JP5900537B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine and can be applied to a so-called seven machine, a winged article, a right article, or a ball-type gaming machine such as an arrangement ball.

  Usually, a ball-type game machine (pachinko machine) has a start opening, a big prize opening, etc., and determines whether or not a special symbol is appropriate based on the game ball entering the start opening. To start. The result of the success / failure determination regarding this special symbol is indicated by the result of the special symbol variation display (special symbol stop mode), and this stop mode is a specific mode indicating that the result of the determination of success / failure is a win. , Play a game that changes the big prize opening to the open state. In addition, this type of gaming machine usually has a variable start opening that changes the possibility of entering a game ball as a start opening. Change to a mode with a high probability of entering.

  By the way, in this type of gaming machine, the probability of winning / failing judgment regarding a normal symbol is changed from a low probability to a high probability when the winning game ends. On the other hand, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a hit state, or the special symbol is changed and displayed for a predetermined number of times. (See Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-36154 A

  As described above, in the conventional gaming machine, there is a high probability that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is successful, and the game ball enters the variable start port at a high frequency (hereinafter, also referred to as “high frequency state”). At a certain time, based on the fact that the special symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner, the probability that the normal symbol is determined to be a hit is reduced, and the frequency at which the game ball enters the variable start port is increased. It is done to return to a low state. However, in reality, a gaming machine equipped with a gaming property focused on returning the frequency of game balls entering the variable start port from a high state to a low state has not yet been proposed.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and the object of the present invention is to make a new use of returning the frequency of game balls entering the variable start port from a high state to a low state. It is to provide a gaming machine having a special gaming property.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
After the identification information that is variably displayed based on the game ball entering the starting port is stopped and displayed in a specific manner, the specific game is detected based on the detection means detecting the game ball passing through a predetermined start area. A gaming machine to be started,
As the starting port, it has a variable starting port that can be changed between a first mode and a second mode in which a game ball is more likely to enter than the first mode,
Determination means for determining whether or not the variable start port is the second mode;
A probability setting means for setting a determination probability at which a result indicating the second aspect is obtained as a result of the determination to a predetermined probability or a probability higher than the predetermined probability;
With
Based on the fact that the detection means detects a game ball after a predetermined time has elapsed since the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner in a state where the determination probability is set higher than the predetermined probability, The determination probability is set to the predetermined probability ,
The predetermined time is set to one time selected from a plurality of predetermined times,
When the plurality of specific modes are provided and the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, the predetermined time corresponding to the type of the specific mode stopped and displayed is set .

According to the present invention, when the determination probability that the result of determining the variable start port as the second aspect as the determination result of the determination means is set to a probability higher than the predetermined probability, the identification information is in the specific aspect. Even if the stop display is made, the determination probability is maintained at a higher probability than the predetermined probability until the specific game is started based on the establishment of the start condition. Therefore, the frequency at which the variable start port becomes the second mode is increased after the identification information is stopped and displayed in the specific mode with a high determination probability until the start condition for starting the specific game is satisfied. The state where the frequency of game balls entering the variable start port is high (high frequency state) is maintained. For this reason, after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner with a high determination probability, until a specific game is started, as many game balls as possible are entered into the variable start opening, It is possible to realize a new game in which a profit based on a game value such as a prize ball or the like, or a condition for changing identification information is established, is obtained.
In the case of the present invention, after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner with a high determination probability, the game ball is launched toward the start area, and when the game ball passes the start area, the start condition of the specific game Is established, and based on this, the determination probability is returned to a predetermined probability. In other words, by launching the game ball so that the game ball does not pass through the start area, the start time of the specific game can be postponed, and the high-frequency state can be maintained during that time. For this reason, after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner with a high determination probability, the high-frequency state until the specific game start condition is satisfied may be continued or terminated by the player's intention. it can.
Furthermore, in the case of the present invention, after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner with a high determination probability, until the predetermined time elapses, even if the game ball passes the start area, Detection is not enabled, and passing through the start area is not enabled (disabled). For this reason, even if the game ball passes through the start area, the start time of the specific game can be postponed and the high frequency state can be maintained. As a result, the player can launch the game ball without worrying about the existence of the start area, and can aim to enter the variable start port.
In the case of the present invention, since the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner in a state with a high determination probability, it is possible to cause “variation” between the time when the detection of the game ball by the detection means becomes valid. In addition, it is possible to obtain more various game playability.
Furthermore, in the case of the present invention, the time from when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner with a high determination probability until the detection of the game ball by the detecting means becomes valid Therefore, it is possible to obtain various game playability.

A gaming machine of an invention disclosed in this specification for reference (hereinafter referred to as a reference invention)
A game machine in which a specific game is started on the basis of establishment of a predetermined start condition after the identification information variably displayed based on the game ball entering the start port is stopped and displayed in a specific manner.
As the starting port, it has a variable starting port that can be changed between a first mode and a second mode in which a game ball is more likely to enter than the first mode,
Determination means for determining whether or not the variable start port is the second mode;
A probability setting means for setting a determination probability at which a result indicating the second aspect is obtained as a result of the determination to a predetermined probability or a probability higher than the predetermined probability;
With
After the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner in a state where the determination probability is set higher than the predetermined probability, the determination probability is set to the predetermined probability based on the establishment of the start condition. Set
It is characterized by that.
According to the reference invention, when the determination probability that the result of determining the variable start port as the second mode is obtained as the determination result of the determination unit is set to a probability higher than the predetermined probability, the identification information is in the specific mode. Even if the stop display is made, the determination probability is maintained at a higher probability than the predetermined probability until the specific game is started based on the establishment of the start condition. Therefore, the frequency at which the variable start port becomes the second mode is increased after the identification information is stopped and displayed in the specific mode with a high determination probability until the start condition for starting the specific game is satisfied. The state where the frequency of game balls entering the variable start port is high (high frequency state) is maintained. For this reason, after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner with a high determination probability, until a specific game is started, as many game balls as possible are entered into the variable start opening, It is possible to realize a new game in which a profit based on a game value such as a prize ball or the like, or a condition for changing identification information is established, is obtained.
In the reference invention,
The start condition may be that the game ball passes a predetermined start area.

  In this case, after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner with a high determination probability, the game ball is launched toward the start area, and when the game ball passes the start area, the start condition of the specific game is established, Based on this, the determination probability is returned to a predetermined probability. In other words, by launching the game ball so that the game ball does not pass through the start area, the start time of the specific game can be postponed, and the high-frequency state can be maintained during that time. For this reason, after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner with a high determination probability, the high-frequency state until the specific game start condition is satisfied may be continued or terminated by the player's intention. it can.

Furthermore, in the reference invention,
Detecting means for detecting a game ball passing through the start area;
After the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner, an enabling means for enabling detection of the game ball by the detecting means;
With
The validation may be performed after a lapse of a predetermined time after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner in a state where the determination probability is set to be higher than the predetermined probability.

In this case, after the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner with a high determination probability, detection of the game ball by the detecting means is enabled even if the game ball passes through the start area until a predetermined time elapses . And the passage of the start area is not valid (invalid). For this reason, even if the game ball passes through the start area, the start time of the specific game can be postponed and the high frequency state can be maintained. As a result, the player can launch the game ball without worrying about the existence of the start area, and can aim to enter the variable start port.

Furthermore, in the reference invention,
The predetermined time may be set to one time selected from a plurality of predetermined times.

  In this case, since the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner in a state where the determination probability is high, the time until the detection of the game ball by the detection unit can be made “variable”, and thus more various Playability can be obtained.

Furthermore, in the reference invention,
A plurality of the specific aspects are provided,
When the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner in a state where the determination probability is set higher than the predetermined probability, the predetermined time is set based on the type of the specific aspect that is stopped and displayed. It may be done.

  In this case, the time from when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner in a state with a high determination probability until the detection of the game ball by the detecting means becomes valid is set based on the type of the stopped and displayed specific manner. Therefore, it is possible to obtain more various game characteristics.

  In this specification, “front” and “front” indicate “front with respect to the gaming machine (that is, a direction closer to the player)”, and “rear” and “back” indicate the gaming machine. The reference back (that is, the direction away from the player) is shown. Further, “left” indicates “left” as viewed from the player, and “right” indicates “right as viewed from the player”.

  Further, in “a member that can be opened and closed like a door (hereinafter referred to as a“ door type member ”)” such as a main body frame, a front frame, an upper plate member, a lower plate member, etc., “left”, “right” “Front”, “Rear” and the like are based on the case where these door-type members are in use, that is, in the closed state.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a gaming machine with new gaming characteristics that utilizes the return from the high state to the low state of the game balls entering the variable start port.

It is a perspective view which shows the game machine which concerns on each Example of this invention. It is a front view which shows a game board. (A) is a front view schematically showing a display screen of an effect display device, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a variation display mode executed in a special symbol display unit, and (c) is an information display device. It is explanatory drawing which shows. (A) And (b) is explanatory drawing which shows a sorting apparatus and a start gate. It is a block diagram which shows an electronic control apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a normal symbol fluctuation game. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a special symbol variation game and jackpot game. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table etc. which are used by special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st winning / failing determination). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table etc. which are used by special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd winning / failing determination). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the characteristic of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a normal electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows an accessory continuous action | operation apparatus action | operation process. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows a 1st lottery pattern table, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows a 2nd lottery pattern table, (c) is explanatory drawing which shows a 3rd lottery pattern table. (A) is a flowchart which shows distribution operation start processing, (b) is a flowchart which shows distribution operation stop processing. It is a flowchart which shows a big hit game process. It is a flow figure showing processing at the time of big hit game end. It is a front view which shows a game board. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a special symbol variation game and jackpot game. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table etc. which are used by special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st winning / failing determination). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table etc. which are used by special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd winning / failing determination). It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows an accessory continuous action | operation apparatus action | operation process. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a special symbol variation game and jackpot game. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table etc. which are used by special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st winning / failing determination). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the data table etc. which are used by special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd winning / failing determination). It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the characteristic of a gaming machine. It is a flowchart which shows a game control process. (A) is a flowchart for demonstrating a common figure short time end process, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the modification 4. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an accessory continuous action | operation apparatus action | operation process. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows a part of data table used by special figure 1 big hit lottery (1st success / failure determination), (b) is a data table used by special figure 2 big hit lottery (2nd success / failure determination). It is explanatory drawing which shows a part of. (A) is explanatory drawing which shows a part of accessory actuating device operation | movement process, (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the modification 3. FIG. It is a front view which shows a game board. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a special symbol variation game and jackpot game. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a front view which shows a game board. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a special symbol variation game and jackpot game. It is a flowchart which shows a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows an accessory continuous action | operation apparatus action | operation process. (A) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 6, (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 7, (c) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification 9. FIG. . It is a flowchart which shows the accessory continuous action | operation apparatus action | operation process of the modification 8.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments showing modes for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, specific examples in which the present invention is applied to a gaming machine (pachinko machine) 1 referred to as a “seven machine” will be described.

