Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing willingness of playing a game in an easy-to-win state.SOLUTION: When a winning game is induced in a pattern variation after if the number of pattern variations executed without sandwiching a winning game from start of an easy-to-win state becomes a first number of times for a degree of advantage pertaining to a winning game when the winning game is induced in a pattern variation based on entry of game balls into a second start pocket occurring in the easy-to-win state, the degree of advantage tends to be higher than when the winning game is induced in a pattern variation before the number of pattern variations executed without sandwiching a winning game from start of the easy-to-win state becomes a first number of times.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Some gaming machines, such as pachinko machines, have a first start hole and a second start hole as start holes that trigger a pattern change when a gaming ball enters them, and are configured to be able to set an easy-to-win state in which it is easier for a gaming ball to enter the second start hole. For example, see Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-209320 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, in such gaming machines, the easy-to-win state itself is advantageous to the player, and its existence contributes to increasing motivation to play, but there is still room for improvement.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine that can increase the desire to play in an easy-to-win state by providing an unprecedented easy-to-win state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine capable of launching gaming balls, capable of executing a pattern variation accompanied by a win / loss determination based on the entry of the gaming ball into a first start port or a second start port, and capable of generating a winning game after the end of the pattern variation in which the win / loss determination was executed when a specific result is derived in the win / loss determination, the gaming machine being provided with a gaming state management means for managing the state of the game, the gaming state management means being capable of setting an easy-to-win state in which the entry of the gaming ball into the second start port is more likely than in a normal state, and in the easy-to-win state Regarding the advantage of the winning game when the winning game is generated by the pattern change based on the winning of the game ball into the second starting hole, when the winning game is generated by the pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the winning-easy state reaches the first number, the advantage tends to be higher than when the winning game is generated by the pattern change before the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the winning-easy state reaches the first number. and the degree of advantage related to the winning game is the number of pattern changes that the easy-to-win state set after the end of the winning game can continue, or the degree of advantage of the winning game itself, and further includes an image display means and a display control means for controlling the image display means, and the display control means is capable of displaying a background image that is displayed in a layer with a lower display priority than other images and is capable of identifying at least the normal state or the easy-to-win state by its display mode, and the display mode of the background image that was displayed at the start of the pattern change related to the pattern change immediately before the first number of pattern changes is maintained at least in part when the number of pattern changes executed from the start of the easy-to-win state without the winning game in between becomes the first number. A gaming machine is provided that has the following features. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a gaming machine is provided that can increase motivation to play when a winning situation is favorable. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device disposed in the area II shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a bird's-eye view showing the operation buttons and their surroundings arranged in the area III shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a game board installed in the gaming machine. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) is a diagram that shows a schematic drawing of a lottery table for determining whether a special symbol is a hit or not, Figure 8(b) is a diagram that shows a schematic drawing of a lottery table for selecting stopping symbols used when a big hit is derived in the special symbol hit or not determination related to special symbol 1, Figure 8(c) is a diagram that shows a schematic drawing of a lottery table for selecting stopping symbols used when a big hit is derived in the special symbol hit or not determination related to special symbol 2, and Figure 8(d) is a diagram that shows a schematic drawing of a lottery table for selecting stopping symbols used when a small hit is derived in the special symbol hit or not determination related to special symbol 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used in the pattern change related to special chart 1 when in the special chart change pattern derivation state PA, and Figure 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used when special chart change pattern HNP is determined in the pattern change related to special chart 1 when in the special chart change pattern derivation state PA. [Figure 10] Figure 10(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when in special chart change pattern derivation state PB or special chart change pattern derivation state PD, and Figure 10(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used when special chart change pattern HNP is determined in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when in special chart change pattern derivation state PB or special chart change pattern derivation state PD. [Figure 11] Figure 11(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is in effect, and Figure 11(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart change pattern lottery table used when special chart change pattern HNP is determined in the pattern change related to special chart 2 when the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is in effect. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special chart variation pattern derivation state, and FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the average variation time for each special chart variation pattern derivation state. [Figure 13]Figure 13(a) is a table summarizing the correspondence between the stopping patterns related to a jackpot game when the jackpot game occurs in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB and whether or not the high probability of a normal chart is set after the end of the jackpot game. Figure 13(b) is a table summarizing the correspondence between the stopping patterns related to the jackpot game when the jackpot game occurs in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC and whether or not the high probability of a normal chart is set after the end of the jackpot game. Figure 13(c) is a table summarizing the correspondence between the stopping patterns related to the jackpot game when the jackpot game occurs in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD and whether or not the high probability of a normal chart is set after the end of the jackpot game. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows the relationship between the transition of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state in the high probability of normal patterns and the transition of the high probability of normal patterns setting expectation degree after the end of the jackpot game caused by the pattern variation executed based on the winning of the game ball into the second starting hole that occurs in each high probability of normal patterns. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a flow of the background image switching process when the probability of a normal drawing is high. [Figure 16] FIG. 16(a) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table T1 used in the background image switching lottery, and FIG. 16(b) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table T2 used in the background image switching lottery. [Figure 17] Figure 17(a) is a table summarizing the game state after the end of a jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs due to a pattern change related to special chart 1 in special chart change pattern derivation state PB, Figure 17(b) is a table summarizing the game state after the end of a jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs due to a pattern change related to special chart 1 in special chart change pattern derivation state PC, and Figure 17(c) is a table summarizing the game state after the end of a jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs due to a pattern change related to special chart 1 in special chart change pattern derivation state PD. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate. In the following description, "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the gaming machine 10 as viewed from the front side (player side) as shown in FIG. 1, unless otherwise specified. In the following explanation, "advantageous (degree of advantage)" refers to an advantage for the player, and further, unless otherwise specified, refers to an advantage in terms of the amount of prize balls (gaming media) obtained (including not only the payout of gaming balls but also the payout of medals), excluding aspects of presentation such as so-called premium images.

[0010] <Features of the present invention> Before describing the details of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment, the features of the invention (the present invention) described in this embodiment will be described. In addition, when explaining the features, the configuration in parentheses is an example of the configuration of this embodiment corresponding to the immediately preceding configuration, and the configuration may be described in parentheses for the same purpose in the explanations of the gaming machine 10 that follow.

[0011] The present invention relates to A gaming machine capable of launching gaming balls, capable of executing a pattern variation accompanied by a hit / miss determination based on the entry of the gaming ball into a first start hole (first start hole 57) or a second start hole (second start hole 59), and capable of generating a winning game (a big win game or a small win game) after the pattern variation in which the hit / miss determination was executed is completed when a specific result (a big win or a small win) is derived in the hit / miss determination, A game status management means for managing a game status is provided, The game state management means can set a winning-prone state (high probability of winning) in which the winning of the game ball into the second starting hole is more likely to occur than in a normal state (low probability of winning), Regarding the degree of advantage associated with the winning game when the winning game is generated by a pattern change based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole generated in the easy-to-win state, when the winning game is generated by a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches the first number (51 times), the degree of advantage tends to be higher than when the winning game is generated by a pattern change before the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches the first number. This is a gaming machine characterized by the above.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent a decrease in motivation to play caused by getting stuck (the successive occurrence of pattern variations that do not result in the above-mentioned winning game) in the above-mentioned winning-prone state.

[0013] In addition, the above-mentioned "advantage degree related to the winning game" is not limited to being defined by the rate at which the winning game ends, as in the present embodiment described later, but may be defined by, for example, the number of times of the regular number of times related to the high probability of the winning game that is given after the winning game ends, or by the rate at which the winning game ends. Furthermore, it may be the advantage degree of the winning game itself, such as the number of rounds related to the winning game.

[0014] Furthermore, the term "tends to be more advantageous" does not necessarily mean that the relationship of the advantageous degree of the comparison target is uniformly determined under any circumstances, but rather indicates the relationship of the expected value related to the advantageous degree of the comparison target, allowing the advantageous degree of the comparison target to be reversed in some cases. This also applies to each invention described below.

[0015] In addition, the above-mentioned "pattern change based on the winning of a gaming ball into the second starting port occurring in the above-mentioned easy-to-win state" refers, as described therein, to a pattern change that is executed based on the occurrence of a gaming ball winning into the second starting port in the above-mentioned easy-to-win state, regardless of the gaming state in which the pattern change is executed (specifically, whether during the above-mentioned easy-to-win state or the normal state).

[0016] In addition, in the present invention, the pattern change related to the first count may be replaced with a pattern change of a normal pattern, which will be described later. In that case, it is preferable to configure the system so that a big win or a small win is always derived in the hit / miss judgment related to the special pattern 2, so that a big win game is always generated when a normal pattern hit (a game ball is allowed to enter the second starting hole 59) is derived. This also applies to the pattern change related to the second count, which will be described later.

[0017] The gaming machine 10 having the above-mentioned features will be specifically described based on the following embodiment.

[0018] <Structure of the gaming machine 10> First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. Figure 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, Figure 2 is a diagram showing a pattern display device 90 arranged in area II shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a bird's-eye view showing a group of operation buttons arranged in area III shown in Figure 1 and their surroundings, Figure 4 is a diagram showing a game board 50 installed in the gaming machine 10, and Figure 5 is a rear view of the gaming machine 10. 1 to 5 are merely components necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and components and functions not shown here may be added to the gaming machine 10. In addition, the gaming machine 10 does not necessarily have to include all of the components shown here, and some components or functions may be omitted as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired.

[0019] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called pachinko machine, in which gaming balls are shot into a front area (hereinafter referred to as "game area 50a") of a gaming board 50 on which a large number of gaming nails (not shown) are erected, and a prize ball is obtained when the gaming ball enters a winning hole (for example, a big winning hole 55, etc.). In the following description, the entry of a gaming ball into a winning hole may be simply expressed as "entering (a winning hole)."

[0020] The gaming machine 10 comprises a rectangular outer frame 15 that opens at the front and rear, a middle frame 17 that detachably holds a gaming board 50 on the front side of the opening of the outer frame 15, and a front frame 20 configured to cover the front side of the gaming board 50.

[0021] The middle frame 17 is supported so as to be rotatable about the left end side by a hinge mechanism (not shown) on the same side as the hinge mechanism 21, and can be opened and closed to the front side of the outer frame 15. The middle frame 17 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction of the front frame 20 (right in this embodiment)).

[0022] The front frame 20 is supported by a hinge mechanism 21 so as to be rotatable about the left end side, and can be opened and closed relative to the middle frame 17. The front frame 20 can be locked and unlocked by a cylinder lock 23 (by inserting a door key into the cylinder lock 23 and turning the door key in the opposite direction to the unlocking direction of the middle frame 17 (left in this embodiment)). In addition, the front frame 20 is provided with a transparent member 25 arranged to cover the playing area 50a, and the transparent member 25 protects the playing area 50a and the playing board 50 from view. The front frame 20 also has an upper ball tray 27 and a lower ball tray 29 for storing game balls, and the upper ball tray 27 and the lower ball tray 29 are spaced apart from each other vertically and are formed integrally with the front frame 20. In addition, the front frame 20 is provided with an operating handle 31 on the right side of the lower ball tray 29, and by rotating the operating handle 31, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 27 are launched toward the game area 50a.

[0023] 1 to 5, the middle frame 17 has a middle frame open door sensor 76 that detects whether the middle frame 17 is in an open state or a closed state relative to the outer frame 15, and a front frame open door sensor 77 that detects whether the front frame 20 is in an open state or a closed state relative to the middle frame 17. In this embodiment, both of these door open sensors are ON in the open state and OFF in the closed state. However, these door open sensors may be configured to be OFF in the open state and ON in the closed state. This allows the gaming machine 10 to detect both the open / closed state of the middle frame 17 relative to the outer frame 15 and the open / closed state of the front frame 20 relative to the middle frame 17.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, a group of operation buttons operated by the player is arranged on the upper surface of the upper ball tray 27. The group of operation buttons includes a ball loan button 39a and a return button 39b for accepting a return operation of a prepaid card as a main operation unit 39 electrically connected to a main control board 100 described later, and includes a performance button 37 for switching the performance generated during a game or accepting a player's operation to obtain various information related to the gaming machine 10 as an operation unit electrically connected to a first sub-control board 200 described later, and cursor buttons 38 (upper cursor button 38a, lower cursor button 38b, left cursor button 38c, right cursor button 38d, middle cursor button 38e) for instructing operations to the up, down, left, and right directions, respectively. Each operation unit is provided with a sensor for detecting the operation, and the control board to be connected detects the operation of each operation unit by a change in the detection state of the sensor. Furthermore, a movable decorative body 22, which is operated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown), is provided on the side of the upper ball tray 27.

[0025] A ball ejection mechanism 36 is provided below the lower ball tray 29 to eject the game balls stored in the lower ball tray 29 downward. By operating this ball ejection mechanism 36, a bottom opening (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the lower ball tray 29 opens, and the game balls fall naturally from the bottom opening and are ejected. Although not shown in the figure, the upper ball tray 27 is provided with a mechanism which, similar to the ball removal mechanism 36, can be operated to move the stored balls to the lower ball tray 29, and by operating both this mechanism and the ball removal mechanism 36, it is possible to remove the stored balls.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 1, a pair of speakers 33 (33a, 33b) are disposed on the left and right sides of the upper frame portion 32 of the front frame 20. The upper frame portion 32 and the left and right side frame portions 34a, 34b of the front frame 20 are formed of light-transmitting covers, and frame lamps 35 (35a, 35b, 35c) are disposed inside the covers. The speaker 33 and the frame lamps 35 can emit sounds or turn on or off in conjunction with effects and error notifications that occur during play.

[0027] The performance display device 80 is composed of a main display unit 81 disposed approximately in the center of the game board 50, and a sub-display unit 82 disposed around the main display unit 81. The sub-display unit 82 further includes an upper sub-display unit 82a disposed above the main display unit 81, a left sub-display unit 82b disposed on the left side of the main display unit 81, and a right sub-display unit 82c disposed on the right side of the main display unit 81. Here, the main display unit 81 is a fixed liquid crystal display device, and the upper sub-display unit 82a, the left sub-display unit 82b, and the right sub-display unit 82c are movable liquid crystal display devices operated by actuators such as motors (not shown).

