JP5287970B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  A game ball is launched on a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances, and when a game ball enters one of the entrances, a game is played in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls. A ball game ball has been widely known. Also, in recent years, an effect display device has been placed on the game board surface to increase the interest of the player, and when a game ball enters a specific entrance (starting entrance), the variable display of the effect design starts. Thus, in the case where the game is stopped and displayed with a predetermined winning symbol, a ball game machine in which a gaming state called “big hit game”, which is advantageous to the player, is widely used. In such a gaming machine, various effects are performed in accordance with the change display and stop display of the effect symbols.

  In such a ball game machine, it is possible to change the impression and expectation of the game by preparing a plurality of effects in advance and switching the effect in the middle of the game. A ball game machine (Patent Document 1) that switches between a design for production and its background design according to the number of game balls (number of shot balls) fired within a predetermined period (Patent Document 1), and entered the number of shot balls and the entrance There has been proposed a ball game machine that switches the mode of effect according to the difference from the number of game balls (number of balls entered) (Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-10502 A JP 2005-137545 A

  However, in these proposed ball game machines, the mode of production is switched when the number of fired balls or the difference between the number of fired balls and the number of entered balls reaches a predetermined value. Since the switching conditions are defined uniformly, it is difficult to switch the production mode according to the game situation. For example, if a game ball does not easily enter the starting port and it is difficult to start changing the display of the design for the production, the player is likely to get bored with the game, so the presentation mode is advanced to change the atmosphere of the game. However, the effect mode is maintained as it is until a predetermined switching condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the game ball enters the start port efficiently, and the switching condition is established when the player's interest is increasing and the production mode is switched, the result is that the player's interest is flooded. Or when the degree of expectation is expressed by the production mode, the credibility may be lost.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of adjusting the timing for switching the effect mode according to the game situation.

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A game ball is fired on a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances, and a game ball is entered into any of the entrances. When a game ball enters the starting port, a ball game machine that displays a stop after displaying a predetermined pattern in a variable manner,
A firing ball number counting means for counting the number of game balls fired toward the game board surface;
Effect execution means for executing a predetermined effect in accordance with the progress of the game;
Effect mode storage means for storing in advance a plurality of modes of effects executed by the effect execution means;
When it is determined that the counted value by the firing ball number counting means has reached a predetermined switching reference value, the effect aspect storage means stores a plurality of effects executed by the effect executing means. Production mode switching means for switching to a production mode selected from the production modes of
Number-of-balls counting means for counting the number of game balls that have entered the start opening,
Each time the count value by the firing ball number counting means reaches a predetermined correction judgment value smaller than the switching reference value, the count value by the pitch counting number means is compared with a predetermined entrance prescribed value, If it is the same as the prescribed value for entering the ball, the switching reference value is set to an initial value, and if it is smaller than the prescribed value for entering the ball, the switching reference value is corrected to a low set value, And a switching reference value correcting means for correcting the switching reference value to a high set value when the value is larger than the value.

  In such a ball game machine of the present invention, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls fired toward the game board surface (the number of shot balls) has reached a predetermined switching reference value, and reaches the switching reference value. In the case of being present, the mode of effect executed in accordance with the progress of the game is switched to the mode of effect selected from a plurality of previously stored effect modes. In addition, every time the number of shot balls reaches a predetermined correction determination value (a value smaller than the switching reference value), is the number of game balls (number of balls entered) entering the start port greater than a predetermined ball entry prescribed value? If it is less than the prescribed entry value, a decrease correction is performed by subtracting a predetermined correction number from the current switching reference value. Here, as the effect executed by the effect execution means, an effect appealing to the player's vision using a display device provided on the game board, LEDs, movable accessories, lamps provided on the frame components of the game machine, etc. Examples thereof include “visual effects” to be performed and “audience effects” for performing an effect appealing to the player's hearing using a speaker or a buzzer provided in a frame component of the gaming machine. In addition, “switching the aspect of the effect” only requires that the impression received by the player differs depending on the effect. For example, the sound effect generated according to the progress of the game, the symbol displayed on the display device, and the like are switched. You may do it.

  If it does in this way, it will become possible to adjust the timing at which an effect mode changes according to the situation of a game (entrance situation to a starting opening). In other words, when the number of balls entering the starting port is less than the predetermined value, the game ball does not easily enter the starting port and the player tends to get bored of the game. If correction to decrease is performed, the timing at which the effect mode is switched can be advanced, so that the game atmosphere can be changed early so that the player does not get bored. Thus, it is possible to effectively prevent the player's interest from deteriorating by performing fine control of the effect mode.

In addition, if the number of balls entering the starting port is greater than the specified value, the game ball is efficiently entering the starting port, and the player's interest tends to be kept high. There is little need to switch modes. On the other hand, when the production mode that has been expected is switched to another production mode, there may be cases where the player's interest is flooded or the credibility of the production mode is lost. Therefore, if the correction for increasing the switching reference value is performed, the timing at which the effect mode is switched can be delayed, so that the player's interest can be maintained for a longer time. As a result, it is possible to perform more detailed switching control of the production mode according to the state of entering the starting port.

  In the above-described ball game machine, one setting value can be selected from a plurality of setting values, and the initial value of the switching reference value and the lower setting value of the switching reference value based on the selected setting value. In addition, at least one of the high value of the switching reference value, the correction determination value, and the prescribed entry value may be changed.

  If it does in this way, according to the business form of a game hall, it will become possible for the manager of a game hall to adjust easily the timing at which an effect mode changes. For example, in a game hall in which one game ball is lent for 4 yen (so-called ball rental rate is “4 yen per ball”), the production mode is cut off based on the fact that 5000 ball game balls have been launched. In the case of designing so as to be replaced, the initial value of the switching reference value may be “1250 balls”. On the other hand, in a gaming hall with a lending rate of “1 yen per ball”, if the launch of game balls for 5000 yen is used as a guideline, it is necessary to change the initial value of the switching reference value to “5000 balls”. There is. Therefore, if the initial value of the switching reference value is changed based on the setting value selected by the game hall manager from among the plurality of setting values, the timing at which the effect mode is switched can be determined. Can be easily adjusted to the rate. Similarly, the game hall manager can adjust the timing at which the effect mode changes even if the numerical value of any of a plurality of correction values of the switching reference value, the correction determination value, or the specified entry value is changed. By making at least one of these values changeable based on the setting value selected by the player, it is possible to flexibly cope with the diversification of business forms of the game hall.

