Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can increase an interest of a game, and can secure a fair game.SOLUTION: The number of times of probability variations and the auxiliary number of times which are set after a finish of a special game state are set in advance according to a kind of a jackpot symbol and a game state when a jackpot is won. As a game state that the special game state is liable to be repeated, a probability that the special game state is repeated becomes equal to that of a particular state in a second probability variation state while making the particular state and the second probability variation state exist, on the other hand, in a view point that the jackpot is won one time or more, and the game is transited to the particular state once again, the second probability variation state is set so as to be in a game state which is further advantageous to a player rather than the particular state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) that has a gaming area in which a gaming ball (gaming medium) moves and launches the gaming ball into the gaming area in response to the player's operation. This type of gaming machine has a start winning hole as a detection area for detecting the gaming ball in the gaming area, and when the entry of the gaming ball into the start winning hole is detected, a random number value is acquired and stored in a storage means, and a gaming lottery is performed to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won using the random number values ​​stored in the storage means in a predetermined order. Then, the performance display means starts to display the varying performance symbols, and if the result of the gaming lottery is a jackpot, the performance symbols are displayed in a so-called reach mode and then stopped and displayed in a jackpot mode, and the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state. In the special game state, a predetermined number of rounds of play are executed, and in each round of play, a special device provided in the game area is operated so that the big prize opening is opened, and a game ball is paid out every time the game ball enters the big prize opening.

[0003] In this type of gaming machine, after the special gaming state ends, the machine transitions to a time-saving state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low but it is easier for the gaming ball to enter the starting winning hole, and when the number of gaming lotteries held in the time-saving state reaches a predetermined number, the machine transitions to the normal state (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-050678 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In this type of gaming machine, the number of times the game lottery is held in the time-saving state is set to about 100 times, but since the probability of winning a jackpot in the time-saving state is low, it is rare for a jackpot to be won in the time-saving state.

[0006] In addition, this type of gaming machine is provided with a handle for operating to launch the gaming balls, but if a strong force is applied to the handle when moving the gaming machine, the handle may not operate normally, which may affect fair play.In addition, this type of gaming machine is provided with rails for guiding the launched gaming balls to the play area, but if the rails are not installed correctly, the gaming balls may not move normally, which may affect fair play.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the entertainment value of the game and ensure fair play. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) The present invention is a gaming machine having a gaming area in which a gaming medium moves, comprising: a lottery means for conducting a lottery on the condition that a gaming medium enters a predetermined area provided in the gaming area; a specific game execution means for executing a specific game on the condition that a specific result is obtained in the lottery; and a probability state that is controllable between a plurality of probability states including a first probability state in which the probability of obtaining a specific result in the lottery is high and a second probability state in which the probability of obtaining a specific result in the lottery is low, the first control state in which the gaming medium is likely to enter the predetermined area and a second control state in which the gaming medium is unlikely to enter the predetermined area. The gaming machine is characterized in that it has a state control means that can control the control state among a plurality of control states including a second control state that is not a first control state, and the state control means controls the control state to the second probability state on the condition that the number of lotteries conducted since the start of the first control state reaches a first number, and controls the control state to the second control state on the condition that the number of lotteries conducted since the start of the first control state reaches a second number that is a value greater than the first number, and the second number is a value greater than the reciprocal of the probability that a specific result will be obtained in the lottery in the second probability state.

[0009] In the present invention, even if a specific result is not obtained in a lottery in a state that is the first probability state and the first control state, it is possible to obtain a specific result in a lottery in a state that is the second probability state and the first control state, because the second number of times is a value greater than the reciprocal of the probability of obtaining a specific result in a lottery in the second probability state.

[0010] (2) In addition, the present invention may be configured so that, when a specific result is obtained in the lottery in a state which is the second probability state and the first control state, after the end of a specific game, the state control means starts a state which is the first probability state and the second control state.

[0011] In this way, even if a specific result is not obtained in a lottery in a state which is the first probability state and the first control state, it is possible to control the state to a state which is the first probability state and the second control state via a state which is the second probability state and the first control state.

[0012] (3) The present invention further includes a frame body and an operating unit rotatably supported on the frame body for operating the launching device to launch the gaming medium, the operating unit being provided with a finger hook portion for a player's finger and rotatable from an initial position to a maximum rotation position, and the finger hook portion may be configured so that at both the initial position and the maximum rotation position, the finger hook portion does not protrude downward beyond the lower edge of the door body.

[0013] In this way, the finger grip portion does not protrude below the lower edge of the frame, so that even if the gaming machine is placed on a floor or the like, the finger grip portion will not come into contact with the floor or the like, and the operating part will not be damaged. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest in gaming and ensure fair gaming. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 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. [Diagram 3] 1 is an oblique view showing the appearance of a jackpot opening of an amusement 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. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9]1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is a state transition diagram of a gaming state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specified number of times in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 1 is a front view of a handle of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a handle of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0017] 1. Configuration of the gaming machine 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this 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 the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached.

[0018] 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 number of front frame lamps 12 that output light effects to liven up the game. Additionally, speakers 14 that output sounds to liven up 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.

[0019] 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 outlet 18 for paying out game balls from the gaming machine to a player is provided on the left part of the inner side surface 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 toward the gaming machine, a launching device (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated to launch game balls into the game area 4. The launching device of this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0020] 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.

[0021] In addition, a performance button 26 (performance operation means) is provided on the front side of the edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance performed in the gaming machine changes.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, a circular outer rail 28 is provided on the game board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 in which game balls move. An arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided on the left end of the game area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and the inner rail 30 guide game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) provided below the game board 6 to the game area 4.

[0023] In addition, in the center of the game board 6, there is provided a liquid crystal display 32 (effect display means) that displays effect images and the like to liven up the game, and an effect unit 36 ​​that includes a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. And in the display frame 34, above the center of the liquid crystal display 32, there is provided a display frame lamp 38 that outputs effect light and the like to liven up the game.

[0024] In this embodiment, the game ball cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game ball launched from the launching device falls in the game area 4 on the left or right side of the liquid crystal display 32. In the game area 4, a large number of game nails (not shown) are nailed to the surface of the game board 6 so as to intersect with each other, and the moving direction of the game ball moving in the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0025] 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 liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and the game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a left passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8 through which game balls can fall downward from the stage 44, so that the game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the left passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0026] A first start winning opening 46 is provided below the center of the stage 44, into which a game 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 game ball, and is configured so that when the game ball enters, the game ball is collected inside the gaming machine, and each time a game ball enters the first start winning opening 46, a predetermined number of game balls (a prescribed number of 1 or more, for example, 3) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery (game lottery) is held to obtain a first special random number value (lottery information) and determine whether or not the player has won a jackpot (a specific result).

[0027] Further, in the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, a passing gate 48 is provided through which game balls pass without being collected inside the game machine. This passing gate 48 has a built-in sensor that detects the passing of a game ball, and every time a game ball passes through the passing gate 48, a normal lottery is performed to obtain a normal random number value (lottery information) and determine whether or not a normal win has been won. Here, in this embodiment, the passing gate 48 is provided so that game balls falling through the game area 4 on the right side pass through the passing gate 48 with a high probability.

[0028] In addition, in the right-side game area 4, below the passing gate 48, a second start winning port 50 (predetermined area) is provided, through which the game ball is collected inside the game machine when it enters. This second start winning port 50 has a built-in sensor that detects the entry of the game ball, and is provided with a normal role 52 (auxiliary means) having a movable member that blocks the second start winning port 50, and the normal role 52 is configured to be operable between a closed state (non-entry state) in which the game ball cannot enter the second start winning port 50 and an open state (entry state) in which the game ball can enter. The normal role 52 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the movable member, and is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition when a normal win is won in the normal lottery. Each time a gaming ball enters the second start winning port 50, a predetermined number of gaming balls (a prescribed number greater than or equal to 1, for example 2) are paid out to the player, and a special lottery (gaming lottery) is held to obtain a second special random number value (lottery information) and determine whether or not a jackpot has been awarded.

[0029] In addition, in the right-side game area 4, below the second start winning port 50, a large winning port 54 is provided into which game balls falling through the right-side game area 4 can enter, and into which the game balls are collected inside the game machine when they enter. This large winning port 54 has a built-in sensor that detects each game ball that enters the large winning port 54, and is provided with a special device 56 having a plate-like member that blocks the large winning port 54. The special device 56 is configured to be operable between a closed state (non-entry state) in which game balls cannot enter the large winning port 54, and an open state (entry state) in which game balls can enter. The special device 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the plate-like member, and is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in a big win game (specific game) that starts when a big win is won in a special lottery. Each time one gaming ball enters the big prize opening 54, a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, 15) are paid out to the player.

[0030] 3(A) and 3(B) are perspective views showing the large prize opening 54 with the special accessory 56 in an open state. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the large prize opening 54 of this embodiment is composed of a specific area 64 provided on the left side of the inside of the large prize opening 54 and into which the game ball can enter, and a normal area 66 provided on the right side of the inside of the large prize opening 54 and into which the game ball can enter. The specific area 64 includes a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball, and a specific accessory 68 having a plate-like member that blocks the specific area 64 is provided. The specific accessory 68 is configured to be operable between an open state (entry-enabled state) in which the game ball can enter the specific area 64 as shown in FIG. 3(A) and a closed state (non-entry state) in which the game ball cannot enter the specific area 64 as shown in FIG. 3(B). The specific accessory 68 includes a drive device such as a solenoid that operates the plate-like member, and is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition during a big win game. When the special device 56 is opened and the game ball enters the big prize opening 54, if the specific device 68 is also open, the game ball can enter the specific area 64, and if the specific device 68 is not open, the game ball cannot enter the specific area 64.

[0031] In addition, the normal area 66 incorporates a sensor that detects the entry of a game ball, but there is no plate-shaped member blocking the normal area 66, and the game ball can enter when the special device 56 is in the open state.

[0032] Therefore, when the special role 56 is in the open state and the gaming ball enters the big prize opening 54, if the specific role 68 is in the open state, the gaming ball enters the specific area 64 or the normal area 66, and if the specific role 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.

[0033] In addition, in the right game area 4, below the big prize opening 54, a right passage 68 through which game balls dropping through the right game area 4 pass is provided, and in the right passage 68, a third start prize opening 70 is provided through which the game balls are collected inside the game machine when they enter. This third start prize opening 70 has a built-in sensor that detects the entry of the game ball, and each time a game ball enters the third start prize opening 70, a predetermined number of game balls (a prescribed number of 1 or more, for example, 1) is paid out to the player, and a special lottery (game lottery) is held to obtain a second special random number value (lottery information) and determine whether or not the player has won a big prize.

[0034] In this embodiment, of the game balls falling through the right-side game area 4, all that do not enter the second start winning port 50 or the large winning port 54 pass through the right passage 52, and almost all of the game balls that pass through the right passage 52 enter the third start winning port 70.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, an outlet 72 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4 to collect game balls that fall through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning holes into the game machine.

[0036] The game ball launching device is configured so that the launching 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 4 on the right side.

[0037] Therefore, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the handle 20 depending on the game situation, and performs a left hit to launch the game ball so that it falls through the left side of the game area 4 and enters the first start winning port 46, or a right hit to launch the game ball so that it falls through the right side of the game area 4 and passes through the passing gate 48, or enters the second start winning port 50, the large winning port 54, or the third start winning port 70.

[0038] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the gaming ball falls through the left-hand gaming area 4, the gaming ball will not enter the second start winning port 50, the large winning port 54, or the third start winning port 70, and when the gaming ball falls through the right-hand gaming area 4, the gaming ball will not enter the first start winning port 46.

[0039] Further, at the lower right of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, there is provided a status display section 80 which indicates various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps or the like.

[0040] Fig. 4(A) is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 80. As shown in Fig. 4(A), the status display unit 80 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 82, a normal reserve display unit 84, a first special symbol display unit 86, a first special reserve display unit 88, a second special symbol display unit 90, a second special reserve display unit 92, and a game status display unit 94.

[0041] The normal pattern display unit 82 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal lottery is held, the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner by flashing the two lamps, and the normal pattern is displayed in a stationary manner by turning on or off the two lamps, thereby displaying the result of the normal lottery.

[0042] The normal hold display unit 84 is composed of two lamps and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of reserved normal random number values ​​when the normal random number values ​​are held in cases where a normal lottery cannot be performed even if the normal random number value is obtained, such as when the normal symbol is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state when the game ball passes through the passing gate 48, and displays a normal hold number of 0 to 4 by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or flashing of the two lamps.

[0043] The first special pattern display unit 86 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a special lottery is held by the entry of a gaming ball into the first starting winning port 46, the 7-segment display is caused to flash to display the first special pattern in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display is caused to light up in one of a plurality of different manners to display the first special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the special lottery.

[0044] The first special reserve display unit 88 is composed of two lamps and displays a first special reserve number corresponding to the number of the reserved first special random number value when the first special pattern is displayed changing or stopped at the time the game ball enters the first start winning port 46, etc., and when the first special random number value is reserved because a special lottery cannot be held even if the first special random number value is obtained, and displays a first special reserve number of 0 to 4 by combining the two lamps by turning on, turning off, or flashing.

[0045] The second special pattern display unit 90 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a special lottery is held by the entry of a gaming ball into the second starting winning port 50, the second special pattern is displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display, and the second special pattern is displayed in a static manner by lighting the 7-segment display in one of a plurality of different modes, thereby displaying the result of the special lottery.

[0046] The second special reserve display unit 92 is composed of two lamps and displays a second special reserve number corresponding to the number of the reserved second special random number value when the second special random number value is reserved because a special lottery cannot be held even if the second special random number value is obtained, such as when the second special pattern is displaying changing or stopped at the time the game ball enters the second start winning port 50, and displays a second special reserve number of 0 to 4 by combining the two lamps by turning on, turning off, or flashing.

