winning port sensor 114-1 detects the entry of one game ball. Each time the second general winning port sensor 114-2 (corresponding to the second general winning port 47-2 and the third general winning port 47-3) detects the entry of one game ball, it sends an instruction command to the payout device 130 to pay out four game balls, and each time the third general winning port sensor 114-3 (corresponding to the fourth general winning port 47-4) detects the entry of one game ball, it sends an instruction command to the payout device 130 to pay out three game balls.

[0184] 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. In this payout device 130, a payout motor is provided in a game ball tank that stores game balls, and the payout control means 270 controls the rotation angle of the payout motor to pay out the instructed number of game balls from the game ball tank. The payout device 130 is also provided with a payout sensor 116 that is activated each time a game ball is paid out, and the payout control means 270 can manage the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 130 based on the payout signal from the payout sensor 116.

[0185] The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated according to the results of various calculations in the main board 100 to the sub-board 102. In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the main board 100 and the sub-board 102 are connected in a communication manner such that only one-way communication from the main board 100 to the sub-board 102 is possible, and information cannot be transmitted from the sub-board 102 to the main board 100.

[0186] The communication control means 280 (external signal output means) also performs processing to control the output state of external signals (specific signals) output to external devices 144, such as the hall computer 140, which is a computer that centrally manages gaming machines installed in the gaming parlor, and the data counters 142, which are individually connected to the gaming machines and display information about the gaming history of the gaming machines. Specifically, the communication control means 280 controls the output state of a pattern display signal, which notifies the hall computer 140 or the data counter 142 that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed variably or stationarily, between an on state and an off state, and controls the output state of a special game signal, which notifies the hall computer 140 or the data counter 142 that the special game state has been set, between an on state and an off state each time the special game state is set.

[0187] Each time a pattern display signal is output, the hall computer 140 and the data counter 142 update and display the number of games, which indicates the number of special lotteries on the gaming machine, and each time a special game in progress signal is output, the hall computer 140 and the data counter 142 update and display the number of jackpots, which indicates the number of times the gaming machine has been set to the special game state.

[0188] Next, we will explain the sub-board 102. The sub-board 102 is configured to include a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 310.

[0189] The performance control means 300 controls the performance display device 170 to light or blink the front frame lamp 12, the display frame lamp 38, and the right hit lamp 70, to display performance images on the LCD display 32, to control the sound device 172 to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and to drive the performance object drive device 174 to operate the performance objects, based on various commands sent from the main board 100, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the performance data storage means 3110 of the sub-memory 310, thereby controlling the performance device 176 to execute performances to liven up the game or assist the game.

[0190] In particular, the performance data storage means 3110 stores a large number of performance image data such as moving image data (animation data) and still image data for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 32, and the performance control means 300 draws an image in the frame buffer 3114 of the sub-memory 310 every frame (1 / 30 seconds) based on this performance image data, and displays the drawn image on the liquid crystal display 32, thereby displaying a performance image on the liquid crystal display 32.

[0191] The effect control means 300 performs a state effect process, a special lottery effect process, a hold display effect process, and the like as processes for making the effect device 176 execute effects.

[0192] In the status presentation process, the presentation control means 300 executes presentations that suggest to the player the current game status by moving the character image on the LCD display 32, changing the background image, or changing the presentation sound output from the speaker 14 according to the current game status, based on commands corresponding to the game status and counter value on the main board 100.

[0193] For example, when the current game state is a special game state, the presentation control means 300 causes the liquid crystal display 32 to indicate that the current game state is a special game state and to display a special game state image (special game presentation) indicating which round of jackpot game is being executed, and when the current game state is a time-shortened state, causes the liquid crystal display 32 to display a time-shortened state image indicating that the current game state is a time-shortened state.

[0194] The presentation control means 300 also lights up the right hit lamp 70 when a big win game or a small win game is being played or when the game state is in a time-saving state, and turns off the right hit lamp 70 when the big win game, the small win game or the time-saving state ends.

[0195] In the special lottery effect processing, when a preliminary determination process is performed on the main board 100, the effect control means 300 performs an effect lottery to provisionally determine the effect contents of the special lottery effect based on a command corresponding to the preliminary determination result, and when a special lottery is performed on the main board 100, the effect control means 300 performs an effect lottery to finally determine the effect contents of the special lottery effect based on a command corresponding to the result of the special lottery. Then, the effect control means 300 causes the effect device 176 to execute the special lottery effect so as to match the varying and stationary display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 76, or so as to match the varying and stationary display of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 80.

[0196] Specifically, in the special lottery effect processing, the effect control means 300 displays a background image (not shown) over the entire display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, as shown in Fig. 14(A), and displays a left effect pattern 350, a center effect pattern 352, and a right effect pattern 354 in front of the background image. Here, each of the left effect pattern 350, the center effect pattern 352, and the right effect pattern 354 includes a number portion (identification portion) showing one of a plurality of predetermined types of numbers, and a decorative portion that decorates the number portion, such as a rectangular portion surrounding the number portion. Then, although not shown, a picture of a different character is displayed in the decorative portion according to the number portion (each of the plurality of types of effect patterns corresponds to a different character).

[0197] Then, the performance control means 300, each time a first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special drawing is performed, starts the variable display of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76, or each time a second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special drawing is performed, starts the variable display of the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 80, as shown in FIG. 14(B), and then determines a jackpot in the first special drawing or the second special drawing. In a manner depending on whether a big win or small win has been won in the process, and in a manner depending on the big win or small win pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a big win or small win has been won, the left performance pattern 350, the center performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed statically, and in a manner depending on each of the multiple types of performance patterns, the background image on the liquid crystal display 32 is changed or a performance video in which a character image moves is played and displayed, thereby executing a special lottery performance depending on the type of performance pattern on the liquid crystal display 32. Note that the downward arrows in the figure indicate that the left performance pattern 350, the center performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are each being displayed changing at high speed.

[0198] In detail, in the special lottery performance processing, the performance control means 300 acquires multiple types of random number values, such as a first performance pattern determination random number value and a second performance pattern determination random number value, as random number values ​​for the performance lottery based on the input of a command corresponding to the preliminary determination result or a command corresponding to the result of the special lottery from the main board 100, and performs a first performance pattern determination process, a second performance pattern determination process, etc. as the performance lottery.

[0199] The first effect pattern determination process is a process for determining which of a plurality of first-half effect patterns should be used as the first-half effect pattern corresponding to the first half of the special lottery effect, based on the acquired single first effect pattern determination random number value. In the first effect pattern determination process, the effect control means 300 selects which of a plurality of first effect pattern lottery tables stored in the effect lottery table storage means 3112 of the sub-memory 310 to refer to in the random number determination process, according to the first-half variation pattern determined in the first variation pattern determination process.

