Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can improve the enjoyment of games. [Solution] When a transition to the normal state is made after the end of a special game state based on the winning of jackpot pattern B, the spin count display 500 is reset to 0, but when a transition to the normal state is made after the end of a special game state based on the winning of jackpot pattern C, the spin count display 500 is not reset to 0.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) having a gaming area in which a gaming ball (gaming medium) moves and firing the gaming ball into the gaming area according to the operation of a player is known. In this type of gaming machine, a start winning port is provided as a detection area for detecting a gaming ball in the gaming area. When the entry of the gaming ball into the start winning port is detected, a random value is obtained and held in a storage means, and a gaming lottery is performed to determine the winning or losing of a big win using the random value held in the storage means in a predetermined order. Then, the variable display of the symbol is started on the display means. When the result of the gaming lottery is a big win, the symbol is stopped and displayed in a big win mode, and the gaming state is shifted to a special gaming state. In the special gaming state, a plurality of predetermined big win games are executed. In each big win game, a special accessory provided in the gaming area is operated so that the big winning port is in an open state, and a gaming ball is paid out each time a gaming ball enters the big winning port.

[0003] And in this type of gaming machine, there is one in which, in accordance with the variable display and stop display of the symbol on the display means, the variable display and stop display of the effect symbol are performed on the effect device while displaying a special symbol different from the effect symbol (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In this type of gaming machine, the results of the game lottery corresponding to the display symbols and the results of the game lottery corresponding to the special symbols are matched one-to-one, and the player's impression of the game lottery results remains consistent.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately display the performance symbols to enhance the enjoyment of the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a game area in which a gaming medium moves, comprising a game control means for advancing the game according to the result of a lottery, and a performance control means for controlling the performance of the game, wherein the game control means executes a specific game in which the gaming medium can enter a predetermined area provided in the game area when the result of the lottery is a first result or a second result, the performance control means displays a plurality of performance symbols in a variable manner according to the result of the lottery, displays a count display showing the number of times the plurality of performance symbols have been displayed in a variable manner, when the result of the lottery is the first result, displays the plurality of performance symbols in a variable manner and then stops and displays the plurality of performance symbols in a specific manner, and resets the number of times the count display shows, when the result of the lottery is the second result, displays the plurality of performance symbols in a variable manner and then displays a specific display, and does not reset the number of times the count display shows.

[0008] According to the present invention, a specific game is performed depending on whether the result of the lottery is the first result or the second result. However, by whether or not the specific display and the count display are reset, the player's impression can be made different depending on whether the result of the lottery is the first result or the second result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the main prize slot of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the functional block of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the configuration of the lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the configuration of the lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure shows the configuration of the lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows the configuration of the lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the configuration of the lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This figure shows the configuration of the lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a state transition diagram of the game state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This figure shows the transition destinations of the game state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This figure shows an image displayed in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This figure shows an image displayed in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This figure shows an image displayed in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This figure shows an image displayed in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a figure showing an image displayed on the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is a figure for explaining the effect state in the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described. Note that the first embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in the first embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0012] 1. Configuration of the gaming machine FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. The gaming machine according to the first embodiment performs a game using game balls (game media) lent out from a game hall, and includes an outer frame 2 forming the outer surface of the gaming machine, a game board 6 provided inside the gaming machine and forming a game area 4 through which the game balls move, a glass unit 8 that makes the game board 6 visible but inaccessible to the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached.

[0013] And the portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is composed of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion composed of the translucent material, a plurality of front frame lamps 12 that output effect lights for enlivening the game are provided. Also, speakers 14 that output effect sounds for enlivening the game are provided on the upper left and right and lower left and right of the front frame 10.

[0014] Furthermore, an upper tray 16 for storing game balls is provided at the lower center of the front frame 10, and a payout opening 18 for dispensing game balls from the game machine to the player is provided on the left side of the inner side of the upper tray 16. A handle 20 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10, and when the player rotates the handle 20 clockwise toward the game machine, a launching device (not shown) located inside the game machine is activated, and game balls are launched into the game area 4. The launching device of the first embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 per second).

[0015] Furthermore, a supply port 22 is provided on the right side of the inner side of the upper tray 16 for supplying game balls from the upper tray 16 to the launching device. Below the upper tray 16, a lower tray 24 is provided for storing excess game balls when the upper tray 16 can no longer hold them all.

[0016] Furthermore, a performance button 26 (performance control means) is provided on the front edge of the upper tray 16, and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance displayed on the game machine changes.

[0017] Figure 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the game board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and the area enclosed by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 on which the game balls move. In addition, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28 at the left end of the game area 4, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) located below the game board 6 into the game area 4.

[0018] Furthermore, in the center of the game board 6, there is a performance unit 36 ​​which includes a liquid crystal display 32 (performance display section) that displays performance images and the like to enhance the game, and a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. This display frame 34 has a portion made of a light-transmitting semi-transparent material, and inside the portion made of the semi-transparent material, there are multiple display frame lamps 38 that emit performance lights and the like to enhance the game.

[0019] In the first embodiment, the game balls are prevented from passing in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game balls launched from the launching device fall into either the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 (first area) or the game area 4 on the right side (second area). Numerous game pins (not shown) are driven into the game area 4, intersecting the surface of the game board 6, so that the direction of movement of the game balls as they move through the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0020] Furthermore, an opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling from the game area 4 to the left of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass. Game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 located below the liquid crystal display 32. The upper surface of this stage 44 is a smooth curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, allowing game balls to fall downwards from the stage 44. Game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downwards from near the center of the stage 44.

[0021] Below the center of stage 44, there is a first starting prize entry point 46 (first area) into which game balls that have fallen downward from near the center of stage 44 can enter. This first starting prize entry point 46 has a built-in sensor that detects when a game ball enters, and is configured to collect the game ball inside the game machine (discharge from game area 4) when a game ball enters. Each time a game ball enters the first starting prize entry point 46, a predetermined number of game balls (one or more specified numbers, for example, four) are dispensed to the player, and a special lottery (game lottery, game judgment) is held to determine (judge) whether a jackpot has been won by obtaining a random value.

[0022] Furthermore, at the bottom of the game area 4 on the left side of the LCD display 32, there are a first general prize entry point 47-1, a second general prize entry point 47-2, and a third general prize entry point 47-3, into which game balls are collected into the game machine once they enter. The first general prize slot 47-1, the second general prize slot 47-2, and the third general prize slot 47-3 each contain sensors that detect one game ball at a time as it enters them. The game balls are collected inside the game machine as they enter, and each time a game ball enters one of these slots, a predetermined number of game balls (one or more specified numbers, for example, four or seven) are dispensed to the player, but no special lottery is held.

[0023] In detail, in the first embodiment, a sensor is provided in the path through which the game balls that enter the first general prize opening 47-1 pass, to detect each game ball that enters the first general prize opening 47-1. Each time a game ball that has entered the first general prize opening 47-1 is detected, four game balls are dispensed to the player.

[0024] On the other hand, the paths through which game balls that enter the second general prize slot 47-2 pass and the paths through which game balls that enter the third general prize slot 47-3 pass are merged (connected) internally into a single path, and a sensor is installed in the merged path to detect each game ball that enters either the second general prize slot 47-2 or the third general prize slot 47-3. Each time a game ball that enters either the second general prize slot 47-1 or the third general prize slot 47-2 is detected, seven game balls are dispensed to the player.

[0025] Furthermore, a passage gate 48 is provided in the game area 4 to the right of the liquid crystal display 32, through which game balls pass without being collected inside the game machine. This passage gate 48 has a built-in sensor that detects when a game ball has passed through, and each time a game ball passes through the passage gate 48, a random value is obtained and a normal lottery (game judgment) is performed to determine (judge) whether it is a normal win or not.

[0026] Furthermore, a second starting prize entry port 50 (second area) is provided at the bottom of the game area 4 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32, where game balls are collected into the game machine once they enter. This second starting prize entry port 50 incorporates a sensor that detects each game ball that enters it, and is also equipped with a standard feature 52 (auxiliary means) that can operate between a reduced state (a state that does not assist in entry) where it is difficult for game balls to enter the second starting prize entry port 50 and an enlarged state (a state that assists in entry) where it is easy for game balls to enter. The standard feature 52 incorporates a drive device such as a solenoid that operates the auxiliary member, and is controlled to enter the enlarged state under predetermined conditions when a regular win is achieved in a regular lottery. Then, each time a game ball enters the second starting prize entry point 50, a predetermined number of game balls (one or more specified numbers, for example, one) are dispensed to the player, and a special lottery is held to determine whether the player has won a big prize or a small prize by obtaining a random value.

[0027] Furthermore, in the game area 4 to the right of the LCD display 32, above and to the left of the second starting prize entry point 50, there is a fourth general prize entry point 47-4 into which game balls are collected inside the game machine when they enter. The fourth general prize entry point 47-4 has a built-in sensor that detects each game ball that enters it, and is configured to collect the game balls inside the game machine when they enter. Each time a game ball enters the fourth general prize entry point 47-4, a predetermined number of game balls (one or more specified numbers, for example, three) are dispensed to the player, but no special lottery is held.

[0028] Furthermore, in the game area 4 to the right of the liquid crystal display 32, below the passage gate 48, there is a large prize opening 54 into which game balls are collected into the game machine once they enter. This large prize opening 54 has a built-in sensor that detects each game ball that enters it, and a special mechanism 56 is provided which has a plate-shaped member that closes the large prize opening 54. The special mechanism 56 is configured to operate between a closed state (inaccessible state) in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 54 and an open state (inaccessible state) in which game balls can enter. The special mechanism 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid that operates the plate-shaped member, and is controlled to be in the open state under predetermined conditions during the minor prize game which starts when a minor prize is won in a special lottery. Each time a game ball enters the large prize opening 54, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 9) are dispensed to the player.

[0029] Figures 3(A) and 3(B) are perspective views showing the large prize opening 54 with the special mechanism 56 in the open state. In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(A), the large prize opening 54 consists of a specific area 64 located on the left side of the interior of the large prize opening 54 into which a game ball can enter, and a normal area 66 located on the right side of the interior of the large prize opening 54 into which a game ball can enter. The specific area 64 is equipped with a special mechanism 68 that incorporates a sensor to detect when a game ball has entered and has a plate-shaped member that closes the specific area 64. The special mechanism 68 is configured to operate between an open state (entry-allowed state) into which a game ball can enter the specific area 64, as shown in Figure 3(A), and a closed state (entry-restricted state) into which a game ball cannot enter the specific area 64, as shown in Figure 3(B). The special mechanism 68 incorporates a drive device such as a solenoid that operates the plate-shaped member and is controlled to open under predetermined conditions during a small prize game. Furthermore, when the special mechanism 56 opens and the game ball enters the large prize opening 54, if the specific mechanism 68 is open, the game ball can enter the specific area 64. If the specific mechanism 68 is not open, the game ball cannot enter the specific area 64.

[0030] Furthermore, the normal area 66 incorporates a sensor that detects when a game ball enters, but there is no plate-shaped member to block the normal area 66, allowing the game ball to enter when the special mechanism 56 is open.

[0031] Therefore, when the special mechanism 56 is open and the game ball enters the large prize opening 54, if the specific mechanism 68 is open, the game ball will enter either the specific area 64 or the normal area 66. If the specific mechanism 68 is closed, the game ball will enter the normal area 66 without entering the specific area 64. Once the game ball enters either the specific area 64 or the normal area 66, it is discharged from the large prize opening 54 and collected inside the game machine.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, an outlet 69 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4 to collect game balls that have fallen out of the game area 4 without entering any of the prize winning slots, and return them to the inside of the game machine.

[0033] The game ball launching device is configured such that the launching force of the game balls changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the handle 20 shown in Figure 1. When the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is small, the game balls are launched so that they fall into the game area 4 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the handle 20 is large, the game balls are launched so that they fall into the game area 40 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32.

[0034] Accordingly, the player adjusts the amount of rotation of the handle 20 according to the game situation and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left game area 40, passes through the opening 40, the passage 42 and the stage 44 and enters the first starting prize entry 46, or enters the first general prize entry 47-1, the second general prize entry 47-2, or the third general prize entry 47-3 (left-handed play), or launches the game ball so that it falls through the right game area 4, passes through the passage gate 48, or enters the fourth general prize entry 47-4, the second starting prize entry 50, or the large prize entry 54 (right-handed play).

[0035] In the first embodiment of the gaming machine, when a game ball falls through the left-side gaming area 4, the game ball does not pass through the passage gate 48 and does not enter the fourth general prize opening 47-4, the second start prize opening 50, or the large prize opening 54. Similarly, when a game ball falls through the right-side gaming area 4, it does not enter the first start prize opening 46, the first general prize opening 47-1, the second general prize opening 47-2, or the third general prize opening 47-3.

[0036] In Figure 2, two game pins are depicted directly above the first starting prize opening 46, the first general prize opening 47-1, the second general prize opening 47-2, the third general prize opening 47-3, and the fourth general prize opening 47-4, respectively, to adjust the entry of the game balls into each of these openings. However, numerous other game pins are also driven into the surface of the game board 6.

[0037] Furthermore, a right-hand shooting lamp 70 is provided in the lower right part of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, to inform (instruct) the player to shoot to the right. Below the right-hand shooting lamp 70, a status indicator unit 71 is provided to indicate various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps.

[0038] Figure 4 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 71. As shown in Figure 4, the status display unit 71 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 80, a second special hold display unit 82, and a game status display unit 84.

[0039] The regular symbol display unit 72 is composed of two lamps. When a regular lottery is held, the two lamps flash to display a changing regular symbol, and the two lamps light up or turn off to display a stopped regular symbol, thereby displaying the result of the regular lottery.

[0040] The normal hold display unit 74 consists of two lamps and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of normal hold numbers that are held, when a normal lottery cannot be performed even if a normal lottery is acquired, such as when the normal symbols are already being displayed in a variable or stopped state when the game ball passes through the passage gate 48. The normal hold number is displayed by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps.