(1) Mechanical structure a. First, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 and a gaming machine main body H attached to the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is rotatably assembled to the left end side of the outer frame 2 using upper and lower hinges H1 and H2 on the left end side of the outer frame 2. The gaming machine main body H is a portion of the gaming machine 1 excluding the outer frame 2, and includes a main body frame 3, a front frame 4, a dish member 5 </ b> A integrated with the front frame 4, and a game board 10 ( 2) and the back mechanism panel 102 and the like are the main parts.

  The main body frame 3 is configured by a frame-like body capable of holding the game board 10, is fitted into the outer frame 2, and is pivotally supported with respect to the outer frame 2 so as to be opened and closed. When the main body frame 3 holds the game board 10 (see FIG. 2), the “game area 11 formed on the board surface (front surface) of the game board 10” is visible from the front of the main body frame 3. The

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the main body frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the main body frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 4 includes a frame body 41 having a viewing window 41a penetrating in the front-rear direction and a glass plate 43 fitted in the viewing window 41a. Since the game area 11 formed on the game board 10 is located behind the front frame 4 when the front frame 4 is closed, the game area 11 can be viewed from the front of the front frame 4 through the visual window 41a. The “dish member 5A in which the upper plate member 5 and the lower plate member 6 are integrated” is integrated with the front frame 4 so that the main frame 3 can be opened and closed integrally with the front frame 4.

  In this gaming machine 1, speakers SP1 to SP4 are built in on the left and right sides of the upper side and the lower side of the front part, and sound effects and other sounds (voices) according to the gaming state are produced using these speakers SP1 to SP4. generate. In addition, on the front surface portion of the front frame 4, a portion that constitutes the arrangement position of the upper plate member 5 is provided with a receiving port 5 b for receiving a game ball discharged from the gaming machine 1. Further, a ball rental display board 410 (see FIG. 5) and an effect button board 228 (see FIG. 5) are provided on the back side of the upper plate member 5, and an “effect button SW” is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate member 5. Is arranged.

  A lower dish member 6 is provided at a lower portion of the upper dish member 5, and a game ball discharged from the upper dish member 5 is received in a substantially container-shaped interior at the center of the lower dish member 6. The receiving port 6a is provided. A firing handle 9 is provided on the right end side of the lower plate member 6. A launching device unit 90 (see FIG. 2) to which a launching handle 9 is connected is disposed on the rear side of the front surface of the main body frame 3 and on the left end side below the game board 10. ing. The launch handle 9 is equipped with a touch switch (touch sensor) 9a for detecting that the player is touching, and in the vicinity thereof, the launch stop for temporarily stopping the launch of the game ball is stopped. A switch 9b is attached.

b. Next, the configuration of the game board 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The game board 10 includes a game board main body 10A configured by using a transparent plate or plywood made of resin (acrylic) having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and the front surface of the game board main body 10A is made of resin or metal. An outer rail 12 and an inner rail 13 that are made of a belt-like body are disposed. Further, the game area 11 is constituted by a portion of the front surface portion of the game board main body 10A that is substantially surrounded by a substantially circular or substantially elliptical peripheral wall formed by the outer rail 12 and the inner rail 13.

  At the front portion of the game board main body 10A and in the game area 11, the central device 20, the first starting port 17a, the second starting port 17b, the big winning port 31a, and the general winning ports 45, 46 are provided. 47, the normal symbol operation gate 16, the sorting device 70, the first start gate 80, the second start gate 81, the windmill 19 and the like, and the information display device 60 is provided outside the game area 11. Is provided. The special winning opening 31 a is configured by the entrance portion of the special winning device 31.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inner rail 13 is arranged in a substantially U shape, and the left end portion is disposed at the upper left portion of the game board 10, and “the upper left portion of the outer rail 12” located on the left side thereof. A “gap through which a game ball can pass” is provided between them to form a ball entrance 11S. Further, the left end portion of the outer rail 12 is disposed close to the upper left of the ball outlet 96j of the launcher unit 90. Then, a game ball (see symbol Y) that is launched from the launching device unit 90 and rises while rolling on the inner side of the outer rail 12 is discharged to the game area 11 through the ball entrance 11S.

  The central device 20 includes a frame member 21 and an effect display device 27. Among these, the frame member 21 constitutes a board decoration member surrounding the outer edge of the effect display device 27. The effect display device 27 is configured by using a liquid crystal display device, and executes a symbol variation effect in accordance with the special symbol variation display and stop display in the information display device 60. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 is substantially the entire display area, and a pattern (background pattern) or background color (blue, red, etc.) indicating the background in this display area. ) And the like can be displayed. And the effect design display area 27b which displays the effect design of 3 (three digits) in the state superimposed on the front of this background design or background color is provided on the display screen 27a.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, a first reserved display area 27D and a second reserved display area 27E are provided on the edge side of the display screen 27a. Among these, in the first holding display area 27D, the number of holdings related to the “first special symbol” generated on the basis of entering the first starting port 17a (hereinafter referred to as “first holding number”) is “4”. "Is displayed as the upper limit number, and in the second hold display area 27E, the hold number related to the" second special symbol "generated based on the ball entering the second start port 17b (hereinafter referred to as" second hold number "). Is displayed with “4” as the upper limit.

  Any of the hold display areas 27D and 27E is acquired based on the balls entering the start ports 17a and 17b. However, the number of pieces of acquisition information (random numbers for determination) that are not digested (the processing condition is not satisfied) is “ This is indicated by “display number of reserved symbols”, and “display number of reserved symbols” is sequentially decremented and displayed each time the undigested acquired information is digested. In the following description, a game ball entering the first start port 17a is referred to as a “first start prize”, and a game ball entering the second start port 17b is referred to as a “second start prize”. May be called. The second starting port 17b constitutes a specific example of a “variable starting port”.

  The first start port 17a is a non-variable start port, and has an opening (game ball receiving port) whose size does not change opened upward. In addition, the size of the opening of the first start port 17a is set to allow passage of one game ball, and the size is not enlarged or reduced. Then, the game ball that has entered the first start port 17a flows into a first start port passage of a passage member (not shown) mounted on the rear surface of the game board main body 10A, and is arranged in the first start port passage. This is detected by the first start-entry ball detection switch 17s (see FIG. 5).

  The second start port 17b is provided in the right edge 21a of the frame member 21, and a game ball flowing down the left side of the game apparatus 11 (hereinafter referred to as a left-handed area) 11L from the central device 20 can enter. It has become. The second starting port 17b is provided with an ordinary electric accessory 17d. The ordinary electric accessory 17d is an ordinary opening / closing member 17e for opening and closing the second starting port 17b and an ordinary electric member for operating the opening / closing member 17e. An accessory solenoid 17c (see FIG. 5) is provided. The opening / closing member 17e is configured in a substantially blade shape, and can be tilted with reference to the tilting shaft 17p at the lower end. Since the axis of the tilting shaft 17p is directed in the front-rear direction, the opening / closing member 17e can tilt along a plane substantially parallel to the front surface of the game board 10. Furthermore, a second start port entrance detection switch 17t for detecting a game ball entering the second start port 17b is disposed inside the right edge 21a (see FIG. 5).

  If the normal electric accessory solenoid 17c is not energized, the opening / closing member 17e is set up in an upright state, the second starting port 17b is closed, and a game ball cannot enter the second starting port 17b ( First mode, see broken line in FIG. 2). On the other hand, when the normal electric accessory solenoid 17c is energized, the opening / closing member 17e tilts to the left with respect to the tilting shaft 17p and opens the second starting port 17b. It is possible to enter the ball (see the second mode, the solid line in FIG. 2). Here, the gaming machine 1 is provided with an opening extension function (opening extension means) that makes the time (opening time) when the second start port 17b is in the second mode (opening state) longer than usual. When the opening extension function is not activated, the opening time of the second start port 17b is set to a predetermined time (0.2 seconds). When the opening extension function is operated, the opening time of the second start port 17b is set to a predetermined time. Is extended to a longer time.

  A big winning device 31 is arranged diagonally to the right of the first start port 17a. The prize winning device 31 includes a prize winning opening 31a that opens at the front surface of the game board 10, an opening / closing plate 31b for opening / closing the prize winning opening 31a, and a prize winning for driving the opening / closing plate 31b. A mouth solenoid 31c (see FIG. 5) and a big winning opening entrance detection switch 31s (see FIG. 5) for detecting a game ball that has entered the big winning device 31 are provided. When the open / close plate 31b is in the standing posture, the open / close plate 31b closes the large winning port 31a in the large winning device 31, so that it is impossible to enter a game ball into the large winning port 31a (non-pick-up state). It becomes. On the other hand, when the opening / closing plate 31b tilts forward with its lower end as a fulcrum and assumes a forward leaning posture, the grand prize opening 31a is opened, so that a game ball can enter the grand prize opening 31a (entry) Possible state).

  In the game area 11, general winning ports 45, 46, 47 are provided on the left side of the first start port 17 a. Then, the game balls that have entered any of the general winning ports 45, 46, 47 flow into a general winning port passage member (not shown) mounted on the rear surface of the game board 10, and are provided in the passage member. It is detected by the general entrance detection switch 45s (see FIG. 5). A normal symbol operating gate 16 is provided on the left side of the central device 20. This normal symbol operation gate 16 is arranged in a state of projecting from the front portion of the game board 10, and includes a passage detection switch 16 s (see FIG. 5), and a game ball passing through the normal symbol operation gate 16 downward from above. It can be detected.

  A distribution device 70, a first start gate 80, and a second start gate 81 are provided in a portion of the game region 11 on the right side of the central device 20 (hereinafter referred to as a right-handed region) 11 </ b> R. Among these, the distribution device 70 guides the game ball received from above to the first start gate 80 or the second start gate 81, and the entrance 71 is opened at the upper end. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, a guide path 72 that causes a game ball that has entered the entrance 71 to flow downward is provided in a portion on the upper end side within the sorting apparatus 70. The first start gate guide path 73 is provided on the left end side on the lower end side, and the second start gate guide path 74 is provided on the right end side on the lower end side. In addition, a distribution means 75 is provided in the middle part of the distribution device 70 along the vertical direction.

  The distribution means 75 includes a substantially cylindrical main body 75a and a distribution protrusion 75b that protrudes from the outer periphery of the main body 75a to the outside of the main body 75a. Further, the axial center position of the main body 75a is supported in a rotatable state by a rotating shaft 75c protruding in a direction substantially orthogonal to the game board 10, and the distributing means 75 is provided with a distributing solenoid via a predetermined transmission mechanism. A driving force of 77c (see FIG. 5) is transmitted. When the distribution solenoid 77c is demagnetized, the distribution protrusion 75b is inclined to the right as shown in FIG. 4A, and the game ball that has passed down the guide path 72 is guided to the first start gate. The vehicle enters a state where it can enter the path 73 and cannot enter the second start gate guide path 74 (hereinafter referred to as a first guide state). Further, in this first guiding state, when the distribution solenoid 77c is excited, the distribution means 75 slightly rotates rightward in front view as shown in FIG. 4B, and the distribution protrusion 75b rises to the left. A game ball that is inclined and passes downward through the guide path 72 can enter the second start gate guide path 74 and cannot enter the first start gate guide path 73 (hereinafter referred to as a second guide state). )

  When main controller 200A alternately performs excitation and demagnetization on distribution solenoid 77c, the first induction state shown in FIG. 4 (a) and the second induction state shown in FIG. 4 (b) are alternately repeated. (Hereinafter, referred to as a sorting operation). The first start gate 80 is disposed immediately below the first start gate guide path 73, and the second start gate 81 is disposed directly below the second start gate guide path 74. The game balls distributed to the first start gate guide path 73 by 75 pass through the first start gate 80, and the game balls distributed to the second start gate 81 pass through the second start gate 81. In addition, since a transparent plate-like body is mounted on the front surface portion of the sorting device 70, the player can visually recognize the sorting operation performed by the sorting means 75 and the movement mode of the game ball.

