JP5482819B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly, to a gaming machine (a ball game machine) such as a pachinko gaming machine such as a so-called seven machine, feathers, or a right-handed machine, or a combination type gaming machine (arranged ball gaming machine).

  In pachinko machines, when a game ball enters a variable start port (so-called electric chew) that is configured as an ordinary electric accessory, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out and a special symbol is variably displayed and then stopped. The symbol change game to be started is started, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, so that a special game advantageous to the player is started. In such a gaming machine, it is known that the number of prize balls to be paid out each time one game ball enters the variable start port is one (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-336451 A

  However, if the number of prize balls at the variable start opening is one, the number of times the symbol variation game can be executed per unit time can be increased, but the number of game balls entering the variable start opening and Since the number of prize balls to be paid out by the balls becomes equal, it becomes difficult for the player to receive the impression that the prize balls have been paid out. That is, the player's ball does not increase by entering the game ball into the variable start port.

  In particular, during a period in which the opening time of the variable start opening is extended (so-called electric support state), the frequency of playing a prize ball for the entry is increased by increasing the frequency of entry of game balls into the variable entry opening. Since it becomes high, the player can usually advance the game with a slight increase in the number of possessed balls without reducing the number of possessed balls. Nevertheless, if the number of prize balls for entering a game ball at the variable start port is one, the player's ball tends to decrease even in the electric support state. There is a risk of deteriorating interest.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the gaming interest by using a configuration in which the number of prize balls at the variable start opening is one.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention provides:
Launching means for launching a game ball waiting at a predetermined standby part toward the game board;
A variable start port capable of accepting a game ball launched by the launching means and capable of changing an accepting state of the game ball;
Symbol information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined symbol information when a game ball is received by the variable start port;
Storage means for storing the symbol information acquired by the symbol information acquisition means;
Symbol variation game execution means for reading the symbol information stored by the storage means, and performing a symbol variation game to stop display after variably displaying a predetermined symbol based on the symbol information;
When the symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner as a result of the symbol variable game, special game execution means for performing a special game advantageous to the player;
Prior determination means for determining whether the symbol information stored in the storage means is specific symbol information before starting the symbol variation game corresponding to the symbol information;
Return means for returning the game ball received by the variable start port to the standby part;
Return effect execution means for performing a return effect when the game ball is returned by the return means;
With
The return effect execution means, when the determination result that the specific symbol information is not obtained is obtained by the prior determination means, the re-entry effect that prompts the game ball to enter the variable start port again as the return effect. It is characterized by performing.

  As a result, it is possible to provide the gameability of performing a return effect reflecting the result of the prior determination, triggered by the return of the game ball that has entered the variable start port, and to improve the gaming interest. . Furthermore, as a return effect, by performing a re-entry effect that prompts the game ball to enter the variable start port again, the game ball that entered the variable start port is returned, and the returned game ball is It is possible to realize a game property corresponding to a replay (replay) of a spinning-type game machine (slot machine) that uses the symbol variation game to advance.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention,
The return effect executing means performs a notice effect related to the symbol variation game corresponding to the specific symbol information as the return effect when the determination result indicating that the specific symbol information is obtained by the prior determination means. It is a feature.

  In this way, the effectiveness of the game ball that has entered the variable start port is shown by performing a notice effect that reflects the result of the prior determination triggered by the return of the game ball that has entered the variable start port. Can improve the game entertainment.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention,
An accepting state setting means is provided for setting the accepting state of the game ball by the variable start port to one of a first accepting state where the acceptability of the game ball is low and a second accepting state where the acceptability of the game ball is high. ,
The return effect executing means performs the return effect when the second acceptance state is set by the acceptance state setting means.

  When the second accepting state is set, the game ball enters the variable start port at a higher frequency. However, in the configuration in which the game ball that enters the variable start port is returned as it is, the second accept Even if the state is set, it is difficult to suppress the decrease of the player's ball and to increase the player's ball. Therefore, by performing a return effect when the second acceptance state is set, it is possible to give a game value different from winning a prize ball (increasing possession ball) for entering a game ball into the variable start opening. As a result, it is possible to improve the game entertainment in the second acceptance state.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention,
A receiving port that is provided separately from the variable start port and is capable of receiving a game ball launched by the launching means;
A payout means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls when a game ball is received by the receiving port;
With
The player can visually recognize a discharge port that discharges the winning ball paid out by the paying means toward the standby position and a return port that discharges the game ball returned by the return means toward the standby position. It is characterized by being provided separately in different states.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to clearly distinguish the game ball discharged from the discharge port and the game ball discharged from the return port, and the game ball that has entered the variable start port passes through the return port. Thus, the player can clearly recognize that it is returned to the standby part. Thereby, it is possible to effectively realize the gameability of performing a return effect reflecting the result of the prior determination, triggered by the return of the game ball that has entered the variable start port.

  According to the above configuration of the present invention, it is possible to create a new game using a configuration in which the number of prize balls at the variable start opening is one, thereby improving the game entertainment.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. It is a perspective view of a gaming machine. It is a front view of a game board. It is a front view showing a screen display example of the effect display device. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of an electronic controller. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main job. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a start opening prize process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol fluctuation | variation display process. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit game process. It is a flowchart which shows processing at the time of big hit game end. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st special symbol winning effect process. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd special symbol winning effect process. It is a flowchart which shows the effect process at the time of the 2nd special symbol winning of 2nd Example.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) of a type (so-called “seven machine type”) in which a jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in response to the end of the special symbol variation display, and the jackpot game is triggered by this. Examples to which the present invention is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gaming machine 1 includes a game frame 2, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. The game frame 2 includes an outer frame 3, a middle frame 4, a front frame 5, an upper plate portion 6, a lower plate portion 7, and the like. The middle frame 4 is not clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 because the front frame 5 is disposed on the front side.

  The outer frame 3 is a wooden plate-like body assembled into a substantially rectangular frame shape. The outer frame 3 is fixed to an installation site provided in the island facility of the pachinko hall and supports the gaming machine main body. The outer frame 3 includes an outer frame main body 3a configured by a substantially rectangular frame-shaped body, and a front plate portion 3b that covers a lower front portion of the outer frame main body 3a.

  The middle frame 4 is made of plastic and constitutes the main body frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 4 is fitted inside the outer frame 3 and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 3. The middle frame 4 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 5 are provided on the front side of the frame portion so as to overlap each other. On the lower side of the front frame 5, an upper plate portion 6 and a lower plate portion 7 are integrally provided. The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) that launches game balls onto the game board 20 and a ball feeder (not shown) that feeds game balls to the launcher unit. Below the right side of the front frame 5 is provided a locking device 5b for locking the front frame 5 when it is closed.

  The front frame 5 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 4 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 5 is made of plastic, and has an opening 5a for making the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 5a is mounted on the back surface of the front frame 5.

  A frame lamp portion 5c using LEDs or the like is provided around the opening 5a in the front frame 5. The frame lamp portion 5c is turned on / off or blinks according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the game effect.

  The upper dish portion 6 is provided below the opening 5a in the front frame 5, and is formed in a dish shape that can store game balls therein. Further, below the opening 5a, there are provided a payout opening 6a and a return opening 6b for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 to the upper plate part 6. From the payout port 6a and the return port 6b to the upper plate part 6, game balls to a first start port 28a, a second start port 28b, a big winning port 33a, and general winning ports 34 to 37 (see FIG. 3), which will be described later. The prize ball corresponding to the entry is discharged. From the payout opening 6a, the winning balls corresponding to the game balls entering the first starting opening 28a, the big winning opening 33a, and the general winning openings 34 to 37 are discharged, and from the return opening 6b, the second starting opening 28b. The prize balls corresponding to the game balls entering the are discharged.

  The winning balls according to the game balls entering the first starting port 28a, the big winning port 33a, and the general winning ports 34 to 37 are paid out by a game ball paying device (not shown) provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1. In this game ball payout (prize ball payout), game balls stored in a game ball tank (not shown) provided on the upper back side of the gaming machine 1 are supplied to a game ball payout device via a game ball rail (not shown). Then, the supplied game ball is discharged by rotating the payout motor of the game ball payout device. Therefore, the prize balls that are paid out by the game ball payout device are discharged from the payout opening 6a. On the other hand, the return port 6b communicates with a second start port 28b provided on the surface (board surface) of the game board 20 via a game ball passage (not shown) provided on the front frame 5 and the back side of the game board 20. The game ball that has entered the second start port 28b is discharged as a prize ball from the return port 6b as it is. The first starting port 28a, the big winning port 33a, and the general winning ports 34 to 37 correspond to the “reception port” of the present invention, the game ball payout device corresponds to the “payout means” of the present invention, and the return port 6b. The game ball path connecting the return port 6b and the second start port 28b corresponds to the “return means” of the present invention.

  The inner bottom surface (upper plate bottom surface) of the upper plate part 6 is inclined downward from the left side to the right side when the gaming machine 1 is viewed from the front, and the game balls discharged to the upper plate part 6 are moved from the left side to the right side. Flow down. In addition, an opening (not shown) communicating with a ball feeding device (not shown) is provided at the right end of the upper plate 6 where a game ball flowing down the upper plate 6 reaches, The game ball is supplied to the ball feeding device through the opening, and is further supplied from the ball feeding device to a launching ball holding unit (launching position) of a launching device unit (not shown). That is, the game ball that is launched toward the game board 20 stands by from the upper plate portion 6 to the launch ball holding portion of the launcher unit. As described above, the upper plate 6, the ball feeding device, and the launching ball holding unit of the launching device unit constituting the path until the game ball to be used for launching reaches the launching ball holding unit of the launching device unit are the present invention. It corresponds to a “standby part”, and the launching device unit corresponds to the “launching means” of the present invention.