[0028] The main display unit 81 can display the changing display of a pattern row that is performed in conjunction with the changing display in the first special pattern display device 91 or the second special pattern display device 92 described below, and can also display various other effects. In the variable display of the pattern row (decorative pattern) displayed on the main display unit 81, the displayed decorative pattern forms three pattern rows. In this embodiment, the direction of the variable display of each pattern row is downward, but the direction is not particularly limited. For example, it may be upward, left and right, depth, or a combination of these (diagonal direction). Here, the depth direction refers to a virtual direction recognized by the player in a display mode that uses a method (e.g., perspective) that makes the player perceive the pattern row as if it is changing from the back of the main display unit 81 to the front or vice versa, even though in reality it is a planar changing display on the display screen of the main display unit 81. In addition, the decorative symbols in this embodiment include a "1 symbol" that imitates the number "1", a "2 symbol" that imitates the number "2", a "3 symbol" that imitates the number "3", a "4 symbol" that imitates the number "4", a "5 symbol" that imitates the number "5", a "6 symbol" that imitates the number "6", a "7 symbol" that imitates the number "7", an "8 symbol" that imitates the number "8", and a "9 symbol" that imitates the number "9", and these symbols are provided in each symbol row. In the following description, the "1 symbol", "3 symbol", "5 symbol", "7 symbol", and "9 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "odd number symbols", and the "2 symbol", "4 symbol", "6 symbol", and "8 symbol" may be collectively referred to as "even number symbols".

[0029] Each of the sub-display units 82 is not only provided mainly for displaying a performance image related to a performance, but is also configured to be movable. The initial positions of the upper sub-display unit 82a are on the upper side relative to the main display unit 81, the left sub-display unit 82b are on the left side relative to the main display unit 81, and the right sub-display unit 82c are on the right side relative to the main display unit 81, and each of the sub-display units 82 is configured to be movable from these initial positions to a position where the entire display area of ​​the sub-display unit 82 overlaps with the display area of ​​the main display unit 81.

[0030] In addition, in this embodiment, the performance display device 80 (main display unit 81, upper sub-display unit 82a, left sub-display unit 82b, right sub-display unit 82c) all use liquid crystal display devices, but the implementation of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, various types of display devices such as drum type and dot matrix type can be used as the performance display device 80.

[0031] A number of light emitting diodes (hereinafter abbreviated as "LEDs") are arranged on the lower right side of the main display unit 81, and these LEDs form the display area of ​​the pattern display device 90, which displays special patterns and normal patterns. In addition, the symbol display device 90 is disposed in a position that is more difficult for the player to see than the main display unit 81, and the display area of ​​the symbol display device 90 is smaller than the display area of ​​the main display unit 81. In addition, the arrangement and number of LEDs in the pattern display device 90 in this embodiment are as shown in Figure 2, but this is just one example, and the arrangement and number of LEDs in the pattern display device 90 are not limited to this example.

[0032] The special symbols are symbols that are stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol change that determines whether or not to activate a special electric role (for example, the special electric role 65). The special symbols in this embodiment include a first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display device 91 and a second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display device 92. In addition, the special pattern may be abbreviated as "Special pattern", the first special pattern as "Special pattern 1", and the second special pattern as "Special pattern 2".

[0033] The normal symbol is a symbol that is stopped and displayed as a result of a symbol variation that determines whether or not to operate a normal electric role (for example, the normal electric role 61). The normal symbol in this embodiment is displayed on the normal symbol display device 93. In addition, normal patterns are sometimes abbreviated as "Fuzu", and normal electric devices are sometimes called "denchu".

[0034] In addition to the above-mentioned display devices, the symbol display device 90 is provided with a first special symbol reservation lamp 94, a second special symbol reservation lamp 95, and a normal symbol reservation lamp 96. The first special pattern reserve lamp 94 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved special pattern 1, the second special pattern reserve lamp 95 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved special pattern 2, and the normal pattern reserve lamp 96 makes it possible to identify the number of pattern variations of reserved normal patterns, and all of them make it possible to identify the corresponding number of pattern variations by the lighting state of the two LEDs (in this embodiment, right side only constantly lit = 1, left and right sides constantly lit = 2, right side flashing + left side constantly lit = 3, left and right flashing = 4).

[0035] In the following explanation, the pattern change in which the first special pattern display device 91 or the second special pattern display device 92 displays a special pattern in a variable manner and then stops displaying the special pattern will be referred to as the ``pattern change of the special pattern,'' and in the following explanation, the pattern change in which the normal pattern display device 93 displays a normal pattern in a variable manner and then stops displaying the normal pattern will be referred to as the ``pattern change of the normal pattern.'' In addition, in the following description, the change display of the pattern row (decorative pattern) displayed on the above-mentioned main display unit 81 may be referred to as "pattern change of decorative pattern" to distinguish it from "pattern change of special pattern" and "pattern change of normal pattern". In the following explanation, when the term "pattern change" is used, it means a pattern change of a special design unless otherwise specified.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 4, a number of obstacles such as game pegs (not shown), windmills 52, and decorative parts are arranged on the front of the game board 50, thereby defining a game area 50a in which the shot game ball can roll. Additionally, on the left and upper sides of the play area 50a, there are arranged a curved outer rail 51 and an inner rail 53 for guiding the game balls launched by rotating the operating handle 31 to the upper part of the play area 50a. The outer rail 51 is located outside the inner rail 53 with the center of the play area 50a as the reference point. Here, the windmill 52 is a nail-shaped mechanism for changing the direction in which the game balls fall.

[0037] The gaming machine 10 is capable of varying the strength of the game ball's launch depending on the amount of rotation (e.g., the angle of rotation) of the operating handle 31, and various obstacles are arranged in the gaming area 50a to make the game ball roll along either the first flow path X (so-called left hit), in which a game ball that is launched more weakly, or the second flow path Y (so-called right hit), in which a game ball that is launched more strongly, rolls.

[0038] In Figure 4, the main prize openings are shown as large prize opening 55, first start opening 57, second start opening 59, gate 63, and general prize opening 67, but the prize openings shown are only examples, and the number and arrangement of the openings may be changed as appropriate.

[0039] The large prize opening 55 is located in the lower right of the game area 50a. The large prize opening 55 is provided with a large prize opening sensor 72, and the result of detection by the large prize opening sensor 72 determines whether a prize has been won in the large prize opening 55, and the number of prize balls (15 in this embodiment) associated with the large prize opening 55 is awarded. In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the big prize opening 55 when rolling from the second flow path Y compared to when rolling from the first flow path X.

[0040] A special electric device 65 is disposed above the large prize opening 55. The special electric device 65 is a member that can be switched between an open state, in which it is easy to win a prize in the large prize opening 55, and a closed state, in which it is difficult to win a prize, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by a special electric device solenoid 66. More specifically, the special electric device 65 is in an open state during a part of a big win game that starts when a big win is derived by a special winning judgment described later, or during a part of a small win game that starts when a small win is derived by a special winning judgment, and thus entry into the big winning hole 55 is permitted. In this way, when the special electric device 65 is in an open state, entry into the big winning hole 55 becomes easy, so that a big win game or a small win, in which the chance of winning a prize ball is greatly increased, can be said to be an advantageous game state. In addition, although details will be described later, the small win game in this embodiment can cause a big win game. In a jackpot game, the special electric device 65 is alternately set to an open state and a closed state, and one open state (sometimes referred to as a "round game", and the total number of round games occurring in one jackpot may be referred to as the "number of rounds") ends when a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment) of game balls have entered the large prize opening 55, and the special electric device 65 enters a closed state. Furthermore, one open state in a jackpot game also ends when a sufficient time (30 s (seconds) in this embodiment) has elapsed for a predetermined number of game balls to enter the large prize opening 55. On the other hand, in the small win game, the game ends when the special electric device 65 is open for 1.8 seconds or when 10 game balls enter the big prize hole. Therefore, in the small win game, it is difficult for game balls to enter the big prize hole compared to the big prize game.

[0041] Incidentally, when the special electric device 65 is set from the open state to the closed state based on the entry of a specified number of game balls (10 in this embodiment) in one round, it cannot immediately return to the closed state. Therefore, in one round of big win game or small win game, there may be cases where more than the specified number of game balls enter the big win port 55, and such entry may be called an over entry.

[0042] The first starting hole 57 is located at the center lower part of the game area 50a. The first starting hole 57 is provided with a first starting hole sensor 70, and the winning of the first starting hole 57 is determined based on the detection result of the first starting hole sensor 70, and the number of prize balls (4 in this embodiment) associated with the first starting hole 57 is awarded. In at least some of the cases where the winning of the first starting hole 57 is determined, the pattern of the special chart 1 is changed. In addition, in the game area 50a of this embodiment, obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the first starting hole 57 when they roll from the first flow path X compared to when they roll from the second flow path Y.

[0043] The second starting hole 59 is located in the lower right of the play area 50a. A second starting hole sensor 71 is attached to the second starting hole 59, and the winning of the second starting hole 59 is determined based on the detection result of the second starting hole sensor 71, and the number of winning balls associated with the second starting hole 59 (1 in this embodiment) is awarded. In at least some cases where a winning jackpot has been awarded at the second starting hole 59, the pattern on special chart 2 will change. In addition, in the game area 50a of this embodiment, obstacles such as game nails are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the second starting hole 59 when they roll from the second flow path Y compared to when they roll from the first flow path X.

[0044] A normal electric device 61 is disposed in the flow path connected to the second starting port 59. The normal electric device 61 is a member that can be switched between an open state in which it is easy to insert a game ball into the second starting port 59 and a closed state in which it is difficult to insert the ball, and is switched to either the open state or the closed state by a normal electric device solenoid 62. More specifically, the normal electric device 61 is opened when the result of the normal winning / losing judgment described later is a normal winning (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a "normal winning"), and thus entry into the second starting hole 59 is permitted. In this way, when the normal electric device 61 is in the open state, entry into the second starting hole 59 is possible, so that the opportunity for the pattern variation of the special drawing 2 to be executed can be greatly increased while suppressing the decrease in the game balls by the prize balls.

[0045] The gate 63 is located in the right center of the game area 50a. A gate sensor 74 is attached to the gate 63, and the winning of the gate 63 is determined based on the detection result of the gate sensor 74. In at least some cases where the winning of the gate 63 is determined, the pattern of the normal figure is changed.

[0046] The general winning opening 67 is located at the lower left of the game area 50a. A general winning opening sensor 73 is attached to the general winning opening 67, and a winning ball is determined based on the detection result of the general winning opening sensor 73, and the number of prize balls associated with the general winning opening 67 (4 in this embodiment) is awarded. In this embodiment, the obstacles are arranged so that more game balls roll toward the general winning opening 67 when rolling from the first flow path X compared to when rolling from the second flow path Y, but the obstacles may be arranged so that more game balls roll toward the general winning opening 67 when rolling from the second flow path Y. Also, a plurality of general winning openings 67 may be provided.

[0047] The outlet 69 is disposed at the bottom of the game area 50a. A game ball that is shot into the game area 50a and does not enter any of the winning holes falls into the outlet 69 and is treated as an out ball. In this embodiment, an out ball sensor 75 (not shown) is provided for detecting out balls, which are game balls that have entered the winning hole and the out hole.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the rear of the game board 50 is fitted with a main control board case 109 in which the main control board 100 is stored, a first sub-control board case 209 in which the first sub-control board 200 is stored, a second sub-control board case 309 in which the second sub-control board 300 is stored, a power supply control board case 509 in which the power supply control board 500 is stored, and a payout control board case 409 in which the payout control board 400 is stored. In addition to the rear of the first sub-control board case 209 and the second sub-control board case 309, an opening / closing cover 45 which covers part of the rear of the main control board case 109 is attached in a removable manner. In addition, the main control board 100 is provided with a RAM clear switch 43. Furthermore, the substrate cases and covers that cover the respective substrates are made of transparent materials, and the corresponding substrates can be seen through each case and cover.

[0049] The power supply control board 500 is composed of a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates normal power to be supplied to electronic and electrical components such as the control board mentioned above based on the primary power supply supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates backup power, and a power interruption detection circuit 503 that detects power interruption (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply drops to a specified voltage). In addition, a power switch 40 is connected to the power supply control board 500, and assuming that primary power is supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated in the normal power supply circuit 501 of the power supply control board 500, and power is supplied to electronic and electrical components including the above-mentioned control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). In addition, when a power interruption is detected by the power interruption detection circuit 503, the power supply control board 500 transmits a power interruption signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400. In addition, the backup power circuit 502 is configured to be charged when power is being supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment of the gaming island. In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power interruption detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

[0050] A game ball tank 46 for storing game balls supplied from the ball supply facility of the game island is disposed on the back of the game board 50, above the opening and closing cover 45. The game ball tank 46 is further connected to a payout passage 49 leading to the upper ball tray 27 via a tank rail 47 and a payout unit 48, and the balls paid out by the payout unit 48 are paid out to the upper ball tray 27 through the payout passage 49.

[0051] So far, the structure of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment has been described, but this is only one specific example, and the present invention can also be implemented with a different configuration.

[0052] <Regarding the control configuration of the gaming machine 10> Next, a control configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the control configuration shown in Fig. 6 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may have a control configuration not shown in Fig. 6.

[0053] The main control board 100 is equipped with a CPU 101 which performs various calculation processes related to the game, a ROM 102 which stores data such as control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 103 which functions as a work area and buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, an I / O port 104 which inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and a random number circuit 105 which operates in a system separate from the program processing by the CPU 101 and generates random numbers (hard random numbers), and these are connected to each other via an internal bus.

[0054] The CPU 101 executes various processes related to the main control of the game by reading out various control programs stored in the ROM 102 and performing arithmetic processing. The RAM 103 is backed up by a backup power source generated in a backup power circuit described later. Specifically, among the information stored in the RAM 103, various information is backed up so that when power is restored (when power is turned on) after a power outage, the data can be used to restore the gaming machine 10 to the state it was in immediately before the power outage. For example, in addition to data such as a stack pointer and each register that were held when the power outage occurred, information related to the game, such as the state of the gaming machine 10 at that time (a game stop state or a game possible state) and the current regular drawing state, is backed up. Note that this information is cleared (initialized) by a RAM clear process. Therefore, after the RAM is cleared, a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA (a low probability of a regular pattern described later) is newly set. Furthermore, when a RAM clear process is executed, the pattern string related to the decorative pattern is in a state in which the initial pattern combination is stopped and displayed, and even if the RAM clear process is not executed when the power is turned on and the pattern variation is not being executed at the time of the previous power outage, the initial pattern combination is also stopped and displayed. In addition, this initial symbol combination is displayed statically only when the power is turned on, and is not displayed statically due to the execution of symbol variation.