[0200] In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, seven types of first effect pattern lottery tables, first effect pattern lottery table A to first effect pattern lottery table G, are stored in the effect lottery table storage means 3112 (not shown) corresponding to the cases where the result of the first variation pattern determination process on the main board 100 is first half variation pattern 1 to first half variation pattern 7. In each first effect pattern lottery table, one of multiple types of first half effect patterns is associated with each of 100 first effect pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 as multiple types of first half effect patterns. The effect control means 300 selects the first effect pattern lottery table A when the result of the first variation pattern determination process is first half variation pattern 1, and selects the first effect pattern lottery table B when the result of the first variation pattern determination process is first half variation pattern 2, and so on, selecting the first effect pattern lottery table corresponding to the first half variation pattern determined in the first variation pattern determination process.

[0201] The performance control means 300 then refers to the selected first performance pattern lottery table and determines which of the multiple types of first half performance patterns a single first performance pattern determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining one first half performance pattern from the multiple types of first half performance patterns.

[0202] The second effect pattern determination process is a process for determining which of a plurality of second effect patterns should be used as the second-half effect pattern corresponding to the second half of the special lottery effect, based on the acquired single second effect pattern determination random number value. In the second effect pattern determination process, the effect control means 300 selects which of a plurality of second effect pattern lottery tables stored in the effect lottery table storage means 3112 of the sub-memory 310 to refer to in the random number determination process, according to the second-half variation pattern determined in the second variation pattern determination process.

[0203] In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, eight types of second effect pattern lottery tables, second effect pattern lottery table A to second effect pattern lottery table H, are stored in the effect lottery table storage means 3112 (not shown) in correspondence with the cases where the result of the second variation pattern determination process in the main board 100 is each of no-reach variation pattern 1 to no-reach variation pattern 3 and reach variation pattern 1 to reach variation pattern 5. In each second effect pattern lottery table, one of multiple no-reach variation patterns and multiple reach variation patterns is associated as multiple types of second-half variation patterns for each of 100 second effect pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99. The effect control means 300 selects the second effect pattern lottery table A when the result of the second variation pattern determination process is no-reach variation pattern 1, and selects the second effect pattern lottery table D when the result of the second variation pattern determination process is reach variation pattern 1, thus selecting the second effect pattern lottery table corresponding to the second-half variation pattern determined in the second variation pattern determination process.

[0204] The presentation control means 300 then refers to the selected second presentation pattern lottery table and determines whether one second presentation pattern determination random number value corresponds to one of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns or the multiple types of reach presentation patterns, thereby determining one no-reach presentation pattern or one reach presentation pattern from the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns and the multiple types of reach presentation patterns.

[0205] Here, a presentation time is set for each of the multiple types of first half presentation patterns, and the presentation time of each of the first half presentation patterns that can be determined by the first presentation pattern lottery table A is set to 1 second, which is the same as the variation time of first half variation pattern 1, and the presentation time of each of the first half presentation patterns that can be determined by the first presentation pattern lottery table B is set to 2 seconds, which is the same as the variation time of first half variation pattern 2, and so on, the presentation time of each of the first half presentation patterns that can be determined by each first presentation pattern lottery table is set to the same as the variation time of the first half variation pattern corresponding to each first presentation pattern lottery table.

[0206] In addition, a presentation time is set for each of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns and multiple types of reach presentation patterns, and the presentation time of each of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns that can be determined by the second presentation pattern lottery table A is set to 1 second, which is the same as the fluctuation time of no-reach fluctuation pattern 1, and the presentation time of each of the multiple types of reach presentation patterns that can be determined by the second presentation pattern lottery table D is set to 10 seconds, which is the same as the fluctuation time of reach fluctuation pattern 1, and in this way, the presentation time of each of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns or multiple types of reach presentation patterns that can be determined by each second presentation pattern lottery table is set to the same as the fluctuation time of the no-reach fluctuation pattern or reach fluctuation pattern corresponding to each second presentation pattern lottery table.

[0207] In the special lottery effect processing, the effect control means 300 starts execution of the special lottery effect in synchronization with the start of variable display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 76 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display section 80, and executes the special lottery effect for a total effect time of the effect time according to the first half effect pattern determined in the first effect pattern determination processing and the effect time according to the second half effect pattern determined in the second effect pattern determination processing. In this way, the variable time of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 76 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display section 80 is synchronized with the effect time of the special lottery effect.

[0208] For example, if the jackpot determination process results in a miss and a no-reach presentation pattern is determined in the second presentation pattern determination process, then as the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 80 begins to change, the left presentation pattern 350, middle presentation pattern 352 and right presentation pattern 354 begin to change, as shown in Figure 14(B), and as shown in Figure 14(C), first the left presentation pattern 350 is displayed temporarily stopped in one of two ways (a way showing "5" in Figure 14(C)) so that it does not stop completely but sways slightly, and then, as shown in Figure 14(D), the right presentation pattern 354 is displayed temporarily stopped in a way different from the left presentation pattern 350 (non-reach mode).

[0209] Then, before the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 80 is displayed stopped, the middle performance pattern 352 is displayed temporarily stopped in a manner (a miss-varied manner) different from the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354, as shown in Figure 14(E), and at almost the same timing as the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 80 is displayed stopped, the middle performance pattern 352 is displayed as a definitive stop so that it has completely stopped in a manner (a miss-varied manner) different from the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354, as shown in Figure 14(F).

[0210] For example, if a jackpot or small jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, or if the jackpot determination process is a miss and a reach presentation pattern is determined in the second presentation pattern determination process, then as the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 76 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 80 begins to change, the left presentation pattern 350, middle presentation pattern 352 and right presentation pattern 354 begin to change, as shown in Figure 15(A), and as shown in Figure 15(B), first the left presentation pattern 350 is temporarily stopped and displayed, and then, as shown in Figure 15(C), while the middle presentation pattern 352 continues to change and displayed, the right presentation pattern 354 is temporarily stopped and displayed in the same manner (reach manner) as the left presentation pattern 350. Then, as shown in Figure 15 (D), playback display of the effect video corresponding to the determined reach effect pattern begins, and playback display of the effect video ends within the change time of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 76 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display section 80.

[0211] 15(D), an effect video in which character A fights character B is played back and displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, and when this effect video is played back and displayed, instead of the left effect symbol 350, the center effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, a reduced left effect symbol 360 corresponding to the left effect symbol 350, a reduced middle effect symbol 362 corresponding to the middle effect symbol 352, and a reduced right effect symbol 364 corresponding to the right effect symbol 354 are displayed in the upper right corner of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32. That is, as shown in FIG. 15(D), the reduced left effect symbol 360 and the reduced right effect symbol 364 are displayed temporarily stopped in the same manner (reach manner), while the reduced middle effect symbol 362 is displayed variably.

[0212] If a big win or a small win has been won, as shown in Figure 15 (E), a presentation video in which character A wins against character B is played back and displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, and the shrinking middle presentation pattern 362 is temporarily stopped and displayed in the same manner (winning manner) as the shrinking left presentation pattern 360 and the shrinking right presentation pattern 364 in the upper right corner of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, thereby provisionally notifying the player that a big win or a small win has been won.

[0213] Then, the animation in which character A defeats character B ends, and as shown in Figure 15 (F), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a provisionally stopped state in the center of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, and then, as shown in Figure 15 (G), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a definitively stopped state in the center of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, and a sound effect is output from the speaker 14 to notify the player that a big win or small win has been won, thereby definitively notifying the player that a big win or small win has been won.