  The first start gate 80 and the second start gate 81 are arranged so as to protrude from the front surface portion of the game board 10 in the same manner as the normal symbol operation gate 16 described above. The first start gate 80 includes a first start gate switch 80s (see FIG. 5), and the second start gate 81 includes a second start gate switch 81s (see FIG. 5), both of which are from top to bottom. A passing game ball can be detected. Here, the first start gate 80 and the second start gate 81 constitute a specific example of the start region, and the first start gate switch 80s and the second start gate switch 81s constitute a specific example of the detecting means.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the information display device 60 is a surface portion of the game board 10, and a lower left portion (lower left outer edge portion) of the outer edge portion 10 </ b> B corresponding to the outer side of the game area 11 (outer surface edge of the game board 10). Is arranged. Since the lower left portion of the outer edge portion 10B is a portion that can be viewed from the front through the lower left side of the viewing window 41a, the information display device 60 can be viewed through the glass plate 43 from the front of the front frame 4 ( (See FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 3C, the information display device 60 includes a substrate 60A. A first special symbol display unit 62a, a second special symbol display unit 62b, and a normal symbol display unit are provided on the substrate 60A. 63, the 1st special symbol reservation display part 64a, the 2nd special symbol reservation display part 64b, the normal symbol reservation display part 65, etc. are provided.

  The first special symbol display unit 62a, the second special symbol display unit 62b, and the normal symbol display unit 63 are all configured using a “7-segment display”. Among these, in the first special symbol display unit 62a, the variable display of the first special symbol is performed based on the “first start winning prize”, and when the execution time of the variable display has elapsed, the result of the determination on whether or not the first special symbol is determined is obtained. It is displayed for a certain time (for example, 0.6 seconds). In addition, the second special symbol display unit 62b performs variable display of the second special symbol based on the “second start winning”, and when the execution time of the variable display has elapsed, the result of the determination on whether or not the second special symbol is determined is a predetermined time. (For example, 0.6 seconds) is displayed. When the result of the determination on the special symbol is “out”, the off symbol is displayed on the special symbol display section (62a or 62b), and the result of the determination on the special symbol is “big hit”. Shows the jackpot symbol.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, the normal symbol display unit 63 is also composed of a “7-segment display”, and when the symbol variation start condition is established based on the game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 16, the normal symbol is displayed. Start displaying fluctuations. In this normal symbol variation display, the normal symbol display section 63 displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9” in this order, and then again displays the arithmetic numbers from “0” to “9”. It consists of “circular display” that repeats the display in order. Then, when the execution time of the normal symbol fluctuation display has elapsed, the result of the normal symbol fluctuation display (result of the determination on whether or not the normal symbol is true) is displayed for a certain time (for example, 0.5 seconds). At this time, when the stopped normal symbol is an "odd number", the symbol corresponds to a normal symbol hit symbol, and when the stopped symbol is an "even digit", the symbol is an off-normal symbol symbol. Applicable.

  Each of the first special symbol hold display unit 64a, the second special symbol hold display unit 64b, and the normal symbol hold display unit 65 includes two LEDs, and corresponding symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol, normal symbol). ) Is displayed according to the number of LED lighting and the driving mode. For example, if the LED in the off state displays “zero”, the LED in the on state displays “1”, and the LED in the blinking state displays “2”, two LEDs are used. An integer from “zero” to “4” can be displayed.

  Further, a number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged in the game area 11 so as to be suitable for a pachinko game in consideration of the positional balance with each board component described above. 18 is provided.

(2) Configuration of Control Circuit Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is configured by using the main control board 200, and controls the basic progress of the game and whether or not it is related to the winning ball, and a plurality of sub-control units (220A). , 222A, 240A, 260A). The sub-control unit is configured using (a) the sub-control board 220, and is configured using the sub-control unit 220A that controls the game effects, and (b) the effect display control board 222. An effect display control unit 222A that controls the display device 27, (c) a payout control unit 240A that is configured using the payout control board 240, and controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, and (d) launching It is configured using a control board 260, and includes a launch control unit 260A that controls the launch of a game ball. In this embodiment, the game value to be given to the player based on the entrance of the game ball to the various entrances (entrance entrances) such as the start entrance and the grand prize entrance is “award ball”. A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out in accordance with the type of the prize-winning hole that has entered.

  The control boards (200, 220, 222, 240, 260) constituting these control units (200A, 220A, 222A, 240A, 260A) are executed by a CPU that executes various logical operations and calculation operations, and the CPU. ROM in which various programs and data are stored, RAM in which the CPU stores temporary data when the program is executed, a peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, and the CPU performs calculations Various peripheral LSIs such as an oscillator that outputs a clock of the above and a watchdog timer that monitors the runaway of the CPU are connected to each other via a bus. In addition, the direction of the arrow in FIG. 5 represents the direction which inputs / outputs a data or a signal.

  The main control unit 200A includes a passage detection switch 16s, a first start gate switch 80s, a second start gate switch 81s, a first start opening entrance detection switch 17s, a second start entrance entrance detection switch 17t, and a general winning entrance entrance. After receiving the detection signal of the game ball from the detection switch 45s, the big winning opening entrance detection switch 31s, etc., and determining the basic progress of the game and whether or not it is related to the prize ball, the sub control unit 220A and the payout control unit 240A. Then, various signals (commands) described later are output toward the launch control unit 260A and the like. Further, predetermined signals (commands) determined by the CPU 201 constituting the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) are transmitted to the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240, respectively. The main control unit 200 constitutes specific examples of “determination means”, “probability setting means”, and “high frequency state generation means”.

  When the sub-control unit 220A receives various signals (commands) from the main control unit 200A, the sub-control unit 220A analyzes the contents of the signals (commands) and produces a game according to the result. The sub-control unit 220A controls the game effects based on the control signal from the main control unit 200A. The sub-control unit 220A is electrically connected to the effect display control unit 222A, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228, and the effect button board 228 has an effect button SW. Electrically connected.

  The CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 receives each control signal from the main control board 200 and controls each board such as the effect display control board 222, the amplifier board 224, the decoration drive board 226, and the effect button board 228. The CPU 220a receives the display control command (display control signal) sent from the main control unit 200A, and analyzes the received display control command based on the program stored in the ROM 220c. Then, the CPU 220a uses the display control command newly generated based on the display control command transmitted from the main control unit 200A or the display control command transmitted from the main control unit 200A as a symbol control command to the effect display control unit 222A. Send to. Further, the main control unit 200A is connected to the payout control unit 240A so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and performs various types of control related to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout.

(3) Game Flow by Game Machine 1 Next, an outline of the game performed in the game machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

a. Normal symbol variable game In this gaming machine 1, the game state related to the normal symbol variable game is a state without a short time (hereinafter referred to as a normal diagram normal state) related to a normal symbol or a state with a short time related to a normal symbol (hereinafter referred to as a general symbol). It is called short state in the figure). And, the normal symbol variable game is composed of the normal symbol variable display, but in the normal map short state, the variable display execution time (variation time) is shortened compared to the normal diagram normal state, The probability (probability per normal symbol) that is determined to be a hit in the normality determination regarding the normal symbol is increased. Further, the open extension function of the second start port 17b is activated in the normal state and the open extension function is not activated in the normal state. Hereinafter, the variable game of normal symbols will be further described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the normal symbol variable game is started in the normal symbol display unit 63 based on the passing of the game ball through the normal symbol operation gate 16 (S1, S2). This normal symbol variable game is constituted by the normal symbol variable display in the normal symbol display unit 63, and the execution time (variation time) of the variable display is “15 seconds” in the “normal normal state”. It is set to “1 second” in the case of “normal state at short time”. When the fluctuation display execution time elapses, the normal symbol stop mode of the normal symbol display unit 63 is displayed, and the result of the normality determination regarding the normal symbol (the result of the normal symbol variation display) is displayed. Exit. In addition, the fluctuation time of the normal symbol in this embodiment is an example, and each of the “normal normal state” and the “normal normal time state” may be longer or shorter than the present embodiment. .

  The probability of the success / failure determination result for a normal symbol being “winning” (probability per normal symbol) is “2/89 (= 1 / 44.5)” in the “normal normal state”, "86/89 (≈1 / 1.035)". This probability per ordinary symbol corresponds to the “determination probability” of the present invention. When the result of the determination on the normal symbol is “hit”, “normal symbol hit symbol” is displayed as the normal symbol stop mode, and when the result of the success / failure determination is “off”, the normal symbol is stopped. As a mode, “ordinary symbol out of symbol” is displayed. Note that the probability per ordinary symbol in this embodiment is an example, and each of the “normal normal state” and the “normal normal time state” may be a lower probability or a higher probability than in the present embodiment.

  When the symbol is displayed on the normal symbol display unit 63 (S3), the second start port 17b is opened only once for a predetermined time (second mode) (S4), and is disengaged from the normal symbol display unit 63. When the symbol is displayed (S5), the second start port 17b maintains the closed state (first mode) (S6). And when the 2nd starting port 17b will be in an open state (2nd aspect) based on the symbol being displayed on the normal symbol display part 63, as above-mentioned, a gaming state is "normal figure normal state". Sometimes the opening time of the second start port 17b is shortened (for example, 0.2 seconds), and the frequency of entering the game ball into the second start port 17b is lowered (game to the second start port 17b in a predetermined time). Less balls can enter). On the other hand, in the “normal time short state”, the opening time of the second start port 17b is lengthened (for example, 5 seconds), and the frequency of game balls entering the second start port 17b is increased (the first time in a predetermined time). 2) The number of game balls that can enter the starting port 17b increases.

b. Special Symbol Floating Game and Jackpot Game Next, the special symbol floating game and jackpot game will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the probability that the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in the variable game of the special symbol (the probability that the result of the determination of whether or not the special symbol is determined to be a jackpot) is referred to as a jackpot probability, and the state relating to the jackpot probability of the gaming machine 1 It is called “special figure probability state”. A gaming state when the “big hit probability” is a high probability may be referred to as a “special figure high probability state”, and a gaming state when the probability is a low probability may be referred to as a “special figure low probability state”.