  The payout opening 6a and the return opening 6b are separately provided in a state that can be visually recognized by the player when viewed from the front of the gaming machine 1, and the return opening 6b is provided on the right side of the payout opening 6a. Specifically, the discharge outlet 6 a is provided in the vicinity of the left end of the upper plate portion 6, and the return port 6 b is provided in the vicinity of the right end of the upper plate portion 6.

  Thus, by providing the discharge outlet 6a in the vicinity of the left end of the upper plate portion 6 and providing the return port 6b in the vicinity of the right end of the upper plate portion 6, the return port 6b is more spherical than the discharge port 6a. Since the game ball discharged from the return opening 6b is held by the ball feeder and the launcher unit, the game ball held by the ball feeder and the launcher unit is held more closely than the game ball discharged from the payout opening 6a. The part (launch position) will be reached early. Further, as in the present embodiment, the return port 6b is provided in the vicinity of the right end of the upper plate part 6, thereby shortening the distance between the launch ball holding unit of the ball feeder or the launcher unit and the return port 6b as much as possible. It is possible to shorten the time required for the game ball discharged from the return port 6b to reach the ball holding device of the ball feeder or the launcher unit as much as possible.

  Of the outer walls constituting the outer shell of the upper plate part 6, an effect button 8 is provided at the center of the upper wall surface, and a CR operation part 9 is provided on the right side of the upper wall surface. The effect button 8 includes a first effect button 8a and second effect buttons 8b and 8c provided on the right and left sides respectively. The effect button 8 is used when an effect corresponding to an effect button operation and an image browsing effect described later are performed. The CR operation unit 9 is used to operate a prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) provided on the left side of the gaming machine 1. The CR operation unit 9 includes a return button 9a for requesting the return of the prepaid card, a frequency display unit 9b for displaying the remaining frequency of the prepaid card, and a ball lending button 9c for requesting the lending of the game ball.

  The lower plate part 7 is provided below the upper plate part 6 in the front frame 5. A discharge port 7 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 to the lower plate portion 7 is provided at substantially the center of the lower plate portion 7. At the right end of the lower plate part 7, a launching handle 10 that is operated by a player to drive a launching unit (not shown) is provided. The firing handle 10 is provided with a touch switch 10a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching. On the left side surface of the launch handle 10, a launch stop switch 10b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 is provided with speakers 11a to 11d for generating sound effects and the like corresponding to the gaming state. The speakers 11 a to 11 d include upper speakers 11 a and 11 b provided on the upper part of the front frame 5 and lower speakers 11 c and 11 d provided on the front plate part 2 b below the front frame 5.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body and is detachably attached to the middle frame 3, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 3, a substantially circular gaming area 21 is formed on the gaming board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface (board surface) of the gaming board 20. In the gaming area 21, gaming devices such as a central device 24, a normal symbol operating gate 27, a big winning device 33, a starting port 28, general winning ports 34 to 37, a first decorative member 50, and a second decorative member 60 are arranged. It is installed. In addition, a number of obstacle nails are arranged in the game area 21 in consideration of the position balance with each gaming device.

  The central device (center accessory) 24 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21 and includes an effect display device 25. In this embodiment, a large liquid crystal display device is used as the effect display device 25, and various effect displays are performed in the display area V of the effect display device 25.

  The big winning device 33 is arranged below the central device 24 in the game area 21. The first decoration device 50 is arranged on the left side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, the second decoration device 60 is arranged on the right side of the big prize device 33 in the game area 21, and the decoration devices 50, 60 are so-called side. Make up decorations. The first decoration device 50 is integrated with the left winning ports 34 and 35 of the general winning ports 34 to 37, and the second decorative device 60 is integrated with the right winning ports 36 and 37 of the general winning ports 34 to 37. 37 is integrated.

  The normal symbol operating gate 27 is provided on the left side of the central device 24. Inside the normal symbol operation gate 27, a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passage of the game ball flowing down on the game board is provided. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, the normal symbol starts to be changed.

  The start port 28 is provided below the central position of the central device 24. The start port 28 is a first start port provided on the upper side, in which two entrance ports formed with a game ball receiving port for receiving a game ball flowing down on the surface of the game board 20 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. 28a and a second start port 28b provided on the lower side.

  The first start port 28a is configured as a fixed start port in which the size of the game ball receiving port does not change (the game ball accepting state does not change) and the possibility of entering the game ball is constant, It is always possible to enter game balls. On the other hand, the second start port 28b is a so-called tulip type and has a pair of wing pieces on the left and right, and the upper end gap between the pair of wing pieces serves as a game ball receiving port. The pair of wing pieces are each opened and closed by tilting in the left-right direction. With this opening and closing action, the second start port 28b is the size of the game ball receiving port of the pair of wing pieces. Is configured as a variable start port where the change of the game ball accepting state changes.

  The second start port 28b is in an open state with a high probability of entering by opening a pair of blade pieces, and in a normal state with a low possibility of entering by closing a pair of blade pieces (incoming balls) Including an impossible closed state). When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of symbols, the pair of wing pieces are opened to expand the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b, and the second start port 28b is a normal electric accessory. Function as.

  Inside the start port 28, there are a start port entrance detection switch 28s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entrance of a game ball into the first start port 28a, and the entrance of the game ball into the second start port 28b. A start opening ball detection switch 28t (see FIG. 5) for detection and a start opening solenoid 28c (see FIG. 5) for operating the pair of blade pieces are provided. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is enlarged from the normal time, and the second start port 28b has a possibility of entering a game ball. It becomes an open state that becomes larger. On the other hand, when the pair of wing pieces are erected, the size of the game ball receiving port of the second start port 28b is slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball (one game ball can pass). The second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state) in which the possibility of entering a game ball is reduced (or entry is impossible). When a game ball enters one of the start ports 28a and 28b, a special symbol (to be described later) starts to be displayed in a variable manner.

  Further, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out in accordance with the entry of the game ball into the first start port 28a and the enter of the game ball into the second start port 28b. In the present embodiment, three prize balls are paid out for the game balls entering the first start opening 28a, and one prize ball for the game balls entering the second start opening 28b. Will be paid out. As described above, the three prize balls for entering the game ball into the first start port 28a are discharged to the upper plate part 6 through the payout opening 6a by the game ball payout device (not shown). On the other hand, for one winning ball with respect to the game ball entering the second start port 28b, the game ball that has entered the second start port 28b is directly discharged to the upper plate 6 through the return port 6b.

  The big prize device 33 is disposed below the start port 28. Here, the special winning device 33 includes a special winning opening 33a opened in a belt shape, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the special winning opening 33a, and a large winning opening solenoid 33c (for operating the opening / closing plate 33b). 5) and a big winning opening entrance detection switch 33s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the entrance of a game ball.

  A left winning opening 34 and 35 and a right winning opening 36 and 37 are provided on the upper left side and the upper right side of the big winning device 33. Each of these winning openings is provided with a winning opening entering detection switch (not shown).

  The first decorative member 50 is provided with a plurality of LEDs. By combining these LEDs, a normal symbol display unit 51, a general symbol hold display unit 52, a first special symbol hold display unit 53, and a second special symbol are provided. A hold display unit 54 is configured. Similarly, the second decorative member 60 is provided with a plurality of LEDs, and a first special symbol display portion 61 and a second special symbol display portion 62 are configured by a combination of these LEDs.

  The normal symbol display part 51 is comprised from one LED, and a normal symbol is displayed by this LED. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol variation display and stop display are performed. In the normal symbol display unit 51, the normal symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 27, and after the predetermined time has passed, the normal symbol hits in the normal symbol display mode or the off-normal symbol display mode. Stopped display. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the preset normal symbol display mode, the second start port 28b is opened according to a predetermined opening pattern. A plurality of opening patterns of the second start port 28b are provided. Specifically, as the opening pattern of the second starting port 28b, a short opening pattern in which the opening time of the second starting port 28b is “short opening time (for example, 0.5 seconds)” and the second starting port 28b There is provided a long open pattern in which the open time is “long open time (for example, 4 seconds)”. In the present embodiment, the opening pattern of the second start port 28b is determined (selected) in accordance with whether or not the open time extension function for extending the open time of the second start port 28b is activated. When the normal symbol variation display starts and the normal symbol stops display at the time (normal time), the “short open pattern” is set, and when the open time extension function is activated, the normal symbol variation display starts. When a normal symbol is stopped and displayed, a “long open pattern” is set.

  The setting of the opening pattern of the second start port 28b is performed in a later-described normal symbol game process (S300) executed by the main control unit 200. For this reason, the main control unit 200 corresponds to the “acceptance state setting means” of the present invention. The state in which the short opening pattern is set as the opening pattern of the second starting port 28b corresponds to the “first receiving state” of the present invention, and the state in which the long opening pattern is set as the opening pattern of the second starting port 28b. Corresponds to the “second acceptance state” of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, a random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is provided is prepared. This random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is used determines whether or not the second starting port 28b is activated when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 27. It is used to determine whether or not the symbol is normal (whether to be in an open state). The normal symbol success / failure random number is set in advance with a hit value, and the normal symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 27 matches the win value. Determined. When it is determined that the normal symbol is determined to be a win, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the normal symbol. On the other hand, when it is determined to be out (when the acquired normal symbol success / failure random number does not match the winning value), the normal symbol stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display unit 51 is determined as the display mode of the out of normal symbol. Is done.

  Here, normal symbol holding will be described. The normal symbol hold display section 52 displays the normal symbol hold number, and the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 27 can be held up to the maximum hold number (four in this embodiment). Each time the next normal symbol win / fail determination is made and the normal symbol variation display is started, the number of unstarted times (the number of reservations) is consumed, and the number of normal symbol reservations is decreased by one. The general-purpose hold display unit 52 includes two LEDs, and can display the number of holds with an upper limit of four by combining turning off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. Along with the holding of the normal symbol, a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200.