[0214] On the other hand, if the win is a miss, as shown in Figure 15 (H), a video of character A being defeated by character B is played in the center of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, and the shrinking middle performance pattern 362 is temporarily stopped and displayed in a different manner (a reach miss manner) from the shrinking left performance pattern 360 and the shrinking right performance pattern 364 in the upper right corner of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, thereby provisionally informing the player that the win is a miss.

[0215] Then, the video of character A being defeated by character B ends, and as shown in Figure 15(I), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a provisionally stopped state in the center of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, and then, as shown in Figure 15(J), the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a definitively stopped state in the center of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, thereby definitively notifying the player that they have lost.

[0216] Here, in the special lottery presentation process, a common presentation video may be played back and displayed both when a big win or small win is won and when a loss occurs, so when the common presentation video is played back and displayed, the player's expectations for winning a big win or small win can be greatly increased.

[0217] In the first embodiment, for each of the multiple types of effects, the expected probability of winning a jackpot or small jackpot in the special lottery when each effect is executed is predetermined as the degree of possibility of winning a jackpot or small jackpot in the special lottery, and the selection rate for each of the multiple types of effects is set in the effect lottery table that is referenced when a jackpot or small jackpot is won in the special lottery and in the effect lottery table that is referenced when the special lottery is unsuccessful, so that effects with higher expected probability are more likely to be executed when a jackpot or small jackpot is won in the special lottery than effects with lower expected probability.

[0218] In this way, in the first embodiment, the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a varying manner on the liquid crystal display 32 in a performance pattern that corresponds to the type of variation of the first or second special pattern in the status display unit 71, thereby increasing the player's expectations for winning a big or small win, and the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a provisional stop state in a manner that corresponds to the result of the special lottery, and then displayed in a definitive stop state, thereby notifying the player of the result of the special lottery.

[0219] In the hold display presentation processing, the presentation control means 300 displays on the liquid crystal display 32 an image indicating the status of the first special random number value or the second special random number value held in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290 based on a command corresponding to the first special hold number or the second special hold number on the main board 100. In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 16(A), four hold display areas (display areas), namely, the first hold display area 411 to the fourth hold display area 414, are provided at the bottom of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, corresponding to the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 4 or the second special hold memory area 1 to the second special hold memory area 4 of the special random number memory means 2914, and each hold display area can display a first hold image 420 indicating in which of the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 4 the first special random number value is stored, as shown in Figure 16(A), or a second hold image 422 indicating in which of the second special hold memory area 1 to the second special hold memory area 4 the second special random number value is stored, as shown in Figure 16(B).

[0220] In detail, when the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4 but the first special random number value is stored in the first special hold memory area 1, the performance control means 300 displays the first hold image 420 in the first hold display area 411, and when the first special random number value is reserved in each of the first special hold memory area 1 and the first special hold memory area 2, the performance control means 300 displays the first hold image 420 in each of the first hold display area 411 and the second hold display area 412, and so on.When the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4, the performance control means 300 displays the first hold image 420 in each of the first hold display area 411 to the fourth hold display area 414 depending on the number of first special random number values ​​reserved in the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 4. In the example of Figure 16 (A), the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4, and the first special random number value is reserved in each of the first special hold memory area 1 to 3, so that the first hold image 420 is displayed in each of the first hold display area 411 to third hold display area 413.

[0221] In addition, regardless of whether the first special random number value is stored in any of the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4, the performance control means 300 displays a second hold image 422 in the first hold display area 411 when a second special random number value is reserved in the second special hold memory area 1, and displays a second hold image 422 in each of the first hold display area 411 and the second hold display area 412 when a second special random number value is reserved in each of the second special hold memory area 1 and the second special hold memory area 2, and so on.In other words, when a second special random number value is stored in any of the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4, the performance control means 300 displays a second hold image 422 in each of the first hold display area 411 to the fourth hold display area 414 depending on the number of second special random number values ​​reserved in the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4. In the example of Figure 16 (B), a second special random number value is reserved in each of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 2, and a second reserve image 422 is displayed in each of the first reserve display area 411 to the second reserve display area 412.

[0222] In addition, in the first embodiment, one hold display area 430 is provided in the area to the left of the first hold display area 411 at the bottom of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, corresponding to the special hold memory area of ​​the special random number memory means 2914, and the hold display area 430 displays a first hold image 420 when a first special random number value is read from the first special hold memory area 1 and stored in the special hold memory area, and a second hold image 422 when a second special random number value is read from the second special hold memory area 1 and stored in the special hold memory area.

[0223] For example, in the state shown in Figure 16 (A), when the first special random number value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1, a special lottery is performed, and the first special random number value is stored in the special reserve memory area, the performance control means 300, as shown in Figure 16 (C), moves the first reserved image 420 displayed in the first reserve display area 411 to the reserve display area 430, starts the variable display of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354, and performs display control to move the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserve display area after the second reserve display area 412 to a reserve display area with an ordinal number one smaller from the original reserve display area. As a result, it can be shown that the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserve display area 430 corresponds to the first special random number value that is the target of this special lottery, and that the first reserved image 420 displayed after the first reserve display area 411 corresponds to the first special random number value that is the target of the next or subsequent special lottery.

[0224] 16(D), when the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed as a fixed stop to display the result of this special lottery, the first special random number value stored in the special reservation memory area is erased, and the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserved display area 430 is erased. Then, when the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed, the performance control means 300, although not shown, moves the first reserved image 420 displayed in the first reserved display area 411 to the reserved display area 430, starts the variable display of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354, and performs display control to move the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserve display area from the second reserve display area 412 onwards to a reserve display area with an ordinal number one smaller from the original reserve display area.

[0225] Also, although not shown, when a plurality of second special random number values ​​are reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4, the second special random number value is read from the second special reservation memory area 1, a special lottery is performed, and the second special random number value is stored in the special reservation memory area. The performance control means 300 moves the second reserved image 422 displayed in the first reservation display area 411 to the reservation display area 430, starts the variable display of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354, and performs display control to move the second reserved image 422 displayed in the reservation display area after the second reservation display area 412 to a reservation display area with an ordinal number one smaller from the original reservation display area. As a result, the second reserved image 422 displayed in the reservation display area 430 corresponds to the second special random number value that is the target of this special lottery, and the second reserved image 422 displayed after the first reservation display area 411 corresponds to the second special random number value that is the target of the next or subsequent special lottery.

[0226] Furthermore, the performance control means 300 causes the performance device 176 to execute a look-ahead performance during the period from when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is acquired until the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol for that first special random number value or the second special random number value is completed, or during the period from when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is acquired until the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol for the first special random number value or the second special random number value acquired immediately before that first special random number value or the second special random number value is completed, depending on the result of the advance determination corresponding to the first special random number value or the second special random number value. In the first embodiment, the look-ahead performance may, for example, change the color or shape of the first reserved image 420 or the second reserved image 422 corresponding to the first special random number value or the second special random number value for which the execution of the look-ahead performance has been determined, display an effect image around the first reserved image 420 or the second reserved image 422, display an object image such as a character image, or display a special background image different from a normal background image.