[0047] The game state display unit 94 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game state currently set by a combination of turning on, off, or blinking the six lamps. In this embodiment, in addition to the special game state described above, six types of game states can be set, including the normal state, the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state (specific state), the special state, the first probability variable state, and the second probability variable state shown in FIG. 4(B), and displays which game state is set by a combination of turning on, off, or blinking the six lamps.

[0048] Here, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(B), in each of the six types of game states, the special drawing state (probability state), which is the drawing state for the special drawing, is set to either a special drawing high probability state (first probability state) in which the probability of winning a jackpot in the special drawing is high, or a special drawing low probability state (second probability state) in which the probability of winning a jackpot in the special drawing is low, and the regular drawing state (control state), which is the drawing state for the regular drawing, is set to either a regular drawing high probability state (first control state) in which the probability of winning a regular jackpot in the regular drawing is high, or a regular drawing low probability state (second control state) in which the probability of winning a regular jackpot in the regular drawing is low.

[0049] In detail, in the normal state, the special chart drawing state is set to a special chart low probability state, and the regular chart drawing state is set to a regular chart low probability state; in the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, the special chart drawing state is set to a special chart low probability state, and the regular chart drawing state is set to a regular chart high probability state; in the special state, the special chart drawing state is set to a special chart high probability state, and the regular chart drawing state is set to a regular chart low probability state; in the first probability change state and the second probability change state, the special chart drawing state is set to a special chart high probability state, and the regular chart drawing state is set to a regular chart high probability state.

[0050] 5 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main 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 software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM or the like.

[0051] The main board 100 receives input signals from input means such as the passing gate sensor 104, the first start winning port sensor 106, the second start winning port sensor 108, the third start winning port sensor 110, the specific area sensor 112, the normal area sensor 114, and the payout sensor 116, 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, the normal feature drive device 122, the special feature drive device 124, the specific feature drive device 128, and the payout device 130.

[0052] In addition, the sub-board 102 receives signals sent from the main board 100 and input signals from the performance button switch 150, performs various calculations to execute performances that match the progress of the game, and controls the operation of performance devices 176, such as a performance display device 170, an audio device 172, and a performance object driving device 174, based on the results of the calculations.

[0053] The main board 100 is configured to include a random number generating means 210, a normal lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal gimmick control means 224, a special lottery means 230, a special display control means 240, a game state transition control means 250, a big win game execution means 260, a small win game execution means 262, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

[0054] The random number generating means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for lottery, and is realized by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers, or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate within a predetermined count range). Note that in this embodiment, the "random number value" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that may be generated regularly but may function substantially as random numbers because the timing of acquisition is irregular.

[0055] The normal lottery means 220 acquires a normal random number value from the random number generating means 210 based on a detection signal input from the passing gate sensor 104 which detects each game ball passing through the passing gate 48, stores the normal random number value in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290, and performs a normal lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has been won based on the normal random number value read from the normal random number storage means 2912.

[0056] In detail, the normal random number storage means 2912 is provided with four normal reservation storage areas, namely, normal reservation storage area 1 to normal reservation storage area 4, as storage areas for storing the acquired normal random number value, and one normal reservation storage area is provided as a storage area for storing the normal random number value read from the normal reservation storage area 1 and used for the normal lottery until the variable display and stop display of the normal symbol are completed. When the normal random number value is acquired from the random number generating means 210, if the normal random number value is not stored in any of the normal reservation storage areas 1 to 4, the normal lottery means 220 first stores the acquired normal random number value in the normal reservation storage area 1. When the normal random number value is stored in the normal reservation storage area 1, if the normal symbol is not being displayed variably or is not being displayed stationarily, that is, if the normal random number value is not stored in the normal reservation storage area and the control for opening the movable member of the normal role 52 is not being executed, the normal random number value is immediately read from the normal reservation storage area 1 to perform the normal lottery, and the normal random number value used for the normal lottery is stored in the normal reservation storage area. On the other hand, when the normal pattern is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., when a normal random number value is stored in the normal hold memory area, or when control is being executed to open the movable member of the normal reel 52, the normal random number value is held in the normal hold memory area 1.

[0057] Then, when a normal random number value is reserved in the normal hold memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the passing gate sensor 104 to obtain a normal random number value, the normal lottery means 220 stores the normal random number value in the normal hold memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the normal hold memory areas 1 to 4 in which no normal random number value is reserved, on the condition that the number of normal random number values ​​reserved in the normal hold memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., on the condition that the normal hold number is less than four.

[0058] Then, when the variable display and stop display of the normal symbol are finished, the normal lottery means 220 erases the normal random number value stored in the normal reserve memory area, and if a normal random number value is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1, it reads out the normal random number value from the normal reserve memory area 1, performs a normal lottery, and stores the normal random number value used in the normal lottery in the normal reserve memory area, provided that control to open the movable member of the normal role 52 is not being executed. Here, if a normal random number value remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining normal random number value is moved from the original normal reserve memory area to a normal reserve memory area with an ordinal number one smaller. For example, if a normal random number value remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 to the normal reserve memory area 3, it is moved to the normal reserve memory area 1 to the normal reserve memory area 2.

[0059] In this way, in the normal random number memory means 2912, normal random number values ​​for which a normal lottery has been performed are reserved in the normal reserve memory area, with a maximum of one, and normal random number values ​​for which a normal lottery has not been performed are reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4, with a maximum of four.

[0060] The details of the normal lottery will be described below. The normal lottery means 220 performs a normal winning determination process, a normal variation pattern determination process, and the like as the normal lottery.

[0061] The normal win determination process is a process for determining whether or not a normal win has occurred. In the normal win determination process, the normal lottery means 220 determines which of the multiple types of normal lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to in order to perform the random number determination process, depending on the game state.

[0062] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the regular lottery table A and the regular lottery table B shown in Figures 6(A) to 6(B), and in each regular lottery table, a regular win or loss is associated with each of the 100 regular random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0063] In detail, the normal lottery table A shown in FIG. 6(A) is selected when the game state at the time of conducting the normal lottery for the normal random number value is the normal state or the special state, i.e., when the normal lottery state is the normal low probability state, and the correspondence between the normal win or miss and multiple random number values ​​is set so that the probability of winning a normal win is approximately 13 / 20.

[0064] In addition, the normal lottery table B shown in Figure 6 (B) is selected when the game state at the time when the normal lottery is conducted for the normal random number value is the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first special probability state or the second special probability state, i.e., when the normal lottery state is the high probability state, and the correspondence between a normal win or miss and a normal random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that a normal win is won with a probability of approximately 19 / 20.

[0065] Then, the normal lottery means 220 refers to the selected normal lottery table and determines whether or not one normal random number value read from the normal reserve memory area 1 of the normal random number memory means 2912 corresponds to a normal win, thereby determining whether or not a normal win has been won.

[0066] When the normal winning is won, the normal lottery means 220 sets the winning flag of the normal winning to the ON state in the flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290, and when the normal winning is lost, sets the winning flag of the normal winning to the OFF state.

[0067] 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 set to according to the game state. In the normal variation pattern determination process, the normal lottery means 220 determines the normal symbol variation pattern to normal variation pattern 1 when the game state is normal or special, i.e., when the normal symbol lottery state is a normal symbol low probability state, and determines the normal symbol variation pattern to normal variation pattern 2 when the game state is a first time-saving state, a second time-saving state, a first probability variable state, or a second probability variable state, i.e., when the normal symbol lottery state is a normal symbol high probability state.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 82 until a variable time corresponding to the normal pattern variable pattern determined in the normal variable pattern determination process has elapsed, and displays the normal pattern in a stationary manner by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal pattern display unit 82 depending on whether a normal win has been won in the normal win determination process, thereby causing the normal pattern display unit 82 to display the result of the normal lottery.

[0070] In detail, in this embodiment, when the normal pattern variation pattern is normal variation pattern 1, the normal pattern variation time is set to 5 seconds, and when the normal pattern variation pattern is normal variation pattern 2, the normal pattern variation time is set to 0.5 seconds. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the game state at the time when the normal lottery is performed is normal or special, that is, when the normal lottery state is a normal low probability state, the normal pattern variation pattern is determined to be normal variation pattern 1, and the normal pattern variation time is set to 5 seconds, and when the game state at the time when the normal lottery is performed is the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state, that is, when the normal lottery state is a normal high probability state, the normal pattern variation pattern is determined to be normal variation pattern 2, and the normal lottery execution opportunity arrives more frequently when the game state is the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state.

[0071] In the normal hold display control processing, the normal display control means 222 displays a normal hold number of 0 to 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 84 depending on the number of normal random numbers stored in the normal random number memory means 2912.

[0072] 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 process 1, normal accessory control process 2, etc.

[0073] In the normal role control process 1, when the game state is normal or special, i.e., when the normal symbol lottery state is a normal symbol low probability state, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, the normal role drive device 122 is controlled to open the normal role 52 until one second has elapsed and then return to the closed state.

[0074] In the normal role control process 2, when the game state is the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first probability variable state or the second probability variable state, i.e., when the normal symbol lottery state is the normal symbol high probability state, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, the normal role drive device 122 is controlled to open the normal role 52 until 2 seconds have elapsed and then return to the closed state.

[0075] Therefore, in this embodiment, the normal device control process 2 operates the normal device 52 so as to increase the ease with which the gaming ball can enter the second start winning hole 50 compared to the normal device control process 1.

[0076] The special lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for 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 that detects game balls entering the first start winning port 46 one by one, and stores the special lottery value as a first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290. The special lottery means 230 also acquires a random number value for special lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the second start winning port sensor 108 that detects game balls entering the second start winning port 50 one by one, or based on the input of a detection signal from the third start winning port sensor 110 that detects game balls entering the third start winning port 70 one by one, and stores the special lottery value as a second special random number value 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 a jackpot has been won.

[0077] In detail, the special random number memory means 2914 is provided with four first special reserve memory areas, first special reserve memory area 1 to first special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired first special random number value, one first special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the first special random number value read from first special reserve memory area 1 and used in a special lottery until the varying display and stopping display of the first special pattern are completed, four second special reserve memory areas, second special reserve memory area 1 to second special reserve memory area 4, as memory areas for storing the acquired second special random number value, and one second special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the second special random number value read from second special reserve memory area 1 and used in a special lottery until the varying display and stopping display of the second special pattern are completed.

[0078] Then, when the special lottery means 230 acquires the random number value for the special lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the first start winning hole sensor 106, if the first special random number value is not stored in any of the first special reservation memory area 1 to the first special reservation memory area 4, the acquired random number value for the special lottery is first stored as the first special random number value in the first special reservation memory area 1. Then, when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, if the first special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the first special random number value is not stored in the first special reservation memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the first special random number value is read out from the first special reservation memory area 1 immediately to perform a special lottery, and the first special random number value used in the special lottery is stored in the first special reservation memory area. On the other hand, when the first special pattern is being displayed in a varying or stopped manner, i.e., when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area, or the game state is a special game state, or a small win game is being played, the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1.

[0079] Then, when the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is further input from the first start winning 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 with the smallest ordinal number among the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 in which the first special random number value is not reserved and which is provided that the number of first special random number values ​​reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is less than four, i.e., the first special reservation number is less than four.

[0080] In addition, when the special lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special lottery based on the input of a detection signal from the second start winning hole sensor 108 or the third start winning hole sensor 110, in a state in which the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 4, the acquired random number value for special lottery is first stored 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 second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the second special random number value is not stored in the second special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the second special random number value is read out from the second special reserve memory area 1 immediately to perform a special lottery, and the second special random number value obtained by the special lottery is stored in the second special reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the second special symbol is being displayed in a varying or stopped manner, i.e., when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, or the game state is a special game state, or a small win game is being played, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1.

[0081] Then, when a second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is further input from the second start winning port sensor 108 and the third start winning port sensor 110 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., on the condition that the second special reservation number is less than four.

[0082] Then, when the variable display and the stop display of the first special symbol are finished, the special lottery means 230 erases the first special random number value stored in the first special reservation memory area. Then, when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 to perform a special lottery, and the first special random number value used in the special lottery is stored in the first special reservation memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being executed. Also, when the variable display and the stop display of the second special symbol are finished, the second special random number value stored in the second special reservation memory area is erased. Then, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reservation memory area 1, the second special random number value is read from the second special reservation memory area 1 to perform a special lottery, and the second special random number value used in the special lottery is stored in the second special reservation memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being executed. In other words, in this embodiment, the first special random number value and the second special random number value are consumed in parallel, so that the display of changes in the second special pattern may start while the display of changes in the first special pattern is in progress, or the display of changes in the first special pattern may start while the display of changes in the second special pattern is in progress.

[0083] In addition, when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area 1, the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed 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 when the second special random number value is stored in any of the second special reservation memory areas 1 to 4, the second special random number value is read from the second special reservation memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed even if the first special random number value is stored in any of the first special reservation memory areas 1 to 4. That is, the second special random number value may be consumed in preference to the first special random number value. Also, 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 in the order stored in the special random number storage means 2914 and a special lottery may be performed. In other words, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be consumed in the order in which the gaming ball enters the first start winning port 46 or the second start winning port 50.

[0084] Then, when the first special random number value is read out from the first special reserve memory area 1 and 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 out from the second special reserve memory area 1 and 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 having an ordinal number one smaller. For example, if the 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 the 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.

[0085] In this way, in the special random number memory means 2914, first special random number values ​​for which a special lottery has not been conducted are reserved in the first special reservation memory area 1 to the first special reservation memory area 4, up to a maximum of four, and second special random number values ​​for which a special lottery has not been conducted are reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1 to the second special reservation memory area 4, up to a maximum of four.