  It is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of adjusting the timing of switching the effect mode according to the game situation.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the fluctuation | variation display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol is variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with 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 in order to control progress of a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol game start judgment process performed in order to judge whether the special symbol game process is started. It is the flowchart which showed a part of special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special symbol game process performed in a game control process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the special electric accessory game process performed in a special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the production control processing which a sub control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the production mode control processing performed in production control processing. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the order in which effect modes switch in the gaming machine of a present Example. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is a time chart conceptually showing how the effect mode is switched. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the state of the switching reference value selection switch installed in the game machine of a modification was switched. It is explanatory drawing which showed the correspondence of the three states of a switching reference value selection switch, and the group (initial value, low setting value, high setting value) of three sets of switching reference values. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of the game board which provided the game ball passage gate in the upper left part of the fluctuation | variation display apparatus.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Game machine control details:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Special design game processing:
C-3. Special electric game game processing:
C-4. Production control processing:
C-5. Production mode control processing:
D. Variations:

A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted.

  The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

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

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

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

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

  A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed. The main body frame 2, the middle frame 3, the front frame 4, the upper dish portion 5, and the lower dish portion 6 of this embodiment correspond to “frame components” of the gaming machine 1, respectively.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is configured by incorporating twelve small light emitting diodes (LEDs) in a substantially rectangular region. Of these twelve LEDs, the uppermost three LEDs constitute a normal symbol display unit 29, and the remaining nine LEDs constitute a special symbol display unit 30. Furthermore, the normal symbol display unit 29 has one LED for displaying a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as a normal symbol LED 29a) and two LEDs for displaying the number of reserved normal symbols (hereinafter, a normal symbol). Called hold display LED 29b). Further, the special symbol display unit 30 displays seven LEDs for displaying special symbols (hereinafter referred to as special symbol LED 30a) and the number of special symbols reserved (hereinafter referred to as special symbol reserved number). The two LEDs (hereinafter referred to as special figure hold display LED 30b). The manner in which the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment displays the normal symbol, the special symbol, and the number of special symbol reservations using these 12 LEDs 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 configured by a liquid crystal display, and on the display screen, three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c and a background symbol 27d of the background are displayed. Among these, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the display of the special symbols in the special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. 3, and it is possible to produce a game. Yes. That is, the three design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variable display every time a special symbol determination (big hit lottery) described later is performed, and stop display when a predetermined variation time has elapsed. This is a symbol for notifying the player of the determination result of the special symbol (big win lottery result) by the display mode (stop display mode) when the stop display is performed.

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards and various boards. However, focusing on the function, it is possible to determine whether the game is related to the basic progress or the winning ball. A main control board 200 for controlling the control, a sub-control board 220 for controlling a game effect (visual effect and auditory effect) using symbols, lamps, movable objects (movable accessories), and sound effects, and a sub-control board 220 An effect control board 230 that performs specific control of the variable display device 27 under the control of the game, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out a rental ball and a prize ball, and a launch that controls a game ball. It consists of a control board 260 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. Also, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. 5, only the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, and the CPU 221 mounted on the sub control board 220, the ROM 222, and the RAM 223 are illustrated.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  When the passage of the game ball is detected by the start port switch 17s and it is determined that the game ball has entered the start port 17 (S200: yes), the start port input command is output to the sub-control board 220. (S202). Here, the start opening command is a command indicating that a game ball has entered the start opening 17. As will be described in detail later, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the timing for switching the aspect of the effect (the effect mode) is adjusted based on the number of the game balls that have entered the start port (the number of the start balls). ing. Since the process for switching the effect mode is executed by the sub-control board 220, when it is determined that a game ball has entered the start-up opening 17, a start-entry ball entering command is output toward the sub-control board 220. It is. When the sub-control board 220 receives the start entrance ball command, the sub control board 220 adds 1 to a dedicated counter called a start entrance ball number counter, and counts the start entrance ball number. The contents of the control executed by the sub control board 220 for switching the effect mode will be described in detail later.

  When the start-entry ball command is output, it is determined whether or not the number of special symbol reservations (special figure reservation number) has reached the upper limit (“4” in this embodiment) (S204). If the number of special symbol reservations has not reached the upper limit (S204: no), a special symbol success / failure determination random number and a symbol determination random number are acquired and stored (S206). Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number used to determine whether or not the special symbol is successful, and the symbol determination random number determines the type of the special symbol to be stopped and displayed according to the special symbol's success / failure determination result. It is a random number. When these random numbers are acquired, “1” is added to the special figure hold number (S208).

  On the other hand, when a game ball is not in the starting port 17 (S200: no), or when the number of reserved special symbols has reached the upper limit (S204: yes), a special symbol success / failure determination random number and symbol determination Neither acquisition of a random number nor processing to add 1 to the number of special figure hold is performed.

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

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

C-2. Special design game processing:
11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S300). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbol can be displayed in a variable manner.

  When the special symbol of the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S300: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S302). That is, for a period of time after the change display of the special symbol is finished, a stop display time is provided for the player to confirm which symbol the special symbol is stopped and displayed. It is judged whether it is in the middle. If it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the stop display time for displaying the special symbol is also elapsed (S302: no), the number of special symbols held (special It is determined whether or not the figure hold count is “0” (S304). As described above, the special figure holding number can be stored until the upper limit value “4” is reached. If the special figure hold number is “0” (S304: yes), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, when the number of special symbol hold is not “0” (S304: no), a process of determining whether or not a special symbol is appropriate (special symbol appropriateness determination process) is started (S306).