[0227] Here, the presentation control means 300 performs a pre-reading presentation for the first special random number value or the second special random number value only when the pre-determination result corresponding to the first special random number value or the second special random number value determines a big hit or a small hit, or when it is a miss and a special lottery presentation is performed in a reach presentation pattern.

[0228] In detail, in the first embodiment, in each of the variable group lottery tables A to D shown in FIG. 7, among the variable group determination random number values ​​of 0 to 99, each of the 90 variable group determination random number values ​​of 0 to 89 is associated with one of groups 0 to 3 excluding group 4 and group 5, each of the 8 variable group determination random number values ​​of 90 to 97 is associated with group 4, and each of the 2 variable group determination random number values ​​of 98 to 99 is associated with group 5. Therefore, when the variable group determination random number value is any of 0 to 89, depending on the reserved number or the game state, there are cases where a no-reach variable pattern is determined and cases where a reach variable pattern is determined, and when the variable group determination random number value is any of 90 to 99, regardless of the reserved number or the game state, a reach variable pattern is always determined, and a no-reach variable pattern is never determined.

[0229] Therefore, in the first embodiment, if the special lottery means 230 fails in the pre-determination process and the fluctuation group determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value is any one of 0 to 89, it sets indefinite value information indicating that it is uncertain whether a reach fluctuation pattern will be determined as the pre-determination result, and if it is any one of 90 to 99, it sets fixed value information indicating that a reach fluctuation pattern will definitely be determined as the pre-determination result.

[0230] If the preliminary determination result is a big hit or a small hit, the performance control means 300 conducts a pre-reading performance lottery to determine whether or not to execute a pre-reading performance for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, but if the result is a miss, it determines whether or not the preliminary determination result contains fixed value information, and if it does contain fixed value information, it conducts a pre-reading performance lottery.

[0231] As a result, in the first embodiment, even if the number of reserved numbers changes between the time when the pre-determination process is performed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value and the time when the special lottery is performed for the same first special random number value or the second special random number value, when a special lottery is performed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value for which it has been determined that a pre-reading effect will be performed, the special lottery effect can be executed in a reach effect pattern even if a big hit or small hit is determined or if it is a miss.

[0232] Then, when the performance control means 300 determines to execute a pre-reading performance in the pre-reading performance lottery for the first special random number value, if there is no first special random number value among the first special random number values ​​reserved in the special reserve memory area and the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, which have been acquired before the first special random number value for which execution of the pre-reading performance has been determined, that is, a first special random number value for which the pre-determination result is a jackpot, or a first special random number value for which the pre-determination result is a miss but the pre-determination result contains fixed value information, the performance control means 300 determines that the start condition for the pre-reading performance is met and starts the pre-reading performance.

[0233] Furthermore, when it is decided in the pre-reading performance lottery to execute a pre-reading performance for the second special random number value, if there is no second special random number value among the second special random number values ​​reserved in the special reserved memory area and the second special reserved memory areas 1 to 4, which have been acquired before the second special random number value for which it has been decided to execute the pre-reading performance, that is, a second special random number value for which the pre-determination result has determined a big hit or a small hit, or a second special random number value for which the pre-determination result is a miss but the pre-determination result contains fixed value information, then the start condition for the pre-determination performance is deemed to be met and the pre-determination performance is started.

[0234] As a result, in the first embodiment, if, at the time when it is decided to execute the pre-reading effect for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, a big win or small win has been confirmed for the already reserved first special random number value or the second special random number value, if a special lottery effect is being executed in a reach effect pattern, or if it has been confirmed that a special lottery effect will be executed in a reach effect pattern, the pre-reading effect can be started after the special game state executed by the confirmed big win or small win has ended, or after the special lottery effect by the reach effect pattern that is being executed or has been confirmed to be executed has ended.

[0235] 3. Control Method of the First Embodiment The control method of the first embodiment will be described in detail below. Figures 17 and 18 are diagrams showing examples of effect images displayed on the liquid crystal display 32. In the first embodiment, when the gaming state is normal, a normal background image (not shown) is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, and although not shown in Figures 14 and 15, a rotation count display 500 (number of times display) showing the number of times a special lottery has been held, that is, the number of times the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been displayed in a stopped state since it was displayed in a variably manner, is displayed in the upper left corner of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, as shown in Figure 17(A).

[0236] In the first embodiment, when 120 seconds have passed in the customer waiting state in which the machine is waiting for the start of the variable display of the next first special pattern or second special pattern after the static display of the first special pattern or second special pattern has finished and the handle sensor that detects whether the player is touching the handle 20 is in the OFF state, it is determined that the player who had been playing up until then has left the seat, and when the demo image state in which a demo image is displayed on the LCD display 32 begins, the rotation count display 500 is reset to 0.

[0237] When the handle sensor is turned ON in the demo image state, the demo image is erased, and the left effect symbol 350, the center effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 are displayed in a fixed stopped state, and when the game state is in the normal state, the rotation count display 500 is displayed in a state showing 0. Then, a special lottery is held, and each time the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed variably and then stopped, 1 is added to the rotation count display 500. In other words, the rotation count display 500 in the first embodiment shows the rotation count in the normal state from the demo image state.

[0238] In addition, in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 17 (A), left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, and although not shown in Figures 14 and 15, reduced left performance pattern 360, reduced middle performance pattern 362 and reduced right performance pattern 364 are displayed in the upper right corner of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, and when left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed as fixed and stopped, reduced left performance pattern 360, reduced middle performance pattern 362 and reduced right performance pattern 364 are also displayed as fixed and stopped so that the combination of numbers indicated by left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 is the same as the combination of numbers indicated by reduced left performance pattern 360, reduced middle performance pattern 362 and reduced right performance pattern 364.

[0239] Then, when a special lottery is held and the first or second special pattern begins to change, the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352, and right performance pattern 354 begin to change, and the reduced left performance pattern 360, reduced middle performance pattern 362, and reduced right performance pattern 364 begin to change, as shown in Figure 17(B).

[0240] In the first embodiment, if the special lottery under normal conditions is a miss, or if the jackpot pattern C is won (if the result of the lottery is the second result), the no-reach fluctuation pattern is determined as described above, and the fluctuation time of the first special pattern is set to a short time.Therefore, after a few seconds have passed since the fluctuation display of the first special pattern began, the speed of the fluctuation display of the left performance pattern 350 gradually decreases, as shown in Figure 17(C), and when the left performance pattern 350 is displayed in a temporary stop state, as shown in Figure 17(D), the speed of the fluctuation display of the right performance pattern 354 gradually decreases, and when the right performance pattern 354 is displayed in a temporary stop state, as shown in Figure 17(E), the speed of the fluctuation display of the middle performance pattern 352 gradually decreases, as shown in Figure 17(F).