[0086] The special lottery will be described in detail below. The special lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random numbers such as a jackpot determination random number, a symbol determination random number, a fluctuation group determination random number, a first half fluctuation pattern determination random number, and a second half fluctuation pattern determination random number as special lottery random number values ​​based on the input of a detection signal from the first start winning hole sensor 106, the second start winning hole sensor 108, or the third start winning hole sensor 110, and stores these multiple types of random number values ​​as the first special random number value or the second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914. The special lottery means 230 then performs a jackpot determination process, a symbol determination process, a fluctuation group determination process, a first half fluctuation pattern determination process, and a second half fluctuation pattern determination process as special lottery.

[0087] The jackpot determination process is a process for determining whether or not a jackpot or a small jackpot has been won 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 reservation memory area 1 or the second special reservation memory area 1 of the special random number storage 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 hole sensor 106, the second start winning hole sensor 108, or the third start winning hole sensor 110, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0088] 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 read jackpot determination random number value was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value, and depending on the game status at the time when the jackpot determination process is performed.

[0089] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores jackpot lottery table A to jackpot lottery table B shown in Figures 6(C) to 6(D), and in each jackpot lottery table, a jackpot, a small jackpot, or a miss is associated with each of the 65,536 jackpot determination random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535.

[0090] In detail, the jackpot lottery table A shown in FIG. 6(C) is selected when the game state at the time when the jackpot determination process is performed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value is the normal state, the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, i.e., when the special chart lottery state is the special chart low probability state, and the correspondence between the jackpot, small jackpot or miss and the jackpot determination random number value between 0 and 65535 is set so that the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1 / 150 and the probability of winning a small jackpot is approximately 1 / 30.

[0091] In addition, the jackpot lottery table B shown in Figure 6 (D) is selected when the game state at the time when the jackpot determination process is performed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value is a special state, the first probability variable state or the second probability variable state, i.e., when the special chart lottery state is a special chart high probability state, and the correspondence between the jackpot, small jackpot or miss and the jackpot determination random number value from 0 to 65535 is set so that the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1 / 50 and the probability of winning a small jackpot is approximately 1 / 30.

[0092] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected big win lottery table and determines whether the big win determination random number value read from the first reserve memory area 1 or the second reserve memory area 1 corresponds to a big win or a small win, thereby determining whether a big win or a small win has been won.

[0093] When a jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, the special lottery means 230 sets the jackpot winning flag to the ON state in the flag storage means 2916, when a small jackpot is won in the jackpot determination process, the special lottery means 230 sets the small jackpot winning flag to the ON state in the flag storage means 2916, and when a miss is won in the jackpot determination process, the special lottery means 230 sets the jackpot winning flag and the small jackpot winning flag to the OFF state.

[0094] The jackpot determination random number may be set so that the probability of winning a small jackpot is different between the jackpot lottery table selected when the gaming state is the normal state, the first time-saving state, or the second time-saving state, and the jackpot lottery table selected when the gaming state is the special state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state. Also, as the jackpot lottery table selected when the gaming state is the normal state, the first time-saving state, or the second time-saving state, and the jackpot lottery table selected when the gaming state is the special state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state, respectively, a jackpot lottery table selected when the jackpot determination process is performed for the first special random number value, and a jackpot lottery table selected when the jackpot determination process is performed for the second special random number value may be stored. In this case, the jackpot determination random number may be set so that the probability of winning a small jackpot is different between the jackpot lottery table selected when the jackpot determination process is performed for the first special random number value, and the jackpot lottery table selected when the jackpot determination process is performed for the second special random number value.

[0095] The pattern determination process is a process performed when a big win or a small win is won in the big win determination process, and reads out one 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 reserve memory area 1 or the second special reserve memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, and when a big win is won, it determines which of five types of big win patterns, namely, 5-round normal pattern, 10-round normal pattern, 10-round special chance pattern A, 10-round special chance pattern B, and 10-round special chance pattern C, the big win pattern (type of small win) will be, and when a small win is won, it determines which of the small win pattern A or small win pattern B the small win pattern (type of small win) will be. 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, the second start winning port sensor 108 or the third start winning port sensor 110, and is stored in the special random number memory means 2914 as a first special random number value or a second special random number value.

[0096] In the pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in performing the random number determination process, depending on whether the one read pattern determination random number value was stored as a first special random number value or a second special random number value.

[0097] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores pattern lottery tables A to D shown in Figures 7(A) to 7(D), and in each pattern lottery table, one of the 5-round normal pattern, the 10-round normal pattern, the 10-round special probability pattern A, the 10-round special probability pattern B, the 10-round special probability pattern C, or one of the small win pattern A and the small win pattern B, is associated with each of the 100 pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0098] In detail, the pattern selection table A shown in FIG. 7(A) is selected when a jackpot is won and one of the read pattern determination random numbers is stored as the first special random number, and the correspondence between each pattern and a random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that a 5-round normal pattern has a 40% chance of winning, a 10-round normal pattern has a 59% chance of winning, and a 10-round special pattern A has a 1% chance of winning.

[0099] Furthermore, the pattern selection table B shown in FIG. 7(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 each pattern and the random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that the 10-round special pattern A has a 5% chance of winning, the 10-round special pattern B has a 5% chance of winning, and the 10-round special pattern C has a 90% chance of winning.

[0100] Moreover, the pattern selection table C shown in FIG. 7(C) is selected when a small prize is won and one of the read pattern determination random numbers is stored as the first special random number, and the correspondence between the small prize pattern A and the random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that the small prize pattern A is won with a 100% probability.

[0101] Moreover, the pattern selection table D shown in FIG. 7(D) is selected when a small prize is won and one of the read pattern determination random numbers is stored as the second special random number, and the correspondence between the small prize pattern B and the random number value from 0 to 99 is set so that the small prize pattern B is won with a 100% probability.

[0102] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected symbol lottery table and determines whether the one read symbol determination random number value corresponds to one of the multiple types of big win symbols or the multiple types of small win symbols, thereby determining which of the multiple types of big win symbols or the multiple types of small win symbols has been won.

[0103] Then, the special lottery means 230 sets the win flag corresponding to the big win symbol or small win symbol that has been won to the ON state in the flag storage means 2916.

[0104] The variable group determination process is a process performed when the big win 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 storage 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 hole sensor 106, the second start winning hole sensor 108, or the third start winning hole sensor 110, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0105] 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 whether the one read variable group determination random number value was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value, and depending on the game status and the first special reserved number or the second special reserved number at the time when the variable group determination process is performed.

[0106] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the variable group lottery table A to the variable group lottery table F shown in Fig. 8(A) to Fig. 8(F). In each variable group lottery table, one of the groups 0 to 6 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0107] In detail, the variable group selection table A shown in Fig. 8(A) is selected when the game state at the time of performing the variable group determination process for the first special random number value is normal and the reserved number of the first special random number value is 0 to 1, and one of the groups 2 to 5 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values ​​of 0 to 99. The variable group selection table B shown in Fig. 8(B) is selected when the game state at the time of performing the variable group determination process for the first special random number value is normal and the reserved number of the first special random number value is 2 to 3, and one of the groups 1 to 2 and the groups 4 to 5 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values ​​of 0 to 99. The variable group selection table C shown in Fig. 8(C) is selected when the game state at the time of performing the variable group determination process for the first special random number value is the normal state and the reserved number of the first special random number value is 4, and one of the groups 1, 4, and 5 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99. The variable group selection table D shown in Fig. 8(D) is selected regardless of the reserved number of the first special random number value and the second special random number value when the game state at the time of performing the variable group determination process for the first special random number value or the second special random number value is the first time-saving state, the special state, the first probability variable state, or the second probability variable state, and one of the groups 0, 4, and 5 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0108] The variable group selection table E shown in Fig. 8(E) is selected when the game state at the time of performing the variable group determination process for the first special random number value or the second special random number value is the second time-saving state, regardless of the reserved number of the first special random number value and the second special random number value, and group 0 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99. The variable group selection table F shown in Fig. 8(F) is selected when the game state at the time of performing the variable group determination process for the second special random number value is the normal state, regardless of the reserved number of the second special random number value, and any of groups 4 to 6 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0109] Then, the special lottery means 230 refers to the selected variation group lottery table and determines which of the multiple types of variation groups the one variation group determination random number value that has been read out corresponds to, thereby determining one variation group from the multiple types of variation groups.

[0110] Therefore, in the variable group determination process for the first special random number value, if the game state is normal and the number of reserved first special random number values ​​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 first special random number values ​​is 2 to 3, one of group 1, group 2, group 4, and group 5 is determined, and if the game state is normal and the number of reserved first special random number values ​​is 4, one of group 1, group 4, and group 5 is determined.

[0111] In addition, in the variable group determination process for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, if the game state is the first time-saving state, special state, first special variable state or second special variable state, one of group 0, group 4 and group 5 is determined regardless of the number of reserved values ​​of the first special random number value or the second special random number value, and if the game state is the second time-saving state, group 0 is determined regardless of the number of reserved values ​​of the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0112] In addition, in the variable group determination process for the second special random number value, when the game state is normal, one of group 4, group 5, and group 6 is determined regardless of the number of reserved second special random number values.

[0113] The first half fluctuation pattern determination process is a process of reading out one first half fluctuation 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 storage means 2914, and determining which of the multiple types of first half fluctuation patterns the first half fluctuation pattern corresponding to the first half part (first part) of the fluctuation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol should be. Here, one first half fluctuation pattern determination random number value is obtained from 100 first half fluctuation 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, the second start winning hole sensor 108, or the third start winning hole sensor 110, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0114] In the first half fluctuation pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of first half fluctuation pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in the random number judgment process in accordance with the fluctuation group determined in the fluctuation group determination process if the jackpot determination process results in a miss, and in accordance with the type of jackpot pattern or small jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if the jackpot determination process results in a win or small jackpot.

[0115] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the lottery table A for the first half fluctuation pattern when losing to the lottery table G for the first half fluctuation pattern when losing shown in Fig. 9, and the lottery table A for the first half fluctuation pattern when winning to the lottery table C for the first half fluctuation pattern when winning shown in Fig. 10. In each of the lottery tables for the first half fluctuation pattern, one of the first half fluctuation patterns from none to 8 is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 as a plurality of first half fluctuation patterns.

[0116] In detail, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 9 (A) is selected when a miss occurs and group 1 is determined, and first half fluctuation pattern 1, with a fluctuation time set to 3 seconds, is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0117] Also, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 9 (B) is selected when a miss occurs and group 2 is determined, and each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 is associated with first half fluctuation pattern 1 or first half fluctuation pattern 2, the fluctuation time of which is set to 5 seconds.

[0118] Also, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 9 (C) is selected when a miss occurs and group 3 is determined, and each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 is associated with first half fluctuation pattern 2 or first half fluctuation pattern 3, the fluctuation time of which is set to 10 seconds.

[0119] Also, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table D shown in Figure 9 (D) is selected when a miss occurs and group 4 is determined, and each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 is associated with first half fluctuation pattern 4, in which the fluctuation time is set to 15 seconds, or first half fluctuation pattern 5, in which the fluctuation time is set to 20 seconds.

[0120] Also, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table E shown in Figure 9 (E) is selected when a miss occurs and group 5 is determined, and each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 is associated with first half fluctuation pattern 6, in which the fluctuation time is set to 25 seconds, or first half fluctuation pattern 7, in which the fluctuation time is set to 30 seconds.

[0121] In addition, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table F shown in Figure 9 (F) is selected when a miss occurs and group 6 is determined, and first half fluctuation pattern 8, whose fluctuation time is set to 590 seconds, is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0122] In addition, the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table G shown in Figure 9 (G) is selected when a miss occurs and group 0 is determined, and each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 is associated with no first half fluctuation pattern with the fluctuation time set to 0 seconds.

[0123] In addition, the lottery table A for the first half fluctuation pattern at the time of winning shown in FIG. 10(A) is selected when a jackpot is won and any one of the 10-round probability variable patterns A to C is determined, and any one of the first half fluctuation patterns 3 to 7 is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0124] In addition, the winning first half fluctuation pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 10 (B) is selected when a jackpot is won and either a 5-round normal pattern or a 10-round normal pattern is determined, and one of the first half fluctuation patterns 3 to 7 is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0125] In addition, the lottery table C for the first half fluctuation pattern at the time of winning shown in FIG. 10(C) is selected when a small win is won and either the small win pattern A or the small win pattern B is determined, and no first half fluctuation pattern is associated with each of the 100 first half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0126] The special selection means 230 then refers to the selected first half fluctuation pattern selection table and determines which of the multiple types of first half fluctuation patterns the one read out first half fluctuation pattern determination random number value corresponds to, thereby selecting one first half fluctuation pattern from the multiple types of first half fluctuation patterns.

[0127] Therefore, in the first half fluctuation pattern determination process, if a miss occurs, any one of first half fluctuation patterns from no first half fluctuation pattern to first half fluctuation pattern 7 shown in Figure 9 is determined, if a jackpot occurs, any one of first half fluctuation patterns 3 to 7 shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B) is determined, and if a small jackpot occurs, no first half fluctuation pattern shown in Figure 10(C) is determined.

[0128] The latter half fluctuation pattern determination process is a process of reading out one latter half fluctuation 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 storage means 2914, and determining which of the multiple types of latter half fluctuation patterns the latter half fluctuation pattern corresponding to the latter half part (second part) of the fluctuation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol should be. Here, one latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number value is obtained from 100 latter half fluctuation 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, the second start winning hole sensor 108, or the third start winning hole sensor 110, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0129] In the latter half fluctuation pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of latter half fluctuation 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 fluctuation pattern determined in the first half fluctuation pattern determination process.

[0130] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the lottery table A of the latter half fluctuation pattern at the time of loss to the lottery table F of the latter half fluctuation pattern at the time of loss shown in Fig. 11, and the lottery table A of the latter half fluctuation pattern at the time of winning to the lottery table F of the latter half fluctuation pattern at the time of winning shown in Fig. 12. In each latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table, one of the no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 to no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 and the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 is associated with each of the 100 fluctuation group determination random number values ​​of 0 to 99.