[0041] The first special symbol display unit 76 is composed of a 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the first starting prize entry opening 46 and a special lottery is held, the 7-segment display flashes to display the first special symbol in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display lights up in one of several different modes to display the first special symbol in a fixed position and show the result of the special lottery.

[0042] The first special reserve display unit 78 consists of two lamps and displays the number of first special reserves corresponding to the number of first special random values ​​that are being held in reserve when a game ball enters the first start prize entry opening 46 and the first special symbol or the second special symbol is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state, or when a special lottery cannot be performed even if a random value for the special lottery is acquired. The number of first special reserves corresponding to the number of first special random values ​​that are being held in reserve is displayed by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps.

[0043] The second special symbol display unit 80 is composed of a 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the second starting prize entry opening 50 and a special lottery is held, the 7-segment display flashes to display the second special symbol in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display lights up in one of several different modes to display the second special symbol in a fixed position and show the result of the special lottery.

[0044] The second special reserve display unit 82 consists of two lamps and displays the number of second special reserves corresponding to the number of second special reserves that are being held, when, for example, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state when a game ball enters the second start prize entry opening 50, a special lottery cannot be performed even if a random value for the special lottery is acquired, and the random value for the special lottery is held as a second special random value. The number of second special reserves from 0 to 4 is displayed by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps.

[0045] The game state display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and the type of game state currently set is displayed by the combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the six lamps. In the first embodiment, it is possible to set a normal state, a special game state which starts when a jackpot is won in a special lottery, and a time-saving state which shortens the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol to frequently trigger the execution of the special lottery, and the combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the six lamps displays which game state is set.

[0046] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment. The gaming machine according to the first embodiment is controlled by a control board that includes a main board 100 (game control means) and a sub-board 102. The functions of each board, such as the main board 100 and the sub-board 102, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROM, etc.

[0047] The main board 100 includes a passage gate sensor 104 that detects each game ball passing through the passage gate 48, a first start prize entry sensor 106 that detects each game ball entering the first start prize entry 46, a second start prize entry sensor 107 that detects each game ball entering the second start prize entry 50, a large prize entry sensor 108 that detects each game ball entering the large prize entry 54, a specific area sensor 110 that detects each game ball that enters the specific area 64, i.e., each game ball that passes through the specific area 64 and is discharged from the large prize entry 54, a normal area sensor 112 that detects each game ball that enters the normal area 66, i.e., each game ball that passes through the normal area 66 and is discharged from the large prize entry 54, and a first general prize entry sensor 110 that detects each game ball that enters the first general prize entry 47-1. The system receives input signals from input means such as the first general prize slot sensor 114-1, the second general prize slot sensor 114-2 which detects each game ball that enters the second general prize slot 47-2 or the third general prize slot 47-3, the third general prize slot sensor 114-3 which detects each game ball that enters the fourth general prize slot 47-4, and the payout sensor 116 which operates each time a game ball is dispensed. Based on the calculation results, the system performs various calculations to execute the game and controls the operation of output means such as the status display drive device 120 which lights up the lamps of the status display unit 71, the normal prize drive device 122 which operates the normal prize 52, the special prize drive device 124 which operates the special prize 56, the specific prize drive device 128 which operates the specific prize 68, and the payout device 130.

[0048] Furthermore, the sub-board 102 receives signals from the main board 100 and input signals from the performance button switch 150, performs various calculations to execute performances in accordance with the progress of the game, and controls the operation of performance devices 176 such as the performance display device 170, sound device 172, and performance object drive device 174 based on the calculation results.

[0049] The main board 100 is composed of a setting change means 205, a random number generation means 210, a normal lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal prize control means 224, a special lottery means 230, a special display control means 240, a small win game execution means 250, a big win game execution means 252, a game state transition control means 260, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

[0050] The setting change means 205 controls the change of the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 2905. In the first embodiment, there are six setting states for the gaming machine, from setting 1 to setting 6, and a setting state where there is no setting. When the setting key is inserted into the key cylinder that constitutes the setting change switch located inside the main body of the gaming machine in the first embodiment and the setting key is turned clockwise, and then the power to the gaming machine is turned on, the setting change means 205 controls the gaming machine to a setting change permission state. When the reset switch located inside the main body of the gaming machine in the first embodiment is activated in the setting change permission state, each time an input signal is received from the reset switch, the setting value indicating the setting state of the gaming machine is changed in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... setting 6 → no setting → setting 1 → ... Then, when the setting key is turned counterclockwise and returned to the reference position, the setting value is confirmed, and the confirmed setting value is stored in the setting value storage means 2905.

[0051] Furthermore, the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 2905 is maintained even when the power to the gaming machine is turned off, and the same setting value is set when the power is turned on again unless the above-mentioned operation to change the setting value is performed. As a result, in the gaming machine of the first embodiment, when multiple gaming machines are installed in a gaming hall, different setting values ​​can be set for each of the multiple gaming machines, or different setting values ​​can be set for a single gaming machine from day to day.

[0052] Furthermore, when the setting change means 205 performs control to change the setting value, it sets the setting change flag in the flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290 to the ON state, and when the power to the gaming machine is turned off, it sets the setting change flag to the OFF state. Also, when the setting change means 205 does not perform control to change the setting value, it sets the setting change flag in the flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290 to the OFF state.

[0053] The random number generation means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is implemented by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to cycle within a predetermined count range). In the first embodiment, "random numbers" include not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0054] The ordinary lottery means 220, based on the detection signal input from the passage gate sensor 104 which detects each game ball passing through the passage gate 48, obtains an ordinary lottery random value (lottery information) from the random number generation means 210 and stores it in the ordinary random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290. The ordinary lottery then performs an ordinary lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has occurred based on the ordinary lottery random value read from the ordinary random number storage means 2912.

[0055] In detail, the ordinary random number storage means 2912 is provided with four ordinary reserve storage areas, ordinary reserve storage area 1 to ordinary reserve storage area 4, as storage areas for storing the acquired ordinary random number values ​​for ordinary lottery. Separately from the ordinary random number storage means 2912, there is one ordinary reserve storage area provided as a storage area for storing the ordinary random number values ​​for ordinary lottery that have been read from ordinary reserve storage area 1 of the ordinary random number storage means 2912 and used for ordinary lottery until the display and stop display of the ordinary symbols are finished. When the ordinary lottery means 220 acquires an ordinary random number value for ordinary lottery from the random number generation means 210, if the ordinary random number value for ordinary lottery is not stored in any of the ordinary reserve storage areas 1 to ordinary reserve storage area 4, it first stores the acquired ordinary random number value for ordinary lottery in ordinary reserve storage area 1. Then, when a random value for the normal lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area 1, if the normal symbols are not in a fluctuating or stopped display state, that is, if a random value for the normal lottery is not stored in the normal reserve memory area, the random value for the normal lottery is immediately read from the normal reserve memory area 1 to perform the normal lottery, and the random value for the normal lottery obtained from the normal lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the normal symbols are in a fluctuating or stopped display state, that is, if a random value for the normal lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area, the random value for the normal lottery is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1.

[0056] Then, if a random number for normal lottery is already held in the normal holding memory area 1, and a detection signal is received from the passing gate sensor 104 and a random number for normal lottery is acquired, the normal lottery means 220, on the condition that the number of random numbers for normal lottery held in normal holding memory areas 1 to 4 is less than 4, that is, on the condition that the number of normal holdings is less than 4, stores the random number for normal lottery in the normal holding memory area with the smallest ordinal number among normal holding memory areas 1 to 4 that does not currently hold a random number for normal lottery.

[0057] Then, when the display of the changing and stopping of the normal symbols is finished, the normal lottery means 220 erases the normal lottery random values ​​stored in the normal reserve memory area. If normal lottery random values ​​are reserved in normal reserve memory area 1, it reads the normal lottery random values ​​from normal reserve memory area 1 and performs a normal lottery, and stores the normal lottery random values ​​obtained from the normal lottery in the normal reserve memory area. If normal lottery random values ​​remain in normal reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining normal lottery random values ​​are moved from the original normal reserve memory area to a normal reserve memory area with an ordinal number one smaller. For example, if normal lottery random values ​​remain in normal reserve memory areas 2 to 3, they are moved to normal reserve memory areas 1 to 2.

[0058] Thus, in the ordinary random number storage means 2912, random numbers for ordinary lottery that have been drawn are stored in the ordinary reserve storage area up to a maximum of one, and random numbers for ordinary lottery that have not been drawn are stored in ordinary reserve storage areas 1 to 4 up to a maximum of four.

[0059] The details of the regular lottery are described below. The regular lottery means 220 performs a regular winning determination process, a regular variation pattern determination process, and so on, as part of the regular lottery.

[0060] The normal win determination process is the process of determining whether or not a normal win has occurred. In the first embodiment, the normal lottery table is stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290, and in the normal lottery table, each of the 100 normal lottery random numbers from 0 to 99 is associated with either a normal win or a loss. In detail, the normal lottery table is set up so that there is a 1 / 1 probability of winning a normal win, with the correspondence between normal wins or losses and multiple random numbers being set.

[0061] The ordinary lottery means 220 then refers to the ordinary lottery table and determines whether or not a random number for ordinary lottery read from the ordinary hold storage area 1 of the ordinary random number storage means 2912 is associated with an ordinary win, thereby determining whether or not an ordinary win has been achieved.

[0062] The normal lottery means 220 then sets the normal win flag in the flag storage means 2916 of the main memory 290 to the ON state if a normal win is achieved, and sets the normal win flag to the OFF state if a loss is achieved.

[0063] The normal variation pattern determination process is a process that determines which of several variation patterns the normal symbol variation pattern will be, depending on the game state. In the normal variation pattern determination process, the normal lottery means 220 determines the normal symbol variation pattern to normal variation pattern 1 if the game state is not the time-saving state, and determines the normal symbol variation pattern to normal variation pattern 2 if the game state is the time-saving state.

[0064] The normal display control means 222 is a means for controlling the status display drive device 120 based on the lottery results of the normal lottery, and performs normal symbol display control processing and normal hold display control processing.

[0065] In the normal symbol display control process, the normal display control means 222 makes the normal symbols change by flashing the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 until the change time corresponding to the change pattern of the normal symbols determined in the normal change pattern determination process has elapsed. In the normal win determination process, the normal symbol display unit 72 displays the result of the normal lottery by making the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 light up or turn off, depending on whether or not a normal win has been achieved.

[0066] In detail, in the first embodiment, if the normal symbol variation pattern is normal variation pattern 1, the normal symbol variation time is set to 20 seconds, and if the normal symbol variation pattern is normal variation pattern 2, the normal symbol variation time is set to 1 second. Therefore, in the first embodiment, if the game state at the time of the normal lottery is not the time-saving state, the normal symbol variation pattern is determined to be normal variation pattern 1, and the normal symbol variation time is set to 20 seconds. If the game state at the time of the normal lottery is the time-saving state, the normal symbol variation pattern is determined to be normal variation pattern 2, and the normal symbol variation time is set to 1 second. Thus, the opportunity to perform a normal lottery occurs more frequently when the game state is the time-saving state.

[0067] In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays 0 to 4 normal hold numbers by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74, according to the number of normal random numbers for normal lottery stored in the normal random number storage means 2912.

[0068] The ordinary prize control means 224 is a means for controlling the ordinary prize drive device 122 based on the lottery results of the ordinary lottery, and performs ordinary prize control processing 1, ordinary prize control processing 2, etc.

[0069] In the normal feature control process 1, if the game state is not the time-saving state, when the normal symbols stop and are displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, the normal feature drive device 122 is controlled to expand for 0.1 seconds before returning to the contracted state.

[0070] In the normal feature control process 2, when the game state is in the time-saving state, if the normal symbols stop and are displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, the normal feature drive device 122 is controlled to expand for 2 seconds before returning to the contracted state.

[0071] Therefore, in normal mechanism control processing 1, the normal mechanism 52 operates in such a way that the ease with which game balls enter the second starting prize entry opening 50 does not increase significantly, but in normal mechanism control processing 2, the normal mechanism 52 operates in such a way that the ease with which game balls enter the second starting prize entry opening 50 increases.

[0072] The special lottery means 230 (determination means) obtains a random value for special lottery (lottery information) from the random number generation means 210 based on a detection signal input from the first start prize entry sensor 106, which detects each game ball entering the first start prize entry 46, and stores it in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290 as the first special random value (first lottery information). The special lottery means 230 also obtains a random value for special lottery (lottery information) from the random number generation means 210 based on a detection signal input from the second start prize entry sensor 107, which detects each game ball entering the second start prize entry 50, and stores it in the special random number storage means 2914 as the second special random value (second lottery information). The special lottery means 230 then uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to perform a special lottery to determine whether or not there is a big win or a small win.

[0073] More specifically, the special random number storage means 2914 is provided with four first special reserve storage areas, 1st special reserve storage area 1 to 1st special reserve storage area 4, as storage areas for the acquired first special random number; four second special reserve storage areas, 2nd special reserve storage area 1 to 2nd special reserve storage area 4, as storage areas for the acquired second special random number; and one special reserve storage area is provided as a storage area for storing the first special random number or second special random number read from the first special reserve storage area 1 or the second special reserve storage area 1 for special drawing until the fluctuation display and stop display of the first special symbol or second special symbol are finished.

[0074] Then, when the special lottery means 230 receives a detection signal from the first start prize entry sensor 106 and acquires a random value for the special lottery, if the first special random value is not stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, it first stores the acquired random value for the special lottery in the first special reserve memory area 1 as the first special random value. When the first special random value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not being displayed in a fluctuating or stopped state, that is, the first special random value or the second special random value is not stored in the special reserve memory area, and the second special random value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, and the game state is not a special game state, it immediately reads the first special random value from the first special reserve memory area 1 and performs a special lottery, and stores the first special random value obtained from the special lottery in the special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is in a variable display state or stopped display state, that is, if the first special random value or the second special random value is stored in the special reserve memory area, or if the second special random value is stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, or if the game state is a special game state, then the first special random value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1.