[0241] Here, if the special lottery results in a loss, although not shown, while the left and right performance symbols 350 and 354 are displayed as provisional stops showing different numbers, the center performance symbol 352 is displayed as a provisional stop in a random miss mode and then as a confirmed stop, and the reduced left performance symbol 360, the reduced middle performance symbol 362, and the reduced right performance symbol 364 are also displayed as confirmed stops in a random miss mode so that the combination of numbers shown by the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 is the same as the combination of numbers shown by the reduced left performance symbol 360, the reduced middle performance symbol 362, and the reduced right performance symbol 364. In other words, the reduced left performance symbol 360, the reduced middle performance symbol 362, and the reduced right performance symbol 364 are displayed as confirmed stops without being displayed as provisional stops. Then, 1 is added to the rotation count display 500.

[0242] On the other hand, if the jackpot pattern C is won in the special lottery, as shown in Figure 17 (G), the left performance pattern 350 is temporarily displayed in a manner indicating a 3, the right performance pattern 354 is temporarily displayed in a manner indicating an 8, and just before the middle performance pattern 352 is temporarily displayed in a manner indicating a 6, a specific icon 502 is displayed as if falling from the top center of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32.

[0243] In detail, the specific icon 502 is displayed as an image of a layer having a higher priority than the layers of the left performance pattern 350, the center performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354, but a lower priority than the layers of the reduced left performance pattern 360, the reduced middle performance pattern 362, and the reduced right performance pattern 364, and the rotation count display 500. Therefore, the specific icon 502 is displayed so as to overlap in front of the left performance pattern 350, the center performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354, but is displayed so as to overlap in back of the reduced left performance pattern 360, the reduced middle performance pattern 362, and the reduced right performance pattern 364, and the rotation count display 500.

[0244] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17(G), when the upper end of the falling specific icon 502 is not displayed, that is, just before the entire specific icon 502 is displayed, the specific icon 502 covers a part of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354, and as shown in FIG. 17(H), the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, the right performance pattern 354, and the specific icon 502 are in front of the reduced left performance pattern 360, the reduced middle performance pattern 362, and When the specific effect image 504 is displayed overlapping the reduced right performance pattern 364 and the rear side of the rotation speed display 500, the normal background image, left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352, right performance pattern 354 and specific icon 502 are no longer displayed, and then, as shown in Figure 18(A), the specific icon 502 is displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the LCD display 32 without the normal background image, left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 being displayed.

[0245] In other words, in the first embodiment, when the jackpot pattern C is won in the special lottery, the specific icon 502 is displayed so that the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are all displayed, and there is no state in which all of the specific icons 502 are displayed.

[0246] Then, as shown in Figure 18 (B), while the specific icon 502 is displayed, the first special pattern or the second special pattern is displayed stopped, and the reduced left performance pattern 360, the reduced middle performance pattern 362 and the reduced right performance pattern 364 are displayed stopped in a confirmed manner corresponding to the winning of the jackpot pattern C but in a scattered miss mode, and 1 is added to the number of rotations indicated by the rotation number display 500.

[0247] Then, the game state changes from the normal state to the special game state, and as shown in Figure 18 (C), a specific background image (not shown), which is the background image in the special game state based on the winning of the jackpot symbol C, is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, while a right hit display 506 is displayed in the upper right corner of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, instructing (notifying) the player to make a right hit, and a large prize opening display 508 is displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, instructing (notifying) the player to enter the game ball into the large prize opening 54 with the words "Aim here!" and an arrow pointing to the position of the large prize opening 54, and a number of game balls won display 510 is displayed in the lower center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, in which the number of game balls that the player can win in the special game state is displayed in the denominator and the number of game balls that the player has won in the special game state is displayed in the numerator.

[0248] Then, in a jackpot game, each time a game ball enters the big prize opening 54 and is paid out to the player, 1 is added to the number of game balls acquired by the player in the acquired number display 510, and the acquired number display 510 is updated as shown in Fig. 18(D). Then, when the jackpot game of each of the first to third rounds ends, the game state transitions from the special game state to the normal state, and as shown in Fig. 18(E), the normal background image is displayed, the rotation count display 500 is displayed without being reset, and the left performance symbol 350, the center performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in a fixed stop state corresponding to the winning of the jackpot symbol C but in a scattered miss mode.

[0249] 18(F), a left hit display 512 is displayed in the lower left corner of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, instructing (informing) the player that he should hit with his left hand, and when a special lottery is held and the variable display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol begins, the variable display of the left effect symbol 350, the center effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354, as well as the variable display of the reduced left effect symbol 360, the reduced center effect symbol 362, and the reduced right effect symbol 364 also begins. Then, when five seconds have passed since the left hit display 512 was displayed, the left hit display 512 is erased, as shown in FIG. 18(G).

[0250] In the first embodiment, when the jackpot symbol A is won in the special lottery (when the result of the lottery is the first result), and when the jackpot symbol B is won (when the result of the lottery is the third result), the reach variation pattern is determined as described above, and the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a long time. As shown in FIG. 15(C), the center performance symbol 352 remains displayed in a varying manner, and the left performance symbol 350 and the right performance symbol 354 are temporarily stopped and displayed in a reach manner. As shown in FIG. 15(D), A presentation video corresponding to the reach presentation pattern is played and displayed, and as shown in Figure 15 (F), the left presentation pattern 350, the middle presentation pattern 352 and the right presentation pattern 354 are displayed as temporarily stopped in a winning state, and then as shown in Figure 15 (G), the left presentation pattern 350, the middle presentation pattern 352 and the right presentation pattern 354 are displayed as definitely stopped in a winning state, and a sound effect informing the player that a jackpot has been won is output from the speaker 14, thereby definitively informing the player that a jackpot has been won.

[0251] In this way, in the first embodiment, when the jackpot pattern C is won in the special lottery, the no-reach fluctuation pattern is determined in the same way as when the special lottery is lost, and the fluctuation time of the first special pattern is set to a short time, and unlike when the jackpot pattern A and jackpot pattern B are won in the special lottery, the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354 are not displayed as temporarily stopped in a reach state, but a specific icon 502 is displayed, and the reduced left performance pattern 360, the reduced middle performance pattern 362 and the reduced right performance pattern 364 are displayed as definitely stopped in a scattered miss state.

[0252] In a special gaming state based on winning jackpot symbol A or jackpot symbol B, although not shown, a special background image (first effect) that is the background image of the special gaming state and a special name display that shows the name of the special gaming state, such as "XX Bonus," are displayed in the display area of ​​LCD display 32, while a round display that shows the round of the jackpot game currently being played is displayed and a count display that shows the number of game balls that have entered jackpot hole 54 in each round of jackpot game is displayed. However, in a special gaming state based on winning jackpot symbol C, a specific background image (second effect) different from the special background image is displayed, but the special name display, round display, and count display are not displayed. Note that even in a special gaming state based on winning jackpot symbol A or jackpot symbol B, right-hit display 506 and win count display 510 are displayed, but jackpot hole display 508 is not displayed.

[0253] In addition, when the normal state is entered after the special game state based on the winning of jackpot pattern B has ended, or when the normal state is entered after the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state has ended, a left-hit display 512 is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, and a left-hit sound is output from the speaker 14 instructing (notifying) the player that he or she should make a left-hit. However, when the normal state is entered after the special game state based on the winning of jackpot pattern C has ended, a left-hit display 512 is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, but a left-hit sound is not output from the speaker 14.