[0055] In this embodiment, at least an area in which such information related to the game is stored (sometimes referred to as the area of ​​RAM 103 related to the game) is backed up, as well as an area in which the complement of the checksum and the backup flag related to the area of ​​RAM 103 related to the game are stored (sometimes referred to as the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to the game). Then, when power is restored, the gaming machine 10 returns to normal using the various pieces of information stored in the backed up area of ​​RAM 103 related to the game and the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to the game. In addition, the specific method of backup in this embodiment is not limited. For example, the area to be backed up in the RAM 103 may be realized with a configuration capable of holding data in a non-volatile manner even in a power-off state. As another example, in the RAM 103, a first memory configured to hold data in a non-volatile manner even in a power-off state and a second memory referenced during operation of the gaming machine 10 may be provided with different hardware. In that case, the gaming machine 10 may save information to be backed up from the second memory to the first memory when power is cut off, and recover the saved information from the first memory to the second memory when power is restored.

[0056] In addition, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first start port sensor 70, the second start port sensor 71, the large prize port sensor 72, the general prize port sensor 73, the gate sensor 74, the out ball sensor 75, the middle frame door opening sensor 76, the front frame door opening sensor 77, etc., and is configured to be able to input detection signals from these sensors to the CPU 101 via the I / O port 104.

[0057] In addition, the main control board 100 is electrically connected to the first special pattern display device 91, the second special pattern display device 92, the normal pattern display device 93, the first special pattern hold lamp 94, the second special pattern hold lamp 95, the normal pattern hold lamp 96, the normal electric role solenoid 62 and the special electric role solenoid 66, and is configured to be able to control these via the I / O port 104. Similarly, main control board 100 is electrically connected to main operation unit 39 and RAM clear switch 43, and is configured to be able to detect the operation of main operation unit 39.

[0058] The main control board 100 and the first sub-control board 200 are connected by eight parallel signal lines and one strobe line, and are connected so that communication is possible in only one direction, from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, and various performance control commands are transmitted from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200. Furthermore, data cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the main control board 100, and the first sub-control board 200 is configured not to be able to request the main control board 100 to transmit data. In addition, in this embodiment, a parallel transmission method is used for transmitting data from the main control board 100 to the first sub-control board 200, but a serial transmission method may also be used.

[0059] The first sub-control board 200 comprises a CPU 201 which performs various arithmetic processing related to game presentation based on presentation control commands from the main control board 100, a ROM 202 which stores data such as presentation control programs and various lottery tables, a RAM 203 which functions as a work area or buffer memory that serves as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 204 which inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device. These are interconnected via an internal bus, and the CPU 201 is configured to execute main control related to game presentation in accordance with the control program stored in ROM 202. In addition, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the performance button 37 and the cursor button 38, and is configured to be able to detect the operation of these operating sections.

[0060] In addition, the first sub-control board 200, through performance control processing based on performance control commands from the main control board 100, generates image control commands that instruct the image to be displayed on the second sub-control board 300, audio control commands that instruct the audio to be output to the audio control board 310, lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35, and movement control data for controlling the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82, etc. Here, the first sub-control board 200 is connected to the second sub-control board 300 and the voice control board 310 to enable two-way communication, and each control command (image control command, voice control command) is transmitted from the first sub-control board 200 to the second sub-control board 300 or the voice control board 310, while in response, a response command (ACK command) indicating that the control command was successfully received is transmitted from each control board (second sub-control board 300, voice control board 310) to the first sub-control board 200.

[0061] The first sub-control board 200 is also electrically connected to the frame lamp 35, and transmits lamp control data via the I / O port 204. The frame lamp 35 is configured such that its illumination is controlled by the lamp control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200. Furthermore, the first sub-control board 200 is electrically connected to the movable ornament 22 and the sub-display unit 82, and transmits movement control data via the I / O port 204. The movable ornament 22 and the sub-display unit 82 are configured so that their movement is controlled by the movement control data transmitted from the first sub-control board 200.

[0062] The second sub-control board 300, although not shown in the figure, is equipped with a CPU that performs various arithmetic processing related to image presentation based on image control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM that stores image control programs and various data, a RAM that functions as a work area and buffer memory that serve as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port that inputs and outputs signals between peripheral boards and each device, and is configured so that the CPU executes main control related to image presentation according to the control program stored in the ROM. In addition, the second sub-control board 300 is equipped with a VDP that generates image data according to the content of the presentation determined by a presentation content determination means 225 (described later) based on a control signal received from the CPU, and a sound source IC that generates sound data according to the content of the presentation based on a control signal received from the CPU. The VDP is a so-called image processor that reads image data stored in the image ROM in response to an instruction from the CPU, processes the image data, and transmits the generated image data to the main display unit 81 and the sub-display unit 82. In addition, a high-speed VRAM used for expanding and processing the image data read from the image ROM is connected to this VDP.

[0063] The audio control board 310 includes a CPU 311 that performs various arithmetic processing related to audio performance based on audio control commands from the first sub-control board 200, a ROM 312 that stores audio control programs and audio data, a RAM 313 that functions as a work area or buffer memory serving as a temporary storage area, and an I / O port 314 that inputs and outputs signals between the peripheral boards and each device, and is configured such that the CPU 311 executes main control related to audio performance according to the control program stored in the ROM 312. Thus, the audio control board 310 reads audio data stored in the ROM 312 in response to audio control commands received from the first sub-control board 200, synthesizes the read audio data, and transmits the final synthesized audio data to the speaker 33 via an amplifier, thereby enabling the speaker 33 to output audio.

[0064] The dispensing control board 400 is mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM and a RAM (all not shown). In addition, the payout control board 400 is connected to the main control board 100 for two-way communication, and performs control to drive the payout unit 48 to pay out game balls based on a payout control command from the main control board 100, and also controls the launch of the game balls by synchronously driving the ball feeding mechanism and the launch mechanism based on the amount of operation of the operating handle 31.

[0065] The power supply control board 500 is composed of a normal power supply circuit 501 that generates normal power to be supplied to electronic and electrical components such as the control board mentioned above based on the primary power supply supplied from the game island's power supply equipment, a backup power supply circuit 502 that generates backup power, and a power interruption detection circuit 503 that detects power interruption (when the voltage supplied by the normal power supply drops to a specified voltage). In addition, a power switch 40 is connected to the power supply control board 500, and assuming that primary power is supplied from the power supply equipment of the game island, when the power switch 40 is turned ON, normal power is generated in the normal power supply circuit 501 of the power supply control board 500, and power is supplied to electronic and electrical components including the above-mentioned control boards (main control board 100, first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300, and payout control board 400). In addition, when a power interruption is detected by the power interruption detection circuit 503, the power supply control board 500 transmits a power interruption signal (NMI signal) to each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400. In addition, the backup power circuit 502 is configured to be charged when power is being supplied to the gaming machine 10 from the power supply equipment of the gaming island. In addition, the backup power supply circuit 502 may be provided on the dispensing control board 400, and the power interruption detection circuit 503 may not be provided on the power supply control board 500, but may be provided on each of the main control board 100, the first sub-control board 200, and the dispensing control board 400.

[0066] <Functional Configuration of the Gaming Machine 10> Next, the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the gaming machine 10. Note that the functional configuration shown in Fig. 7 is necessary for explaining the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, and the gaming machine 10 may have a functional configuration not shown in Fig. 7. Also, when explaining the functional configuration, Figs. 8 to 13 will be referred to as necessary.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 7, the main control board 100 is equipped with a ball entry determination means 110, a main random number generation means 115, a main hold control means 120, a pre-determination means 125, a special chart lottery means 130, a normal chart lottery means 135, a jackpot game control means 140, a pattern display control means 145, an electric gimmick control means 150, a game status control means 155, a main information storage means 160, a main error control means 165, a main command management means 170, a power restoration processing execution means 175, and a power outage processing execution means 180. These means are functional representations of what is realized by each control configuration on the main control board 100 described using FIG. 6.

[0068] First, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means included in the main control board 100, data derived by calculations in the means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas. In particular, the data (performance control commands) stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160 is transmitted to the sub-command management means 270 of the first sub-control board 200 (described later) by the command transmission means after being stored.

[0069] The winning ball determination means 110 determines whether a ball has been won at each winning hole based on the detection results of a sensor provided at each winning hole.

[0070] The main random number generation means 115 is capable of generating multiple types of random numbers with different update ranges depending on the random number circuit 105, and when a win at a winning port is determined, it obtains (latches) one or more random numbers corresponding to that winning port from the random number circuit 105. More specifically, when it is determined that the first start gate 57 or the second start gate 59 has been won, the main random number generating means 115 obtains a random number for determining whether or not the special symbol has been won, a random number for drawing a special symbol stop symbol, and a random number for drawing a special symbol change pattern, which will be described later. When it is determined that the gate 63 has been won, the main random number generating means 115 stores a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol has been won, a random number for drawing a normal symbol stop symbol, and a random number for drawing a normal symbol change pattern, which will be described later, in a corresponding storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. The random number circuit 105 monitors whether the multiple types of random numbers it updates are being updated normally, and if an update abnormality occurs in which the random numbers are not updated normally, information indicating the occurrence of the abnormality is written to a specific storage area of ​​the random number circuit 105. Therefore, the CPU 101 can grasp that an update abnormality has occurred in the random number circuit 105.

[0071] The main reservation control means 120 controls the reservation of the pattern change of the special chart and the reservation of the pattern change of the normal chart. Regarding the special chart 1, the random number for determining whether the special chart is a hit or not, the random number for drawing the special chart stop pattern, and the random number for drawing the special chart change pattern, which are obtained as a result of winning the first starting port 57, are reserved (stored) as operation reservation information for the special chart 1. More specifically, the main hold control means 120 is provided with a hold counter (hereinafter referred to as the "special chart 1 hold counter") which is incremented by 1 each time the activation hold information of special chart 1 is held and decremented by 1 each time the activation hold information of special chart 1 is used (used in the draw by the special chart draw means 130), and stores the activation hold information in a storage area corresponding to the current special chart 1 hold counter of the main information storage means 160 until the value of the special chart 1 hold counter reaches an upper limit value (4 in this embodiment), and clears the used activation hold information each time the activation hold information is used, and controls the remaining activation hold information to be moved (shifted) from the current storage area to a storage area corresponding to a special chart 1 hold counter which is 1 less than the current special chart 1 hold counter, in order from the smallest special chart 1 hold counter. In addition, the main reserve control means 120 performs the same control as described above for special drawing 2 and ordinary drawing separately from special drawing 1, and the reserve counter for special drawing 2 is referred to as the special drawing 2 reserve counter, and the upper limit value of the special drawing 2 reserve counter in this embodiment is 4. In addition, in the following explanation, "suspended operation information" may be expressed as "suspended pattern change" or simply as "suspended." In addition, when the main hold control means 120 updates (adds or subtracts) the operation hold information (hold counter) of special chart 1 or special chart 2, it generates a performance control command (hold command) including the special chart 1 hold counter and the special chart 2 hold counter, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. In this embodiment, when both the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 1 and the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 2 are reserved, a priority variation is performed in which the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 2 is used preferentially. However, instead of adopting this priority variation, a winning order variation may be adopted in which the operation pending information is used in the order of the timing of winning the starting hole, regardless of whether it is the special chart 1 or the special chart 2, or a simultaneous variation may be adopted in which these operation information are used simultaneously when the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 1 and the operation pending information corresponding to the special chart 2 are reserved.

[0072] The advance judgment means 125 executes an advance judgment for a pre-reading performance targeting the pending activation information in at least some cases where the pending activation information of a special chart is pending at a predetermined advance judgment timing. More specifically, the pre-judgment means 125 reads out each random number of the operation pending information that has been reserved this time, and executes pre-judgment for each of the special chart hit / miss judgment, special chart stop pattern lottery, and special chart change pattern lottery, which will be described later. In each pre-judgment, a lottery table (not shown) that is the same as or equivalent to the lottery table used in the lottery corresponding to each pre-judgment is used. Therefore, the results of these pre-judgments will be the same as the results of the lottery that will be executed later. Furthermore, the pre-determination means 125 generates a performance control command (pre-determination command) including the derived result of the pre-determination, and stores the command in a transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Since the pre-determination command is transmitted (generated and stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160) at least part of the timing of the predetermined pre-determination, it will be transmitted following the above-mentioned reserved command. Here, the predetermined pre-determination timing refers to a timing that is not during a jackpot game, for example, a timing when the operation reservation information of the special chart is reserved. In this embodiment, if the operation reservation information of the special chart 1 is reserved during the normal chart high probability described below, the pre-determination is restricted, and therefore the transmission of the pre-determination command corresponding to the pre-determination is also restricted. On the other hand, if the operation reservation information of the special chart 2 is reserved during the normal chart low probability described below, the pre-determination may or may not be restricted.

[0073] The special drawing means 130 includes a special drawing hit / miss judgment means 131, a special drawing stop pattern lottery means 132, and a special drawing change pattern derivation means 133, and executes processing by each means in the order of the special drawing hit / miss judgment means 131, the special drawing stop pattern lottery means 132, and the special drawing change pattern derivation means 133. When the special drawing change start condition is satisfied, the special drawing lottery means 130 reads out the earliest operation pending information among the operation pending information reserved in the main information storage means 160. In addition, "the conditions for starting the change of the special chart are satisfied" means, for example, that all of the following conditions are satisfied: the player is not in a jackpot game, neither Special Chart 1 nor Special Chart 2 is in the process of changing the pattern (including when the pattern change related to Special Chart 1 or Special Chart 2 is displayed as stopped), and at least one of Special Chart 1 and Special Chart 2 has pending operation information.

[0074] Here, Figs. 8 to 11 are diagrams that typically show a lottery table used in the main control board 100, and will be referred to as necessary in the following description. In addition, in a lottery using a lottery table, including other lottery tables, the lottery values ​​stored in the lottery table are added to the read random number in a predetermined order (if there is only one lottery value, the addition is performed once), and a result corresponding to the lottery value where a carry (overflow) occurs is derived as the result of the lottery. Similarly, in the explanation of the lottery table, the lottery table is given a name for convenience of explanation, but it is sufficient that the data such as the lottery value included in the lottery table corresponding to the name is identifiably stored in each ROM, and these names do not specify the area in which the data is stored. In the illustrated lottery table, there are items described for convenience of explanation, and if "-" or "0" is described as the lottery value, these do not necessarily indicate the data stored in each ROM. And, a result with "-" or "0" described as the lottery value will not win. Furthermore, if the same lottery value as the random number range used for the lottery (the number of random numbers that can be obtained in the range) is described in the lottery table, the result is derived 100%, so it is not necessary to perform a lottery. Furthermore, if the total value of the lottery values ​​used in one lottery matches the random number range used in the lottery, a carry will always occur when adding the final lottery value, so that addition does not need to be performed, and in that case, the lottery values ​​used in that addition themselves become unnecessary.