[0075] Then, if a detection signal is input from the first start prize entry sensor 106 while a first special random value is being held in the first special hold memory area 1, and a special lottery random value is obtained, the special lottery means 230, on the condition that the number of first special random values ​​held in the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4 is less than 4, that is, on the condition that the number of first special holds is less than 4, stores the first special random value in the first special hold memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4 where no first special random values ​​are being held.

[0076] Furthermore, when the special lottery means 230 receives a detection signal from the second start prize entry sensor 107 and acquires a random value for the special lottery, if the second special random value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, it first stores the acquired random value for the special lottery in the second special reserve memory area 1 as the second special random value. Then, when the second special random value is stored in the second special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not in a fluctuating or stopped display state, that is, if the first special random value or the second special random value is not stored in the special reserve memory area, and the game state is not a special game state, it immediately reads the second special random value from the second special reserve memory area 1 and performs a special lottery, and stores the second special random value obtained from the special lottery in the special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the first special symbol or the second special symbol is in a variable display state or stopped display state, that is, if the first special random value or the second special random value is stored in the special reserve memory area, or if the game state is a special game state, the second special random value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1.

[0077] Then, if a detection signal is input from the second start prize entry sensor 107 while a second special random value is being held in the second special holding memory area 1, and a special lottery random value is obtained, the special lottery means 230, on the condition that the number of second special random values ​​held in the second special holding memory areas 1 to 4 is less than 4, that is, on the condition that the number of second special holding values ​​is less than 4, stores the second special random value in the second special holding memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the second special holding memory areas 1 to 4 where no second special random values ​​are being held.

[0078] Then, when the variation display and stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol are finished, the special lottery means 230 erases the first special random value or the second special random value stored in the special reserve memory area. If the first special random value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, and the second special random value is not stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, and the game state is not a special game state, the special lottery means 230 reads the first special random value from the first special reserve memory area 1 to perform a special lottery, and stores the first special random value obtained from the special lottery in the special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if a second special random value is stored in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, even if a first special random value is stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, provided that the game state is not a special game state, the second special random value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1 to perform a special draw, and the second special random value obtained from the special draw is stored in the said special reserve memory area. In other words, in the first embodiment, the second special random value is processed with priority over the first special random value.

[0079] Furthermore, regardless of whether it is the first special random number or the second special random number, the special lottery may be performed by reading out the first special random number or the second special random number in the order in which they were stored in the special random number storage means 2914. In other words, the special lottery may be performed by reading out the first special random number or the second special random number in the order in which the game balls entered the first starting prize entry opening 46 or the second starting prize entry opening 50.

[0080] Then, when the first special random value is read from the first special reserved memory area 1, if the first special random value remains in the first special reserved memory area 2 or later, or when the second special random value is read from the second special reserved memory area 1, if the second special random value remains in the second special reserved memory area 2 or later, the remaining first or second special random value is moved from its original special reserved memory area to a special reserved memory area with an ordinal number one smaller. For example, when the first special random value is read from the first special reserved memory area 1, if there are still first special random values ​​remaining in each of the first special reserved memory areas 2 to 4, the first special random values ​​stored in each of the first special reserved memory areas 2 to 4 are moved to each of the first special reserved memory areas 1 to 3. Similarly, when the second special random value is read from the second special reserved memory area 1, if there are still second special random values ​​remaining in each of the second special reserved memory areas 2 to 3, the second special random values ​​stored in each of the second special reserved memory areas 2 to 3 are moved to each of the second special reserved memory areas 1 to 2.

[0081] Thus, in the special random number storage means 2914, the first special random number or the second special random number that has been specially drawn is stored in the special storage area up to a maximum of one, the first special random number that has not been specially drawn is stored in the first special storage area 1 to the first special storage area 4 up to a maximum of four, and the second special random number that has not been specially drawn is stored in the second special storage area 1 to the second special storage area 4 up to a maximum of four.

[0082] The details of the special lottery are described below. Based on the detection signal input from the first start prize entry sensor 106 or the second start prize entry sensor 107, the special lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random numbers as special lottery random numbers, such as a jackpot determination random number, a symbol determination random number, a variation group determination random number, a first variation pattern determination random number, and a second variation pattern determination random number, and stores these multiple types of random numbers in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or the second special random number. The special lottery means 230 then performs the jackpot determination process, symbol determination process, variation group determination process, first variation pattern determination process, and second variation pattern determination process as part of the special lottery.

[0083] The jackpot determination process involves reading one jackpot determination random number from the first special random number or second special random number stored in the first special reserve storage area 1 or second special reserve storage area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and determining whether it is a jackpot or a minor win. Here, one jackpot determination random number is obtained from 65,536 jackpot determination random numbers ranging from 0 to 65,535 based on a detection signal input from the first start prize entry sensor 106 or the second start prize entry 107, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or second special random number.

[0084] Then, in the jackpot determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of jackpot lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to for random number determination processing, depending on whether the read jackpot determination random number was stored as the first special random number or the second special random number.

[0085] In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a jackpot lottery table A and a jackpot lottery table B, as shown in Figure 6. In each jackpot lottery table, a jackpot or a minor win is associated with each of the 65,536 random jackpot determination values ​​ranging from 0 to 65,535. In detail, in jackpot lottery table A, the correspondence between a jackpot or loss and a jackpot determination random number between 0 and 65535 is set such that there is a probability of winning a jackpot of approximately 1 / 199 and a probability of losing of approximately 198 / 199. In jackpot lottery table B, the correspondence between a jackpot, a minor win or loss and a jackpot determination random number between 0 and 65535 is set such that there is a probability of winning a jackpot of approximately 1 / 199, a minor win of approximately 2 / 199, and a loss of approximately 196 / 199. The special lottery means 230 selects jackpot lottery table A if the read jackpot determination random number is stored as the first special random number, and selects jackpot lottery table B if the read jackpot determination random number is stored as the second special random number.

[0086] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected jackpot lottery table and determines whether the read jackpot determination random number is associated with a jackpot or a minor win, thereby determining whether a jackpot or minor win has been won.

[0087] The special lottery means 230 then sets the winning flag for the big win in the flag storage means 2916 to the ON state if a big win is achieved, sets the winning flag for the small win in the flag storage means 2916 to the ON state if a small win is achieved, and sets both the winning flag for the big win and the winning flag for the small win to the OFF state if the result is a loss.

[0088] In this first embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores six sets of jackpot lottery tables A to B, each with a different probability of winning a jackpot, associated with the six setting values ​​(setting 1 to setting 6) and no setting, respectively. The special lottery means 230 then selects one of the jackpot lottery tables A to B corresponding to the setting value, based on the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 2905, if the game state at the time of the jackpot determination process is the normal state or the time-saving state.

[0089] In detail, in the jackpot lottery tables A and B corresponding to each of settings 1 through 6, the correspondence between jackpots and random values ​​is set such that the probability of winning a jackpot increases as the setting value increases, that is, in the order of setting 6 > setting 5 > ... > setting 1. Furthermore, the jackpot lottery tables A and B corresponding to no setting are the same as the jackpot lottery tables A and B corresponding to setting 1.

[0090] Note that the jackpot winning probability tables A and B shown in Figure 6, where the jackpot winning probability is set to approximately 1 / 199, are selected when the setting value is setting 1 or no setting. Although not shown, in the jackpot winning probability tables A and B selected when the setting value is setting 6, the jackpot winning probability is set to approximately 1 / 149.

[0091] The symbol determination process is performed when a jackpot or minor win is achieved in the jackpot determination process. It involves reading one symbol determination random number from the first special random number or the second special random number stored in the first special reserve storage area 1 or the second special reserve storage area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914. If a jackpot is achieved, the process determines which of the following will be the jackpot symbol (type of jackpot): jackpot symbol A, jackpot symbol B, jackpot symbol C, and jackpot symbol D. It also determines which of the following will be the minor win symbol (type of minor win): minor win symbol A, minor win symbol B, and minor win symbol C. Here, one random number for determining the pattern is obtained from 100 random numbers for determining the pattern, ranging from 0 to 99, based on a detection signal input from the first starting prize entry sensor 106 or the second starting prize entry sensor 107, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or the second special random number.

[0092] In the pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to for random number determination processing, depending on whether the read pattern determination random number was stored as the first special random number or the second special random number. In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores pattern lottery tables A to C as shown in Figure 6.

[0093] In detail, the symbol lottery table A is selected when a jackpot is won and one of the read symbol determination random values ​​is stored as the first special random value. The correspondence between jackpot symbol A, jackpot symbol B, or jackpot symbol C and random values ​​from 0 to 99 is set so that jackpot symbol A is won with a probability of 47 / 100, jackpot symbol B is won with a probability of 16 / 100, and jackpot symbol C is won with a probability of 37 / 100.

[0094] Furthermore, the symbol lottery table B is selected when a jackpot is won and one of the read symbol determination random values ​​is stored as the second special random value. The correspondence between the jackpot symbol D and random values ​​from 0 to 99 is set so that the jackpot symbol D is won with a probability of 100 / 100.

[0095] Furthermore, the symbol lottery table C is selected when a minor win is achieved, and a correspondence between minor win symbols A, B, or C and random values ​​from 0 to 99 is set such that minor win symbol A is won with a probability of 27 / 100, minor win symbol B is won with a probability of 23 / 100, and minor win symbol C is won with a probability of 50 / 100.

[0096]

[0097] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected symbol lottery table and determines whether the read single symbol determination random number corresponds to one of multiple types of jackpot symbols or multiple types of minor prize symbols, thereby determining which of the multiple types of jackpot symbols or multiple types of minor prize symbols has been won.

[0098] The special lottery means 230 then sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning jackpot symbol or minor win symbol in the flag storage means 2916 to the ON state.

[0099] The variable group determination process is performed when the jackpot determination process is unsuccessful. It involves reading one variable group determination random number from the first special random number or second special random number stored in the first special reserve storage area 1 or second special reserve storage area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and determining which of the variable groups (groups 0 to 5) the variable pattern of the first special symbol or second special symbol belongs to. Here, one variable group determination random number is obtained from 100 variable group determination random numbers from 0 to 99 based on a detection signal input from the first start prize entry sensor 106 or second start prize entry sensor 107, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or second special random number.

[0100] In the variable group determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple variable group lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to for random number determination processing, based on the number of reserved balls, which is the sum of the first special reserved balls and the second special reserved balls, and the game state at the time of the variable group determination process.

[0101] In the first embodiment of the gaming machine, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores variable group lottery tables A to D as shown in Figure 7. In each variable group lottery table, one of groups 0 to 5 is associated with each of the 100 variable group determination random values ​​from 0 to 99. The special lottery means 230 selects variable group lottery table A if the game state at the time of the variable group determination processing is the normal state and the number of reserved items is 0 to 1, selects variable group lottery table B if the game state is the normal state and the number of reserved items is 2 to 3, selects variable group lottery table C if the game state is the normal state and the number of reserved items is 4 to 7, and selects variable group lottery table D under predetermined conditions if the game state is the time-saving state.

[0102] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected random number table for determining random numbers.

[0103] Therefore, in the variable group determination process, if the game state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 0 to 1, one of Group 2, Group 3, Group 4, and Group 5 is determined; if the game state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 2 to 3, one of Group 1, Group 2, Group 3, Group 4, and Group 5 is determined; if the game state is normal and the number of reserved balls is 4 to 7, one of Group 1, Group 2, Group 4, and Group 5 is determined; and if the game state is time-saving mode, one of Group 0, Group 4, and Group 5 is determined regardless of the number of reserved balls.

[0104] The first variation pattern determination process reads one first variation pattern determination random number from the first special random number or second special random number stored in the first special reserved storage area 1 or second special reserved storage area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and determines which of several types of first-half variation patterns corresponds to the first half (first part) of the variation display of the first special symbol or second special symbol. Here, one first variation pattern determination random number is obtained from 100 first variation pattern determination random numbers from 0 to 99 based on a detection signal input from the first start prize entry sensor 106 or second start prize entry sensor 107, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or second special random number.

[0105] Then, in the first variation pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of first variation pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to when performing the random number determination process, according to the variation group determined in the variation group determination process if the big win determination process is a miss, and according to the game state at that time and the symbols determined in the symbol determination process if a big win or a small win is achieved in the big win determination process.

[0106] In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores first variation pattern lottery tables A to I, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. In each first variation pattern lottery table, for each of the 100 first variation pattern determination random values ​​from 0 to 99, one of several types of first variation patterns is associated: no first variation pattern, first variation pattern 1 to first variation pattern 7.

[0107] The special lottery means 230 then selects the first variation pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 8 if it is a losing draw and group 1 is determined; selects the first variation pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 8 if it is a losing draw and group 2 is determined; selects the first variation pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 8 if it is a losing draw and group 3 is determined; selects the first variation pattern lottery table D shown in Figure 8 if it is a losing draw and group 4 is determined; selects the first variation pattern lottery table E shown in Figure 8 if it is a losing draw and group 5 is determined; and selects the first variation pattern lottery table F shown in Figure 8 if it is a losing draw and group 0 is determined.

[0108] Furthermore, if a jackpot is won in the normal state and either jackpot symbol A or jackpot symbol B is determined, the first variation pattern lottery table G shown in Figure 9 is selected. If a jackpot is won in the normal state and jackpot symbol C is determined, the first variation pattern lottery table H shown in Figure 9 is selected. If a jackpot or minor jackpot is won in the time-saving state, the first variation pattern lottery table I shown in Figure 9 is selected.

[0109] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected first variation pattern lottery table and determines which of the multiple types of first variation patterns the read first variation pattern determination random value corresponds to, thereby determining one first variation pattern from the multiple types of first variation patterns.

[0110] Therefore, in the first variation pattern determination process, if it is a miss, one of the first variation patterns shown in Figure 8 (no first variation pattern) or from first variation pattern 1 to first variation pattern 7 is determined. If a jackpot is won in the normal state and jackpot symbol A or jackpot symbol B is determined, one of the first variation patterns shown in Figure 9 (from first variation pattern 5 to first variation pattern 7) is determined. If a jackpot is won in the normal state and jackpot symbol C is determined, one of the first variation patterns shown in Figure 9 (from first variation pattern 1 to first variation pattern 3) is determined. If a jackpot or minor win is won in the time-saving state, one of the first variation patterns shown in Figure 9 (from first variation pattern 5 to first variation pattern 7) is determined.

[0111] The second variation pattern determination process involves reading one second variation pattern determination random number from the first special random number or second special random number stored in the first special reserved storage area 1 or second special reserved storage area 1 of the special random number storage means 2914, and determining which of several types of second variation patterns corresponds to the second half variation pattern of the variation display of the first special symbol or second special symbol. Here, one second variation pattern determination random number is obtained from 100 second variation pattern determination random numbers from 0 to 99 based on a detection signal input from the first start prize entry sensor 106 or second start prize entry sensor 107, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or second special random number.

[0112] Then, in the second variation pattern determination process, the special lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of second variation pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to for random number determination processing, according to the result of the first variation pattern determined in the first variation pattern determination process or the jackpot determination process.

[0113] In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores second variation pattern lottery tables A to H as shown in Figures 10 and 11. In each second variation pattern lottery table, one of the no-reach variation patterns 1 to 3 and reach variation patterns 1 to 5 is associated with each of the 100 random value values ​​for determining variation groups from 0 to 99.

[0114] The special lottery means 230 then selects the second variation pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 10 if it is determined that there is no variation pattern in the first half, selects the second variation pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 10 if it is determined that there is no variation pattern in the first half, selects the second variation pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 10 if it is determined that there is no variation pattern in the first half, selects the second variation pattern lottery table D shown in Figure 10 if it is a loss and it is determined that there is no variation pattern in the first half, selects the second variation pattern lottery table E shown in Figure 10 if it is a loss and it is determined that there is no variation pattern in the first half, selects the second variation pattern lottery table E shown in Figure 10.

[0115] Furthermore, if a big win or a small win is achieved and the first-half variation pattern 5 is determined, the second variation pattern lottery table F shown in Figure 11 is selected; if a big win or a small win is achieved and the first-half variation pattern 6 is determined, the second variation pattern lottery table G shown in Figure 11 is selected; and if a big win or a small win is achieved and the first-half variation pattern 7 is determined, the second variation pattern lottery table H shown in Figure 11 is selected.

[0116] Furthermore, the correspondence between the first variation pattern lottery table and the second variation pattern lottery table does not have to be one-to-one; the correspondence between the first variation pattern lottery table and the second variation pattern lottery table may change depending on the determined variation group.

[0117] The special lottery means 230 then refers to the selected second variation pattern lottery table and determines whether the read random value for determining the second variation pattern corresponds to one of the multiple types of variation patterns without a reach or multiple types of variation patterns with a reach, thereby determining one second-half variation pattern from the multiple types of variation patterns without a reach and multiple types of variation patterns with a reach.

[0118] Therefore, in the second variation pattern determination process, if it is a miss, one of the no-reach variation patterns 1 to 3 and reach variation patterns 1 to 5 shown in Figure 10 is determined. If a jackpot is won in the normal state and jackpot symbol A or jackpot symbol B is determined, or if a jackpot or minor jackpot is won in the time-saving state, one of the reach variation patterns 1 to 5 shown in Figure 11 is determined. If a jackpot is won in the normal state and jackpot symbol C is determined, one of the no-reach variation patterns 2 to reach variation patterns 3 shown in Figure 10 is determined.

[0119] In this first embodiment, as shown in Figures 8 to 11, a variation time is set for each of the multiple types of first-half variation patterns and multiple types of second-half variation patterns. More specifically, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the first variation patterns from "no first-half variation pattern" to "first-half variation pattern 4," which can be determined in the first variation pattern determination process when the result is a loss, are set to relatively short variation times from 0 to 10.5 seconds, while the first variation patterns from "first-half variation pattern 5" to "first-half variation pattern 7," which can be determined in the first variation pattern determination process in both the case of a loss and when a jackpot is won, are set to relatively long variation times from 24 to 62 seconds.

[0120] As shown in Figure 10, the no-reach variation patterns 1 to 3, which can be determined in the second variation pattern determination process when the result is a loss, are set to relatively short variation times of 1 to 3 seconds, while the reach variation patterns 1 to 5, which can be determined in the second variation pattern determination process in both the case of a loss and when a jackpot is won, are set to relatively long variation times of 60 to 100 seconds.

[0121] Therefore, even if the result is a miss, if the second variation pattern determination process determines one of the reach variation patterns 1 to 5, which have relatively long variation times, it can create a sense of anticipation in the player that they will win the jackpot.

[0122] On the other hand, in the first variation pattern determination process when a jackpot is won in the normal state and the jackpot symbol C is determined, the first variation patterns 1 to 3, which can be determined, are set to relatively short variation times of 1 to 6 seconds, as shown in Figure 9. In the second variation pattern determination process when any of the first variation patterns 1 to 3 are determined, the no-reach variation patterns 1 to 3, which can be determined, are set to relatively short variation times of 1 to 3 seconds, as shown in Figure 10.

[0123] Therefore, if a jackpot is won in the normal state and the jackpot symbol C is determined, a short variation time is set for the variation time of the first special symbol, which can give the player the impression that they have not won a jackpot.

[0124] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, if the result is a miss and the game state is normal with 0 to 1 reserved ball, the variable group determination process refers to the variable group lottery table A shown in Figure 7, and while group 3 may be determined, group 2 is more likely to be determined. Consequently, in the first variable pattern determination process, the first variable pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 8 is referred to, and the first half variable pattern 1, with a variable time set to 1 second, or the first half variable pattern 2, with a variable time set to 3 seconds, is more likely to be determined. In the second variable pattern determination process, the second variable pattern lottery table B or the second variable pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 10 is referred to, and the no-reach variable pattern 2, with a variable time set to 2 seconds, or the no-reach variable pattern 3, with a variable time set to 3 seconds, is more likely to be determined.

[0125] Furthermore, if the result is a miss and the game state is normal with 2 to 3 reserved balls, the variable group determination process refers to the variable group lottery table B shown in Figure 7, and while group 2 or group 3 may be determined, group 1 is more likely to be determined. Consequently, the first variable pattern determination process refers to the first variable pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 8, and the first variable pattern 1, with a variable time set to 1 second, is more likely to be determined. In the second variable pattern determination process, the second variable pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 10 is referred to, and the no-reach variable pattern 2, with a variable time set to 2 seconds, is more likely to be determined.

[0126] Furthermore, if the result is a miss and the game state is normal with 4 to 7 reserved balls, the variable group determination process refers to the variable group lottery table C shown in Figure 7, and group 3 is not determined, making group 1 more likely to be determined. Consequently, the first variable pattern determination process refers to the first variable pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 8, making it more likely that the first variable pattern 1, with a variable time set to 1 second, will be determined. In the second variable pattern determination process, the second variable pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 10 is referred to, making it more likely that the no-reach variable pattern 2, with a variable time set to 2 seconds, will be determined.

[0127] Furthermore, if the result is a miss and the game state is a time-saving state, regardless of the number of reserved balls, the variable group determination process will refer to the variable group lottery table D shown in Figure 7, making it more likely that group 0 will be determined. Consequently, the first variable pattern determination process will refer to the first variable pattern lottery table F shown in Figure 8, making it more likely that the first variable pattern no change, with a variable time set to 0 seconds, will be determined. Finally, the second variable pattern determination process will refer to the second variable pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 10, making the no-reach variable pattern 1, with a variable time set to 1 second, the most likely outcome.

[0128] Therefore, in the event of a loss, under normal circumstances, the more reserved symbols there are, the shorter the variation time for the first or second special symbol tends to be set, thus increasing the frequency of triggers for the special lottery. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, regardless of the number of reserved symbols, an even shorter variation time is set for the first or second special symbol, thus increasing the frequency of triggers for the special lottery.

[0129] Furthermore, as described above, the special lottery means 230 reads the first special random value or the second special random value from the special random number storage means 2914 when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not being displayed in a variable state, the game state is not a special game state, and a minor win game is not being executed, and performs a special lottery including a big win determination process, a symbol determination process, a variable group determination process, a first variable pattern determination process, and a second variable pattern determination process. However, when storing the first special random value or the second special random value in the special random number storage means 2914, it also performs a pre-determination process (game lottery, game determination) including a big win determination process, a symbol determination process, a variable group determination process, a first variable pattern determination process, and a second variable pattern determination process (pre-determination means).

[0130] In detail, the special lottery means 230 (pre-determination means) obtains a random number value for special lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start prize entry sensor 106 or the second start prize entry sensor 107. Before storing the first special random number value in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, or before storing the second special random number value in any of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special lottery means 230 performs pre-determination processing on the first special random number value or the second special random number value, depending on the game state and the number of reserves at that time, including big win determination processing, symbol determination processing, variation group determination processing, first variation pattern determination processing, and second variation pattern determination processing.

[0131] The special lottery means 230 then stores the pre-determination results, which include the results of the jackpot determination process, symbol determination process, variation group determination process, first variation pattern determination process, and second variation pattern determination process, in one of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, or one of the second special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, in association with the first special random value or second special random value that was the subject of the pre-determination process.

[0132] The special display control means 240 is a means for controlling the status display drive device 120 based on the results of the special lottery, and performs a first special symbol display control process, a second special symbol display control process, a first special hold display control process, and a second special hold display control process.

[0133] The first special symbol display control process is performed when a first special random value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is conducted. The special display control means 240 displays the first special symbol in a variable state by flashing the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 until the total of the variable time corresponding to the first variable pattern determined in the first variable pattern determination process and the variable time corresponding to the second variable pattern determined in the second variable pattern determination process has elapsed. After that, the first special symbol is stopped by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

[0134] In the first embodiment, the display modes of the 7-segment display are predetermined to correspond to four types of jackpot symbols, three types of minor jackpot symbols, and a losing outcome. The special display control means 240 lights up the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 in a manner corresponding to whether or not a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, and if a jackpot has been won in the jackpot determination process, in a manner corresponding to the jackpot symbol determined in the symbol determination process, thereby stopping the display of the first special symbol and displaying the result of the special lottery on the first special symbol display unit 76.

[0135] The second special symbol display control process is performed when a second special random value is read from the second special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is conducted. The special display control means 240 displays the second special symbol by blinking the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 80 until the total of the variation time corresponding to the first variation pattern determined in the first variation pattern determination process and the variation time corresponding to the second variation pattern determined in the second variation pattern determination process has elapsed. After that, the second special symbol is stopped by lighting the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 80 in a predetermined manner.

[0136] The special display control means 240 then lights up the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 80 in a manner that corresponds to whether or not a big win or a minor win has been won in the big win determination process, and if a big win or a minor win has been won in the big win determination process, in a manner that corresponds to the big win symbol or minor win symbol determined in the symbol determination process, thereby stopping the display of the second special symbol and displaying the result of the special lottery on the second special symbol display unit 80.

[0137] In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 first special hold numbers by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78, according to the number of first special random values ​​stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

[0138] In the second special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 second special hold numbers by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps of the second special hold display unit 82, according to the number of second special random values ​​stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

[0139] The minor prize game execution means 250 executes the minor prize game based on the results of the special lottery.

[0140] The mini-win game is executed based on the winning of mini-win symbol A, mini-win symbol B, or mini-win symbol C in the special lottery. The mini-win game execution means 250 sets the upper limit of the round counter 2933 to a value (for example, 1) that corresponds to one predetermined number of rounds for mini-win symbol A, mini-win symbol B, and mini-win symbol C. When the special mechanism 56 and specific mechanism 68 operate in a predetermined manner during one round of the mini-win game, an increment update is performed by adding a value (for example, 1) that corresponds to one round to the stored value of the round counter 2933. When the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit (for example, 1), the mini-win game ends.

[0141] In detail, during a minor win game, the special feature drive device 124 is controlled to operate a predetermined special feature 56 such that it opens and then closes after the opening timer 2934 counts 1.7 seconds. Additionally, the specific feature drive device 128 is controlled to operate a predetermined specific feature 68 such that it opens when the special feature 56 opens and closes when the minor win game ends.

[0142] Then, in a round of minor win gameplay, when the special feature 56 operates in a predetermined manner, or when the value of the big win counter 2936 reaches its upper limit (for example, 10), the special feature drive device 124 and the specific feature drive device 128 are controlled to close the special feature 56 and the specific feature 68, and the conditions for ending one round are met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0143] Thus, in the first embodiment, during a minor win, the special mechanism 56 is opened for 1.7 seconds, and the specific mechanism 68 is kept open. Therefore, if the game balls are continuously launched so that they enter the large prize pocket 54, the game balls can be made to enter the specific area 64 or the normal area 66.

[0144] The jackpot game execution means 252 executes one of the jackpot games A to D based on the results of the special lottery.

[0145] Jackpot game A is executed based on the winning of jackpot symbol A, jackpot symbol B, or jackpot symbol C in the special lottery. The jackpot game execution means 252 sets the upper limit of the round counter 2933 to a value equivalent to three rounds (for example, 3), which is a predetermined number of rounds for jackpot symbol A, jackpot symbol B, or jackpot symbol C. Each time the special mechanism 56 operates in a predetermined manner in each round, an increment update is performed, adding a value equivalent to one round (for example, 1) to the stored value of the round counter 2933. When the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit (for example, 3), jackpot game A ends.

[0146] In detail, in jackpot game A, during each jackpot game from the 1st to the 3rd round, the special feature drive device 124 is controlled to close the special feature 56 when the special feature 56 is in the open state and the open timer 2934 counts 29 seconds, or when the value of the jackpot count counter 2936 reaches its upper limit (for example, 10). Then, the conditions for the end of one round are met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0147] Jackpot game B is executed based on the winning of jackpot symbol D in the special lottery. The jackpot game execution means 252 sets the upper limit of the round counter 2933 to a value equivalent to 10, which is a predetermined number of rounds for jackpot symbol D (for example, 10). Each time the special mechanism 56 operates in a predetermined manner in each round, an increment update is performed, adding a value equivalent to one round (for example, 1) to the stored value of the round counter 2933. When the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit (for example, 10), jackpot game B ends.

[0148] In detail, in jackpot game B, during each jackpot game from the 1st to the 10th round, the special feature drive device 124 is controlled to close the special feature 56 when the special feature 56 is in the open state and the open timer 2934 counts 29 seconds, or when the value of the jackpot count counter 2936 reaches its upper limit (for example, 10). Then, the conditions for the end of one round are met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0149] Big win game C is executed in a minor win game based on the detection of a game ball entering a specific area 64 when minor win symbols A, B, or C are drawn in a special lottery. The big win game execution means 252 sets the upper limit of the round counter 2933 to a value equivalent to 9 rounds (for example, 9), which is a predetermined number of rounds for minor win symbols A, B, and C. Each time the special mechanism 56 operates in a predetermined manner in each round, an increment update is performed by adding a value equivalent to one round (for example, 1) to the stored value of the round counter 2933. When the stored value of the round counter 2933 reaches the upper limit (for example, 9), big win game C ends.

[0150] In detail, in the jackpot game C, the small win game is considered the first round, and in the jackpot games of each round from the second to the tenth round that follow, the special mechanism drive device 124 is controlled to close the special mechanism 56 when the opening timer 2934 counts 29 seconds after the special mechanism 56 is in the open state, or when the value of the big win counter 2936 reaches its upper limit (for example, 10). Then, the conditions for the end of one round are met, and "1" is added to the value of the round counter 2933.

[0151] The game state transition control means 260 (state control means), as shown in Figure 12, performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state between a normal state (non-time-saving state), a special game state, and a first time-saving state and a second time-saving state, based on the fulfillment of predetermined transition conditions. The game state transition conditions may consist of one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0152] The normal state is the initial state among several types of game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to a special game state. In the normal state, the time for the regular symbols to change is long at 20 seconds, and the period during which the regular mechanism 52 is in an enlarged state is short at 0.1 seconds, making it difficult to get the game balls into the second starting entry point 50. In other words, the normal state is a game state in which it is advantageous for the player to shoot to the left.

[0153] Therefore, under normal circumstances, when a game ball enters the first starting prize entry point 46, a special lottery is held by referring to the jackpot lottery table A, which is set to have a jackpot winning probability of approximately 1 / 199.

[0154] Furthermore, the normal state ends when the number of special draws performed in the normal state reaches 950, which is a predetermined number of draws for the normal state, and the game transitions to the first time-saving state. Specifically, when the normal state starts, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value (for example, 950) corresponding to the predetermined number of draws for the normal state to the normal count counter 2940 in the main memory 290. Then, each time a special draw is performed in the normal state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value (for example, 1) corresponding to one draw from the stored value of the normal count counter 2940. When the stored value of the normal count counter 2940 reaches a threshold (for example, 0), the normal state ends and the first time-saving state begins.

[0155] The special game state is initiated when a jackpot is won in a special lottery, and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (executions) of jackpot games are played, depending on the type of jackpot symbol. The special game state is also initiated when the entry of a game ball into a specific area 64 is detected during a minor jackpot game, and ends when a predetermined number of rounds of jackpot games are played.

[0156] In detail, if a special game state is initiated based on the winning of jackpot symbol A, jackpot symbol B, or jackpot symbol C in the special lottery, the special game state will end when the 3 rounds of jackpot gameplay (rounds 1 through 3) are completed.

[0157] Furthermore, if a special game state is initiated based on the winning of the jackpot symbol D in the special lottery, the special game state will end when the 10 rounds of jackpot gameplay from round 1 to round 10 are completed.

[0158] Furthermore, if a special game state is initiated based on the detection of a game ball entering a specific area 64 during a minor win game, the special game state will end when the nine rounds of the major win game (rounds 2 through 10) are completed.

[0159] Furthermore, if no game balls are detected entering the specific area 64 during a minor win, the special game state is not started, and the game state is maintained. Alternatively, if no game balls are detected entering the specific area 64 during a minor win, the special game state may be not started, and the game state may be returned to the normal state.

[0160] Then, once the special game state resulting from winning either jackpot symbol B or jackpot symbol C ends, the game state returns to the normal state.

[0161] The first time-saving state begins when the special game state, which is based on the winning of jackpot symbol A, ends, or when the normal state ends when the number of special draws conducted without a jackpot being won in the normal state reaches 950, that is, when the stored value of the normal count counter 2940 becomes 0. From the first time-saving state, it is possible to transition to the special game state or the normal state.

[0162] Furthermore, the first time-saving mode ends when the number of special lotteries held during the first time-saving mode reaches 60, which is the predetermined number of lotteries for the first time-saving mode, or when the number of minor wins during the first time-saving mode reaches 1, which is the predetermined number of minor wins for the first time-saving mode, and the game returns to the normal mode.

[0163] In detail, when the first time-saving state is started, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value (for example, 60) corresponding to the prescribed number of draws for the first time-saving state to the time-saving count counter 2942 in the main memory 290, and writes a value (for example, 1) corresponding to the prescribed number of minor wins for the first time-saving state to the minor win count counter 2944 in the main memory 290. Then, each time a special draw is performed in the first time-saving state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value (for example, 1) corresponding to one draw from the stored value of the time-saving count counter 2942, and each time a minor win is achieved in the first time-saving state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value (for example, 1) corresponding to one minor win from the stored value of the minor win count counter 2944. Then, when the stored value of the time-saving counter 2942 reaches a threshold (for example, 0), or when the stored value of the small win counter 2944 reaches a threshold (for example, 0), the first time-saving state ends and the normal state begins.

[0164] In this first embodiment, when a minor win is achieved for the first time in the first time-saving state, the first time-saving state is terminated and the normal state is started at the timing when the display of the second special symbol for the special lottery in which the minor win was achieved begins.

[0165] As a result, if a minor win is achieved for the first time in the first time-saving state, the minor win game is played in the normal state, and the transition to the special game state is decided based on the detection of the game ball entering the specific area 64 in the normal state.

[0166] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the game state after the end of the special game state, which is determined when the entry of a game ball into a specific area 64 is detected in a minor win game based on the winning of each minor win symbol, is predetermined according to the game state at the time the transition to the special game state is decided.

[0167] Therefore, when a minor win is achieved in the first time-saving state, the game state at the time when the transition to a special game state based on the winning of each minor win symbol is determined becomes the normal state. As shown in Figure 13, if minor win symbol A is achieved, the game state after the end of the special game state is set to the second time-saving state, and if minor win symbol B or minor win symbol C is achieved, the game state after the end of the special game state is set to the first time-saving state.

[0168] In other words, the first time-saving state is also started when the special game state ends, which is based on the detection of a game ball entering a specific area 64 during a minor win game that is based on the winning of minor win symbol B or minor win symbol C in the first time-saving state.

[0169] The second time-saving state begins when the special game state based on the winning of the jackpot symbol D, or the special game state based on the detection of a game ball entering a specific area 64 during a minor win game based on the winning of the minor win symbol A in the first time-saving state, ends. From the second time-saving state, it is possible to transition to either the special game state or the normal state.

[0170] Furthermore, the second time-saving mode ends when the number of special lotteries held during the second time-saving mode reaches 120, which is the predetermined number of lotteries for the second time-saving mode, or when the number of minor wins during the second time-saving mode reaches 2, which is the predetermined number of minor wins for the second time-saving mode, and the game returns to the normal mode.

[0171] In detail, when the second time-saving state is started, the game state transition control means 250 writes a value corresponding to the prescribed number of draws for the second time-saving state (for example, 120) to the time-saving count counter 2942 in the main memory 290, and writes a value corresponding to the prescribed number of minor wins for the second time-saving state (for example, 2) to the minor win count counter 2944 in the main memory 290. Then, each time a special draw is performed in the second time-saving state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value corresponding to one draw (for example, 1) from the stored value of the time-saving count counter 2942, and each time a minor win is achieved in the second time-saving state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value corresponding to one minor win (for example, 1) from the stored value of the minor win count counter 2944. Then, when the stored value of the time-saving counter 2942 reaches a threshold (for example, 0), or when the stored value of the small win counter 2944 reaches a threshold (for example, 0), the second time-saving state ends and the normal state begins.

[0172] In the first embodiment, even if a minor win is achieved for the first time in the second time-saving state, the second time-saving state is not terminated but continues, and the minor win game ends when no entry of a game ball into the specific area 64 is detected during the minor win game, thus continuing the second time-saving state. If a minor win is achieved for the second time in the second time-saving state, the second time-saving state is terminated and the normal state is started at the timing when the display of the second special symbol for the special lottery in which the minor win was achieved begins.

[0173] As a result, if a minor win is achieved on the first attempt during the second time-saving state, the minor win game is played during the second time-saving state, and the transition to the special game state is determined based on the detection of the game ball entering the specific area 64 during the second time-saving state.

[0174] Therefore, when a minor win is achieved in the second time-saving state, the game state at the time the transition to the special game state based on the winning of each minor win symbol is determined becomes the second time-saving state. As shown in Figure 13, regardless of whether minor win symbol A, minor win symbol B, or minor win symbol C is won, the game state after the end of the special game state is set to the second time-saving state.

[0175] In other words, the second time-saving state is also started when the special game state ends, which is triggered by the detection of a game ball entering a specific area 64 during a minor win game based on the winning of minor win symbol A, minor win symbol B, or minor win symbol C in the second time-saving state.

[0176] In the first and second time-saving states, the time for the regular symbols to change is short at 1 second, and the period during which the regular mechanism 52 is in an enlarged state is longer at 2 seconds. This makes it easier to get the game balls into the second starting prize entry point 50 compared to the normal state, which is advantageous to the player. In other words, the first and second time-saving states are game states in which it is more advantageous for the player to shoot to the right.

[0177] Therefore, in the first and second time-saving states, the probability of winning a jackpot is basically set to approximately 1 / 199, similar to the normal state, when a game ball enters the second starting prize entry point 50. However, a special lottery is conducted by referring to the jackpot lottery table B, in which the probability of winning a minor prize is set to approximately 2 / 199.

[0178] Furthermore, in the first and second time-saving states, the variation time for the first or second special symbol is set to be shorter than in the normal state, so that the opportunity to execute the special lottery occurs more frequently than in the normal state.

[0179] Furthermore, in the first time-saving state, the prescribed number of draws is 60, while in the second time-saving state, the prescribed number of draws is 120. Therefore, the second time-saving state is more advantageous to the player than the first time-saving state because the probability of winning a big or small win and continuing the time-saving state is higher.

[0180] Furthermore, in the first time-saving state, if a minor win is achieved, there is a 27 / 100 probability that minor win symbol A will be hit, and the game state after the end of the special game state will be set to the second time-saving state. In the second time-saving state, if a minor win is achieved, regardless of which minor win symbol is hit, the game state after the end of the special game state will be set to the second time-saving state. Therefore, the second time-saving state is more advantageous to the player than the first time-saving state in that the game state after the end of the special game state is more likely to be set to the second time-saving state.

[0181] Thus, in the first embodiment, even if the system transitions to the first time-saving state, it is difficult to transition to the second time-saving state. However, once the system transitions to the second time-saving state, it is easy to repeatedly transition to the second time-saving state.

[0182]

[0183] The payout control means 270 controls the payout device 130 to dispense a number of game balls corresponding to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal, based on the input of detection signals from the first starting prize slot sensor 106, the second starting prize slot sensor 107, the large prize slot sensor 108, the first general prize slot sensor 114-1, the second general prize slot sensor 114-2, and the third general prize slot sensor 114-3. In detail, the payout control means 270 sends an instruction command to the payout device 130 to dispense 4 game balls each time the first start prize entry sensor 106 detects the entry of one game ball, sends an instruction command to the payout device 130 to dispense 1 game ball each time the second start prize entry sensor 107 detects the entry of one game ball, sends an instruction command to the payout device 130 to dispense 10 game balls each time the large prize entry sensor 108 detects the entry of one game ball, and the first general prize entry sensor 114-1 detects one game ball Each time a game ball is detected to have entered a prize, a command is sent to the payout device 130 to dispense four game balls. Each time the second general prize entry sensor 114-2 (corresponding to the second general prize entry 47-2 and the third general prize entry 47-3) detects that one game ball has entered a prize, a command is sent to the payout device 130 to dispense seven game balls. Each time the third general prize entry sensor 114-3 (corresponding to the fourth general prize entry 47-4) detects that one game ball has entered a prize, a command is sent to the payout device 130 to dispense three game balls.

[0184] The dispensing device 130 dispenses the number of game balls instructed by the dispensing control means 270. The dispensing device 130 is equipped with a dispensing motor in the game ball tank where the game balls are stored, and the dispensing control means 270 controls the rotation angle of the dispensing motor to dispense the instructed number of game balls from the game ball tank. The dispensing device 130 is also equipped with a dispensing sensor 116 that operates each time a game ball is dispensed, and the dispensing control means 270 can manage the number of game balls actually dispensed from the dispensing device 130 based on the dispensing signal from the dispensing sensor 116.

[0185] The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated according to the various calculation results on the main board 100 to the sub-board 102. In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, only unidirectional communication from the main board 100 to the sub-board 102 is possible between the main board 100 and the sub-board 102, and the communication connection is such that information cannot be transmitted from the sub-board 102 to the main board 100.

[0186] Furthermore, the communication control means 280 (external signal output means) performs processing to control the output state of external signals (specific signals) output to external devices 144, such as the hall computer 140, which is a computer that centrally manages the gaming machines installed in the gaming hall, and the data counter 142, which is individually connected to the gaming machines and displays information related to the gaming machine's game history. Specifically, the communication control means 280 controls the output state of the symbol display signal, which notifies the hall computer 140 and the data counter 142 that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable or stopped state, between an on state and an off state, and controls the output state of the special game signal, which notifies that the machine is set to a special game state each time it is set to a special game state, between an on state and an off state.

[0187] Each time a symbol display signal is output, the hall computer 140 and data counter 142 update and display the number of games played, which indicates the number of special draws in the gaming machine. Each time a special game signal is output, the hall computer 140 and data counter 142 update and display the number of big wins, which indicates the number of times the special game state has been set in the gaming machine.

[0188] Next, the sub-board 102 will be described. The sub-board 102 is composed of a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 310.

[0189] The performance control means 300 controls the performance device 176 to perform performances that enhance or assist the game, such as controlling the performance display device 170 to light up or blink the front frame lamp 12, the display frame lamp 38 and the right-hand shooting lamp 70, displaying performance images on the liquid crystal display 32, controlling the sound device 172 to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and driving the performance object drive device 174 to operate the performance objects, based on various commands transmitted from the main board 100, input signals from the performance button switch 150 and performance data stored in the performance data storage means 3110 of the sub-memory 310, and displaying performance display images on the liquid crystal display 32, controlling the sound device 172 to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and driving the performance object drive device 174 to operate the performance objects.

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

[0191] The performance control means 300 then performs processes such as state performance processing, special lottery performance processing, and hold display performance processing to cause the performance device 176 to execute performances.

[0192] In the state presentation processing, the presentation control means 300 performs presentations that indicate the current game state to the player based on commands corresponding to the game state and counter values ​​on the main board 100. These presentations include activating character images on the liquid crystal display 32, changing background images, and changing presentation sounds output from the speaker 14, according to the current game state.

[0193] For example, if the current game state is a special game state, the performance control means 300 displays on the liquid crystal display 32 an image indicating that the current game state is a special game state, as well as a special game state image (special game performance) indicating which round of the jackpot game is currently being played. If the current game state is a time-saving state, the liquid crystal display 32 displays a time-saving state image indicating that the current game state is a time-saving state.

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

[0195] In the special lottery performance processing, when a pre-determination process is performed on the main board 100, the performance control means 300 performs a performance lottery to provisionally determine the content of the special lottery performance based on a command corresponding to the pre-determination result. When a special lottery is performed on the main board 100, the performance control means 300 performs a performance lottery to finally determine the content of the special lottery performance based on a command corresponding to the result of the special lottery. The performance control means 300 then causes the performance device 176 to execute the special lottery performance in accordance with the fluctuation and stop display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 76, or in accordance with the fluctuation and stop display of the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 80.

[0196] Specifically, in the special lottery performance processing, the performance control means 300 displays a background image (not shown) across the entire display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, as shown in Figure 14(A), and displays the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 in front of the background image. Here, each of the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 includes a number portion (identification portion) that shows one of several predetermined types of numbers, and a decorative portion that decorates the number portion, such as a rectangular portion around the number portion. And, although not shown, different character images are displayed in the decorative portion depending on the number portion (each of the multiple types of performance symbols corresponds to a different character).

[0197] Then, each time a special lottery is performed by reading a first special random value from the first special reserve memory area 1, the first special symbol display unit 76 begins to change display, or each time a special lottery is performed by reading a second special random value from the second special reserve memory area 1, the second special symbol display unit 80 begins to change display, as shown in Figure 14(B), the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 change display, and then the jackpot is determined in the first or second special lottery. Depending on whether a big win or a small win is achieved during the processing, and if a big win or a small win is achieved, the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are stopped and displayed in a manner corresponding to the big win symbol or small win symbol determined in the symbol determination processing. In addition, depending on the manner corresponding to each of the multiple types of performance patterns, the background image on the liquid crystal display 32 is changed or a performance video in which character images move is played and displayed, thereby executing a special lottery performance on the liquid crystal display 32 according to the type of performance pattern. The downward arrows in the figure indicate that the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are each being displayed in a rapidly changing manner.

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

[0199] The first performance pattern determination process is a process that determines, based on one acquired random value for determining the first performance pattern, which of several types of first performance patterns corresponds to the first half of the special lottery performance. In the first performance pattern determination process, the performance control means 300 selects which of the several types of first performance pattern lottery tables stored in the performance lottery table storage means 3112 of the sub-memory 310 to refer to for random number determination processing, according to the first half variation pattern determined in the first variation pattern determination process.

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

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

[0202] The second performance pattern determination process is a process that determines, based on one acquired second performance pattern determination random number, which of several types of second performance patterns will be used for the second half performance pattern corresponding to the latter half of the special lottery performance. In the second performance pattern determination process, the performance control means 300 selects which of the several types of second performance pattern lottery tables stored in the performance lottery table storage means 3112 of the sub-memory 310 to refer to for random number determination processing, according to the second half variation pattern determined in the second variation pattern determination process.

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

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

[0205] Here, each of the multiple types of first-half performance patterns has a set performance time. The performance time of the first-half performance pattern that can be determined by the first-half performance pattern lottery table A is set to 1 second, the same as the variation time of first-half variation pattern 1. The performance time of the first-half performance pattern that can be determined by the first-half performance pattern lottery table B is set to 2 seconds, the same as the variation time of first-half variation pattern 2. In this way, the performance time of the first-half performance pattern that can be determined by each first-half performance pattern lottery table is set to be the same as the variation time of the first-half variation pattern corresponding to each first-half performance pattern lottery table.

[0206] Furthermore, each of the multiple types of non-reach animation patterns and multiple types of reach animation patterns has a set animation time. The animation times for the multiple types of non-reach animation patterns that can be determined by the second animation pattern lottery table A are all set to 1 second, the same as the variation time of non-reach variation pattern 1. The animation times for the multiple types of reach animation patterns that can be determined by the second animation pattern lottery table D are all set to 10 seconds, the same as the variation time of reach variation pattern 1. In this way, the animation times for the multiple types of non-reach animation patterns or multiple types of reach animation patterns that can be determined by each second animation pattern lottery table are set to be the same as the variation time of the non-reach variation pattern or reach variation pattern corresponding to each second animation pattern lottery table.

[0207] In the special lottery performance processing, the performance control means 300 starts executing the special lottery performance in conjunction with the start of the variation display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 76 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 80, and executes the special lottery performance for a total performance time which is the sum of the performance time corresponding to the first half performance pattern determined in the first performance pattern determination processing and the performance time corresponding to the second half performance pattern determined in the second performance pattern determination processing. As a result, the variation time of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 76 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 80 is synchronized with the performance time of the special lottery performance.

[0208] For example, if the jackpot determination process results in a miss, and the second performance pattern determination process determines a no-reach performance pattern, then, as the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 76 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 80 begins to change, the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 begin to change, as shown in Figure 14(B). As shown in Figure 14(C), the left performance symbol 350 is first temporarily stopped and displayed in one of the following ways (in Figure 14(C), the way that shows "5"), without stopping completely, and then, as shown in Figure 14(D), the right performance symbol 354 is temporarily stopped and displayed in a different way from the left performance symbol 350 (non-reach state).

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

[0210] For example, if a big win or a minor win is determined in the big win determination process, or if the big win determination process is a miss, and a reach performance pattern is determined in the second performance pattern determination process, the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 76 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 80 will begin to change, and as shown in Figure 15(A), the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 will begin to change. As shown in Figure 15(B), the left performance symbol 350 will first be temporarily stopped and displayed, and then, as shown in Figure 15(C), the middle performance symbol 352 will remain changed and the right performance symbol 354 will be temporarily stopped and displayed in the same manner (reach pattern) as the left performance symbol 350. Then, as shown in Figure 15(D), playback of the animation video corresponding to the determined reach animation pattern begins, and playback of the animation video ends within the variation time of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 76 or the second special symbol in the second special symbol display unit 80.

[0211] In detail, in the example shown in Figure 15(D), a video of character A fighting character B is being played and displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32. When this video is being played and displayed, instead of the left animation symbol 350, the middle animation symbol 352, and the right animation symbol 354 displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, a reduced left animation symbol 360 corresponding to the left animation symbol 350, a reduced middle animation symbol 362 corresponding to the middle animation symbol 352, and a reduced right animation symbol 364 corresponding to the right animation symbol 354 are displayed in the upper right of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32. That is, as shown in Figure 15(D), the reduced left animation symbol 360 and the reduced right animation symbol 364 are temporarily stopped and displayed in the same manner (reach manner) while the reduced middle animation symbol 362 is displayed in a variable state.

[0212] If a big win or a small win is achieved, as shown in Figure 15(E), a video showing character A defeating character B is played and displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, and the shrinking animation symbol 362 is temporarily stopped and displayed in the upper right of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32 in the same manner (winning manner) as the shrinking left animation symbol 360 and the shrinking right animation symbol 364, thereby provisionally informing the player that a big win or a small win has been achieved.

[0213] Then, the video showing character A defeating character B ends, and as shown in Figure 15(F), the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, which are temporarily stopped. Then, as shown in Figure 15(G), the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, which are definitively stopped, and a sound effect is output from the speaker 14 to inform the player that a big win or a small win has been won, thus definitively informing the player that a big win or a small win has been won.

[0214] On the other hand, if the result is a loss, as shown in Figure 15(H), a video showing character A being defeated by character B is played in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, and the shrinking animation symbol 362 is temporarily stopped and displayed in a different manner (a reach-miss manner) from the shrinking left animation symbol 360 and the shrinking right animation symbol 364 in the upper right of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, thereby provisionally informing the player that the result is a loss.

[0215] Then, the video showing character A being defeated by character B ends, and as shown in Figure 15(I), the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, which are temporarily stopped. Then, as shown in Figure 15(J), the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, which definitively informs the player that they have lost.

[0216] In the special lottery animation process, a common animation video may be played and displayed whether a big win or a small win is achieved or if the result is a loss. Therefore, when the common animation video is played and displayed, it can greatly increase the player's expectation of winning a big win or a small win.

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

[0218] Thus, in the first embodiment, the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in a performance pattern corresponding to the variation type of the first special symbol or the second special symbol in the status display unit 71, thereby increasing the player's expectation of winning a big or small prize. At the same time, the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are temporarily stopped and then confirmed stopped in a manner corresponding to the result of the special lottery, thereby informing the player of the result of the special lottery.

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

[0220] In detail, the performance control means 300 displays the first reserved image 420 in the first reserved display area 411 to the fourth reserved display area 414, according to the number of first special random values ​​reserved in the first special reserved storage area 1 to the first special reserved storage area 4. In the example shown in Figure 16(A), the second special random value is not stored in any of the second special reserved memory areas 1 to 4, and the first special random value is reserved in each of the first special reserved memory areas 1 to 3. As a result, the first reserved image 420 is displayed in each of the first reserved display areas 411 to 413.

[0221] Furthermore, the performance control means 300, regardless of whether the first special random value is stored in any of the first special reserved memory areas 1 to 4, displays the second reserved image 422 in the first reserved display area 411 if the second special random value is reserved in the second special reserved memory area 1, and displays the second reserved image 422 in the first reserved display area 411 and the second reserved display area 412 if the second special random value is reserved in both the second special reserved memory area 1 and the second special reserved memory area 2, respectively. In this way, if the second special random value is stored in any of the second special reserved memory areas 1 to 4, the second reserved image 422 is displayed in each of the first reserved display areas 411 to 4 reserved display areas 414 according to the number of second special random values ​​reserved in the second special reserved memory areas 1 to 4. In the example shown in Figure 16(B), the second special random value is stored in each of the second special storage memory areas 1 and 2, respectively, and the second storage image 422 is displayed in each of the first storage display areas 411 and 412.

[0222] In the first embodiment, a reserved display area 430 is provided in the area to the left of the first reserved display area 411 in the lower part of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, corresponding to the special reserved storage area of ​​the special random number storage means 2914. In the reserved display area 430, the first reserved image 420 is displayed when the first special random value is read from the first special reserved storage area 1 and stored in the special reserved storage area, and the second reserved image 422 is displayed when the second special random value is read from the second special reserved storage area 1 and stored in the special reserved storage area.

[0223] For example, in the state shown in Figure 16(A), when the first special random value is read from the first special reserve memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed and the first special random value is stored in the special reserve memory area, the performance control means 300 moves the first reserve image 420 displayed in the first reserve display area 411 to the reserve display area 430, starts the display of the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354, as shown in Figure 16(C), and performs display control to move the first reserve image 420 displayed in the reserve display areas from the second reserve display area 412 onwards to a reserve display area with an ordinal number one smaller than the original reserve display area. This makes it possible to indicate that the first reserve image 420 displayed in the reserve display area 430 corresponds to the first special random value that is the subject of the current special lottery, and that the first reserve image 420 displayed in the first reserve display area 411 and beyond corresponds to the first special random value that will be the subject of the next special lottery.

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

[0225] Although not shown in the diagram, when multiple second special random values ​​are held in the second special hold memory areas 1 to 4, and a second special random value is read from the second special hold memory area 1 and a special lottery is performed and the second special random value is stored in the special hold memory area, the performance control means 300 moves the second hold image 422 displayed in the first hold display area 411 to the hold display area 430, starts the display of the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354, and performs display control to move the second hold image 422 displayed in the hold display areas from the second hold display area 412 onwards to a hold display area with an ordinal number one smaller than the original hold display area. This makes it possible to indicate that the second hold image 422 displayed in the hold display area 430 corresponds to the second special random value that is the target of the current special lottery, and that the second hold image 422 displayed in the first hold display area 411 onwards corresponds to the second special random value that will be the target of the next special lottery.

[0226] Furthermore, the performance control means 300 causes the performance device 176 to execute a pre-read performance in accordance with the pre-determination result corresponding to the first special random value or the second special random value, from the time the first special random value or the second special random value is acquired until the display of the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol for that first special random value or the second special random value is completed, or from the time the first special random value or the second special random value is acquired until the display of the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol for the first special random value or the second special random value acquired immediately before that first special random value or the second special random value is completed. In the first embodiment, the pre-read performance may include, for example, changing the color or shape of the first reserved image 420 or the second reserved image 422 corresponding to the first special random value or the second special random value for which the execution of the pre-read performance has been decided, displaying an effect image around the first reserved image 420 or the second reserved image 422, displaying an object image such as a character image, or displaying a special background image different from the normal background image.

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

[0228] More specifically, in the first embodiment, in each of the variable group lottery tables A to D shown in Figure 7, out of 0 to 99 variable group determination random numbers, each of the 90 variable group determination random numbers from 0 to 89 is associated with one of groups 0 to 3, excluding groups 4 and 5; each of the 8 variable group determination random numbers from 90 to 97 is associated with group 4; and each of the 2 variable group determination random numbers from 98 to 99 is associated with group 5. Therefore, when the variable group determination random number is any of the values ​​from 0 to 89, depending on the number of reserved balls or the game state, either a no-reach variation pattern or a reach variation pattern is determined. When the variable group determination random number is any of the values ​​from 90 to 99, regardless of the number of reserved balls or the game state, a reach variation pattern is always determined, and a no-reach variation pattern is never determined.

[0229] Therefore, in the first embodiment, if the special lottery means 230 is unsuccessful in the pre-determination process, and the random value that determines the variation group included in the first special random value or the second special random value is any of 0 to 89, it sets an undefined value as the pre-determination result indicating that it is unsure whether a reach variation pattern will be determined, and if it is any of 90 to 99, it sets a fixed value as the pre-determination result indicating that a reach variation pattern will definitely be determined.

[0230] The performance control means 300 then determines whether to execute a pre-read performance based on the first special random number or the second special random number if the pre-determination result is a big win or a small win. If the result is a loss, it determines whether or not fixed value information is included in the pre-determination result, and if fixed value information is included, it performs the pre-read performance lottery.

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

[0232] The performance control means 300 then determines, in the pre-read performance lottery, that the execution of a pre-read performance is performed for the first special random number, and if there are no first special random numbers among the first special random numbers held in the special reserve memory area and the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 that were acquired before the first special random number for which the execution of the pre-read performance was determined, that the pre-determination result is determined to be a jackpot, or that the pre-determination result is a loss but the pre-determination result contains fixed value information, then the pre-read performance start condition is met and the pre-read performance starts.

[0233] Furthermore, if the execution of a pre-reading performance is decided in the pre-reading performance lottery for the second special random value, the pre-reading performance will start if, among the second special random values ​​held in the special reserve memory area and the second special reserve memory area 1 to the second special reserve memory area 4, there are no second special random values ​​whose pre-determination result is determined to be a big win or a small win, or second special random values ​​whose pre-determination result is a loss but whose pre-determination result contains fixed value information, the conditions for starting the pre-reading performance will be met and the pre-reading performance will start.

[0234] In the first embodiment, when it is decided to execute a pre-read animation for the first special random number or the second special random number, if a big win or a minor win has already been confirmed for the first special random number or the second special random number that has already been held, if a special lottery animation is being executed in a reach animation pattern, or if it has been confirmed that a special lottery animation will be executed in a reach animation pattern, the pre-read animation can be started after the special game state executed by the confirmed big win or minor win has finished, or after the special lottery animation by the reach animation pattern that is being executed or has been confirmed to be executed has finished.

[0235] 3. Control method of the first embodiment The control method of the first embodiment will be described in detail below. Figures 17 and 18 show examples of presentation images displayed on the liquid crystal display 32. In the first embodiment, when the game state is the normal state, a normal background image (not shown) is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32. Although not shown in Figures 14 and 15, as shown in Figure 17(A), a spin count display 500 (count display) is displayed in the upper left of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, indicating the number of spins for which a special lottery has been held, that is, the number of spins for which the first special symbol or the second special symbol has been displayed in a variable state and then stopped.

[0236] In the first embodiment, after the stop display of the first or second special symbol has finished and the machine is in a waiting state where it is waiting for the start of the variation display of the next first or second special symbol, and 120 seconds have elapsed while the handle sensor that detects whether a player is touching the handle 20 is in the OFF state, it is determined that the player who was playing has left their seat, and when the demo image state in which a demo image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 begins, the rotation count display 500 is reset to 0.

[0237] Then, when the handle sensor is turned ON in the demo image state, the demo image is erased, and the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in a confirmed stopped state. If the game state is the normal state, the spin count display 500 is displayed as 0. Then, a special lottery is held, and each time the first special symbol or the second special symbol is displayed in a variable state and then stopped, 1 is added to the spin count display 500. In other words, the spin count display 500 in the first embodiment indicates the number of spins in the normal state from the demo image state.

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

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

[0240] In the first embodiment, if the special lottery in the normal state is a miss, and if the jackpot symbol C is won (if the result of the lottery is the second result), the no-reach variation pattern is determined as described above, and the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a short time. As a result, a few seconds after the variation display of the first special symbol begins, as shown in Figure 17(C), the speed of the variation display of the left performance symbol 350 gradually decreases, and as shown in Figure 17(D), when the left performance symbol 350 is temporarily stopped, the speed of the variation display of the right performance symbol 354 gradually decreases, and as shown in Figure 17(E), when the right performance symbol 354 is temporarily stopped, as shown in Figure 17(F), the speed of the variation display of the middle performance symbol 352 gradually decreases.

[0241] In this case, if the special lottery results in a loss, although not shown in the diagram, the left display symbol 350 and the right display symbol 354 are temporarily stopped and displayed showing different numbers, the middle display symbol 352 is temporarily stopped and displayed in a scattered loss pattern, and then confirmed stopped. At the same time, the reduced left display symbol 360, reduced middle display symbol 362, and reduced right display symbol 364 are confirmed stopped and displayed in a scattered loss pattern so that the combination of numbers shown by the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 is the same as the combination of numbers shown by the reduced left display symbol 360, the reduced middle display symbol 362, and the reduced right display symbol 364. In other words, the reduced left display symbol 360, the reduced middle display symbol 362, and the reduced right display symbol 364 are confirmed stopped and displayed without being temporarily stopped. Then, 1 is added to the spin count display of 500.

[0242] On the other hand, if the winning symbol C is selected in the special lottery, as shown in Figure 17(G), the left performance symbol 350 is temporarily stopped and displayed in a manner that shows 3, and the right performance symbol 354 is temporarily stopped and displayed in a manner that shows 8. Just before the middle performance symbol 352 is temporarily stopped and displayed in a manner that shows 6, a specific icon 502 is displayed as if it is falling from the upper center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32.

[0243] More specifically, the specific icon 502 is displayed as an image on a layer with higher priority than the layers for the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354, but with lower priority than the layers for the reduced left performance symbol 360, reduced middle performance symbol 362, reduced right performance symbol 364, and the rotation count display 500. Therefore, the specific icon 502 is displayed overlapping the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 in front of it, but overlapping the reduced left performance symbol 360, reduced middle performance symbol 362, reduced right performance symbol 364, and the rotation count display 500 in the background.

[0244] Then, in the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 17(G), when the upper end of the falling specific icon 502 is not displayed, that is, just before the entire specific icon 502 is displayed, when the specific icon 502 covers a part of the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352 and the right performance symbol 354, as shown in Figure 17(H), the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, the right performance symbol 354 and the specific icon 502 are in front of the reduced left performance symbol 360 and reduced middle performance symbol 362. As shown in Figure 18(A), a specific effect image 504 is displayed so as to overlap the reduced right-side performance symbol 364 and the rotation count display 500, resulting in a state where the normal background image, left performance symbol 350, middle performance symbol 352, right performance symbol 354, and specific icon 502 are not displayed. Then, with the normal background image, left performance symbol 350, middle performance symbol 352, and right performance symbol 354 not displayed, the specific icon 502 is displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32.

[0245] In other words, in the first embodiment, when the winning symbol C is selected in the special lottery, the specific icon 502 is displayed in such a state that all of the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are displayed, and there is no state in which all of the specific icons 502 are displayed.

[0246] Then, as shown in Figure 18(B), with the specific icon 502 displayed, the first or second special symbol stops and is displayed, and the reduced left performance symbol 360, reduced middle performance symbol 362, and reduced right performance symbol 364 stop and are displayed in a scattered miss pattern corresponding to the winning of the jackpot symbol C, and 1 is added to the number of spins indicated by the spin count display 500.

[0247] Then, the game state transitions from the normal state to the special game state, and as shown in Figure 18(C), a specific background image (not shown), which is the background image for the special game state based on the winning of the jackpot symbol C, is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, while a right-hand shot indicator 506 is displayed in the upper right part of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32 to instruct (notify) the player to shoot to the right, a big prize opening indicator 508 is displayed in the center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32 to instruct (notify) the player to enter the big prize opening 54 with the words "Aim here!" and an arrow pointing to the location of the big prize opening 54, and a number of acquired indicator 510 is displayed in the lower center of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, with the number of game balls the player can acquire in that special game state displayed in the denominator and the number of game balls the player has acquired in that special game state displayed in the numerator.

[0248] Then, in a jackpot game, each time a game ball enters the large prize slot 54 and is dispensed to the player, 1 is added to the number of game balls acquired by the player in the acquired ball display 510, and the acquired ball display 510 is updated as shown in Figure 18(D). When the jackpot game for each round from the 1st to the 3rd round ends, the game state transitions from the special game state to the normal state, and as shown in Figure 18(E), the normal background image is displayed, the spin count display 500 is not reset and is displayed, and the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352 and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in a state where they correspond to the winning of the jackpot symbol C, but are shown as scattered misses with a confirmed stop display.

[0249] Then, as shown in Figure 18(F), a left-hand play indicator 512 is displayed in the lower left of the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display 32, instructing (notifying) the player to play left-hand. When a special lottery is held and the first or second special symbol starts to change, the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 also start to change, as do the reduced left performance symbol 360, the reduced middle performance symbol 362, and the reduced right performance symbol 364. After 5 seconds have elapsed since the left-hand play indicator 512 was displayed, the left-hand play indicator 512 is erased, as shown in Figure 18(G).

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

[0251] Thus, in the first embodiment, if the winning symbol C is selected in the special lottery, a non-reach variation pattern is determined, similar to when the special lottery is a miss, and the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a short time. Unlike when the winning symbols A and B are selected in the special lottery, the left performance symbol 350 and the right performance symbol 354 are not displayed in a reach pattern, a specific icon 502 is displayed, and the reduced left performance symbol 360, reduced middle performance symbol 362, and reduced right performance symbol 364 are displayed in a scattered miss pattern.

[0252] In the special game state resulting from the winning of either jackpot symbol A or jackpot symbol B, although not shown in the illustration, the display area of ​​the LCD display 32 displays a special background image (first effect), which is the background image for the special game state, and a special name display indicating the name of the special game state, such as "○○ Bonus," along with a round display indicating the round of the jackpot game currently in progress, and a count display indicating the number of game balls that entered the big prize pocket 54 in each round of the jackpot game. However, in the special game state resulting from the winning of jackpot symbol C, a specific background image (second effect) different from the special background image is displayed, while the special name display, round display, and count display are not shown. In addition, even in the special game state resulting from the winning of either jackpot symbol A or jackpot symbol B, the right-hand shooting display 506 and the number of acquired display 510 are displayed, but the big prize pocket display 508 is not displayed.

[0253] Furthermore, when the game transitions to the normal state after the special game state resulting from the winning of jackpot symbol B ends, or when the game transitions to the normal state after the end of the first or second time-saving state, the left-hand shooting indicator 512 is displayed in the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, and a left-hand shooting sound is output from the speaker 14 to instruct (notify) the player that they should shoot to the left. However, when the game transitions to the normal state after the special game state resulting from the winning of jackpot symbol C ends, the left-hand shooting indicator 512 is displayed in the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, but no left-hand shooting sound is output from the speaker 14.

[0254] Furthermore, if the game returns to the normal state after the special game state resulting from the winning of jackpot symbol B ends, the spin count display of 500 will be reset to 0. However, if the game returns to the normal state after the special game state resulting from the winning of jackpot symbol C ends, the spin count display of 500 will not be reset to 0.

[0255] Thus, in the first embodiment, when the winning symbol C is selected in the special lottery during the normal state, the effects during the display of the first special symbol, the effects during the special game state, and the effects after the special game state ends are executed in a different manner than when the winning symbol A or B is selected in the special lottery during the normal state.

[0256] In particular, in the first embodiment, there is no state in which all areas of the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are displayed, and all areas of the specific icon 502 are displayed. This is because the specific icon 502 appears immediately before the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are temporarily stopped, and then all areas of the specific icon 502 are displayed while the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are not displayed. As a result, the player does not perceive that the specific icon was displayed because the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 were stopped in a predetermined manner, giving the player the impression that the result of the special lottery was neither a loss nor a jackpot, and making the player feel that a predetermined number of game balls were dispensed by a special game based on the display of the specific icon 502, which is different from a jackpot game.

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

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

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

[0260] More specifically, in the second embodiment, in the basic state, which is the basic performance state in the normal state, as in the first embodiment described above, a specific icon 502 is displayed when the jackpot symbol C is won in the special lottery, as shown in Figure 19(A). However, when the game transitions to the normal state after the special game state based on the winning of the jackpot symbol B ends, the performance state in the normal state is set to the full entry state shown in Figure 19(B) until the number of times the special lottery has been held in the normal state reaches 100, that is, until the stored value of the normal count counter 2940 reaches 850. Then, when the number of times the special lottery has been held in the normal state reaches 100, the performance state in the normal state is set to the basic state.

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

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

[0263] Furthermore, in the full entry state, if the winning symbol B or winning symbol C is selected in the special lottery, a no-reach variation pattern is determined, similar to when the special lottery is a miss. As a result, the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a short time, the left performance symbol 350 and the right performance symbol 354 are not displayed as a temporary stop in a reach pattern, a specific icon 502 is displayed, and the reduced left performance symbol 360, reduced middle performance symbol 362, and reduced right performance symbol 364 are displayed as confirmed stops in a scattered miss pattern.

[0264] Furthermore, in the special game state based on the winning of jackpot symbol A in the full entry state, a special background image, right-hand play display 506, acquired number display 510, special name display, round display, and count display are shown, while the specific background image and big prize slot display 508 are not shown. However, in the special game state based on the winning of jackpot symbol B or jackpot symbol C in the full entry state, the specific background image, right-hand play display 506, big prize slot display 508, and acquired number display 510 are shown, while the special background image, special name display, round display, and count display are not shown.

[0265] Furthermore, if the game transitions to the normal state after the special game state, which is triggered by winning the jackpot symbol B in the full entry state, the left-hand play indicator 512 will be displayed in the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, but the left-hand play sound will not be output from the speaker 14, and the spin count indicator 500 will not be reset to 0.

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

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

[0268] In the second embodiment, if the game transitions to the normal state after the special game state, which is triggered by the winning of the jackpot symbol C, the performance state in the normal state is set to the no-charge state shown in Figure 19(C) until the number of special draws performed in the normal state reaches 100, that is, until the stored value of the normal count counter 2940 reaches 850. Then, when the number of special draws performed in the normal state reaches 100, the performance state in the normal state is set to the basic state.

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

[0270] In detail, in the no-charge state, regardless of whether the winning symbol A to C is selected in the special lottery, the reach variation pattern is determined, setting the variation time of the first special symbol to a long time. The middle performance symbol 352 remains displayed in a variation state, while the left performance symbol 350 and the right performance symbol 354 are temporarily stopped and displayed in a reach state. A performance video corresponding to the reach performance pattern is played and displayed. After the left performance symbol 350, middle performance symbol 352, and right performance symbol 354 are temporarily stopped and displayed in a winning state, they are displayed as confirmed stops, and a sound effect informing the player that a jackpot has been won is output from speaker 14, thus definitively informing the player that a jackpot has been won.

[0271] Furthermore, in the special game state resulting from winning any of the jackpot symbols A through C while no charge is active, the special background image, right-hand play indicator 506, acquired amount indicator 510, special name indicator, round indicator, and count indicator are displayed, while the specific background image and jackpot indicator 508 are not displayed.

[0272] Furthermore, if the game transitions to the normal state after the special game state, which is triggered by winning either jackpot symbol B or jackpot symbol C in a no-charge state, the left-hand play indicator 512 will be displayed in the display area of ​​the LCD display 32, a left-hand play sound will be output from the speaker 14, and the spin count indicator 500 will be reset to 0.

[0273] As a result, in the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 19(C), in the special lottery for the first special random value in the no-charge state, the probability of winning a jackpot is set to be approximately 1 / 199, the probability of winning jackpot symbol A is 47%, the probability of winning jackpot symbol B is 16%, and the probability of winning jackpot symbol C is 37%. However, when a jackpot is won, regardless of whether jackpot symbol A to jackpot symbol C is won, the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 By displaying the symbols in a winning pattern, the probability of the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 being displayed in a winning pattern is approximately 1 / 199. When the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are displayed in a winning pattern, the probability of transitioning to the first time-saving state after the end of the special game state is 47%. This makes the player feel that the probability of winning a jackpot is approximately 1 / 199, and when a jackpot is won, the probability of winning jackpot symbol A is 47%.

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

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

[0276] As shown in Figure 19(D), in the fully charged state, the specific icon 502 is displayed regardless of whether any of the winning symbols A to C are selected in the special lottery, and the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are not displayed in a winning pattern.

[0277] Specifically, in the fully charged state, regardless of which of the big win symbols A to C is won in the special lottery, a reachless variation pattern is determined, so that the variation time of the first special symbol is set to a short time. The left effect symbol 350 and the right effect symbol 354 are not temporarily stopped and displayed in the reach state, and the specific icon 502 is displayed, and the reduced left effect symbol 360, the reduced middle effect symbol 362, and the reduced right effect symbol 364 are definitely stopped and displayed in the scattered loss state.

[0278] And in the special game state based on the winning of any of the big win symbols A to C in the fully charged state, while the specific background image, the right hit display 506, the big winning opening display 508, and the number of winnings display 510 are displayed, the special background image, the special name display, the round display, and the count display are not displayed. However, when the big win games of the first round to the third round are executed in the special game state based on the winning of the big win symbol A in the fully charged state, an effect for notifying that the game state has shifted to the first time reduction state is executed in the display area of the liquid crystal display 32.

[0279] Also, when shifting to the normal state after the end of the special game state based on the winning of the big win symbol B or the big win symbol C in the fully charged state, the left hit display 512 is displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, but the left hit sound is not output from the speaker 14, and the rotation speed display 500 is not reset to 0.

[0280] Thus, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19(D), in the special lottery for the first special random number value in the fully charged state, the probability of winning the jackpot is about 1 / 199. When the jackpot is won, the probability of winning the jackpot symbol A is 47%, the probability of winning the jackpot symbol B is 16%, and the probability of winning the jackpot symbol C is 37%. However, regardless of which of the jackpot symbols A to C is won with a 100% probability when the jackpot is won, the left effect symbol 350, the middle effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 are not displayed in the winning mode, but the specific icon 502 is displayed. As a result, the probability that the left effect symbol 350, the middle effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 are displayed in the winning mode is 0. However, when the specific icon 502 is displayed, the probability of transitioning to the first short state after the end of the special game state is set to 47%. Although the probability of winning the jackpot is 0, it is possible to make the player feel as if the probability of transitioning to the first short state when the specific icon 502 is displayed is 47%.

[0281] Therefore, in the second embodiment, in the special lottery for the first special random number value in the fully charged state, the probability of winning the jackpot is 0. However, it is possible to make the player feel that the probability of transitioning to the first short state when the specific icon 502 is displayed is higher than that of other effect states.

[0282] 5. Modification Example The present invention is not limited to that described in the above embodiments, and various modified implementations are possible. Modification examples will be introduced below. Note that the above embodiments and various methods described as modification examples below can be appropriately combined and adopted as control methods for realizing the present invention.

[0283] First, in the first and second embodiments, when the specific icon 502 is displayed, after the left effect symbol 350, the middle effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 are temporarily stopped and displayed in the scattered loss mode, the specific effect image 504 may be displayed at the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display 32, and then the specific icon 502 may appear from the center of the display area of the liquid crystal display 3 .

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

[0285] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, when the specific icon 502 is displayed, the left performance symbol 350 and the right performance symbol 354 may be temporarily stopped and displayed in a non-reach state, then the specific icon 502 may be temporarily stopped and displayed as the middle performance symbol 352, and then the left performance symbol 350, the specific icon 502 as the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 may be stopped and displayed in a confirmed state before transitioning to the special game state.

[0286] In this case, even if the game transitions to a special game state, the special background image or specific background image may not be displayed. Instead, the normal background image, the left performance symbol 350, the specific icon 502 as the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 will continue to be displayed, while the right-hand play display 506 and the number of acquired items display 510 may be displayed so as to overlap the front of the normal background image, the left performance symbol 350, the specific icon 502 as the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354, covering a portion of the area of ​​the normal background image, the left performance symbol 350, the specific icon 502 as the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354.

[0287] In this case, when the special game state ends and the game returns to the normal state, the right-hand play display 506 and the number of wins display 510 will no longer be displayed, and the normal background image, the left performance symbol 350, the specific icon 502 as the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 may be displayed in a confirmed stop state.

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

[0289] In this case, the character image is displayed so that it covers all areas of the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354, and then the appearance of the specific icon 502 begins. Until the display of the specific icon 502 is complete, all areas of the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are hidden by the character image or the specific icon 502. This ensures that there is no state in which all areas of the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are displayed, and all areas of the specific icon 502 are displayed.

[0290] In this case, when the special game state ends and the game returns to the normal state, the specific background image will no longer be displayed, and the normal background image, the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 may be displayed in a state where they have stopped in a confirmed stop pattern in a reach-failure manner.

[0291] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, when the specific icon 502 as the left display symbol 350 and the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 are displayed in a confirmed stop state, or when the specific icon 502 is displayed after the left display symbol 350 and the right display symbol 354 are temporarily stopped in a reach state, the reduced left display symbol 360, reduced middle display symbol 362, and reduced right display symbol 364 may be displayed in a confirmed stop state such that the combination of numbers indicated by the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 is different from the combination of numbers indicated by the reduced left display symbol 360, the reduced middle display symbol 362, and the reduced right display symbol 364.

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

[0293] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, in the special game state to which the specific effect image 504 is displayed and transitioned, the big prize display 508 may be kept hidden, the count display may be kept hidden but the round display may be shown, or the count display may be shown but the round display may not be shown.

[0294] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, when transitioning to the normal state after the end of the special game state based on the winning of jackpot symbol B, the system may be set to a no-charge state or to a fully charged state. Also, when transitioning to the normal state after the end of the special game state based on the winning of jackpot symbol C, the system may be set to a fully-entered state or to a fully-charged state. Also, when transitioning to the normal state after the end of the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state, the system may be set to a fully-entered state or to a no-charge state.

[0295] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, at least one of the following performance states may be set as the performance state in the normal state: the fully charged state, the no-charge state, and the fully charged state.

[0296] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, at least one of the performance states—the fully entered state, the no-charge state, and the fully charged state—may have a different number of times the special lottery, which is the termination condition, is performed compared to the other performance states, or it may continue until the normal state ends.

[0297] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, when the number of times a special lottery has been conducted in the normal state reaches a predetermined number of times, the system may be set to one of the following states: fully engaged, no charge, or fully charged. Alternatively, the system may be set to one of the following states: fully engaged, no charge, or fully charged, based on the results of a predetermined lottery.

[0298] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, if a winning symbol that displays the specific icon 502 has been won in the special lottery, and if there is a first special random number in reserve whose pre-determination result is that the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed in a winning pattern, the specific icon 502 may not be displayed, and the left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 may be displayed in a winning pattern while an animation is performed to notify that the player will transition to a special special game state corresponding to two special game states. Alternatively, the specific icon 502 may be displayed, and after transitioning to the first special game state, an animation may be performed to notify the player that the player will transition to a special special game state corresponding to the second special game state.

[0299] Also, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when the jackpot symbol on which the specific icon 502 is displayed wins in the special lottery, and there is a case where the pre-judgment result for the held first special random value is a win of the jackpot symbol on which the specific icon 502 is displayed, instead of displaying the specific icon 502, special specific icons corresponding to two special game states may be displayed, or after displaying the specific icon 502 and transitioning to the next special game state, an effect for notifying the transition to a special special game state corresponding to the second special game state may be executed.

[0300] Also, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the normal number of times, which is the number of times of the special lottery conducted in the normal state, may not be predetermined as a specified number of times.

[0301] Also, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, when a small win wins in the first time-short state, the first time-short state may be terminated and the normal state may be started at a timing after the timing when the variable display of the second special symbol for the special lottery in which the small win has won is started and before the small win game is started.

[0302] Also, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, even when the jackpot symbol on which the specific icon 502 is displayed wins in the special lottery, the variable time of the first special symbol may be set to a long time when the reach variable pattern is determined.

[0303] Also, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the jackpot symbol E may win in the special lottery for the first special random value, and when the jackpot symbol E wins, after three rounds of jackpot games are executed, the game state may be transitioned to the second time-short state. [[ID=十八]]

[0304] In this case, when the winning symbol E is selected, the left display symbol 350, the middle display symbol 352, and the right display symbol 354 may be displayed in the winning pattern, or a specific icon 502 may be displayed, and an upgrade animation may be performed to indicate that the game state has transitioned to the second time-saving state.

[0305] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, a special background image, a right-hand play indicator 506, a winning count indicator 510, a special name indicator, a round indicator, and a count indicator may also be displayed in the special game state based on the winning of a jackpot symbol with a specific icon 502 in a special lottery.

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

[0307] 2 outer frame, 4 game area, 6 game board, 8 glass unit, 10 front frame, 12 Front frame lamp, 14 Speaker, 16 Upper tray, 18 Payout opening, 20 Handle, 22 Supply port, 24 Lower tray, 26 Performance button, 28 Outer rail, 30 Inner rail, 32 LCD display, 34 Display frame, 36 Performance unit, 38 Display frame lamp, 40 Opening, 42 Passageway, 44 Stage, 46 First starting prize entry gate, 48 Passing gate, 50 Second starting prize entry gate, 52 Regular prize, 54 Big prize slot, 56 Special prize, 64 Specific area, 66 Normal area, 68. Specific special feature, 69. Outlet,

Claims

1. A gaming machine equipped with a gaming area in which the gaming medium moves, A game control means that advances the game according to the results of the lottery, It is equipped with a performance control means for controlling the performance of the game, The aforementioned game control means is Depending on the result of the aforementioned lottery, the special symbols will be displayed in a changing manner and then stopped. The game state is transitioned between multiple game states, including the initial state. When the result of the lottery is the first result, or when the result of the lottery is the second result, a specific game is performed that allows the game medium to enter a predetermined area provided in the game area. The aforementioned performance control means is Depending on the result of the aforementioned lottery, multiple display symbols will be changed and shown. In the aforementioned initial state, If the result of the lottery is the first result, the multiple performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and then the multiple performance symbols are displayed in a specific manner. If the result of the lottery is the second result, the display of the multiple performance symbols is started from a state in which the specific display is not displayed, and the multiple performance symbols are made invisible and the specific display is displayed until the special symbol stops. In the game state after the specific game is executed based on the result of the lottery being the second result under predetermined conditions, A gaming machine characterized in that, when the result of the lottery is the second result, the plurality of performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner and then stopped in the specific manner.

2. In claim 1, In the specific game in which the multiple display symbols are stopped and displayed in the specific manner when the result of the lottery is the second result, A specific information display showing information corresponding to the aforementioned specific game is shown. In the specific game that is executed when the result of the lottery is the second result, the specific display is shown. A gaming machine characterized by not displaying the aforementioned specific information.

Images