  In the gaming machine 1, the special symbol variation display is started (S12) based on the game ball entering the start port (the first start port 17a or the second start port 17b) (S10). Here, the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a of the information display device 60 and the second special symbol displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b of the information display device 60 are "this symbol". The main control unit 200A determines “symbol to be stopped (stop symbol)” and “variation time (variation pattern)”. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 3B, the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol are displayed by the 7-segment display body constituting the corresponding special symbol display unit (62a or 62b). The content is to perform “circular display” of an incomplete symbol (hereinafter referred to as an incomplete symbol) that cannot constitute a mathematical number. Specifically, the content is to “circulate and display” imperfect symbols that are less familiar to the player than arithmetic numbers and are difficult to identify and store. Here, the first special symbol and the second special symbol constitute a specific example of the identification information.

  Then, the result of the determination of whether or not the special symbol is executed based on the “first start prize” (hereinafter, referred to as “first determination of success / failure”) is displayed by the stop mode in the variable display related to the first special symbol. The result of the determination on whether or not the special symbol is executed based on the “second start winning” (hereinafter referred to as “second determination on whether or not to win”) is displayed by the stop mode in the variable display related to the two special symbols. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, when the special figure probability state is the special figure low probability state, the big hit probability is “1/315” in both the first and second determinations. In the case of the special figure high probability state, the jackpot probability is set to “1 / 31.5” in both the first and second determinations.

  When the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is removed and displayed in a stopped state in the special symbol variation display (S14c), the removal is determined (S16c). On the other hand, when the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the condition device is activated (S14), and a standby state in which the start of the big hit game is waited ( S15). In this embodiment, when the result of the determination of whether or not the special symbol is a big hit, the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section (62a or 62b) is determined by random number lottery, the details of which will be described later. . Here, “big hit symbol” constitutes a specific example of “special aspect of special symbol”, and big hit game constitutes a specific example of a specific game.

  In this standby state, a gate valid period in which detection of game balls by the first start gate switch 80s and the second start gate switch 81a is validated occurs. During this gate valid period, a game ball enters the sorting device 70 through the entrance 71 (S16), and when the game ball passes the first start gate 80 or the second start gate 81 (S20, 20c), The execution pattern of the big hit game is set (S22, 22c). Specifically, when passing through the first start gate 80, the execution pattern of the big hit game is set using the first lottery table or the third lottery table (S22), and when passing through the second start gate 81, the second lottery table or A big hit game execution pattern is set using the third lottery table (S22c). Details of the processing of S22 and S22c will be described later.

  When the execution pattern of the jackpot game is set in this manner (S22, S22c), the processing for starting the operation of the accessory continuous operation device (S24, S24c) and the normal time flag are set (set to ON) After performing the process of releasing the normal time flag (set to OFF) (S26, S26c), the jackpot game is started based on the execution pattern of the jackpot game set in the processes of S22 and S22c. (S28, S28c). Note that “passing start gate” in FIG. 7 and FIGS. 24, 29, and 42, which will be described later, indicates that the game ball has passed the target start gate within the gate effective period (effective gate passing is Show it).

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, when the result of the determination is a big hit as described above, the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section (62a or 62b) is determined by random number lottery. Specifically, when the result of the first winning / failing determination is a big hit, the big hit symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a by random number lottery (distribution lottery) indicates “the occurrence of the first normal big hit. Big hit symbol (hereinafter referred to as normal A) "," Big hit symbol indicating occurrence of second normal big hit (hereinafter referred to as normal B) "and" Big hit symbol indicating occurrence of first positive variation big hit (hereinafter, positive change). A)) and “a jackpot symbol indicating the occurrence of the second probability variation jackpot (hereinafter referred to as probability variation B)”. Here, among the “seven-segment display body” constituting the first special symbol display section 62a or the second special symbol display section 62b, the one that emits two segments indicates “normal big hit (described later)”. The type of “normal big hit” (first normal big hit, second normal big hit, etc.) is specified by the combination mode of the segments that emit light. The three segments that emit light indicate “probable big hits (to be described later)”, and the combination of segments that emits the types of “probable big hits” (first positive variable big hits, second positive probable big hits, etc.). Identify. However, in this specification, in order to simplify the description, the jackpot symbol is expressed using “alphabet” such as “normal A”, “normal B”, “probability variation A”, “probability variation B”, etc. To do.

  In addition, when the result of the second winning / failing determination is a big hit, the big hit symbols that are stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b by random number lottery (distribution lottery) are “normal A”, “normal B”, “ It is determined to be one of “probability variation A”, “probability variation B”, and “big hit symbol (hereinafter referred to as probability variation C) indicating the occurrence of the third probability variation big hit”. Also, in this embodiment, for both the first win determination and the second win determination, if the result of the determination on the special symbol is a big hit, the big hit is a probable big hit (the game state has a special high probability after the big hit game ends) The probability of becoming a big hit as a state is “60%”, and the probability of becoming a normal big hit (a big hit with the gaming state as a special low probability state after completion of the big hit game) is “40%”.

  When the big hit game is started and the first round game is started, the round game is subsequently performed a plurality of times with an interval (for example, an interval of 2 seconds) interposed therebetween. In each round game during the big hit game, an open / close operation is performed on the big winning device 31 to change the big winning opening 31a to an open state (a state in which a player can enter the ball) only once. Here, in the big hit game, when a predetermined number (10) of game balls enter the big winning opening 31a or when the opening time of the big winning opening 31a reaches the opening limit time (30 seconds), the round The end condition is satisfied, and the running round game is ended. The round game is performed a plurality of times with a predetermined interval between them, and when the last round game (the fifth, tenth, or fifteenth round game) is executed, the big hit game ends after the ending time has elapsed, It becomes possible to start the special symbol variation display.

  Also, in this gaming machine, the number of “round games” executed in the jackpot game includes the types of jackpots that have occurred, the types of start gates that have passed (first start gate 80, second start gate 81), round It is determined based on the result of the lottery. Specifically, if the generated big hit is the first normal big hit, the second normal big hit, the first probability variation big hit or the second probability variation big hit, and the game ball passes the first start gate 80, the number of round games is increased. When it is set to “10 times” and the game ball passes through the second start gate 81, the number of round games is set to “5 times” or “15 times” by the round lottery. Further, if the generated big hit is the third probability variation big hit, the number of round games is set to “15” regardless of which of the first start gate 80 and the second start gate 81 is passed. Here, the third likelihood variation big hit occurs when the result of the second win / fail decision is “hit”, but does not occur when the result of the first win / fail decision is “hit”. For this reason, in the “distribution lottery” when the result of the second winning / failing determination is “big hit”, the player is compared with the “sort lottery” when the result of the first winning / failing determination is “big hit”. A more advantageous distribution is made.

  In a case where a probable big hit (first probable big hit, second probable big hit, third probable big hit) is generated and the big hit game is executed when the start condition is satisfied (hereinafter referred to as a probable variation case), The probability variation function (probability variation means) related to the special symbol is activated, resulting in a “special diagram high probability state” in which the jackpot probability is higher than usual. In the probability variation case, the time shortening function related to the special symbol is activated after the big hit game ends, and it is highly likely that the shortened variation time (for example, the variation time of 5 seconds or less) is selected as the variation time of the special symbol. Become. The time saving function related to this special symbol is used until the cumulative execution count of the special symbol change display (the symbol variable game related to the special symbol) that is executed without generating a big hit after the jackpot game ends is “10,000 times” ( In effect) until the next big hit.

  Furthermore, in the probability variation case, the time shortening function related to the normal symbol is activated after the jackpot game is over (the time is reduced to the normal time). Here, when the time shortening function is activated, the shortened variation time is selected as the variation time for the normal symbol, and the probability per ordinary symbol is increased. In addition, the opening extension function is activated along with the operation of the time shortening function, and the opening extension state in which the opening time of the second start port 17b is extended is obtained. The time-saving function related to the normal symbol continues until the next jackpot game is started.

  In a case where a normal big hit (first normal big hit, second normal big hit) occurs and the start condition is satisfied and the big hit game is executed (hereinafter referred to as a normal case), the probability variation regarding the special symbol after the big hit game ends. The function (probability changing means) does not operate, and the “special figure low probability state” is entered, but the time-shortening function for the special symbol and the time-shortening function for the normal symbol are activated after the jackpot game ends. Among these, the time saving function related to the special symbol is the cumulative execution count of the special symbol change display (the symbol variable game related to the special symbol) that is executed without generating a big hit after the big hit game ends, or “100 times” It continues until the next big hit occurs (until the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed). In addition, the time-saving function related to the normal symbol is executed without generating a big hit after the big hit game is ended when the big hit game based on the occurrence of the normal big hit (first normal big hit, second normal big hit) is ended. This is continued until the cumulative number of executions of the special symbol variation display is “100 times” or the next big hit game is started before the cumulative number of executions reaches “100 times”.

  It should be noted that the “effect design” is displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, and the variation mode and the stop symbol are displayed by the sub-control unit 220A that controls the game effect under the control of the main control unit 200A. It is determined. Usually, the symbol variation of these “production symbols” is executed for the same time as the “main symbol”, and the display contents (hit and miss) of these “production symbols” are displayed in the first special symbol display. It is assumed that there is no contradiction with the display content (big hit, miss, etc.) of the “main symbol” in the part 62a or the second special symbol display part 62b.

  In this symbol variation effect, as shown in FIG. 3A, an effect symbol display area 27b appears on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, and the effect symbol variation display is started. Then, when the execution time (variation time) of the change display of the effect symbol elapses, the stop display of the effect symbol is executed for a certain time (about 0.6 seconds). This stop display of the effect symbol is to display the result of the determination on whether or not the special symbol is related to the special symbol display unit 62 (62a or 62b).

  On the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, while the effect symbol display area 27b displays three (three digits) effect symbols, the effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner and stopped. This variation of the effect design is to display the arithmetic numbers from “1” to “9” in this order, and then display the arithmetic numbers from “1” to “9” in this order again. Consists of repeated “circular display”. In the symbol variation effect, the stop symbols of the effect symbol include “stop symbol indicating a big hit (big hit symbol)” and “stop symbol indicating a loss (loss symbol)”.

c. Features of the gaming machine Next, features of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 10 shows a case in which the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a normal drawing short-time state in which a short-time function related to a normal symbol is activated (a short time flag for normal drawing is ON) (hereinafter, an example) 1)). Here, in Example 1, the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “special time short state (normal time short flag ON)”, “special figure high probability state (special figure certain variation flag ON)” and “special figure short time state (special The case where the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed in the case where “the figure short flag is ON” is shown, but the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is “the normal figure short state (the normal figure short flag ON)” and “the special figure low probability” The case where the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the case of “state (special figure certain change flag OFF)” and “special figure short time state (special time short flag ON)” (hereinafter referred to as Example 2) is also “ The timing for ending the “state (special time flag is ON)” is the same.

