JP5136307B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward a game board surface.

  A ball that plays a game in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize ball when a game ball is fired toward a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances and a game ball enters any of the entrances Ball game machines are widely known. In recent years, a symbol display device that can display symbols in a variable manner is mounted on the game board surface. When a game ball enters a specific entrance (starting port), the symbol change display is started. A bullet ball game machine that starts a gaming state (big hit game) that is advantageous to the player when the game is stopped and displayed with a winning game symbol has become widespread. In such a ball game machine, in order to enhance the interest of the player, various effects are performed according to the change display and stop display of symbols.

  In such a ball game machine, there has been proposed a technique for executing an effect (so-called mission effect) for presenting a predetermined achievement condition to a player (Patent Document 1). In a ball game machine equipped with a mission effect, when the achievement conditions presented in the mission effect are satisfied, a privilege (such as a stop display with a winning symbol) advantageous to the player is granted. It is intended to raise the player's expectations by generating.

Japanese Patent No. 3795035

  However, today, since ball game machines equipped with a mission effect are widely used, it is difficult to effectively excite the player's interest even if the mission effect is executed. In addition, since the achievement conditions presented in the conventional mission effect are mostly related to the contents of the effect such as “Let's reach with a predetermined symbol” or “Generate a predetermined notice effect”, the player Therefore, it is felt that whether or not the achievement condition is satisfied is controlled by the gaming machine, and as a result, even if a mission effect is generated, the player's expectation cannot be sufficiently increased. It was.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and can effectively excite the player's interest by executing an unprecedented new mission effect. The purpose is to provide.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A ball ball game in which a game ball is fired on a game board surface provided with a symbol display device capable of variably displaying symbols and a start port for starting the variation display of the symbol upon entering a game ball. In the machine
When a game ball enters the start opening, determination random number acquisition means for acquiring a determination random number used for lottery,
When the symbol starts to be displayed on the symbol display device, whether or not to determine whether or not the symbol is determined based on the determination random number;
When the symbol is not displayed on the symbol display device at the time of entering the starting port, after the symbol variation display is started, the winning symbol or the missed symbol is determined according to the determination result by the determination unit. A symbol display control means for performing control to stop and display the symbol in any one of
When the symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the symbol display device at the time of entering the starting port, when the symbol enters the starting port in order to start a new variation display after the symbol is stopped and displayed. A hold storage means for storing the obtained determination random number as a hold;
When the determination random number is stored as the hold, a pre-determination unit that performs a determination of whether or not the hold is performed before the determination by the determination unit is performed.
Specific hold detection means for detecting occurrence of specific hold by determining whether or not the determination random number stored as the hold is a predetermined random number value;
When the occurrence of the specific hold is detected, a specific hold digest period setting unit that sets a period until the change display of the symbol based on the specific hold starts or ends as a specific hold digest period,
When the specific reserved digestion period is set, the required number of fired balls is determined based on the determination result by the prior determination means to determine the required number of game balls to be fired within the specific reserved digestion period. Means,
Requested ball number presentation means for presenting to the player the number of requested balls to be fired within the specific reserved digestion period;
Launch that informs the player of the number of game balls fired within the specified hold digestion period before the symbol of the symbol display device is stopped and displayed at the winning symbol or the off symbol based on the specified hold And a ball number notifying means.

  In such a ball game machine of the present invention, when a game ball enters the start opening, a determination random number used for the lottery is acquired. When the symbol display on the symbol display device is started, the determination of whether or not the obtained determination random number is used is performed. In response, the display is stopped with either a winning symbol or a missing symbol. On the other hand, when a game ball enters the starting port during the symbol variation display, the determination random number acquired by the entry is stored as a hold, and whether or not the hold is determined in advance is determined. The occurrence of specific hold is detected depending on whether or not the determination random number stored as hold is a predetermined random value. At this time, when the occurrence of a specific hold is detected, a period until the symbol change display based on the specific hold starts or ends is set as the specific hold digest period, and a request to be fired within the specific hold digest period The number of balls to be fired is determined based on the result of the determination as to whether or not the specific suspension is made in advance, and presented to the player. Then, before the symbol of the symbol display device is stopped and displayed as a winning symbol or an off symbol based on the specific hold, the player is notified of the number of game balls fired within the specific hold digestion period. Yes.

  Here, the determination random number acquired by the determination random number acquisition unit when the game ball enters the start port is a determination of whether or not the determination is appropriate in the determination unit (or prior determination unit), or the occurrence of specific hold in the specific hold detection unit. Used for various purposes such as detection. Therefore, a separate determination random number value may be acquired for each purpose, or determination of success / failure or specific hold may be performed using one determination random number.

  In this way, when the symbol that has been variably displayed based on the specific suspension is stopped and displayed in the symbol, the number of game balls that have been fired within the specific suspension digestion period (the number of game balls that have been notified) is the required launch. When the number of balls has been reached, the player feels that the winning symbol has been stopped and displayed due to the completion of the launch of the required number of game balls within the specific reserved digestion period. On the other hand, if the number of game balls fired within the specific reserved digest period has not reached the required number of fired balls when the symbol that has been variably displayed based on the specific hold is removed and stopped and displayed as a symbol, Since it is not possible to complete the launch of the game balls for the required number of shot balls within the specific reserved digestion period, it seems that the off symbol has been stopped and displayed. In this way, by presenting the required number of shot balls that is directly related to the operation performed by the player (launching of game balls), the player can launch the requested number of shot balls presented to himself. If it is completed by the above operation, the impression that the winning symbol can be stopped and displayed can be given. For this reason, when the required number of balls to be fired is presented, the game player actively launches the game balls, and as a result, it is possible to effectively excite the game entertainment.

  In addition, the specific hold digestion period varies depending on the presence and number of existing holds already stored before the specified hold that occurred, and if there is an existing hold, the specified hold will be displayed over multiple symbol changes. A digestion period is set. For this reason, a variation can be added to the period during which the player launches the game ball in accordance with the requested number of requested balls. In addition, since it becomes difficult for the player to determine whether or not the requested number of requested balls is the number of game balls that can be fired within the specific reserved digestion period, It is possible to effectively enhance the interest of the player.

  Such a ball game machine of the present invention may be configured as follows. First, when a hold occurs, a symbol variation time based on the hold is determined in advance. In addition, when a specific hold occurs, the specific hold digestion time until the start or end of the change display of the symbol based on the specific hold is determined based on the symbol change time determined in advance for each stored hold. The period until the acquired specific reserved digestion time elapses is set as the specific reserved digestion period. And, if the result of the determination of success or failure made in advance for the specific hold is a win, it shall be fired within the specific hold period based on the number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and the specific hold time Determine the number of required launch balls. On the other hand, if the result of the determination of whether or not the specific hold has been made in advance is out of date, the specific hold must be released within the specified hold period based on the number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and the specified hold time Determine the number of required launch balls impossible.

  According to such a configuration, since the variation time of the symbol for the generated suspension is determined in advance, when the specific suspension occurs, the variation time determined in advance for each of the stored suspensions is determined. By accumulating, it is possible to easily acquire the specific reserved digestion time until the symbol change display based on the specified reservation starts or ends, and set the specific reserved digestion period until this specific reserved digestion time elapses can do.

  And, when the winning symbol is stopped and displayed based on the specific hold, the player continues to discharge the game balls, and the release of the game balls for the requested number of requested balls is within the specific hold digestion period. If the out symbol is stopped and displayed based on the specific hold, it can be completed, but even if the player continues to fire the game ball, the number of game balls for the requested number Firing will not be completed within a specific pending digestion period. In this way, whether or not the required number of game balls have been fired within the specified hold digestion period, and the result of the determination on whether or not the specified hold has been made (stops on either the winning symbol or the off symbol based on the specified hold) And the reliability of the number of requested balls to be presented is attracted to the player and whether or not firing of the number of game balls for the number of requested balls is completed. Can be increased. As a result, it is possible to further increase the interest of the player during the specific on-hold digestion period.

  Further, the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention may be configured as follows. First, when the symbol display time is determined by the symbol display device, the symbol variation time is determined. Decide on a certain time. In addition, if a specific hold occurs, the specific hold digest time is acquired based on the number of holds stored at that time and a fixed time determined as the time of symbol change during the specific hold digest period. The period until the acquired specific reserved digestion time elapses is set as the specific reserved digestion period. And, if the result of the determination of success or failure made in advance for the specific hold is a win, it shall be fired within the specific hold period based on the number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and the specific hold time Determine the number of required launch balls. On the other hand, if the result of the determination of whether or not the specific hold has been made in advance is out of date, the specific hold must be released within the specified hold period based on the number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and the specified hold time Determine the number of required launch balls impossible.

  According to such a configuration, since the variation time of each of the symbols that are variably displayed during the specific pending digestion period is fixed to a certain time, the period until the start of the symbol variation display based on the specific suspension is defined as the specific suspended digestion time. In this case, the specific hold digest time can be easily obtained by multiplying the number of holds stored before the specific hold by a certain time determined as the fluctuation time. In the case where the period until the end of the variable display of the symbol is used as the specific holding time, the specific holding time can be easily obtained by multiplying the number of holdings including the specific holding by a certain time. . In addition, in many ball game machines, when the symbol starts to display the variation, the variation time is determined. However, the variation time of the symbol during the specific reserved digestion period is fixed to a certain time. For example, even if the variation time is not determined in advance, it is possible to acquire an accurate specific hold digest time when the specific hold occurs. For this reason, it is possible to minimize the change in the game control program accompanying the acquisition of the specific reserved digestion time, and as a result, it is possible to launch within the specific reserved digestion period until the specific reserved digestion time elapses or not Presenting the required number of balls to be fired according to the result of the determination on whether or not the specific hold is made can be easily realized.

  Furthermore, the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention may be configured as follows. First, when the symbol starts to be displayed in the symbol display apparatus, the symbol variation time is determined. In addition, when a specific hold occurs, a predetermined fixed hold digest time set in advance is acquired, and a period until the acquired fixed specific hold digest time elapses is set as the specific hold digest time. And, when the symbol starts to change during this specific reserved digestion period, it is specified based on the number of holds stored at the time of setting the specific reserved digestion period and the acquired specific reserved digestion time. Determine the variation time of the symbol during the suspended digestion period. And, if the result of the determination of success or failure made in advance for the specific hold is a win, it is released within the specific hold digest period based on the number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and a certain specific hold digest time. Determine the number of required launch balls that can be done. On the other hand, if the result of the determination on whether or not the specific hold is made in advance is out of place, the fire is released within the specified hold period based on the number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and a certain specific hold time. Determine the number of required launch balls that cannot be done.

  According to such a configuration, when the number of holds stored at the time of occurrence of a specific hold is large, it is possible to shorten the fluctuation time of the symbol that is displayed in a variable manner during the specific hold digestion period. When the number of holds stored at the time of occurrence is small, the change time of the symbols that are variably displayed during the specified hold digest period can be lengthened, so until the start or end of the symbol change display based on the specified hold It is possible to match the time required for a certain specific digestion time. And since it is only necessary to acquire a certain specific reserved digest time without being affected by the number of held when a specific hold occurs, the number of requested firing balls to be presented to the player is determined based on the specified reserved digest time It is possible to simplify the processing to be performed.

  Further, in the bullet ball game machine of the present invention, the following may be performed. First, if the result of the determination of success or failure made in advance for a specific hold is a win, the number of game balls fired after presentation of the required number of shot balls and the elapsed time required to fire the game balls of that number of game balls And whether or not it is possible to complete the launch of game balls for the requested number of requested balls within the specified hold digestion period based on the remaining time until the end of the specified hold digestion period (remaining specified hold digestion time) Judging. For example, it detects the number of game balls that have been fired when a predetermined time has elapsed since the presentation of the required number of fire balls, or when a certain percentage of the remaining time has passed, and based on the number of game balls and the remaining time Thus, it may be determined whether or not the number of game balls that have already been presented can be completed within a specific reserved digestion period. Alternatively, based on the remaining time at the time of launching a certain number of game balls (for example, every 20 balls) and the number of game balls that have already been fired, specific launch of game balls for the number of requested fire balls already presented It may be determined whether or not it can be completed within the digestion period. And when it judges that it cannot complete, the correction | amendment which reduces the number of requested | required shot balls already shown is performed. Here, as a correction for reducing the required number of fired balls, for example, based on the remaining time until the specific reserved digestion period ends and the number of game balls that can be fired per unit time, The number of game balls that can be fired is calculated, and the calculated number of game balls is corrected to be the required number of shot balls, or when the remaining time is a predetermined time (for example, the remaining 5 seconds) The number of shot balls (for example, five balls) may be corrected to be the required number of shot balls, or the number of shots may be reduced by a predetermined ratio (for example, 50%).