[0131] In detail, the latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table A shown in FIG. 11(A) is selected when a miss occurs and either no first half fluctuation pattern or first half fluctuation pattern 8 is determined, and each of the 100 latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 is associated with a no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 with a fluctuation time set to 1 second.

[0132] In addition, the latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 11 (B) is selected when a miss occurs and the first half fluctuation pattern 1 is determined, and each of the 100 latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 is associated with the no-reach fluctuation pattern 2, whose fluctuation time is set to 2 seconds.

[0133] In addition, the latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 11 (C) is selected when the lottery result is a miss and the first half fluctuation pattern 2 is determined, and each of the 100 latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 is associated with the no-reach fluctuation pattern 2 or the no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 with the fluctuation time set to 5 seconds.

[0134] In addition, the latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table D shown in Figure 11 (D) is selected when a miss occurs and the first half fluctuation pattern 3 is determined, and each of the 100 latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 is associated with a reach fluctuation pattern 1 with a fluctuation time set to 20 seconds or a no-reach fluctuation pattern 2 with a fluctuation time set to 30 seconds.

[0135] Also, the latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table E shown in FIG. 11(E) is selected when a miss occurs and the first half fluctuation pattern 4 or the first half fluctuation pattern 5 is determined, and each of the 100 latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 is associated with the reach fluctuation pattern 1, the reach fluctuation pattern 2, or the reach fluctuation pattern 3 with the fluctuation time set to 40 seconds.

[0136] In addition, the latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table F shown in Figure 11 (F) is selected when a miss occurs and the first half fluctuation pattern 6 or the first half fluctuation pattern 7 is determined, and each of the 100 latter half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99 is associated with the reach fluctuation pattern 3, the reach fluctuation pattern 4 with the fluctuation time set to 50 seconds, or the reach fluctuation pattern 5 with the fluctuation time set to 60 seconds.

[0137] In addition, the winning time latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 12 (A) is selected when a jackpot is won and the first half fluctuation pattern 3 is determined, and the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 are associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0138] In addition, the winning time latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 12 (B) is selected when a jackpot is won and the first half fluctuation pattern 4 is determined, and the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 are associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0139] In addition, the winning time latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 12 (C) is selected when a jackpot is won and the first half fluctuation pattern 5 is determined, and the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 are associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0140] In addition, the winning time latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table D shown in Figure 12 (D) is selected when a jackpot is won and the first half fluctuation pattern 6 is determined, and the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 are associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0141] In addition, the winning time latter half fluctuation pattern lottery table E shown in Figure 12 (E) is selected when a jackpot is won and the first half fluctuation pattern 7 is determined, and the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 are associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0142] In addition, the lottery table F for the latter half fluctuation pattern at the time of winning shown in FIG. 12(F) is selected when a big win or a small win is won and no first half fluctuation pattern is determined, and the no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 is associated with each of the 100 second half fluctuation pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99.

[0143] The special selection means 230 then refers to the selected latter-half fluctuation pattern selection table and determines whether the one read-out latter-half fluctuation pattern determination random number value corresponds to one of the multiple types of no-reach fluctuation patterns or the multiple types of reach fluctuation patterns, thereby selecting one latter-half fluctuation pattern from the multiple types of no-reach fluctuation patterns and the multiple types of reach fluctuation patterns.

[0144] Therefore, in the latter half fluctuation pattern determination process, if a miss occurs, any one of the no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 to no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 and the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 shown in FIG. 11 is determined, if a big win occurs, any one of the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to the reach fluctuation pattern 5 shown in FIG. 12(A) to FIG. 12(E) is determined, and if a small win occurs, the no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 shown in FIG. 12(F) is determined.

[0145] Here, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 to 12, 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. In detail, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, a relatively short fluctuation time of 0 to 5 seconds is set for the first half fluctuation pattern no to first half fluctuation pattern 2 that can be determined in the first half fluctuation pattern determination process in the case of a miss, and a relatively long fluctuation time of 10 to 30 seconds is set for the first half fluctuation pattern 3 to first half fluctuation pattern 7 that can be determined in the first half fluctuation pattern determination process in both the case of a miss and the case of a big win.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 11, the no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 to no-reach fluctuation pattern 3 that can be determined in the latter-stage fluctuation pattern determination process in the event of a miss are set to relatively short fluctuation times of 1 to 5 seconds, while the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5 that can be determined in the latter-stage 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 20 to 60 seconds.

[0147] Therefore, even if the winning combination is a miss, if the first half fluctuation pattern 3 to first half fluctuation pattern 7, which have relatively long fluctuation times, are determined in the first half fluctuation pattern determination process, and if the reach fluctuation pattern 1 to reach fluctuation pattern 5, which have relatively long fluctuation times, are determined in the second half fluctuation pattern determination process, the player can have a sense of expectation for winning a jackpot.

[0148] In this embodiment, when the first special random number value is a miss, the game state is normal, and the number of reserved first special random numbers is 0 to 1, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group selection table A shown in FIG. 8(A), and group 2 or group 3 is likely to be determined. In the first half fluctuation pattern determination process, the first half fluctuation pattern selection table B at the time of a miss shown in FIG. 9(B) or the first half fluctuation pattern selection table C at the time of a miss shown in FIG. 9(C) is referenced, and the first half fluctuation pattern 1 with the fluctuation time set to 3 seconds or the first half fluctuation pattern 2 with the fluctuation time set to 5 seconds is likely to be determined. In the second half fluctuation pattern determination process, the second half fluctuation pattern selection table B at the time of a miss shown in FIG. 11(B) or the second half fluctuation pattern selection table C at the time of a miss shown in FIG. 11(C) is referenced, and the non-reach fluctuation pattern 2 with the fluctuation time set to 2 seconds or the non-reach fluctuation pattern 3 with the fluctuation time set to 5 seconds is likely to be determined.

[0149] In addition, when the first special random number value is a miss, the game state is normal, and the number of reserved first special random number values ​​is 2 to 3, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group lottery table B shown in Figure 8 (B), making it easier to determine group 1 or group 2, and the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table A when a miss is shown in Figure 9 (A) or the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table B when a miss is shown in Figure 9 (B), making it easier to determine no first half fluctuation pattern with the fluctuation time set to 0 seconds or first half fluctuation pattern 1 with the fluctuation time set to 3 seconds, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern lottery table A when a miss is shown in Figure 11 (A) or the second half fluctuation pattern lottery table B when a miss is shown in Figure 11 (B), making it easier to determine no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 with the fluctuation time set to 1 second or no-reach fluctuation pattern 2 with the fluctuation time set to 2 seconds.

[0150] In addition, when the first special random number value is a miss, the game state is normal, and the number of reserved first special random number values ​​is 4, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group lottery table C shown in Figure 8 (C), making it easier to determine group 1, and the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table A when a miss is displayed as shown in Figure 9 (A), making it easier to determine no first half fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 0 seconds, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern lottery table A when a miss is displayed as shown in Figure 11 (A), making it easier to determine no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 in which the fluctuation time is set to 1 second.

[0151] In addition, when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is a miss and the game state is the first time-saving state, the special state, the first special variable state or the second special variable state, regardless of the number of reserved first special random number values, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group lottery table D shown in Figure 8 (D) and makes it easier to determine group 0, and the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table G when a miss is shown in Figure 9 (G) and makes it easier to determine no first half fluctuation pattern with the fluctuation time set to 0 seconds, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern lottery table A when a miss is shown in Figure 11 (A) and makes it easier to determine no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 with the fluctuation time set to 1 second.

[0152] Furthermore, when the first special random number value or the second special random number value is a miss and the game state is the second time-saving state, regardless of the number of reserved first special random number values, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group lottery table E shown in Figure 8 (E) and always determines group 0, and the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table G when a miss is displayed as shown in Figure 9 (G) and determines no first half fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 0 seconds, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern lottery table A when a miss is displayed as shown in Figure 11 (A) and determines no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 in which the fluctuation time is set to 1 second.

[0153] In addition, when the second special random number value is a miss and the game status is normal, regardless of the number of reserved second special random number values, the fluctuation group determination process refers to the fluctuation group lottery table F shown in Figure 8 (F) and group 6 is likely to be determined, and the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern lottery table F when a miss is displayed as shown in Figure 9 (F) and first half fluctuation pattern 8, in which the fluctuation time is set to 590 seconds, is likely to be determined, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern lottery table A when a miss is displayed as shown in Figure 11 (A) and no-reach fluctuation pattern 1, in which the fluctuation time is set to 1 second, is likely to be determined.

[0154] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the first special random number value is a miss, under normal circumstances, the more the reserved number of first special random number values, the more likely it is that a shorter fluctuation time will be set as the fluctuation time of the first special pattern, thereby increasing the frequency with which the opportunity to execute a special lottery occurs.

[0155] Furthermore, with regard to the first special random number value and the second special random number value, if they are misses, in the first time-saving state, special state, first special probability state or second special probability state, an extremely short fluctuation time is often set as the fluctuation time of the first special pattern or the second special pattern regardless of the number of reserved first special random number values ​​or second special random number values, and in the second time-saving state, an extremely short fluctuation time is always set as the fluctuation time of the first special pattern or the second special pattern regardless of the number of reserved first special random number values ​​or second special random number values, so that the frequency with which the opportunity to execute a special lottery occurs can be made extremely high.

[0156] On the other hand, when the second special random number value is a miss, under normal circumstances, regardless of the number of reserved second special random numbers, an extremely long fluctuation time is often set as the fluctuation time of the second special symbol, so that the frequency with which an opportunity to execute a special lottery occurs can be made extremely low.

[0157] In addition, in the case of a small win, regardless of whether it is the first special random number value or the second special random number value, and regardless of the number of reserved first special random number values ​​or second special random number values, the first half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the first half fluctuation pattern selection table for small wins shown in Figure 10 (C) and determines no first half fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time is set to 0 seconds, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process refers to the second half fluctuation pattern selection table for wins shown in Figure 12 (F) and determines no-reach fluctuation pattern 1 in which the fluctuation time is set to 1 second.

[0158] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a small win occurs, an extremely short change time is set as the change time of the first special pattern or the second special pattern regardless of the number of reserved symbols, so that the frequency with which the opportunity to execute the special lottery occurs can be made extremely high.

[0159] 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 half variable pattern determination process, and a second half variable pattern determination process as a special lottery. However, when storing the first special random number value or the second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914, the special lottery means 230 also performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, a variable group determination process, a first half variable pattern determination process, and a second half variable pattern determination process as a pre-determination process (pre-determination means).

[0160] In detail, when the special lottery means 230 (pre-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, the second start winning port sensor 108 or the third start winning port sensor 110, it performs a jackpot determination process, a pattern determination process, a fluctuation group determination process, a first half fluctuation pattern determination process and a second half fluctuation pattern determination process on the first special random number value or the second special random number value, depending on the game status and the number of reserved values ​​at that time, before storing the value as the first special random number value in any of the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4, or before storing the value as the second special random number value in any of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 4.

[0161] 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 fluctuation group determination process, the first half fluctuation pattern determination process, and the second half fluctuation pattern determination process, in one of the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4, or in one of the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 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.

[0162] 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 a first special pattern display control process, a second special pattern display control process, a first special hold display control process, and a second special hold display control process.

[0163] 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 performed, 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 86 until the total variable time according to the first half variation pattern determined in the first half variation pattern determination process and the variable time according to the second half variation pattern determined in the second half variation pattern determination process has elapsed, and then causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a stopped state by lighting the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 86 in a predetermined manner.

[0164] In this embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is predetermined corresponding to each of the five types of jackpot patterns, two types of small jackpot patterns, and misses, and the special display control means 240 stops and displays the first special pattern by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 86 in a mode corresponding to whether a jackpot or small jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and in a mode corresponding to the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and causes the first special pattern display unit 86 to display the result of the special lottery.

[0165] 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 performed, 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 90 until the total variable time corresponding to the first half variable pattern determined in the first half variable pattern determination process and the variable time corresponding to the second half variable pattern determined in the second half variable pattern determination process has elapsed, and then causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a stationary manner by lighting the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 90 in a predetermined manner.

[0166] The special display control means 240 then stops and displays the second special pattern by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display section 90 in a manner corresponding to whether a big win or a small win has been won in the big win determination process, and in a manner corresponding to the big win pattern or small win pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a big win or a small win has been won in the big win determination process, and causes the second special pattern display section 90 to display the result of the special lottery.

[0167] In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays a first special hold number of 0 to 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking two lamps of the first special hold display unit 88 depending on the number of the first special random number value stored in the special random number memory means 2914.

[0168] In the second special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays a second special hold number of 0 to 4 by combining turning on, off, or blinking two lamps of the second special hold display unit 92 depending on the number of second special random number values ​​stored in the special random number memory means 2914.

[0169] The game state transition control means 250 (state control means) performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state among a normal state, a first time-shortened state, a second time-shortened state, a special state, a first highly likely variable state, and a second highly likely variable state, passing through a special game state, based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition, as shown in FIG. 13.

[0170] The normal state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of game states, and when a jackpot is won in the normal state, the game state is shifted to the special game state. In the normal state, the game state shift control means 250 sets the special lottery state to the special lottery low probability state, and sets the normal lottery state to the normal lottery low probability state (special lottery low normal lottery low).

[0171] In detail, in the normal state, as described above, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal lottery is set low at approximately 13 / 20, the normal symbol variation time is set to 5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal device 52 is set to 1 second, making it more difficult for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole 50 than in the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first special probability state, and the second special probability state.

[0172] As for the special lottery, the probability of winning the jackpot is set low at approximately 1 / 150, and the time it takes for the first special symbol to change varies depending on the number of reserved symbols, while the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is often extremely long at 591 seconds. Therefore, under normal circumstances, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the left so that it enters the first starting winning hole 46.