[0254] Furthermore, when the special game state based on winning the jackpot symbol B ends and the game transitions to the normal state, the rotation count display 500 is reset to 0, but when the special game state based on winning the jackpot symbol C ends and the game transitions to the normal state, the rotation count display 500 is not reset to 0.

[0255] In this way, in the first embodiment, when jackpot pattern C is won in a special lottery in the normal state, the effects during the changing display of the first special pattern, the effects during the special game state, and the effects after the special game state ends are executed in a manner different from when jackpot pattern A or jackpot pattern B is won in a special lottery in the normal state.

[0256] In particular, in the first embodiment, there is no state in which all areas of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed and all areas of the specific icon 502 are displayed, so that after the specific icon 502 appears just before the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are temporarily displayed, all areas of the specific icon 502 are displayed when the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are not displayed.This prevents the player from recognizing that the specific icon has been displayed just because the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a predetermined manner, giving the player the impression that the result of the special lottery is neither a miss nor a jackpot, and making the player feel as if a predetermined number of game balls have been paid out through a special game based on the display of the specific icon 502, which is different from a jackpot game.

[0257] As a result, in the first embodiment, in the special lottery for the first special random number value in the normal state, as shown in FIG. 19(A), the probability of winning a jackpot is about 1 / 199, and when a jackpot is won, the probability of winning the jackpot symbol A is 47%, the probability of winning the jackpot symbol B is 16%, and the probability of winning the jackpot symbol C is 37%. However, even if the jackpot symbol C is won with a probability of 37% when a jackpot is won, the left performance symbol 350, the center performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are not displayed in a winning state, and the specific icon 502 is displayed, so that the left performance symbol 35 0, the probability that the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 will be displayed in a winning state is approximately 1 / 316, and when the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a winning state, the probability of transitioning to the first time-saving state (second state) after the special game state ends (when the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a winning state) is approximately 75%, and the probability of transitioning to the normal state (first state) is approximately 25%, so that the player can feel as if the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1 / 316, and if a jackpot is won, the probability of winning jackpot pattern A is approximately 75%, and the probability of winning jackpot pattern B is approximately 25%.

[0258] Therefore, in the first embodiment, in the special lottery for the first special random number value in the basic state, the probability of winning a jackpot is low, but if a jackpot is won, the player can be made to feel that there is a high probability of winning jackpot pattern A, which triggers the transition to the first time-shortened state.

[0259] 4. Control Method of Second Embodiment The control method of the second embodiment will be described in detail below. The basic configuration of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, so only the configuration different from the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, when a jackpot is won in a special lottery in the normal state, the type of jackpot symbol for which the specific icon 502 is displayed changes depending on the presentation state in the normal state.

[0260] In detail, in the second embodiment, in the basic state, which is the basic presentation state in the normal state, as in the first embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 19(A), when the jackpot symbol C is won in the special lottery, the specific icon 502 is displayed, but when the transition to the normal state is made after the special game state based on the winning of the jackpot symbol B ends, the presentation state in the normal state is set to the all-entry state shown in Fig. 19(B) until the number of times the special lottery has been held in the normal state reaches 100, that is, until the stored value of the normal count counter 2940 reaches 850. Then, when the number of times the special lottery has been held in the normal state reaches 100, the presentation state in the normal state is set to the basic state.

[0261] As shown in Figure 19 (B), in the full entry state, in addition to when jackpot pattern C is won in the special lottery, specific icon 502 is displayed also when jackpot pattern B is won, so that when the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a winning mode, the game will always transition to the first time-saving state after the special game state ends.

[0262] In detail, in the full entry state, if the jackpot symbol A is won in the special lottery, the reach change pattern is determined and the change time of the first special symbol is set to a long time, the middle performance symbol 352 remains displayed in a changing state, the left performance symbol 350 and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed temporarily stopped in a reach state, a performance video corresponding to the reach performance pattern is played and displayed, and after the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352 and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed temporarily stopped in a winning state, they are displayed as confirmed stopped, and a sound effect informing the player that a jackpot has been won is output from the speaker 14, thereby definitively informing the player that a jackpot has been won.

[0263] Also, in the full entry state, if the jackpot pattern B or jackpot pattern C is won in the special lottery, the no-reach fluctuation pattern is determined in the same way as when the special lottery is lost, and the fluctuation time of the first special pattern is set to a short time, and the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354 are not displayed as temporary stops in a reach state, and a specific icon 502 is displayed, and the reduced left performance pattern 360, the reduced middle performance pattern 362 and the reduced right performance pattern 364 are displayed as fixed stops in a scattered miss state.

[0264] In the special game state based on winning jackpot symbol A in the full entry state, the special background image, right hit display 506, number of wins display 510, special name display, round display, and count display are displayed, but the specific background image and big prize slot display 508 are not displayed, but in the special game state based on winning jackpot symbol B or jackpot symbol C in the full entry state, the specific background image, right hit display 506, big prize slot display 508, and number of wins display 510 are displayed, but the special background image, special name display, round display, and count display are not displayed.

[0265] In addition, when the special game state based on winning the jackpot symbol B in the full entry state is ended and the state transitions to the normal state, the left hit display 512 is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, but the left hit sound is not output from the speaker 14 and the number of rotations display 500 is not reset to 0.

[0266] As a result, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19(B), in the special lottery for the first special random number value in the full entry state, the probability of winning a jackpot is set to about 1 / 199, and when a jackpot is won, the probability of winning jackpot symbol A is set to 47%, the probability of winning jackpot symbol B is set to 16%, and the probability of winning jackpot symbol C is set to 37%. However, even if the jackpot symbol B or the jackpot symbol C is won with a probability of 53% when a jackpot is won, the left performance symbol 350, the center performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in a winning state. By displaying specific icon 502 without the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 being displayed in a winning state, the probability that the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 will be displayed in a winning state is approximately 1 / 423, and when the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a winning state, the probability of transitioning to the first time-saving state after the end of the special game state is 100%, so that the player can feel as if the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1 / 423 and that the probability of winning jackpot pattern A if a jackpot is won is 100%.

[0267] Therefore, in the second embodiment, in the special lottery for the first special random number value in the full entry state, the probability of winning a jackpot is even lower than in the basic state, but if a jackpot is won, the player can feel that the jackpot pattern A, which triggers the transition to the first time-shortened state, will definitely be won.

[0268] In the second embodiment, when the special game state based on the winning of the jackpot symbol C is terminated and the state is shifted to the normal state, the presentation state in the normal state is set to the no-charge state shown in Fig. 19(C) until the number of times the special lottery has been performed in the normal state reaches 100, that is, until the stored value of the normal count counter 2940 reaches 850. Then, when the number of times the special lottery has been performed in the normal state reaches 100, the presentation state in the normal state is set to the basic state.

[0269] As shown in Figure 19 (C), in the no-charge state, regardless of whether any of jackpot patterns A to C is won in the special lottery, the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a winning state, and the specific icon 502 is not displayed.