  The determination of whether or not a special symbol is appropriate is performed as follows. First, one of the oldest stored special symbol determination random numbers is read out of the special symbol determination random numbers. Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number that is acquired and stored when a game ball enters the start port 17 in the special symbol game start determination process described above. Next, whether or not the special symbol is determined is determined by determining whether or not the read-out determination random number matches a preset hit value. Further, two sets of hit values are provided, and more hit values are set in one set of hit values (whether or not determination table) than in the other set of hit values. Therefore, when determining whether or not the special symbol is correct, it is confirmed whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation state, that is, whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON, and the probability variation flag is set to ON. Performs the success / failure determination using a set (high probability success / failure determination table) in which many hit values are set. For this reason, during probability change (when the probability change flag is set to ON), the probability determination result of the special symbol is “hit” with a higher probability than during non-probability change (when the probability change flag is set to OFF). become. The probability change flag is a flag that is set when the gaming state becomes the probability change state, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned as the probability change flag.

  In this way, if the special symbol is determined to be successful, the special symbol stop symbol is determined according to the result. That is, as the special symbol stop symbols, as shown in FIG. 7, six types of jackpot symbols and two types of outliers are provided. Therefore, if the winning / failing determination result of the special symbol is a win, the stop symbol is determined from among the six types of big hit symbols, and if the winning / failing determination result is unsuccessful, it is stopped from the two types of missed symbols. Determine the design. In determining the stop symbol, a lottery is performed using a symbol random number. Here, the symbol determination random number is a random number that is acquired and stored together with the above-described special symbol success / failure determination random number when a game ball enters the start port 17. As described above, in the special symbol success / failure determination process (S306), the special symbol success / failure random number and the symbol determination random number acquired previously are read to determine whether or not the special symbol is successful and In response, the special symbol jackpot or missing symbol is determined.

  Then, the process which sets the variation pattern of a special symbol is started (S308). Here, the variation pattern of the special symbol is an aspect in which the special symbol is variably displayed. Note that even if the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, the eight types of display modes shown in FIG. 7 are simply displayed while being switched one after another. It corresponds to the time to let. However, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol variation display performed by the symbol display device 28 and the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c variation display performed by the variation display device 27 are linked to each other. Therefore, when the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, the time for which the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed is determined. Then, the content of specific variation display (effect display) is determined by the sub-control board 220 within the range of the variation display time. This point will be described in detail later.

  When the variation pattern of the special symbol is set (S308), the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 is started (S310). As described above, the symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment can display the eight types of special symbols shown in FIG. 7, and performs variable display by switching the display of these symbols one after another. When the special symbol fluctuation display is started, after subtracting “1” from the number of special symbols held (S312), a command (fluctuation pattern designation) for designating the previously determined special symbol fluctuation pattern is obtained. Command) is output to the sub-control board 220 (S314), and a command for designating a special symbol to be stopped (stop-designation command) is also output to the sub-control board 220 (S316).

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

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

  The detailed process performed in the special symbol game process when the special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S300: no in FIG. 11) has been described above. On the other hand, when the special symbol game process of FIG. 11 is started while the special symbol is changing, it is determined that the special symbol is changing in the determination of S300 performed first (S300: yes). This case corresponds to the case where the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol have already been determined and the special symbol variation has started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S318). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S318: 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 (S318: yes), a command (design stop command) indicating that the special symbol is to be stopped is output to the sub-control board 220 (S320). At the same time, the special symbol variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed with the symbol determined in advance (S322). Next, after setting a time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (stop display time) (S324), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has elapsed (S326). If the stop display time has not elapsed (S326: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S326: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is one of the jackpot symbols shown in FIG. 7 (S328 in FIG. 12). ). If the symbol that has been stopped is a jackpot symbol (S328: yes), the jackpot flag is set to ON (S330). Here, the big hit flag is a flag indicating that the big hit game is started, and a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 is assigned to the big hit flag. When the value of the predetermined address is set to “1”, the big hit flag is turned ON.

  Subsequently, after outputting a command indicating that the jackpot game is started (a jackpot start command) to the sub-control board 220 (S332), it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is ON (S334). If the probability change flag is set to ON (S334: yes), it is determined that the current game state is the probability change state and the probability change function and the time reduction function (function to reduce the variation time of the special symbol) are operating. it can. Therefore, by setting the probability variation flag to OFF (ie, changing the value of the probability variation flag from “1” to “0”), the operation of the probability variation function is stopped (S336), and the time reduction flag is also set to OFF (ie, The operation of the time reduction function is also stopped by changing the value of the time reduction flag from “1” to “0” (S338). Here, the short-time flag is a flag that is set to ON when the game state is the short-time state (the game state in which the special symbol variation time is set short), and is stored in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200. A predetermined address is assigned as a time reduction flag.

  On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S334: no), it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is set to ON (S342). If the time reduction flag is set to ON (S342: (S342: yes), the time reduction flag is turned OFF to stop the time reduction function (S338). Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the function (opening extension function) of extending the opening time of the start port 17 (ordinary electric accessory) also works. Therefore, when the time-shortening flag is turned off and the time-shortening function is stopped (S338), the opening extension flag is turned off to stop the opening extension function (S340), and then the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is performed. Exit and return to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed, if neither the probability change flag nor the hourly flag is set to ON (S334: no, S342: no), the special symbol game process is left as it is, and the game control process is performed. Return to.

  The processing in the case where the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a jackpot symbol (S328: yes) has been described. However, if the symbol is not a jackpot symbol (S328: no), the following processing is performed. I do.

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is short-time, that is, whether the short-time flag is ON (S344). If the time reduction flag is ON (S344: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction (S346), it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached the time reduction upper limit number (S348). ). In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, in either case of “probable hit” or “normal hit”, the time-short state is started after the end of the big hit game, and the next big hit game is generated, or the special symbol is set to the upper It is set to continue until it changes by the number of times. Therefore, if it is determined that the current gaming state is short in time (that is, the short time flag is set to ON) (S344: yes), after counting the number of changes in the special symbol (S346), It is determined whether or not the count value has reached the upper limit of time reduction (S348). If the time limit upper limit has been reached (S348: yes), the time reduction flag is turned OFF to stop the time reduction function (S338), and then the opening extension flag is also turned OFF to stop the opening extension function of the start port 17. (S340), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the upper limit of the time reduction (S348: no), while maintaining the time reduction state (with the time reduction flag and the opening extension flag set to ON), the special symbol game processing is performed. Exit and return to the game control process of FIG.

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

C-3. Special electric game game processing:
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory game process. A so-called jackpot game is performed by executing the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 13, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a so-called jackpot game will be briefly described.

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

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process, it first determines whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S400). The big winning opening 31d is closed in the normal gaming state, and therefore, the big winning opening 31d is closed immediately after the start of the big hit game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is not open (S400: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of opening of the special winning opening 31d (that is, the number of rounds) has reached a predetermined number (S402). As described above, during the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is opened, and a predetermined number of round games are repeated. In response to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S400: no), it is determined whether or not the number of times of opening (the number of rounds) of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined number (S402). .

  As a matter of course, immediately after the big hit game is started, the number of times of opening of the big winning opening 31d has not reached the predetermined number (S402: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the big winning opening 31d has elapsed. (S404). The closing time of the special winning opening 31d is a time during which the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. Immediately after the big hit game is started, the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 31d has passed (S404: yes), and the big prize opening 31d is opened. The round game is started after opening (S406). And after outputting the command (round number designation | designated command) which designates what round game the round game started is with respect to the sub-control board 220 (S408), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. Is temporarily terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball related process (S100), the special electric equipment game process (S116) again. To start. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 9 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 13 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the special game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 13 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S406 and the process is terminated as it is. When the second round of processing is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S400 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S400: yes).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S410). As described above, in the big hit game, the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, but is closed when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or a specified number of gaming balls enter the big winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S410, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. If the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S410: yes), after closing the special winning opening 31d (S414), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 13 is exited, and the game control of FIG. Return to processing. On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S410: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a specified number (S412). When the specified number is reached (S412: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S412: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined time, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d is also the prescribed number. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 13 is exited and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed while the special winning opening 31d is kept open.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, the opening time of the special winning opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S410: yes), or a prescribed number of gaming balls enter the special winning opening 31d. A ball is formed (S412: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). Thus, one round game is completed. Then, when the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S400 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S400: no), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of round games have ended (S402). ) If all the round games have not ended (S402: no), after confirming that the closing time of the special prize opening 31d has elapsed (S404: yes), the special prize opening 31d is again opened and a new one is opened. After starting the round game (S406), a round number designation command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S408). On the other hand, if it is determined in S402 that the predetermined number of round games have ended (S402: yes), the big hit flag is set OFF to end the big hit game (S416), and then the big hit game is ended. Is output to the sub-control board 220 (S418).

  When the jackpot game is terminated as described above, it is determined whether or not the jackpot symbol that has started the jackpot game is a probable hit symbol (S420). If it is a probability variation symbol (S420: yes), the probability variation flag is turned on (S422), and the time shortening flag and the opening extension flag are turned on to activate the time shortening function and the opening extension function of the start port 17. (S424, S426), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 13 is terminated. On the other hand, when the big hit symbol is not the probability change symbol (S420: no), the time reduction flag and the opening extension flag are set to ON in order to operate the time reduction function and the opening extension function with the probability changing flag turned off. (S424, S426), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 13 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

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

  Further, as described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs various control signals and control commands related to the effects of the game to the sub-control board 220 while executing the game control process shown in FIG. The sub-control board 220 determines specific contents of presentation based on the received control signal and control command, and uses the variable display device 27, various speakers 5y and 6c, various LEDs, and lamps 4b to 4f. Directing. Hereinafter, a process (effect control process) executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 to receive a game by receiving various control signals or commands output from the main control board 200 will be described. Since various effects are performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 executing the following effect control process, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment is the “effect execution means” of the present invention. Is configured.

C-4. Production control process:
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of effect control processing executed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. When starting the effect control process, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 first determines whether or not a variation pattern designation command and a stop symbol designation command have been received (S500). As described above, the variation pattern designation command is a command that designates a special symbol variation pattern (variation time), and the stop symbol designation command is a command that designates a special symbol stop symbol. Also, these commands are output from the main control board 200 when starting the special symbol variation display (S314, S316 in FIG. 11). When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command (S500: yes), the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are based on the received variation pattern designation command and stop symbol designation command. The effect display pattern is determined (S502). That is, by interpreting the contents of the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command, it is possible to obtain information about the variation time of the special symbol that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the special symbol stop symbol. Therefore, in accordance with the information, a specific variation display (effect display) mode of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the variation display device 27 is determined within the range of the variation time of the special symbol, and the design. The stop display mode of the symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is determined.

  When the variation display mode and the stop display mode of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are determined in this way, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 outputs a control command indicating the determined content to the effect control board 230. Thereby, the variable display of the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c is started on the variable display device 27 (S504).

  On the other hand, when the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command are not received (S500: no), the process of determining the effect display pattern (S502) and the variation display of the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c Is skipped (S504), and it is determined whether a symbol stop command has been received (S506). As described above, the symbol stop command is a command indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed, and is output from the main control board 200 when the special symbol variation display time has elapsed (S320 in FIG. 11). When a symbol stop command is received (S506: yes), the control symbol is output to the effect control board 230, and the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in the determined stop display mode. (S508). Of course, when the symbol stop command is not received (S506: no), the process of stopping and displaying the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c (S508) is not performed.

  In the effect control process, it is then determined whether or not a jackpot start command has been received (S510). As described above, the jackpot start command is a command output from the main control board 200 when the special symbol stops at any of the jackpot symbols (see FIG. 7) and starts the jackpot game (see FIG. 12). S332). If the jackpot start command has been received (S510: yes), an effect that makes it feel that the jackpot game advantageous to the player has started (a jackpot game start effect) is executed (S512). Such effects are performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determining specific contents of the effects and controlling the variable display device 27, the various speakers 5y and 6c, the various LEDs, the lamps 4b to 4f, and the like.

  On the other hand, if the jackpot start command has not been received (S510: no), the execution of the jackpot game start effect (S512) is skipped, and it is determined whether a round number designation command has been received (S514). As described above, the round number designation command is a command for designating what round game is the round game in the jackpot game, and the main control is performed when the big winning opening 31d is opened and a new round is started. It is output from the substrate 200 (S408 in FIG. 13). Then, when a round number designation command is received (S514: yes), it is impressed that a new round has started, and an effect (round game effect) indicating to the player the number of rounds is executed (S516). Such effects are also executed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 controlling the variable display device 27, the various speakers 5y and 6c, the various LEDs, the lamps 4b to 4f, and the like.

  On the other hand, when the round number designation command has not been received (S514: no), the execution of the round game effect (S516) is skipped, and this time, it is determined whether or not the jackpot end command has been received. (S518). As described above, the jackpot end command is a command that is output from the main control board 200 when a predetermined number of round games are digested to end the jackpot game (S418 in FIG. 13). When a jackpot game end command is received (S518: yes), the fact that the jackpot game has ended is controlled by controlling the variable display device 27, various speakers 5y, 6c, various LEDs, lamps 4b to 4f, and the like. An effect that impresses (a big hit game end effect) is executed (S520). On the other hand, when the jackpot end command has not been received (S518: no), the execution of the jackpot game end effect (S520) is skipped.

  In the effect control process, the effect mode control process is subsequently started (S522). As described above, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, based on the control command received from the main control board 200, the movable object (movable accessory) (not shown) provided in the variable display device 27 and the central device 26, various speakers 5y. , 6c, various effects using various LEDs and lamps 4b-4f. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of effect modes are prepared in advance as the effect modes (effect modes) executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, and the effect modes are switched during the game. It has become. In the effect mode control process, it is determined whether or not a predetermined switching condition is satisfied. When the condition is satisfied, a process for switching the effect mode is performed.

C-5. Production mode control processing:
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect mode control process executed in the effect control process. In the effect mode control process, first, it is determined whether or not the number of game balls (number of shot balls) fired toward the game area 11 has reached a switching reference value (for example, 1250 balls) (S600). Here, the switching reference value is a numerical value (number of shot balls) preset as a condition for switching the effect mode. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the outer rail 14 is provided with the firing ball detection switch 37 at a position corresponding to the final end of the inner rail 15. A signal is supplied to the sub-control board 220 (see FIG. 5). When receiving the detection signal, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 adds “1” to a dedicated counter called a fired ball number counter and counts the number of fired balls. Therefore, in the process of S600, it is determined whether or not the number of shot balls up to the present reaches the switching reference value with reference to the number of shot balls counter. The firing ball counter is set to a predetermined address in the RAM 223 mounted on the sub-control board 220. Further, the process of adding “1” to the number of shot balls and counting the number of shot balls is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, so the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment is This constitutes one aspect of the “firing ball counting means” of the present invention.

  If it is determined that the number of shot balls has reached the switching reference value (S600: yes), the effect mode is switched (S602). FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing how the effect modes are switched in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with four modes of effect mode A, effect mode B, effect mode C, and effect mode D in advance, and each gives an impression to the player. Is different. For example, the effect mode A may be “spring”, the effect mode B may be “summer”, the effect mode C may be “autumn”, and the effect mode D may be “winter”. When the number of shot balls reaches the switching reference value in the effect mode A, the mode is switched to the effect mode B. Similarly, when the number of shot balls reaches the switching reference value, the effect mode B is switched to the effect mode C, and the effect mode C is switched to the effect mode D. Further, when the number of shot balls reaches the switching reference value in the effect mode D, the process returns to the effect mode A, and thereafter, the four effect modes (A to D) are sequentially switched again. The effect mode of the present embodiment corresponds to the “effect mode” of the present invention, and the four effect modes are stored in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220. Therefore, the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment. The ROM 222 mounted on the PC constitutes one aspect of the “effect mode storage unit” of the present invention. Further, since the process of switching the effect mode is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment is an aspect of the “effect mode switching means” of the present invention. Is configured. In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the order of switching the four effect modes is determined in advance, but it is not always necessary to switch the effect modes according to the change order, and it is determined which effect mode to switch to by lottery. It is also possible to do. Furthermore, the number of production modes is not limited to four, and may be any number as long as it is plural.

  When the effect mode is switched in this way, the number of shot balls is reset, the number of shot balls is counted again from “0” (S604), and the switching reference value is set to the initial value (1250 balls) (S606). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied, the setting of the switching reference value is changed (corrected), so that the number of shot balls reaches the switching reference value and the effect mode Is switched to the initial value (for example, 1250 balls).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S600 that the number of shot balls has not yet reached the switching reference value (S600: no), a process for switching the effect mode (S602), a process for clearing the number of shot balls (S604). Then, the process of setting the switching reference value to the initial value (S606) is skipped, and then it is determined whether or not the number of shot balls has reached a predetermined correction determination value (S608). Here, the correction determination value is a numerical value (number of shot balls) smaller than the switching reference value described above, and in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of shot balls reaches the correction determination value (for example, a multiple of 125). Each time, a review is made as to whether or not the currently set switching reference value is appropriate. If it is determined that the number of shot balls has not reached the correction determination value (S608: no), the effect mode control process of FIG. 15 is terminated without reexamining the switching reference value, and FIG. The process returns to the effect control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of shot balls has reached a correction determination value (for example, a multiple of 125) (S608: yes), the number of game balls (starting number of starting balls) that have entered the starting port 17 ) Has reached a specified number of balls (for example, 10 balls) (S610). As described above, when a game ball enters the start port 17, a start port input command is output from the main control board 200 (S202 in FIG. 10), and the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 When a start entrance ball command is received, “1” is added to a dedicated counter called a start entrance ball counter to count the start ball number. In S610, it is determined whether or not the starting pitch number has reached the specified pitch number by referring to the starting pitch number counter. The starting ball number counter is also set to a predetermined address in the RAM 223 mounted on the sub-control board 220 in the same manner as the above-described ball number counter. In addition, since the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 performs the process of adding “1” to the start pitch number counter and counting the number of balls entered to the start port, the sub control board 220 of the present embodiment is configured. The mounted CPU 221 constitutes one aspect of the “entrance counting means” of the present invention. In addition, the specified number of incoming balls in this embodiment corresponds to the “incoming ball specified value” of the present invention.

  If it is determined that the starting number of balls has not reached the specified number of balls (S610: no), the switching reference value described above is set to a low value that is smaller than the initial value (for example, 1250 balls). A set value (for example, 1000 balls) is set (S612). When the determination in S600 described above is performed in a state where the switching reference value is set to the low setting value in this way, the rendering mode is performed at an earlier timing than in the normal case (when the switching reference value is set to the initial value). Is switched. Since the process of setting (correcting) the switching reference value based on the number of starting balls when the number of shot balls reaches the correction determination value is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, this embodiment. The CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 constitutes one aspect of the “switching reference value correcting means” of the present invention. Further, the low set value of this embodiment corresponds to the “correction value of the switching reference value” of the present invention, and the low set value is stored in advance in the ROM 222 of the sub-control board 220. The ROM 222 mounted on the sub-control board 220 constitutes one aspect of the “correction value storage means” of the present invention. Further, since the process of setting (selecting) the low set value according to the number of starting balls entered is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment This constitutes one aspect of the “correction value selection means” of the present invention.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the starting pitch is equal to or greater than the prescribed number (S610: yes), it is next determined whether or not the starting pitch is exactly the prescribed number (S614). . If the starting number of entrances does not match the prescribed number of entering balls, that is, if the starting number of entering balls exceeds the prescribed number of entering balls (S614: no), the switching reference value described above is A high setting value (for example, 1500 balls), which is a numerical value larger than the initial value (for example, 1250 balls), is set (S616). When the determination of S600 described above is performed in a state where the switching reference value is set to the high setting value in this way, the timing at which the effect mode is switched is delayed as compared with the normal case.

  On the other hand, if the starting number of balls is just the specified number of balls (S614: yes), the switching reference value is set to an initial value (for example, 1250 balls) (S618).

  As described above, when the switching reference value is set to any one of the initial value, the low set value, and the high set value based on the number of start balls when the number of shot balls reaches the correction judgment value, the start ball After resetting the number counter and clearing the starting number of incoming balls (S620), the effect mode control process of FIG. 15 is terminated and the process returns to the effect control process shown in FIG.

  In the effect control process of FIG. 14, when returning from the effect mode control process (S522), the process returns to the top of the process, and it is determined again whether the variation pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command have been received (S500). Then, after the effect mode is switched in the effect mode control process (S522) described above (S602 in FIG. 15), when the change pattern designation command and the stop symbol designation command are received (S500: yes), the effect mode is switched to. Accordingly, the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c in the variation display device 27 are switched to the background symbols 27d and the like, and the variation symbols of the design symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are displayed.

  In the foregoing, various processes executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 to control the game effects have been described. Here, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, four effect modes having different impressions to the player are provided, and the number of shot balls (game balls launched toward the game area 11). The game atmosphere is changed by switching the effect mode on condition that the number reaches the switching reference value. In addition, by correcting the switching reference value based on the number of starting balls (the number of gaming balls that have entered the starting port 17), the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment has a timing for switching the effect mode. It can be adjusted according to the situation. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail.

  FIG. 17 is a time chart conceptually showing how the production mode is switched in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, for example, when the number of shot balls reaches the switching reference value in the effect mode A and the switching condition is satisfied, the mode is switched to the effect mode B, and the number of shot balls is cleared and newly set. It is counted from “0” (S602 and S604 in FIG. 15). Then, when the newly counted number of shot balls reaches the correction determination value (125 balls), the number of game balls (starting ball number) that entered the starting port 17 during that period is referred to and the effect is produced from the effect mode B. Adjustment of timing for switching to mode C (revision of switching reference value) is performed. The hatched circle in the figure represents a game ball that has entered the start port 17.

  First, FIG. 17 (a) shows a case where a predetermined number (10 balls) of game balls have entered the start opening 17 when the number of shot balls reaches 125 balls. If the starting number of entering balls is exactly the specified number of entering balls, it can be said that the frequency at which the game balls enter the starting port 17 is almost average, and the variation display device 27 displays the variation of the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c. It starts smoothly. Therefore, in this case, since it is not necessary to correct the switching reference value and adjust the switching timing of the effect mode, the initial value (1250 balls) is used as it is as the setting of the switching reference value (S618 in FIG. 15). . Then, when the number of shot balls reaches 1250, the effect mode B is switched to the effect mode C.

  On the other hand, FIG. 17B shows a case where only seven game balls have entered the start port 17 when the number of shot balls reaches 125. In this case, since the starting number of balls has not reached the specified number of balls (10 balls), the switching reference value is set to a low setting value (1000 balls) (S612 in FIG. 15), and the number of balls to be fired is 1000 balls. At the time of reaching, that is, at a timing earlier than the case shown in FIG. 17A, the effect mode B is switched to the effect mode C. As described above, when the starting number of entering balls is smaller than the prescribed number of entering balls, the game ball does not readily enter the starting port 17 and the variation display of the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c on the variation display device 27 is also delayed. Because of this tendency, the player tends to get bored with the game. Therefore, the production mode is changed early to change the game atmosphere.

  FIG. 17C shows a case where 13 game balls have entered the start port 17 when the number of shot balls reaches 125. In this case, since the starting number of entering balls exceeds the prescribed number of entering balls, the switching reference value is set to a high set value (1500 balls) (S616 in FIG. 15). Therefore, even if the number of shot balls reaches 1250, the effect mode is not switched, and the effect mode B is maintained until it reaches 1500 balls, and the effect mode C is changed to the case shown in FIG. The switching timing is delayed. That is, when the starting number of entering balls exceeds the prescribed number of entering balls, the game balls enter the starting port 17 efficiently, and the variation display device 27 displays the variation display of the design symbols 27a, 27b, 27c. Since the game is started without any doubt, the interest of the player is maintained high, and there is little need to switch the production mode. On the other hand, by switching the production mode easily, the switching of the production mode is suppressed so that the player's interest is not flooded and the credibility of the production mode with high expectations is not impaired. It is like that.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the effect mode is switched when the number of game balls (number of shot balls) launched toward the game area 11 reaches the switching reference value, and the number of shot balls Each time the correction reference value is reached, the switching reference value is corrected based on the number of starting balls (the number of game balls that have entered the starting port 17). If the starting number of entering balls is less than the prescribed number of entering balls, by reducing the switching reference value (setting it to a low setting value), the production mode is switched early, so that the player gets bored with the game. Can be effectively prevented. On the other hand, if the starting number of entrances is greater than the prescribed number of entrances, the switching reference value is increased (set to a high setting value), so that the switching of the production mode is suppressed. Can be maintained. In this way, it is possible to effectively reduce the interest of the player by performing fine effect mode switching control according to the game situation (the situation of the game ball entering the start port 17). It becomes possible to prevent.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the correction determination value is set to “a multiple of 125”, and is switched every time the number of shot balls reaches a multiple of 125 (125, 250, 375,...). The reference value is corrected. For this reason, even when the frequency at which the game ball enters the start port 17 (the ball entry frequency) varies, the timing for switching the effect mode can be adjusted as appropriate. For example, if the aim of the launch position of the game ball is not fixed immediately after starting the game, and the number of shots reaches 125 balls when the number of shot balls reaches 125 balls, The switching reference value is set to a low setting value (1000 balls). However, after that, the game ball efficiently enters the start opening 17 and when the number of shot balls reaches 750, the start entrance number (the number of start balls between 626 to 750 start balls) When the number of game balls that have entered 17 has exceeded the prescribed number of balls (10 balls), the switching reference value is set to a high setting value (1500 balls), so the timing for switching the effect mode is set. Become slow. As described above, by performing the correction a plurality of times until the number of shot balls reaches the switching reference value, it is possible to control the switching of the effect mode more finely according to the state of the game ball entering the start port 17. It becomes.

D. Modified example:
In the embodiment described above, an initial value, a low setting value, and a high setting value of the switching reference value are prepared in advance, and based on the number of starting balls when the number of shot balls reaches the correction determination value. The switching reference value is set to one of an initial value, a low set value, and a high set value. However, it is assumed that a plurality of sets of initial values, low set values, and high set values of the switching reference value are provided, and a game hall manager (such as a store clerk) operates a predetermined switch (switching reference value selection switch) Thus, the set of switching reference values may be changed. Below, the modification which employ | adopted such a structure is demonstrated.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of switching the state of the switching reference value selection switch 300 installed in the gaming machine 1 of the modified example. This switching reference value selection switch 300 is installed on the back side of the gaming machine 1, and unless the game hall manager (clerk) releases the locking device 9 to open the middle frame 3 (see FIG. 1). ), The switching reference value selection switch 300 cannot be touched. As shown in FIG. 18, a so-called slide switch is employed as the switching reference value selection switch 300, and the switch can be switched in three stages by sliding the knob 300a left and right. First, when the knob 300a is slid to the left end, the switch 1 is brought into a state. Then, when the knob 300a is slid to the center, the switch 2 is brought into the state (shown in FIG. 18), and when it is slid to the right end, the switch 3 is brought into the state. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the modified example, the set of switching reference values (initial value, low set value, high set value) is 3 corresponding to the three states (switches 1 to 3) of the switch reference value selection switch 300. A set is provided. It should be noted that the three states of the switching reference value selection switch 300 of the modification correspond to “setting values” of the present invention, and any one of the states can be selected by operating the switching reference value selection switch 300. Therefore, the switching reference value selection switch 300 according to the modification constitutes one aspect of the “set value selection means” of the present invention.

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the three states of the switching reference value selection switch 300 and the three sets of switching reference values (initial value, low set value, and high set value). As shown in the drawing, for the switch 1, the initial value of the switching reference value is set to “1250 balls”, the low set value is set to “1000 balls”, and the high set value is set as in the above-described embodiment. Is set to “1500 spheres”. On the other hand, the switch 2 is set to a larger value than the switch 1, the initial value is set to “2500 balls”, the low set value is set to “2000 balls”, and the high set value is set to “3000 balls”. Has been. The switch 3 is set to a value larger than that of the switch 2, and the initial value is “5000 balls”, the low set value is “4000 balls”, and the high set value is “6000 balls”. Is set.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the modification, the switching reference value selection switch 300 is connected to the sub control board 220, and the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 sets the switching reference value in the effect mode control process (FIG. 15) described above. When setting (S606, S612, S616, S618), the switching reference value is set according to the state of the switching reference value selection switch 300. For example, when the switching reference value is set to the initial value after the effect mode is switched (S606 in FIG. 15), if the switching reference value selection switch 300 is in the switch 1 state, the switching reference value is set to “1250 balls”. On the other hand, if the switching reference value selection switch 300 is in the state of the switch 3, the switching reference value is set to “5000 balls”. Note that the process of changing the numerical value of the switching reference value based on the state (selected setting value) of the switching reference value selection switch 300 is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. The CPU 221 mounted on the substrate 220 constitutes one aspect of the “numerical value changing unit” of the present invention.

  Thus, in the gaming machine 1 of the modified example, there are three sets of switching reference values (initial value, low setting value, high setting value), and the game hall manager (clerk) selects the switching reference value. By operating the switch 300, any set of switching reference values can be selected. For this reason, it is possible to flexibly cope with the diversification of business forms of the game hall. Hereinafter, this point will be supplementarily described.

  Usually, a player pays a fixed fee to the game hall, receives a fixed number of game balls, and plays a game using the game balls. In addition, the so-called ball rental rate (the fee paid to receive one game ball loan) varies depending on the business form of the game hall. The timing (switching reference value) at which the effect mode is switched may be determined based on the amount invested by the player. Since the value judgment of the input amount changes depending on the rental rate, the switching reference value Changes are required.

  As an example, let us consider a case where a design is made such that the production mode is switched with the introduction of 5000 yen as a guide. In a game hall with a lending rate of “4 yen per ball”, if the initial value of the switching reference value is set to “1250 balls”, the player fires 5000 balls of game balls (1250 balls). The production mode switches at the point. On the other hand, in a game hall with a lending rate of “1 yen for 1 ball”, if the initial value of the switching reference value is set to “1250 balls”, the player launches a game ball for 1250 yen. Since the mode is switched at the time, the production mode is switched at an earlier stage than the design. In order to change the initial value of the switching reference value, etc., it is generally accompanied by a change in a game control program or a production control program.

  However, in the gaming machine 1 of the modified example, three sets of switching reference values (initial value, low set value, high set value) are provided corresponding to the three states of the switch reference value selection switch 300, and the game When the hall manager operates the switching reference value selection switch 300, the set of switching reference values can be easily changed. Therefore, in a game hall with a lending rate of “1 yen per ball”, if the switching reference value selection switch 300 is in the state of switch 3 and the initial value of the switching reference value is set to “5000 balls”, the player The production mode is switched at the timing when 5000 game balls (5000 balls) are fired. As described above, since the game hall can easily adjust the switching timing of the production mode according to the business form (the rental rate) without changing the game control and production control programs, It is possible to flexibly cope with diversification of forms.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim unless it departs from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the firing ball detection switch 37 is provided at a position corresponding to the final end of the inner rail 15 of the outer rail 14 so as to detect the gaming ball launched toward the gaming area 11. It was. However, the position for detecting the launch ball is not limited to this position. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, a game ball passage gate 38 is provided at a position called “bump” at the upper left of the fluctuation display device 27, and a game ball detection switch provided inside the game ball passage gate 38. The passing of the game ball may be detected by 38s. Since a player usually launches a game ball aiming at a ball in order to efficiently enter the start port 17, if the game ball passing gate 38 is provided at this position, the game area 11 It is possible to detect the game ball launched toward the direction almost accurately. In this way, since the sub-control board 220 is generally installed at the back (back side) of the variable display device 27, the game ball detection switch 38s and the sub-control board 220 are easily connected. be able to. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which calculates the number of discharge balls by adding the number of discharge balls detected at the out port 48, and the number of balls detected by the start port 17 grade | etc.,.

  In the above-described embodiment and modification, the switching reference value is set to three numerical values, that is, an initial value, a low set value, and a high set value, based on the state of the game ball entering the start port 17 (the number of start balls) It was set to either of. However, this configuration is not necessarily limited as long as the switching reference value can be increased or decreased based on the number of starting balls. For example, a predetermined correction number (for example, 100 balls) may be added to or subtracted from the switching reference value based on the number of starting balls. Specifically, when the number of shot balls reaches the correction determination value, if the number of starting balls is less than the specified number of balls (S610: no in FIG. 15), the correction number (100 balls) from the switching reference value. ) Is subtracted. On the other hand, if the starting number of incoming balls exceeds the prescribed number of incoming balls (S614 in FIG. 15: no), a process of adding the correction number (100 balls) to the switching reference value is performed. Furthermore, when the starting number of entering balls is just the specified number of entering balls (S614 in FIG. 15: yes), the switching reference value may be maintained as it is. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to adjust the switching timing of the effect mode according to the state of entry of the game ball into the start port 17.

  In addition, in the modified example described above, three sets of switching reference values (initial value, low set value, and high set value) are provided and can be selected by the switch reference value selection switch 300. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration as long as the switching reference value can be changed by the operation of the game hall manager (clerk). For example, a numeric keypad for inputting numerical values is installed on the back side of the gaming machine 1, and an administrator of the game hall can directly input the initial value, the low setting value, and the high setting value of the switching reference value with the numeric keypad. You may do it. In addition to the switching reference value, management of the game hall includes a correction judgment value that is an opportunity to correct the switching reference value, and a prescribed number of entering balls that is a criterion for determining whether or not the starting number of entering balls is average. The user may be able to set. In this way, it is possible to control the changeover of the effect mode more finely according to the business form (the rental rate) of the game hall.

1 ... Pachinko machine, 17 ... Start-up port,
27 ... Fluctuation display device, 37 ... Launch ball detection switch,
200 ... Main control board, 220 ... Sub control board,
221... CPU (launched ball number counting means, effect executing means, effect mode switching means, pitch number counting means, correction value selecting means, numerical value changing means),
222... ROM (production mode storage means, correction value storage means),
300 ... switching reference value selection switch (setting value selection means)

Claims (2)

A game ball is fired on a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances, and a game ball is entered into any of the entrances. When a game ball enters the starting port, a ball game machine that displays a stop after displaying a predetermined pattern in a variable manner,
A firing ball number counting means for counting the number of game balls fired toward the game board surface;
Effect execution means for executing a predetermined effect in accordance with the progress of the game;
Effect mode storage means for storing in advance a plurality of modes of effects executed by the effect execution means;
It is determined whether or not the count value by the firing ball number counting means has reached a predetermined switching reference value, and when it is determined that it has reached the switching reference value, the effect executed by the effect executing means Effect mode switching means for switching the mode to a mode of effect selected from a plurality of effect modes stored in the effect mode storage means,
Number-of-balls counting means for counting the number of game balls that have entered the start opening,
Each time the count value by the firing ball number counting means reaches a predetermined correction judgment value smaller than the switching reference value, the count value by the pitch counting number means is compared with a predetermined entrance prescribed value, If it is the same as the prescribed value for entering the ball, the switching reference value is set to an initial value, and if it is smaller than the prescribed value for entering the ball, the switching reference value is corrected to a low set value, And a switching reference value correcting means for correcting the switching reference value to a high set value when the value is larger than the value. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
A set value selecting means for selecting one set value from a plurality of set values provided so as to be selectable;
Based on the setting value selected by the setting value selection means, the initial value of the switching reference value, the low setting value of the switching reference value, the high setting value of the switching reference value, the correction determination value, A bullet ball game machine comprising: numerical value changing means for changing at least one numerical value of the prescribed ball value.

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