[0173] In the normal state, the memory value of the special probability count counter 2928, which counts the special probability count, which is the number of special lotteries held in the special probability state (first number), is set to 0, and the memory value of the auxiliary count counter 2930, which counts the auxiliary count, which is the number of special lotteries held in the normal probability state (second number), is set to 0.

[0174] The special game state is initiated when a jackpot is won in the normal state, the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the special state, the first special probability state, or the second special probability state, and ends when a jackpot game including a round game of a predetermined number of rounds (number of executions) according to the type of jackpot symbol is executed.

[0175] In detail, the special game state is started based on the winning of the 5-round normal symbol, and the special game state ends on the condition that the 5 rounds of round games from the 1st round to the 5th round have been played.

[0176] In addition, a special game state is started based on whether the 10-round normal pattern or any of the 10-round special pattern A to 10-round special pattern C is won, and the special game state ends on the condition that 10 rounds of round play from the 1st round to the 10th round have been played.

[0177] The first time-saving state is started when the special game state that is started based on the winning of either the 5-round normal pattern or the 10-round normal pattern ends, and the special game state is entered when the jackpot is won in the first time-saving state. In the first time-saving state, the game state transition control means 250 sets the special pattern lottery state to a special pattern low probability state, and sets the normal pattern lottery state to a normal pattern high probability state.

[0178] In detail, in the first time-saving state, as described above, for the normal lottery, the probability of winning a normal hit is set high at approximately 19 / 20, the normal pattern fluctuation time is set to 0.5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal device 52 is set to 2 seconds, so that most of the game balls falling in the right-side game area 4 can enter the second start winning port 50.

[0179] As for the special lottery, although the probability of winning the jackpot is set low at approximately 1 / 150, the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is often extremely short, so that the first time-saving state is a game state in which it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that it enters the second start winning slot 50.

[0180] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the number of times the special bonus rounds are set after the end of the special game state and the number of times the auxiliary rounds are set are predetermined according to the type of jackpot pattern and the game state when the jackpot is won. For 5-round normal patterns and 10-round normal patterns, the number of times the special bonus rounds are set to 0 and the number of times the auxiliary rounds are set to 40, regardless of the game state when the jackpot is won.

[0181] Therefore, when the special game state that is started based on winning either the 5-round normal pattern or the 10-round normal pattern ends regardless of the game state, the game state is transitioned to the first time-saving state, the memory value of the special number counter 2928 is set to 0, and the memory value of the auxiliary number counter 2930 is set to 40.

[0182] Then, every time a special lottery is performed in the first time-saving state, a decrement update is performed to subtract a value (for example, 1) equivalent to one special lottery from the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930. Then, when the number of times that a special lottery is performed without winning a jackpot in the first time-saving state reaches 40, the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 becomes 0, and the normal lottery state is set to the normal low probability state, thereby ending the first time-saving state and starting the normal state.

[0183] The special state is started when the special game state that was started based on the winning of either the 10-round probability variable symbol B or the 10-round probability variable symbol C in the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state ends, and the special game state is transitioned to when a jackpot is won in the special state. Also, the special game state that was started based on the winning of the 10-round probability variable symbol C in the special state ends, and is resumed. In the special state, the game state transition control means 250 sets the special symbol lottery state to a special symbol high probability state and sets the normal symbol lottery state to a normal symbol low probability state.

[0184] In detail, in the special state, as described above, for the normal lottery, the probability of winning a normal prize is set low at approximately 13 / 20, the normal pattern variation time is set to 5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal device 52 is set to 1 second, so that most of the game balls falling in the right-side game area 4 cannot enter the second start winning port 50, but game balls that cannot enter the second start winning port 50 can enter the third start winning port 70.

[0185] As for the special lottery, the probability of winning the jackpot is set high at about 1 / 50, and the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is often extremely short, so the special state is one in which it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that it enters the third start winning hole 70.

[0186] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, for the 10-round probability variation pattern B and the 10-round probability variation pattern C, if the game state when the jackpot is won is the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, the probability variation number is set to 70 times and the auxiliary number is set to 0 times. Also, for the 10-round probability variation pattern C, if the game state when the jackpot is won is a special state, the probability variation number is set to 70 times and the auxiliary number is set to 0 times.

[0187] Therefore, when a special game state that is started based on winning either the 10-round special probability symbol B or the 10-round special probability symbol C in the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state ends, or when a special game state that is started based on winning the 10-round special probability symbol C in the special state ends, the game state transitions to the special state, the memory value of the special probability symbol count counter 2928 is set to 70, and the memory value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is set to 0.

[0188] Then, every time a special lottery is performed in the special state, a decrement update is performed to subtract a value (for example, 1) equivalent to one special lottery from the stored value of the probability variation counter 2928. Then, when the number of times that a special lottery is performed without winning a jackpot in the special state reaches 70 times, the stored value of the probability variation counter 2928 becomes 0, so that the special lottery state is set to a special low probability state, and the special state ends and the normal state starts.

[0189] The first probability variable state is started when the special game state that was started based on the winning of the 10-round probability variable pattern B in the special state ends, and the special game state is transitioned to when a jackpot is won in the first probability variable state. In the first probability variable state, the game state transition control means 250 sets the special pattern lottery state to a special pattern high probability state, and sets the normal pattern lottery state to a normal pattern high probability state.

[0190] In detail, in the first special state, as described above, the probability of winning a normal prize in the normal lottery is set high at approximately 19 / 20, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal device 52 is set to 2 seconds, so that most of the game balls falling in the right-side game area 4 can enter the second start winning port 50.

[0191] As for the special lottery, the probability of winning the jackpot is set high at about 1 / 50, and the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is often extremely short, so that the first special state is a game state in which it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that the ball enters the second start winning hole 50.

[0192] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, for the 10-round probability variation pattern B, if the game state when the jackpot is won is a special state, the number of probability variations is set to 70 and the auxiliary number is set to 20.

[0193] Therefore, when the special game state that is started based on winning the 10-round special probability pattern B in the special state ends, the game state transitions to the first special probability state, and the memory value of the special probability count counter 2928 is set to 70, and the memory value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is set to 20.

[0194] Then, every time a special lottery is performed in the first probability variable state, a decrement update is performed to subtract a value (for example, 1) equivalent to one special lottery from the stored value of the probability variable count counter 2928 and the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930. Then, when the number of times that a special lottery is performed without winning a jackpot in the first probability variable state reaches 20, the stored value of the probability variable count counter 2928 is 50, but the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 becomes 0, so that the special lottery state is maintained in the special lottery high probability state, but the normal lottery state is set to the normal lottery low probability state, and the first probability variable state ends and the special state begins.

[0195] Therefore, when the first special probability state transitions to the special state as a result of the stored value of the auxiliary number of times counter 2930 reaching a threshold value, the special state begins with the stored value of the special probability state counter 2928 being 50. Therefore, when the number of times special lotteries have been held in the special state reaches 50, the stored value of the special probability state counter 2928 becomes 0, and the special drawing state is set to the special drawing low probability state, thereby ending the special state and starting the normal state.

[0196] The second probability variable state is started when a special game state started based on the winning of the 10-round probability variable pattern A in any of the normal state, the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, and the special state ends, or when a special game state started based on the winning of any of the 10-round probability variable pattern A, the 10-round probability variable pattern B, and the 10-round probability variable pattern C in the first probability variable state ends, and the special game state is transitioned to when a jackpot is won in the second probability variable state. The second probability variable state is resumed when a special game state started based on the winning of any of the 10-round probability variable pattern A, the 10-round probability variable pattern B, and the 10-round probability variable pattern C in the second probability variable state ends. In the second probability variable state, the game state transition control means 250 sets the special pattern selection state to the special pattern high probability state, and sets the normal pattern selection state to the normal pattern high probability state.

[0197] In detail, in the second probability of winning state, as described above, for the normal lottery, the probability of winning a normal hit is set high at approximately 19 / 20, the normal symbol variation time is set to 0.5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal device 52 is set to 2 seconds, so that most of the game balls falling in the right-side game area 4 can enter the second start winning port 50.

[0198] As for the special lottery, the probability of winning the jackpot is set high at about 1 / 50, and the time it takes for the second special symbol to change is often extremely short, so the second special state is a game state in which it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that the ball enters the second start winning hole 50.

[0199] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, for the 10-round probability variation pattern A, the probability variation count is set to 70 times and the auxiliary count is set to 10000 times, regardless of the game state when the jackpot is won. Also, for the 10-round probability variation pattern B and the 10-round probability variation pattern C, if the game state when the jackpot is won is the first probability variation state or the second probability variation state, the probability variation count is set to 70 times and the auxiliary count is set to 10000 times.

[0200] Therefore, when a special game state which is started based on winning the 10-round special probability symbol A regardless of the game state ends, or when a special game state which is started based on winning the 10-round special probability symbol B or the 10-round special probability symbol C in the first or second special probability symbol state ends, the game state transitions to the second special probability symbol state, the memory value of the special probability symbol count counter 2928 is set to 70, and the memory value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is set to 10,000.

[0201] Then, each time a special lottery is performed in the second probability variable state, a decrement update is performed to subtract a value (for example, 1) equivalent to one special lottery from the stored value of the probability variable count counter 2928 and the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930. Then, when the number of times that a special lottery is performed without winning a jackpot in the second probability variable state reaches 70 times, the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is 9930, but the stored value of the probability variable count counter 2928 becomes 0, so that the normal lottery state is maintained in the normal high probability state, but the special lottery state is set to the special low probability state, and the second probability variable state ends and the second time-saving state begins.

[0202] The second time-saving state is started when the second probability variable state ends as a result of the stored value of the probability variable count counter 2928 becoming 0 in the second probability variable state, and when a jackpot is won in the second time-saving state, the state transitions to the special game state. In the second time-saving state, the game state transition control means 250 sets the special game lottery state to a special game low probability state, and sets the normal game lottery state to a normal game high probability state.

[0203] In detail, in the second time-saving state, as described above, for the normal lottery, the probability of winning a normal hit is set high at approximately 19 / 20, the normal pattern fluctuation time is set to 0.5 seconds, and the opening time of the normal device 52 is set to 2 seconds, so that most of the game balls falling in the right-side game area 4 can enter the second start winning port 50.

[0204] As for the special lottery, although the probability of winning the jackpot is set low at approximately 1 / 150, the time it takes for the second special pattern to change is often extremely short, so in the second time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that it enters the second start winning slot 50.

[0205] The second time-saving state is initiated when the value stored in the special chance count counter 2928 becomes 0 in the second special chance state, and therefore is initiated in a state in which the value stored in the special chance count counter 2928 is 0 and the value stored in the auxiliary count counter 2930 is 9930.

[0206] Then, every time a special lottery is performed in the second time-saving state, a decrement update is performed to subtract a value (for example, 1) equivalent to one special lottery from the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930. Then, when the number of times that a special lottery has been performed without winning a jackpot in the second time-saving state reaches 9930, the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 becomes 0, and the normal lottery state is set to a normal low probability state, thereby ending the second time-saving state and starting the normal state.

[0207] However, in the second time-saving state, although the probability of winning the jackpot in the special lottery is set to about 1 / 150, in most cases the jackpot is won and the special game state starts before the number of special lotteries in the second time-saving state reaches 9930, and the second time-saving state almost never transitions to the normal state. In other words, the second time-saving state is designed to continue until the jackpot is won.

[0208] The big win game executing means 260 executes any one of the big win games A to C based on the fact that a big win has been won in the special lottery.

[0209] The jackpot game A is executed based on the fact that the 5-round normal symbol is won in the special lottery, and the jackpot game execution means 260 sets a value (e.g., 5) equivalent to the number of rounds, which is a predetermined number of times, for the 5-round normal symbol as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933 in the main memory 290, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 every time the special role object 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 5), the jackpot game A ends.

[0210] In detail, in the big win game A, in each of the round games from the first round to the fifth round, when the opening timer 2934 of the main memory 290 counts 29 seconds after the special role 56 is opened, or when the specific area sensor 112 or the normal area sensor 114 detects the entry of one game ball and the value of the big win counter 2936, to which a value (for example, 1) corresponding to one game ball is added, reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the special role drive device 124 is driven and controlled so that the special role 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition of one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0211] The jackpot game B is executed based on the fact that the 10-round normal symbol is won in the special lottery, and the jackpot game execution means 260 sets a value (e.g., 10) equivalent to 10 times, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the 10-round normal symbol, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933 in the main memory 290, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one round number to the stored value of the round counter 2933 every time the special role object 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 10), the jackpot game B ends.

[0212] In detail, in the big win game B, in each round game from the 1st round to the 10th round, when the opening timer 2934 of the main memory 290 counts 29 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the special feature drive device 124 is driven and controlled so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition of one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0213] The big win game C is executed based on the fact that any one of the 10 round probability variable symbols A to C is won in the special lottery, and the big win game execution means 260 sets a value (for example, 10) corresponding to the predetermined number of rounds for the 10 round probability variable symbols A to C as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933 of the main memory 290, which is 10 times, and performs an incremental update by adding a value (for example, 1) corresponding to the number of rounds for one time to the stored value of the round counter 2933 every time the special role 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in each of the first round to the ninth round, and when the special role 56 and the specific role 68 complete their operations in a predetermined manner in the tenth round. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (for example, 10), the big win game C ends.

[0214] In detail, in the big win game C, in the round play of each of the first to ninth rounds, when the opening timer 2934 of the main memory 290 counts 29 seconds after the special role 56 is opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the special role drive device 124 is driven and controlled so that the special role 56 is closed. Also, in the round play of the tenth round, when the opening timer 2934 of the main memory 290 counts 29 seconds after the special role 56 and the specific role 68 are opened or when the value of the big win number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the special role drive device 124 and the specific role drive device 128 are driven and controlled so that the special role 56 and the specific role 68 are closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition of one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0215] In this embodiment, in the jackpot game C, if it is detected that even one game ball has entered the specific area 64 during the 10th round of round play, the game state will be transitioned to the special state, the first special probability state or the second special probability state after the special game state ends, but if it is not detected that a game ball has entered the specific area 64 during the 10th round of round play, the game state will be transitioned to the normal state after the special game state ends.