  It should be noted that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is determined, the determination of the stop symbol of the normal symbol, the setting of the variation pattern of the normal symbol, the storage and storage of the normal symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  Next, the special symbol will be described. In this embodiment, two special symbols, a first special symbol and a second special symbol, are provided, and accordingly, a first special symbol display unit 61 for displaying the first special symbol and a second special symbol are displayed. A second special symbol display section 62 is provided. In the following description, when “special symbol” is described, the description corresponds to both “first special symbol” and “second special symbol” unless otherwise specified.

  Each of the special symbol display units 61 and 62 includes seven LEDs, and special LEDs (first special symbol and second special symbol) are displayed by these LEDs. Each LED constituting each of the special symbol display units 61 and 62 can be turned on and off, and a plurality of display modes can be displayed for each special symbol by a combination of turning on and off of each LED. And in the 1st special symbol display part 61 and the 2nd special symbol display part 62, the specific combination is set as a big hit symbol among the combinations of the special symbols displayed by the combination of lighting and extinction of 7 LEDs respectively. In addition, combinations other than the jackpot symbol are set as outliers. In this embodiment, the special symbol variation display is performed by blinking display in which each LED is repeatedly turned on and off.

  When a game ball enters the first starting port 28a, a first special symbol variation game in which the first special symbol is displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 is started. After a predetermined time elapses, the first special symbol is a big hit The display is stopped with either the symbol or the off symbol. In addition, when a game ball enters the second start port 28b, a second special symbol variation game in which the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the second special symbol display unit 62 is started, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the second special symbol is displayed. Is stopped and displayed on either the big hit symbol or the off symbol.

  When the game ball enters the first start port 28a, the first special symbol display unit 61 starts the variable display of the first special symbol, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the first special symbol is either the big hit symbol or the off symbol. Is stopped and displayed. In addition, when the game ball enters the second start port 28b, the second special symbol starts to be displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62, and after the predetermined time has passed, the second special symbol is a big hit symbol or a missed symbol. It stops in either case.

  In the present embodiment, the first special symbol random number acquired when the game ball enters the first start port 28a and the second special random number acquired when the game ball enters the second start port 28b. Design random numbers are provided. For the first special symbol random number, a first special symbol success / failure random number used to determine whether or not to execute a jackpot game (special game) and a first special symbol stop symbol are determined. Include a first special symbol determining random number and a reach random number for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect. Similarly, in the second special symbol random number, a second special symbol success / failure random number used for determining whether or not to execute the big hit game (special game) is used, and the second special symbol random number is stopped. A second special symbol determining random number for determining a symbol and a reach random number for determining whether or not to perform a reach effect are included.

  The first special symbol random number (the first special symbol success / failure determination random number, the first special symbol determination random number) is acquired as the game ball enters the first starting port 28a, and the acquired first The special symbol random number is stored as a hold (first special symbol hold) in a predetermined area (first hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. In addition, with the entry of the game ball into the second starting port 28b, a second special symbol random number (second special symbol success / failure determination random number, second special symbol determination random number) is acquired and acquired. The second special symbol random number is stored as a hold (second special symbol hold) in a predetermined area (second hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200.

  Here, the holding of special symbols will be described. The first special symbol hold display unit 53 and the second special symbol hold display unit 54 are each composed of two LEDs, and the number of holds can be set up to 4 each by combining the turn-off, lighting, and blinking of the two LEDs. Can be displayed.

  The number of game balls that have entered the first start opening 28a can be held until the maximum number of reserved balls (four in this embodiment) is reached as the number of first special symbol held. The first special symbol hold number is acquired every time a game ball enters the first start port 28a and is stored in a predetermined area (first hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. This corresponds to the number (stored number) of special symbol random numbers (first special symbol success / failure determination random number, first special symbol determination random number). In the present embodiment, the first special symbol determination random number is acquired together with the first special symbol success / failure random number as the game ball enters the first starting port 28a, so the first special symbol hold number is This also corresponds to the number of stored random numbers for determining the first special symbol. The first special symbol hold count is digested and decreased by one each time the first special symbol determination is made and the first special symbol variation display is started.

  The number of game balls that have entered the second start port 28b can be held until reaching the maximum number of reservations (four in this embodiment) as the second special symbol reservation number. The second special symbol hold number is acquired every time a game ball enters the second start port 28b and is stored in a predetermined area (second hold storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200. This corresponds to the number (stored number) of special symbol random numbers (second special symbol determination random number, second special symbol determination random number). In the present embodiment, the second special symbol determination random number is also acquired together with the second special symbol success / failure random number as the game ball enters the second starting port 28b. This also corresponds to the number of stored random numbers for determining the second special symbol. The second special symbol hold count is digested each time the second special symbol success / failure determination is performed and the variation display of the second special symbol is started, and decreases by one. On-hold storage and on-hold digestion of the first and second special symbols are performed by the main control unit 200 described later. The second special symbol random number corresponds to “symbol information” of the present invention, and the main control unit 200 corresponds to “symbol information acquisition means” and “storage means” of the present invention.

  A special symbol winning / determining random number is set with a winning / determining hit value (big hit value), and the special symbol acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the first starting port 28a or the second starting port 28b. If the random number for determination of success / failure matches the jackpot value, the jackpot is determined. The first special symbol success / failure determination is performed when the first special symbol starts variable display, and the second special symbol correctness determination is performed when the second special symbol starts variable display.

  When the first special symbol success / failure determination random number matches the jackpot value, it is determined that the jackpot value is determined, and the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 is determined as the jackpot symbol. Then, if the first special symbol success / failure random number does not coincide with the jackpot value, the first special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 is determined to be an out symbol.

  Similarly, when the second special symbol success / failure determination random number coincides with the jackpot value, the jackpot is determined, and the second special symbol stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62 is determined as the jackpot symbol. Then, if the second special symbol success / failure determination random number does not coincide with the jackpot value, it is a failure, and the second special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62 is determined to be a missed symbol.

  The special symbol is configured to change and display according to a predetermined change pattern. This variation pattern defines the variation time of the special symbol and the presence / absence of the reach effect in the variation (effect content). The special symbol variation pattern is selected by lottery using a variation pattern random number from a variation pattern table in which a plurality of variation patterns are stored when the special symbol success / failure determination is executed.

  A plurality of special symbol variation pattern tables are prepared, and each is selected and used according to the gaming state (special symbol variation mode). In addition, each variation pattern table selected according to the gaming state is selected when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit and when the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is out of place. And a deviation variation pattern table. The deviation variation patterns stored in the deviation variation pattern table include a “normal deviation variation pattern (reach variation pattern without reach)” that does not involve reach variation and a “reach variation pattern with reach” that involves reach variation. The normal deviation variation pattern is configured as a variation pattern with a shorter special symbol variation time than the reach deviation variation pattern. The reach variation variation pattern has a special symbol variation time longer than the normal variation variation pattern. It is configured as. The presence or absence of reach variation is determined by lottery using a reach random number acquired when the game ball enters the start port 28.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and a hold occurs, whether or not the first special design random number stored as the hold is “specific hold”. A first special symbol predetermination process is performed to determine whether or not the suspension occurs. Examples of the “specific hold” include “hit hold” that generates a big hit, “reach out of reach hold” that generates a reach effect, and the like. In the first special symbol pre-determination process, when a game ball enters the first start port 28a and a hold occurs, in other words, the first acquired as the game ball enters the first start port 28a. When a special symbol random number (first special symbol success / failure determination random number, first special symbol determination random number) is stored in a predetermined area (first reserved storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200, the first Prior to the execution of the first special symbol randomness determination using the special symbol random number, a hold prefetch is performed to determine whether or not the first special symbol random number is a specific hold that generates a big hit when the hold occurs. .

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a game ball enters the second start port 28b and a hold occurs, the second special symbol random number stored as the hold is the above-mentioned “specific hold”. The second special symbol pre-determination process is performed to determine whether or not it is at the time of the occurrence of the suspension. In the second special symbol pre-determination process, when a game ball enters the second start port 28b and a hold occurs, in other words, the second acquired as the game ball enters the second start port 28b. When the special symbol random number (second special symbol success / failure random number, second special symbol determination random number) is stored in a predetermined area (second reserved storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200, the second Prior to the execution of the second special symbol randomness determination using the special symbol random number, a hold prefetch is performed to determine whether or not the second special symbol random number is a specific hold when the hold occurs. “Specific reservation” corresponds to “specific symbol information” of the present invention.

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the second special symbol priority variation process is performed in which the variation display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variation display of the first special symbol. That is, when both the number of the first special symbol hold and the number of the second special symbol hold are “1 or more”, the second special symbol is preferentially displayed in a variable manner over the first special symbol. The reservation of the symbol is preferentially consumed. When the first special symbol reservation count is “1 or more” and the second special symbol reservation count is “zero”, the variable display of the first special symbol is executed.

  First special symbol success / failure determination, second special symbol success / failure determination, determination of variation mode (variation pattern) of first special symbol, determination of variation mode (variation pattern) of second special symbol, stop of first special symbol Determination of symbol, determination of stop symbol of second special symbol, change display and stop display of first special symbol, change display and stop display of second special symbol, priority change of second special symbol will be described later. 200. Therefore, the main control unit 200 corresponds to the “symbol changing game execution means” of the present invention.

  Next, the jackpot game (special game) will be described. When the first special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 in the first special symbol variable game is a big hit symbol (when the result of the first special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit), or second Relative to the player when the second special symbol stopped and displayed in the second special symbol display section 62 in the special symbol variable game is a big hit symbol (when the result of the second special symbol success / failure determination is a big hit) Shift to a special game state in which a particularly advantageous jackpot game (special game) is executed.