[0270] In detail, in the uncharged state, regardless of which of jackpot patterns A to C is won in the special lottery, the reach change pattern is determined and the change time of the first special pattern is set to a long time, the middle performance pattern 352 remains displayed in a changing state, the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed temporarily stopped in a reach state, a performance video corresponding to the reach performance pattern is played and displayed, and after the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed temporarily stopped in a winning state, they are displayed as confirmed stopped, and a sound effect informing the player that a jackpot has been won is output from the speaker 14, thereby definitively informing the player that a jackpot has been won.

[0271] In the special game state based on winning any of the jackpot patterns A to C in the uncharged state, the special background image, right hit display 506, number of wins display 510, special name display, round display, and count display are displayed, but the specific background image and big prize slot display 508 are not displayed.

[0272] In addition, when the special game state based on winning the jackpot pattern B or the jackpot pattern C in the uncharged state is ended and the state transitions to the normal state, the left-hit display 512 is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, the left-hit sound is output from the speaker 14, and the rotation count display 500 is reset to 0.

[0273] As a result, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19(C), in the special lottery for the first special random number value in the uncharged state, the probability of winning a jackpot is set to about 1 / 199, the probability of winning jackpot symbol A when a jackpot is won is 47%, the probability of winning jackpot symbol B is 16%, and the probability of winning jackpot symbol C is 37%. However, when a jackpot is won, no matter which of jackpot symbols A to C is won, the left performance symbol 350, the center performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are all set. By displaying these symbols in a winning mode, the probability that the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 will be displayed in a winning mode is approximately 1 / 199, and when the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a winning mode, the probability that the game will transition to the first time-saving mode after the special game mode ends is 47%, so the player can feel that the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1 / 199, and that when a jackpot is won, the probability of winning jackpot pattern A is 47%.

[0274] Therefore, in the second embodiment, in the special lottery for the first special random number value in the no-charge state, the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than in the basic state, but the player can be made to feel that the probability of winning jackpot pattern A, which triggers the transition to the first time-shortened state if a jackpot is won, is lower than in the basic state.

[0275] In the second embodiment, when the state transitions to the normal state after the end of the first time-shortening state or the second time-shortening state, the presentation state in the normal state is set to the full charge state shown in Fig. 19(D) until the number of times the special lottery has been performed in the normal state reaches 100, that is, until the stored value of the normal count counter 2940 reaches 850. Then, when the number of times the special lottery has been performed in the normal state reaches 100, the presentation state in the normal state is set to the basic state.

[0276] As shown in Figure 19 (D), in the fully charged state, if any of jackpot patterns A to C is won in the special lottery, a specific icon 502 will be displayed, and the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 will not be displayed in a winning state.

[0277] In detail, in the fully charged state, regardless of whether any of jackpot patterns A to C is won in the special lottery, the no-reach fluctuation pattern is determined, and the fluctuation time of the first special pattern is set to a short time, and the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354 are not displayed as temporarily stopped in a reach state, and a specific icon 502 is displayed, and the reduced left performance pattern 360, the reduced middle performance pattern 362 and the reduced right performance pattern 364 are displayed as definitely stopped in a scattered miss state.

[0278] Then, in the special game state based on winning any one of jackpot symbols A to C in the fully charged state, the specific background image, right-hit display 506, big prize slot display 508, and number of wins display 510 are displayed, but the special background image, special name display, round display, and count display are not displayed. However, when the first to third rounds of jackpot games are executed in the special game state based on winning jackpot symbol A in the fully charged state, an effect is executed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32 to notify that the game state will be shifted to the first time-shortened state.

[0279] In addition, when the special game state based on winning the jackpot pattern B or the jackpot pattern C in the fully charged state is ended and the state transitions to the normal state, the left hit display 512 is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, but the left hit sound is not output from the speaker 14 and the number of rotations display 500 is not reset to 0.

[0280] As a result, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19(D), in the special lottery for the first special random number value in the fully charged state, the probability of winning a jackpot is about 1 / 199, and when a jackpot is won, the probability of winning jackpot pattern A is 47%, the probability of winning jackpot pattern B is 16%, and the probability of winning jackpot pattern C is 37%. However, even if any of the jackpot patterns A to C is won with a 100% probability when a jackpot is won, the left performance pattern 350, the center performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern By displaying specific icon 502 without 354 being displayed in a winning state, the probability that left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 will be displayed in a winning state is 0, but when specific icon 502 is displayed, the probability of transitioning to the first time-saving state after the special game state ends is 47%, so that the player can feel as if the probability of winning a jackpot is 0, but the probability of transitioning to the first time-saving state is 47% when specific icon 502 is displayed.

[0281] Therefore, in the second embodiment, in the special lottery for the first special random number value in the fully charged state, the probability of winning a jackpot is 0, but when the specific icon 502 is displayed, the player can be made to feel that the probability of transitioning to the first time-saving state is higher than in other presentation states.

[0282] 5. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and modifications are introduced below. Note that the above-described embodiment and the various methods described below as modifications can be appropriately combined and adopted as a control method for realizing the present invention.

[0283] First, in the first and second embodiments, when a specific icon 502 is displayed, the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 may be temporarily stopped and displayed in a scattered miss mode, and then a specific effect image 504 may be displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, and then the specific icon 502 may appear from the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32.

[0284] In this case, the specific effect image 504 is displayed overlapping the front side of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 so that the specific effect image 504 covers at least the entire area of ​​the middle performance pattern 352, and then the specific icon 502 begins to appear, and until the display of the specific icon 502 is completed, at least the entire area of ​​the middle performance pattern 352 is hidden by the specific effect image 504 or the specific icon 502, so that there is no state in which all areas of the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed and yet all areas of the specific icon 502 are displayed.

[0285] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, when a specific icon 502 is displayed, the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354 are temporarily stopped and displayed in a non-reach state, and then the specific icon 502 is temporarily stopped and displayed as the middle performance pattern 352, and the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are fixedly stopped and displayed, and then a transition to a special game state is made.

[0286] In this case, even when the special game state is entered, the special background image or specific background image is not displayed, and the normal background image, the specific icon 502 as the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 continue to be displayed, while the right hit display 506 and the number of wins display 510 are displayed so as to overlap in front of the normal background image, the left performance pattern 350, the specific icon 502 as the middle performance pattern 352, and part of the area of ​​the right performance pattern 354, so that the right hit display 506 and the number of wins display 510 cover the normal background image, the left performance pattern 350, the specific icon 502 as the middle performance pattern 352, and part of the area of ​​the right performance pattern 354.

[0287] In this case, when the special game state ends and transitions to the normal state, the right hit display 506 and the number of wins display 510 will no longer be displayed, and the normal background image, the specific icon 502 as the left performance pattern 350, the center performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 may be displayed in a confirmed stopped state.

[0288] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, when the specific icon 502 is displayed, while the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a temporarily stopped state in a reach mode, before the middle performance pattern 352 is displayed in a temporarily stopped state, a character image may be displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, and then the specific icon 502 may appear from the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32.