[0216] However, in the jackpot game C, in the 10th round of play, the special device 56 and the specific device 68 are maintained in the open state for 29 seconds, so that if the game ball is continuously fired so that it enters the big prize opening 54, it is almost certain that the game ball can enter the specific area 64.

[0217] The small win game executing means 262 executes a small win game A or a small win game B based on the fact that a small win has been won in the special lottery.

[0218] The small win game A is executed based on the small win symbol A being selected in a special lottery, and the small win game execution means 262 sets a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to one round, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the small win symbol A, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and when the special role 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in one round, performs an incremental update to add a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 1), the small win game A ends.

[0219] In detail, in the small winning game A, when the opening timer 2934 counts 0.1 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened in one round of the round game, or when the value of the big winning number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the special feature drive device 124 is controlled to close the special feature 56. Then, it is determined that the end condition of one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0220] The small win game B is executed based on the small win symbol B being selected in the special lottery, and the small win game execution means 262 sets a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to one round, which is a predetermined number of rounds for the small win symbol B, as the upper limit value of the round counter 2933, and when the special role 56 completes its operation in a predetermined manner in one round, performs an incremental update to add a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933. Then, when the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit value (e.g., 1), the small win game B ends.

[0221] In detail, in the small winning game B, when the opening timer 2934 counts 0.2 seconds after the special feature 56 is opened in one round of the round game, or when the value of the big winning number counter 2936 reaches an upper limit value (for example, 10), the special feature drive device 124 is controlled so that the special feature 56 is closed. Then, it is determined that the end condition of one round is satisfied, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0222] 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 108, a detection signal from the third start winning port sensor 110, a detection signal from the specific area sensor 112, and a detection signal from the normal area sensor 114. In detail, the payout control means 270 sends a 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, sends a command to the payout device 130 to pay out one game ball each time the second start winning port sensor 108 or the third start winning port sensor 110 detects the entry of one game ball, and sends a command to the payout device 130 to pay out 15 game balls each time the specific area sensor 112 or the normal area sensor 114 detects the entry of one game ball.

[0223] The payout device 130 performs an operation of paying out game balls in the payout number (payout information) 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 operates every time a game ball is paid out, and the payout control means 270 can manage the number of game balls actually paid out from the payout device 130 based on a payout signal from the payout sensor 116.

[0224] The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated according to various calculation results in the main board 100 to the sub-board 102. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, only one-way communication from the main board 100 to the sub-board 102 is possible between the main board 100 and the sub-board 102, and the communication connection is such that information cannot be transmitted from the sub-board 102 to the main board 100.

[0225] Next, a description will be given of the sub-substrate 102. The sub-substrate 102 is configured to include a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 310.

[0226] Based on various commands transmitted 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, the performance control means 300 controls the performance display device 170 to light or blink the front frame lamp 12 and the display frame lamp 38, display performance images on the LCD display 32, control the audio device 172 to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and drive the performance object drive device 174 to operate the performance objects, thereby controlling the performance device 176 to execute performances to liven up or assist the game.

[0227] In particular, the performance data storage means 3110 stores a large number of performance image data for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 32, and the performance control means 300 draws images in the frame buffer of the sub-memory 310 for each frame (1 / 30 seconds) based on this performance image data, and displays the drawn images on the liquid crystal display 32, thereby playing and displaying a moving image on the liquid crystal display 32.

[0228] The performance control means 300 performs a state performance process, a special lottery performance process, a hold display performance process, and the like as processes for causing the performance device 176 to execute performances.

[0229] In the status presentation process, the presentation control means 300 executes presentations that indicate to the player the current game status by moving the character image on the liquid crystal 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.

[0230] In the special lottery performance processing, when the main board 100 performs a preliminary determination processing, the performance control means 300 performs a performance lottery to provisionally determine the performance contents of the special lottery performance based on a command corresponding to the preliminary determination result, and when the main board 100 performs a special lottery, the performance control means 300 performs a performance lottery to finally determine the performance contents of the special lottery performance based on a command corresponding to the result of the special lottery. Then, the performance control means 300 causes the performance device 176 to execute the special lottery performance so as to match the varying and stationary display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 86, or so as to match the varying and stationary display of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display section 90.

[0231] Specifically, in the special lottery performance processing, the performance control means 300 displays a background image (not shown) on the liquid crystal display 32 as shown in Fig. 15(A), and displays a left performance pattern 350, a middle performance pattern 352, and a right performance pattern 354 in front of the background image. Then, the performance control means 300 variably displays the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 as shown in Fig. 15(B) each time a first special random number value is read out from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed, and then displays the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 in a variable manner as shown in Fig. 15(B) each time a special lottery is performed by reading out the first special random number value from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed, and then displays the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 in a variable manner as shown in Fig. 15(B) for the first or second special lottery. In the jackpot determination process in the step 10, the left performance pattern 350, the center performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a stopped state in a manner according to whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process in the step 10, and in a manner according to the jackpot pattern determined in the pattern determination process if a jackpot has been won, and the background image is changed on the liquid crystal display 32 in a manner according to each of the multiple types of performance patterns, and a performance video in which a character image moves is played and displayed, thereby executing a special lottery performance according to 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 being displayed in a changing state at high speed.

[0232] In detail, in the special lottery performance processing, the performance control means 300 obtains multiple types of random number values, such as a random number value for determining the first half performance pattern and a random number value for determining the second half performance pattern, as random number values ​​for the performance lottery based on input from the main board 100 of a command corresponding to the preliminary determination result or a command corresponding to the result of the special lottery, and performs a first half performance pattern determination process and a second half performance pattern determination process, etc., as the performance lottery.

[0233] The first half performance pattern determination process is a process for determining which of a plurality of first half performance patterns should be used as the first half performance pattern corresponding to the first half of the special lottery performance based on one acquired first half performance pattern determination random number value. In the first half performance pattern determination process, the performance control means 300 selects which of a plurality of first half performance pattern lottery tables stored in the performance lottery table storage means 3112 of the sub-memory 310 to refer to for random number judgment processing, according to the first half variation pattern determined in the first half variation pattern determination process.

[0234] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, eight types of first half performance pattern selection tables, namely, first half performance pattern selection table A to first half performance pattern selection table H, are stored in the performance selection table storage means 3112 in response to the results of the first half variation pattern determination process in the main board 100 being first half variation pattern 1 to first half variation pattern 8 (not shown). In each first half performance pattern selection table, one of a plurality of types of first half performance patterns is associated with each of the 100 first half performance pattern determination random number values ​​from 0 to 99. In addition, the performance control means 300 selects the first half performance pattern selection table A when the result of the first half variation pattern determination process is first half variation pattern 1, and selects the first half performance pattern selection table B when the result of the first half variation pattern determination process is first half variation pattern 2, and so on, thereby selecting the first half performance pattern selection table corresponding to the first half variation pattern determined in the first half variation pattern determination process.

[0235] The performance control means 300 then refers to the selected first half performance pattern lottery table and determines which of the multiple types of first half performance patterns the one first half performance pattern determination random number value corresponds to, thereby determining one first half performance pattern from the multiple types of first half performance patterns.

[0236] The latter half performance pattern determination process is a process for determining which of a plurality of types of latter half performance patterns should be used as the latter half performance pattern corresponding to the latter half of the special lottery performance based on one acquired latter half performance pattern determination random number value. In the latter half performance pattern determination process, the performance control means 300 selects which of a plurality of types of latter half performance pattern lottery tables stored in the performance lottery table storage means 3112 should be referenced to perform the random number judgment process, according to the latter half variation pattern determined in the latter half variation pattern determination process.

[0237] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, eight types of second half performance pattern selection tables, namely, second half performance pattern selection table A to second half performance pattern selection table H, are stored in the performance selection table storage means 3112 in response to the cases where the result of the second half variation pattern determination process in the main board 100 is each of the no-reach variation pattern 1 to no-reach variation pattern 3 and the reach variation pattern 1 to the reach variation pattern 5 (not shown). In each second half performance pattern selection table, one of multiple types of no-reach performance patterns (non-winning mode) and multiple types of reach performance patterns (common mode) is associated with each of the 100 second half performance pattern determination random number values ​​of 0 to 99 as multiple types of second half performance patterns. In addition, the performance control means 300 selects the second half performance pattern selection table A when the result of the second half variation pattern determination process is the no-reach variation pattern 1, and selects the second half performance pattern selection table D when the result of the second half variation pattern determination process is the reach variation pattern 1, and so on, selecting the second half performance pattern selection table corresponding to the second half variation pattern determined in the second half variation pattern determination process.

[0238] The performance control means 300 then refers to the selected latter half performance pattern lottery table and determines whether one latter half performance pattern determination random number value corresponds to one of the multiple types of no-reach performance patterns or the multiple types of reach performance patterns, thereby determining one no-reach performance pattern or one reach performance pattern from the multiple types of no-reach performance patterns and the multiple types of reach performance patterns.

[0239] Here, a performance time is set for each of the multiple types of first half performance patterns, and the performance times of the first half performance patterns that can be determined by first half performance pattern lottery table A are all set to 3 seconds, the same as the fluctuation time of first half variation pattern 1, and the performance times of the first half performance patterns that can be determined by first half performance pattern lottery table B are all set to 5 seconds, the same as the fluctuation time of first half variation pattern 2, and so on, the performance times of the first half performance patterns that can be determined by each first half performance pattern lottery table are set to be the same as the fluctuation time of the first half variation pattern corresponding to each first half performance pattern lottery table.

[0240] In addition, a presentation time is set for each of the multiple types of no-reach presentation patterns and the 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 latter half 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 latter half presentation pattern lottery table E is set to 20 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 latter half 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 latter half presentation pattern lottery table.

[0241] In the special lottery performance process, the performance control means 300 starts execution of the special lottery performance in synchronization with the start of variable display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 86 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display section 90, and executes the special lottery performance for a total performance time of the performance time according to the first half performance pattern determined in the first half performance pattern determination process and the performance time according to the second half performance pattern determined in the second half performance pattern determination process. This synchronizes the variable time of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display section 86 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display section 90 with the performance time of the special lottery performance.

[0242] For example, if the jackpot determination process results in a miss and a no-reach presentation pattern is determined in the latter half presentation pattern determination process, then as the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 86 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display section 90 begins to change, the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 begin to change as shown in Figure 15(B), and as shown in Figure 15(C), first the left performance pattern 350 is displayed temporarily stopped in one of the modes (a mode showing "5" in Figure 15(C)) so as to sway slightly rather than completely stopping, and then the right performance pattern 354 is displayed temporarily stopped in a mode different from the left performance pattern 350 (non-reach mode) as shown in Figure 15(D).

[0243] Then, before the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 86 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 90 is displayed stopped, as shown in Figure 15 (E), the middle performance pattern 352 is displayed temporarily stopped in a manner (missing manner) different from the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354, and at almost the same timing as the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 86 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 90 is displayed stopped, as shown in Figure 15 (F), the middle performance pattern 352 is displayed as having completely stopped in a manner (missing manner) different from the left performance pattern 350 and the right performance pattern 354.

[0244] For example, if a 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 latter half presentation pattern determination process, then as the first special pattern in the first special pattern display unit 86 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display unit 90 begins to change, the left presentation pattern 350, middle presentation pattern 352 and right presentation pattern 354 begin to change, as shown in Figure 16(A), and as shown in Figure 16(B), first the left presentation pattern 350 is displayed temporarily stopped, and then, as shown in Figure 16(C), while the middle presentation pattern 352 remains displayed changing, the right presentation pattern 354 is displayed temporarily stopped in the same manner (reach manner) as the left presentation pattern 350. Then, as shown in Figure 16 (D), playback display of the performance video corresponding to the determined reach performance pattern begins, and playback display of the performance video ends within the change time of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 86 or the second special pattern in the second special pattern display section 90.

[0245] In detail, in the example of Fig. 16(D), a performance video in which the main character A fights the enemy character B is played and displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, and when this performance video is played and displayed, instead of the left performance pattern 350, the center performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, a reduced left performance pattern 360 corresponding to the left performance pattern 350, a reduced middle performance pattern 362 corresponding to the middle performance pattern 352, and a reduced right performance pattern 364 corresponding to the right performance pattern 354 are displayed in the upper right corner of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32. That is, as shown in Fig. 16(D), the reduced left performance pattern 360 and the reduced right performance pattern 364 are displayed temporarily stopped in the same manner (reach manner), while the reduced middle performance pattern 362 is displayed variably.

[0246] If a jackpot has been won, as shown in Figure 16 (E), a presentation video in which main character A defeats enemy character B is played and displayed in the center of the display area of ​​LCD display 32, and the shrinking middle presentation pattern 362 is provisionally stopped and displayed in the same manner (jackpot 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 ​​LCD display 32, thereby provisionally notifying the player that he or she has won a jackpot.

[0247] Then, the presentation video in which main character A defeats enemy character B ends, and as shown in Figure 16 (F), left presentation pattern 350, middle presentation pattern 352 and right presentation pattern 354 are displayed in a provisionally stopped state in the center of the display area of ​​LCD display 32, and then, as shown in Figure 16 (G), left presentation pattern 350, middle presentation pattern 352 and right presentation pattern 354 are displayed in a definite stopped state in the center of the display area of ​​LCD display 32, and a sound effect notifying the player that he or she has won a jackpot is output from speaker 14, thereby definitively notifying the player that he or she has won a jackpot.