  The big hit game is started by setting the big hit game flag to ON when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the special symbol display units 61 and 62 as the big hit symbol. The big hit game is to give a player a profit (prize ball) with respect to entering the game ball into the big prize opening 33a by operating the big prize device 33, in other words, by opening and closing the big prize opening 33a a plurality of times. It is. The big hit game is realized by the main control unit 200 repeatedly executing a big hit game process described later. Therefore, the main control unit 200 corresponds to the “special game execution means” of the present invention.

  During the big hit game, the big prize device 33 is operated, and a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 15 prize balls for one prize) according to the number of game balls entered into the big prize opening 33a. Will be paid out. Specifically, the big winning opening / closing operation for continuously operating the big winning device 33 and switching the big winning opening 33a between the open state and the closed state is continuously performed a plurality of times by the start of the big hit game. With the start of the operation of the special winning device 33, the special winning opening 33a is opened. This open state is ended when a predetermined end condition is established, and the open special winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined ending condition, when the opening time of the grand prize opening 33a reaches a specified time (30 seconds in this embodiment) or the number of game balls that have entered the open big opening 33a is a predetermined number (this implementation) In the example, it is possible to reach 10).

  In the case where one round game (big hit round) is performed from the start to the end of the open state of the big prize opening 33a, the big hit game is ended when a predetermined number of round games are performed. In the big prize winning device 33, after the open state of the big prize winning opening 33a ends, that is, after a predetermined interval time (2 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the big winning prize opening 33a is closed, The game is reopened and the next round game starts. The opening / closing operation of the grand prize opening 33a in which one round game is from the start to the end of the big prize opening 33a is repeated until a predetermined maximum number of consecutive rounds (15 rounds in this embodiment) is completed. .

  In the gaming machine of this embodiment, after the big hit game is over, the fluctuation time shortening function for shortening the fluctuation time of the normal symbol and the special symbol, the opening time extension function for extending the opening time of the second start port 28b, and the special symbol success / failure determination The probability variation function that changes (improves) the winning probability is activated. The variation time shortening function, the opening time extension function, and the probability variation function operate until the next jackpot game is started after the jackpot game ends. The variable time shortening function, the opening time extending function, and the probability varying function operate by setting the fluctuation shortening flag, the opening extension flag, and the probability changing flag to ON, respectively.

  While the probability variation function is in operation, the probability of winning the jackpot lottery increases as the jackpot winning value for the jackpot lottery increases. Specifically, a low probability lottery table and a high probability lottery table in which the number of jackpot winning values is set larger than that of the low probability lottery table are prepared as the lottery tables in which the big hit winning value is set. When the probability variation function is inactive, the probability of matching the big hit lottery random number with the big winning lottery value becomes low by performing the big hit lottery using the low probability lottery table, and when the probability variation function is activated, the high probability lottery table is set. By using the jackpot lottery, the probability that the jackpot lottery random number matches the jackpot winning value becomes high.

  The “electric support state (electric chew support state)” in which the fluctuation time shortening function and the open time extension function are activated is compared with the second start port 28b ( The opening frequency (number of times of opening, opening time) of electric Chu) is remarkably improved. In the electric support state, the frequency of entering the game ball into the second start port 28b increases, so that the execution frequency of the special symbol success / failure determination increases, and the big hit game is likely to occur. For this reason, it is possible for the player to advance the symbol variation game more advantageously in the electric support state than in the non-electric support state.

  The variable time shortening function and the open time extending function start to operate simultaneously and end simultaneously. In the following description, when only one of the functions related to the operating state of the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function is described, the other function is also paired. For example, when it is described in the following description that “the variable time shortening function is operating”, this description can be interpreted as “the opening time extending function is also operating”. When it is described that “the function is operating”, this description can be understood as “the variable time reduction function is operating”.

  In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a symbol variation effect is provided on the effect display device 25 in association with the symbol variation game of the special symbol performed using the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62. Done. As the symbol variation effect, for example, the effect symbol consisting of a number symbol is varied in conjunction with the variation display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display on the second special symbol display unit 62. Examples thereof include a variable display effect to be displayed and a reach effect performed during variable display of the effect symbol. Note that there are a plurality of types of effect contents, and effect image data is stored in the ROM of the effect display control unit 280.

  Here, the symbol variation effect realized under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 described later will be described. FIG. 4 shows a screen display example of the effect display device 25. 4A shows a state where the hold display sections 25d and 25e are set, FIG. 4B shows a state where the hold notice effect display section 25f is set, and FIG. 4C shows a retry effect display section. 25g is set.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the display area V of the effect display device 25, an effect symbol made up of numeric symbols is displayed. This effect symbol is displayed in conjunction with the change display and stop display of the first special symbol on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol on the second special symbol display unit 62. In addition, in the display area V of the effect display device 25, the part excluding the display part of the effect symbol is a background display region in which various background symbols including characters, figures, symbols, characters, and the like are displayed. As described above, since the effect display device 25 is arranged in the center of the game board 20 (game area 21), the player usually displays the content displayed in the display area V of the effect display device 25 (particularly the effect symbol). It will play a game paying attention to.

  In the present embodiment, a three-digit number symbol consisting of “1” to “9” is used as the effect symbol, and the display area V of the effect symbol display device 25 is a right symbol display area 25a where the left symbol is displayed, It consists of three symbol display areas consisting of a middle symbol display area 25b in which a middle symbol is displayed and a left symbol display area 25c in which a right symbol is displayed. Each of the symbol display areas 25a to 25c is set in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of these display areas, in this case, in the vertical direction (vertical direction). Note that the down arrow “↓” in FIG. 4 indicates that the effect symbol is being displayed in a variable manner.

  The effect symbol starts when the first special symbol or the second special symbol starts the variable display, and when the first special symbol or the second special symbol is stopped and displayed at any of the symbols, the effect symbol Is stopped and displayed with a symbol corresponding to the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. In the effect symbol, a symbol combination having the same three digits corresponds to the special symbol jackpot symbol, and the other symbol combinations correspond to the special symbol missing symbol.

  The symbol variation effects such as the variation display effect and the reach effect of the effect symbols are a variation start command (variation pattern designation command and stop) transmitted from the main control unit 200 at the start of the variation display of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. It is configured to be performed under the control of the sub-control unit 260 based on the information specifying command). That is, the setting of the effect content performed in the symbol variation effect and the execution of the symbol variation effect are performed by the sub-control unit 260. Further, the effect contents (effect pattern) of the symbol variation effect are the first special symbol or the second special symbol determined when the result of the first special symbol success / failure determination or the second special symbol success / failure determination or the result of the success / failure determination is a big hit. 2. It is set at the start of the symbol variation effect based on the type of the big hit symbol of the special symbol.

  Here, the variation pattern designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260 indicates the variation pattern of the first special symbol or the second special symbol, and specifically, the variation of the special symbol. Production contents such as time and presence / absence of reach production are shown. The main control unit 200 determines a variation pattern of the first special symbol or the second special symbol randomly (by random lottery) according to the result of the first special symbol success / failure determination or the second special symbol success / failure determination. Then, based on the variation pattern of the first special symbol or the second special symbol determined by the main control unit 200, the sub-control unit 260 produces the effect pattern (design variation effect) of the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 25. The production pattern) is determined. The stop information designation command transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260 indicates a special symbol stop symbol, and the main control unit 200 determines whether the first special symbol is appropriate or not. The stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is determined at random (by random number lottery) according to the determination result. Then, based on the stop information designation command indicating the stop symbol of the first special symbol or the second special symbol determined by the main control unit 200, the sub control unit 260 stops the effect symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 25. Determine the design.

  As shown to Fig.4 (a), the display area V of the production | presentation display apparatus 25 is provided with the 1st reservation display part 25d and the 2nd reservation display part 25e. The first hold display unit 25d is displayed in conjunction with the first special symbol hold display unit 53, and displays a number of circular figures “◯” corresponding to the first special symbol hold number. The second hold display unit 25e is displayed in conjunction with the second special symbol hold display unit 54, and the number of circular figures “◯” corresponding to the second special symbol hold number is displayed. In the hold display sections 25d and 25e of the present embodiment, the leftmost circle figure “◯” indicates the hold stored first, and the hold newly stored in order toward the right side.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the return effect is executed when the game ball that has entered the second start port 28b is returned to the upper plate part 6 through the return port 6b. The content (effect pattern) of the return effect is the result of the second special symbol pre-determination (holding pre-reading) using the second special symbol random number acquired when the game ball enters the second start port 28b. It is different depending on the situation. Specifically, when it is determined in the second special symbol prior determination that the second special symbol random number is in the specific hold, the hold notice effect is executed as the return effect, and the second special symbol preliminary determination is performed in the second special symbol preliminary determination. When it is determined that the special symbol random number is not a specific hold, a retry effect (re-entry effect) is executed as a return effect.

  The holding notice effect suggests that the second special symbol random number is specified holding, that is, an effect of notifying that there is a high possibility of occurrence of a big hit or a high possibility of reach fluctuation. For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, a hold notice effect can be performed by displaying a message such as “Maybe a big hit?” On the hold notice effect display unit 25f. The retry effect (re-entry effect) is an effect that prompts the player to enter the game ball again with respect to the second start port 28b. For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, a retry effect can be performed by displaying a message such as “Retry!” On the retry effect display unit 25 g of the effect display device 25. Note that the hold notice effect and retry effect constituting the return effect are executed by the sub-control unit 260 based on the second special symbol hold occurrence command transmitted from the main control unit 200. For this reason, the sub-control unit 260 corresponds to the “return effect executing means” of the present invention.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electronic control unit.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic control unit includes a main control unit 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a payout control unit (prize ball control unit) 230, a sub control unit 260, and an effect display control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sub control board 260a, and an effect display control board 280a, respectively, as peripheral control boards. Each of these control boards and other boards (a power board, a relay board, a drive board, a decoration board, an amplifier board, an effect button board, etc.) are arranged on the back side of the gaming machine 1.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280 is supplied with power from a main power source (not shown). Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each control unit 200, 230, 260, 280. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

  The main control unit 200 constitutes a main control unit that controls the progress of the game. The main control unit 200 transmits a command signal (command data) instructing processing contents to each of the sub control units 230 and 260, and each sub control unit 230, Reference numerals 260 and 280 are configured to perform various controls based on the command signal.