[0075] The special pattern hit / miss judgment means 131 reads out a random number for the special pattern hit / miss judgment for each pattern change, and executes a special pattern hit / miss judgment to judge by lottery whether a big hit, a small hit, or a miss will be won, using the read out random number and a lottery table for the special pattern hit / miss judgment. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing a schematic drawing of a lottery table for determining whether or not a special drawing is a hit, and the lottery table is different between special drawing 1 and special drawing 2, and the range of random numbers used in these determinations is 0 to 65535. Therefore, in the special drawing hit / miss determination in special drawing 1, a big hit is derived with a probability of 205 / 65536 (about 1 / 320), and a miss is otherwise obtained, and a small hit is not derived. On the other hand, in the special drawing hit / miss determination in special drawing 2, a big hit is derived with a probability of 205 / 65536 (about 1 / 320), a small hit is derived with a probability of 1100 / 65536 (about 1 / 59.6), and a miss is otherwise obtained. In this embodiment, as described later, a jackpot game can occur via a small jackpot, so the probability of a jackpot being derived in the special chart hit / miss determination is set to the one probability mentioned above.

[0076] When the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a big hit or a small hit, the special chart stopping pattern selection means 132 determines the special chart stopping pattern by lottery using a random number for special chart stopping pattern selection (in this embodiment, in the range of 0 to 999) and a selection table for special chart stopping pattern selection. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(b), which is a schematic diagram of a lottery table for selecting the stopping patterns used when a jackpot is derived in the special chart hit / miss determination related to special chart 1, when a jackpot is derived in the special chart hit / miss determination related to special chart 1, pattern A is determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5), pattern B with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and pattern C with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2). Here, Figure 8 (b) shows that when pattern B or pattern C is determined, the end of the jackpot game will have a high probability of a normal pattern, as described below, while when pattern A is determined, the end of the jackpot game will have a low probability of a normal pattern. However, this only shows the behavior when a jackpot game related to these stopping patterns occurs in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, as described below, and details of the case when a jackpot game occurs with a pattern change related to special pattern 1 in other special pattern change pattern derivation states will be described later. Also, pattern B is a stopping pattern with 4 rounds and a high probability of normal after the end of the jackpot game, while pattern A is a stopping pattern with 4 rounds and a low probability of normal after the end of the jackpot game, as described below. Therefore, pattern B can be said to be a more advantageous stopping pattern than pattern A in terms of whether or not it will be a high probability of normal. Furthermore, pattern C is a stopping pattern with 10 rounds and a high probability of normal after the end of the jackpot game, while pattern B is a stopping pattern with 4 rounds and a high probability of normal after the end of the jackpot game. Therefore, pattern C can be said to be a more advantageous stopping pattern than pattern B in terms of the number of rounds. In addition, in this embodiment, the prescribed number of times related to the high probability of normal drawing set after the end of the jackpot game (the maximum number of times the pattern change that continues the high probability of normal drawing) is 100 times, regardless of the type of the jackpot game (stop pattern). This is also the case after the end of the jackpot game caused by the pattern change related to the special drawing 2 described later.

[0077] As shown in Figure 8(c), which is a schematic diagram of a lottery table for selecting the stopping patterns used when a jackpot is derived in the special pattern hit / miss judgment related to special pattern 2, when a jackpot is derived in the special pattern hit / miss judgment related to special pattern 2, pattern a is determined as the stopping pattern with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Here, pattern a is a stopping pattern in which the number of rounds is 10 and the probability of a normal pattern increases after the end of a jackpot game, regardless of the type of the pattern change pattern derivation state when the jackpot game occurs.

[0078] As shown in Figure 8(d), which is a schematic diagram of a lottery table for selecting the stopping symbols used when a small win is derived in the judgment of whether the special symbol is a hit or miss related to special symbol 2, when a small win is derived in the judgment of whether the special symbol is a hit or miss related to special symbol 2, symbol b is determined as the stopping symbol with a probability of 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33), symbol c with a probability of 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33), and symbol d with a probability of 400 / 1000 (1 / 2.5). Here, the number of rounds for each of the patterns b, c, and d is 10, and if a big win occurs in a small win game related to these stop patterns, the end of the big win game can be a normal high probability game. In particular, if a big win occurs in a small win game related to the patterns b, c, and d, the normal lottery state (whether or not the normal high probability game is set) after the end of the big win game is determined according to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state in which the small win game occurred, and these details will be described later. In addition, in the following explanation, a jackpot game that occurs on a small jackpot game related to pattern b may be referred to as a "jackpot game related to pattern b", a jackpot game that occurs on a small jackpot game related to pattern c may be referred to as a "jackpot game related to pattern c", and a jackpot game that occurs on a small jackpot game related to pattern d may be referred to as a "jackpot game related to pattern d".

[0079] In addition, the special chart stop pattern lottery means 132 determines pattern D as the stop pattern when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment regarding special chart 1 is a miss, and determines pattern e as the stop pattern when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment regarding special chart 2 is a miss.

[0080] In this manner, in the above-described embodiment, the jackpot game generated in the pattern variation related to the special chart 2 tends to be more advantageous than the jackpot game generated in the pattern variation related to the special chart 1. Therefore, the game interest can be further increased by transitioning from the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA to another special chart variation pattern derivation state, which will be described later.

[0081] The special pattern variation pattern derivation means 133 has a plurality of types of special pattern variation pattern selection tables to be referred to when determining the special pattern variation pattern, and selects one special pattern variation pattern selection table for determining the current special pattern variation pattern based on the current special pattern variation pattern derivation state and the result of the current special pattern hit / miss judgment, determines one special pattern variation pattern using the selected special pattern variation pattern selection table and the random number for special pattern variation pattern selection, and determines the variation time based on the determined special pattern variation pattern. Here, the variation time refers to the time from the start of the pattern variation related to the special pattern (special pattern 1 or special pattern 2) to the end of the pattern variation. Although details of the transition conditions will be described later, the special chart variation pattern derivation state in this embodiment includes a special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, a special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, a special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and a special chart variation pattern derivation state PD. The above-mentioned method of determining the special chart variation pattern is adopted in the pattern variation of special chart 1 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and in the other special chart variation pattern derivation states, it is adopted in the pattern variation of special chart 2. In addition, in the pattern variation related to the other special chart in each special chart variation pattern derivation state, a predetermined special chart variation pattern is determined according to the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment.

[0082] FIG. 9(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 during the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 9(a), in the pattern change related to the special chart 1 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PA, special chart change patterns HNP to ASP-C can be determined. Specifically, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 1 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PA is a miss, there is a 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11) probability of special chart change pattern HNP, a 52 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 19.2) probability of special chart change pattern HRP, a 13 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 76.9) probability of HSP1-A, and a 11 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 90. 9) probability of HSP1-B, 9 / 1000 (about 1 / 111) probability of HSP2-A, 7 / 1000 (about 1 / 143) probability of HSP2-B, 5 / 1000 (1 / 200) probability of HSP3-A, 3 / 1000 (about 1 / 333) probability of HSP3-B are determined, and in this case, the special pattern variation pattern ASP1-A to the special pattern variation pattern ASP-C are not determined. Details will be described later using Figure 9 (b), but when the special pattern variation pattern HNP is determined, the special pattern variation pattern is further specified using the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern variation. On the other hand, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to the special chart 1 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PA is a jackpot, the special chart change pattern ASP1-A has a probability of 90 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 11.1), the special chart change pattern ASP1-B has a probability of 110 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 9.09), the special chart change pattern ASP2-A has a probability of 135 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 7.41), and the special chart change pattern ASP3-B has a probability of 165 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.01). Special chart fluctuation pattern ASP2-B is determined with a probability of 1.06), special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-A with a probability of 180 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 5.56), special chart fluctuation pattern ASP3-B with a probability of 220 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 4.56), and special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-C with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10). In such cases, special chart fluctuation pattern HNP to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B will not be determined. In this embodiment, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 1 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA is a miss, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns HRP to HSP3-B is determined at a rate of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 900 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.11). Furthermore, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 1 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA is a big hit, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP1-A to ASP-C is determined at a rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Here, in the description of the special pattern variation pattern of this embodiment, when two special pattern variation patterns are described with "~" between them, the description of the special pattern variation pattern existing between the special pattern variation pattern described earlier and the special pattern variation pattern described later is omitted according to the order described in the drawing related to the special pattern variation pattern lottery table for each special pattern variation pattern derivation state. Also, in the description of the special pattern variation pattern of this embodiment, regardless of whether the corresponding variation time is described or not, if the names of the special pattern variation patterns are different, it means that the different special pattern variation patterns are different (the variation time is different).

[0083] Figure 9(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 during special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 9(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 9 (b), the special chart fluctuation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 1 during special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA include special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-A with a fluctuation time of 3200 ms (milliseconds), special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-B with a fluctuation time of 5600 ms, special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-C with a fluctuation time of 8000 ms, and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-D with a fluctuation time of 11200 ms, in that order of increasing fluctuation time. Specifically, if the special pattern 1 reserved counter is 3 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1). Similarly, if the special pattern 1 reserved counter is 2 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and the special pattern change pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.18). If the special pattern 1 reserved counter is 1 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), and the special pattern change pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67). The special pattern variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25), and the special pattern variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25). If the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the pattern variation is 0, the special pattern variation pattern HNP-B is determined with a probability of 50 / 1000 (1 / 20), the special pattern variation pattern HNP-C is determined with a probability of 100 / 1000 (1 / 10), and the special pattern variation pattern HNP-D is determined with a probability of 850 / 1000 (about 1 / 1.18). In the following explanation, if the value of the special pattern reserved counter to be referenced is 3, it may be called "reserved 3", if the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 2, it may be called "reserved 2", if the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 1, it may be called "reserved 1", and if the value of the special pattern reserved counter is 0, it may be called "reserved 0". In this way, when the special pattern change pattern HNP is determined in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern change pattern (change time) that is likely to be determined by the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change differs. More specifically, the smaller the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change, the more likely it is that a long pattern change will be determined (the larger the value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change, the more likely it is that a short change time will be determined). In addition, such special chart variation pattern HNP (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "basic special chart variation pattern") also exists in special chart variation pattern derivation states other than the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and in these special chart variation pattern derivation states, the reserved counter referenced is different from that in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and in both cases the value of the special chart 2 reserved counter is referenced.

[0084] FIG. 10(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used for pattern variation related to special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 10(a), in the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB or the special chart change pattern derivation state PD, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern ASP-F can be determined. Specifically, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss in the pattern change related to the special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB or the special chart change pattern derivation state PD, the special chart change pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 960 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.04), the special chart change pattern HSP-D with a probability of 20 / 1000 (1 / 50), the special chart change pattern HSP-E with a probability of 15 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 66.7), and the special chart change pattern HSP-F with a probability of 5 / 1000 (1 / 200) is determined, and in this case, the special chart change pattern ASP-D to the special chart change pattern ASP-F are not determined. Note that, although details will be described later using FIG. 10(b), when the special chart change pattern HNP is determined, the special chart change pattern is further specified using the value of the special chart 2 reserved counter at the start of the current pattern change. And, the method of determining the special chart change pattern using this special chart 2 reserved counter is the same in the special chart change pattern derivation state PC described later. On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 in the special chart change pattern derivation state PB or special chart change pattern derivation state PD is a big hit or a small hit, special chart change pattern ASP-D is determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), ASP-E with a probability of 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86), and ASP-F with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and in such case, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern HSP-F will not be determined. In this embodiment, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern fluctuation related to the special chart 2 in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB or the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD is a miss, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns HSP-D to HSP-F is determined at a rate of 40 / 1000 (1 / 25), and the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP is determined at a rate of 960 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.04). Furthermore, when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB or the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD is a big hit or a small hit, any one of the special chart fluctuation patterns ASP-D to ASP-F is determined at a rate of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1).

[0085] Figure 10(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and the range of the random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 10(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 10 (b), the special chart fluctuation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 2 when in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB or the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD include special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-E with a fluctuation time of 3000 ms, and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-F with a fluctuation time of 15000 ms. Specifically, if the special chart 2 reserved counter is 3 at the start of the current pattern change, if the special chart 2 reserved counter is 2 at the start of the current pattern change, and if the special chart 2 reserved counter is 1 at the start of the current pattern change, the special chart change pattern HNP-E is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special chart change pattern HNP-F is not determined. On the other hand, if the special chart 2 reserved counter is 0 at the start of the current pattern change, the special chart change pattern HNP-F is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special chart change pattern HNP-E is not determined. In addition, special chart variation pattern HNP-E and special chart variation pattern HNP-F are different from both the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 when the above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PA is in effect, and the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is in effect, as described below.

[0086] FIG. 11(a) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used for the pattern variation related to special chart 2 when the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC is in, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 999. As shown in FIG. 11(a), the special chart variation pattern lottery table used for the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC can determine special chart variation patterns HNP to ASP-I. Specifically, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is a miss, special chart change pattern HNP is determined with a probability of 950 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.05), special chart change pattern HSP-G with a probability of 25 / 1000 (1 / 40), special chart change pattern HSP-H with a probability of 15 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 66.7), and HSP-I with a probability of 10 / 1000 (1 / 100), and in such case, special chart change pattern ASP-G to special chart change pattern ASP-I will not be determined. On the other hand, if the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the pattern change related to special chart 2 during the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is a big hit or a small hit, special chart change pattern ASP-G is determined with a probability of 500 / 1000 (1 / 2), ASP-H with a probability of 350 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 2.86), and ASP-I with a probability of 150 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 6.67), and in such case, special chart change pattern HNP to special chart change pattern HSP-I will not be determined.

[0087] Figure 11(b) is a schematic diagram showing a special chart variation pattern lottery table used when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 during special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and the range of random numbers used in the lottery (different from the random numbers used in the lottery related to the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figure 11(a)) is 0 to 999. As shown in Figure 11 (b), the special chart fluctuation patterns HNP that can be determined in the pattern fluctuation related to special chart 2 when the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC is in include special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-G with a fluctuation time of 2000 ms and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-H with a fluctuation time of 10000 ms. Specifically, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 3 at the start of the current pattern change, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 2 at the start of the current pattern change, and when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 1 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-G is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special pattern change pattern HNP-H is not determined. On the other hand, when the special pattern 2 reserved counter is 0 at the start of the current pattern change, the special pattern change pattern HNP-H is determined with a probability of 1000 / 1000 (1 / 1), and in these cases, the special pattern change pattern HNP-G is not determined. In addition, special chart variation pattern HNP-G and special chart variation pattern HNP-H are different from both the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 1 in the above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, and the special chart variation pattern that can be determined when special chart variation pattern HNP is determined in the pattern variation related to special chart 2 in the above-mentioned special chart variation pattern derivation state PB or special chart variation pattern derivation state PD.