[0248] On the other hand, if the jackpot is not won, as shown in Figure 16 (H), a presentation video in which main character A is defeated by enemy character B is played 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 a different manner (a missed reach manner) from 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 informing the player that a miss has occurred.

[0249] Then, the video of main character A being defeated by enemy character B ends, and as shown in Figure 16 (I), 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 ​​LCD display 32, and then, as shown in Figure 16 (J), 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 ​​LCD display 32, thereby definitively notifying the player that they have lost.

[0250] In the special lottery presentation process, a common presentation video may be played back and displayed in both the case of winning the jackpot and the case of losing, so that when the common presentation video is played back and displayed, the player's expectations for winning the jackpot can be greatly increased.

[0251] In this embodiment, the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed in a varying manner on the liquid crystal display 32 in a performance pattern corresponding to the type of variation of the first special pattern or the second special pattern in the status display device 70, thereby increasing the player's anticipation of winning the jackpot, while the left performance pattern 350, middle performance pattern 352 and right performance pattern 354 are displayed as provisional stops and then as definitive stops in a manner corresponding to the result of the special lottery, thereby notifying the player of the result of the special lottery.

[0252] In the hold display performance processing, the performance control means 300 displays on the LCD 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 memory means 2914 of the main memory 290 based on a command corresponding to the first special hold number or the second special hold number in the main board 100. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17(A), four hold display areas (display areas), namely, a first hold display area 411 to a 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.Each hold display area is capable of displaying 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 FIG. 17(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 FIG. 17(B).

[0253] In detail, when 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 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 areas 1 to 4. In the example of Figure 17 (A), the second special random number value is not stored in any of the second special hold memory area 1 to the second special hold memory area 4, and the first special random number value is reserved in each of the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 3, and therefore the first hold image 420 is displayed in each of the first hold display area 411 to the third hold display area 413.

[0254] In addition, the performance control means 300 displays the 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, regardless of whether the first special random number value is stored in any of the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 4, and displays the 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 area 1 to the second special hold memory area 4, the performance control means 300 displays the 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 area 1 to the second special hold memory area 4. In the example of Figure 17 (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.

[0255] In this embodiment, a single hold display area 430 is provided in the lower part of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, to the left of the first hold display area 411, corresponding to the first or second special hold memory area of ​​the special random number memory means 2914, and a first hold image 420 is displayed in the hold display area 430 when a first special random number value is read out from the first special hold memory area 1 and stored in the first special hold memory area, and a second hold image 422 is displayed in the hold display area 430 when a second special random number value is read out from the second special hold memory area 1 and stored in the second special hold memory area.

[0256] For example, in the state shown in Fig. 17(A), when the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1, a special lottery is performed, and the first special random number value is stored in the first special reservation memory area, the performance control means 300 performs display control to move the first reserved image 420 displayed in the first reserved display area 411 to the reserved display area 430 as shown in Fig. 17(C), start the variable display of the left performance pattern 350, the center performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354, and move the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserved display area after the second reserved display area 412 to the reserved display area with an ordinal number one smaller than the original reserved display area. This makes it possible to show that the first reserved image 420 displayed in the reserved display area 430 corresponds to the first special random number value that is the subject of the current special lottery, and that the first reserved image 420 displayed after the first reserved display area 411 corresponds to the first special random number value that is the subject of the next or subsequent special lottery.

[0257] Then, as shown in Fig. 17(D), when the left performance pattern 350, the middle performance pattern 352, and the right performance pattern 354 are displayed as fixed stop to display the result of this special lottery, the first special random number value stored in the first 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, 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 reserved display area after the second reserved display area 412 to the reserved display area with an ordinal number one smaller from the original reserved display area.

[0258] Also, although not shown, when a plurality of second special random number values ​​are reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 4, a second special random number value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1, a special lottery is conducted, and the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, the performance control means 300 moves the second reserve image 422 displayed in the first reserve display area 411 to the reserve display area 430, and initiates the varying 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 reserve image 422 displayed in the reserve display areas from the second reserve display area 412 onwards to a reserve display area which is one ordinal smaller than the original reserve display area. This indicates that the second reserved image 422 displayed in the reserved display area 430 corresponds to the second special random number value that is the subject of the current special lottery, and that the second reserved image 422 displayed in the first reserved display area 411 or later corresponds to the second special random number value that is the subject of the next or subsequent special lottery.

[0259] Also, 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 pattern or the second special pattern for the 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 pattern or the second special pattern for the first special random number value or the second special random number value acquired immediately before the 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 this 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 is 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. In this embodiment, when the game state is the normal state, no pre-reading performance is performed for the second special random number value, and when the game state is the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the special state, the first special probability state or the second special probability state, no pre-reading performance is performed for the first special random number value.

[0260] 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 result of the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result corresponding to the first special random number value or the second special random number value is a jackpot or a miss, and only when the special lottery presentation is performed in a reach presentation pattern.

[0261] In detail, in this embodiment, in each of the variable group lottery tables A to F shown in FIG. 8, 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 corresponds to one of groups 0 to 6 excluding groups 4 and 5, each of the 8 variable group determination random number values ​​of 90 to 97 corresponds to group 4, and each of the 2 variable group determination random number values ​​of 98 to 99 corresponds to 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 status, 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 status, a reach variable pattern is always determined and a no-reach variable pattern is not determined.

[0262] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the special lottery means 230 fails in the jackpot determination process performed as 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 that a reach fluctuation pattern will be determined as the pre-determination result, and when 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.

[0263] If the result of the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result indicates that a jackpot has been won, the performance control means 300 conducts a pre-reading performance lottery to determine whether or not a pre-reading performance can be executed for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, but if a jackpot has not been won, it determines whether or not the pre-determination result includes fixed value information, and if fixed value information is included, conducts a pre-reading performance lottery.

[0264] As a result, in this embodiment, even if the reserved number 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 performance will be executed, the special lottery performance can be executed in a reach performance pattern, even if the jackpot is won or the jackpot is lost.

[0265] Then, when the performance control means 300 determines in the pre-reading performance lottery to execute a pre-reading performance 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 first special reserve memory area and the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 that has been obtained prior to the first special random number value for which execution of the pre-reading performance has been determined, which is a first special random number value that results in a jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result being a jackpot, or a first special random number value that results in a miss in the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result but contains fixed value information in the pre-determination result, the performance control means 300 starts the pre-reading performance as it determines that the start condition for the pre-reading performance is satisfied.

[0266] In addition, when it is decided in the pre-reading performance lottery for the second special random number value that the execution of the pre-reading performance is to be determined 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 second special reserve memory area and the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 4 that is obtained before the second special random number value for which the execution of the pre-reading performance is determined, which is a second special random number value that is a winning jackpot as a result of the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result, or a second special random number value that is a losing jackpot as a result of the jackpot determination process included in the pre-determination result but includes fixed value information in the pre-determination result, then the start condition for the pre-reading performance is satisfied and the pre-reading performance is started.

[0267] As a result, in this embodiment, when it is decided to execute a look-ahead performance for the first special random number value or the second special random number value, if a jackpot has been confirmed for the already reserved first special random number value or the second special random number value, if a special lottery performance is being executed in a reach performance pattern, and if it has been confirmed that a special lottery performance will be executed in a reach performance pattern, the look-ahead performance can be started after the special game state executed by the confirmed jackpot has ended, or after the special lottery performance by the reach performance pattern that is being executed or has been confirmed to be executed has ended.

[0268] 3. Control method of this embodiment The control method of this embodiment will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13, the initial normal state is a game state in which the special drawing state is set to the special drawing low probability state, the normal drawing state is set to the normal drawing low probability state, and the left hand shot should be performed, so in the normal state, a special drawing is basically performed for the first special random number value, and when a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1 / 150, a 10 round probability pattern A is determined with a probability of 1%, and a 5 round normal pattern or a 10 round normal pattern is determined with a probability of 99%.

[0269] Under normal conditions, approximately 1 in 10 to 20 game balls falling through the left-hand game area 4 enter the first start winning port 46, and 4 game balls are paid out for every game ball that enters the first start winning port 46, so the player plays the game while reducing the number of game balls he or she has in hand.

[0270] Then, when a jackpot is won in a special lottery in the normal state and a 5-round normal pattern or a 10-round normal pattern is determined, the special game state ends and the state transitions to the first time-saving state, the special pattern lottery state is set to a special pattern low probability state, the normal pattern lottery state is set to a normal pattern high probability state, and the memory value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is set to 40.

[0271] And because the first time-saving state is a game state in which right-hand hits are required, in the first time-saving state a special lottery is basically conducted for the second special random number value, and if a jackpot is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 150, there is a 5% probability that 10-round special pattern A will be determined, a 5% probability that 10-round special pattern B will be determined, and a 90% probability that 10-round special pattern C will be determined.

[0272] In the first time-saving state, many of the game balls falling down the right-side game area 4 enter the second start winning port 50, and almost all of the game balls that do not enter the second start winning port 50 enter the third start winning port 70. As a result, one game ball is paid out for each game ball that enters the second start winning port 50 or the third start winning port 70, so that the player can play without reducing the number of game balls he or she has in hand.

[0273] Then, if a jackpot is won and a 10-round special probability symbol B or a 10-round special probability symbol C is determined before the number of special lottery draws in the first time-saving state reaches 40, the special state is entered after the special game state ends, the special symbol drawing state is set to a special symbol high probability state, the normal symbol drawing state is set to a normal symbol low probability state, and the memory value of the special symbol count counter 2928 is set to 70.

[0274] And because the special state is a game state in which right-hand play is required, in the special state a special lottery is basically conducted for the second special random number value, and if a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1 / 50, there is a 5% probability that 10-round special pattern A will be determined, a 5% probability that 10-round special pattern B will be determined, and a 90% probability that 10-round special pattern C will be determined.

[0275] In the special state, many of the game balls falling through the right-side game area 4 cannot enter the second start winning port 50, but almost all of the game balls that do not enter the second start winning port 50 enter the third start winning port 70, so the player can play without reducing the number of game balls he or she has in hand.

[0276] Then, if a jackpot is won and a 10-round probability variation pattern C is determined before the number of special lotteries performed in the special state reaches 70, the game will transition to the special state again after the special game state ends.

[0277] In this embodiment, in the normal state, a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1 / 150, and when a 5-round normal pattern or a 10-round normal pattern is determined with a probability of 99%, a transition is made to the first time-saving state. By the time the number of times the special lottery has been held in the first time-saving state reaches 40, a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1 / 150, and when a 10-round special pattern B or a 10-round special pattern C is determined with a probability of 95%, a transition is made to the special state. This prevents the state from being excessively transitioned to the special state, and if the state is transitioned to the special state, by the time the number of times the special lottery has been held reaches 70, a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1 / 50, and when a 10-round special pattern C is determined with a probability of 90%, a transition is made to the special state again, making it easier for the special state and the special game state to be repeated, allowing the player to obtain many game balls.

[0278] On the other hand, if a jackpot is won and a 10-round special probability pattern B is determined before the number of special lotteries reaches 70 in the special state, the game transitions to the first special probability state after the special game state ends, the special pattern lottery state is set to a special pattern high probability state, the normal pattern lottery state is set to a normal pattern high probability state, the memory value of the special probability count counter 2928 is set to 70, and the memory value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is set to 20.

[0279] And because the first special probability state is a game state in which right-hand hitting is required, in the first special probability state a special lottery is basically conducted for the second special random number value, and if a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1 / 50, there is a 5% probability that 10-round special probability pattern A will be determined, a 5% probability that 10-round special probability pattern B will be determined, and a 90% probability that 10-round special probability pattern C will be determined.

[0280] In the first probability change state, many of the game balls falling through the right-side game area 4 enter the second start winning port 50, and almost all of the game balls that do not enter the second start winning port 50 enter the third start winning port 70, so that the player can play without reducing the number of game balls he or she has in hand.

[0281] Then, if a jackpot is won and one of the 10-round special probability pattern A to 10-round special probability pattern C is determined before the number of special lottery draws in the first special probability state reaches 20, the game transitions to the second special probability state after the special game state ends, the special pattern draw state is set to a special pattern high probability state, the normal pattern draw state is set to a normal pattern high probability state, the value stored in the special probability count counter 2928 is set to 70, and the value stored in the auxiliary count counter 2930 is set to 10,000.

[0282] And because the second special probability state is a game state in which right-hand hitting is required, in the second special probability state a special lottery is basically conducted for the second special random number value, and if a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1 / 50, there is a 5% probability that 10-round special probability pattern A will be determined, a 5% probability that 10-round special probability pattern B will be determined, and a 90% probability that 10-round special probability pattern C will be determined.

[0283] In the second probability change state, many of the game balls falling through the right-side game area 4 enter the second start winning port 50, and almost all of the game balls that do not enter the second start winning port 50 enter the third start winning port 70, so that the player can play without reducing the number of game balls he or she has in hand.

[0284] Then, if a jackpot is won and one of the 10-round probability variable patterns A to C is determined before the number of special lotteries in the second probability variable state reaches 70, the game will transition to the second probability variable state again after the special game state ends.

[0285] In this embodiment, by the time the number of times the special lottery has been performed in the special state reaches 70, there is a probability of about 1 / 50 when a jackpot is won, and there is a probability of 5% when the 10-round probability variable pattern B is determined. Furthermore, by the time the number of times the special lottery has been performed in the first probability variable state reaches 20, if a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1 / 50, the state is transitioned to the second probability variable state, thereby preventing excessive transition to the second probability variable state. If the state is transitioned to the second probability variable state, by the time the number of times the special lottery has been performed reaches 70, if a jackpot is won with a probability of about 1 / 50, the state is transitioned to the second probability variable state again, making it easier for the second probability variable state and the special game state to be repeated, allowing the player to obtain many game balls.

[0286] In this embodiment, when a jackpot is won and the 10-round special pattern A is determined in either the normal state, the first time-saving state, the special state, or the second time-saving state, the state transitions to the second special state after the special game state ends, so that the state transitions to the second special state without passing through the first time-saving state, the special state, or the first special state.