  The CPU 200b of the main control board 200a constituting the main control unit 200 includes a CPU core, a built-in RAM (hereinafter simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), etc., and is stored in the ROM. The control program controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM as a work area. In addition, the main control unit 200 constitutes a lottery unit that is mainly determined by the CPU 200b and determines whether or not a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is determined by a determination program stored in the ROM. Further, the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 determines a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table of the special symbol stored in the ROM when executing the special symbol validity determination. Note that the control cycle of the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

  A board input relay board 201 and a board output relay board 202 are connected to the main controller 200. The board input relay board 201 is connected with a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 27 s, start-port entrance detection switches 28 s and 28 t, and a grand prize entrance entrance detection switch 33 s, and these signals are input to the main control unit 200. Is configured to do. The board output relay board 202 is connected with a normal symbol display device 51, special symbol display devices 61 and 62, a start port solenoid 28c, and a big prize port solenoid 33c, and a control signal from the main control unit 200 is output. .

  The payout control board 230a constituting the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU 230b having the same configuration as the CPU 200b of the main control unit 200. To the payout control unit 230, the launch control unit 250, the CR unit 13, and the like are connected. From the main control unit 200 to the payout control unit 230, commands such as a prize ball instruction command for instructing a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing a game start permission, and various launch control commands are transmitted. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like. When the CPU 230b of the payout control board 230a receives a prize ball instruction command from the main control unit 200, the CPU 230b of a game ball payout device (not shown) provided on the back side of the gaming machine 1 based on the number of prize balls indicated by the command. By paying off the payout motor, game balls are paid out (prize ball payout) for the designated number of prize balls. In this game ball payout (prize ball payout), game balls stored in a game ball tank (not shown) provided on the upper back side of the gaming machine 1 are supplied to a game ball payout device via a game ball rail (not shown). Then, the supplied game ball is discharged by rotating the payout motor of the game ball payout device.

  The launch control unit 250 constitutes launch control means for controlling the launch of a game ball on the game board. The launch control board 250a includes a launch motor (not shown), a touch switch 10a, a launch stop switch 10b, and the like. It is connected. The launch motor operates a spear for driving the game ball sent to the launch ball holding portion of the launcher unit into the game area 21 and operates when the player operates the launch handle 10. In addition, a launch volume signal indicating the amount of operation of the launch handle 10 by the player, a touch terminal signal indicating whether or not the player is touching the launch handle 8 and the like are input to the launch control board 250a.

  The sub-control unit 260 constitutes sub-control means for controlling various effects executed as the game progresses. The sub-control board 260a has a CPU 260b, a ROM, a RAM (not shown), an input / output port, etc. Circuit components and a sound generator are provided, and are connected to the main controller 200 at the input / output ports. The sub-control unit 260 is configured to control effect control using decoration display by various lamps, sound effects output from the speakers 11a to 11d, display of effect symbols by the effect display device 25, and the like.

  From the main control unit 200 to the sub-control unit 260, various symbol control commands (variation pattern designation command, stop information designation command, symbol stop command, etc.) related to special symbol variation display, various lamp control commands, and various voice control commands Is sent. Various symbol control control commands for instructing display control of the effect symbols are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the effect display control unit 280 via the sub-control unit 260. An effect display control unit 280 is connected to the sub control unit 260, and display of effect symbols according to various symbol control commands from the main control unit 200 (from the sub control unit 260 to the effect display control unit 280). Various effect display control commands (effect commands) for instructing effect display control for realizing symbol variation effects and hold display are transmitted.

  The effect display control unit 280 constitutes an effect display control unit that controls display control (drive control) of the effect display device 25. The effect display control board 280a of the effect display control unit 280 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) including a CPU 280b, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output port, a VDP (video display processor), and the like. The display unit 25 is connected to the control unit 260, and the effect display device 25 is connected to the effect display control unit 280. Further, the effect display control board 280a is provided with an image ROM (not shown), and the image ROM displays image data of effects symbols displayed on the effect display device 25 (related to the above-described symbol variation effects and hold display). Multiple image data etc. are stored.

  In addition, various LEDs / lamps 262 and an amplifier board 263 are connected to the sub-control unit 260 via a decorative drive board 261. Each LED / lamp 262 includes a frame lamp portion 5c. Connected to the amplifier board 263 are speakers 11a to 11d that output various sounds, sounds, and the like in accordance with the progress of the game. Furthermore, the effect button 8 is connected to the sub-control unit 260 via the effect button board 264. The sub-control unit 260 selects various LED / lamp lighting / flashing patterns based on various commands from the main control unit 200 and the production button 8 (reception of a variation pattern designation command, input of a production button operation signal, etc.). Execution processing, selection / output processing of sound effect data output from the speakers 11a to 11d, selection processing of an execution pattern (effect pattern) of the symbol variation effect on the effect display device 25, and symbol variation based on the execution pattern Performs execution processing and the like.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described based on a flowchart. FIG. 6 is an example of a main job performed under the control of the main control unit 200. The main job shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the CPU 200b mounted on the main control board 200a in accordance with a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 200b or a ROM mounted on the main control board 200a). After the throw-in process (S100), each process of a game start process (S200), a normal symbol game process (S300), a normal electric game game process (S400), a special symbol game process (S500), and a big hit game process (S600) Are repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. The power-off generation process (S50) is a power-on process (S100) when a power failure occurs due to a power failure or the like, the used registers and stack pointers are saved, the payout motor is stopped, and a system reset occurs. It has come to move to.

The power-on process (S100) is performed when the power is turned on and when power is restored after the power is cut off. When the power is turned on, RAM initialization processing is performed, and when the power is turned off, the game state is restored when the power is turned off. Return settings etc. are made to make it happen. In the game start process (S200), detection of various switch states, update of various random numbers, prize ball payout control, etc. are performed. In the normal symbol game process (S300), first, the normal symbol display part is determined. At 51 (refer to FIG. 3), it is determined whether the normal symbol is hit and stopped and displayed in the normal symbol display mode, or the off-normal symbol display mode is stopped and displayed. Here, as described above, the normal symbol success / failure determination in the present embodiment has a probability of being hit according to the operating state of the opening time extension function (and the fluctuation time reduction function) that extends the opening time of the start port 28b. There is a difference that the probability of hitting is higher when the open time extension function (and variable time reduction function) is activated than when the open time extension function (and variable time reduction function) is not active.

  Next, when the result of normal symbol success / failure determination is obtained, the variation time of the normal symbol is set, and the variation display of the normal symbol is started according to the variation time. When the fluctuation time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the determined display mode, and when the normal symbol is hit and displayed in the normal symbol display mode, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started. Thus, the second start port 28b is opened. Here, in the present embodiment, the opening of the second start port 28b (the operation of the ordinary electric accessory) is performed as follows. First, the operating state (operation presence / absence) of the open time extension function is determined when the result of the normal symbol success / failure determination (in this case, the hit) that triggered the stop normal symbol is displayed. As a result, when the opening time extension function is not activated, the “short opening pattern (opening time 0.5 seconds)” is set as the opening pattern of the second start port 28b, and the opening time extension function is activated. If it is, the “long open pattern (open time 4 seconds)” is set as the open pattern of the second start port 28b. Then, the second start port 28b is opened according to the set opening pattern.

  As described above, in the normal symbol game process (S300), the normal symbol change display and stop display are performed, and when the normal symbol hits and is displayed in the normal symbol display mode, the process of operating the normal electric accessory is performed. That is, a process of opening the second starting port 28b by opening the pair of blade pieces to the left and right is performed.

  In the ordinary electric accessory game process (S400), it is determined whether or not an opening time for maintaining the second start port 28b in an open state has elapsed. This opening time is a time specified based on the opening pattern of the second start port 28b set in advance. If the opening time has not elapsed, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of winnings has been won at the two start ports 28b in the open state. When it is determined that the predetermined number of winnings has been won at the second starting port 28b, or when it is determined that the opening time of the second starting port 28b has elapsed, the pair of blade pieces closes. The second start port 28b is in a normal state (closed state).

  Next, the special symbol game process (S500) will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 7A, a start opening winning process is performed (S501). Here, the start opening winning process (S501) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, it is determined whether or not the first start port 28a has been won (a game ball has entered) (S501a). If it is determined that the first start port 28a has not been won (S501a: NO), The process proceeds to S501f. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first start port 28a has been won (S501a: YES), it is determined whether or not the first special symbol hold number is less than 4 (S501b). As a result, when it is determined that the first special symbol reservation number is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501b: NO), the process proceeds to S501f, and the first special symbol reservation number is less than 4. Is determined (S501b: YES), the first special symbol random number is acquired and stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main controller 200 (S501c). The first special symbol random number stored in the process of S501c becomes “holding of the first special symbol”, and the process of S501c increases the first special symbol hold number by one. Note that the first special symbol random number includes a first special symbol determination random number, a first special symbol determination random number (per symbol determination random number), a reach random number, and the like.