  In example 1, when the big hit symbol is stopped and the big hit is generated, the condition device is activated (condition device activation flag ON), and the special figure probability state becomes the special figure low probability state (special figure probability variation flag OFF). The special figure short time state is canceled (the special figure short time flag is OFF). Although illustration is omitted, in Example 2, the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, and when the condition device is activated, the special figure short time state is canceled (special figure short time flag OFF).

  In Example 1 shown in FIG. 10 and Example 2 (not shown), even if a big hit occurs (even if the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed), the accessory continuous operation device does not operate at this stage (actual agent continuous operation device operation) Because the flag is off), the big hit game is not started, and a period of waiting for the start of the big hit game (standby period) is entered. Further, at this stage, the normal time is shortened state (the normal time short flag ON). As described above, in this embodiment, when the condition device operates, the accessory continuous operation device does not operate based on a series of program processing, but the accessory continuous operation device does not operate until the start condition is satisfied. .

  In Example 1 and Example 2, when the game ball passes through the start gate (first start gate 80, second start gate 81) during the waiting period, the big hit game based on the stoppage of the big hit symbol (occurrence of big hit) is started. At this time, the normal time short state is canceled (the normal time short flag OFF).

(4) Outline of Game Control by Main Control Unit 200A FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. In this game control process, a prize ball payout process (S80), a normal symbol game process (S100), a normal electric accessory game process (S200), a special symbol game process (S300), and an accessory continuous action device operation process (S500). Each process such as the big hit game process (S600) is repeatedly executed. Note that the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute the processing of S80 to S600 in FIG. 11 every time a timer interrupt with a period of 4 msec occurs after the power is turned on.

A. Prize ball payout processing (S80)
The prize ball payout process (S80) is a process related to a prize ball payout when a game ball enters the winning opening (17a, 17b, 31a, 45-47), from the main control unit 200A toward the payout control unit 240A. , A “payout signal for designating the number of payouts corresponding to each winning opening” is output. On the other hand, when the CPU mounted on the payout control board 240 constituting the payout control unit 240A receives the payout signal, the CPU interprets the content of the signal and sends a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the prize ball payout device 109. Is output and award balls are paid out.

B. Normal symbol game processing (S100)
12 and 13 are flowcharts showing an outline of the normal symbol game process. When the normal symbol game process is activated, the CPU 201 sets the normal symbol operation gate 16 on the game ball based on the state of the passage detection switch 16s. It is determined whether or not it has passed (S105). If an affirmative determination is made in the process of S105 (S105; YES), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol is less than a predetermined number (four in the present embodiment) (S110). Is determined (S110; YES), the number of holds for the normal symbol is incremented by “+1”, and a random number value for determining whether or not the normal symbol is appropriate is acquired and stored (S115), and then S120. Move on to processing. On the other hand, when a negative determination is made in the process of S105 (S105; NO) and when it is determined that the number of reserved symbols related to the normal symbol is greater than or equal to a predetermined number (S110; NO), the process of S115 is performed. Instead, the process proceeds to S120. In the following description, the determination of whether or not a normal symbol is true is referred to as a universal symbol determination.

  In the process of S120, it is determined whether or not the ordinary electric accessory is in operation (whether or not the second start port 17b is in an open state) (S120). If it is in operation (S120; YES), the normal symbol is determined. The game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when it is not in operation (S120; NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol display unit 63 is executing the normal symbol variation display (S125). When it is determined in the process of S125 that the display is not variably displayed (S125; NO), it is determined in the normal symbol display section 63 whether or not the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (S130). When it is determined that the normal symbol is stopped and displayed (S130; YES), it is determined whether or not the “normal symbol stop display time (for example, 0.5 seconds)” has elapsed (FIG. 13). S166). If an affirmative determination is made in S166 (S166; YES), the process proceeds to S168, and if a negative determination is made in S160 (S166; NO), the normal symbol game process is terminated and the game control of FIG. Return to processing.

  Further, the normal electric accessory is not in operation (S120 in FIG. 12; NO), the normal symbol change display is not being executed in the normal symbol display unit 63 (S125; NO), and the normal symbol is stopped. If it is determined that it is not being executed (S130; NO), it is determined whether or not the number of holds for the normal symbol is “0” (S135). If it is determined that the number of holds is “0” (S135; YES), the normal symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of holds is not “0” (S135; NO), it is determined whether or not the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S138).

  Here, the normal time flag is a flag indicating the operating status of the time reduction function for the normal symbol. When the normal time flag is set (set to ON), the open extension function is activated and the second start port 17b It becomes an open extended state in which the open time is extended. In addition, the shortened variation time is selected as the variation time related to the normal symbol, and the probability of winning in the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is true increases.

  If the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S138; YES), the oldest random number stored in the processing of S115 is used to determine whether or not the normal symbol is correct (normal) A process of setting a stop symbol after performing a process of determining whether the number of holds for the normal symbol is “−1” (S140), with a high probability (for example, winning / non-winning determination) (for example, winning probability “2/89”) If the determination result is a win, a process of setting “winning symbol” is performed, and if the result of the normal symbol determination is wrong, a process of setting “missing symbol” is performed (S147).

  Then, after setting the “shortened variation time” as the “ordinary symbol variation time” (S148), the normal symbol variation display is started (S156), and the normal symbol game processing is once ended and the game of FIG. Return to control processing. Here, in the process of S148, “1 second” is uniquely determined as the “shortened variation time”. However, in the process of S148, a plurality (for example, “1 second”) corresponding to the random number value is determined. , “2 seconds”, “3 seconds”, and “4 seconds”)) The stored variation time determination table may be used. In this case, in the process of S148, “shortened variation time” is set by random number lottery.

  On the other hand, when the normal time flag is released (set to OFF) (S138; NO), the oldest random number stored in the process of S115 is used to determine whether or not the normal time is correct. Is performed with a low probability (for example, winning probability “86/89”), and after performing the process of “−1” for the number of holdings related to the normal symbol (S150), the stop symbol (when the result of the normal symbol success / failure determination is win) Is set to “winning symbol”, and “outgoing symbol” is set when the result of the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is unacceptable (S152). Then, after setting the normal time as the “ordinary symbol fluctuation display time” (S154), the normal symbol fluctuation display is started (S156), and the normal symbol game processing is once ended and the game control processing of FIG. Return. In addition, the normal symbol change time set in S154 is a time set as a normal symbol change display time for “when the change time shortening function for normal symbols is not activated” in a general gaming machine.

  In the present embodiment, the “normal fluctuation time” is uniquely set to “15 seconds”. However, in the process of S164, a plurality of (for example, “15 seconds”, “30 seconds”) in a state corresponding to the random number value. , “60 seconds”, “100 seconds”)) The stored variation time determination table may be used. In this case, in the process of S154, “normal variation time (variation time not shortened)” may be set by random number lottery. Further, in the present embodiment, when the open extension function is activated, the probability that the normal symbol success / failure determination is successful is increased and the fluctuation time of the normal symbol is shortened as compared with the case where the open extension function is not activated. Although a mode is illustrated, it is good also as not making the probability that a common figure determination judgment becomes a hit regardless of the open extension function operation | movement being the same probability, or shortening the fluctuation time of a normal symbol.

  If the normal electric accessory is not in operation (S120; NO) and the normal symbol display unit 63 is executing the normal symbol variation display (S125; YES), whether or not the normal symbol variation time has elapsed. Is determined (S160 in FIG. 13), and if it has not elapsed (S160; NO), the normal symbol game process is terminated and the process returns to the game control process in FIG. On the other hand, when the fluctuation time of the normal symbol elapses (S160; YES), after the normal symbol fluctuation display is stopped (S162), the display time (stop display time) of the normal symbol is set (S164). . Thereafter, when the “ordinary symbol stop display time” elapses (S166; YES), the process proceeds to S168.

  In the process of S168, it is determined whether or not the symbol stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display unit 63 is a winning symbol (a symbol that activates the ordinary electric accessory) (S168), and if the symbol is an out symbol (S168; NO) ), The normal symbol game process is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the symbol is a winning symbol (S168; YES), it is determined whether or not the normal drawing time reduction flag is set (set to ON) (whether or not the normal electric accessory opening extension function is operating) ( S170).

  When the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S170; YES), after performing the process (S172) for setting the "opening time when the extended extension function is activated (5 seconds)", this process Based on the set opening time, the normal electric accessory is operated to open the second start port 17b (S176), the normal symbol game process is terminated, and the game control process of FIG. 11 is resumed. On the other hand, when the normal time flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S178; NO), a process of setting "opening time when the opening extension function is not activated (0.2 seconds)" (S174) After performing the above, the ordinary electric accessory is operated based on the opening time set in this process to open the second starting port 17b (S174), the normal symbol game process is terminated, and the game control process of FIG. Return to.

C. Normal electric game processing (S200)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an outline of the ordinary electric game game process. When the normal electric game game process is activated while the CPU 201 performs the game control process of FIG. It is determined whether or not it is operating (whether or not the second start port 17b is open). If it is determined that the second start port 17b is open (S201; YES), it is determined whether or not the operation time of the ordinary electric accessory 17d has elapsed (S202). This operating time is an opening time for maintaining the second start port 17b in an open state, and is “0.2 seconds” when the gaming state is the normal state (normally open state). In the extended state), “5.0 seconds” is set.

  When it is determined that the operating time (opening time) has elapsed (S202; YES), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped to bring the second start port 17b in the open state into a closed state (S206). The electric game game process is terminated. However, the CPU 201 determines that a prescribed number (for example, eight) of game balls have entered the second start port 17b while the ordinary electric accessory 17d (second start port 17b) is opened (S202; NO). Then (S204; YES), even when the aforementioned operating time (opening time) has not elapsed, the operation of the ordinary electric accessory 17d is stopped (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated.

D. Special design game processing (S300)
When the special symbol game process (S300) is started, as shown in FIG. 15, it is first determined whether or not a 61st start prize or a second start prize has occurred (S301a, S301b). Then, when a negative determination is made in the processing of S301a and the processing of S301b (S301a; NO, S301b; NO), the process directly proceeds to the processing after S308 shown in FIG.

  If it is determined by the CPU 201 that the first start winning has occurred (S301a; YES), it is determined whether or not the first hold number is less than a predetermined number (less than 4 in this embodiment) (S302a). If it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number in the process of S302a (S302a; YES), a random number value for determination is acquired accordingly (S303a). The determination random number value acquired based on the first start winning is stored in a shift memory format in a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, and the first reserved number is a first reserved number memory (illustrated). Is omitted (additional storage) (S303a), and the process proceeds to S308 in FIG. Here, the determination random number value acquired in the process of S303a includes (a) a random determination random value used for the first determination to be executed based on the first start winning prize, and (b) a first special symbol display unit. The symbol determination random number value for determining the winning symbol to be stopped and displayed at 62a, (c) “reach random number value for determining whether or not to produce reach in the symbol variation effect” and the like are included.