[0088] In addition, at the start of the pattern change, the special chart change pattern derivation means 133 generates a performance control command (change start command) including the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment, the determined stopping pattern of the special chart, and the determined special chart change pattern, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0089] The regular map lottery means 135, like the special map lottery means 130, reads out the most recent pending activation information from the pending activation information stored in the main information storage means 160 when the regular map pattern is not changing, and uses the read random number to perform a regular map hit / miss judgment to determine whether the regular map is correct or not, and determines various parameters related to the regular map (regular map change time, regular map stop display time, etc.) based on the result of the regular map hit / miss judgment and information such as the current special map change pattern derivation state. In the judgment of whether the regular drawing is a hit or miss, there are two states: a high probability state of the regular drawing selection (sometimes abbreviated as "regular drawing high probability") and a low probability state of the regular drawing selection (sometimes abbreviated as "regular drawing low probability"). Although the drawing of the selection table is omitted, in this embodiment, in the high probability state, the probability of the regular drawing being a hit is 65535 / 65536, and the remaining probability of 1 / 65536 is a miss, while in the low probability state, the probability of the regular drawing being a hit is 1 / 65536, and the remaining probability of 65535 / 65536 is a miss. Note that in the low probability state, the regular drawing may not be a hit (65536 / 65536 is a miss).

[0090] When the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment is a big hit or a small hit, the big hit game control means 140 determines the demo time for the start demo and the demo time for the end demo according to the determined symbol. Furthermore, at the start of a jackpot game, the jackpot game control means 140 generates a presentation control command (jackpot start command) including information such as a demo time related to the start demo of the jackpot game, and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160, and at the end of the jackpot game, generates a presentation control command (jackpot end command) including a demo time related to the end demo of the jackpot game, and stores it in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. This is also true for a jackpot game caused by a small jackpot game.

[0091] In addition, the game control means 140 starts a small win game when the result of the special winning / unwinning judgment is a small win, and when the game ball passes through a V winning area (not shown) provided in the big winning port 55 in the small win game, the end of the small win game (more precisely, the end of the end demo of the small win game) is the trigger to start a big win game corresponding to the small win. Therefore, in this embodiment, the small win game functions as a game that generates a big win game. In addition, if the game ball does not pass through the V winning area during a small win game, the big win game will not start (occur) after the small win game ends.

[0092] The pattern display control means 145 displays the special pattern 1 on the first special pattern display device 91 in a variable manner according to the variable time corresponding to the determined special pattern variable pattern of the special pattern 1, and stops and displays the special pattern 1 with the stop pattern determined by the special pattern stop pattern lottery after the variable time has elapsed. Similarly, the special pattern 2 is displayed on the second special pattern display device 92 in a variable manner according to the variable time corresponding to the determined special pattern variable pattern of the special pattern 2, and stops and displays the special pattern 2 with the stop pattern determined by the special pattern stop pattern lottery after the variable time has elapsed. Here, the stop display time of the pattern change related to the special chart refers to the time from when the special chart is stopped and displayed until the pattern change of the next special chart can start (when the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment is a miss), or the time from when the pattern change of the special chart ends and until the big win game or small win game starts (when the result of the normal chart hit / miss judgment is a normal hit), and the stop display time of the pattern change related to the special chart in this embodiment is a uniform 300 ms, regardless of the type of special chart or the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment. In addition, the pattern display control means 145 has a special chart game timer for managing the time (variation time, stop display time) related to the display of special chart 1 and special chart 2, and when the special chart is stopped (at the timing when the value of the special chart game timer becomes "0"), it generates a presentation control command (variation stop command) for requesting a fixed stop display of the decorative pattern, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Here, the definite stop display of the decorative pattern refers to the final stop display of the decorative pattern in the pattern change, and is different from the provisional stop display of the decorative pattern that may occur during the execution of the pattern change. In the provisional stop display of the decorative pattern, for example, the decorative pattern displayed as stopped is accompanied by a movement in which the decorative pattern is slightly swaying up and down (so-called swaying change), while in the definite stop display of the decorative pattern, the decorative pattern displayed as stopped is not accompanied by a swaying change, and so on. Even if the same decorative pattern is displayed as stopped, the display mode of the decorative pattern displayed as stopped as definite is different from the display mode of the decorative pattern displayed as stopped provisionally. Therefore, the player can recognize whether the display of the decorative pattern is a definite stop display or a provisional stop display.

[0093] Furthermore, the pattern display control means 145 causes the normal pattern display device 93 to display the normal pattern in a variable manner in accordance with a variable time corresponding to the determined normal pattern variable pattern of the normal pattern, and after the variable time has elapsed, causes the normal pattern to be displayed in a stopped state with the determined stopping pattern. In addition, the pattern display control means 145 has a regular pattern play timer for managing the time related to the regular pattern (regular pattern change time, regular pattern stop display time, etc.).

[0094] In the above-mentioned big win game or small win game, the electric device control means 150 outputs a control signal to the special electric device solenoid 66, and opens the special electric device 65 according to an opening pattern corresponding to the stopping pattern of the special chart. In addition, when the result of the normal winning / losing judgment is a normal winning, the electric device control means 150 outputs a control signal to the normal electric device solenoid 62 to open the normal electric device 61. Note that the open state of the normal electric device 61 in this embodiment ends when either the time of the open state reaches a specified time (4000 ms in this embodiment) or the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 59 occurs in the open state, and the normal electric device 61 is closed.

[0095] The game state control means 155 controls the normal drawing state. Specifically, the game state control means 155 sets the normal drawing low probability regardless of the stopped pattern of the special drawing related to the jackpot game at the start of the jackpot game, and when a specified condition such as the end of the jackpot game is satisfied, sets the normal drawing high probability until the pattern change is performed a specified number of times, and sets the normal drawing low probability after the pattern change is performed a specified number of times. In this embodiment, during the small win game, the normal drawing lottery state in the pattern change that caused the small win game is maintained. Therefore, if a small win is won during the normal drawing high probability, the normal drawing high probability is maintained during the small win game related to the small win, and if a jackpot game is generated by the small win game, the normal drawing low probability will be set at the start of the jackpot game (at the end of the small win game).

[0096] Such a general drawing state changes in link with the above-mentioned special drawing pattern derivation state, and the transition of the special drawing pattern derivation state is managed by the game state control means 155. The transition of the special drawing pattern derivation state will be explained below with reference to Fig. 12(a) and Fig. 12(b). Fig. 12(a) is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the special drawing pattern derivation state, and Fig. 12(b) is a diagram showing the relationship of the average change time for each special drawing pattern derivation state. As shown in Figure 12 (a), in the special chart variation pattern derivation state, there is a special chart variation pattern derivation state PA as a special chart variation pattern derivation state corresponding to a normal chart low probability, and there are a special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, a special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and a special chart variation pattern derivation state PD as a special chart variation pattern derivation state corresponding to a normal chart high probability, and any of these special chart variation pattern derivation states is set except during a jackpot game. And, there are transition conditions (i) to (v) for the transition conditions between the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA and the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD.

[0097] Specifically, transition condition (i) is the end of a jackpot game related to pattern B or pattern C, transition condition (ii) is the end of pattern changes in which the number of pattern changes related to special pattern 2 executed without a jackpot game in between in the normal pattern high probability set after the jackpot game reaches 50, transition condition (iii) is the end of pattern changes in which the number of pattern changes related to special pattern 2 reaches 80 (the 30th pattern change after transition condition (ii) is satisfied), and transition condition (iv) is the end of pattern changes in which the number of pattern changes related to special pattern 2 reaches 100 (the 20th pattern change after transition condition (iii) is satisfied). The count of the prescribed number of times related to the transition conditions (ii) to (iv) may be continued without being reset even if each transition condition (transition condition (ii) or transition condition (iii)) is satisfied after the end of the jackpot game related to the setting of the normal high probability, or the count value may be reset each time each transition condition is satisfied to count the number of times the pattern change is performed after each transition state is satisfied. Furthermore, it is preferable that the pattern change to be counted is only the pattern change related to the special pattern 2 as in this embodiment, but the pattern change related to the special pattern 1 may be added to the pattern change to be counted. Furthermore, in this case, the pattern change related to the special pattern 1 that exceeds the upper limit value of the special pattern 1 reserved counter may be added to the pattern change to be counted. In the following explanation, the number of pattern changes performed without a jackpot game in the normal high probability set after the jackpot game may be simply expressed as the number of pattern changes performed since the start of the normal high probability or the number of pattern changes performed in the normal high probability.

[0098] In addition, the transition condition (v) is the end of a jackpot game in which a normal low probability is set, and the type of jackpot game in which the normal low probability is set (the type of the corresponding stop pattern) differs depending on the type of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state related to the normal high probability, and the details will be described later. In addition, in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state related to the normal high probability (special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, or special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD), when a jackpot game in which a normal high probability is set occurs, the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB is set after the end of the jackpot game. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, if a small win game occurs in a special chart variation pattern derivation state related to a normal chart high probability, and a big win game does not occur, the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA is set upon the end of the small win game.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 12(b), the average change time of each of the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB, the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC, and the special pattern change pattern derivation state PD is shorter in the order of the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB, the special pattern change pattern derivation state PD, and the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC. This is due to the length of the change time related to the basic special pattern change pattern that is most likely to be determined in each special pattern change pattern derivation state. Here, the average change time refers to the sum of the change times derived by multiplying the occurrence rate (the probability that may occur in any pattern change, which is derived by multiplying the probability that the result of the special pattern hit / miss judgment is derived by the probability of the special pattern change pattern being hit) for each change time related to the special pattern change pattern that can be selected in a certain special pattern change pattern derivation state. However, in this embodiment, when there is only one special pattern change pattern that can be selected in the certain special pattern change pattern derivation state, the change time related to the special pattern change pattern is treated as the average change time. In this embodiment, the average change time of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB and the average change time of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD are configured to be the same, but these change times may be configured to be different. In particular, when these change times are configured to be different, it is preferable to make the average change time of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB shorter than the average change time of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD.

[0100] In addition, when a transition occurs to the regular chart lottery state or the special chart variation pattern derivation state, the game state control means 155 generates a presentation control command (game state designation command) including the state after the transition, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Furthermore, the game state control means 155 counts the number of times that the pattern change related to the transition to another special pattern change pattern derivation state is executed in each special pattern change pattern derivation state, and generates a performance control command including the number of times of the counted pattern change each time the pattern change is started, and stores the command in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160. Note that the information included in the performance control command may be included in the above-mentioned change start command.

[0101] As described above, the main information storage means 160 is a means for temporarily storing data read by each means, data derived by calculations or the like by each means, etc., in the corresponding storage areas.

[0102] The main error control means 165 monitors the input information of the I / O port 104 and judges whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in an error state. If it is judged that the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, a performance control command (error command) including information capable of identifying the error state is stored in a transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0103] When a performance control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160, the main command management means 170 transmits the performance control command to the first sub-control board 200. In principle, each performance control command is transmitted in the order in which it is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the main information storage means 160.

[0104] The power restoration process execution means 175 includes a restoration state setting means 176 and a playable state transition means 179 .

[0105] The return state setting means 176 executes a return state setting process to set a return state based on whether or not there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored, the state at the time of the power outage immediately before the power restoration, the state of the RAM clear switch 43 when power is restored, and the state of the inner frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. The return states set by this process include a game stop state and a game ready state (which may or may not involve the execution of a RAM clear process). Specifically, if there is an abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored, a game-stopped state is set regardless of the state of the RAM clear switch 43 and the state of the middle frame door open sensor 76 when power is restored. Also, if there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored and the RAM clear switch 43 is ON (pressed state) when power is restored, the RAM clear process is executed and a playable state is set on the condition that the middle frame door open sensor 76 is ON when power is restored (if the middle frame door open sensor 76 is OFF when power is restored, the RAM clear process is not executed and a playable state is set), and if there is no abnormality in the RAM 103 when power is restored and the RAM clear switch 43 is OFF (not pressed state) when power is restored, the RAM clear process is not executed and a playable state is set. Here, the game stop state is a return state in which game progress is impossible by not executing processing according to the detection results of the sensors installed at each winning port (it is not necessary to look at the detection results of the sensors themselves). On the other hand, the playable state is a restored state in which the game can be played by executing a process according to the detection result of the sensor installed in each winning port. In particular, if the RAM clear process is not executed when the power is restored, the game returns to the playable state at the time of the previous power outage. For example, if the previous power outage was during a big win game or a small win game, the game returns to the big win game or small win game that was being executed, and if the previous power outage was during a pattern change, the game returns to the pattern change that was being executed.

[0106] In addition, whether or not there is an abnormality in RAM 103 is determined by executing a RAM abnormality check at the beginning of the recovery state setting process (specifically, a process which determines whether or not a backup flag is stored (whether or not the backup flag is ON) in the backup information area related to the target area, derives a checksum of the target area and the complement stored in the backup information area related to the area if the backup flag is stored (if the backup flag is ON), and if the calculation result is 0, determines that the target area is normal, and otherwise determines that the target area is abnormal) on the area related to the game in RAM 103.

[0107] The playable state transition means 179 executes a playable state transition process for transitioning to a playable state when the playable state is set. More specifically, in the game play state transition process, if the security signal output is ON, a process for turning the security signal output OFF and initial settings of the device are executed. In addition, during the initial setting of the device, processes such as sending a launch permission command to the payout control board 400 to permit the launch of game balls, setting the state in which balls will be valid when they enter each winning slot, and setting data to activate the random number circuit 105 are performed.

[0108] The power cut-off process execution means 180 executes a power cut-off process based on receiving a power cut-off signal from the power supply control board 500. Specifically, for an area of ​​RAM 103 related to game play, a process is performed in which a checksum for that area is derived and the complement of that checksum is stored in a backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to game play, and a process is performed in which a backup flag indicating that a power cut process has been performed for that area is turned ON (a backup flag is stored in the backup information area of ​​RAM 103 related to game play).

[0109] As shown in Figure 7, the first sub-control board 200 is equipped with a sub-random number generation means 210, a normal performance control means 220, a sub-error control means 230, a lamp control means 240, a movable prop control means 245, a sub-information storage means 260, and a sub-command management means 270, and these means are functional representations of what is realized by each control configuration on the first sub-control board 200 described using Figure 6. Here, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read by the means included in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculation in the means, etc., in the respective corresponding storage areas. Also, the performance control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 is stored in the received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270. In the following explanation, the storage of the performance control command transmitted from the main command management means 170 in the received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260 by the sub-command management means 270 may be simply expressed as reception of the performance control command.

[0110] The sub-random number generating means 210 can generate random numbers (software random numbers) that are updated by program processing by the CPU 201, and obtains random numbers at the timing when each lottery (details will be described later) is executed by the normal performance control means 220.