[0287] Then, if no jackpot is won before the number of special lotteries held in the second special probability state reaches 70, the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is carried over to 9930, which is the initial value of the second special probability state, 10000, minus 70, and the state transitions to the second time-saving state, the special lottery state is set to a special low probability state, and the normal lottery state is set to a normal high probability state.

[0288] And because the second time-saving state is a game state in which right-hand hits are required, a special lottery is basically conducted for the second special random number value in the second time-saving state, and if a jackpot is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 150, there is a 5% probability that 10-round special pattern A will be determined, a 5% probability that 10-round special pattern B will be determined, and a 90% probability that 10-round special pattern C will be determined.

[0289] In the second probability change state, many of the game balls falling through the right-side game area 4 enter the second start winning port 50, and almost all of the game balls that do not enter the second start winning port 50 enter the third start winning port 70, so that the player can play without reducing the number of game balls he or she has in hand.

[0290] Then, if a jackpot is won and a 10-round special probability symbol B or a 10-round special probability symbol C is determined before the number of special lottery draws in the second time-saving state reaches 9,930, the special state is entered after the special game state ends, the special symbol drawing state is set to a special symbol high probability state, the normal symbol drawing state is set to a normal symbol low probability state, and the memory value of the special symbol count counter 2928 is set to 70.

[0291] That is, in the second time-saving state, the probability of winning the jackpot in the special lottery is set to about 1 / 150, but in most cases, the jackpot is won and the special game state starts before the number of special lotteries held in the second time-saving state reaches 9930, and the second time-saving state almost never transitions to the normal state. In other words, the second time-saving state is designed to continue until the jackpot is won.

[0292] In the second time-saving state, as described above, in the fluctuation group determination process, the fluctuation group lottery table E shown in Figure 8 (E) is referenced, so that the reach fluctuation pattern is not determined, and the fluctuation time of the second special pattern is always set to the shortest time of 1 second.

[0293] As a result, in this embodiment, the frequency with which the opportunity to execute the special lottery occurs in the second time-saving state is made higher than in other game states, and the time until a jackpot is won in the second time-saving state is made as short as possible.

[0294] In this embodiment, even if a jackpot is not won in the second special probability state, a jackpot will definitely be won in the subsequent second time-saving state, and after the special game state ends, a transition to a special state is made, so that if the second special probability state is entered, it is guaranteed that a jackpot will be won at least once and that the special state will be entered again.

[0295] Thus, in this embodiment, while the special state and the second highly likely variable state exist as game states in which the special game state is likely to be repeated, the special state and the second highly likely variable state have the same probability of the special game state being repeated, the second highly likely variable state is made a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the special state in that it is guaranteed that a jackpot will be won at least once and that the player will transition to the special state again.

[0296] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the number of chance changes is set to a common number for each type of jackpot pattern, but the number of auxiliary changes is set to a different number depending on the type of jackpot pattern and the game state when the jackpot is won, so that the transition of the game state as described above can be achieved without increasing the number of types of jackpot patterns.

[0297] FIG. 18(A) is an enlarged front view of the handle 20 shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 18(A), the handle 20 is in the initial position, and a first finger hook portion 500, a second finger hook portion 502, and a third finger hook portion 504 for hooking the fingers of a player gripping the handle 20 are formed on the upper portion of the handle 20 when the handle 20 is in the initial position so as to protrude outward. In detail, the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504 are shaped so that the player's fingers are hooked when the player rotates the handle 20 from the initial position to the right around the rotation axis 506, making it easy for the player to rotate the handle 20 to the right. The handle 20 is provided so as to be rotatable 100 degrees around the rotation axis 506 with respect to the front frame 10 from the initial position shown in FIG. 18(A) to the maximum rotation position of the handle 20 shown in FIG. 18(B).

[0298] In this embodiment, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504 protrudes downward beyond the lower edge of the inner frame 7. Also, although the lower edge of the front frame 10 is located more inward than the lower edge of the inner frame 7, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504 protrudes downward beyond the lower edge of the front frame 10.

[0299] In this embodiment, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504 protrude to the right beyond the right edge of the inner frame 7. Also, although the right edge of the front frame 10 is located inside the right edge of the inner frame 7, regardless of the position of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, none of the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504 protrude to the right beyond the right edge of the front frame 10.

[0300] In detail, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the distance d1 between the tip of first finger hook 500 and rotation shaft 506 is 53.4 mm, the distance d2 between the tip of second finger hook 502 and rotation shaft 506 is 45.6 mm, and the distance d3 between the tip of third finger hook 504 and rotation shaft 506 is 39.3 mm.

[0301] When the handle 20 is in the initial position, the distance e between the bottom end of the handle 20 and the rotation shaft 506 is 34.6 mm. The distance f1 between the lower edge of the front frame 10 and the rotation shaft 506 is 40.0 mm, and the distance f2 between the lower edge of the inner frame 7 and the rotation shaft 506 is 45.0 mm. The distance g1 between the right edge of the front frame 10 and the rotation shaft 506 is 49.1 mm, and the distance g2 between the right edge of the inner frame 7 and the rotation shaft 506 is 51.1 mm.

[0302] In this embodiment, among the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, and the third finger hook portion 504, the first finger hook portion 500 has the greatest distance between its tip and the rotation axis 506. However, when the handle 20 is at the maximum rotation position, the tip of the first finger hook portion 500 is not positioned at the lowest point of the trajectory of the tip of the first finger hook portion 500 when the handle 20 rotates from the initial position to the maximum rotation position.

[0303] As a result, in this embodiment, even if the gaming machine is placed on a floor or the like, the first finger hook portion 500, the second finger hook portion 502, or the third finger hook portion 504 will not come into contact with the floor or the like, thereby preventing damage to the handle 20.

[0304] In this embodiment, the operating torque required to rotate the handle 20 from the initial position is defined as the first operating torque (6.8 x N), the position of the handle 20 at which the game ball launched from the launching device can fall into the left-hand game area 4 is defined as the left-hand hit reference position, the operating torque required to rotate the handle 20 from the initial position to the left-hand hit reference position is defined as the second operating torque (13.6 x N), and the operating torque required to rotate the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as the third operating torque (23.8 x N).The second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque, but the second operating torque is less than twice the first operating torque.

[0305] In this way, in this embodiment, the difference between the first and second operation torques is small, and the operation torque does not increase suddenly between the initial position and the left hit reference position. This allows the player to feel the difference between the first and second operation torques as small, and reduces the burden on the player.

[0306] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the third operation torque is greater than the second operation torque, but the third operation torque is equal to or less than twice the second operation torque.

[0307] In this way, in this embodiment, the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque is small, and the operation torque does not increase suddenly between the left hit reference position and the maximum rotation position. As a result, in this embodiment, the difference between the second operation torque and the third operation torque can be felt by the player as being small, and the burden on the player can be reduced.

[0308] In this embodiment, the operating angle of the handle 20 from the initial position to the left-handed reference position is defined as a first operating angle (45° to 60°), and the operating angle of the handle 20 from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a second operating angle (100° to 120°). The first operating angle (e.g., 45°) is less than half of the second operating angle (e.g., 100°).

[0309] 4. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and the following modifications are introduced. 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.

[0310] First, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the auxiliary number of times is set to 10,000 when the second special probability state is entered, but when the second special probability state is entered, the auxiliary number of times may be set to a value greater than the reciprocal of approximately 1 / 150, which is the probability of winning a jackpot in the special low probability state. In this case, the auxiliary number of times may be set to a number greater than the average number of special lotteries required to win a jackpot in the special low probability state.

[0311] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which, when transitioning from the second special probability state to the second time-saving state, the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 is carried over in a state in which it is subtracted from the initial value of the second special probability state. However, when transitioning from the second special probability state to the second time-saving state, the stored value of the auxiliary count counter 2930 may be reset to a value such as 9930 that is greater than the reciprocal of approximately 1 / 150, which is the probability of winning a jackpot in a special low probability state.

[0312] Furthermore, when the second probability variable state is entered, the auxiliary number of times may be set to a value greater than twice the reciprocal of the probability of winning a jackpot in the special low probability state, which is approximately 1 / 150. In this case, the auxiliary number of times can be set to a number greater than twice the average number of special lotteries required to win a jackpot in the special low probability state, so that the second time-saving state can be continued with a higher probability until a jackpot is won.

[0313] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which, if the special lottery in the second time-saving state is unsuccessful, the fluctuation time is always set to the shortest possible value of 1 second. However, the fluctuation time may also be set to 3 seconds, etc., and one of a number of types of non-reach fluctuation patterns may be determined.

[0314] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which, when a jackpot is won in a special lottery in the second time-saving state, one of a plurality of types of reach fluctuation patterns is determined, similar to when a jackpot is won in a special lottery in another game state. However, it is also possible to always determine reach fluctuation pattern 1 with the shortest fluctuation time, or to determine a reach fluctuation pattern with an even shorter fluctuation time that is determined only when a jackpot is won in a special lottery in the second time-saving state.

[0315] In other words, the average fluctuation time set in the event of a miss in the special lottery in the second time-saving state may be shorter than the average fluctuation time set in the event of a miss in the special lottery in another game state, and the average fluctuation time set in the event of a jackpot in the special lottery in the second time-saving state may be shorter than the average fluctuation time set in the event of a jackpot in the special lottery in another game state.

[0316] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which almost all of the game balls falling through the right-side game area 4 that do not enter the second start winning port 50 or the large winning port 54 enter the third start winning port 70, but it is also possible for some of the game balls falling through the right-side game area 4 that do not enter the second start winning port 50 or the large winning port 54 to enter the third start winning port 70.

[0317] In the above embodiment, one game ball is paid out each time one game ball enters the second start winning port 50 or the third start winning port 70, so that in the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the special state, the first certain variable state, and the second certain variable state, the player can play without reducing the number of game balls he or she has. However, it is also possible to make it so that two game balls are paid out each time one game ball enters the second start winning port 50, and one game ball is paid out each time one game ball enters the third start winning port 70, so that in the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the first certain variable state, and the second certain variable state, where it is easier for game balls to enter the second start winning port 50, the ratio of the number of game balls paid out to the player to the number of game balls fired from the firing device is higher than in the special state where it is difficult for game balls to enter the second start winning port 50.

[0318] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the probability of winning a small prize is the same in the normal state, the first time-saving state, the second time-saving state, the special state, the first special probability state, and the second special probability state. However, it is also possible to make the probability of winning a small prize higher in the special state, the first special probability state, and the second special probability state than in the normal state, the first time-saving state, and the second time-saving state, so that the ratio of the number of game balls paid out to the player to the number of game balls fired from the firing device is higher in the special state, the first special probability state, and the second special probability state, in which a small prize game is more likely to be played, than in the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, in which a small prize game is less likely to be played. [Explanation of symbols]

[0319] 2 outer frame, 4 game area, 6 game board, 8 glass unit, 10 front frame, 12 front frame lamp, 14 speaker, 16 upper tray, 18 outlet, 20 handle, 22 supply port, 24 bottom plate, 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 left aisle, 44 stage, 46 1st start winning gate, 48 Passing gate, 50 2nd start winning gate, 52 Regular role, 54 Large winning hole, 68 Right passage, 70 3rd starting winning hole, 72 Out hole,

Claims

1. A gaming machine having a gaming area in which a gaming medium moves, A frame body, an operation unit that is rotatably supported by the frame and that operates the launching device to launch the game media; A lottery means for conducting a lottery on the condition that a gaming medium enters a predetermined area provided in the gaming area; a specific game execution means for executing a specific game on the condition that a specific result is obtained in the lottery; a state control means for controlling a probability state between a plurality of probability states including a first probability state in which the probability of obtaining a specific result in the lottery is high and a second probability state in which the probability of obtaining a specific result in the lottery is low, and for controlling a control state between a plurality of control states including a first control state in which the game medium is likely to enter the specified area and a second control state in which the game medium is unlikely to enter the specified area; The state control means includes: control the number of lotteries held since the start of the first probability state, which is the first control state, reaches a first number, to the second probability state; and control the number of lotteries held since the start of the first probability state, which is the first control state, reaches a second number, which is a value greater than the first number. The second number of times is a value greater than the reciprocal of the probability of a particular outcome being obtained in the lottery in the second probability state, The operation unit includes: A base and a plurality of finger hooks formed to protrude outward from the base and for a player to hook his / her fingers on; It is rotatable from the initial position to the maximum rotation position, The plurality of finger hook portions include a finger grip portion that protrudes downward from the base portion at the maximum rotation position, Among the plurality of finger hooks, the finger hook with the largest protruding amount is designated as a specific finger hook, a distance from a rotation center of the operation unit to a tip end of the specific finger rest portion is defined as a first distance; If the distance from the rotation center of the operation unit to the lower edge of the frame is a second distance, The first distance is greater than the second distance, A gaming machine characterized in that, in the initial position and the maximum rotation position, none of the multiple finger grip portions protrudes below the lower edge of the frame.

2. In claim 1, an operation torque required to start rotating the operation unit from the initial position is defined as a first operation torque; A position of the operation unit at which the game ball launched from the launching device can move within a predetermined area of ​​the game area is set as a reference position; an operation torque required to rotate the operation unit from the initial position to the reference position is defined as a second operation torque; When an operation torque required to rotate the operation unit from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a third operation torque, The second operating torque is greater than the first operating torque, The third operating torque is greater than the second operating torque, is equal to or less than twice the second operating torque, and is equal to or more than twice the first operating torque, an operation angle required to rotate the operation unit from the initial position to the reference position is defined as a first operation angle; When an operation angle required to rotate the operation unit from the initial position to the maximum rotation position is defined as a second operation angle, A gaming machine characterized in that the second operation angle is at least twice as large as the first operation angle.

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