  Here, the latter is preferentially processed under the situation where the determination random number value acquired based on the first start prize and the determination random value acquired based on the second start prize are stored. (It will be described later.) 15 to 17, among the processes performed by the CPU 201, each process executed based on the first start winning (hereinafter referred to as a process related to the special figure 1) and the second start winning. Among the executed processes (hereinafter referred to as processes related to the special drawing 2), the same processes are given the same number of steps (numbers for calculation). Since the process with the same number of steps is basically the same process, one of “process related to special figure 1” and “process related to special figure 2” will be described in the following description. The description of the other may be omitted. In addition, “process for special figure 1” is distinguished by adding “a” in alphabet to “number of steps”, and “process for special figure 2” by adding “b” in alphabet to “number of steps”. There is.

  If the CPU 201 determines that the second start winning has occurred (S301b; YES), the number of second special symbols corresponding to the second start winning (second holding number) is less than a predetermined number (this embodiment). Is less than 4) (S302b). If it is determined that the number is less than the predetermined number in the process of S302b (S302b; YES), a random number value for determination is acquired accordingly (S303b). The determination random number value acquired based on the second start winning is stored in a predetermined memory address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 in a shift memory format, and the second reserved number is stored in a second reserved number memory (illustrated). Is omitted (additional storage) (S303b), and the process proceeds to S308 in FIG. Here, the random number value for determination acquired in the process of S303b includes (a) a random determination value for determining whether or not to be executed based on the second start winning prize, and (b) a second special symbol display unit. 62c includes a symbol determination random number value for determining a symbol to be stopped and displayed, and (c) “reach random number value for determining whether or not to produce reach in symbol variation effect”.

  In the process of S308, as shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON) (S308). Specifically, when the special symbol (the first special symbol, the second special symbol) is stopped and displayed in the jackpot symbol, and the variable symbol special display cannot be newly started, the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON). (See the process of S353 in FIG. 17). In this case, a positive determination is made in the processing of S308. Then, when the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON) (S308; YES), the CPU 201 ends the special symbol game process and returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of S308 that the conditional device operation flag has been released (set to OFF) (S308; NO), whether or not the special symbol is changing (of the first special symbol and the second special symbol) (S310) is determined. If the special symbol is not changing (S310; NO), it is considered that either the special symbol has not yet changed, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the change display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the stop symbol of the special symbol (S312). If the special symbol is not variably displayed (S310; NO), and is not within the stop display time during which the special symbol is stopped (S312; NO), whether or not the variable display can be started. Is determined (S314a, S314b). In the present embodiment, the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol is 0.6 seconds.

  The “condition for starting the variable display of the special symbol” is that either of the “first reserved number” and the “second reserved number” is not “zero”. Then, the CPU 201 of this embodiment preferentially determines whether or not the “second hold number” is “zero” (S314b). That is, when the “second hold number” is not “zero”, the oldest determination random number value is read from the second determination random number value memory (S316b), and the determination process of the second special symbol (second determination) Determination process) is performed (S320b). Note that the determination random number value read in S316b is acquired in S303b, and includes a success / failure determination random value, a symbol determination random number value, a reach random number value, and the like.

  In the second success / failure determination process (S320b), a process related to the second success / failure determination is performed. In this second win / fail determination process (S320b), it is determined whether or not the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a special figure high probability state (whether or not the special figure probability change flag is set). In some cases, the “big hit determination” is performed using the “high probability data table” and the “determination random number value read in the process of S316b” (the big hit determination random value), and the special figure low probability state. In some cases, the “big hit determination” is performed using the “low probability data table” and the “determination random number value read in the process of S316b”.

  The CPU 201 executes a special figure 2 symbol variation start process (S330b) following the second win / fail determination process (S320b). In the special symbol 2 symbol variation start process (S330b), the CPU 201 stops the second special symbol based on the result of the second winning / failing determination process (S320b) (a big bonus symbol for a big hit and a miss symbol for a miss). And a process of determining a variation pattern by random lottery. Then, after starting the variation display of the second special symbol, by sending a predetermined command to the sub-control board 220, the special symbol 2 symbol variation start processing (S330b) is completed. The symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the second special symbol stop symbol (big hit symbol, missed symbol) is a symbol that is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b, and is included in the determination random number value read out in the process of S316b described above. It is determined using the determined random value. The commands transmitted to the sub-control board 220 after starting the variation display of the second special symbol are “variation pattern designation command” and “special symbol stop information designation command”. The variation time of the second special symbol is specified by the variation pattern determined in the special symbol 2 symbol variation start processing (S330b), and the first special symbol is determined by the variation pattern determined in the special symbol 1 symbol variation start processing (S330a) described later. The symbol variation time is specified.

  Returning to FIG. 16, when the “second hold number” is “zero” (S314b; YES) and the “first hold number” is not “zero” (S314a; NO), the first determination random number value The oldest determination random number value is read from the memory (S316a), and the first win / no-go determination process is performed (S320a). Then, after performing the special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S330a), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Here, the first success / failure determination process performed as the process of S320a is performed in the same manner as the second success / failure determination process performed as the process of S320b, and the special figure 1 symbol variation start process performed as the process of S330a is performed as the process of S330b. This is performed in the same manner as the special figure 2 symbol variation start process. In this special figure 1 symbol variation start process (S330a), the CPU 201 determines a stop symbol (a big hit jackpot symbol or a missed symbol in case of loss) of the first special symbol based on the result of the first winning / failing determination process (S320a). And a process for determining a variation pattern by random lottery. Then, after the variable display of the first special symbol is started, the special command 1 symbol variation start process (S330a) is completed by transmitting a predetermined command to the sub-control board 220. The symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  Next, if it is determined that the first special symbol or the second special symbol is changing (S310; YES) in S310 of the special symbol game processing (S300) (see FIG. 16), the special symbol game processing (S300) is already special. The symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol are determined, and the special symbol variation display is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S341). At this time, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting a timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S341; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S341; YES), the fluctuating first special symbol or second special symbol is stopped (S344), the stopped symbol is displayed, and the symbol is also displayed. A stop command is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S346). The symbol stop command is transferred to the effect display control board 222 via the sub control board 220. Then, after setting the stop display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (S348), it is determined whether or not the set stop display time has elapsed (S350).

  If it is determined in the process of S350 that the special symbol stop display time has not elapsed (S350; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S350; YES), it is determined whether or not the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section (62a or 62b) (S352 in FIG. 17).

  If a positive determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 17, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets (sets to ON) the condition device operation flag (S353). Thereby, it will be in the state which cannot newly start the fluctuation display of a special symbol. Subsequent to the processing of S353, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets (stores) information indicating the current game progress in a buffer to be referred to at the end of a “big hit game”, which will be described later (S354). ). Specifically, “type of big hit (probability big hit, normal big hit)” and “game state flag state” are set (stored) (S354). In addition, the specific area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 functions as a buffer used in the process of S354. Here, the “gaming state flag” is a flag indicating “the gaming state of the gaming machine 1”, specifically, “special figure certain change flag”, “special figure time short flag”, “common figure short time flag”, etc. In the processing of S354, data indicating whether these flags are set to “ON” or “OFF” (data indicating the current gaming state) is set.

  The “special figure certainty flag” is a flag indicating the setting status of the probability (special figure probability state) that the result of the special symbol success / failure determination will be a big hit, and this “special figure certainty flag” is set (set to ON) ), The big hit probability is set to a high probability (special drawing high probability state). The “special time flag” is a flag indicating whether or not the special symbol fluctuation time is shortened (shortened fluctuation state). The “special time flag” is set (set to ON). If it becomes, it will be in a shortened fluctuation state. In addition, the “normal time shortening flag” indicates whether or not the opening time of the second start port 17b (ordinary electric accessory 17d) is extended (open extended state), and the normal symbol fluctuation time is reduced. Whether or not the current state is in the normal state (short state at normal time), and whether or not the probability that the determination on the normal symbol is true (probability per normal symbol) is higher than normal (normal state in high probability state). When this “normal time shortening flag” is set (set to ON), the extended extended state and the normal time short state and the normal high probability state are set. In the present embodiment, the timing for switching from “OFF” to “ON” is the same for the “special figure certainty flag”, “special figure short flag”, and “common figure short flag”. The timing at which the “special time flag” is switched from ON to OFF does not coincide with the timing at which the “normal time flag” is switched from ON to OFF.

  After the process of S354, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 performs the process of enabling the start gate switches (the first start gate switch 80s and the second start gate switch 81s) (S356), and then performs the processes after S380. Transition. Here, the process of S356 constitutes a specific example of the process as the “validating means” performed by the CPU 201. Further, in the gaming machine 1, when the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON), the probability changing function relating to the special symbol and the time shortening function relating to the special symbol are not activated. For this reason, after performing a series of processes after S380 as follows, the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated. Specifically, in the process of S380, it is determined whether or not the special figure certain change flag is set (set to ON) (S380). If it is not set (S380; NO), the process directly proceeds to S384. If the process is set and set (S380; YES), the special figure certain change flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S382), and then the process proceeds to S384. In addition, the probability that the result of the determination of whether or not the special symbol is a big hit is set to a low probability by the processing of S382, and a special figure low probability state is set.

  In the process of S384, it is determined whether or not the special symbol time reduction flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S384; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is left as it is. Return to 11 game control processing. On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of S384 that the special figure time reduction flag is set (set to ON) (S384; YES), after the special figure time reduction flag is released (set to OFF) (S386), Returning to the game control process of FIG. 11 through the special symbol game process (S300). And it transfers to the accessory continuous action | operation apparatus operating process (S500) shown in FIG. Thus, in this gaming machine 1, even if the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON) in the state where the normal time flag is set (set to ON), the normal time flag is set (set to ON). It is assumed that it has been done.

  Next, a process when a negative determination is made in the process of S352 of FIG. 17 will be described. In other words, when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a or the second special symbol display unit 62b is “out of symbol” (S352; NO), the special symbol time-short flag is set (set to ON). It is determined whether or not it has been performed (S398). Then, if the special figure short-time flag is not set (set to OFF) (S398; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the game control process of FIG. 11 is resumed. On the other hand, when the special figure short time flag is set (set to ON) (S398; YES), the special figure short time counter value is set to "-1" (S400), and then the special figure short time counter value is "zero". It is determined whether or not (S404). If it is not "zero" (S404; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the process of S404 that the value of the special symbol time reduction counter has become “zero” (S404; YES), the fluctuation state related to the special symbol and the normal symbol is a shortened fluctuation state (short time state). To the normal fluctuation state (non-time-short state). For this reason, after performing the process (S410) of canceling (setting OFF) the special figure short-time flag and the process (S411) canceling (setting OFF) the normal time flag, the special symbol game process (S300) ) To return to the game control process of FIG. Here, the special symbol time reduction counter indicates the upper limit number of executions of the special symbol fluctuation display performed in the fluctuation shortening state. When the value becomes “zero”, the fluctuation display of the current special symbol and the normal symbol is displayed. The shortened variation state ends and the next variation display is switched to the normal variation state, and the variation display of the special symbol and the normal symbol after the next is performed in the normal variation state (non-time-short state).