[0289] In this case, the character image is displayed overlapping the front side of the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 so that the character image covers all areas of the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354, and then the specific icon 502 begins to appear, and until the display of the specific icon 502 is completed, all areas of the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are hidden by the character image or the specific icon 502, so that there is no state in which all areas of the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed and yet all areas of the specific icon 502 are displayed.

[0290] In this case, when the special game state ends and transitions to the normal state, the specific background image will no longer be displayed, and the normal background image, left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 may be displayed in a confirmed stopped state in a reach miss mode.

[0291] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, when a specific icon 502 and a right performance pattern 354 as the left performance pattern 350 and the middle performance pattern 352 are displayed as a confirmed stop, or when a specific icon 502 is displayed after the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed as a temporary stop in a reach state, the reduced left performance pattern 360, the reduced middle performance pattern 362 and the reduced right performance pattern 364 may be displayed as a confirmed stop so that the combination of numbers indicated by the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 is different from the combination of numbers indicated by the reduced left performance pattern 360, the reduced middle performance pattern 362 and the reduced right performance pattern 364.

[0292] In this case, a single-digit reduced performance pattern may be displayed instead of the reduced left performance pattern 360, the reduced middle performance pattern 362 and the reduced right performance pattern 364, and the reduced performance pattern may be displayed as a fixed stop so that the numbers indicated by the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 are different from the numbers indicated by the reduced performance pattern.

[0293] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, in the special game state entered when the specific effect image 504 is displayed, the large prize opening display 508 may not be displayed, or the count display may not be displayed but the round display may be displayed, or the count display may be displayed but the round display may not be displayed.

[0294] In the first and second embodiments, when a transition to the normal state occurs after the end of a special game state based on the winning of jackpot symbol B, the state may be set to the no-charge state or the full-charge state. Also, when a transition to the normal state occurs after the end of a special game state based on the winning of jackpot symbol C, the state may be set to the full-entry state or the full-charge state. Also, when a transition to the normal state occurs after the end of a first time-shortening state or a second time-shortening state, the state may be set to the full-entry state or the no-charge state.

[0295] In the first and second embodiments, at least one of the full charge state, the no charge state, and the full charge state may be set as the presentation state in the normal state.

[0296] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, at least one of the presentation states among the full entry state, no charge state, and full charge state may have a different number of times the special lottery, which is the termination condition, is held than the other presentation states, or may continue until the normal state ends.

[0297] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, when the number of times special lotteries have been held in the normal state reaches a predetermined number, the state may be set to either a full entry state, a no charge state, or a full charge state, or based on the results of a predetermined lottery, the state may be set to either a full entry state, a no charge state, or a full charge state.

[0298] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, if the jackpot pattern for which the specific icon 502 is displayed is won in a special lottery, and if the pending first special random number value contains a pre-determined jackpot pattern in which the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a winning mode, the specific icon 502 may not be displayed, but the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 may be displayed in a winning mode, and an effect may be executed to notify the player that they will be transitioning to a special special game state corresponding to two special game states, or the specific icon 502 may be displayed while transitioning to the previous special game state, and then an effect may be executed to notify the player that they will be transitioning to a special special game state corresponding to the second special game state.

[0299] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, if the jackpot pattern for which the specific icon 502 is displayed is won in a special lottery and the pending first special random number value has a pre-determined result that the jackpot pattern for which the specific icon 502 is displayed is won, the specific icon 502 may not be displayed and a special specific icon corresponding to two special game states may be displayed, or after transitioning to the previous special game state while the specific icon 502 is displayed, an effect may be executed to notify that the player will be transitioned to a special special game state corresponding to the second special game state.

[0300] In the first and second embodiments, the normal number of times, which is the number of times the special lottery is held in the normal state, may not be set in advance as a specified number of times.

[0301] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, when a small win is won in the first time-shortening state, the first time-shortening state may be ended and the normal state may be started at a timing after the timing at which the variable display of the second special pattern for the special lottery in which the small win was won begins, but before the small win game starts.

[0302] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, even if the jackpot pattern for which the specific icon 502 is displayed is won in a special lottery, the reach fluctuation pattern may be determined so that the fluctuation time of the first special pattern may be set to a long time.

[0303] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the jackpot pattern E may be won in a special lottery for the first special random number value, and when the jackpot pattern E is won, three rounds of jackpot play may be executed, and then the game state may be transitioned to the second time-shortened state.

[0304] In this case, when the jackpot pattern E is won, the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352 and the right performance pattern 354 may be displayed in a jackpot mode, or a specific icon 502 may be displayed, and an advancement performance may be executed to notify that the game state will be transitioned to the second time-saving state.

[0305] In addition, in the first and second embodiments, even in a special game state based on the jackpot pattern for which the specific icon 502 is displayed being won in a special lottery, a special background image, right-hit display 506, number of wins display 510, special name display, round display, and count display may be displayed.

[0306] In addition, the first and second embodiments may be applied to so-called managed gaming machines that circulate gaming balls within the machine by managing the number of gaming balls owned by a player as numerical data, without physically lending or paying out gaming balls to the player. [Explanation of symbols]

[0307] 2 outer frame, 4 playing area, 6 playing board, 8 glass unit, 10 front frame, 12 front frame lamp, 14 speaker, 16 upper tray, 18 payment outlet, 20 handle, 22 supply port, 24 bottom tray, 26 performance button, 28 outer rail, 30 inner rail, 32 LCD display, 34 display frame, 36 production unit, 38 display frame lamp, 40 opening, 42 aisle, 44 Stage, 46 First starting entry gate, 48 Passing gate, 50 Second starting entry gate, 52 ordinary roles, 54 large prize entrance, 56 special roles, 64 specific areas, 66 normal areas, 68 Specific role, 69 Out mouth,

Claims

1. A gaming machine having a gaming area in which gaming media move, a game control means for progressing the game in accordance with the result of the lottery; A performance control means for controlling the performance of a game is provided, The gaming area includes: a first region and a second region; The game control means transitioning a gaming state between a plurality of gaming states including a first state and a second state that is more advantageous to the player than the first state; When the result of the lottery is a first result or a second result, a specific game is executed in which the game medium can enter a predetermined area provided in the second area; When the result of the lottery is the first result, transition to the second state when the specific game ends, and transition to the first state when the second state ends; If the result of the lottery is the second result, transition to the first state when the specific game ends; The performance control means A plurality of effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner according to the result of the lottery, When the result of the lottery is the first result, the plurality of performance symbols are variably displayed and then stopped and displayed in a specific manner; when the second state is ended and a transition is made to the first state, an instruction display instructing to move a gaming medium to the first area is displayed, and an instruction sound instructing to move a gaming medium to the first area is output; When the result of the lottery is the second result, the multiple performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and then a specific display is displayed, and when the specific game is completed and the first state is entered, the instruction display is displayed but the instruction sound is not output.

2. In claim 1, The game control means When the result of the lottery is the third result, the specific game is executed, and when the specific game is finished, the state is shifted to the first state; The performance control means When the result of the lottery is the third result, the multiple performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and then the multiple performance symbols are displayed in a stopped state in the specific manner, and when the specific game ends and the transition to the first state is made, the instruction display is displayed and the instruction sound is output.

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