  In this way, the result of the determination of whether or not the specific hold is made in advance is a hit, and after the required number of shot balls that can be completed within the specified hold digestion period is presented, the game ball is fired due to some trouble. Even if the game is delayed, it is possible to adjust the number of game balls to be fired for the required number of fired balls within the specific on-hold digestion period. Therefore, it is possible to strongly impress the player that the winning symbol has been stopped and displayed by completing the launch of the game balls for the required number of shots within the specified pending digestion period, and the reliability of the required number of shot balls Can be further enhanced. As a result, it is possible to effectively enhance the player's interest by presenting the required number of shot balls.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Game machine control details:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Special design game processing:
C-3. Special electric game game processing:
C-4. Production process when hold occurs:
C-5. Design variation effect processing:
C-6. Mission production execution process:
D. Variations:
D-1. First modification:
D-2. Second modification:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular opening 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect.

  An upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5. Further, two effect buttons SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side of the upper plate part 5. The player can intervene in the progress of the game by pressing these effect buttons SW1 and SW2 to select characters and game conditions appearing in the game effect.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. Further, second speakers 6 c are provided on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower dish portion 6.

  A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10. The game ball fired from the launcher unit 12 described above passes between the outer rail 14 and the inner rail 15 and is released to the game area 11. In addition, the outer rail 14 is provided with a launch ball detection switch 37 at a position facing the final end of the inner rail 15, so that it is possible to detect a game ball launched toward the game area 11. Yes.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11. In addition, a starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided below the central device 26. The starting port 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. A start port switch 17s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passage of a game ball and a start port solenoid 17m (see FIG. 5) for operating a pair of wing pieces are provided inside the start port 17. Yes. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, an opening state in which the possibility of entering the game ball is increased, and when the pair of wing pieces are upright, a normal state in which the possibility of entering the game ball is reduced is obtained.

  An effect display device 27 is provided substantially in the center of the central device 26. Further, the central device 26 is provided with a movable object (movable accessory) (not shown) that performs various operations as the game progresses. The effect display device 27 is configured by a liquid crystal display, and can display various symbols such as design symbols and background symbols in a variable manner and stop display. Various symbols displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

  A symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. Although the detailed configuration will be described later, the symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols, special symbols, and the like in a variable stop manner.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided on the left side of the central device 26, and a gate switch 36s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided above the normal symbol operating gate 36. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A big winning device 31 is provided below the start port 17. The large winning device 31 includes a large winning opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an open / close door 31e for opening and closing the large winning opening 31d, and a large winning opening solenoid 31m for operating the open / close door 31e (see FIG. 5). ) Etc. When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied and the opening / closing door 31e is opened, the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, and as a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability. A jackpot gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous for the player, is started. In addition, a big prize opening switch 31s is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball that has entered the big prize opening 31d.

  An out port 48 is provided below the grand prize winning device 31, and a back ball prevention member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is configured by incorporating twelve small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular region. Of these twelve LEDs, the uppermost three LEDs constitute a normal symbol display unit 29, and the remaining nine LEDs constitute a special symbol display unit 30. Furthermore, the normal symbol display unit 29 has one LED for displaying a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol LED 29a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of reserved normal symbols (hereinafter, a normal symbol). Called hold display LED 29b). Further, the special symbol display unit 30 displays seven LEDs for displaying special symbols (hereinafter referred to as special symbol LED 30a) and the number of special symbols reserved (hereinafter referred to as special symbol reserved number). The two LEDs (hereinafter referred to as special figure hold display LED 30b). The manner in which the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment uses these 12 LEDs to display a normal symbol, the number of ordinary symbols reserved, the number of special symbols, and the number of reserved special symbols will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the screen configuration of the effect display device 27 installed in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is configured by a liquid crystal display, and on the display screen, three design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and a background symbol 27d of the background are displayed. Among these, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the display of the special symbols in the special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, and it is possible to produce a game. Yes. That is, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variable display every time a special symbol determination (big hit lottery) described later is performed, and stop display when a predetermined variation time has elapsed. This is a symbol for notifying the player of the determination result of the special symbol (big win lottery result) by the display mode (stop display mode) when the stop display is performed. In addition, a hold display area 27e is provided below the effect display device 27, and hold display is performed in accordance with the display of the special figure hold display LED 30b. Detailed contents of various effects performed by the effect display device 27 will be described later.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards and various boards. However, focusing on the function, it is possible to determine whether the game is related to the basic progress or the winning ball. The main control board 200 for controlling the control, the sub-control board 220 for controlling the effects of the game using symbols, lamps, movable objects (movable accessories) and sound effects, and the effect display under the control of the sub-control board 220 It comprises an effect control board 230 that performs specific control of the device 27, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, a launch control board 260 that controls the play of the game ball, and the like. ing. These control boards include various types of CPUs, such as a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, and a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed. Peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus. Also, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. 5, only the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, and the CPU 221 mounted on the sub control board 220, the ROM 222, and the RAM 223 are illustrated.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. Are determined, commands for instructing various operations are output toward the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 has a start port solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided in the start port 17, a large winning port solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning port 31d, A symbol display device 28 for displaying fluctuation stop display of normal symbols and special symbols is connected, and these solenoids 17m, 31m and the signals are output to the symbol display device 28 to control these operations. ing.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, a command for designating display contents is output to the effect control board 230 that controls the display of the effect display device 27 described above, the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, various decorative LEDs, The game is rendered by outputting a drive signal to the decorative drive board 226 that drives the lamp and the movable object (movable accessory). In addition, the operation signals from the effect buttons SW 1 and SW 2 described above are input to the sub-control board 220 via the effect button board 228. In addition, when a game ball launched toward the game area 11 is detected by the shot ball detection switch 37, the detection signal is input to the sub-control board 220.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, the signal is transmitted to the ball lending device 13 via the payout control board 240. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while exchanging data with the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball.

  In addition, under the control of the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 outputs a signal for allowing the game ball to be fired (launch permission signal) toward the launch control board 260. In response to the launch permission signal, performs various controls for launching the game ball.

B. Overview of the game:
Next, an outline of the game performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be briefly described.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the firing handle 8, and the player can aim the launch position by changing the rotation angle of the firing handle 8. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the player operates the launch handle 8, the game balls are fired at regular intervals, so that 100 game balls are fired per minute. Is set to

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the symbol display device 28. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the normal symbol display unit 29 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the normal symbol display unit 29 is mounted with the normal symbol LED 29 a and the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b. Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol.

  FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the normal symbol LED 29a is repeatedly blinked to display the variation of the normal symbol. In the figure, the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a radial solid line, and the state in which the normal symbol LED 29a is lit is represented by a broken line. When the blinking normal symbol LED 29a stops in a lighting state, it becomes a normal symbol hit and the start port 17 is in an open state for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). On the contrary, when it stops in the light-off state, it is usually out of the design and the start port 17 does not open.

  If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of this game ball is stored as the number of holdings, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is performed. Is done. Up to four normal symbols can be stored, and the number of stored normal symbols is displayed by the general symbol display LED 29b.

  FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the number of normal symbols held is displayed by the universal symbol hold display LED 29 b provided in the symbol display device 28. When there is no normal symbol hold (that is, when the number of hold is zero), both of the two normal figure hold display LEDs 29b are turned off. When there is one hold, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b remains off and the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b is lit. When there are two holds, the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b is lit in addition to the right-side normal map hold display LED 29b. Next, when there are three holds, the right-hand general map hold display LED 29b blinks and the left-hand general map hold display LED 29b lights. When the number of hold increases further to the upper limit of four, the left and right map hold display LEDs 29b blink. In this way, the normal symbol display unit 29 can display the number of holds from 0 to 4 by turning on, turning off, or blinking the two common figure hold display LEDs 29b.

  Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the special symbol display unit 30. When a game ball enters the start port 17, the special symbol change display is started. The display is stopped with any of the symbols described below.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory view conceptually showing a stop display mode of special symbols. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special symbol display unit 30 includes seven LEDs, and displays these special symbols by lighting them. As shown in FIG. 7, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, eight special symbol stop display modes are provided, and a unique lighting state is set for each stop display mode. Further, the stop display modes of these eight kinds of special symbols are roughly classified into three symbols. First, the stop display modes of the three special symbols shown in the upper part of the figure are classified as “normal hit symbols”, and the stop display modes of the three special symbols shown in the middle are classified as “probable hit symbols”. The stop display modes of the two special symbols shown in the lower row are classified as “outgoing symbols”. The special symbol display unit 30 performs a special symbol variation display by blinking seven LEDs (special symbol LEDs 30a) for a predetermined time, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol display unit 30 is stopped and displayed according to any stop display mode. When either the “normal winning symbol” or the “probable variation winning symbol” (so-called big hit symbol) is stopped and displayed, the big hit game in which the big winning opening 31d is opened is started. The big hit game of the present embodiment is configured such that the round game in which the big winning opening 31d is in an open state is repeated a plurality of times. When the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, it becomes easy for a game ball to enter, so the big hit game can be said to be a game state that is very advantageous for the player.

  Further, when the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed at the probability variation hit symbol shown in the middle of FIG. 7, until a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, until the next big hit game occurs or the special symbol is generated) For example, until the symbol change display is performed a predetermined number of times, the probability that the special symbol is displayed as a big hit symbol is set to a high probability (so-called probability change state or simply a probability change state).

  In addition, even if a game ball has entered the starting port 17, the special symbol variation display cannot be started (for example, when the special symbol variation display, or a big hit game) Even so, the fact that a game ball has entered the start port 17 is stored as the number of special symbols held (the number of special drawings held). Then, when the special symbols can be displayed in a variable manner, it is possible to perform the variable display using the stored number of reserves. The stored special figure hold count is displayed by a special figure hold display LED 30b. The manner in which the number of special symbols held is displayed using the special figure hold display LED 30b is exactly the same as that of the general figure hold display LED 29b shown in FIG.

  In accordance with the above-described change display and stop display of the special symbol, the effect display device 27 performs various effects using the design symbol. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, three design symbols 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c are displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display that constitutes the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started on the symbol display device 28 described above, also on the effect display device 27, these three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, a design is prepared by designing nine numbers from “1” to “9” as a design. In addition, the design symbol may be a design in which characters, figures, symbols, and the like are designed in addition to numbers, and may be in a form that allows the player to identify the determination result of the special symbol.

  FIG. 8A conceptually shows a state in which the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left design symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right design symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The medium design symbol 27b is stopped and displayed. The combination (stop display mode) of the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is interlocked with the stop display mode of the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 described above. It is configured. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the big hit symbol, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed at the same symbol (one form of the hit display mode). In particular, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the above-described probability variation hit symbol, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed at the same symbol representing an odd number (probability variation hit). One form of display mode) When stopping at the normal winning symbol, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed at the same symbol representing an even number (one aspect of the normal winning display mode) ). On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is out of place and stops at the off symbol, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in any combination that does not align with the same symbol (out of display mode).

  As described above, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other in the display contents. The timing for confirmation (stop display) is also set the same. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more easily noticeable than the symbol display device 28, and the display screen is large and the display content is easy to understand. It is normal to play a game while looking at the screen of the device 27. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8B, the left design symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right design symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol. In this case, the player pays attention to the change in the design that the middle design symbol 27b that is stopped and displayed last stops at the same design and enters a so-called jackpot gaming state. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last symbol in the state where the two design symbols are stopped at the same symbol (the state in which the symbol that constitutes the hit display mode is stopped) is called a reach effect. It is possible to enhance the interest of the player by directing.

  As described above, the hold display area 27e is provided below the effect display device 27. Then, during the special symbol variation display (that is, during the variation display of the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c), the game ball enters the start port 17, and the special symbol hold display LED 30b shown in FIG. When a hold is added, the hold is added to the hold display area 27e in the effect display device 27 accordingly. For this reason, in the hold display area 27e of the effect display device 27, it is possible to perform hold display of up to four, similarly to the special figure hold display LED 30b.

C. Game machine control contents:
Below, in order to implement | achieve the game mentioned above, the control content which the game machine 1 of a present Example is performing is demonstrated in detail.

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 to control the progress of the game. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a prize ball-related process, a normal symbol game process, a start opening return process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric game game process is repeatedly executed. The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. Then, during these processes, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 progresses, and the sub control board 220 controls the effect according to the progress of the game. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S100). In this processing, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered a switch related to a game ball winning (such as the start opening switch 17s or the big winning opening switch 31s). To detect. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for outputting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed. When the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command output from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command, and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device 109 according to the result. Thus, a process of actually paying out the prize ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the process related to the prize ball (S100), this time, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game process is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation stop display is performed ( S102). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the start port 17 is open. If the start port 17 is not open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S102: yes), and if the start port 17 is open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S102: no). . When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S102: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S104). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the normal symbol game process (S102: no), the normal symbol game process (S104) is skipped.

  In the normal symbol game process (S104), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not the number of held ordinary symbols is present (whether it is “0”). If the number of retained symbols is present, whether or not the ordinary symbol is present is determined. Here, the reserved number of normal symbols is set by the game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 36, and in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the reserved number is set to “4”. Then, based on the result of the normal / bad determination of the normal symbol, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed as a winning symbol or a missing symbol (see FIG. 6A). Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. At this time, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the start port 17 is opened.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the start port 17 is open (S106). If the opening is being opened (S106: yes), a process (starting port returning process) for returning the opened starting port 17 to the normal state is performed (S108). On the other hand, if the start port 17 is not open (S106: no), the start port return process need not be performed and is skipped.

  In the start port return process (S108), if any of the following conditions is satisfied, that is, whether the opening time of the start port 17 has elapsed, or whether a specified number of game balls have entered the start port 17 When any of the above conditions is satisfied, a process of returning the start port 17 in the open state to the normal state is performed. The opening time of the start port 17 is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is about 5 seconds when the opening time extension function described later is activated (1 when the number of times of opening is 1). The opening time of one time is extended to about 5 seconds, or when the number of times of opening is a plurality of times, the total of the opening times of the plurality of times is extended to about 5 seconds). On the other hand, when the opening time of the start port 17 has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the start port 17 has not reached the specified number, the start port return process (S108) is performed while the start port 17 remains open. finish.

  In the game control process, when returning from the start port return process, the process related to the special symbol is started. In this process, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition for performing a special symbol game process described later is satisfied. If the predetermined condition is satisfied, the special symbol game process is started.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (special symbol game start determination processing) performed to determine whether or not to start the special symbol game processing. In determining whether or not to start the special symbol game process, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17 (S200). As described above, the start port 17 s that detects the entrance of a game ball is provided inside the start port 17, and can detect that a game ball has entered.

  When the passing of the game ball is detected by the start port switch 17s and it is determined that the game ball has entered the start port 17 (S200: yes), the number of special symbols held (special figure hold number) is the upper limit value ( In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not “4”) has been reached (S202). If the number of special figure reservations has not reached the upper limit (S202: no), the determination result random number, the symbol determination random number, and the variation pattern determination random number are acquired (S204). Here, the success / failure determination random number is a random number used to determine whether or not the special symbol is successful, and the symbol determination random number is a random number for determining the type of the special symbol to be stopped and displayed in accordance with the determination result of the special symbol. The variation pattern determination random number is a random number used to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol. The special symbol variation pattern is a mode in which the special symbol is variably displayed. However, as described above, the special symbol variation display only flashes the special symbol LED 30a. This corresponds to the time (variation time) during which the special symbol is variably displayed. When these random numbers are acquired, the acquired random numbers are stored as special symbol hold, and “1” is added to the special figure hold number (S206), and a pre-determination process is executed for the stored hold (S208). Note that the processing (S204) for acquiring the determination random number when the game ball enters the start port 17 is performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of the present embodiment. The CPU 201 mounted on the control board 200 constitutes one aspect of the “random number acquisition means” of the present invention. Further, since the process of storing the random number for determination (S206) as the special symbol hold is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of the present embodiment is not limited to the present invention. Of the “holding storage means”.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of a pre-determination process executed in the special symbol game start determination process. When the pre-determination process is started, first, a process for determining whether or not a special symbol is successful (special symbol success / failure determination process) is performed (S300). Although details of the special symbol success / failure determination process will be described later, the special symbol's success / failure determination is roughly performed as follows. As described above, when a game ball enters the start port 17, a success / failure determination random number is acquired. When the acquired random number value is a predetermined hit value, it is determined as “win”. The On the other hand, when the acquired random number value is a numerical value (outlier) other than the winning value, it is determined as “out”. Note that the process of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct before the special symbol variation display is started is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200, so that it is mounted on the main control board 200 of the present embodiment. The CPU 201 constitutes one aspect of the “preliminary determination unit” of the present invention.

  Subsequent to the special symbol success / failure determination processing, processing for determining a variation pattern of the special symbol (variation pattern determination processing) is performed (S302). The details of the variation pattern determination process will be described later. In this process, based on the determination result of special symbol, the current gaming state, and the variation pattern determination random number acquired together with the determination random number, a special pattern variation pattern (special The process of determining the symbol variation time) is performed. In addition, since the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs the process of determining the variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol in advance, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of the present embodiment This constitutes one aspect of the “variable time prior determination means” of the present invention.

  When the variation pattern determination process is completed, it is then determined whether or not the obtained random numbers of the success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number are predetermined random values (S304). In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a special symbol hold occurs, it is determined whether the hold is “normal hold” or “specific hold” based on the acquired determination random number and symbol determination random number. It is like that. If these random numbers are not predetermined random numbers (S304: no), it is determined that the generated special symbol is held “normally held”, and the normal hold information transmission command is transmitted to the sub-control board 220. (S306). Here, the normal hold information transmission command is a command for transmitting the change pattern determined as a result of the previous determination and the fact that it is a normal hold.

  On the other hand, if the random number values of the obtained success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number are predetermined random numbers (S304: yes), it is determined that the generated special symbol hold is “specific hold”. The specific hold information transmission command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S308). Here, the specific hold information transmission command is a command for transmitting the change pattern determined as a result of the previous determination and the fact that the specific hold is specified. As will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the generated special symbol hold is “specific hold”, a special condition for presenting a condition to be achieved within a predetermined period to the player. Production (so-called mission production) is executed. Since this mission effect is controlled by the sub-control board 220, when a specific hold occurs, a specific hold information transmission command is output to the sub-control board 220 in order to transmit that fact. The contents of the control performed by the sub control board 220 to execute the mission effect will be described in detail later. Further, since the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the detection of the specific hold, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “specific hold detection unit” of the present invention. doing.

  As described above, when either the normal hold information transfer command or the specific hold information transfer command is output, the preliminary determination process of FIG. 11 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game start determination process of FIG.

  In the above, the processing performed when a game ball enters the start port 17 (S200: yes) and the number of special symbols held has not reached the upper limit (S202: no) has been described. If a game ball is not entered in 17 (S200: no), or if the number of special symbols held reaches the upper limit (S202: yes), special symbol success / failure determination random number, symbol determination random number, and fluctuation The acquisition of the pattern determination random number, the process of adding 1 to the special figure hold number (the process of storing the special symbol hold), and the preliminary determination process are not performed.

  When the processing related to the special symbol hold is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being played (S210). The special symbol game process to be described later is a process for starting a jackpot game, which is a special game advantageous to the player, when the special symbol is displayed in a variably displayed state and stopped with a predetermined jackpot symbol. If a big hit game is currently being played, there is no need to repeatedly start a big hit game. Therefore, when the process related to the special symbol hold is completed, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being played (S210). It is determined to start (that is, S110 in FIG. 9: yes). On the other hand, if the game is already in the big hit game (S210: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (that is, S110: no).

  As described above, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed (S110: yes), the special symbol game process described below is performed (S112). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the special symbol game process (S110: no), the special symbol game process (S112) is skipped.

C-2. Special design game processing:
12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S400). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbol can be displayed in a variable manner.

  When the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S400: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S402). In other words, for a period of time after the change display of the special symbol is finished, there is a stop display time (0.6 seconds in this embodiment) for the player to confirm which symbol the special symbol is stopped and displayed. Since it is provided, it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time. If it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the stop display time for displaying the special symbol is also elapsed (S402: no), the number of special symbols held (special It is determined whether or not the figure hold count is “0” (S404). As described above, the special figure holding number can be stored until the upper limit value “4” is reached. If the special figure hold number is “0” (S404: yes), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the number of special symbol hold is not “0” (S404: no), a process of determining whether or not a special symbol is appropriate (special symbol appropriateness determination process) is started (S406). Since the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the special symbol success / failure determination process of S406, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of the present embodiment is one aspect of the “win / fail judgment means” in the present invention. Is configured.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of special symbol success / failure determination processing. As shown in the drawing, when the special symbol success / failure determination process is started, first, the success / failure determination random number is read (S500). The randomness determination random number is acquired until the number of reserved special symbols reaches the upper limit (4) when the game ball enters the start port 17 in the special symbol game start determination process described above with reference to FIG. Is a random number. Then, in the special symbol success / failure determination process performed in the special symbol game process, the oldest / failure determination random number stored in advance is read out from the predecessor determination random numbers stored in advance.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation state (S502). If it is not in the probability variation state (S502: no), a decision table for non-probability variation is selected (S504). If there is (S502: yes), an appropriateness determination table for probability change is selected (S506). Here, the success / failure determination table is a table in which the determination result of the special symbol is determined in association with the randomness determination random number, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. Further, during the probability variation state, a dedicated flag called a probability variation flag is set to ON, and it can be determined whether or not the probability variation state is in effect based on the state of this flag. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned as a probability change flag.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a success / failure determination table used for determining whether or not a special symbol is successful in the present embodiment. FIG. 15A shows a success / failure determination table for non-probability change, and FIG. 15B shows a success / failure determination table for probability change. As shown in the drawing, in the success / failure determination table, a success / failure determination result of either “win” or “miss” is associated with the randomness determination random number. Further, as is clear from comparison between FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, the success / failure determination table for the probability change is more “hit” than the success / failure determination table for the non-probability change. Is set.

  When the success / failure determination table is selected according to the gaming state, the success / failure determination is performed using the determination result random number read in S500 and the selected table (S508). That is, referring to the selected determination table, the determination result corresponding to the value of the determination random number read in S500 is read to determine whether it is “win” or “out”. As described above, the success / failure determination table used during the probability change state referred to during the probability change state is more “hit” for a larger number of random values than the success / failure determination table used when the probability change state is not used. Therefore, during the probability change, the success / failure determination result is “hit” with a higher probability than during the non-probability change.

  When the success / failure determination is performed in this way, subsequently, the symbol determination random number acquired together with the failure determination random number and stored as a hold by entering the game ball into the starting port 17 (the symbol stored together with the failure determination random number read in S500) After reading the determined random number (S510), it is determined whether or not the determination result is “win” (S512), and the stop symbol of the special symbol is determined according to the determination result. As described above with reference to FIG. 7, as the special symbol stop symbols, six types of jackpot symbols and two types of outlier symbols are provided. Therefore, when the determination result is “win” (S512: yes), a stop symbol is determined from the six types of big hit symbols (S514). On the other hand, when the determination result is “off” ( (S512: no) A stop symbol is determined from two types of outlier symbols (S516). The determination of the stop symbol is performed by random lottery using the symbol determination random number read in S510 and a dedicated table called a symbol determination table. Here, the symbol determination table is a table in which a special symbol stop symbol is set in association with the symbol determination random number, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. Note that the determination of the out symbol does not use the symbol determination random number read in S510, but obtains the random number for determining the out symbol again at the time of determination of the out symbol (when the processing of S516 is executed). You may carry out using a random number.

  When the special symbol stop symbol (either winning symbol or missed symbol) is determined according to the result of the determination as above, the special symbol determination process in FIG. 14 is terminated and the special symbol game in FIG. Return to processing. As described above, the special symbol success / failure determination process is also performed in the pre-determination process (FIG. 11) executed when the special symbol is suspended. As a special symbol stop symbol is stored, in the special symbol success / failure determination process performed in the special symbol game process, the stored determination result and the special symbol stop symbol may be read out. .

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the special symbol game process, after returning from the special symbol success / failure determination process (S406), the process for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol (variation pattern determination process) is started (S408). . As described above, the special symbol variation pattern is a mode in which the special symbol is variably displayed, but substantially corresponds to the variation time of the special symbol. However, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol variation display performed on the symbol display device 28 and the design symbol variation 27a, 27b, 27c variation display performed on the effect display device 27 are linked to each other. Therefore, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, the time for variably displaying the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is determined. Then, the content of specific variation display (effect display) is determined by the sub-control board 220 within the range of the variation display time. This point will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the variation pattern determination process performed to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol. When the variation pattern determination process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a time saving state (S600). Here, the short-time state is a gaming state in which the variation time of the special symbol is set short. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time-short state is started after the end of the big hit game in any of the above-described “probable hit” or “normal hit”, and the next big hit game is generated or a special symbol is displayed. This is continued until the number of fluctuations reaches the upper limit of the number of working hours. Further, during the time reduction state, a dedicated flag called a time reduction flag is set to ON, and based on the state of this flag, it can be determined whether or not the state is in the time reduction state. The time reduction flag is also assigned to a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, similarly to the probability variation flag described above.

  If the time reduction flag is set to OFF and it is determined that the time reduction state is not set (S600: no), the normal time variation pattern table is selected (S602). On the other hand, when the time reduction flag is set to ON and it is determined that the gaming state is the time reduction state (S600: yes), the time reduction variation pattern table is selected (S604). Here, the variation pattern table is a dedicated table that is referred to in order to determine the variation pattern. As will be described in detail later, a plurality of variation patterns are set in advance in the variation pattern table, and correspond to the variation times of different special symbols. In addition, as described above, when the gaming state is the short-time state, since the variation time of the special symbol is set short, the short-time variation pattern table to be referred to when the gaming state is the short-time state, and the game A normal-time fluctuation pattern table to be referred to when the state is not the short-time state is provided, and an appropriate fluctuation pattern table is selected according to the gaming state. Note that these variation pattern tables are stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  When the variation pattern table is selected according to the gaming state in this way, the variation pattern determination random number is read (S606). As described above, the variation pattern determination random number is a random number used to determine the variation pattern, and is acquired together with the success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number when the game ball enters the start port 17. In the variation pattern determination process performed in the special symbol game process, the oldest stored random number is read out from the variation pattern determination random numbers stored in advance.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol determination performed in S508 (see FIG. 14) is a win (S608). If the determination result is a win (S608: yes), based on the variation pattern determination random number read in S606, referring to the variation pattern table selected according to the gaming state. Is determined (S610). On the other hand, when the result of the determination is not good (S608: no), a deviation variation pattern is determined (S612).

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a normal time variation pattern table selected when not in the time-short state. As shown in the drawing, in the normal variation pattern table, the variation pattern determination random number value and a plurality of variation patterns are divided into cases where the determination result of the special symbol is “win” or “out”. The correspondence of is set. With reference to such a variation pattern table, it is determined whether the determination result of the special symbol is “win” or “out”, and the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern determination random number read in S606 is read out. Thus, the variation pattern can be determined immediately. As an example, if the determination result of the special symbol is “winning” and the obtained variation pattern determination random number is “60”, the variation pattern is determined to be “pattern 3”.

  FIG. 17 shows a variation time of a special symbol corresponding to each variation pattern together with a plurality of variation patterns, and the variation time corresponding to each variation pattern is different. Each fluctuation pattern is associated with presence / absence of reach production in advance, and all of the win fluctuation patterns are reach production “Yes”, whereas out of fluctuation patterns are reach production “Yes”. ”And a variation pattern of reach production“ none ”. As described above, when the reach effect is performed, the variation time of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in the effect display device 27 becomes longer than when the reach effect is not performed. The variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the variation pattern is longer than the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the variation pattern of the reach effect “none”.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory view exemplifying a time-short time variation pattern table selected in the time-short state. In the short-time fluctuation pattern table, as in the normal fluctuation pattern table described above, the fluctuation pattern determination random number value and a plurality of fluctuations are determined for each of the cases where the determination result of the special symbol is “win” or “out”. Although the correspondence with the pattern is set, a variation pattern different from the normal variation pattern table is set. In addition, as described above, when the time is shortened, the variation time of the special symbol is shortened as compared with the normal time. Therefore, as is clear when comparing FIG. 17 and FIG. In the pattern table (FIG. 18), a variation pattern having a special symbol variation time shorter than that in the normal variation pattern table (FIG. 17) is set.

  As described above, when the winning variation pattern or the deviation variation pattern is determined according to the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, the variation pattern determining process in FIG. 16 is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol game process in FIG. .

  The variation pattern determination process (FIG. 16) performed at the start of symbol variation (S408 in FIG. 12) is also performed as the variation pattern determination process (S302 in FIG. 11) when the game ball enters the start port 17. Therefore, the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination process performed in S302 of FIG. 11 is the same as the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination process performed in S408 of FIG.

  Further, since the same variation pattern determination process is performed in S302 of FIG. 11 and S408 of FIG. 12, the variation pattern determined in S302 of FIG. In other words, the stored variation pattern may be read in S408 of FIG. This eliminates the need to perform the variation pattern determination process shown in FIG. 16 again in S408 of FIG. 12, thereby simplifying the process at the start of symbol variation.

  In the special symbol game process of FIG. 12, when returning from the variation pattern determination process (S408), the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 is started (S410). As described above, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment can display the eight types of special symbols shown in FIG. 7, and performs variable display by switching the display of these symbols one after another. When the special symbol fluctuation display is started, after subtracting “1” from the number of special symbols held (S412), a command (fluctuation) for designating the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol determined in the variation pattern determination process described above. After the pattern designating command is output to the sub-control board 220 (S414), a command (stop design designating command) for designating the special design stop symbol that has been determined according to the determination result is the same as the sub command. Output toward the control board 220 (S416). In addition, since the change display of the special symbol in the symbol display device 28 is controlled by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200, 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of the present embodiment is “ It constitutes an embodiment of “symbol display control means”.

  The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the special symbol variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command in this manner, and thereby the variation time of the special symbol that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the special symbol halt symbol. You can know information about. Therefore, the display mode (variable display mode of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) to be performed by the effect display device 27 is determined according to these pieces of information, and a control command for instructing the determined display mode is sent to the effect control board 230. Output toward. By doing so, various effect displays using the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are also performed on the effect display device 27 in accordance with the change display and stop display of the special symbols performed on the symbol display device 28.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command to the sub-control board 220 as described above, the special symbol game process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process shown in FIG.

  The detailed process performed in the special symbol game process when the special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S400: no in FIG. 12) has been described above. On the other hand, when the special symbol game process of FIG. 12 is started while the special symbol is changing, it is determined that the special symbol is changing in the determination of S400 performed first (S400: yes). This case corresponds to the case where the special symbol variation pattern has already been determined and the special symbol variation has started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S418). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S418: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S418: yes), a command (design stop command) indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed is output to the sub-control board 220 (S420). At the same time, the special symbol that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed at a predetermined stop symbol (S422). Next, after setting a special symbol stop display time (0.6 seconds in this embodiment) (S424), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has elapsed (S426). If the stop display time has not elapsed (S426: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S426: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that is stopped and displayed is one of the jackpot symbols shown in FIG. 7 (S428 in FIG. 13). ). If the symbol that has been stopped is a jackpot symbol (S428: yes), the jackpot flag is set to ON (S430). Here, the big hit flag is a flag indicating that the big hit game is started, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned to the big hit flag. When the value of the predetermined address is set to “1”, the big hit flag is turned ON.

  Subsequently, after outputting a command indicating that the jackpot game is started (a jackpot start command) to the sub-control board 220 (S432), it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S434). When the probability change flag is set to ON (S434: yes), it is determined that the current game state is the probability change state and the probability change function and the time reduction function (function to shorten the special symbol change time) are activated. it can. Therefore, by setting the probability variation flag to OFF (ie, changing the value of the probability variation flag from “1” to “0”), the operation of the probability variation function is stopped (S436), and the time reduction flag is also set to OFF (ie, By changing the value of the time reduction flag from “1” to “0”), the operation of the time reduction function is also stopped (S438).

  On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S434: no), it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is set to ON (S442). If the time reduction flag is set to ON (S442) (S442: yes) Since it is determined that the current gaming state is the time-saving state and the time-saving function is activated, the time-saving flag is turned OFF to stop the time-saving function (S438). Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the function (opening extension function) of extending the opening time of the start port 17 (ordinary electric accessory) also works. Therefore, when the time reduction flag is turned off and the time reduction function is stopped (S438), the opening extension flag is turned OFF to stop the opening extension function (S440), and then the special symbol game processing shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is performed. Exit and return to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, if neither the probability change flag nor the hourly flag is set to ON (S434: no, S442: no), the special symbol game process is left as it is, and the game control process is performed. Return to.

  The processing when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a jackpot symbol (S428: yes) has been described. However, when the symbol is not a jackpot symbol (S428: no), the following processing is performed. I do.

  First, it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is ON (S444). If the time reduction flag is OFF (S444: no), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is left as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the time reduction flag is ON (S444: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction (S446), it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached the time reduction upper limit number. (S448). In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in either case of “probable hit” or “normal hit”, the time-short state is started after the end of the big-hit game, and the next big-hit game is generated, or the special symbol is the upper-time limit. It is set to continue until it changes by the number of times. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the count value of the number of fluctuations during the time reduction has reached the upper limit of the time reduction (S448). If the time limit upper limit has been reached (S448: yes), the time reduction flag is turned OFF to stop the time reduction function (S438), and then the opening extension flag is also turned OFF to stop the opening extension function of the start port 17. (S440), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the upper limit of time reduction (S448: no), the special symbol game processing is performed while the time reduction state is maintained (the time reduction flag and the opening extension flag are set to ON). Exit and return to the game control process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set to ON (S114). As described above, the big hit flag is a flag that is set to ON when a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol. If the big hit flag is set to ON (S114: yes), the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts a special electric accessory game process described below (S116). On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not set to ON (S114: no), the special electric accessory game process (S116) is skipped, the process returns to the top of the game control process, and the above-described prize ball related process (S100) and thereafter Repeat a series of processes.

C-3. Special electric game game processing:
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory game process. A so-called jackpot game is performed by executing the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 19, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a so-called jackpot game will be briefly described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the big prize opening 31d is provided below the game board 10, and this special prize opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the big hit game is started, the big winning opening 31d is opened. Since the big winning opening 31d is opened larger than the other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, the game ball enters with high probability. The opened large winning opening 31d is once closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or a predetermined number of game balls enter, but is again opened when a predetermined closing time elapses. The game from the opening of the special winning opening 31d to the closing is referred to as “round game (or simply round)”. If such a round game is repeated and a predetermined number of round games (15 times in this embodiment) are consumed, the big hit game ends. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in order to execute the jackpot game described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process, first, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S700). The big winning opening 31d is closed in the normal gaming state, and therefore, the big winning opening 31d is closed immediately after the start of the big hit game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is not open (S700: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of opening of the special winning opening 31d (that is, the number of rounds) has reached a predetermined number (S702). As described above, during the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is opened, and a predetermined number of round games are repeated. In response to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S700: no), it is determined whether or not the number of times of opening (the number of rounds) of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined number (S702). .

  As a matter of course, immediately after the big hit game is started, the number of times of opening of the big prize opening 31d has not reached the predetermined number (S702: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has elapsed. (S704). The closing time of the special winning opening 31d is a time during which the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. Immediately after the big hit game is started, the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has passed (S704: yes), and the big prize opening 31d is opened. The round game is started after opening (S706). Then, after outputting a command (round number designation command) for designating to the sub-control board 220 what round game the started round game is (S708), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. Is temporarily terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball related process (S100), the special electric equipment game process (S116) again. To start. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 9 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 19 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the special game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 19 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S706 and the process is ended as it is. When the second round of processing is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S700 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S700: yes).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S710). As described above, in the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, but is closed when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or a specified number of gaming balls enter the big winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S710, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. If the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S710: yes), after closing the special winning opening 31d (S714), the special electric game game process shown in FIG. 19 is exited, and the game control of FIG. Return to processing. On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S710: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a specified number (S712). When the specified number is reached (S712: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S514). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S712: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined time, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d is also the prescribed number. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 19 is exited and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed while the special winning opening 31d is kept open.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, whether the opening time of the big prize opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S710: yes), or a prescribed number of game balls enter the big prize opening 31d A ball is formed (S712: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S714). Thus, one round game is completed. When the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S700 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S700: no), and it is determined whether or not the predetermined number of round games have ended (S702). ) If all the round games have not ended (S702: no), after confirming that the closing time of the grand prize opening 31d has elapsed (S704: yes), the grand prize opening 31d is again opened and a new one is opened. After starting the round game (S706), a round number designation command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S708). On the other hand, if it is determined in S702 that the predetermined number of round games have ended (S702: yes), the big hit flag is set to OFF to end the big hit game (S716), and then the big hit game is ended. Is output to the sub-control board 220 (S718).

  When the jackpot game is terminated as described above, it is determined whether or not the jackpot symbol that has started the jackpot game is a probable hit symbol (S720). If the symbol is a probability variation symbol (S720: yes), the probability variation flag is turned ON (S722), and the time reduction flag and the opening extension flag are turned on to activate the time reduction function and the opening extension function of the start port 17. (S724, S726), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 19 is terminated. On the other hand, when the big hit symbol is not the probability change symbol (S720: no), the time reduction flag and the opening extension flag are set to ON in order to operate the time reduction function and the opening extension function with the probability changing flag turned off. (S724, S726), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 19 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines the number of game balls to be paid out as prize balls while repeating the game control process as described above, and outputs a prize ball command to the payout control board 240, The control for advancing the game is performed while changing the gaming state to various gaming states such as a big hit gaming state, a probability variation state, a short-time state, etc. by determining whether or not the game is successful or not. As a result, the gaming machine 1 can perform the game as described above.

  Further, as described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs various control signals and control commands related to the effects of the game to the sub-control board 220 while executing the game control process shown in FIG. In the sub-control board 220, the contents of specific effects are determined based on the received control signals and control commands, and various effects are displayed using the effect display device 27, various speakers 5y and 6c, various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f. Directing. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the generated special symbol hold is “specific hold”, a special effect called a mission effect is executed. Below, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 performs a process when the special symbol is suspended due to the game ball entering the start port 17 (a production process when the suspension occurs), a special symbol performed by the symbol display device 28. In accordance with the change display and stop display, the effect display device 27 performs a process for performing the effect display of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c (symbol change effect process) and a process for performing the mission effect ( The contents of the mission effect execution process will be described.

C-4. Production process when a hold occurs:
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the on-hold occurrence effect process executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. As shown in the figure, when the on-hold occurrence production process is started, first, it is determined whether or not a hold information transmission command has been received (S800). As described above, the hold information transmission command is mainly used to transmit the determination result and the variation pattern of the determined special symbol in the pre-determination process (FIG. 11) executed when the special symbol hold occurs. This is a command output from the control board 200. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, either the normal hold information transmission command or the specific hold information transmission command is output depending on whether the generated hold is “normal hold” or “specific hold”. (See S306 and S308 in FIG. 11). If no hold information transmission command has been received (S800: no), the process stands by until any command is received.

  On the other hand, when either the normal hold information transmission command or the specific hold information transmission command is received (S800: yes), a process of adding one hold display to the effect display device 27 is performed (S802). As described above, the effect display device 27 of the present embodiment is provided with the hold display area 27e, so that the special symbol hold occurs and the hold number of the special figure hold display LED 30b is added. A hold display is added to the hold display area 27e. Therefore, when a hold information transmission command is received, one hold display is added to the hold display area 27e by outputting the control command toward the effect control board 230.

  After adding the hold display, after storing the hold information described in the hold information transmission command (that is, whether or not the special symbol is determined, the variation pattern, and whether the hold is a normal hold or a specific hold) (S804). ), It is determined whether or not the mission effect execution flag is set to ON (S806). Here, the mission effect execution flag is a flag indicating that the above-described mission effect (the effect of presenting conditions to be achieved to the player) is executed. If the mission effect execution flag is set to ON (S806: yes), it is determined that the mission effect is being executed, and the process returns to the head of the effect process when the hold occurs, and again the hold information transmission command (S800).

  On the other hand, when the mission effect execution flag is set to OFF (S806: no), it is determined whether or not the received hold information transmission command is a specific hold information transmission command (S808). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the generated special symbol hold is “specific hold”, the mission effect is set to be executed. Therefore, if a specific hold information transmission command for transmitting the occurrence of specific hold has been received (S808: yes), after setting the mission effect execution flag to ON (S810), the head of the effect processing at the time of hold occurrence Return to (S800). On the other hand, if a normal hold information transmission command has been received (S808: no), the mission effect execution flag is not set to ON, and the process returns to the head of the production process when a hold occurs, and a new hold information transmission command is issued. It is determined whether or not it has been received (S800).

C-5. Design variation effect processing:
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the symbol variation effect process executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. When starting the symbol variation effect process, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 first determines whether or not a variation pattern designation command and a stop symbol designation command have been received (S900). As described above, the variation pattern designation command is a command that designates a special symbol variation pattern (variation time), and the stop symbol designation command is a command that designates a special symbol stop symbol. Further, these commands are output from the main control board 200 when starting the special symbol variation display (S414, S416 in FIG. 12). If the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command are not received (S900: no), the effect (variation display effect) performed in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol cannot be started. Wait until a command is received.

  On the other hand, when the variation pattern designation command and stop symbol designation command are received (S900: yes), the contents of the received variation pattern designation command and stop symbol designation command are interpreted, and the special symbol corresponding to the variation display of this special symbol is displayed. It is determined whether or not the determination result (i.e., the current symbol variation) is a big hit (S902). Here, the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command indicate the variation pattern and stop symbol of the special symbol determined according to the result of the special symbol's success / failure determination, so by interpreting the contents of these commands, It can be determined whether or not the current symbol variation is a big hit. If the current symbol variation is a big hit (S902: yes), an effect display pattern for the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is determined based on the received variation pattern designation command (S904). That is, by interpreting the contents of the variation pattern designation command, the variation time of the special symbol that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 can be known, so that the effect display device 27 can be used within the range of the variation time of the special symbol. The design pattern 27a, 27b, and 27c of the design pattern 27a, 27b, and 27c is determined in detail, and the stop display mode of the design pattern 27a, 27b, and 27c is determined.

  On the other hand, if the current symbol variation is out of place (S902: no), based on the received variation pattern designation command, the design display 27a, 27b, 27c deviating effect display pattern, that is, specific The change display mode and the outage stop display mode are determined (S906).

  When the effect display patterns (specific variation display mode and stop display mode) of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are determined in this way, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 generates a control command for instructing the determined effect display pattern. Output toward the control board 230. Thereby, the variation display of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is started on the effect display device 27 (S908). Further, as described above, the special design and the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are set to have substantially the same stop display timing (timing at which the change display ends), and thus the sub-control board 220. When the CPU 221 starts the variation display of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, the CPU 221 operates a timer (variation time measurement timer) in which the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the designated variation pattern is set. The remaining variation time until the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed is counted.

  When the display of design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is started on the effect display device 27, one hold display is deleted from the hold display area 27e of the effect display device 27 by outputting a control command toward the effect control board 230. (S910), it is determined whether a symbol stop command has been received (S912). As described above, the symbol stop command is a command indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed (to end the special symbol variation display), and when the special symbol variation display time has elapsed, the main control board 200. (S420 in FIG. 12). If the symbol stop command has not been received (S912: no), it is determined that the special symbol variation display time has not elapsed, and the apparatus waits until the command is received.

  After that, when a symbol stop command is received (S912: yes), the control symbol is output to the effect control board 230, and the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in the determined stop display mode. After having been made (S914), the process returns to the top of the symbol variation effect processing, and waits until a variation pattern designation command and a stop symbol designation command are received again (S900).

C-6. Mission production execution processing:
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a flow of mission effect execution processing executed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. As shown in the figure, when the mission effect execution process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the mission effect execution flag is set to ON (S1000). As described above, the mission effect execution flag is a flag indicating that the mission effect is executed, and receives a specific hold information transmission command from the main control board 200 indicating that the special symbol hold is “specific hold”. Is set to ON (S810 in FIG. 20). Then, if the mission effect execution flag is set to OFF (S1000: no), it is determined that no specific suspension has occurred, so the process waits until the mission effect execution flag is set to ON.

  On the other hand, when the mission effect execution flag is set to ON (S1000: yes), until the special symbol variation display based on the specific suspension is completed (until the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed). Is acquired as a mission time, and the acquired mission time is set in a dedicated timer (mission time measurement timer) (S1002). In this example, by setting the mission time to the mission time measurement timer, the period until the mission time elapses (that is, until the special symbol variation display based on the specific suspension is completed) is set as the “mission period”. It is supposed to be. When acquiring the mission time, for example, when the specific hold is stored as the third hold (third hold), it is stored before the occurrence of the specific hold and the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the specific hold. In addition, the fluctuation time and stop display time (0.6 seconds in this embodiment) of the special symbol corresponding to each of the two hold (normal hold) and the remaining fluctuation display time and stop of the special symbol that is currently variably displayed The total of the display time is the mission time. As described above, when special symbol hold occurs, the hold information (whether the special symbol is judged, the variation pattern, and whether normal hold or specific hold) is transferred from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220. (S306 and S308 in FIG. 11). Therefore, it is possible to know the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to each hold based on the change pattern included in the hold information. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the special symbol and the design symbol are operated by operating a timer (variation time measuring timer) in which the variation time of the special symbol is set at the start of the variation display of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. The remaining fluctuation time until 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed can be known. In addition, the mission time which is the time until the change display of the special symbol based on the specific hold in this embodiment is completed corresponds to the “specific hold digest time” of the present invention, and until the mission time elapses. The mission period (until the variation display of the special symbol based on the specific suspension is completed) corresponds to the “specific retention period” of the present invention. Then, since the mission period is set by setting the mission time acquired by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 in the mission time measurement timer, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub control board 220 of this embodiment is the present invention. Of “specific hold digestion period setting means”.

  When the mission time is set in the mission time measurement timer, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether the determination result of the special symbol corresponding to the specific suspension is “winning” (S1004), and the determination result. A process for determining the required number of shot balls is performed according to the above. Here, the required number of fired balls is the number of game balls to be fired within the mission period until the mission time elapses (until the change display of the special symbol based on the specific hold is completed). In the machine 1, the required number of shot balls is presented to the player as a condition for achieving the mission effect.

  If the result of determining whether or not the special symbol corresponding to the specific hold is “winning” (S1004: yes), the required number of shot balls is determined within a range in which the launch can be completed within the mission period. (S1006). As an example, it is assumed that the mission time acquired in S1002 is “130 seconds”. Here, since the mission period is set by the occurrence of specific hold, the first 10 seconds is set to the time for presenting the determined requested number of balls to the player (requested number of balls to be presented). The number of game balls that have been fired (number of fired balls) is actually counted in 120 seconds from when the required firing ball number presentation time elapses until the change display of the special symbol based on the specific suspension is completed. is there. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the launch interval of the game balls that are fired when the player rotates the launch handle 8 is set to be constant, and 100 game balls are placed in one minute. Since it is fired, the maximum number of game balls that can be fired in 120 seconds is 200. Accordingly, in S1006, “190 balls”, which is smaller than the maximum number of 200 balls, can be determined as the required number of shot balls that can be fired within the mission period.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of the special symbol corresponding to the specific hold is “out” (S1004: no), the required number of shot balls that cannot be completed within the mission period is determined. (S1008). For example, when the mission time is “130 seconds” as described above, a maximum of 200 game balls are fired in 120 seconds after subtracting the required number of balls to be presented (10 seconds in this embodiment). Is possible. Therefore, if the required number of shot balls is determined to be “210 balls”, it is impossible to achieve the number of game balls fired within the mission period. Since the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 performs the process of determining the required number of shot balls, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment uses the “requested fire balls” in the present invention. This constitutes one aspect of the “number determining means”.

  As described above, when the required number of fired balls is determined in accordance with the result of determining whether or not the special symbol corresponding to the specific hold, the determined required fired ball is set in the fired ball number counter for counting the number of game balls fired. The number is set (S1010). Then, the requested display ball number is presented on the effect display device 27 by outputting a control command instructing presentation of the determined requested shot ball number to the effect control board 230 (S1012). In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 23, a special symbol based on a specific suspension as a mission effect achievement condition is provided above the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are variably displayed on the effect display device 27. The requested number of shot balls, which is the number of game balls to be fired before the change display is completed (that is, within the mission period), is presented. For example, when the specific hold is stored as the third hold (the third hold), the number of game balls to be fired before the special symbol change display based on the third hold ends (in the example shown in the figure) 190 balls) is presented. Also, when the required number of balls is presented, the remaining mission time is counted by starting the operation of the mission time measurement timer in which the mission time acquired in S1002 is set. In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the requested number of shot balls is presented in response to the occurrence of the specific hold, but is not limited to this, for example, after the specific hold occurs, the next special symbol change You may make it show a request | requirement firing ball number at the time of the start of a display. In this case, in S1002, the time from the start of the next variable symbol variable display performed after the specific hold occurs until the end of the special symbol variable display based on the specific hold is acquired as the mission time. do it. In addition, since the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 performs the process of presenting the required number of fired balls, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment is the “requested fire ball” in the present invention. It constitutes one mode of “number presentation means”.

  If the required number of fired balls is presented, it is then determined whether or not the required number of fired balls is presented (S1014). As described above, the required firing ball number presentation time is a time (10 seconds in this embodiment) set for presenting the required number of firing balls to the player, and the time has not yet elapsed. If this is the case (S1014: no), the process waits until it elapses.

  Then, when the required firing ball number presentation time has elapsed (S1014: yes), by outputting a control command toward the production control board 230, the production display device 27 has the remaining number until the requested firing ball number is reached. Display of the number of shot balls is started (S1016). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the remaining number of fired balls is displayed above the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c to be displayed in a variable manner, and the required number of shot balls is presented. Immediately after the elapse, the required number of fired balls (190 in the example shown in the figure) is displayed as the number of remaining fired balls. This display is continued until the remaining number of shot balls becomes “0” or the special symbol change display corresponding to the specific hold is ended. Here, the remaining number of fired balls is displayed on the effect display device 27, but is not limited to the effect display device 27, and is configured by, for example, a 7-segment LED separate from the effect display device 27. A display device may be installed at a position visible to the player, and the remaining number of shot balls may be displayed on the display device.

  When the display of the remaining number of shot balls up to the required number of shot balls is started, it is next determined whether or not the determination result of the special symbol corresponding to the specific hold is “winning” (S1018). If the determination result of the special symbol corresponding to the specific hold is “winning” (S1018: yes), the hit mission process described below is executed (S1020). On the other hand, if it is “off” (S1018: no), an outgoing mission process described below is executed (S1022).

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of the hit mission process performed in the mission effect execution process. As shown in the figure, in the hit mission effect, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball is fired (S1100). As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the outer rail 14 is provided with the launch ball detection switch 37 at a position corresponding to the final end of the inner rail 15. It is supplied to the sub-control board 220 (see FIG. 5). Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 can determine whether or not a game ball has been launched based on this signal. And when the launch of the game ball is not detected (S1100: no), it stands by until it is detected.

  On the other hand, when the game ball is detected to be fired (S1100: yes), a process of subtracting “1” from the fired ball number counter in which the requested number of fired balls is set in S1010 of FIG. 22 is performed (S1102). Further, since the remaining number of shot balls displayed on the effect display device 27 described above is linked with the value of the shot ball number counter, when “1” is subtracted from the number of shot balls counter, the effect control board 230 is displayed. By outputting the control command, “1” is subtracted from the remaining number of shot balls displayed on the effect display device 27 (S1104). It should be noted that the player can be notified of the number of shot balls by subtracting “1” from the remaining number of shot balls, and this processing is performed by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220. The CPU 221 mounted on the 220 in the embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “number of balls to be notified” in the present invention.

  Thus, when “1” is subtracted from the display of the number of shot balls and the remaining number of shots, it is determined whether or not the number of shot balls counter has become “0” (S1106). If it is determined that it is not yet “0” (S1106: no), the mission time measurement timer and the shot ball number counter in which the mission time is set are referred to, and within the mission period (the mission time measurement timer is It is determined whether or not it is possible to complete the launch of game balls for the required number of shot balls (until “0”) (S1108). As described above, in the processing of S1006 in FIG. 22, the number of game balls that can be fired within the mission period is determined as the required number of fire balls, but the launch of the game balls is a fixed interval (100 balls per minute). As long as the game ball is delayed due to some trouble, or if the player stops the game ball from being fired due to some trouble, the game for the required number of shots within the mission period. You may not be able to complete the ball launch. If it is determined that the required number of game balls can be fired within the mission period, that is, if the game balls are being smoothly fired (S1108: yes), the winning mission effect is achieved. Returning to the top of the screen, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been fired again (S1100). Since it is determined by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 whether or not it is possible to complete the launch of game balls for the required number of balls within the mission period, 220 in this embodiment. The CPU 221 mounted on the terminal constitutes one aspect of the “achievement determination unit” in the present invention.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not possible to complete the launch of the required number of game balls within the mission period (S1108: no), the launch can be completed within the mission period. Then, a process of correcting the required number of shot balls is performed (S1110). Specifically, as in the process of S1006 in FIG. 22, the maximum value of the number of game balls that can be fired in the remaining mission time until the special symbol variation display based on the specific hold is calculated, and the maximum value is calculated. The smaller number is determined as the required number of shot balls after correction. Since the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 performs the process of correcting the required number of fired balls, the CPU 221 mounted on the 220 in this embodiment is the “required shot ball number correcting means in the present invention. Is configured.

  Subsequently, the corrected required number of shot balls is set in the number of shot balls counter (S1112), and a control command is output toward the effect control board 230, whereby the number of remaining shot balls displayed on the effect display device 27 is displayed. Is adjusted to the required number of shot balls after correction (S1114). In addition, when adjusting the required number of shot balls after correcting the number of remaining shot balls displayed on the effect display device 27, the number of remaining shot balls may be simply subtracted from the number of remaining shot balls, or the request after correction as a so-called additional mission. After performing the effect of presenting the number of shot balls to the player again, the corrected required number of shot balls may be displayed as the remaining number of shot balls.

  As described above, the required number of shot balls is corrected, the corrected number of required shot balls is set in the shot ball number counter, and the display of the remaining number of shot balls is changed. Then, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been fired (S1100), and when a game ball is fired (S1100: yes), as described above, 1 is displayed from the display of the fired ball number counter and the remaining number of fired balls. Subtraction is performed (S1102, S1104).

  If it is determined that the number of shot balls counter has reached “0” while repeating these processes (S1106: yes), the game balls for the requested number of shot balls presented as mission achievement achievement conditions are completed. As a result, an effect (mission achievement effect) that impresses the player that the mission has been achieved is executed (S1116). Such effects are executed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 controlling the effect display device 27, the various speakers 5y and 6c, the various LEDs, the lamps 4b to 4f, and the like. Then, when the mission achievement effect is executed, the hit mission process in FIG. 25 is ended, and the process returns to the mission effect execution process in FIG.

  FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of a missed mission process performed in the mission effect execution process. Similarly to the above-described hit mission process (FIG. 25), in the miss mission process, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been fired (S1200). When the game ball is detected to be fired (S1200: yes), “1” is subtracted from the fired ball number counter (S1202), and a control command is output to the effect control board 230, thereby producing an effect. “1” is subtracted from the remaining number of shot balls displayed on the display device 27 (S1204).

  When “1” is subtracted from the display of the number of shot balls and the remaining number of shot balls, it is determined whether the mission time has elapsed with reference to the mission time measurement timer in which the mission time is set (S1206). If it is determined that the mission time has not yet elapsed (S1206: no), the process returns to the beginning of the missed mission process to determine whether or not a game ball has been fired again (S1200). In the above-described hit mission process (FIG. 25), after subtracting “1” from the display of the number of shot balls and the remaining number of shots, it is determined whether or not the number of shot balls is “0”. When it is not “0”, a process for correcting the required number of shot balls to be achieved is performed as necessary (S1106 to S1114). However, in the off mission processing, since the required number of shot balls that cannot be achieved originally is determined (S1008 in FIG. 22), it is not necessary to correct the required number of shot balls.

  If the mission time elapses while repeating the process of subtracting “1” from the display of the number of shot balls and the remaining number of shots each time a game ball is fired (S1206: yes), the mission period It has been determined that the game ball has been fired within the mission period (until the change display of the special symbol based on the specific suspension is completed) for the required number of game balls presented as the mission performance achievement condition. 26. After executing an effect (mission failure effect) to indicate to the player that the mission could not be achieved (S824), the off mission processing of FIG. 26 is terminated and the mission effect of FIG. Return to execution processing.

  In the mission effect execution process of FIG. 22, when returning from the hit mission process (FIG. 25) or the off mission process (FIG. 26), the mission effect execution flag is set to OFF (S1024), and then the process returns to the top of the mission effect execution process. The process waits until the mission effect execution flag is set to ON again (S1000).

  In the foregoing, various processes executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 to produce a game have been described. Here, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the generated special symbol hold is “specific hold”, the mission effect is executed. Then, as the achievement condition of the mission effect, the player is presented with the number of game balls (requested ball number) to be fired within the mission period (until the change display of the special symbol based on the specific suspension is completed). Thus, it is possible to effectively excite the interest of the player. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail.

  FIG. 27 is a time chart illustrating a state in which a mission effect is performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. In the illustrated example, when a specific hold occurs, there are already two special symbol holds, and the specific hold is stored as a third hold (third hold). The time until the end of the change display of the special symbol (and design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) corresponding to the third hold is acquired as the mission time, and the period until this mission time elapses is the mission period. Is set. Specifically, the remaining fluctuation time of the special symbol that was being variably displayed when the specific hold occurred, and the stop display time of the off symbol (in this example, 0.6 seconds uniformly), the first hold and the first hold The mission time is the sum of the change time of the special symbol corresponding to each of the two holds and the stop display time of the off symbol and the change time of the special symbol corresponding to the third hold (specific hold). Note that, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the special symbol is suspended, the variation pattern of the special symbol corresponding to the suspension is determined. Therefore, based on the determined variation pattern, The change time of the special symbol corresponding to the hold can be known. In addition, by operating a timer (variation time measurement timer) in which the variation time of the special symbol is set at the start of the variation display of the design symbol 27a, 27b, 27c, the remaining of the special symbol and the design symbol 27a, 27b, 27c The change time can be known. Therefore, it is possible to calculate an accurate mission time when a specific hold occurs.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, with the occurrence of specific suspension, the required number of shot balls is presented to the player as the achievement condition of the mission effect, and the time required for displaying the required number of shot balls (this implementation) When 10 seconds in the example elapses, counting of the number of shot balls is started. FIG. 27A shows a case where the determination result of the special symbol corresponding to the specific hold is “winning”. As described above, when the result of determining whether or not the special symbol corresponding to the specific suspension is “winning”, the required number of fired balls that can complete the launch within the mission period is determined. For example, when the maximum number of game balls that can be fired after the required firing ball number presentation time elapses and before the special symbol variation display based on the specific hold is completed is 200, the number is smaller than that. 190 balls "is determined as the required number of shot balls. Therefore, if the player continues to fire the game ball, the requested fire ball is displayed before the change display of the special symbol (and the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) corresponding to the specific hold ends (that is, within the mission period). The game ball can be fired for several minutes, and the mission achievement effect is executed. Thereafter, the special symbols and design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed as hit symbols, and a big hit game advantageous to the player is started.

  On the other hand, FIG. 27B shows a case where the determination result of the special symbol corresponding to the specific suspension is “out”. As described above, when the determination result of the special symbol corresponding to the specific hold is “off”, unlike the case of “winning”, the number of requested firing balls that cannot be fired within the mission period is It has come to be decided. For example, when the maximum number of game balls that can be fired after the request firing ball number presentation time elapses and before the change display of the special symbol based on the specific suspension is completed is 200, it is more than that. 210 balls "is determined as the required number of shot balls. Therefore, even if the player continues to fire game balls after the required number of shot balls to be presented, before the game balls are fired for the required number of shot balls, the special symbols and design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c comes off and is stopped and displayed as a symbol (that is, the mission period ends), and a mission failure effect is executed.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the specific hold occurs, the variation display of the special symbol (and the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) corresponding to the specific hold is completed (that is, the mission period). The required number of shot balls, which is the number of game balls to be fired in (1), is presented to the player as a mission performance achievement condition. Then, after the required number of shot balls is presented, the player achieves the mission when the player has fired the game balls and the launch of the required number of game balls is completed within the mission period. In this way, the player's game ball launch operation (operation of the launch handle 8) over a plurality of variations of special symbols is directly related to the achievement condition (number of shot balls) presented to the player. Therefore, it is possible to give the player a sense of accomplishing the mission. And by performing such a new mission effect, it becomes possible to effectively enhance the interest of the player.

  In addition, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a special symbol is reserved, a variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol corresponding to the suspension is determined in advance. Therefore, it is possible to accurately grasp the mission time, which is the time until the change display of the special symbol based on the specific hold is completed, by reading the change pattern corresponding to the specific hold and each hold generated before that . Whether or not it is the required number of launch balls that can be fired within the mission period until the mission time elapses (whether or not the mission can be achieved) is actually a special symbol corresponding to the specific suspension Although determined in advance according to the determination result (win or miss), for the player, if the launch of the game balls for the required number of required balls can be completed within the mission period, the winning symbol will be determined by the achievement of the mission. If the display is stopped and, on the contrary, it cannot be completed within the mission period, it seems that the symbol is removed and displayed due to the failure of the mission. In other words, it can be impressed to the player that the success or failure of the mission is not predetermined, so that it is possible to further enhance the player's interest after the required number of balls to be fired is presented Become.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the determination result of the special symbol corresponding to the specific hold is “winning”, it confirms the firing state of the gaming ball after presenting the required number of firing balls. Whether or not the launch of the required number of game balls can be completed until the change display of the special symbols (and design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) corresponding to the specific suspension is completed (that is, within the mission period). When it is determined that it cannot be completed, it is corrected to the required number of shot balls that can be completed within the mission period. For this reason, even if the game ball is delayed due to some trouble, it is possible to reliably lead to the achievement of the mission, and it is possible to strongly impress the player that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed by the achievement of the mission. It becomes.

  Furthermore, by presenting the requested number of balls to the player as a condition for achieving the mission effect, the player can achieve the mission even if the number of reserved special symbols has reached the upper limit (four). The game ball will continue to fire. For this reason, it is possible to effectively prevent so-called stop hitting (the player stops firing the game ball until the reserved number is consumed). As a result, it is possible to maintain and improve the operating rate of the gaming machine during the mission effect as an effect in the game hall.

D. Modified example:
D-1. First modification:
In the embodiment described above, when a special symbol hold occurs (when a game ball enters the start port 17), a variation pattern (variation time) of the special symbol corresponding to the hold is determined in advance. Thus, the time (mission time) until the display of the variation of the special symbol based on the specific suspension is accurately calculated. However, it is not always necessary to determine the fluctuation pattern when a hold occurs. For example, if a specific hold occurs, the accurate mission time can be changed by switching the change pattern table referenced when determining the change pattern to a special change pattern table. May be calculated. Below, the 1st modification which employ | adopted the structure which switches to a special fluctuation pattern table at the time of generation | occurrence | production of specific pending | holding is demonstrated.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the flow of the prior determination process executed in the gaming machine 1 of the first modification. Similarly to the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 11), in the pre-determination process of the first modified example, when the process starts, first, a special symbol success / failure determination process is performed (S1300). That is, based on the success / failure determination random number acquired by entering the game ball into the start port 17, it is determined whether it is “winning” or “off” while referring to the determination table.

  Following the special symbol success / failure determination process, it is determined whether or not the specific hold flag is set to ON (S1302). Here, the specific hold flag is a flag indicating that “specific hold” is included in the currently stored special symbols. When the specific hold flag is set to ON, that is, when the specific hold already exists (S1302), the newly generated special symbol hold is determined to be “normal hold” A normal hold information transmission command for transmitting the occurrence of normal hold is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S1304). Thereafter, the preliminary determination process of FIG. 28 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game start determination process shown in FIG. In the above-described embodiment, the variation pattern determination random number is acquired together with the success / failure determination random number by entering the game ball into the start port 17 (S204 in FIG. 10), and the special symbol success / failure determination process is performed in the prior determination process in FIG. When finished, a variation pattern determination process was performed. However, in the first modified example, when a game ball enters the start opening, the variation pattern determination random number is not acquired, and therefore the variation pattern determination processing is not performed in the prior determination processing of FIG. .