E. Actor's continuous actuator operation processing (S500)
When the accessory continuous operation device operation processing (S500) is activated, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines whether or not the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON) as shown in FIG. (S505). If the condition device operation flag is released (set to OFF) (S505; NO), the accessory continuous operation device operation processing (S500) is terminated and the game control processing of FIG. 11 is resumed. On the other hand, when the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON) (S505; YES), the process proceeds to S510.

  In the processing of S510, it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device operation flag is set (set to ON) (S510). If the accessory continuous operation device operation flag is set (set to ON) (S510; NO), the accessory continuous operation device operation processing (S500) is terminated, and the game control processing of FIG. 11 is restored. To do. On the other hand, when the accessory continuous operation device operation flag is released (set to OFF) (S510; YES), the process proceeds to S515.

  In the process of S515, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the first start gate 80 (S515). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the first start gate switch 80s enabled in the process of S356 of FIG. 17 has detected the passing of the game ball (S515). When it is determined that the game ball has passed through the first start gate 80 (S515; YES), it is determined whether or not the big hit that has occurred this time is the third probability variation big hit (S520), and another big hit (first normal hit) In the case of big hit, second normal big hit, first probability variation big hit or second probability variation big hit (S520; NO), after setting the first lottery table (S545), the process proceeds to S560 and third probability variation If it is a big win (S520; YES), after setting the third lottery table (S550), the process proceeds to S560.

  If it is determined that the game ball has not passed through the first start gate 80 (S515; NO), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the second start gate 81 (S535). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the second start gate switch 81s enabled in the process of S356 in FIG. 17 has detected the passing of the game ball (S535). When it is determined that the game ball has passed through the second start gate 81 (S535; YES), it is determined whether or not the big hit that has occurred this time is the third certainty big hit (S540), and another big hit (first normal hit) In the case of big hit, second normal big hit, first probability variation big hit or second probability variation big hit (S540; NO), after setting the second lottery table (S555), the process proceeds to S560 and the third probability variation If it is a big win (S540; YES), after setting the third lottery table (S550), the process proceeds to S560.

  If it is determined that no game ball passes through any of the start gates 80 and 81 (S515; NO, S535; NO), the accessory continuous actuating device operation process (S500) is temporarily ended, and the game control of FIG. Return to processing. Then, when the game ball passes through the first start gate 80 while repeatedly executing the game control process, the process of S520, the process of S545, the process of shifting to S560, the process of S520, or the process of S550 are performed. Then, the process which transfers to S560 is performed. When the game ball passes through the second start gate 81, the process of S540, the process of S550 and the process of proceeding to S560, or the process of S540 and the process of S555 and the process of proceeding to S560 are executed. Here, for example, by firing the game ball so that the game ball does not pass through the start gates 80 and 81, the negative determination in the processing of S515 and S535 can be repeated. Can continue.

  In the process of S560, random number lottery is performed using the first lottery table (set in the process of S545), the second lottery table (set in the process of S555), or the third lottery table (set in the process of S550). Then, the execution pattern of the big hit game is set (S560). Specifically, when the first lottery table is set in the process of S545, as shown in FIG. 19A, the execution pattern of the big hit game to be executed this time is “round game” with a probability of 100%. The pattern to be performed “10 times” is determined (S560). Hereinafter, the jackpot game in which the round game is performed “10 times” is referred to as “10R jackpot game”.

  When the second lottery table is set in the process of S555, as shown in FIG. 19B, the execution pattern of the big hit game to be executed this time is a pattern in which “round game” is performed “5 times” with a probability of 50%. The pattern is determined to perform “round game” “15 times” with a probability of 50% (S560). Hereinafter, a big hit game in which the round game is played “5 times” is referred to as “5R big hit game”, and a big hit game in which the round game is “15 times” is referred to as “15R big hit game”.

  When the third lottery table is set in the process of S550, as shown in FIG. 19C, the execution pattern of the jackpot game executed this time performs “round game” “15 times” with a probability of 100%. The pattern is determined (S560).

  When the CPU 201 performs a process of setting the execution pattern of the big hit game (S560), the CPU 201 performs a process of setting (ON) the accessory actuating device operation flag (S565). When the accessory actuating device operation flag is set (ON) in this manner (S565), the big hit game start condition is established, and the big hit game is started. Subsequently, the CPU 201 performs a process of invalidating the start gate switches (the first start gate switch 80s and the second start gate switch 81s) (S570). Further, it is determined whether or not the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S575). If it is released (set to OFF) (S575; YES), the process proceeds to S595 as it is. . That is, in the case of the big hit (so-called “first hit”) that occurred in the above-mentioned normal normal state (the state where the normal time reduction flag is released), the process proceeds to S595 as it is.

  If it is determined in the process of S575 that the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S575; YES), the normal time flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S590), and then the process proceeds to S595. In this case, the combination actuating device operation flag is set (ON), and the big hit game is started, so that the normal time flag is canceled (set to OFF) and the normal state is set to the normal state.

  In the process of S595, the CPU 201 transmits a jackpot start command to the sub-control board 220. And if this process of S595 is performed, an accessory continuous action | operation apparatus operating process (S500) will be complete | finished.

F. Distribution operation start processing (S700) and distribution operation stop processing (S750)
Next, an overview of the sorting operation start process (S700) will be described using FIG. 20A, and an overview of the sorting operation stop process (S750) will be described using FIG. 20B. Here, the distribution operation start process (S700) and the distribution operation stop process (S750) are sub-routines of the main control unit 200A (main unit) as subroutines of the special symbol game process (S300) and the accessory continuous actuator operation process (S500). This is a process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the control board 200.

  When the sorting operation start process (S700) is started as shown in FIG. 20A, it is determined whether or not the sorting operation is stopped in the sorting device 70 (S705), and the sorting operation has already been performed. If there is, the sorting operation start process (S700) is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the distribution operation is stopped (S705; YES), it is determined whether or not it is the operation start timing of the conditional device (S710), and when it is the operation start timing (S710; YES). The distribution operation is started (S720), and the distribution operation start process (S700) is ended. Here, when the sorting operation is stopped in the sorting device 70, the sorting solenoid 77c is maintained in a demagnetized state, and the sorting device 70 maintains the first guiding state. On the other hand, when the distribution operation is started, excitation and demagnetization of the distribution solenoid 77c are alternately repeated, and the second induction state and the first induction state are alternately realized.

  When the distribution operation stop process (S750) is started as shown in FIG. 20B, it is determined whether or not the distribution device 70 is executing the distribution operation (S755), and the distribution operation is stopped. If there is, the distribution operation stop process (S750) is terminated as it is. On the other hand, when the sorting operation is being executed (S755; YES), it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is at the operation start timing (S760), and when it is at the operation start timing (S760). YES), the sorting operation is stopped (S765), and the sorting operation stop process (S750) is ended. In this embodiment, when the condition device starts operation, the distribution device 70 starts the distribution operation, and when the accessory continuous operation device starts the operation, the distribution device 70 ends the distribution operation. Although illustrated, the distribution apparatus 70 may be performing the distribution operation from beginning to end.

G. Big hit game processing (S600)
While the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 repeatedly performs the game control process of FIG. 11, in the jackpot game process (S600) shown in FIG. If it is determined that it is set (S601; YES, S602; YES), processing relating to the execution of the jackpot game is performed.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the big hit game process (S600). When the grand prize winning opening 31a is opened, as described above, the predetermined opening time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the big winning opening 31a, it is closed once, but the predetermined closing time elapses. Then, it becomes an open state again. Here, a game whose content is that the grand prize winning device 31 in the closed state (incapable of entering a ball) is in an open state (injectable state) and reopened is referred to as a “unit operation”. When this unit operation is performed a predetermined number of times (5, 10, or 15 times), the big hit game is completed after a predetermined ending period. Then, when the big hit game is finished, it becomes possible to execute the variable display of the special symbols (first special symbol, second special symbol). Hereinafter, detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22.

  When the big hit game is started, first, it is determined whether or not the big winning opening 31a is open (S604). Here, the big winning opening 31a is closed in the “normal gaming state that is not the big hit gaming state”, and therefore, the big winning opening 31a is in a closed state immediately after the start of the big winning game. Therefore, immediately after the start of the big hit game, it is determined that the big winning opening 31a is not being opened (S604; NO), and then it is determined whether or not the big hit game end condition is satisfied (S612). Specifically, it is determined whether or not “the number of unit actions executed after the start of the big hit game” has reached the corresponding number of times of the big hit game (S612).

  However, since the big hit game end condition is not satisfied immediately after the big hit game is started, a negative determination is inevitably made in the process of S612 (S612; NO). For this reason, it shifts to processing of S614 and it is judged whether interval time (for example, 2 seconds) passed (S614). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S614). Here, the closing time (interval time) of the special winning opening 31a is a time during which the special winning opening 31a is in a closed state between unit operations. Then, immediately after the big hit game is started, since the big prize opening 31a is in a closed state, it is inevitably determined that the closing time of the big prize opening has passed (S614; YES), and the big prize opening is made. After releasing 31a (S616), the big hit game process shown in FIG. 21 is once terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, the series of various processes shown in FIG. 11 are performed, and then the big hit game process (S600) is started again. At this time, as described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 11 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the big hit game process (S600) shown in FIG. 21 is also repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. If a positive determination is made in the process of S604, it is determined whether or not the opening time (30 seconds) of the special winning opening 31a has elapsed (S606).

  If the opening time of the big prize opening 31a has elapsed (S606; YES), after closing the big prize opening 31a (S610), the big hit game processing (S600) shown in FIG. Return to processing. On the other hand, when the opening time of the special winning opening 31a has not elapsed (606; NO), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31a has reached a specified number (S608). When the number of game balls entered reaches the specified number (S608; YES), the special winning opening 31a is closed (S610). That is, when the number of game balls entered reaches a specified number, the special winning opening 31a is closed without waiting for the opening time to elapse.

  If the opening time of the big winning opening 31a has not elapsed (S606; NO) and the number of balls entered has not reached the specified number (S608; NO), the big winning game of FIG. The process exits and returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is the “big hit gaming state”, is the opening time of the big winning opening 31a elapsed while the game control process of FIG. 11 is repeatedly executed (S606; YES)? Alternatively, a predetermined number of game balls enter the special winning opening 31a (S608; YES), and the special winning opening 31a is closed (S610). Thus, one unit operation is completed.

  When the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in the “big hit game state”, the big hit game process (S600) is executed again, and if it is determined in S604 that the big prize opening 31a is closed (S604; NO), It is determined whether or not the “big hit game” end condition is satisfied (S612). Here, if the “big hit game” is “5R big hit game”, it is determined whether or not the number of unit operations (number of rounds) executed during the big hit game has reached “5”. ", It is determined whether the number of unit actions (rounds) executed during the jackpot game has reached" 10 ", and in the case of" 15R jackpot game ", it was executed during the jackpot game. It is determined whether or not the number of unit operations (number of rounds) has reached “15”.