  Next, a first special symbol preliminary determination is performed (S501d). In the first special symbol pre-determination, whether or not the first special symbol random number (first special symbol hold) acquired in the process of S501c generates a big hit (whether or not it is a specific hold). judge. Then, the first special symbol hold occurrence command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S501e). In this first special symbol hold occurrence command, information on the number of first special symbol hold updated (+1) by the processing of S501c and the result of the first special symbol pre-determination performed in S501d (for the first special symbol) Information indicating whether or not the random number is a specific hold).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the second start port 28b has been won (S501f). If it is determined that the second start port 28b has not been won (S501f: NO). The start opening winning process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the second start port 28b has been won (S501f: YES), it is determined whether or not the second special symbol reservation number is less than 4 (S501g). As a result, when it is determined that the second special symbol hold number is not less than 4 (4 or more) (S501g: NO), the start opening winning process is terminated, and the second special symbol hold number is less than 4. If it is determined that there is (S501g: YES), the second special symbol random number is acquired and stored (S501h). The second special symbol random number stored in the process of S501g is “second special symbol hold”, and the second special symbol hold number is increased by 1 by performing the process of S501g. Note that the second special symbol random number includes a second special symbol determination random number, a second special symbol determination random number (per symbol determination random number), a reach random number, and the like.

  Next, a second special symbol prior determination is performed (S501i). In the second special symbol pre-determination, whether or not the second special symbol random number (second special symbol hold) acquired in the process of S501h generates a big hit (whether or not it is a specific hold). judge. Then, the second special symbol hold occurrence command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S501j). In this second special symbol hold occurrence command, information on the number of second special symbol hold updated (+1) by the processing of S501h and the result of the second special symbol pre-determination performed in S501i (for the second special symbol) Information indicating whether or not the random number is a specific hold).

  Next, returning to FIG. 7A, it is determined whether or not the big hit game is being played (whether or not the big hit game flag is ON) (S502). As a result, when it is determined that the big hit game is being played (the big hit game flag is ON) (S502: YES), the special symbol game process is terminated, and the big hit game is not being played (the big hit game flag is OFF). ) (S502: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is changing (S503).

  As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S503: YES), the process proceeds to S510 described later, and when it is determined that the special symbol is not changing (S503: NO). Then, it is determined whether or not it is during the special symbol stop display time (S504). Here, the stop display time of the special symbol is a time for determining the special symbol stopped and displayed. In this embodiment, the stop display time of the special symbol is “1 second”. If it is determined that it is during the special symbol stop display time (S504: YES), the process proceeds to S514 described later, and if it is determined that it is not during the special symbol stop display time (S504). : NO), it is determined whether or not the number of second special symbol hold is zero (S506). As a result, when it is determined that the number of second special symbol reservation is zero (S506: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of first special symbol reservation is zero (S507).

  And when it determines with the 1st special symbol holding | maintenance number being zero (S507: YES), a special symbol game process is complete | finished. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of first special symbol hold is not zero (S507: NO), a first special symbol variation display process is performed (S508).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S506 that the second special symbol hold count is not zero (S506: NO), a second special symbol variation display process is performed (S509). That is, if it is determined in the determination process of S506 that the second special symbol hold number is not zero (S506: NO), the first special symbol hold number is not zero (even if it is 1 or more). 2. The special symbol variation display process is executed. Thereby, the variation display of the second special symbol is performed in preference to the first special symbol, and the priority variation function of the second special symbol is realized by the determination processing in S506.

  Here, the first special symbol variation display process (S508) and the second special symbol variation display process (S509) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. The first special symbol variation display process and the second special symbol variation display process are processes having the same contents. That is, the “special symbol” in FIG. 9 becomes “first special symbol” in the first special symbol variation display process, only “second special symbol” in the second special symbol variation display process, and the others are the same. is there. Hereinafter, the first special symbol variation display process (S508) will be described, and the description of the second special symbol variation display process (S509) will be omitted.

  First, the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is stored in a predetermined area (holding storage area) of the RAM of the main control unit 200 (the random number for determining whether or not the game ball has entered the start opening 28) is read (S508a). ), Special symbol winning / failing determination is performed (S508b). In the special symbol success / failure determination, when the probability variation function is in operation (probability change game), it is determined whether the determination result is a big hit (high probability state) using the high probability determination table. If it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation (in normal game), the normal probability determination table is used to determine whether the determination result is a big hit (low probability state). Make a decision.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the result of the special symbol success / failure determination (S508b) is a big hit (S508c). As a result, when it is determined that it is a big hit (S508c: YES), a big hit hour variation pattern table setting process is performed (S508d). On the other hand, when it is determined that it is not a big hit (S508c: NO), a variation pattern table setting process at the time of disconnection is performed (S508e).

  Next, the variable pattern random number is acquired, and the symbol determining random number (the special symbol determining random number acquired when the game ball enters the starting port 28) stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200. Read (S508f).

  Next, the variation pattern and the stop symbol of the special symbol are determined (S508g). As the special symbol variation pattern, the variation pattern random number acquired in S508f is used to select a specific variation pattern from the variation pattern table set in one of S508d and S508e. Note that each variation pattern table set in the processing of S508d and S508e is associated with a variation pattern random value and a variation pattern, and the variation pattern corresponding to the variation pattern random value obtained in S508f is the current variation pattern table. It is determined as a variation pattern to be used. The special symbol stop symbol is a symbol determination table stored in a predetermined area of the main control unit 200 using the special symbol determination random number read in S508f when the result of the special symbol determination is a big hit. If the result of the special symbol success / failure determination is unsuccessful, it is determined as a missed symbol. Similarly to the variation pattern table, the symbol determination table also associates the value of the special symbol determination random number with each jackpot symbol, and the jackpot symbol corresponding to the value of the special symbol determination random number read in S508f is It is determined as a jackpot symbol to be stopped and displayed.

  Next, according to the stop symbol and the variation pattern determined in the processing of S508g, the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 starts the variation display of the special symbol (S508h), 1 is subtracted (S508i), and a symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S508j). The “design variation start command” includes a variation pattern designation command, a stop information designation command, and a hold count designation command. The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation pattern of the special symbol determined in the processing of S508g, and the special symbol information designation command is a command for designating the stop symbol of the special symbol similarly determined in the processing of S508g. is there. The number-of-holds designation command is a command for designating the number of special symbols held after the start of variable symbol display. When this symbol variation start command is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260, the symbol variation effect (effect symbol variation display) is started under the control of the sub-control unit 260 and the effect display control unit 280 that have received these commands. The processing up to this point is when the special symbol variation display is started.

  Next, returning to FIG. 7A, if it is determined in S503 that the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is changing (S503: YES), the changing special symbol. It is determined whether or not the variable display time has elapsed (S510). As a result, if it is determined that the special symbol variation display time has not elapsed (S510: NO), it is determined that the special symbol game processing is terminated and the special symbol variation display time has elapsed. In this case (S510: YES), the special symbol variation display is stopped (S511), and a special symbol designating command indicating that the special symbol variation display is stopped is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S512). A stop display time is set (S513).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (S514). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has not elapsed (S514: NO), the special symbol game processing is terminated and it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed. If it is determined (S514: YES), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol of the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is a big hit symbol (FIG. 7 ( b) S515).

  As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is a big hit symbol (S515: YES), the gaming state at the start of the big hit game is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM of the main control unit 200 (S516). The “game state at the time of starting the big hit game” includes the type of the big hit symbol stopped at that time and the setting state of the game state flags (probability change flag, fluctuation shortening flag, release extension flag) at that time Yes.

  Next, the big hit game flag is set to ON (S517). Thereby, the big hit game is started. Then, a jackpot game start command indicating that the jackpot game has started is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S518).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON (S519). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S519: NO), the process proceeds to the determination processing of S521, and when it is determined that the probability variation flag is set to ON ( S519: YES), the probability variation flag is set to OFF (S520). As a result, the probability variation function stops operating with the start of the big hit game.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON (S521). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not set to ON (S521: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is set to ON. (S521: YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S522), and the open extension flag is set to OFF (S523). Thereby, with the start of the big hit game, the operation of the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function stops.

  Next, in the determination process of S515, when it is determined that the special symbol stopped symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit 61 or the second special symbol display unit 62 is not a big hit symbol (in the case of a missed symbol) (S515: NO), it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S524). As a result, if it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is not ON (S524: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening flag is ON (S524: YES), “1” is subtracted from the fluctuation shortening counter (S525).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation shortening counter obtained by subtracting “1” in S525 is “zero” (S526). As a result, when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is not “zero” (S526: NO), the special symbol game process is terminated, and when it is determined that the fluctuation shortening counter is “zero” (S526). : YES), the fluctuation shortening flag is set to OFF (S527), and the release extension flag is set to OFF (S528).

  As a result, the fluctuation time shortening function and the open time extending function stop operating. Then, a gaming state designation command indicating that the gaming state is such that the variable time shortening function and the opening time extending function are not activated is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S529). Upon receiving this game state designation command, the sub-control unit 260 displays characters, characters, backgrounds, and the like indicating that the variable time shortening function and the open time extending function are inactive (normal state) on the effect display device 25. Processing to display in area V is performed.

  Next, the jackpot game process (S600) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the jackpot game is being played (whether or not the jackpot game flag is ON) (S601). As a result, when it is determined that the jackpot game is not being played (the jackpot game flag is OFF) (S601: NO), the jackpot game process is terminated and the jackpot game is being played (the jackpot game flag is ON). Is determined (S601: YES), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602). As a result, when it is determined that the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602: YES), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603), and the special winning opening 33a is determined. When it is determined that the opening time has not elapsed (S603: NO), it is determined whether or not the specified winning number 33a has been won (whether or not the specified number of game balls have entered). (S604).

  As a result, if it is determined that the prescribed number of winnings has not been won in the big winning opening 33a (S604: NO), the jackpot game processing is terminated and the prescribed winning number has been won in the big winning opening 33a. When it is determined (S604: YES) or when it is determined that the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603: YES), the special winning opening 33a is closed (S605).

  If it is determined in S602 that the special winning opening 33a is not being opened (S602: NO), it is determined whether or not the big hit game ending condition is satisfied (S606). The determination process of S606 determines whether the number of rounds of the big hit game has reached the maximum number of continuous rounds (15 rounds in this embodiment).

  As a result, when it is determined that the big hit game ending condition is not satisfied (S606: NO), it is determined whether or not the closing time (interval time) of the big winning opening 33a has passed (S607), When it is determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 33a has not elapsed (S607: NO), the big hit game process is terminated, and it is determined that the closing time of the big prize opening 33a has elapsed. (S607: YES), the special winning opening 33a is opened (S608).

  If it is determined in S606 that the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S606: YES), the big hit game end process is performed (S609). Here, the big hit game end process (S609) will be described based on the flowchart of FIG.

  First, the big hit game flag is set to OFF (S609a). Next, it is determined whether or not the current big hit is a probable big hit (S609b). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation is a big hit (S609b: YES), the probability variation flag is set to ON (S609c). As a result, the probability variation function starts to operate with the end of the big hit game. Then, “10,000” is set in the fluctuation shortening counter (S609d). On the other hand, when it is determined that the probability variation is not a big hit (S609b: NO), "100" is set to the fluctuation shortening counter (S609e).

  Next, the fluctuation shortening counter is set to ON (S609f), and the open extension flag is set to ON (S609g). As a result, the fluctuation time shortening function and the opening time extension function start to operate with the end of the big hit game. Then, a gaming state designation command indicating the operating state of the probability variation function, variation time shortening function, and opening time extension function is transmitted to the sub-control unit 260 (S609h).

  Next, the first start winning time effect process executed by the sub-control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is an example of a first start winning effect process performed under the control of the sub-control unit 260. 12 is based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 260b or a ROM mounted on the sub control board 260a) by the CPU 260b mounted on the sub control board 260a. It is executed every time a timer interrupt of the CPU 260b occurs (in this embodiment, every 4 ms).

  As shown in FIG. 12, first, it is determined whether or not the first special symbol hold occurrence command transmitted by the main control unit 200 in the process of S501e (FIG. 8) has been received (S700). As a result, when it is determined that the first special symbol holding occurrence command has not been received (S700: NO), the first start winning effect process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first special symbol hold occurrence command has been received (S700: YES), the first special symbol hold information based on the received first special symbol hold occurrence command is sent to the sub-control unit 260. The data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (S701). The first special symbol hold information specified by the first special symbol hold occurrence command includes “first special symbol hold number” and “first special symbol” corresponding to the game ball entering the first start port 28a. Information related to the prior determination result (information indicating whether or not the first special symbol success / failure determination random number is on hold) ”is included. Then, based on the first special symbol hold number specified by the first special symbol hold occurrence command, the hold display of the first hold display portion 25d of the effect display device 25 is updated (+1) (S702). The update of the hold display is performed by transmitting an effect command instructing execution of the hold display indicating the updated number of the first special symbol hold to the effect display control unit 280, and the CPU 280b of the effect display control unit 280 that has received the effect command. Is performed by updating the display content of the first hold display section 25d.

  Next, the second start winning effect processing executed by the sub-control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is an example of the second start winning effect process performed under the control of the sub-control unit 260. In the second start winning prize presentation process shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 260b mounted on the sub control board 260a is based on a program stored in a ROM (not shown) (an internal ROM of the CPU 260b or a ROM mounted on the sub control board 260a). It is executed every time a timer interrupt of the CPU 260b occurs (in this embodiment, every 4 ms).

  As shown in FIG. 13, first, it is determined whether or not the second special symbol hold occurrence command transmitted by the main control unit 200 in the process of S501j (FIG. 8) has been received (S800). As a result, when it is determined that the second special symbol holding occurrence command has not been received (S800: NO), the second start winning presentation effect process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second special symbol hold occurrence command has been received (S800: YES), the second special symbol hold information based on the received second special symbol hold occurrence command is sent to the sub-control unit 260. The data is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM (S801). The second special symbol hold information specified by the second special symbol hold occurrence command includes “second special symbol hold number” and “second special symbol” corresponding to the game ball entering the second start port 28b. Information related to the prior determination result (information indicating whether or not the second special symbol success / failure determination random number is on hold) ”is included. Then, based on the second special symbol hold number specified by the second special symbol hold occurrence command, the hold display of the second hold display portion 25e of the effect display device 25 is updated (+1) (S802). The update of the hold display is performed by transmitting an effect command instructing execution of the hold display indicating the updated second special symbol hold number to the effect display control unit 280, and receiving the effect command, the CPU 280b of the effect display control unit 280 receiving the effect command. Is performed by updating the display content of the second hold display section 25e.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current game state (game mode) is in the open extension mode in which the open time extension function is activated (S803). The determination process of S803 can be determined based on the gaming state designation command transmitted by the main control unit 200 in the processes of S529 and S609h (FIGS. 7B and 11). As a result of the determination process in S803, if it is determined that the mode is not in the open extension mode (S803: NO), the second start winning effect process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is in the open extension mode (S803: YES), the second special symbol hold information stored in the RAM in the process of S801 is read, and the second special symbol hold information included in the second special symbol hold information is read. It is determined whether or not the second special symbol random number is on hold from the information related to the special symbol prior determination result (S804).

  As a result, when it is determined that it is a specific hold (S804: YES), it corresponds to the game ball entering the second start opening 28b, which is the opportunity to obtain the determination result that it is a specific hold. As a result accompanying the payout of one prize ball, that is, as a return effect accompanying a return to the upper plate part 6 of the game ball itself that has entered the second start opening 28b, a specific suspension has occurred due to the returned game ball The hold notice effect shown is executed (S805). As a hold notice effect, the jackpot notice effect suggesting the possibility of a big hit as a result of the second special symbol variation game corresponding to the specific hold that has occurred, or the second special symbol change game corresponding to the specific hold that has occurred Reach notice effect that suggests that a predetermined reach effect will occur.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination processing in S804, if it is determined that the suspension is not specific (S804: NO), as the above-described return effect, a retry effect that prompts the game ball to enter the second start port 28b again. Is executed (S805). The retry effect is that the game ball that entered the second start port 28b and returned to the upper plate part 6 did not trigger the specific hold, so that the game ball entered the second start port 28b again. This is an effect for encouraging the player to aim at the occurrence of specific hold (occurrence of big hit or reach).

  Here, the correspondence between the processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 to 13 and each means of the present invention will be described. The “processing of S501h (FIG. 8)” is “design information acquisition means” and “storage means”. ", The processing of S509 to S511 (FIG. 7A, FIG. 9)" corresponds to the "design variation game execution means", and the processing of "S517, S601 to S608 (FIG. 7B, FIG. 7). “10)” corresponds to “special game execution means”, “S501i processing (FIG. 8)” corresponds to “preliminary determination means”, and “S805, S806 processing (FIG. 14)” corresponds to the “return” It corresponds to “production execution means”.

  In the present embodiment described above, when the game ball that has entered the second start port 28b is returned to the upper plate 6 through the return port 6b, a return effect is performed, and the second special symbol prior determination (holding pre-reading) ), If it is determined that the second special symbol random number is not a specific hold, a retry effect that prompts the player to reenter the second start port 28b is performed as a return effect. Thereby, with the opportunity that the game ball that has entered the second start port 28b is returned, it is possible to provide a game property of performing a return effect that reflects the hold-read-ahead result, and to improve game entertainment. it can.

  In addition, when the second special symbol random number acquired by entering the game ball into the second start port 28b is not specified hold, a retry effect that prompts the game ball to enter the second start port 28b again. Of the revolving game machine that receives the return of the game ball that has entered the second start opening 28b and advances the second special symbol variation game using the returned game ball. It is possible to realize game play equivalent to replay (replay).

  Further, in this embodiment, when it is determined by the second special symbol prior determination that the second special symbol random number is in a specific hold, the result of the second special symbol variable game performed based on the specific hold is obtained. The holding notice effect to give notice is performed as a return effect. As described above, when the game ball that has entered the second start opening 28b is returned, the holding notice effect reflecting the hold pre-reading result is performed, so that the game ball that has entered the second start opening 28b Effectiveness (possibility of occurrence of big hits, etc.) can be shown, and game entertainment can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the game balls that have entered the second start opening 28b are returned as they are, so that the number of prize balls in the second start opening 28b is one. For this reason, even when the opening time extension function that increases the frequency of entering the game ball into the second start port 28b is in operation (in the open extension mode), it is possible to suppress a decrease in the player's ball and It becomes difficult to increase the number of possessed balls (the number of winning prize balls). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the game ball that has entered the second start port 28b is returned during the opening time extension function operation, the return effect is executed, so that the game ball enters the second start port. It is possible to give a game value different from the acquisition of a prize ball (increase in possession ball) for the game, and as a result, it is possible to improve the gaming interest during the opening time extension function.

  Further, in this embodiment, a discharge port 6a for discharging game balls paid out by a game ball paying device (not shown) and a return port 6b for discharging (returning) game balls that have entered the second start port 28b. And are provided independently. Thereby, it is possible to clearly distinguish the game ball discharged from the discharge port 6a and the game ball discharged (returned) from the return port 6b, and the game ball that has entered the second start port 28b can return to the return port 6b. It can be clearly shown to the player that the player returns to the upper plate part 6 through the player. As a result, it is possible to effectively realize the gameability of performing a return effect reflecting the result of pre-reading with the opportunity that the game ball that has entered the second start port 28b is returned.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the return port 6b is closer to the position where the game ball is launched (the ball feeding device or the launching ball holding unit of the launching device unit) than the outlet 6a (near the right end of the upper plate 6). Is provided. For this reason, the game ball discharged from the return port 6b can quickly reach the launch position. Thereby, when the amount of game balls stored in the upper plate portion 6 is small and the game balls that have entered the second start port 28b are returned to the upper plate portion 6 through the return port 6b. Thus, it is possible to prevent the game ball from being interrupted by preventing the game ball from being blown out.

  In the present embodiment, the number of prize balls for entering the game ball into the second start port 28b is set to one by returning the game ball that has entered the second start port 28b as it is. Thus, since the number of winning balls for the second starting opening 28b is reduced, the base (the number of winning balls paid out based on winning in a game other than the big hit game) is lowered, so the second starting opening 28b The frequency of entering game balls into can be increased. As a result, the number of times of execution of the second special symbol variation game per unit time can be increased, and a situation in which the variation display of the second special symbol is constantly performed is easily created (so-called slump state is suppressed). )it can.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the second start port 28 and the return port 6b are connected by a game ball passage (not shown) and communicated with each other, so that the game ball entering the second start port 28b is As it is, it is discharged (returned) to the upper plate part 6 through the return port 6b. For this reason, it is not necessary to operate the game ball dispensing device in order to pay out the winning ball for the game ball entering the second start port 28b, and the frequency of entering the game ball into the second start port 28b is increased. Even so, the load on the game ball payout device is not increased.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. A description of the same parts as those in the above embodiments will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

  In the second embodiment, there are provided a plurality of types of “winning normal symbols” that are stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51 when the result of the normal symbol winning / failing determination is “hit”, and the second start port is selected according to the type. An open pattern (open time) 28b is set. Specifically, a “short per-open pattern” corresponding to a short opening pattern that opens the second start port 28b in a short open time (for example, 0.5 seconds), and a long open time (for example, 4 seconds). “Long release per symbol” corresponding to the long release pattern that is released in seconds) is provided. In the second embodiment, when the “symbol per long release” is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51 in a state where the opening time extension function is not activated, the opening pattern of the second start port 28b is displayed. Is set as “Long opening pattern”, the opening time of the second starting port 28b becomes a long opening time, and “Short opening per symbol” is stopped and displayed, the opening pattern of the second starting port 28b is set to “Short opening pattern”. "Open pattern" is set, and the opening time of the second start port 28b becomes a short opening time. As described above, the state in which “symbol per long opening” is stopped and the “long opening pattern” is set corresponds to the “second receiving state” of the present invention, and the symbol per short opening is stopped and displayed. The state where the “short opening pattern” is set corresponds to the “first receiving state” of the present invention.

  In the state where the opening time extension function is in operation (in the opening extension mode), the opening pattern of the second start port 28b is not related to the type of “winning normal symbol” that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51. “Long open pattern” can be set, or “Open per open pattern” and “Short open per pattern” are longer than “Long open pattern”. The probability (ratio) of being stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 51 can be increased.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the second start opening winning effect process of the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 13 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, in the second embodiment, “a process for determining whether or not in the open extension mode (S803 in FIG. 13)” is not provided. For this reason, when a game ball enters the second start opening 28b and the second special symbol hold occurs (S800: YES), the second special symbol is held regardless of the operation state (operation presence / absence) of the open time extension function. A return effect (holding notice effect or retry effect) reflecting the result of the special symbol prior determination is executed (S805, S806).

  Here, when the “short opening pattern” is set as the opening pattern of the second starting port 28b, the opening time of the second starting port 28b becomes a short opening time (for example, 0.5 seconds). When the game ball is less likely to enter the start port 28b, and the “long open pattern” is set as the open pattern of the second start port 28b, the open time of the second start port 28b is long open time. (For example, 4 seconds), the possibility of entering the game ball into the second start port 28b is increased. For this reason, the “processing of S801 to S805 or S806” in the second start opening winning presentation process of the second embodiment is mostly performed when the second start opening 28b is opened in the “long open pattern”. When the second start port 28b is opened in the “short opening pattern”, its feasibility is low. Therefore, the possibility of executing the return effect (holding notice effect or retry effect) by the processing of S805 or S806 is opened according to the “long open pattern” rather than when the second start port 28b is opened according to the “short open pattern”. When you do it will be higher.

  According to the second embodiment described above, when the result of the normal symbol success / failure determination is a win, and the symbol “per long open” is stopped and displayed as the hit normal symbol, the open time extension function is not activated. Even in the middle (non-electric support state), the second start port 28b opens in a long open pattern. Even when the second start port 28b is opened in a long open pattern while the opening time extension function is not in operation, the frequency of game balls entering the second start port 28b is improved. In a configuration in which the number of prize balls of 28b is one (a configuration in which a game ball that has entered the second start port 28b is returned as it is), even if the second start port 28b is opened in a long open pattern, We cannot expect an increase in the number of balls (number of winning prizes). On the other hand, in the second embodiment, regardless of the operation state (operation presence / absence) of the open time extension function, a return effect is executed when the game ball that has entered the second start port 28b is returned. A game value different from winning a prize ball (increasing possession ball) for entering a game ball into the second starting port can be given, and as a result, the game interest can be improved.

(Other embodiments)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to this, Unless it deviates from the range described in each claim, it is not limited to the description word of each claim, and those skilled in the art Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can be added as appropriate to the extent that they can be easily replaced.

  For example, in each of the above embodiments, the first special symbol is variably displayed when the game ball enters the first start port 28a, and the second special symbol is variably displayed when the game ball enters the second start port 28b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be configured such that one common special symbol is variably displayed by entering a game ball into the first start port 28a or the second start port 28b. .

  In each of the above embodiments, the first start port 28a that is a fixed start port is provided separately from the second start port 28b that is a variable start port. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and only the variable start port is provided. It is good.

  The second start port 28b, which is a variable start port, is not limited to the configuration described in each of the above embodiments, and various modes can be adopted. For example, the second start port 28b is a so-called Velo-type variable start port that is arranged in the right region of the game area 21 of the game board 20 and is provided with a movable piece that can protrude and retract from the board surface of the game board 20 in the front-rear direction. be able to. In the velo-type variable starting port, the state in which the movable piece protrudes toward the front side of the game board 20 is a closed state where the game ball cannot enter, and the state where the game piece 20 is immersed in the back side of the board surface of the game board 20 It becomes possible open state. According to such a configuration, the right to launch the game ball aiming at the right side of the game area 21 during the period when the game ball enters the second start port 28b, such as when the open time extension function is operating, is improved. By hitting the game ball, it is possible to effectively cause the game ball to enter the second start port 28b, and it is possible to make it difficult for the game ball to be missed. Thereby, when the game ball that has entered the second start port 28b is returned, it is possible to effectively realize the gameability of improving the game interest by performing an effect that reflects the hold prefetching result.

  In each of the above embodiments, when a game ball enters the second start port 28b in a state where the second special symbol holding number has reached the upper limit (four), the determination process of S501g (see FIG. 8). ) Is a negative result, and each process of S501h to S501j (second special symbol random number acquisition / storage process, second special symbol predetermination process, second special symbol hold occurrence command transmission process) is not performed, S805, Although the return effect of S806 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) is not executed, the return effect is also provided when a game ball enters the second start port 28b in a state where the second special symbol holding number has reached the upper limit. It may be configured to execute. In this case, the main control unit 200 moves from the main control unit 200 to the sub control unit 260 in response to the game ball entering the second start port 28b with the second special symbol holding number reaching the upper limit value. A command indicating that a game ball has entered is transmitted to 28b, and the sub-control unit 260 may execute a return effect based on this command. When a game ball enters the second start port 28b in a state where the second special symbol hold number has reached the upper limit value, the second special symbol pre-determination is not executed, so that the second start port 28b is used as a return effect. A retry effect that prompts the player to enter the game ball again may be executed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 6 ... Upper plate part, 6a ... Discharge port, 6b ... Return port, 28b ... 2nd starting port, 62 ... 2nd special symbol display part, 200 ... Main control part (symbol information acquisition means, storage means) , Symbol variable game execution means, special game execution means, prior determination means, acceptance state setting means), 260... Sub-control unit (return effect execution means).

Claims (4)

Launching means for launching a game ball waiting at a predetermined standby part toward the game board;
A variable start port capable of accepting a game ball launched by the launching means and capable of changing an accepting state of the game ball;
Symbol information acquisition means for acquiring predetermined symbol information when a game ball is received by the variable start port;
Storage means for storing the symbol information acquired by the symbol information acquisition means;
Symbol variation game execution means for reading the symbol information stored by the storage means, and performing a symbol variation game to stop display after variably displaying a predetermined symbol based on the symbol information;
When the symbol is stopped and displayed in a winning manner as a result of the symbol variable game, special game execution means for performing a special game advantageous to the player;
Prior determination means for determining whether the symbol information stored in the storage means is specific symbol information before starting the symbol variation game corresponding to the symbol information;
Return means for returning the game ball received by the variable start port to the standby part;
Return effect execution means for performing a return effect when the game ball is returned by the return means;
With
The return effect execution means, when the determination result that the specific symbol information is not obtained is obtained by the prior determination means, the re-entry effect that prompts the game ball to enter the variable start port again as the return effect. A gaming machine characterized by The return effect executing means performs a notice effect related to the symbol variation game corresponding to the specific symbol information as the return effect when the determination result indicating that the specific symbol information is obtained by the prior determination means. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is characterized. An accepting state setting means is provided for setting the accepting state of the game ball by the variable start port to one of a first accepting state where the acceptability of the game ball is low and a second accepting state where the acceptability of the game ball is high. ,
The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the return effect executing means performs the return effect when the second acceptance state is set by the acceptance state setting means. A receiving port that is provided separately from the variable start port and is capable of receiving a game ball launched by the launching means;
A payout means for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls when a game ball is received by the receiving port;
With
The player can visually recognize a discharge port that discharges the winning ball paid out by the paying means toward the standby position and a return port that discharges the game ball returned by the return means toward the standby position. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the gaming machine is provided separately in a different state.

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