  On the other hand, when the specific hold flag is set to OFF, that is, when there is no specific hold in the currently stored special symbol hold (S1302: no), subsequently, the game ball to the start port 17 It is determined whether or not the random number value of the success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number acquired at the time of entering the ball is a predetermined random number value (S1306). If these random numbers are not the predetermined random numbers (S1306: no), it is determined that the newly generated special symbol hold is “normal hold”, and the normal hold information transmission command is After the output to the control board 220 (S1304), the preliminary determination process of FIG. 28 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game start determination process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the random number values of the obtained success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number are respectively predetermined random numbers (S1306: yes), it is determined that the newly generated special symbol hold is “specific hold”. Then, the specific hold flag is set to ON (S1308), and the current special symbol hold number including the generated specific hold is set in a dedicated counter called a special variation counter (S1310). As will be described later, in the gaming machine 1 of the first modified example, when the variation pattern of the special symbol corresponding to the specific hold is determined, the specific hold flag is set to OFF. Therefore, the number of special symbols held when the specific hold flag is set to ON is set in the special variation counter, and every time the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, “1” is subtracted from the special variation counter. The timing for setting the specific hold flag to OFF is set.

  When the specific hold flag is set to ON and the special variation counter is set in this way, a specific hold information transmission command for transmitting the occurrence of the specific hold is output to the sub-control board 220 (S1312), and then, as shown in FIG. The preliminary determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game start determination process shown in FIG. The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 that has received the specific hold information transmission command executes the process related to the setting of the mission effect execution flag in the hold occurrence effect process shown in FIG. 20, and the mission effect execution flag is OFF. If it is, processing for setting the flag to ON is performed (S806 to S810 in FIG. 20).

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the flow of the variation pattern determination process executed in the gaming machine 1 of the first modified example. As shown in the drawing, in the variation pattern determination process of the first modification, first, it is determined whether or not the specific hold flag is set to ON (S1400). As described above, the specific hold flag is a flag indicating that “specific hold” is included in the currently stored special symbol hold. If the specific hold flag is set to ON (S1400: yes), the special variation pattern table is selected as the variation pattern table to be referred to when determining the variation pattern of the special symbol (S1402).

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a special variation pattern table used in the gaming machine 1 of the first modification. Similarly to the normal variation pattern table (FIG. 17) and the short-time variation pattern table (FIG. 18) described above, the special variation pattern table includes cases where the determination result of the special symbol is “win” and “out”. The correspondence relationship between the random value of the variation pattern determination random number and a plurality of variation patterns is set. However, as shown in FIG. 30, the variation times corresponding to each of the plurality of variation patterns set in the special variation pattern table are all unified to “30 seconds”.

  On the other hand, if the specific hold flag is set to OFF (S1400: no), it is then determined whether or not the current gaming state is a time-short state (S1404), and if not in the time-short state (S1404). : No), the normal time fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 17 is selected (S1406). If the time-short state is in effect (S1404: yes), the time-short time fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 18 is selected (S1408). When an appropriate variation pattern table is selected according to the state of the specific hold flag (ON / OFF) and the current game state, a variation pattern determination random number used to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol is acquired (S1410). . In the embodiment described above, the variation pattern determination random number is acquired together with the success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number when the game ball enters the start port 17 (S204 in FIG. 10), but in the first modification example, The variation pattern determining random number is not acquired when the game ball enters the start port 17 but is acquired when the variation display of the special symbol (and the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) is started.

  When the fluctuation pattern determination random number is acquired, it is determined whether or not the result of the determination of whether or not the special symbol is performed (S406 in FIG. 12, FIG. 14) is successful (S1412). When the determination result is a win (S1412: yes), the winning variation pattern is determined based on the obtained variation pattern determination random number while referring to the variation pattern table selected previously (S1414). On the other hand, if the determination result is not correct (S1412: no), a deviation variation pattern is determined (S1416). As described above, in the variation pattern table, the correspondence between the variation pattern determination random number value and a plurality of variation patterns is set, and by reading the variation pattern corresponding to the acquired variation pattern determination random number, the variation pattern Can be determined. And even when the special variation pattern table shown in FIG. 30 is selected, a different variation pattern is determined according to the acquired variation pattern determination random number, but any variation pattern is determined. The fluctuation time is set to 30 seconds. Since the process of determining the variation time when starting the variation display of the special symbol is executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of the first modification example. Constitutes one aspect of the “variable time determining means” of the present invention.

  When the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined in this way, it is determined whether or not the specific hold flag is set to ON (S1418). This variation pattern determination process is ended, and the process returns to the special symbol game process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the specific hold flag is set to ON (S1418: yes), after subtracting “1” from the special variation counter (S1420), it is determined whether or not the special variation counter has become “0”. (S1422). As described above, the special variation counter is a counter in which the number of special symbols held when the specific hold flag is set to ON (when specific hold occurs) is set. When the special fluctuation counter is “0” (S1422: yes), the special symbol fluctuation pattern corresponding to the specific hold has been determined. (S1424), the variation pattern determination process of FIG. 29 is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if the special variation counter is not “0” (S1422: no), the variation pattern determination process in FIG. Return to the special symbol game process shown.

  FIG. 31 is a time chart illustrating a state in which the mission period is set based on the occurrence of the specific hold in the gaming machine 1 of the first modified example. In the illustrated example, when a specific hold occurs, there are already three special symbol holds, and the specific hold is stored as a fourth hold (fourth hold). Then, the time until the change display of the special symbol (and design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) corresponding to the fourth hold is acquired as the mission time, and the period until this mission time elapses is the mission period. Is set.

  As described above, the remaining variation time of the special symbol (and design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) that is variably displayed at the time of occurrence of the specific hold is displayed by variably displaying the timer (variation time measurement timer) in which the variation time is set. It can be known by operating at the start. The stop display time of the special symbols (and design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) is set to a certain time (0.6 seconds). In addition to this, in the gaming machine 1 of the first modified example, when a specific suspension occurs, the special variation pattern table is selected as the variation pattern table to be referred to when determining the variation pattern of the special symbol. It is continued until the variation pattern of the special symbol corresponding to the specific suspension is determined. And since the variation time associated with each variation pattern set in this special variation pattern table is 30 seconds, in the example shown in FIG. 31, from the first suspension to the fourth suspension. The variation time of the special symbol corresponding to each is uniformly 30 seconds. Therefore, when the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the specific hold information transmission command, the change time (30 seconds × the number of holds) of the special symbols (and the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c) corresponding to the number of holds existing at that time. ) And stop display time (0.6 seconds x number of holds) (that is, 30.6 seconds x number of holds), and when a specific hold information transmission command is received, a special symbol (and design symbol) 27a, 27b, 27c), when the variable display is being performed, the remaining variable time is added to the above total value, so that the exact mission time (the change in the special symbol based on the specific reservation) at the time when the specific reservation occurs Time until the display is finished). In other words, the specific symbol variation pattern corresponding to each hold is actually determined when the special symbol variation display is started, but the exact mission time (specific hold) The time until the change display of the special symbol based on is completed. Then, by setting the mission time acquired in this way in the mission time measurement timer (see S1002 in FIG. 22), the mission period until the mission time elapses is set.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the first modified example, when a specific hold occurs, the variation pattern table that is referred to when determining the variation pattern of the special symbol thereafter is uniformly displayed as the variation time of the special symbol. This is switched to a predetermined special variation pattern table, so that the variation pattern of the special symbol does not have to be determined in advance when each hold occurs, and is executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. Accurate mission time can be acquired without greatly changing the basic program for game control. In other words, in many gaming machines, the special symbol variation pattern is determined when the special symbol variation display is started. There is a need to. However, if the change pattern table is switched by the occurrence of a specific hold, the change of the special symbol corresponding to each hold can be determined even if the change pattern of the special symbol is determined at the start of the special symbol change display based on each hold. Since the time can be specified in advance when the specific suspension occurs, the change of the program accompanying the acquisition of the mission time can be minimized. As a result, it is possible to easily realize a new mission effect by presenting the player with the number of game balls to be fired within the mission period until the acquired mission time elapses (the number of requested fire balls). .

D-2. Second modification:
In the first modification described above, when a specific hold occurs, based on the number of holds of the current special symbol including the specific hold and the variation time set uniformly for each variation pattern in the special variation pattern table, The mission time (time until the end of the change display of special symbols based on specific hold) was acquired. However, if a specific hold occurs, a predetermined time may be set as the mission time regardless of the number of special symbols held. Below, the 2nd modification which employ | adopted such a structure is demonstrated.

  In the above-described embodiment and the first modification, two types of “probable variation” and “ordinary variation” are provided as the hit patterns of the special symbol. In the second modification, in addition to these, “2R probability variation per” is provided. "And" small hits "are provided. Here, the 2R probability variation is a probability variation function (a special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol after a big hit game in which the opening operation of the door 31e with the big winning opening 31d opened for a moment is repeated twice). This is a hit mode in which only a function of setting a high probability of operation is activated. In addition, as in the case of 2R probability variation, small hit is a small hit game in which the opening / closing door 31e is opened twice for the moment when the large winning opening 31d is open, but the probability variation function is not activated. It is. These winning modes are determined on the basis of the determination random number and the symbol determination random number acquired when the game ball enters the start port 17 in the special symbol determination determination process (see FIG. 14).

  In the second modified example, this occurs when the result of the determination of the success / failure in the pre-determination process executed when the special symbol is suspended is either “2R probability variation hit” or “small hit”. It is determined that the hold is “specific hold”, and the specific hold flag is set to ON and the specific hold information transmission command is output toward the sub-control board 220 as in the first modification described above. (See FIG. 28). In the second modified example, a hold where the result of the determination in the pre-determination process is either “2R probability variation hit” or “small hit” is called “specific hit hold”.

  Also in the variation pattern determination process of the second modified example, as in the first modified example (see FIG. 29), when the specific hold flag is set to ON, the special variation pattern table is selected. Thus, the variation pattern is determined. FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a special variation pattern table used in the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example. As shown in the figure, in the special variation pattern table of the second modified example, unlike the special variation pattern table of the first modified example (FIG. 30) described above, Correspondences with a plurality of variation patterns are set, and different variation times are set according to the variation patterns. By referring to such a special variation pattern table, it is possible to determine the variation pattern (and variation time) according to the number of reservations at the time of occurrence of the reservation per specific regardless of the acquired variation pattern determination random number. And by appropriately setting the fluctuation time corresponding to each fluctuation pattern in advance, the fluctuation display of the special symbol based on the special per-hold is completed regardless of the number of hold when the specific per-hold holds The time until mission (mission time) can be made constant. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail.

  FIG. 33 is a time chart illustrating a state in which a mission effect is performed in the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example. First, in the example shown in FIG. 33A, there is no hold when a specific hit is generated, and the specific hold is stored as the first hold. In the second modified example, the time from the start of the special symbol variation display that is newly started after the specific per-hold hold is generated to the end of the special symbol variation display based on the specific per-hold hold is acquired as the mission time. It is like that. Therefore, in FIG. 33 (a), the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the first hold (hold per specific) is the mission time. Then, referring to the special variation pattern table shown in FIG. 32, when the number of holds at the time of occurrence of a specific per-hold is “0”, the variation pattern is determined as “pattern 61”, and the corresponding variation time Is set to “120 seconds”. Therefore, a mission period with a mission time of “120 seconds” is set.

  In addition, as described above, the specific modification hold in the second modified example is a hold in which the result of the determination of whether or not the special symbol is “2R probability variation hit” or “small hit” is set, and the mission period is set as the required number of shot balls. The number of game balls that can be fired is presented. Therefore, by continuing to release the game ball by the player, it is possible to achieve the release of the game ball for the required number of shot balls within the mission period (before the change display of the special symbol based on the hold per specific end). Yes, the mission achievement effect is executed. After that, the special symbol and the design symbol 27a, 27b, 27c are stopped and displayed as a hit symbol (2R probability variation hit symbol or small hit symbol), and the opening / closing door 31e is opened twice for the momentary opening 31d. While being repeated, an effect is made that gives an impression that the special mode is advantageous to the player.

  Next, in the example shown in FIG. 33 (b), there is one hold when a specific hit is generated, and the specific hold is stored as a second hold. Accordingly, the mission time is the sum of the variation time and stop display time of the special symbol corresponding to the first hold and the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the second hold (specific per-hold). Referring to the special variation pattern table in FIG. 32, when the number of holds at the time of occurrence of a specific per-hold is “1”, it is set to either “pattern 62” or “pattern 71” depending on the determination result of the special symbol. The special symbol variation time is set to “59.7 seconds”. Further, since the stop display time is uniformly set to “0.6 seconds”, “120 seconds”, which is the sum of these, is the mission time, and the mission period of “120 seconds” is set.

  In the example shown in FIG. 33 (c), there are two holds when the specific hit is generated, and the specific hold is stored as the third hold. In this case, the mission time is the sum of the variation time for three special symbols and the stop display time for two times (0.6 seconds). Referring to the special variation pattern table of FIG. 32, the variation time of the special symbol is “39.6 seconds” (pattern 63 or pattern 72) when the number of suspensions at the time of occurrence of the retention per specific is “2”. Therefore, the total time is “120 seconds”, and a mission period with a mission time of “120 seconds” is set as in FIGS. 33 (a) and 33 (b).

  In the example shown in FIG. 33 (d), there are three holds when the specific hit is generated, and the specific hold is stored as the fourth hold. Therefore, the total of the variation time for four special symbols and the stop display time for three times (0.6 seconds) is the mission time. Referring to the special variation pattern table of FIG. 32, the special symbol variation time is “29.6 seconds” (pattern 64 or pattern 73) when the number of reservations at the time of occurrence of specific reservations is “3”. The total time is “120 seconds”, and the mission period of “120 seconds” is also set.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example, when a specific hit is generated, the variation pattern table referred to when determining the variation pattern of the special symbol is switched to the special variation pattern table. The special design based on the specific per-hold is established by appropriately setting the fluctuation time corresponding to each fluctuation pattern set in the special fluctuation pattern table in advance according to the number of holds when the specific per-hold occurs. It is possible to make the time (mission time) until the change display of is complete. Therefore, it is not necessary to calculate the mission time by reading the number of holds, etc. when a specific per-hold is generated, and it is sufficient to acquire a predetermined time (120 seconds in the second modification) as the mission time. Can be simplified.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example, when a hold (a specific hit is held) whose pre-failure determination result is “2R probability variation hit” or “small hit” occurs, a requested launch that can be launched within the mission time. A special mode effect is executed after the number of balls is presented to the player and a special symbol that is variably displayed based on the specific per-hold is stopped and displayed. For this reason, the special mode is started when the number of game balls as many as the required number of requested balls is presented, and a new mission effect for notifying the start of the special mode can be realized. As a result, it is possible to effectively excite the player's interest when “2R probability variation hit” or “small hit” occurs.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example, the opening operation of the open / close door 31e that makes the large winning opening 31d open for a moment is repeated twice for both “2R probability variation hit” and “small hit”. However, in the case of “2R probability variation hit”, the probability variation function operates, whereas in the case of “small hit”, the probability variation function does not operate. However, in the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example, the same special mode effect is executed in both cases of “2R probability variation hit” and “small hit”, and in addition to this, the special mode Since the mission period during which the mission effect is performed as the notice effect of the start is fixed (the mission time is the same), the same number of game balls should be presented as the required number of required launch balls within the mission time. For example, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to determine whether it is “2R probability variation hit” or “small hit”.

  As described above, various embodiments of the present invention have been described. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the firing ball detection switch 37 is provided at a position corresponding to the final end of the inner rail 15 of the outer rail 14 so as to detect the gaming ball launched toward the gaming area 11. It was. However, the position for detecting the launch ball is not limited to this position. For example, by providing the shot ball detection switch 37 at a portion through which the shot ball from the game ball launch position to the final end of the inner rail 15 passes, the game ball that has not reached the game area 11 is also detected. You may make it do. Further, as shown in FIG. 34, a game ball passing gate 38 is provided at a position called “bump” at the upper left of the effect display device 27, and a game ball detection switch provided inside the game ball passing gate 38. The shot ball may be detected by 38s. Since a player usually launches a game ball aiming at a “bump” in order to efficiently enter the starting port 17, if a game ball passing gate 38 is provided at this position, The game ball launched toward the region 11 can be detected almost accurately. In this way, since the sub-control board 220 is generally installed at the rear (back side) of the effect display device 27, the game ball detection switch 38s and the sub-control board 220 are easily connected. be able to. Furthermore, it is good also as a structure which calculates the number of discharge balls by adding the number of discharge balls detected at the out port 48, and the number of balls detected by the start port 17 grade | etc.,.

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, the time until the change display of the special symbol (and the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c) based on the specific hold is acquired as the mission time, and until this mission time elapses. The number of game balls to be fired during the mission period is stopped by the player as the required number of shot balls. However, the mission time may be a time until a predetermined time point before the end of the special symbol variation display based on the specific suspension, for example, until the special symbol variation display based on the specific suspension is started. It is good also as acquiring time as mission time. Even in this case, the special symbol (and design) that is variably displayed based on the specific hold depending on whether or not the required number of game balls can be launched within the mission period until the mission time elapses. Since it is possible to give an impression to the player so that the symbol 27a, 27b, 27c) is determined to be stopped or displayed as a winning symbol or a missing symbol, it is possible to effectively excite the player's interest.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when the determination result is “hit”, each time a game ball is detected to be fired, the number of game balls to be fired is displayed within the mission period. When it is determined whether or not it can be completed, and when it is determined that it cannot be completed, the required number of shot balls is corrected to the number of shot balls that can be completed. However, whether or not the launch can be completed is determined at least once between the start of counting the number of shot balls and the end of the mission period (until the mission time elapses). Well, not necessarily every time a game ball is fired. For example, the determination may be made when a predetermined time has elapsed since the counting of the number of shot balls is started or when a predetermined number of balls (for example, every 20 balls) is fired. In addition, when correcting the number of requested launch balls presented, it is not necessary to recalculate the number of launch balls that can be fired in the remaining mission time until the special symbol variation display based on the specific hold is completed. When a predetermined ratio (for example, 50%) is subtracted from the number of requested firing balls presented, or when the remaining mission time is a prescribed time (for example, 5 seconds), the number of requested firing balls presented is determined in advance. The required number of fired balls may be corrected by changing the number of fired balls (for example, 5).

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the effect display apparatus mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol is variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control processing which CPU mounted in the main control board performs in order to control progress of a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol game start judgment process performed in order to judge whether the special symbol game process is started. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the prior determination process performed in the special symbol game start determination process. It is the flowchart which showed a part of special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the special symbol success / failure determination processing. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the success / failure determination table used for the determination of the success / failure of the special symbol of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the variation pattern determination process performed in order to determine the variation pattern of a special symbol. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the normal time fluctuation pattern table selected when it is not a time-short state. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the time change pattern table selected when it is a time reduction state. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special electric accessory game process performed in a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the production | generation process at the time of the holding | maintenance generation which CPU of a sub control board | substrate performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the symbol fluctuation effect process which CPU of a sub control board performs. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the mission effect execution process which CPU of a sub control board performs. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that a request | requirement firing ball number is shown in an effect display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the remaining number of shot balls until it reaches | attains a request | requirement number of shot balls is displayed on an effect display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the hit mission process performed in a mission effect execution process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the deviating mission process performed in a mission effect execution process. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is a time chart showing a state in which a mission effect is performed by presenting the required number of shot balls. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the prior determination process performed with the game machine of a 1st modification. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the fluctuation pattern determination process performed with the game machine of a 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the special variation pattern table used with the game machine of a 1st modification. It is a time chart which illustrated a situation where a mission period was set up based on generation of specific reservation in a gaming machine of the 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the special variation pattern table used with the game machine of a 2nd modification. It is the time chart which showed a mode that a mission effect is performed in the game machine of a 2nd modification. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of the game board which provided the game ball passage gate in the upper left of the effect display apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Machine machine 17 ... Starting port,
27 ... Production display device, 28 ... Symbol display device,
37 ... Launch ball detection switch,
200 ... main control board,
221... CPU (random number acquisition means, success / failure determination means, symbol display control means, hold storage means, specific hold detection means, prior determination means, variable time prior determination means, variable time determination means),
220 ... Sub-control board,
221... CPU (specific reserved digestion period setting means, requested firing ball number determining means, requested firing ball number presenting means, firing ball number notifying means, achievement availability judging means, requested firing ball number correcting means)

Claims (5)

A ball ball game in which a game ball is fired on a game board surface provided with a symbol display device capable of variably displaying symbols and a start port for starting the variation display of the symbol upon entering a game ball. In the machine
When a game ball enters the start opening, determination random number acquisition means for acquiring a determination random number used for lottery,
When the symbol starts to be displayed on the symbol display device, whether or not to determine whether or not the symbol is determined based on the determination random number;
When the symbol is not displayed on the symbol display device at the time of entering the starting port, after the symbol variation display is started, the winning symbol or the missed symbol is determined according to the determination result by the determination unit. A symbol display control means for performing control to stop and display the symbol in any one of
When the symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the symbol display device at the time of entering the starting port, when the symbol enters the starting port in order to start a new variation display after the symbol is stopped and displayed. A hold storage means for storing the obtained determination random number as a hold;
When the determination random number is stored as the hold, a pre-determination unit that performs a determination of whether or not the hold is performed before the determination by the determination unit is performed.
Specific hold detection means for detecting occurrence of specific hold by determining whether or not the determination random number stored as the hold is a predetermined random number value;
When the occurrence of the specific hold is detected, a specific hold digest period setting unit that sets a period until the change display of the symbol based on the specific hold starts or ends as a specific hold digest period,
When the specific reserved digestion period is set, the required number of fired balls is determined based on the determination result by the prior determination means to determine the required number of game balls to be fired within the specific reserved digestion period. Means,
Requested ball number presentation means for presenting to the player the number of requested balls to be fired within the specific reserved digestion period;
Launch that informs the player of the number of game balls fired within the specified hold digestion period before the symbol of the symbol display device is stopped and displayed at the winning symbol or the off symbol based on the specified hold A ball game machine comprising: a ball number notification means. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
When the determination random number is stored as the hold in the hold storage unit, the variable random time determination unit for determining in advance the change time of the symbol based on the hold,
The specific hold digestion period setting means, when the occurrence of the specific hold is detected by the specific hold detection means, the change determined by the change time prior determination means for each hold stored by the hold storage means Based on the time, obtain the specific pending digestion time until the display of the change of the symbol based on the specific suspension starts or ends, and set the period until the specific suspended digestion time elapses as the specific suspended digestion period And
The required firing ball number determining means includes:
When the result of the determination by the prior determination means is a win, it is possible to fire within the specific reserved digestion period based on a predetermined number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and the specific reserved digestion time. The number of game balls is determined as the required number of fired balls,
If the determination result by the prior determination means is out of the range, it is possible to fire within the specific reserved digestion period based on the predetermined number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and the specific reserved digestion time. A bullet ball game machine characterized in that an impossible number of game balls is determined as the required number of shot balls. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
When the symbol starts changing display on the symbol display device, the variation time of the symbol is determined, and if it is in the specific pending digestion period, a predetermined fixed time is determined as the variation time With time determination means,
When the specific hold detection means detects the occurrence of the specific hold, the specific hold digestion period setting means determines the number of holds stored in the hold storage means and the change time by the change time determination means. Based on the fixed time determined as follows, obtaining a specific pending digestion time until the display of the variation of the symbol based on the specific suspension starts or ends, and a period until the specific suspended digestion time elapses Set as the specific pending digestion period,
The required firing ball number determining means includes:
When the result of the determination by the prior determination means is a win, it is possible to fire within the specific reserved digestion period based on a predetermined number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and the specific reserved digestion time. The number of game balls is determined as the required number of fired balls,
If the determination result by the prior determination means is out of the range, it is possible to fire within the specific reserved digestion period based on the predetermined number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and the specific reserved digestion time. A bullet ball game machine characterized in that an impossible number of game balls is determined as the required number of shot balls. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
When the symbol starts changing display in the symbol display device, comprising a variation time determining means for determining the variation time of the symbol,
The specific on-hold digestion period setting means acquires a predetermined specific on-hold digest time when the occurrence of the specific on-hold is detected by the specific on-hold detection means, and the predetermined specific on-hold digest time has elapsed. Set the period until the specific suspended digestion period,
The variation time determining means, when the symbol starts variable display during the specific reserved digestion period, the number of the suspension stored at the time of setting the specific reserved digestion period and the certain specific reserved digestion time Based on the above, the variation time of the symbol is determined,
The required firing ball number determining means includes:
When the result of the determination by the prior determination means is a win, the game is fired within the specific reserved digestion period based on a predetermined number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and the predetermined specific reserved digestion time. The number of game balls that can be
If the result of the determination by the prior determination means is out of the range, the predetermined number of game balls that can be fired per unit time and the predetermined specific reserved digestion time are fired within the specific reserved digestion period. A number of game balls that cannot be determined as the required number of shot balls. In the bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
If the determination result by the pre-determination means is successful, the number of game balls fired after the presentation of the required number of fired balls, the elapsed time required to fire the game balls of the number of game balls, Achievability determination means for determining whether or not the firing of the required number of balls can be completed within the specific reserved digestion period based on the remaining time until the specific reserved digestion period ends;
When it is determined by the achievement determination unit that the firing of the required number of balls cannot be completed within the specified on-hold digestion period, the required number of shot balls correcting unit that performs a correction to reduce the number of required balls to be fired. A ball game machine characterized by comprising:

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