  If the number of unit movements (number of rounds) has not reached the set number (S612; NO), it is confirmed that the interval time (for example, 2 seconds) has passed (S614; YES), and then a big prize is won again. A new unit operation for opening the mouth 31a is executed (S616). On the other hand, in the process of S612, when it is determined that the termination condition of the “big hit game” is satisfied (S612; YES), after performing the “big hit game end process (S800)” shown below, the big hit game process (S600) is ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. Next, the big hit game end process (S800) "will be described with reference to FIG.

  When this big hit game end process (S800) is activated, as shown in FIG. 22, the CPU 201 cancels (sets OFF) the “condition device operation flag” and the “continuous object operation device operation flag” (S805). By referring to the above-mentioned “reference buffer (see S354 of FIG. 17)”, information on the type of the big hit symbol (hereinafter referred to as “the current hit symbol”) that is the premise of the big hit game is obtained. Acquired (S810), and based on this information, processing for setting the gaming state after the end of the big hit game is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the current big hit symbol (the symbol stopped in the process of S344 in FIG. 16) is a probability variation big hit symbol (S820). Here, in this embodiment, the “probable variation big hit symbol” is “big hit symbol (probability variation A) indicating the occurrence of the first probability variation big hit”, “big hit symbol (probability variation B) indicating the occurrence of the second probability variation big hit” or “third A jackpot symbol (probability variation C) indicating the occurrence of a probability variation jackpot.

  If the current big hit symbol is not a probabilistic big hit symbol (S820; NO), that is, if the current big hit symbol is a normal big hit symbol (normal A or normal B), the CPU 201 sets “100” in the special figure short time counter. After performing the process of setting (S820), the process of setting the special time flag (S860), and the process of setting the normal time flag (S870), the big hit game end process (S800) is terminated. If the current big hit symbol is a probable big hit symbol (S820; YES), the special symbol probable flag is set (set to ON) (S822). After performing the process of setting “10,000” to the special figure time reduction counter (S840), the process of setting the special figure time reduction flag (S860), and the process of setting the normal figure time reduction flag (S870). Then, the big hit game end process (S800) is ended.

(5) Effects of the embodiment According to this gaming machine 1, the probability per normal symbol is higher than normal, the opening time of the second start port 17b is longer than normal, and the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened. Even if the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed when the normal time is set to the short state, the normal time is shortened unless the game ball passes through the first start gate 80 or the second start gate 81 to start the big hit game. The state (high frequency state) is maintained. That is, even if the jackpot symbol is stopped and the condition device is activated, the right to play the jackpot game can be acquired, but the game ball does not pass the first start gate 80 or the second start gate 81. , Jackpot game is not started.

  Therefore, even if the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the start of the big hit game can be postponed by firing the game ball so that the game ball does not pass through the first start gate 80 or the second start gate 81. For this reason, after the jackpot symbol stop display (after the start of the operation of the condition device) and before the jackpot game is started, as many game balls as possible enter the second start port 17b and are based thereon. It is possible to realize a new game that obtains profits (game value such as award balls, variation conditions of special symbols, etc.).

  In addition, the gaming machine 1 is provided with two special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) as described above, and for determination based on the second starting prize rather than the random number value for determination based on the first starting prize. Random values are processed preferentially. Moreover, there is a possibility that the jackpot game executed based on the result of the second winning / failing determination becomes a big win over the jackpot game executed based on the result of the first winning / failing determination. high. In the gaming machine 1, the game ball is launched so that the game ball does not pass through the first start gate 80 and the second start gate 81, and the second start port 17 b that is frequently opened is as much as possible. By entering a lot of game balls, before the big hit game is started, the random number value for determination acquired based on the second start winning is stored, and the hold related to the second special symbol (second hold) ) Can be secured. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the determination random number value (holding related to the first special symbol: first holding) acquired based on the first start winning is processed immediately after the end of the big hit game.

  In the gaming machine 1, the “normal symbol operation gate 16 and the second start port 17 b” and the “start gate (first start gate 80, second start gate 81)” are connected to the central device 20 in the game area 11. Since they are located at positions opposite to each other, it is easy to prevent the game ball from passing to the first start gate 80 or the second start gate 81 and to enter the second start port 17b. is there. Specifically, the first start gate 80 and the second start gate 81 are provided in the right-handed region 11R, and the normal symbol operation gate 16 and the second start port 17b are provided in the left-handed region 11L. For this reason, after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the game ball is launched toward the left-handed region 11L for a while to maintain the short state in the normal state while aiming for the game ball to enter the second start port 17b. it can.

  Next, a modified example of the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as modified example 1) will be described. In the first modification, FIG. 23 is used instead of FIG. 2, FIG. 24 is used instead of FIG. 7, FIGS. 25 and 26 are used instead of FIGS. 8 and 9, and FIG. 27 differs from the first embodiment in that FIG. 27 is used instead, FIG. 28 is used instead of FIG. 18, and FIG. 4 and FIG. 19 are not used. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the first modification will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the game board 10 of the first modification is different from the game board 10 of the first embodiment in that the distribution board 70 is not provided and the number of start gates 85 is one. Also in the first modification, the start gate 85 is provided in the right-handed region 11R, and the normal symbol operation gate 16 is provided in the left-handed region 11L.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 24, the characteristics of the special symbol variable game of the first modification will be described. Also in the gaming machine of Modification 1, based on the game ball entering the starting port (first starting port 17a or second starting port 17b) (S10), the special symbol variation display is started (S12). ). Then, the result of the determination on whether or not the first special symbol is executed based on the “first start winning” is displayed by the stop mode in the variable display related to the first special symbol, and the second special symbol is displayed on the second special symbol. The result of the determination on whether or not the second special symbol is executed based on the “second start winning” is displayed by the stop mode in the variable display. In the first modification as well, when the special figure probability state is the special figure low probability state, the probability that the determination result indicating the big hit is derived in both the first win determination and the second win determination (hit probability) Is set to “1/315”, and in the case of the special figure probability state, the probability that the determination result indicating the big hit is derived in both the first win determination and the second win determination (the big hit probability) is “1” /31.5 ".

  When the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is removed and displayed in a stopped state in the special symbol variation display (S14c), the removal is determined (S16c). On the other hand, when the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is stopped and displayed with the big hit symbol, the condition device is activated (S14), and the big hit game is in a standby state (S15). In the present embodiment, when the result of the determination of whether or not the special symbol is a big hit, the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display section (62a or 62b) is determined by random lottery. The number of rounds of the big hit game is specified.

  When the big hit game is in a standby state, a gate valid period in which the detection of the game ball by the start gate switch 85s is activated occurs. When the game ball passes through the start gate 85 within this gate valid period (S21), processing for starting the operation of the accessory continuous operation device (S24) is performed. If the normal time flag is set (set to ON), the processing for releasing the normal time flag (set to OFF) is performed (S25), and then the big hit game is started (S28). .

  Also in the modified example 1, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, when the result of the first winning / failing determination is a big hit, the big hit symbol that is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a by random lottery (distribution lottery) Is a "big hit symbol indicating the occurrence of the first normal big hit (normal A)", "a big hit symbol indicating the occurrence of the second normal big hit (normal B)", and "a big hit symbol indicating the occurrence of the first positive variation big hit (probable variation). A) "and" a jackpot symbol (probability variation B) indicating the occurrence of the second probability variation jackpot ". In addition, when the result of the second winning / failing determination is a big hit, the big hit symbols that are stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b by random number lottery (distribution lottery) are “normal A”, “normal B”, “ It is determined to be one of “probability variation A”, “probability variation B”, and “big hit symbol (probability variation C) indicating the occurrence of the third probability variation big hit”. Also in the first modified example, when the result of the determination on the special symbol for both the first determination and the second determination is a big hit, the probability that the big hit is a probable big hit is “60%”. The probability of winning a big hit is “40%”.

  However, the first modification differs from the first embodiment in that the number of “round games” executed in the jackpot game is determined based on the type of the jackpot symbol. Specifically, when the jackpot symbol is determined as “normal A” or “probability variation A”, the number of round games is set as “10 times”, and when it is determined as “normal B” or “probability variation B”. When the number of round games is set to “12” and “probability variation C” is determined, the number of round games is set to “15”. As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, in the “lottery lottery” in the case where the result of the second winning / failing determination is “big hit”, the “winning” in the case where the result of the first winning / failing determination is “big hit”. Compared with “minute lottery”, a more advantageous distribution is made to the player.

  Also in the modified example 1, in the case where the probability variation big hit is generated and the start condition is satisfied and the big hit game is executed (probability variation case), the state becomes the “special figure high probability state” after the big hit game ends. Also, in the probability variation case, the time shortening function related to the special symbol is activated after the end of the jackpot game, and this time shortening function related to the special symbol is a cumulative execution of the special symbol variable display that is executed without generating a big hit after the end of the jackpot game. It continues until the number of times reaches “10,000 times” (substantially until the next big hit is generated). Furthermore, in the probability variation case, the time shortening function related to the normal symbol is activated after the jackpot game is over (the time is reduced to the normal time). The time-saving function related to the normal symbol continues until the next jackpot game is started.

  In a case where a normal jackpot is generated and the start condition is met and the jackpot game is executed (normal case), a special figure low probability state is entered after the jackpot game ends. The short-time function for the function and the normal symbol is activated. Among these, the time saving function related to the special symbol is that the cumulative execution count of the special symbol variable display executed without generating a big hit after the jackpot game is ended is "100 times" or the cumulative execution count is "100 times". It continues until the next big hit occurs before it becomes (until the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed). In addition, the time-saving function related to the normal symbol is that when the big hit game based on the occurrence of the big jackpot is terminated, the cumulative number of executions of the special symbol variable display that is executed without the occurrence of the big hit after the big jackpot game ends is “ It will continue until the next big hit game is started before it reaches “100 times” or the cumulative number of executions reaches “100 times”.

  The special symbol game process of the first modification differs from the special symbol game process of the first embodiment in that the process of S370 is added as shown in FIG. Specifically, the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed (S352), the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON) (S353), and when the processing of S354 is further executed, a big prize is awarded according to the type of jackpot to be generated. A process of setting an opening / closing pattern of the device 31 is performed (S370). Specifically, in the case of “first normal big hit” or “first probable big hit”, an opening / closing pattern is set for performing “10 rounds” of round games with the opening limit time of the big winning opening 31a being “30 seconds”. In the case of “the second normal big hit” or “the second probable big hit”, an opening / closing pattern for performing “12 rounds” of the round game in which the opening limit time of the big winning opening 31a is “30 seconds” is set. In the case of “probable big hit”, an open / close pattern is set for performing “15 rounds” of a round game in which the opening limit time of the special winning opening 31a is “30 seconds”. Subsequent processing (processing after S380) is the same as the special symbol game processing of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 28, in the accessory continuous action device operation process (S500) of the first modification, the process of setting the “big hit execution pattern” by lottery is excluded. It is different from the actuator operation processing (S500). In other words, in the accessory continuous actuating device operation process (S500) of the modified example 1, if it is determined that the start gate switch 85s activated in the process of S356 of FIG. 27 has detected a game ball (S516; YES), the accessory After performing the process of setting the operating device operation flag (set to ON) (S565), the start gate switch 85s is invalidated (S570). