JP5166913B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  A ball that fires a game ball on a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances, and when a game ball enters one of the entrances, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls. Amusement machines are widespread today. This ball game machine is provided with a special entrance called a grand prize opening, which is closed under normal conditions so that a game ball cannot enter it. When the above condition is satisfied, the game is opened, and a big hit state where the game ball can easily enter the ball is achieved.

  During the big hit, the game balls that have been launched enter the big prize gate one after another, and the game balls are paid out one after another accordingly, so the number of game balls used by the player (so-called possessed balls) increases. . On the other hand, since the big hit does not occur easily, the player's ball will gradually decrease until the big hit occurs. For this reason, in a ball game machine, a game is usually performed while increasing / decreasing the holding ball, such that the holding ball decreases until a big hit occurs, and the holding ball increases when a big hit occurs.

  On the other hand, jackpots may occur continuously. This state is called “renso” and increases when the ball is viewed. For this reason, the greatest pleasure for a player is to generate a recreational resort. In response to these problems, various techniques have been proposed aiming at allowing the player to further enjoy the recreational resort. For example, a technique for providing a special gaming state that can predict the occurrence of a recreation area (Patent Document 1), a technique for providing an additional privilege according to the occurrence of a recreation area (Patent Document 2), and actually In spite of the fact that they are not immediately connected, a technique has been proposed (Patent Document 3) that tries to make an illusion as if the player was connected immediately.

JP-A-2005-185711 JP 2007-007020 A JP 2007-267960 A

  However, in spite of the various techniques for enjoying the recreational villas in this way, there has actually been a problem that it has yet to impress the player with the real pleasure of recreational villas. It was. Accordingly, there has been a strong demand for providing a technique that can impress the player with the real pleasure of Renso and greatly inspire the game.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of conventional ball game machines, and it is possible to strongly impress a player with the real pleasure of a villa and greatly arouse interest in games. The purpose is to provide a ball game machine.

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,
In a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward the game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances,
It is configured to be switchable between an open state in which a game ball can be entered and a closed state in which the game ball cannot be entered, and a large winning opening which is the entrance that is normally closed,
Lottery means for performing a lottery when a predetermined condition is established during the game;
When the result of the lottery is a win, a big hit game execution means for executing a big hit game by repeating a predetermined number of round games in which the big winning opening is opened and then closed.
As the execution mode of the jackpot game, the execution mode storage means stores a plurality of execution modes that have the same number of repetitions of the round game but differ in the time required to end the jackpot game;
Prior to execution of the jackpot game, the execution mode of the jackpot game executed by the jackpot game execution means is selected by selecting one execution mode from the plurality of execution modes stored in the execution mode storage means. Execution mode determining means for determining
Probability changing means for setting the winning probability in the lottery performed by the lottery means after the end of the jackpot game as a predetermined high probability higher than the normal probability ;
It is configured to be switchable between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a normal state in which the game ball is less likely to enter than the open state, and when the game ball enters, the lottery means performs the lottery. A starting opening which is the entrance,
Start port opening means for opening the start port for a predetermined time when a specific condition is established during a game;
For a predetermined period after the end of the jackpot game, an opening time extending means for extending the opening time of the start opening; and
A game ball payout means for paying out a predetermined number of game balls when a game ball enters the big prize opening;
With
The lottery means comprises a hit mode determining means for determining whether or not to operate the probability varying means after the jackpot game generated by the hit when the lottery result is a win. ,
The jackpot game execution means executes the jackpot game by repeating the operation of closing the jackpot when the number of game balls paid out during the opening of the jackpot reaches a predetermined upper limit. And
The execution mode storage means stores a plurality of execution modes having the same upper limit number and different numbers of game balls to be paid out for one pitch to the big winning opening,
The execution mode determining means may determine whether or not the big hit game is a big hit game that causes the probability varying means to operate , or as a result of the lottery performed during the operation of the opening time extending means. When started, the execution mode of the jackpot game is determined to be a predetermined execution mode that shortens the time required for the jackpot game ,
As an execution mode for shortening the time required for the big hit game, it is determined that the number of game balls to be paid out for one ball entering the big prize opening is an execution mode larger than the normal number of game balls. And

In such a ball game machine of the present invention, there is provided a start opening configured to be switchable between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a normal state in which the game ball is less likely to enter than in the open state. When a game ball enters the starting port, a lottery is performed. When the result of the lottery is a win, the big hit game is performed by repeating a plurality of round games. In addition, when a specific condition is satisfied during the game, the starting port is opened for a predetermined time, and the opening time of the starting port is extended for a predetermined period after the big hit game ends. Furthermore, when the result of the lottery is a win, it is also determined whether or not the probability of winning in the lottery is set to a high probability after the end of the big hit game generated by the win. In addition, a plurality of modes are stored as the execution mode of the jackpot game. In these execution modes, the number of repetitions of the round game is the same, but the time required until the big hit game ends is different. Furthermore, in the jackpot game, when a game ball enters the big prize opening, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. When the number of game balls paid out reaches a predetermined upper limit number, a round game that closes the big prize opening is performed. Play a big hit game by repeating. Then, if it is determined that the probability of winning in the lottery is high after the jackpot game ends, the jackpot game is executed in such a manner that the time required for the jackpot game is shortened. . Alternatively, even when the lottery is performed while the opening time of the start port is extended and the big hit game is started, the big hit game is executed in a manner that the time required for the big hit game is shortened. As a big hit game in which the time required for the big hit game is shortened, the big hit game is an execution mode in which the number of game balls to be paid out for one ball entering the big prize opening is larger than the normal number of game balls. I do.

If the probability of winning in the lottery is set to a high probability, the possibility of a consecutive resort increases, so the player's interest goes to whether or not a consecutive resort is possible rather than the jackpot game itself. He wants to know if he can finish the game early and see if he can play a villa. Therefore, when the jackpot game is started, if the probability of winning in the lottery is set to a high probability after the jackpot game is ended, the jackpot game is shortened in such a manner that the time required for the jackpot game is shortened. By doing this, it is possible to respond to the player's psychology of wanting to know quickly whether or not a recreational resort is possible. Similarly, when a jackpot game is generated during the period when the opening time of the start opening is extended, the player feels that a kind of extended game state continues, and he / she feels that Interest will come to how many times can be extended. For this reason, even if a big hit game is started when the opening time of the start port is extended, whether or not a consecutive hit can be made by performing a big hit game in such a manner that the time required for the big hit game is shortened It is possible to respond to the psychology of the player who wants to know quickly. Therefore, in these cases, the number of game balls to be paid out for entering the big prize opening is made larger than the normal number of game balls, so that the big hit game can be completed in a short time, and By making it a villa, it is possible to impress the player with the real pleasure of the recreational villa, and it is possible to greatly inspire the fun of the game.

  Further, in the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention, the following may be performed. There is a start opening that can be switched between an open state in which game balls can enter and a normal state in which game balls are less likely to enter than in the open state. To be done. In addition, when a specific condition is satisfied during the game, the starting port is opened for a predetermined time, and the opening time of the starting port is extended for a predetermined period after the big hit game ends. Then, when the lottery is performed while the opening time of the start port is extended and the jackpot game is started, the jackpot game may be executed in a manner that the time required for the jackpot game is shortened.

  The opening time of the start opening is extended for a predetermined period after the big hit game is finished. If the opening time of the start opening is extended, the possibility of occurrence of a big hit is increased. Therefore, even if a big hit game is generated during the period when the opening time of the start opening is extended, the player feels that a kind of extended game state continues, and rather than the generated big hit game, There is a growing interest in how many times it can be extended. For this reason, even if a big hit game is started when the opening time of the start port is extended, whether or not a consecutive hit can be made by performing a big hit game in such a manner that the time required for the big hit game is shortened As a result, if you finish a big hit game in a short time and start a retreat, you will be able to impress the player with the real pleasure of reenso. Become.

  Further, in the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention, the following may be performed. That is, a plurality of execution modes having different times for maintaining the closed state of the big winning opening during the big hit game (the big winning opening closing time) are stored. Then, when the big hit game is performed in a manner that shortens the time required for the big hit game, the big hit game may be executed in a mode in which the big winning opening closing time is short.

  If the player wants to finish the jackpot game as soon as possible, the closing time of the big winning opening during which the big winning opening is closed during the jackpot game feels very frustrating. Therefore, if the big hit game is performed in a mode in which the big winning opening closing time is short, the big hit game can be quickly ended without making the player feel frustrated. And if it is a rengo, it is possible to impress the player with the real pleasure of the renso.

  Further, in the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention, the following may be performed. Prior to the start of the jackpot game, a start notification effect for notifying the start of the jackpot game is performed, and a plurality of modes having different times required for the start notification effect are stored. Then, when the big hit game is performed in such a manner that the time required for the big hit game is shortened, the big hit game may be executed after the start notification effect of the short time aspect is performed.

  If the player wants to finish the big hit game early, the start notification effect before the big hit game also feels frustrating. Therefore, if the start notification effect that ends in a short time is performed, the big hit game can be ended quickly without making the player feel frustrated. And if it is a rengo, it is possible to impress the player with the real pleasure of the renso.

  Alternatively, in the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention, the following may be performed. At the end of the big hit game, an end notification effect for notifying that the big hit game ends is performed, and a plurality of modes with different times required for the end notification effect are stored. Then, when the big hit game is performed in such a manner that the time required for the big hit game is shortened, the big hit game may be executed after performing the end notification effect of the short time aspect.

  If the player wants to end the jackpot game early, the end notification effect performed at the end of the jackpot game also feels frustrating. Therefore, by performing an end notification effect that ends in a short time, it is possible to quickly end the big hit game, and if it is a consecutive resort, it is possible to impress the player with the real pleasure of the consecutive resort Become.

  Furthermore, in the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention, the following may be performed. First, when a game ball enters the big prize opening, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. A game shall be performed. In addition, a plurality of execution modes with different numbers of game balls to be paid out for entering into the big winning opening are stored. When a big hit game is performed in a manner that shortens the time required for the big hit game, the number of game balls to be paid out for the ball entered into the big prize opening is larger than the normal number of game balls. A game may be executed.

  If a special winning opening is closed when a predetermined maximum number of gaming balls are paid out, the larger number of gaming balls to be paid out for entering the big winning entry will end the big hit game in a short time. Can do. Therefore, if the player wants to finish the big hit game as soon as possible, the number of game balls to be paid out for the entrance to the big prize opening will be larger than the normal number of game balls. The jackpot game can be terminated promptly. And if it is a rengo, it is possible to impress the player with the real pleasure of the renso.

In addition, while actually continuing the villa, even if the probability of winning in the lottery is not set to a high probability, the lottery result will be displayed while the opening time of the start port is extended. Players usually play games with the expectation that they can win consecutive games. In view of such points, the ball game machine of the present invention can be grasped in the following manner. That is,
In a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward the game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances,
A starting opening that is configured to be able to switch between an opening state in which a game ball can enter and a normal state in which the game ball is less likely to enter the opening state;
Start port opening means for opening the start port for a predetermined time when a specific condition is established during a game;
It is configured to be switchable between an open state in which a game ball can be entered and a closed state in which the game ball cannot be entered, and a large winning opening which is the entrance that is normally closed,
Lottery means for performing lottery when a game ball enters the start opening;
When the result of the lottery is a win, a big hit game execution means for executing a big hit game by repeating a predetermined number of round games in which the big winning opening is opened and then closed.
As the execution mode of the jackpot game, the execution mode storage means stores a plurality of execution modes that have the same number of repetitions of the round game but differ in the time required to end the jackpot game;
Prior to execution of the jackpot game, the execution mode of the jackpot game executed by the jackpot game execution means is selected by selecting one execution mode from the plurality of execution modes stored in the execution mode storage means. Execution mode determining means for determining
An opening time extending means for extending the opening time of the start opening for a predetermined period after the end of the jackpot game,
When the big hit game is started as a result of the lottery performed during the operation of the opening time extending means, the execution mode determining means sets the execution mode of the big hit game as a time required for the big hit game. It can also be grasped as a ball game machine characterized by determining a predetermined execution mode to be shortened.

  Even with such a ball and ball game machine, it is possible to respond to the player's psychology of wanting to know whether or not it is possible to quickly reach a villa. It is possible to impress the player with the real pleasure of Renso.

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. Overview of control:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Special design game processing:
C-2-1. Second special symbol related processing:
C-2-2. First special symbol related processing:
C-2-3. Big hit mode setting process:
C-3. Special electric game game processing:

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 so that 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 launcher unit 12 (see FIG. 6). 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. 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 operation switches SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side of the upper plate 5. The player can intervene in the progress of the game by pressing these operation switches SW1 and SW2 to select a character or a game condition 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 plate part 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.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, a variable winning device 18 is provided in a lower portion of the gaming area 11, and between the central device 26 and the variable winning device 18. A starting port unit 17 is provided. As will be described later, the starting port unit 17 is configured by combining two starting ports up and down, and the first starting port 17a provided on the upper side is a stationary entrance and is provided on the lower side. The second starting port 17b is a so-called tulip type entrance that is configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. The detailed configuration of the start port unit 17 will be described later with reference to another drawing.

  A fluctuation display device 27 is provided in the approximate center of the central device 26. The fluctuation display device 27 is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, and can change and display various effect symbols such as design symbols and background symbols. Various symbols displayed on the screen of the variable display device 27 will be described later.

  A first symbol display device 28 is provided diagonally to the left of the variable display device 27, and a second symbol display device 32 is provided diagonally to the right of the variable display device 27. Among them, the first symbol display device 28 provided at the lower left of the variable display device 27 can display the normal symbol and the first special symbol in a variable stop state. The provided second symbol display device 32 can variably display the second special symbol. Detailed configurations of the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32 will be described later.

  A normal symbol operation left gate 36 and a normal symbol operation right gate 37 are provided on the left and right sides of the game area 11, and gate switches 36s and 37s for detecting the passage of the game ball are provided inside these gates. Each is provided. Further, lamp wind turbines 24 and 25 are provided between the left and right normal symbol operation gates 36 and 37 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  In the variable winning device 18 provided below the central device 26, a large winning device 31 is provided substantially in the center. This special prize winning device 31 (special electric accessory) is a large prize opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing member 31e for opening / closing the special prize opening 31d, and a special prize opening solenoid 31m that operates the opening / closing member 31e. (Refer to FIG. 6). When a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied, the special winning device 31 starts operating, the special winning opening solenoid 31m opens the opening / closing member 31e, and the special winning opening 31d is opened. As a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability, and the big hit gaming state, which is a gaming state advantageous to the player, is started. In addition, a big winning opening switch 31s is provided inside the big winning opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big winning opening 31d. An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, and a back ball preventing 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 first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32 mounted in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3A shows the first symbol display device 28, and FIG. 3B shows the second symbol display device 32. First, the configuration of the first symbol display device 28 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the first 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 12 LEDs, 3 LEDs normally constitute the symbol display unit 29, and the remaining 9 LEDs constitute the first 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). The first special symbol display unit 30 includes seven LEDs for displaying the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as the first special symbol LED 30a) and the number of reserved first symbols (hereinafter referred to as the first special symbol). It is composed of two LEDs (hereinafter referred to as a first special figure hold display LED 30b) for displaying a figure hold number. The manner in which the first symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment displays the normal symbol, the first special symbol, and further, the first special symbol reservation number using these 12 LEDs will be described later.

  The 2nd symbol display apparatus 32 shown in FIG.3 (b) becomes a structure which removed the normal symbol display part 29 with respect to the 1st symbol display apparatus 28 mentioned above. That is, the second symbol display device 32 is provided with a second special symbol display unit 33 composed of nine LEDs, and the seven LEDs provided in the approximate center of the second symbol display unit 33 display the second special symbol. LED for displaying (hereinafter referred to as second special symbol LED 33a), and the remaining two LEDs for displaying the number of reserved special symbols (hereinafter referred to as second special symbol reserved number). LED (hereinafter referred to as second special figure hold display LED 33b). The display contents of the second symbol display device 32 will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen configuration of the variable display device 27 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the variable display device 27 is mainly configured by using a liquid crystal display screen, and on the liquid crystal screen, three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c and a background symbol 27d of the background are displayed. ing. Among these, three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed with the first special symbol or the second special symbol variably displayed on the first special symbol display unit 30 or the second special symbol display unit 33 shown in FIG. Depending on the situation, it can be displayed in a variety of ways to produce a game.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the start port unit 17 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As described above, the start port unit 17 is provided with the first start port 17a and the second start port 17b, and the first start port 17a provided on the upper side is a fixed (pocket type) entrance ball. The second starting port 17b provided on the lower side is an opening / closing (tulip type) entrance with a pair of wing pieces 17w. The pair of wing pieces 17w can take two states, a substantially upright normal state (see FIG. 5A) and an open state rotated outward (see FIG. 5B). is there. As shown in FIG. 5A, in a normal state where the wing piece 17w is almost upright, the game ball cannot enter the second start port 17b, but only enters the first start port 17a. However, when the pair of wing pieces 17w are opened to the outside, the game ball can enter the second start port 17b. As shown in FIG. 5B, in the opened state, the second starting port 17b is easier to enter the game ball than the first starting port 17a.

  In addition, the game balls that have entered the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b are guided to the back side of the game board 10 through passages provided in the respective start ports. A first start port switch 17s is provided in the middle of the passage inside the first start port 17a, and a second start port switch 17t is provided in the middle of the passage inside the second start port 17b. The game balls that have entered the start port 17a or the second start port 17b are detected by the first start port switch 17s or the second start port switch 17t, respectively.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and the like. The main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub-control board 220 that controls the effect of the game using the design symbols, lamps and sound effects, and the variable display device 27 under the control of the sub-control board 220 The effect control board 230 that performs the specific control of the game, the payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out the rented or winning balls, the launch control board 260 that controls the game ball, and the like. . 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. Further, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 6, only the CPU 201, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, and the CPU 241 mounted on the payout control board 240 mounted on the main control board 200 are illustrated.

  As shown in the figure, the main control board 200 receives game ball detection signals from the first start port switch 17s, the second start port switch 17t, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switches 36s and 37s, and the like. After determining whether or not it is related to the basic progression and winning balls, commands for instructing various operations are output to the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. In addition, the main control board 200 has a start opening solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided in the second start opening 17b of the start opening unit 17 and a big prize for opening and closing the big prize opening 31d. The mouth solenoid 31m, and further, the first symbol display device 28, the second symbol display device 32, and the like are connected via a relay terminal plate. These solenoids 17m and 31m, the first symbol display device 28, and the second These operations are also controlled by outputting signals toward the symbol display device 32.

  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 performs display control of the above-described variable display device 27, or the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, and various decorative LEDs. A game effect is performed by outputting a drive signal to the decorative drive board 226 that drives the lamp.

  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, this signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 242 to the ball lending device 13 via the relay terminal board. Is done. 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.

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 launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes either the normal symbol operation left gate 36 or the normal symbol operation right gate 37 provided on the left and right of the game area 11, the first symbol display provided on the lower left side of the variable display device 27 is displayed. In the device 28, the normal symbol variation display is started. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the symbol display unit 28 is provided with the normal symbol display unit 29, and the normal symbol display unit 29 is mounted with the normal symbol LED 29a and the universal symbol hold display LED 29b. Of these, the normal symbol LED 29a is used to display the variation of the normal symbol.

  FIG. 7A 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. Then, after repeating blinking for a predetermined time, when the normal symbol LED 29a stops in a lighting state, it becomes a hit of the normal symbol, and the second start port 17b (starting below the start port unit 17 is started). The mouth) is open for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). On the contrary, when it stops in the light-off state, it is out of the normal design and the second start port 17b does not open. Further, when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation left gate 36 or the normal symbol operation right gate 37 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of this game ball is stored as the number of reservations, and the current normal symbol variation is stored. After the display is finished, the variable display is performed. 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. 7B is an explanatory view 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 first 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. 3A, the first symbol display device 28 is provided with the first special symbol display unit 30, and the first special symbol (first symbol) can be variably displayed. It has become. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, the second special symbol display unit 33 provided in the second symbol display device 32 can display the second special symbol (second symbol) in a variable manner. Of these, the first special symbol corresponds to the first start port 17a, the second special symbol corresponds to the second start port 17b, and the first special symbol or the second special symbol corresponds to the corresponding start port. When a game ball enters, the change display is started. As described above with reference to FIG. 5, when the second start port 17b is not open (normal state), the game ball does not enter the second start port 17b, so the second start port 17b is closed. In this state, the game ball mainly enters the first start port 17a and the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. Conversely, when the second start port 17b is in the open state, the game ball is moved to the first start port. Since it is easier to enter the second starting port 17b than 17a, the second special symbol is mainly variably displayed. Further, as described above, the first special symbol display unit 30 and the second special symbol display unit 33 have the same configuration, and accordingly, the first special symbol and the second special symbol change in the same manner. Display.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a stop display mode of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Since the first special symbol and the second special symbol have the same variation mode and stop display mode, they are simply referred to as special symbols without distinction between the two. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, each of the first special symbol display unit 30 and the second special symbol display unit 33 is composed of seven LEDs, and the special symbols are displayed by lighting them. As shown in FIG. 8, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, six special symbol stop display modes are provided, and a specific lighting state is set for each stop display mode. As shown in the drawing, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the stop display modes of six kinds of special symbols are roughly classified into three symbols. First, the stop display mode of the two special symbols shown in the upper part of the figure corresponds to the “normal jackpot symbol”, and the stop display mode of the two special symbols shown in the middle part corresponds to the “probable big hit symbol”. . Further, the stop display modes of the two special symbols shown in the lower part correspond to “disconnected symbols”. In the first special symbol display unit 30 and the second special symbol display unit 33, each of the seven LEDs (the first special symbol LED 30a and the second special symbol LED 33a) blinks for a predetermined time to display the variation of the special symbol. When a predetermined time elapses, the display is stopped according to any stop display mode. When either of the “normal jackpot symbol” or the “probability big hit symbol” (so-called jackpot symbol) is stopped and displayed, the jackpot 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 opened is repeated a plurality of times.

  Further, when the special symbol that has been variably displayed is stopped and displayed with the probability variation big hit symbol shown in the middle of FIG. 8, until a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, until the next big hit game is generated or special The probability that the special symbol is a big hit symbol is displayed with a high probability (a so-called probability variation state, or simply a probability variation state). .

  In addition, even if a game ball has entered the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b, it is not possible to immediately start the variable display with the corresponding special symbol (for example, any special symbol is variable) In the case of being in the middle or in the case of a big hit game, etc.), the second starting port is entered into the first starting port 17a as the holding number of the first special symbol (the first special figure holding number). The entry into 17b is stored as the number of reserved special symbols (the number of second special figure reserved). The first special figure hold number is displayed by the first special figure hold display LED 30b, and the second special figure hold number is displayed by the second special figure hold display LED 33b. The manner in which the number of special symbols held using the first special figure hold display LED 30b or the second special figure hold display LED 33b is displayed is exactly the same as that of the general figure hold display LED 29b shown in FIG. The description is omitted here.

  In accordance with the change display and stop display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol described above, the change display device 27 performs various effects using the effect symbols. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the variable display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three design symbols 27 a, 27 b, and 27 c are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen constituting the variable display device 27. When the special symbol variation display is started in either the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 described above, these three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are simultaneously displayed on the variation display device 27. Start the variable display. In the present embodiment, a design is prepared by designing nine numbers from “1” to “9” as a design.

  FIG. 9A conceptually shows how 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 of the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the variable display device 27 is a special symbol (first special symbol) that is stopped and displayed on the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 described above. Or it is comprised so that it may interlock | cooperate with the stop display aspect of a 2nd special symbol. For example, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol stops at the big hit symbol, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the variable display device 27 are stopped and displayed at the same symbol. In particular, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol stops at the above-mentioned probability variation big hit symbol, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the variable display device 27 are stopped and displayed at the same symbol representing an odd number. . In addition, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is out of place and stops at the symbol, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in an arbitrary combination that does not align with the same symbol.

  As described above, the special symbols displayed on the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 and the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the variable display device 27 correspond to each other. When the changing first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed, the three design symbols 27a, 27b and 27c are also stopped and displayed. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the variable display device 27 is provided at a position that is more visible than the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32, and the display screen is large and the display contents can be understood. Since it is easy, a player usually plays a game while looking at the screen of the variable display device 27. Therefore, when the left design symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the variable display device 27 and the right design symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, the stop design is finally displayed. The player pays attention to the change in the design so that the medium design design 27b may stop at the same design and enter a so-called jackpot gaming state. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last design with the two design symbols stopped at the same design is called a reach effect, and it is possible to enhance the player's interest by performing the reach effect. It has become.

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. 10 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 second start opening return process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric equipment 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 (S50). In such processing, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, the switches related to the winning of the game ball (the first start port switch 17s, the second start port switch 17t, the big prize port switch 31s, etc.) It is detected whether or not a game ball has entered. 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 according to the result, a drive signal is sent to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device (not shown). Is outputted to actually pay out the winning ball.

  When a game ball enters the big winning opening 31d during the big hit game, an operation of paying out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the number of game balls entered is under the control of the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. This is executed by the CPU 241 of the payout control board 240. Accordingly, the CPU 241 mounted on the payout control board 240 of this embodiment corresponds to the “game ball payout means” in the present invention.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the process related to the prize ball (S50), 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 ( S100). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the second start port 17b is being opened. If the second start port 17b is not open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the second start port 17b is open, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed ( S100: no). When it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the normal symbol game process (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is skipped.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), 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 when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gates 36 and 37, and in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the reserved number is set to “4”. Then, based on the determination result of the normal symbol, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed with the winning symbol (see FIG. 7C) or to be stopped with any other off symbol. Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. In addition, the normal symbol variation display time is set to a shorter time when the time reduction function described later is operating. When the fluctuation display time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. At this time, when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the start opening solenoid 17m is operated to The second starter port 17b is opened by rotating the pair of blade pieces 17w provided at the second starter port 17b outward.

  It should be noted that when the second start port 17b is in the open state, the game ball can enter relatively easily, but in the normal state, it is more difficult to enter the ball than in the open state. Accordingly, the second start port 17b of the present embodiment corresponds to the “start port” in the present invention. The operation of opening the second start port 17b when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a symbol is performed while the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 executes the above-described normal symbol game process. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to “starting port opening means” in the present invention.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the second start port 17b is open (S190). If it is open (S190: yes), a process for returning the second start port 17b from the open state to the normal state (second start port return process) is performed (S200). On the other hand, if the second start port 17b is not open (S190: no), the second start port return process does not need to be performed and is skipped.

  In the second start port return process (S200), when any of the following conditions is satisfied, that is, the opening time of the second start port 17b has elapsed, or a prescribed number of games are stored in the second start port 17b. When any of the conditions for entering the ball is satisfied, a process of returning the opened second start port 17b to the normal state is performed. The opening time of the second start port 17b is set to about 0.5 seconds in a normal gaming state, but about 5 seconds (when the number of times of opening is 1) when the opening time extension function described later is activated. 1 is extended to about 5 seconds, or when the number of times of opening is plural, the total of the plural opening times is extended to about 5 seconds). On the other hand, when the opening time of the second start port 17b has not elapsed and the number of balls entering the second start port 17b has not reached the specified number, the second start port 17b is left open. 2 The start port return process (S200) is terminated.

  In the game control process, when returning from the second start port return process, the process related to the special symbol is started. In this process, after determining 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. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (special symbol game start determination processing) performed to determine whether or not to start special symbol game processing. In determining whether or not to start the special symbol game process, it is first determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first start port 17a (S252). As described above, the first start port 17a for detecting the entrance of a game ball is provided inside the first start port 17a, and it can be detected that a game ball has entered.

  When the game ball has entered the first start port 17a (S252: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols has reached the upper limit (“4” in this embodiment). (S254). As described above with reference to FIG. 3A, the number of first special symbol reservations (first special figure reservation number) is displayed when the first special symbol display LED 30 b is lit on the first special symbol display unit 30. Has been. If the number of reserved special symbols does not reach the upper limit value (S254: no), the main control board obtains a randomness determination random number for the first special symbol and a symbol determination random number for the first special symbol. The data is stored in the 200 RAM 203. Here, the success / failure determination random number of the first special symbol is a random number used for determining whether or not the first special symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. The symbol determination random number of the first special symbol is a random number for determining the first special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 30 according to the determination result of the first special symbol.

  As described above, when the number of reserved first special symbols has not reached the upper limit “4” (S254: no), various random numbers for the first special symbol are acquired and stored in the RAM 203 (S256). “1” is added to the number of reserved special symbols (S258). On the other hand, when the number of reserved first symbol symbols has reached the upper limit “4” (S254: yes), various random numbers for the first special symbol are not acquired.

  On the other hand, when the game ball has not entered the first start port 17a (S252: no), the number of the first special symbol hold (the first 1 If the special figure hold number) has reached the upper limit value “4” (S254: yes), it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second start port 17b (S262). In addition, when a game ball has entered the first start port 17a and the number of reserved special symbols has not reached the upper limit “4” (S254: no), the first special symbol is used. Are obtained and stored in the RAM 203 (S256), and after adding "1" to the number of reserved first symbols (S258), whether or not a game ball has entered the second start port 17b. Is determined (S262). If a game ball has entered the second start port 17b (S262: yes), whether or not the number of second special symbols held (second special figure holding number) has reached the upper limit “4”. (S264: no), if the randomness determination random number for the second special symbol and the symbol determination random number are obtained and stored in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 (S264: no) S266), “1” is added to the number of reserved special symbols (the number of second special figure reserved) (S268).

  If it is determined that no game ball has entered the second start port 17b (S262: no), or a game ball has entered the second start port 17b, but the second special symbol is reserved. When it is determined that the number has reached the upper limit value “4” (S264: yes), the process of acquiring and storing various random numbers for the second special symbol and the number of reserved special symbols “1” are set to “1”. ”Is skipped, and it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (S270). The special symbol game process to be described later is a process for starting the big hit game when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is variably displayed and a predetermined winning symbol is stopped and displayed in any special 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 holding of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is finished, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being played (S270). If the big hit game is not being given (S270: no) ), It is determined to start a special symbol game process described later (that is, S250: yes). On the other hand, if the game is already in the big hit game (S270: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (that is, S250: no).

  As described above, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed (S250: yes), the special symbol game process described below is performed (S300). On the other hand, if it is determined not to perform the special symbol game process (S250: no), the special symbol game process (S300) is skipped.

C-2. Special design game processing:
12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process of this embodiment. When the special symbol game process of the first embodiment is started, first, it is determined whether either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing (S302). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the first symbol display device 28 and the second symbol display device 32, and the first symbol display device 28 has the first special symbol. Variation display is possible, and the second symbol display device 32 allows variation display of the second special symbol.

  When neither the first special symbol nor the second special symbol is changing (S302: no), it is during the time for displaying the first special symbol or the second special symbol as a stop symbol (the special symbol stop display time). Whether or not (S304). That is, for both the first special symbol and the second special symbol, the stop display time is provided as the confirmation time for the symbol that has been stopped for a while after the change display of the special symbol is finished. It is judged whether it is during the display time. When it is confirmed that the first special symbol and the second special symbol are not variably displayed and the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S304: no), the number of reserved second special symbols (first It is determined whether or not (2 special figure hold count) is “0” (S306). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, two special symbols, the first special symbol and the second special symbol, are provided and the number of holdings corresponding to each is provided. Confirm the number of second special symbols held (second special figure number). If the number of second special symbol hold is not “0”, in other words, if there is a hold (S306: no), whether or not to determine the random number and symbol determination for the second special symbol stored in the RAM 203 The random number stored at the earliest timing is read from the random numbers (S308), and the second special symbol-related process described later is started (S310).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the second special figure hold number is “0” (S306: yes), it is determined whether the first special figure hold number is “0” (S326), and When the suspension is left (S326: no), the random number stored at the earliest timing is read out from the first special symbol determination random number and symbol determination random number stored in the RAM 203 ( S328), first special symbol related processing described later is started (S330). As described above, the first special figure reservation number is determined only when the second special figure reservation number is “0”, so whether or not the second special symbol reservation is left is determined. While it remains, the success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number for the second special symbol are read, and the first special symbol-related process is not performed.

C-2-1. Second special symbol related processing:
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second special symbol related process. As described above, this process is a process that is started after the success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number for the second special symbol are read in the special symbol game process. As shown in the drawing, when the second special symbol related process (S310) is started, first, a determination as to whether or not the second special symbol is true is made (S312).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for determining whether or not the second special symbol is correct (second special symbol determination processing). As shown in the drawing, when the second special symbol success / failure determination process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S3120). Here, the probability variation flag is a flag indicating whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation state, and a predetermined address in the RAM 203 of the main control board 200 is set as a data area for setting the probability variation flag. As will be described later, when the big hit game is generated with the above-mentioned “probability change big hit symbol”, after the big hit game is finished, the probability change flag is set to the ON state, and the game state becomes the probability change state. If the probability variation flag is ON (S3120: yes), the probability determination table for probability variation is selected (S3122). If the probability variation flag is not ON (S3120: no), the probability determination table for non-probability variation is selected. (S3124). Here, the success / failure determination table is a table in which the determination result of the special symbol is determined in association with the random determination random number of the special symbol, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are provided, and the randomness determination random number is stored for each of them. The same table is used for any success / failure random number of the second special symbol. Correspondingly, in this specification, the success / failure determination table of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is simply referred to as a special symbol's success / failure determination table.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the special symbol determination table stored in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 16A shows a non-probability change determination table, and FIG. 16B shows a probability change determination table. As shown in the drawing, in the success / failure determination table, a success / failure determination result of “win” or “out” is set in association with the random determination random number of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. Further, as is clear from a comparison between FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, the probability change success / failure determination table shown in FIG. 16B is used for the non-probability change shown in FIG. “Win” determination result is set to a larger number of random numbers than the determination table.

  In the second special symbol success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 15, when the corresponding determination table is selected according to whether or not the current gaming state is being probabilistically changed, the special symbol game processing is read first. Based on the randomness determination random number for the second special symbol, it is determined whether the determination result of the second special symbol is “winning” by referring to the selected probability variation or non-probability variation determination table. (S3126). As described above, the success / failure determination table for probability change that is referred to in the probability variation state is more or less a success / failure determination for the number of success / failure determination random numbers than the failure determination table for non-probability variation that is referred to when not in the probability variation state. Since the result is set, the success / failure determination result of “hit” is generated during probability change with higher probability than during non-probability change.

  If it is determined that the determination result of the second special symbol is a winning combination (S3126: yes), a process for determining a big winning symbol is performed with reference to the winning symbol table (S3128). Here, the winning symbol table is a table that is referred to in order to determine the big hit symbol, and the “normal big hit symbol” or “probability big hit symbol” shown in FIG. 8 is associated with the symbol determining random number. , Stored in the ROM 202 in advance. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 refers to the winning symbol table stored in the ROM 202 and reads the symbol associated with the symbol determining random number for the second special symbol, thereby determining the big winning symbol. Do. Here, the symbol determination random number for the second special symbol is a random number read together with the success / failure determination random number for the second special symbol during the special symbol game process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the special symbol is not successful (S3126: no), the out symbol is determined with reference to the out symbol table (S3130). Here, the off symbol table is a table that is referred to in order to determine the off symbol, and is stored in the ROM 202 in advance. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the out symbol by reading the symbol associated with the symbol determination random number for the second special symbol with reference to the out symbol table stored in the ROM 202. Process. Thus, when the big hit symbol or the off symbol of the second special symbol is determined according to the result of the special symbol success / failure determination, the second special symbol success / failure determination processing shown in FIG. 15 is terminated, and the second special symbol of FIG. Return to symbol-related processing.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the second special symbol game process, after returning from the second special symbol success / failure determination process, a process of setting a variation pattern of the second special symbol is performed (S314). Here, the variation pattern of the second special symbol is as follows. As described above, in the second symbol display device 32, when the variation display of the second special symbol is started, after the variation display is performed for the set variation time, the stop display is performed with the predetermined jackpot symbol or the off symbol. Is done. In addition, in accordance with the variation display of the second special symbol, the variation display device 27 performs various effects while variably displaying the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c, and the second special symbol is stopped and displayed. The variation of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is stopped and displayed, and the symbols corresponding to the stopped symbols of the second special figure are stopped and displayed. That is, the contents of various effects performed using the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the variation display device 27 depend on the stop symbol and variation time of the second special diagram. Therefore, when the second special symbol stop symbol is determined in the second special symbol determination process described above with reference to FIG. 15, subsequently, the time (variation time) for variably displaying the second special symbol is determined. It is necessary to keep. The variation pattern of the second special symbol is a pattern representing a variation display time during which the second special symbol is variably displayed. The variable display time is determined based on various conditions such as the determination result of the second special figure, the state of the time-short flag, which will be described later, and the number of second special figure hold.

  When the variation pattern of the second special symbol is set (S314), the variation display of the second special symbol is started (S316), and then the second special symbol hold displayed by using the second special symbol hold display LED 33b. A process of subtracting 1 from the number is performed (S318). Next, after outputting the command (variation pattern designation command) for designating the variation pattern of the second special symbol determined previously to the sub-control board 220 (S320), the special symbol stop symbol (here, A command (special symbol stop information designation command) for designating the second special symbol stop symbol) is also output to the sub-control board 220 (S322), and the second special symbol-related processing in FIG. 14 is terminated. Returning to the special symbol game process shown in FIG.

  As described above, in the special symbol game process, when it is determined that the second special symbol is still held (S306: no), whether or not the second special symbol is determined is determined and the variable display of the second special symbol is started. A series of processes (second special symbol game related processes) has been described. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second special symbol hold does not remain (S306: yes), it is determined whether or not the first special symbol hold remains (S326). If the first special symbol hold remains (S326: no), it is stored at the earliest timing from among the first special symbol determination random numbers and symbol determination random numbers stored in the RAM 203. After reading the random number that has been stored (S328), the first special symbol related processing described below is started (S330).

C-2-2. First special symbol related processing:
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first special symbol related process. Since the first special symbol related process is substantially the same as the second special symbol related process described above with reference to FIG. 14, it will be briefly described based on the description of the second special symbol related process. Also in the first special symbol related process, as in the second special symbol related process described above, when the process is started, first, whether or not the first special symbol is determined is determined (S332). The determination of whether or not the first special symbol is successful can be made by referring to various tables according to the gaming situation in substantially the same manner as the determination of whether or not the second special symbol is already described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, a brief description will be given with reference to FIG. 15. First, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON. If the probability variation flag is set to ON (S3120: equivalent to yes), the probability variation is determined. Is selected (equivalent to S3122), and if the probability variation flag is not ON, a non-probability variation determination table is selected (equivalent to S3124). As the success / failure determination table referred to at this time, as described above, the special symbol determination / rejection determination table shown in FIG. 16 can be used.

  Next, if the determination result is a win (S3126: equivalent to yes), a big hit symbol of the first special symbol is determined with reference to the hit symbol table (corresponding to S3128). On the other hand, if the result of the determination is wrong (S3126: equivalent to no), the lost symbol of the first special symbol is determined with reference to the lost symbol table (corresponding to S3130).

  As described above, in the first special symbol success / failure determination process (S332) shown in FIG. 17, whether or not the first special symbol is true / failed is determined based on the first special symbol's true / bad determination random number, and whether or not it is true / bad is determined. Depending on the result, a process of determining the jackpot symbol or the off symbol of the first special symbol is performed. When the big win symbol or the off symbol is determined, the first special symbol success / failure determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the first special symbol game process shown in FIG.

  Subsequently, also in the first special symbol related process shown in FIG. 19, as in the above-described second special symbol related process (see FIG. 14), the determination result of the first special symbol, the state of the time flag to be described later, Based on various conditions such as the number of second special figure reservations, a variation pattern setting process for the first special symbol is performed (S334). Thereafter, after the variable display of the first special symbol is started (S336), a process of subtracting 1 from the reserved number for the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol hold display LED 30b is performed (S338). Next, after outputting a command (variation pattern designation command) for designating the variation pattern of the first special symbol determined previously to the sub-control board 220 (S340), a special symbol stop symbol (here, A command (special symbol stop information designation command) for designating the first special symbol stop symbol) is also output to the sub-control board 220 (S342), and the first special symbol-related processing in FIG. Returning to the special symbol game process shown in FIG.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern and stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol as described above, and sends the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command to the sub-control board 220. When the output is directed to, the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 12 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  The detailed process performed in the special symbol game process when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S302: no in FIG. 12) has been described above. On the other hand, when the special symbol game process of FIG. 12 is started while either the first special symbol or the second special symbol is fluctuating, “yes” is determined in the determination of S302 performed first. This case corresponds to the case where the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol are already determined and the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S348). That is, since the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, by setting the timer at the same time as starting the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, It is determined whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S348: 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 variation time has elapsed (S348: yes), a command (design stop command) indicating that the special symbol being varied is to be stopped and displayed is output to the sub-control board 220. Along with (S350), the first special symbol or the second special symbol that is being displayed in a variable manner is stopped and displayed at a preset symbol (S352). Subsequently, after setting a time (stop display time) for holding the special symbol displayed in a stopped state in a stopped state (S354), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has passed (S356). If the stop display time has not elapsed (S356: 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 stop display time has elapsed (S356: yes), it is determined whether or not the stop-displayed symbol is a jackpot symbol (S358 in FIG. 13). The gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is equipped with two symbol display devices, a first symbol display device 28 and a second symbol display device 32, and the first symbol display device 28 has a variation of the first special symbol. Display and stop display are possible, and the second symbol display device 32 can display variation and stop display of the second special symbol, but the big hit symbol is either the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The stop may be displayed.

  If the symbol stopped and displayed on either the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 is a big hit symbol (S358: yes), after setting the big hit flag to ON (S360), the fanfare The flag is also set to ON (S361). The big hit flag is a flag indicating that the gaming state is a big hit gaming state, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is used as a data area for setting the big hit flag. As will be described in detail later, when the jackpot flag is set to ON, when the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process of FIG. The The fanfare flag is a flag indicating that a jackpot fanfare effect is provided for notifying that a jackpot game is started. Since the jackpot fanfare effect is an effect for notifying that the jackpot game is started, it is an effect performed only once at the start of the jackpot game. Therefore, by storing the fanfare flag ON, it is remembered that a big hit fanfare effect must be performed. Similar to the big hit flag, the fanfare flag is set to a predetermined address in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is assumed that the probability changing function and the time shortening function do not work during the big hit game. Here, the probability variation function is a function for setting a high probability of winning in the determination of whether or not a special symbol is successful. This function shortens the displayed time. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the probability variation function is activated when the probability variation flag is set ON, and the time reduction function is activated when the time reduction flag is set ON. Similarly to the big hit flag, the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag also use predetermined addresses of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 as data areas for setting the probability variation flag and the time reduction flag, respectively.

  If the big hit flag is set to ON in S360 of FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON (S362). If the probability variation flag is set to ON (S362: yes), the probability variation function and the time shortening function are operating. Therefore, in order to stop these functions, the probability variation flag is set to OFF (S364), The time reduction flag is set to OFF (S366).

  On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S362: no), then it is determined whether or not the hourly flag is set to ON (S365), and the hourly flag is set to ON. In this case (S365: yes), since the time reduction function is activated, the time reduction flag is set to OFF (S366), and the time reduction function is stopped. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the function (opening time extension function) for extending the opening time of the second start port 17b is also activated. If the time reduction flag is turned OFF to stop the opening time (S366), the opening time extension flag is set to OFF to stop the operation of the opening time extension function (S367).

  Thus, when the opening time extension flag of the second start port 17b is set to OFF (S367), the shortening flag is set to ON (S369). Here, the shortening flag is a flag indicating that the execution time of the big hit game is shortened. That is, as will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in order to impress the player with the best of the big hit game, It is possible to play a big hit game in two modes, that is, a big hit game that is played in a shorter time than the game machines. Correspondingly, in the case of playing a big hit game for a short time, the fact is stored by setting the shortening flag to ON. The shortening flag is also set to a predetermined address in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, like the other flags.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the hour / short flag is not ON (S365: no), it is next determined whether or not the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed is a probability variation jackpot symbol (S368). If it is a probable big hit symbol (S368: yes), the shortening flag is turned ON (S369). Eventually, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed during probability change (that is, when the probability change flag is ON), or when the jackpot game is ended and the jackpot is pulled back in time (ie, when the time flag is ON). Alternatively, the shortening flag is set to ON in any case of the first hit with the probability variation big hit symbol, and in other cases, the shortening flag remains set to OFF.

  Next, processing for setting the execution mode of the jackpot game is performed according to the set shortening flag (S370). Although details will be described later, in this process (big hit mode setting process), when the shortening flag is set to ON, the mode of the big hit game is set so as to end in a short time. When the big hit game mode is set (S370), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is exited, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  The processing when the symbol stopped on the first symbol display device 28 or the second symbol display device 32 (that is, the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is a jackpot symbol (S358: yes) has been described above. However, if the symbol that is stopped and displayed is not a big hit symbol (is a missing symbol) (S358: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is ON (S372). If it is determined that the time reduction flag is ON (S372: yes), the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction is counted (S374), and then the number of fluctuations is set to cut the time reduction. It is determined whether or not the predetermined number of times (100 in this embodiment) has been reached (S376). When the number of fluctuations reaches a predetermined number (S376: yes), the time reduction flag is turned off (S378), the opening time extension flag is also turned off (S379), and the special symbol game shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. Exiting the process, the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  In addition, it is determined whether or not to be in a probable change state by determining whether or not to win or not by processing to display the first special symbol or the second special symbol in a variably displayed manner, or determining whether or not the big hit symbol is a win. The determining process is executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performing the first special symbol related process or the second special symbol related process described above. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “lottery means” and “hit state determination means” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10, 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 ON (S390), and if the big hit flag is set ON (S390) :)), the jackpot game is started. The mode of this jackpot game is set in the jackpot mode setting process (S370 in FIG. 13) of the special symbol game process. Therefore, the detailed contents of the big hit mode setting process will be described.

C-2-3. Big hit mode setting process:
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the big hit mode setting process. As shown in the figure, in the big hit mode setting process, first, it is determined whether or not the shortening flag is set to ON (S3700). As described above, the shortening flag is a flag that is set to ON when a big hit occurs during probability change or during a short time, or when a first hit is made with a probability change big hit symbol. The shortening flag is assigned to a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, and it is possible to immediately determine whether or not the shortening flag is set to ON by referring to the address.

  If it is determined that the shortening flag is set to ON (S3700: yes), first, a shortened fanfare is set as a big hit fanfare (S3702). Here, the jackpot fanfare is an effect performed to notify that the jackpot game is started before the jackpot game is started. In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can execute, as a big hit fanfare, the production contents of a general production time (normal fanfare) and the production contents (shortened fanfare) having a production time shorter than the normal fanfare. Yes. Therefore, when the shortening flag is set to ON (S3700: yes), the shortened fanfare is set as the big hit fanfare (S3702).

  Next, an interval time between the round game and the round game is set to a shortened time (S3704). In other words, the big hit game is performed by repeating the round game performed by opening the big winning opening 31d a plurality of times, but in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the big winning opening 31d is set between the round game and the round game. The closed time (interval time) can be set to either a normal time or a time shorter than normal. Therefore, when the shortening flag is set to ON (S3700: yes), the shortened time (shortening time) is set as the interval time (S3704).

  Subsequently, a shortening ending is set as the big hit ending (S3706). Here, the jackpot ending is an effect performed to notify the end of the jackpot game. In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment can execute, as a big hit ending, an effect content with a general effect time (normal ending) and an effect content with a shorter effect time (short ending) than the normal ending. Yes. Therefore, when the shortening flag is set to ON (S3700: yes), the shortening ending is set as the big hit ending (S3706).

  Thereafter, the number of prize balls for entering the game ball into the big prize opening 31d and the prescribed number of prizes are set to the number of prize balls for shortening and the prescribed number of prizes (S3708). Here, the number of winning balls and the prescribed number of winnings for entering the big winning opening 31d are as follows. First, as described above, the big hit game is performed by repeating a round game in which the big winning opening 31d is in an open state a predetermined number of times. Further, when a game ball enters the open large winning opening 31d, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize ball for each game ball entered, and a certain number of game balls When the player enters the big winning opening 31d, the big winning opening 31d is closed and one round game is completed. The number of winning balls for entering the grand prize opening 31d means the number of game balls paid out per game ball that has entered the big winning opening 31d, and the prescribed number of winnings means one round game. The number of game balls that can be entered into the big winning opening 31d. Therefore, in one round game, it is normal that a number of game balls corresponding to (the number of winning balls for entering the big winning opening 31d) × (the prescribed winning number) are paid out. In addition, even if the same number of game balls are paid out, if the number of prize balls is reduced and the specified number of prizes is increased accordingly, the time required for one round game will be increased. On the contrary, if the number of winning balls is increased and the prescribed number of winnings is decreased, the time required for one round game can be shortened.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a combination with a small number of winning balls and a large number of prescribed winnings (12 winning balls, a prescribed number of winnings of 10) or a combination with a large number of winning balls and a small number of prescribed winnings ( The jackpot game can be executed in two modes, with 15 winning balls and 8 prescribed winning numbers. Therefore, in S3708 of the big hit mode setting process shown in FIG. 18, when the shortening flag is set to ON (S3700: yes), the combination of the number of winning balls and the predetermined winning number in the big hit game is set at the time of shortening. A combination for which there is a large number of winning balls, that is, a small number of prescribed winnings is set (S3708). After all, when the shortening flag is set to ON (S3700: yes), the jackpot fanfare, the interval time between round games, and the jackpot ending are set to be finished in a short time, and in addition, the prize ball Since the number and the predetermined number of winning prizes are also set to the contents for shortening, the round game is also set to the contents to be completed in a short time. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the big hit fanfare time when the shortening flag is set to ON is set to 2 seconds. Similarly, the interval time between round games, that is, the closing time of the big prize opening is set to 0.2 seconds, and the big hit ending time is set to 2 seconds.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the shortening flag is not set to ON (S3700: no), these are set to normal contents. That is, the big hit fanfare is set to the normal fanfare (S3710), the interval time between round games is set to the normal time (S3712), the big hit ending is set to the normal ending (S3714), The combination of the prescribed winning numbers is set to a combination for normal use (S3716). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the normal jackpot fanfare time is set to 10 seconds, the interval time between normal round games, that is, the closing time of the big prize opening is set to 3 seconds, The normal jackpot ending time is set to 2 seconds.

  Thus, when the mode of the big hit game is determined according to the setting of the shortening flag, the big hit mode setting process of FIG. 18 is terminated, and after passing through the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. Return to the game control process. The above-described various settings (combination of jackpot fanfare, interval time, jackpot ending, number of winning balls and prescribed winning number) are stored in advance in a ROM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. Therefore, the ROM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “execution mode storage unit” in the present invention. Further, the process of determining the mode of the big hit game is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the present embodiment executing the big hit mode setting process shown in FIG. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “execution mode determining means” in the present invention.

  In the game control process shown in FIG. 10, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the big hit flag is set ON. If the big hit flag is set ON (S390: yes) Then, the special electric accessory game process described below is started (S400). On the other hand, if the big hit flag is not set to ON (S390: no), the special electric game game process (S400) is skipped and the process returns to the top of the game control process, and the above-described prize ball related process is performed. (S50) A series of subsequent processing is repeated.

C-3. Special electric game game processing:
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first half of the special electric accessory game process. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the latter half of the special electric accessory game process. By executing such special electric accessory game processing, the gaming state becomes a so-called special gaming state (big hit game). Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a special game (big hit game) will be briefly described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a special winning opening 31d is provided below the game board, and the special winning opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the special game is started, the big winning opening 31d is opened and the round game is started. The round game ends when a predetermined round game time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls enter, and the big prize opening 31d is once closed, but when the predetermined time elapses, the big prize opening 31d again. Opens and the round game is started. When the round game is repeated in this manner and a predetermined number of round games are consumed, the special game state (so-called jackpot game) is finished. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in order to execute the special game described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

  As shown in FIG. 19, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process (S400), it first determines whether or not the fanfare flag is set to ON (S402). As described above with reference to FIG. 13, since the fanfare flag is set to ON simultaneously with the jackpot flag, it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON in the game control process of FIG. At the time immediately after the game process (S400) is started, the fanfare flag is set to ON. Therefore, in S402 of FIG. 19, it is determined that the fanfare flag is set to ON (S402: yes), and after the fanfare start command is output (S404), the fanfare flag is set to OFF (S406). Here, the fanfare start command is a command for instructing to produce a big hit fanfare, and is output from the main control board 200 toward the sub-control board 220. When the sub-control board 220 receives the fanfare start command from the main control board 200, the sub-control board 220 performs the jackpot fanfare effect, and then executes the effect associated with the jackpot game.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, two types of effects such as a shortened fanfare or a normal fanfare are prepared as effects of the big hit fanfare. Corresponding to this, in the fanfare start command, the command is output in a state where the big hit fanfare mode preset in the big hit mode setting process of FIG. 18 is designated. The effect of the big hit fanfare is executed when the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of the present embodiment outputs a fanfare start command. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the present embodiment corresponds to “start notification effect executing means” in the present invention.

  After the fanfare start command is output, the fanfare flag is changed to OFF (S406). Therefore, it is determined that the fanfare flag is not ON when the special electric-powered object game process is started next time (S402: no). . For this reason, the fanfare start command is output only once when the big hit game is started.

  Subsequently, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines whether or not the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S408). In the normal gaming state, the big prize opening 31d is closed, and the big prize opening 31d is closed immediately after the big hit flag is turned ON. Therefore, when the special electric utility game process is started for the first time after the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the jackpot symbol, it is determined to be “no” in S408 and the round game is executed. It is determined whether or not the number of times has reached the set number (S410). That is, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the number of round games to be performed during the big hit game is set in advance, and when it is determined that the special winning combination game process does not open the grand prize winning port 31d. (S408 in FIG. 19: no), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 31d is closed because all the set number of round games have been executed (S410).

  Of course, immediately after the big hit game is started, the number of round games has not reached the set number of times (S410: no), so a new round game will be started, but before that, It is determined whether the interval time between games has elapsed (S412). This interval time is the time during which the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state between round games, and the interval time is previously set in the big hit mode setting process described above with reference to FIG. Is set. Immediately after the big hit game is started, it is determined that the interval time has passed since the long time has already passed since the end of the previous round game (S412: yes). In this case, since the number of round games has not reached the set number of times and the interval time has elapsed, after opening the big prize opening 31d to start the round game (S414) The special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 19 is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the interval time has not elapsed (S412: no), the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 19 is temporarily terminated without opening the special winning opening 31d, and the process of FIG. Return to the game control process.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 10, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball related process (S50), the special electric game game process (S400) 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. 10 once is about 4 msec. Accordingly, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is also executed about every 4 msec. As long as the set number of round games have not ended, the big prize opening 31d is eventually opened (S414 in FIG. 19), and the next time the special electric game game process in FIGS. 19 and 20 is started. In S408, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S408: yes).

  If it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is open (that is, the round game is being performed) (S408: yes), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (one round of gaming time). Judgment is made (S416). As described above, when the big winning opening 31d is opened and the round game is started, until the predetermined round gaming time elapses or until a predetermined number of game balls enter the large winning opening 31d. The winning opening 31d is configured to maintain an open state. In response to this, in S416, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined round game time. If the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached the round game time (S416: yes), the special winning combination 31d shown in FIG. 19 is exited after the special winning opening 31d is closed (S420). Returning to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not reached the predetermined time (S416: no), it is determined whether or not the game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d have reached the prescribed number of winnings (S418). . Here, the prescribed number of winnings is the prescribed number of winnings set in advance in the big hit mode setting process described above with reference to FIG. The prescribed winning number is set to a normal value when the shortening flag is not set to ON, but is set to a large value when the shortening flag is set to ON. In S418, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached the prescribed number of winnings set according to the shortening flag. Even when the number of game balls reaches the specified number (S418: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S420). On the other hand, when the prescribed number of winnings has not been reached (S418: no), the opening time of the big winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined round gaming time, and the game has entered the big winning opening 31d. Since the ball has not reached the prescribed number of winnings, the special electric game game process shown in FIG. 19 is exited while the large winning opening 31d is open, and the game control process of FIG. 10 is resumed.

  While the game control process of FIG. 10 is repeatedly executed, whether the opening time of the special winning opening 31d reaches a predetermined round gaming time (S416: yes), or the prescribed winning number 31d A game ball enters (S418: yes) and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S420). Thus, one round of game is completed. When the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S408 that the special winning opening 31d is not opened (S408: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of round games has reached the set number. If the set number of times has not been reached (S410: no), after confirming that the interval time has elapsed (S412: yes), the grand prize opening 31d is opened again and a new round game is started. (S414).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S404 that the number of round games has reached the set number (S410: yes), the big hit flag is set OFF to end the big hit game (S422 in FIG. 20), and then the big hit game In order to perform the jackpot ending effect for notifying the end of the jackpot, a jackpot ending command is output to the sub-control board 220 (S424). When the sub-control board 220 receives the jackpot ending command from the main control board 200, the sub-control board 220 notifies the player that the jackpot game has ended by performing the jackpot ending effect.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, two types of effects such as a shortened ending and a normal ending are prepared for the jackpot ending effect as well as the jackpot fanfare effect described above. Corresponding to this, in the jackpot ending command, the command is output in a state where the jackpot ending mode preset in the jackpot mode setting process of FIG. 18 is designated. The effect of the big hit ending is executed when the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment outputs a big hit ending command. Therefore, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of the present embodiment corresponds to “end notification effect executing means” in the present invention.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the first special symbol or the second special symbol (big hit symbol) that will start the big hit game is a “probable big bonus symbol” (S426). If it is based on the “probability large hit symbol” (S426: yes), the probability variation flag is set to ON to activate the probability variation function (S428). When the probability variation flag is set to ON, the probability variation function is activated, and the probability determination table for probability variation is selected when determining whether the first special symbol or the second special symbol is appropriate (S3122 in FIG. 15). There is a higher probability of being hit. That is, when the probability variation flag is turned ON in the special electric game game process shown in FIG. 20, the probability that the determination result is a hit becomes high. The CPU 201 of the example main control board 200 corresponds to “probability changing means” in the present invention.

  Subsequently, after setting the opening time extension flag to ON (S430), the hourly flag is also set to ON (S432). Thus, when the opening time extension flag and the time reduction flag are set to ON, the opening time of the second start port 17b is extended, and the time reduction function is activated to reduce the fluctuation time of the first special figure or the second special figure. Will be. That is, when the opening time extension flag is turned ON in the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 20, the opening time of the second start port 17b is extended, so the special electric accessory game process is performed. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 of this embodiment to be executed corresponds to the “opening time extension means” in the present invention. Next, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game is a jackpot game generated by a normal jackpot symbol (S434). Then, if the game is a big hit game with a normal big hit symbol (S434: yes), after setting the number of time cuts (the number of short cuts, 100 in this embodiment) (S436), FIG. 19 and FIG. The special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 20 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the game is not a big hit game with a normal big hit symbol (S434: no), the special electric accessory game process is terminated without setting the number of time cuts.

  The big hit game is performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 according to the present embodiment executing the special electric accessory game process described above. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “big hit game execution means” in the present invention.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. Then, when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol (S358: yes in FIG. 13), the big hit mode setting process shown in FIG. 18 is performed (S370), and the big hit in the set mode is performed. A game is executed. As a result, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to strongly impress the player with the real pleasure of the recreational villa, and as a result, it is possible to greatly inspire the game. This point will be described below.

  FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where a big hit game is performed in a state where the shortening flag is not ON. As shown in the figure, in the big hit game, first, a big hit fanfare effect is performed, and then a predetermined number of round games (15 times in this embodiment) are performed. The round game ends when a predetermined round game time elapses (S416 in FIG. 19: yes) or when a predetermined number of game balls wins in the big winning opening 31d (S418: yes in FIG. 19). However, it usually ends when a predetermined number of game balls have won. In addition, an interval effect is performed in the interval time between the round game and the round game. When all the round games are finished, a big hit ending effect is performed and the big hit game is finished.

  Here, if a big hit occurs in the probability change big hit symbol, the probability change function is activated after the big hit game ends, and the probability that a big hit will occur increases, so the player is expected to be able to play consecutively. As a result, the effect of the jackpot fanfare, the interval effect, and the jackpot ending can be felt frustrating. Furthermore, during a round game, a lot of game balls will be paid out as the game balls enter the big prize opening 31d, but even this round game time will be felt frustrating. In other words, the round game is continued until the round game time ends or until a specified number of game balls enter the large winning opening 31d. finish. When a specified number of game balls are entered, the number of game balls obtained by multiplying the specified number of winnings by the number of prize balls per ball is paid out as a prize ball. It seems that it is natural that a certain number of game balls are paid out by doing. In this way, when it becomes natural that a certain number of game balls are paid out in a round game, the player's interest is whether or not a big hit can be generated again after the big hit game is finished, that is, consecutive It will turn to whether or not you can do it. As a result, in order to quickly know whether or not the reaming can be done, it becomes necessary to pay out a certain number of game balls quickly, and it is necessary to wait until a predetermined number of game balls enter the big winning opening 31d. But it feels frustrating.

  These player's feelings become even stronger when they are actually connected. For example, when a big hit with a probability big hit symbol is generated twice consecutively (that is, when two consecutive homes are generated), the interest is concentrated on how long the consecutive homes can be continued. As a result, instead of enjoying individual jackpot games, the player wants to end the jackpot game as soon as a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out and increase the number of consecutive games. In addition, even if a big hit with a normal big hit symbol occurs during a long game, it may be possible to increase the number of extended games by generating a big hit during the short game (that is, pulling back the big hit during the short time). Expect. As a result, the jackpot game wants to end the jackpot game by paying out the winning ball as soon as possible.

  In view of such a player's psychology, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a big hit by the probability variation big hit symbol occurs (S368: yes in FIG. 13), or when a big hit occurs during the probability change (figure 13). 13 (S362: yes), or when a big hit occurs during the time reduction (S365: yes in FIG. 13), the shortening flag is set to ON (S369), and in the subsequent big hit mode setting process (S370) The jackpot fanfare, the interval time, and the jackpot ending are set for shortening, and the prescribed winning number is set to a small value. Of course, if you only reduce the number of specified prizes, the number of prize balls that will be paid out in the jackpot game will also decrease. The number is kept unchanged.

  FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a state where a big hit game is performed in a state where the shortening flag is ON. As is clear from the big hit game with the shortening flag shown in FIG. 21, in the big hit game with the shortened flag ON, the time required for the big hit fanfare effect, the interval effect, and the big hit ending effect is shortened. As a result, the time required for the big hit game has been shortened. In addition, the number of specified winnings is decreasing, and the number of winning balls per ball is increasing to compensate for this. For this reason, the number of game balls to be paid out in the round game is the same, but the round game time is shortened by the amount of decrease in the prescribed winning number, and accordingly, the time required for the big hit game is also shortened. . As a result, the player can quickly acquire a certain number of prize balls to be paid out in accordance with the jackpot game, end the jackpot game, and then concentrate on playing the game. . As a result, even if the same number of consecutive villas occur, it will occur in a short time, and it will be possible to impress the player with the real pleasure of the consecutive villas, which can greatly stimulate the fun of the game. It becomes.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention is not limited to the wording of each claim without departing from the scope described in each claim. Can be easily replaced by these, and improvements based on knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, when the big hit occurs during the probability change (that is, when the probability change flag is ON) or the time is short (that is, when the time reduction flag is ON), the shortening flag is set to ON. . However, instead of this, when a big hit occurs in the second special symbol, the shortening flag may be set to ON. Whether or not the second special symbol is successful is determined when a game ball enters the second start port 17b, and the game ball enters the second start port 17b because the second start port 17b is in an open state. And substantially only when the opening time is in an extended state. Therefore, if a big hit occurs in the second special symbol, if the shortening flag is set to ON, it is possible to easily set the shortening flag without judging the state of the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag. It becomes.

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 a 1st symbol display apparatus and a 2nd symbol display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of a fluctuation | variation display apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of a starting port unit. 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 the display mode of the normal symbol display part. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the 1st special symbol or the 2nd special symbol is variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with a fluctuation | variation 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. 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 first half part of the special symbol game process of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the second half part of the special symbol game process of 1st Example. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the 2nd special symbol related process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 2nd special symbol success / failure determination processing. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the success determination table of the special symbol. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the 1st special symbol related process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a big hit mode setting process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the first half part of a special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the second half part of a special electric accessory game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that a big hit game was performed in the state where the shortening flag is not ON. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that a big hit game was performed in the state in which the shortening flag is set to ON.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Pachinko machine, 17 ... Starter unit, 17a ... First starter,
17b ... second starting port (starting port), 31d ... large winning port, 200 ... main control board,
201 ... CPU (lottery means, hit mode determining means, jackpot game executing means, execution mode determining means, probability changing means, start port opening means, opening time extending means, start notification effect means, end notification effect means), 202 ... ROM (Execution mode storage means), 240...
241 ... CPU (game ball payout means)

Claims (1)

In a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball toward the game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances,
It is configured to be switchable between an open state in which a game ball can be entered and a closed state in which the game ball cannot be entered, and a large winning opening which is the entrance that is normally closed,
Lottery means for performing a lottery when a predetermined condition is established during the game;
When the result of the lottery is a win, a big hit game execution means for executing a big hit game by repeating a predetermined number of round games in which the big winning opening is opened and then closed.
As the execution mode of the jackpot game, the execution mode storage means stores a plurality of execution modes that have the same number of repetitions of the round game but differ in the time required to end the jackpot game;
Prior to execution of the jackpot game, the execution mode of the jackpot game executed by the jackpot game execution means is selected by selecting one execution mode from the plurality of execution modes stored in the execution mode storage means. Execution mode determining means for determining
Probability changing means for setting the winning probability in the lottery performed by the lottery means after the end of the jackpot game as a predetermined high probability higher than the normal probability ;
It is configured to be switchable between an open state in which a game ball can enter and a normal state in which the game ball is less likely to enter than the open state, and when the game ball enters, the lottery means performs the lottery. A starting opening which is the entrance,
Start port opening means for opening the start port for a predetermined time when a specific condition is established during a game;
For a predetermined period after the end of the jackpot game, an opening time extending means for extending the opening time of the start opening; and
A game ball payout means for paying out a predetermined number of game balls when a game ball enters the big prize opening;
With
The lottery means comprises a hit mode determining means for determining whether or not to operate the probability varying means after the jackpot game generated by the hit when the lottery result is a win. ,
The jackpot game execution means executes the jackpot game by repeating the operation of closing the jackpot when the number of game balls paid out during the opening of the jackpot reaches a predetermined upper limit. And
The execution mode storage means stores a plurality of execution modes having the same upper limit number and different numbers of game balls to be paid out for one pitch to the big winning opening,
The execution mode determining means may determine whether or not the big hit game is a big hit game that causes the probability varying means to operate , or as a result of the lottery performed during the operation of the opening time extending means. When started, the execution mode of the jackpot game is determined to be a predetermined execution mode that shortens the time required for the jackpot game ,
As an execution mode for shortening the time required for the big hit game, it is determined that the number of game balls to be paid out for one ball entering the big prize opening is an execution mode larger than the normal number of game balls. A ball game machine.

Images