[0111] The normal presentation control means 220 includes a presentation mode control means 221, a presentation route determination means 222, a sub-hold control means 223, a look-ahead presentation control means 224, a presentation content determination means 225, a decorative pattern control means 226, and a jackpot presentation control means 227.

[0112] When the presentation mode control means 221 receives a game state designation command, it controls the transition of the presentation mode in a manner consistent with the special chart variation pattern derivation state managed on the main control board 100 side.

[0113] When the presentation route determination means 222 receives a pre-determination command, it determines (sets) a presentation route corresponding to the reserved pattern change based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command (in this embodiment, the special pattern change pattern). Note that, when the special pattern change pattern corresponding to the pattern change is the above-mentioned special pattern change pattern HNP, the presentation route determination means 222 does not determine a presentation route when the pre-determination command is transmitted, and determines a presentation route based on the special pattern change pattern included in the change start command at the start of the pattern change (for example, in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PA, the special pattern change pattern HNP-A to special pattern change pattern HNP-D). Here, the presentation route refers to the presentation from the start to the end of the pattern change, and specifies the process of the presentation that notifies the result of the special pattern determination in the pattern change. The content of the presentation executed in the pattern change is determined by the presentation content determination means 225, which will be described later, in accordance with the presentation route corresponding to the pattern change.

[0114] The presentation route in this embodiment is roughly divided into a miss presentation route that notifies that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the current pattern change is a miss (the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the current pattern change is neither a big hit nor a small hit), and a big hit presentation route that notifies that the result of the special chart hit / miss judgment in the current pattern change is a big hit or a small hit. Furthermore, the miss presentation route includes a non-development miss presentation route in which the development presentation is not executed, and a development miss presentation route in which the development presentation is executed. As will be described later, when the big hit presentation route is determined, the development presentation is executed unless otherwise specified. Here, the development performance refers to a performance that is executed after the decorative symbols are in a reach state (a state in which all decorative symbols except one symbol row are displayed stationary and the remaining symbol rows are displayed in a variable manner), and at the end of which, it is announced whether the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is a big hit or a small hit. Therefore, in a development performance that corresponds to a development miss performance route, a series of performances corresponding to the development performance are executed, and at the end of which, it is announced that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is neither a big hit nor a small hit. On the other hand, in a development performance that corresponds to a big hit performance route, a series of performances corresponding to the development performance are executed, and at the end of which, it is announced that the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the current symbol change is a big hit or a small hit.

[0115] Specifically, the non-development miss performance route corresponds to the performance route corresponding to the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-A to the special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-D and the special chart fluctuation pattern HRP, which are determined in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PA, and the development miss performance route corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP1-A to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP3-B. Furthermore, the big win performance route corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP1-A to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-C. In addition, the non-development miss performance route corresponds to the basic special chart fluctuation pattern (special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-E and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-F) that can be determined in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB or special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD, and the development miss performance route corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-D to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-F. Furthermore, the big win performance route corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-D to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-F. The non-development miss performance route corresponds to the basic special chart fluctuation pattern (special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-G and special chart fluctuation pattern HNP-H) that can be determined in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC, and the development miss performance route corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-G to special chart fluctuation pattern HSP-I that can be determined in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC. Furthermore, the big win performance route corresponds to the special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-G to special chart fluctuation pattern ASP-I.

[0116] In addition, as described later, in this embodiment, in one presentation mode, each of the determined special chart variation patterns corresponds to one different presentation route. Therefore, in the following description, the presentation route for the special chart variation pattern may be simply expressed as a special chart variation pattern. However, multiple presentation routes may be made to correspond to one special chart variation pattern, and in this case, one presentation route may be determined from multiple presentation routes corresponding to the determined special chart variation pattern. Below, the contents of the presentation route corresponding to each special chart change pattern determined in each presentation mode will be explained.

[0117] When the sub-reservation control means 223 receives a reserve command (hereinafter, may be simply expressed as the occurrence of a reserve winning), it sets performance data for displaying the number of reserved images corresponding to the special chart 1 reserve counter and the number of reserved images corresponding to the special chart 2 reserve counter in the reserve display area (not shown) of the main display unit 81 based on the information of the special chart 1 reserve counter and the special chart 2 reserve counter contained in the command. The reserved images are images that are the subject of reserve pre-reading performances that change into various forms that suggest the degree of advantage, such as the expectation degree of the occurrence of a jackpot game.

[0118] When a pre-reading performance control means 224 receives a pre-determination command, it determines the content of the pre-reading performance based on the result of the pre-determination included in the command. The pre-reading effect is an effect that suggests the expectation for the result of the special symbol hit / miss judgment in the pre-reading target symbol change and the content of the effect to be executed in the pre-reading target symbol change before the pre-reading target symbol change starts, for the purpose of increasing the interest in the game. The pre-reading target symbol change is a symbol change related to the main special symbol (special symbol 1 in the special symbol change pattern derivation state PA, and special symbol 2 in other special symbol change pattern derivation states), and refers to a symbol change reserved in the hold 1 to hold 3 states, or a symbol change reserved in the hold 0 state and during the execution of the symbol change related to the special symbol.

[0119] When the effect content determining means 225 receives a variation start command, it determines the content of the effect to be executed in the current pattern variation according to the presentation route already determined by the presentation route determining means 222. More specifically, the performance content determination means 225 determines the content of the performance (performance pattern) for each performance execution timing in the pattern change by a lottery using a performance pattern lottery table corresponding to the performance route determined by the performance route determination means 222. In this way, it is possible to change the content of the performance related to (executed according to) the determined performance route, and to provide a connection between the performances in one pattern change. Even if the same performance route is determined, it is also possible to diversify the performances to be executed. Note that the timing for determining the content of the performance can be, for example, the start of the pattern change.

[0120] When the decorative pattern control means 226 receives a variation start command, it determines the final (determined stopped) combination of decorative patterns (left pattern, center pattern, right pattern) based on the stopped pattern of the determined special pattern.

[0121] When the jackpot start command is received, the jackpot performance control means 227 determines the content of the jackpot game performance that notifies the player that a jackpot game is being played, based on the information included in the command. The jackpot game performance includes a start demo performance that notifies the player that a jackpot game is being played, a round performance that notifies the player that a round game is being played, and an end demo performance that notifies the player that a jackpot game is being played. Similarly to when the jackpot start command is received, when the jackpot performance control means 227 receives a performance control command related to a small jackpot game, the jackpot performance control means 227 determines the content of the small jackpot game performance that notifies the player that a small jackpot game is being played, based on the information included in the command.

[0122] The normal performance control means 220 reads out performance data for each device corresponding to each performance at the execution timing of that performance, in accordance with the content of the performance determined by the above-mentioned means provided in the first sub-control board 200. If the read performance data includes performance data related to images, an image control command is generated based on that performance data, and the command is stored in a transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. Furthermore, if the read performance data includes performance data related to sound, an audio control command related to sound is generated based on that performance data, and the command is stored in a transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. In particular, when the return state upon power restoration is a playable state accompanied by the execution of a RAM clear process, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for notifying that a playable state has been achieved accompanied by the execution of a RAM clear process, and when the return state upon power restoration is a playable state without the execution of a RAM clear process, the normal presentation control means 220 reads presentation data for notifying that a playable state has been achieved without the execution of a RAM clear process. Furthermore, when the recovery state upon power restoration is a game stop state, the normal presentation control means 220 reads out presentation data for notifying not only that the game has stopped, but also that it is necessary to execute a RAM clear process. Although details of these notifications are omitted, it is preferable that the notifications continue for a certain period of time (for example, 30 seconds) after execution has started, and the presentation device that executes the notifications does not matter.

[0123] When an error command is transmitted, the sub-error control means 230 determines an error notification pattern, and reads out performance data for executing an error notification in accordance with the error notification pattern. In addition, the error notification is executed with priority over the variable performance related to the pattern variation. Here, the error notification is executed with priority not only when the device related to the execution of the error notification and the device related to the execution of the variable performance are the same device, but also includes the case where the error notification is executed in a manner that is easier to recognize than the variable performance in the device, not only when the device related to the execution of the error notification and the device related to the execution of the variable performance are the same device, but also when the error notification is executed in a manner that is easier to recognize than the variable performance in the device. In addition, the sub-error control means 230 may independently (independently of the main error control means 165) determine whether or not the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, and if it is determined that the gaming machine 10 is in an error state, read out presentation data that executes an error notification.

[0124] The lamp control means 240 holds lamp control data for controlling the lighting of various lamps such as the frame lamp 35. For example, if the performance data read out by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a lamp, the lamp control means 240 reads out the lamp control data based on the performance data, and transmits the read lamp control data to the lamp to be executed.

[0125] When the performance data read by the normal performance control means 220 contains performance data corresponding to a movable prop, the movable prop control means 245 reads movement control data for controlling the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 from the ROM 202 based on the performance data, and transmits the read movement control data to the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82 to control the movement of the movable decorative body 22 and the sub-display unit 82.

[0126] As described above, the sub-information storage means 260 is a means for temporarily storing data read out by the means provided in the first sub-control board 200, data derived by calculations in the means, etc. in the corresponding storage areas.

[0127] The sub-command management means 270 receives a performance control command transmitted from the main control board 100, and stores the received performance control command in a received command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260. When an image control command is stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260, the sub-command management means 270 transmits the image control command to the second sub-control board 300. When an audio control command or a volume adjustment command is stored in the storage area, the sub-command management means 270 transmits these commands to the audio control board 310. In addition, these commands are transmitted in the order in which they are stored in the transmission command storage area of ​​the sub-information storage means 260, as a rule.

[0128] As explained above, in the gaming machine 10 according to this embodiment, the special pattern variation pattern derivation state for the normal pattern high probability is transitioned based on the number of pattern variations for the special pattern 2 executed without a jackpot game, and the expectation that the normal pattern high probability will be set again after the jackpot game ends is varied according to the type of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state for the normal pattern high probability. This is a function to suppress the decline in the desire to play in the normal pattern high probability, and the details of this function and functions related to this function will be explained below.

[0129] <About the difference in the degree of advantage related to the jackpot game that occurs in the normal high probability game> First, using FIG. 13, the relationship between the type of special chart variation pattern derivation state related to the high probability of a normal chart and whether or not the high probability of a normal chart is set after the end of the jackpot game that occurs will be described. Figure 13(a) is a table summarizing the correspondence between the stopping patterns related to a jackpot game when the jackpot game occurs in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB and whether or not the high probability of a normal chart is set after the end of the jackpot game. Figure 13(b) is a table summarizing the correspondence between the stopping patterns related to the jackpot game when the jackpot game occurs in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC and whether or not the high probability of a normal chart is set after the end of the jackpot game. Figure 13(c) is a table summarizing the correspondence between the stopping patterns related to the jackpot game when the jackpot game occurs in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD and whether or not the high probability of a normal chart is set after the end of the jackpot game.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 13(a), when a jackpot game occurs in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, the normal pattern high probability is not set for some stopped patterns after the jackpot game ends. Specifically, if the stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot game that has occurred (if a small jackpot game is played, the stop symbol corresponding to the small jackpot game) is symbol a, symbol c, or symbol d, the high probability of the normal symbol is set after the end of the jackpot game. On the other hand, if the stop symbol is symbol b, the high probability of the normal symbol is not set after the end of the jackpot game, and the low probability of the normal symbol is set.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 13(b), when a jackpot game occurs in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, the high probability of a normal chart is set in all cases after the jackpot game ends. Specifically, when the stopping pattern corresponding to the jackpot game that has occurred is pattern a, pattern b, pattern c, or pattern d, a normal pattern high probability is set after the jackpot game ends.

[0132] As shown in Figure 13 (c), when a jackpot game occurs in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, as in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, for some stopped symbols, the normal chart high probability is not set after the jackpot game ends. Specifically, if the stop symbol corresponding to the jackpot game that has occurred is symbol a or symbol d, the normal high probability is set after the jackpot game ends. On the other hand, if the stop symbol is symbol b or symbol c, the normal high probability is not set after the jackpot game ends, and the normal low probability is set.

[0133] In this way, in this embodiment, when a jackpot game occurs in a normal high probability state, the expectation that a normal high probability will be set after the end of the jackpot game is configured so that the expectation related to the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC is higher than the expectation related to the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PB. In addition, in this embodiment, the expectation level relating to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD is configured to be lower than that of the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the expectation level relating to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB is compared with the expectation level relating to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, the expectation level of the former is configured to be higher.

[0134] <Regarding the transition of the expected probability of the high probability setting after the end of a jackpot game that occurred in the high probability setting> Next, using Figure 14, we will explain in detail the transition of expectation level when high probability of normal symbol is set again after the end of a jackpot game caused by a pattern change that is executed based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second starting hole 59 that occurs when the jackpot is high probability of normal symbol. Figure 14 shows the relationship between the transition of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state in the case of normal high probability and the transition of the normal high probability setting expectation degree after the end of the jackpot game caused by the pattern variation executed based on the entry of the game ball into the second starting hole 59 that occurs in each normal high probability.

[0135] As shown in Figure 14, in this embodiment, during the period from when the current regular pattern high probability starts until the number of pattern changes related to special pattern 2 executed without any jackpot play reaches 51, the state becomes the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB, and during the period after the number of pattern changes reaches 51, the state becomes the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC. As described above, in this embodiment, when a jackpot game occurs in the pattern change that is executed based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 59, which can occur in a normal high probability game, the expectation that a normal high probability game will be set after the end of the jackpot game is configured so that the expectation related to the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC is higher than the expectation related to the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in motivation to play caused by getting stuck (the continuous occurrence of pattern changes that do not result in a jackpot game) in the normal high probability game.

[0136] In addition, in order to achieve this effect, the game state is not limited to being switched from the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB to the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC in the normal pattern high probability set after the end of the jackpot game, as in this embodiment. For example, after the end of a jackpot game that occurs in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, which is normal pattern low probability, a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB with a specified number of times related to normal pattern high probability of 50 times may be set, and a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC with a specified number of times related to normal pattern high probability of 80 times may be set. In other words, in terms of the phenomenon, it is sufficient that the expectation of setting normal pattern high probability after the end of the jackpot game when the jackpot game occurs is configured to change as described above depending on the number of times the pattern variation is executed after the start of the normal pattern high probability.

[0137] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when a winning game occurs due to a pattern change based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting port (second starting port 59) that occurs in an easy-to-win state (high probability of winning), the advantage associated with the winning game (the proportion at which high probability of winning is set after the end of the jackpot game that has occurred) can be said to be higher when the winning game occurs due to a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the first number (51 times) than when the winning game occurs due to a pattern change before the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the first number.

[0138] The advantage of the winning game is not limited to that of this embodiment (specifically, the rate at which the normal pattern becomes highly probable after the end of the jackpot game that has occurred). For example, the advantage may be defined by the number of times that the normal pattern becomes highly probable after the end of the jackpot game, or by the rate at which the so-called probability of winning increases after the end of the jackpot game. Furthermore, it may be the advantage of the jackpot game itself, such as the number of rounds of the jackpot game. This is also true for each invention described later, but the factors that define the advantage of the winning game in any period (the period in which the state of each special pattern variation pattern related to the normal pattern high probability is set) must be common.

[0139] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the high probability of a normal pattern, which is set upon the end of a jackpot game, is configured to be terminated when the number of times the pattern change related to special pattern 2 in the high probability of a normal pattern reaches 100 times. This makes it possible to prevent a decline in motivation to play in a game in which a player becomes more likely to lose motivation to play due to getting stuck on a normal high probability jackpot.

[0140] Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, the easy-to-win state (normal high probability) is configured to be able to end based on the number of pattern changes executed without any winning play reaching a specified number (100 times).

[0141] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is maintained during the period from when the current regular chart high probability is started until the number of pattern changes related to special chart 2 executed without any jackpot play reaches 81, and during the period after the number of such changes reaches 81, the special chart change pattern derivation state PD is entered. In this embodiment, when a jackpot game occurs in the pattern change that is executed based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 59, which can occur in a normal high probability game, the expectation that a normal high probability game will be set after the end of the jackpot game is configured to be lower in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PD than in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in motivation to play due to getting stuck in the normal high probability state, while allowing the player to play with a sense of tension (whether or not a jackpot will occur) in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC.

[0142] In addition, in order to achieve this effect, the game state is not limited to being switched in the order of the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB, the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC, and the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD in the normal pattern high probability set after the end of the jackpot game, as in this embodiment. For example, after the end of a jackpot game that occurs in the special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA, which is a normal pattern low probability, a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PB with a specified number of times related to the normal pattern high probability of 50 times may be set, a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PC with a specified number of times related to the normal pattern high probability of 80 times may be set, or a special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD with a specified number of times related to the normal pattern high probability of 100 times may be set. In other words, in terms of the phenomenon, it is sufficient that the expectation of the normal pattern high probability being set after the end of the jackpot game when the jackpot game occurs changes as described above depending on the number of times the pattern variation is executed after the start of the normal pattern high probability.

[0143] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when a winning game occurs due to a pattern change based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting port (second starting port 59) that occurs in an easy-to-win state (high probability of winning), when the winning game occurs due to a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the second number (81 times), which is greater than the first number (51 times), the advantage associated with the winning game (the rate at which a high probability of winning is set) can be said to tend to be lower than when the winning game occurs due to a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the first number but before the second number.

[0144] In particular, in this embodiment, the number of pattern changes (50 times) during the period in which the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB is maintained is greater than the number of pattern changes (30 times) during the period in which the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC is maintained. This enhances the effect of allowing the player to play the game with a sense of tension in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC described above.

[0145] Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, the first number of times (51 times) is a value greater than the value obtained by subtracting the first number of times from the second number of times (81 times).

[0146] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a jackpot game occurs in a pattern change that is executed based on the entry of a game ball into the game board 50, which can occur in a normal high probability state, the expectation that a normal high probability state will be set after the end of the jackpot game is configured to be lower in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PD than in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB. This enhances the effect of allowing the player to play the game with a sense of tension in the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC described above.

[0147] <About changing background images in normal high probability> Next, using Figures 15 and 16, we will explain the switching of background images during a normal high probability win in this embodiment. FIG. 15 shows a flow of the background image switching process when the normal probability is high, and this process is executed each time the pattern change starts during the normal probability. FIG. 16(a) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table T1 used in the background image switching lottery, and FIG. 16(b) is a schematic diagram showing a lottery table T2 used in the background image switching lottery. The range of random numbers used in these lotteries is 0 to 999. In this embodiment, the background image is an image that can be continuously displayed in each game state in order to make it easier to recognize which game state the player is currently in depending on its display mode (the presence of a period during which the background image is not displayed during part of the display period, such as during the execution of the above-mentioned development performance, is permitted), and this background image is an image that is displayed in a layer (back side) that has a lower priority than other images such as decorative patterns in the display area related to the main display unit 81. Furthermore, although the illustration of the background image is omitted in the description of this embodiment, in this embodiment, there is a background image HA as the background image corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PA, a background image HB as the background image corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB, a background image HC as the background image corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC, and a background image HD as the background image corresponding to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PD, and these background images have different display modes.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 15, in step S102, which is the first step of the background image switching process when the normal probability is high, it is determined whether the number of times the pattern change has been performed during this normal probability of high is reached 51, and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S104, and if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0149] In step S104, a background image switching lottery is executed using the lottery table T1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16(a), if the result of the special pattern judgment for this pattern change is a miss, there is a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of winning the background image change lottery, and a 700 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.43) probability of not winning the lottery. On the other hand, if the result of the special pattern hit determination in this pattern change is a big hit or small hit, in other words, if a big hit game occurs, there is a 200 / 1000 (1 / 5) probability of winning the background image change lottery, and a 800 / 1000 (1 / 1.25) probability of not winning the lottery.

[0150] In step S106, it is determined whether the number of times the pattern change has been performed during this normal high probability has reached 81 times, and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S108, and if the condition is not met, the background image switching process for normal high probability is terminated.

[0151] In step S108, a background image switching lottery is executed using the lottery table T2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16(b), if the result of the special pattern judgment for this pattern change is a miss, there is a 700 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 1.43) probability of winning the background image change lottery, and a 300 / 1000 (approximately 1 / 3.33) probability of not winning the lottery. On the other hand, if the result of the special pattern judgment for this pattern change is a big hit or a small hit, there is a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability that you will win the background image change lottery, and a 500 / 1000 (1 / 2) probability that you will not win the lottery.

[0152] In step S110, it is determined whether or not the background image switching lottery has been won, and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the condition is not met, the background image switching process at the time of normal high probability is terminated. Therefore, if the condition is not met, the background image that has been displayed until then is not switched, and the display mode of the background image is maintained.

[0153] In step S112, the performance data for switching the background image is set, and then the background image switching process at the time of normal high probability is terminated. As a result, when the current pattern change starts, the background image that was displayed up until then is switched, and the display mode of the background image that was displayed up until then is switched. For example, if the current pattern change is a pattern change in which the number of times the pattern change is executed in the normal high probability has reached 51 times, the background image is switched from HB to HC, and if the current pattern change is a pattern change in which the number of times the pattern change is executed in the normal high probability has reached 81 times, the background image is switched from HC or HB (if the background image is not changed in the pattern change in which the number of times the pattern change is executed in the normal high probability has reached 51 times) to HD.

[0154] In this way, in this embodiment, when the number of times the pattern change is performed in the normal high probability state reaches 51 times (when transitioning from the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB to the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC), the display mode of the background image is maintained for a part of the time. According to this, when the number of times that the pattern change is performed in the normal high probability state reaches 51 times, it is possible to make it difficult to put pressure on the player. In order to achieve this effect, the display mode of the background image may be maintained whenever the number of times that pattern changes are performed during normal high probability reaches 51 times. In this embodiment, the timing for switching the display mode of the background image when the number of times the pattern change is executed in the normal high probability reaches 51 times is the start of the pattern change that has reached 51 times, but any timing may be used as long as it is from the start of the previous pattern change (the pattern change that causes the number of times the pattern change is executed in the normal high probability to reach 50 times) to the end of the pattern change that has reached 51 times. According to this, maintaining the display mode of the background image refers to maintaining the display mode of the background image during the period from the start of the previous pattern change to the end of the pattern change that has reached 51 times.

[0155] Furthermore, as described above, when realizing the above-mentioned invention by configuring it so that after the end of a jackpot game that occurs in the special chart change pattern derivation state PA, which is a normal chart low probability, a special chart change pattern derivation state PB with a specified number of times related to a normal chart high probability of 50 is set, and a special chart change pattern derivation state PC with a specified number of times related to a normal chart high probability of 80 is set, when a special chart change pattern derivation state related to a normal chart high probability other than the special chart change pattern derivation state PB is set, it is sufficient to configure it so that the display mode of the background image is maintained at least in part when the number of times the pattern change has been executed in the normal chart high probability related to that special chart change pattern derivation state reaches 51 times.

[0156] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the display control means (first sub-control board 200, second sub-control board 300) is capable of displaying a background image which is displayed on a layer with a lower display priority than other images and which can identify at least a normal state (low probability of winning) or an easy-to-win state (high probability of winning) depending on the display mode, and in other words, when the number of pattern changes executed from the start of the easy-to-win state without a winning game reaches a first number (51 times), the display mode of the background image which was displayed at the start of the pattern change immediately before the first number of pattern changes is maintained.

[0157] In addition, in this embodiment, when the number of times that pattern changes are performed in the normal high probability state reaches 81 times (when transitioning from the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC to the special pattern change pattern derivation state PD), the display mode of the background image is switched (changed) in some cases. According to this, by making it easier for the player to recognize that the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD has been reached, where the advantageous degree of the resulting jackpot game becomes unfavorable compared to the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PC, it becomes easier for the player to recognize the occurrence of the event when a jackpot game occurs in the special chart fluctuation pattern derivation state PD. In order to achieve this effect, the display mode of the background image may be changed whenever the number of times that pattern changes are performed during normal high probability reaches 81 times. In addition, in this embodiment, the timing of switching the display mode of the background image when the number of times the pattern change has been executed during a normal high probability reaches 81 may be any timing between the start of the pattern change immediately before the pattern change that results in the number of times the pattern change has been executed during a normal high probability reaching 81, and the end of the pattern change that has reached 81, just as when the number of times the pattern change has been executed during a normal high probability reaches 51.

[0158] Therefore, in other words, in the gaming machine 10, when the number of pattern changes executed from the start of the easy-to-win state (normal pattern high probability) without any winning play reaches the second number (81 times), at least in some cases, the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern change immediately before the second number of pattern changes is changed.

[0159] In particular, as shown in the lottery tables of Figures 16(a) and 16(b), in this embodiment, the rate at which the display mode of the background image is switched when the number of times that pattern changes are executed in a normal high probability state reaches 81 is higher than the rate at which the display mode of the background image is switched when the number of times that pattern changes are executed in a normal high probability state reaches 51. This enhances both the effect of making it difficult for the player to feel pressured when the number of pattern changes in the normal high probability state reaches 51, and the effect of making it easier for the player to recognize the occurrence of a jackpot game when the relatively unfavorable special pattern change pattern derivation state PD occurs. As described above, in order to achieve this effect, it is permitted that the display mode of the background image is always maintained when the number of times that pattern changes have been performed during a normal high probability win reaches 51, and that the display mode of the background image is always switched when the number of times that pattern changes have been performed during a normal high probability win reaches 81.

[0160] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, the rate at which the display mode of the background image changes is that when the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state (normal pattern high probability) reaches the second number (81 times), the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern change immediately before the second number of pattern changes changes to that when the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches the first number (51 times). In other words, the rate at which the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern change immediately before the second number of pattern changes is higher than the rate at which the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern change immediately before the second number of pattern changes is changed when the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches a second number, while the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern change immediately before the first number of pattern changes is maintained when the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches a first number.

[0161] In addition, although it was omitted in the above description, when the winning of a game ball into the second starting hole 59 triggers the start of the pattern change related to the special pattern 2 corresponding to the winning of the game ball, and when the background image is switched by the background image switching process at the start of the pattern change (the background image switching process at the time of the high probability of the normal pattern does not necessarily have to be executed, and it is sufficient if the processing related to step S112 is executed when the processing is executed), when the game stops due to the winning of the game ball, the background image is switched to a background image different from both the background image HC and the background image HD, regardless of whether the judgment condition related to step S102 or the judgment condition related to step S106 is satisfied. Note that the different background image is different from both the background image HA and the background image HB.

[0162] <When a jackpot occurs due to a pattern change related to Special Chart 1 in a normal high probability game> Next, using FIG. 17, the game state (regular pattern lottery state) after the end of a jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs with a pattern change related to special pattern 1 in a regular pattern with high probability will be described. Figure 17(a) is a table summarizing the game state after the end of a jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs due to a pattern change related to special chart 1 in special chart change pattern derivation state PB, Figure 17(b) is a table summarizing the game state after the end of a jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs due to a pattern change related to special chart 1 in special chart change pattern derivation state PC, and Figure 17(c) is a table summarizing the game state after the end of a jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs due to a pattern change related to special chart 1 in special chart change pattern derivation state PD.

[0163] As shown in Figure 17(a), when a jackpot game occurs due to a pattern change related to special pattern 1 in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PB, if the stopping pattern corresponding to the jackpot game is pattern A, the next game will have a low probability of a normal pattern, whereas if the stopping pattern corresponding to the jackpot game is pattern B or pattern C, the next game will have a high probability of a normal pattern (the specified number of times related to the high probability of a normal pattern is 100 times, and the same applies thereafter). As shown in Figure 17(b), when a jackpot game occurs due to a pattern change related to special pattern 1 in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC, regardless of the type of stopping pattern corresponding to the jackpot game, the probability of a normal pattern becoming high after that, and the probability of a normal pattern becoming low after the end of the jackpot game does not become low. As shown in Figure 17(c), when a jackpot game occurs due to a pattern change related to special pattern 1 in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PD, if the stopping pattern corresponding to the jackpot game is pattern A or pattern B, the probability of a normal pattern occurring afterwards is low, whereas if the stopping pattern corresponding to the jackpot game is pattern C, the probability of a normal pattern occurring afterwards is high.

[0164] In this manner, in this embodiment, the special chart change pattern derivation state PB, i.e., the advantage of a jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs with a pattern change related to special chart 1 during the period from when the current normal chart high probability has started until the number of pattern changes related to special chart 2 executed without a jackpot game reaches 51, is different from the special chart change pattern derivation state PD, i.e., the advantage of a jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs with a pattern change related to special chart 1 during the period after the number of pattern changes related to special chart 2 executed without a jackpot game reaches 81 since the current normal chart high probability has started. According to this, it is possible to increase the sense of tension (avoiding a situation where the pattern change related to the second starting port 59 is not reserved) in the period in which the advantage of the jackpot game that occurs is smaller. And, increasing the sense of tension contributes to making it difficult to execute the pattern change related to the special pattern 1, which is relatively less advantageous than the pattern change related to the special pattern 2, in the normal pattern high probability.

[0165] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when a winning game occurs due to a pattern change based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first starting port (first starting port 57) that occurs in an easy-to-win state (normal high probability), the degree of advantage associated with the winning game tends to differ depending on whether the winning game occurs due to a pattern change before the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches the first number (51 times) or whether the winning game occurs due to a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches the second number (81 times).

[0166] In particular, in this embodiment, the advantage of a jackpot game occurring due to a pattern change related to special chart 1 during the period after the number of pattern changes related to special chart 2 executed without any jackpot game between the start of this normal chart high probability has reached 81 is configured to be smaller than the advantage of a jackpot game occurring due to a pattern change related to special chart 1 during the period before the number of pattern changes related to special chart 2 executed without any jackpot game between the start of this normal chart high probability has reached 51. This not only increases the sense of tension during play in the special chart change pattern derivation state PD (to avoid a situation in which the pattern change related to the second starting port 59 is not on hold), but also enhances the effect of allowing the player to play with a sense of tension in the above-mentioned special chart change pattern derivation state PC.

[0167] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when a winning game occurs due to a pattern change based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first starting port (first starting port 57) that occurs in an easy-to-win state (normal high probability), if the winning game occurs due to a pattern change that occurs after the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the second number (81 times), it can be said that the advantage of the winning game tends to be higher than when the winning game occurs due to a pattern change before the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the first number (51 times).

[0168] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the special chart change pattern derivation state PC, i.e., the advantage of the jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs with a pattern change related to special chart 1 during the period from when the number of pattern changes related to special chart 2 executed without a jackpot game after the start of this normal chart high probability becomes 51 times to when the number of pattern changes related to special chart 2 becomes 81 times, is configured to be higher than the advantage of the jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs with a pattern change related to special chart 1 during the period after the number of pattern changes related to special chart 2 executed without a jackpot game after the start of this normal chart high probability becomes 81 times, and the advantage of the jackpot game when a jackpot game occurs with a pattern change related to special chart 1 during the period before the number of pattern changes related to special chart 2 executed without a jackpot game after the start of this normal chart high probability becomes 51 times. This increases the sense of tension in playing in the normal high probability state (to avoid a situation where the pattern change related to the second starting port 59 is not reserved), while providing a sense of security in playing in the special pattern change pattern derivation state PC.

[0169] Therefore, in the gaming machine 10, when a winning game occurs due to a pattern change based on the entry of a gaming ball into the first starting port (first starting port 57) that occurs in an easy-to-win state (normal pattern high probability), if the winning game occurs due to a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the first number (51 times) and before the second number (81 times), it can be said that the advantage of the winning game tends to be higher than when the winning game occurs due to a pattern change before the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the first number, and when the winning game occurs due to a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without a winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the second number.

[0170] <Other Modifications> Modifications not mentioned in the above description are listed below.

[0171] First, as described above, in this embodiment, if the game ball does not pass through the V winning area in a small win game, a big win game will not occur after the end of the small win game. Then, if the state in which the small win game occurs is a normal high probability, the end of the small win game will transition to a normal low probability (special pattern variation pattern derivation state PA), and the pattern variation related to the special pattern 2 remaining at the end of the small win game can be executed in the normal low probability, but in this case, the normal lottery state after the end of the big win game should be treated in the same way as when a big win game occurs in the above-mentioned special pattern variation pattern derivation state PD. This also applies when the normal high probability ends due to the execution of a specified number of pattern variations related to the normal high probability.

[0172] In addition, in this embodiment, during the high probability of normal winning (prescribed number of times is 100) that is set upon the end of the jackpot game, a transition to the special chart variation pattern derivation state (transition from the special chart variation pattern derivation state PB to the special chart variation pattern derivation state PC) is realized, but the method of realizing the transition is not limited to this. For example, the end of a jackpot game may trigger the setting of a special chart change pattern derivation state PB with a high probability of normal chart, and the pattern change related to special chart 2 reserved at the end of the special chart change pattern derivation state PB (at the end of the 50th spin) (only when the result of the special chart hit / miss determination is a miss) may be executed with a low probability of normal chart, and a new time reduction (a so-called c time reduction, which corresponds to the special chart change pattern derivation state PC) may be set when pattern e is stopped during the pattern change. In addition, when this method is adopted, it is preferable to create a situation in which the pattern change related to special chart 2 is not reserved at the end of the special chart change pattern derivation state PC (at the end of the 80th spin).As a means for creating this situation, for example, a method can be considered in which the change time related to the pattern change related to special chart 2 for the last four times (corresponding to the maximum value of the special chart 2 reserved counter) in the special chart change pattern derivation state PC is made extremely short (for example, 500 ms), and the closing time of the normal electric device 61 closed immediately before that period is longer than the time required for the execution of the last four times (the sum of 2000 ms, which is the change time for four times, and 900 ms, which is the stopped display time of the special chart for three times).

[0173] Furthermore, each of the performances described in this embodiment does not necessarily have to be executed by the device used in the above description, and may be realized by a device different from that of this embodiment as long as the relationship between the execution period and execution mode described above is guaranteed.

[0174] In addition, in each special chart variation pattern derivation state, if the special chart variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figures 9 to 11, the special chart variation pattern may be determined using another special chart variation pattern lottery table, or the special chart variation pattern may be determined without using the special chart variation pattern lottery table (without drawing). However, in each special chart variation pattern derivation state, it is preferable that the special chart variation pattern is determined using the special chart variation pattern lottery table shown in Figures 9 to 11 for more than half of the period during which the special chart variation pattern derivation state continues.

[0175] In addition, in the present embodiment, the probability, ratio, and frequency, and the number of times may be 0 on the smaller side and the maximum value on the larger side, as long as the respective relationships are ensured. In particular, as for the above-mentioned ratios, as long as the phenomenal aspects are ensured, there is no restriction on the control for realizing the ratios. Furthermore, each lottery value in the lottery table illustrated in this embodiment is just an example, and as long as the magnitude relationship between the lottery tables is maintained, each lottery value may adopt any value within the range.

[0176] In the above explanation, the recovery state at the time of power recovery is determined by referring to the state of the RAM clear switch 43 at the time of power recovery, but it may be possible to refer to whether the time that the RAM clear switch 43 is in the ON state after power recovery exceeds a specified time (e.g., 3 seconds). In this way, the occurrence of erroneous RAM clear processing can be further suppressed.

[0177] In the above description, the state of the middle frame open door sensor 76 (open / closed state of the middle frame 17) was referenced when determining the return state when power was restored, but the return state may be set without reference to that state. In this case, the return state when power was restored may be set uniformly according to the case where the middle frame open door sensor 76 is ON (the middle frame 17 is open).

[0178] The present invention described above is not limited to the above description, and includes various modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.

[0179] <Additional Notes> The present embodiment encompasses the following technical idea. (1) A gaming machine capable of launching gaming balls, capable of executing a pattern variation accompanied by execution of a win / loss determination based on the entry of the gaming ball into a first start port or a second start port, and capable of generating a winning game after the end of the pattern variation in which the win / loss determination was executed when a specific result is derived in the win / loss determination, A game status management means for managing a game status is provided, The game state management means is capable of setting a winning-prone state in which the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting hole than in a normal state, Regarding the degree of advantage associated with the winning game when the winning game is generated by a pattern change based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole generated in the easy-to-win state, when the winning game is generated by a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches a first number, the degree of advantage tends to be higher than when the winning game is generated by a pattern change before the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches the first number. A gaming machine characterized by: (2) The gaming machine according to (1) above, Image display means; A display control means for controlling the image display means; With The display control means is capable of displaying a background image that is displayed on a layer having a lower display priority than other images and that can identify whether the state is at least the normal state or the easy-to-win state based on a display mode, In at least a part of the time when the number of pattern variations executed from the start of the winning-easiness state without the winning game in between reaches the first number, the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern variation immediately before the first number of pattern variations is maintained. A gaming machine characterized by: (3) The gaming machine according to (2) above, Regarding the degree of advantage associated with the winning game when the winning game is generated by a pattern change based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole generated in the easy-to-win state, when the winning game is generated by a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed from the start of the easy-to-win state without the winning game has reached a second number greater than the first number, the degree of advantage tends to be lower than when the winning game is generated by a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed from the start of the easy-to-win state without the winning game has reached the first number but before the second number. A gaming machine characterized by: (a) The gaming machine according to (3) above, The first number of times is greater than a value obtained by subtracting the first number of times from the second number of times. A gaming machine characterized by: (4) The gaming machine according to (3) above, When the number of pattern changes executed from the start of the winning-easiness state without the winning game in between reaches the second number, at least in part, the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern change immediately before the second number of pattern changes is changed. A gaming machine characterized by: (b) The gaming machine according to (4) above, Regarding the rate at which the display mode of the background image changes, when the number of pattern changes executed from the start of the easy-to-win state without the winning game in between reaches the second number, the rate at which the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern change immediately before the second number of pattern changes is higher than the rate at which the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern change immediately before the first number of pattern changes is changed when the number of pattern changes executed from the start of the easy-to-win state without the winning game in between reaches the first number. Alternatively, when the number of pattern changes executed from the start of the easy-to-win state without the winning game in between reaches the second number, the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern change immediately before the second number of pattern changes may change, whereas when the number of pattern changes executed from the start of the easy-to-win state without the winning game in between reaches the first number, the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern change immediately before the first number of pattern changes is maintained. A gaming machine characterized by: (5) The gaming machine according to (3), (a), (4), or (b) above, Regarding the degree of advantage associated with the winning game when the winning game is generated by a pattern change based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole generated in the easy-to-win state, the degree of advantage tends to differ between when the winning game is generated by a pattern change before the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches the first number, and when the winning game is generated by a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches the second number. A gaming machine characterized by: (c) The gaming machine according to (5) above, Regarding the degree of advantage associated with the winning game when the winning game is generated by a pattern change based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole generated in the easy-to-win state, when the winning game is generated by a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches the second number, the degree of advantage tends to be higher than when the winning game is generated by a pattern change before the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches the first number. A gaming machine characterized by: (d) A gaming machine according to the above (5) or (c), Regarding the degree of advantage associated with the winning game when the winning game is generated by a pattern change based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole generated in the easy-to-win state, when the winning game is generated by a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the first number and before the second number, the degree of advantage tends to be higher than when the winning game is generated by a pattern change before the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the first number, and when the winning game is generated by a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state has reached the second number. A gaming machine characterized by: [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 10 Gaming machines 15 Outer Frame 17 Middle Frame 20 Front frame 21 Hinge mechanism 22 Movable Decorations 23 Cylinder lock 25 Transparent materials 27 Upper ball tray 29 Lower ball tray 31 Operating handle 32 Upper frame part 33(33a, 33b) Speaker 34a, 34b Left and right side frame parts 35(35a, 35b, 35c) Frame Lamp 36 Ball removal mechanism 37 Production button 38 Cursor Button 38a Up cursor button 38b Down cursor button 38c Left cursor button 38d Right cursor button 38e Middle cursor button 39 Main operation section 39a Ball loan button 39b Return button 40 Power Switch 43 RAM clear switch 46 Game Ball Tank 47 Tank Rail 48 Dispatch Unit 49 Dispatch Passage 50 Game Board 50a Gaming area 51 Outer rail 52 Windmill 53 Inner rail 54 Protective materials 55 Grand Prize Winner 57 First starting point 59 Second starting point 61 Normal Electric Devices 62 Normal electric accessory solenoid Gate 63 65 Special Electric Device 66 Special electric device solenoid 67 General Prize Winners 69 Outlet 70 First starting sensor 71 Second starting port sensor 72 Large prize entrance sensor 73 General prize entry sensor 74 Gate Sensor 75 Out ball sensor 76 Middle frame door open sensor 77 Front frame door open sensor 80 Performance display device 81 Main display 82 Sub display 82a Upper sub display 82b Left sub display 82c Right sub display 90 Pattern display device 91 First special pattern display device 92 Second special pattern display device 93 Ordinary pattern display device 94 1st special pattern reserved lamp 95 2nd Special Design Hold Lamp 96 Normal pattern hold lamp 100 Main control board 101 CPU 102 ROM 103 RAM 104 I / O ports 105 Random Number Circuit 109 Main control board case 110 Ball entrance determination method 115 Main random number generator 120 Main Hold Control Means 125 Preliminary Judgment Measures 130 Special drawing lottery method 131 Means of determining whether or not a special drawing is correct 132 Special stop pattern lottery means 133 Means for deriving special chart variation patterns 135 General drawing method 140 Jackpot game control means 145 Pattern display control means 150 Electrical equipment control means 155 Game status control means 160 Main information storage means 165 Main Error Control Measures 170 Main Command Management Method 175 Power restoration processing execution means 176 Return state setting means 179 Means for transitioning to playable state 180 Power cut processing execution means 200 1st sub-control board 201 CPU 202 ROM 203 RAM 204 I / O ports 209 1st sub-control board case 210 Sub-random number generator 220 Normal Production Control Means 221 Presentation mode control means 222 Method of determining direction route 223 Sub-hold control means 224 Predictive performance control means 225 Performance content determining means 226 Decorative pattern control means 227 Jackpot performance control means 230 Sub-error Control Measures 240 Lamp control means 245 Movable object control means 260 Sub-information storage means 270 Subcommand Management Method 300 Second sub-control board 309 Second sub-control board case 310 Voice control board 311 CPU 312 ROM 313 RAM 314 I / O ports 400 Dispatch control board 409 Dispensing control board case 500 Power supply control board 501 Normal power circuit 502 Backup power circuit 503 Power interruption detection circuit 509 Power supply control board case X First flow path Y Second flow path

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine capable of launching gaming balls, capable of executing a pattern variation accompanied by execution of a win / loss determination based on the entry of the gaming ball into a first start port or a second start port, and capable of generating a winning game after the end of the pattern variation in which the win / loss determination was executed when a specific result is derived in the win / loss determination, A game status management means for managing a game status is provided, The game state management means is capable of setting a winning-prone state in which the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting hole than in a normal state, Regarding the degree of advantage associated with the winning game when the winning game is generated by a pattern change based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole generated in the easy-to-win state, when the winning game is generated by a pattern change after the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches a first number, the degree of advantage tends to be higher than when the winning game is generated by a pattern change before the number of pattern changes executed without the winning game from the start of the easy-to-win state reaches the first number, The advantage of the winning game is the number of times that the winning-prone state set after the winning game ends can continue, or the advantage of the winning game itself. Image display means; A display control means for controlling the image display means; Furthermore, the display control means is capable of displaying a background image that is displayed on a layer having a lower display priority than other images and that is capable of identifying at least the normal state or the easy-to-win state based on a display mode; In at least a part of the time when the number of pattern variations executed from the start of the winning-easiness state without the winning game in between reaches the first number, the display mode of the background image displayed at the start of the pattern variation immediately before the first number of pattern variations is maintained. A gaming machine characterized by:

Images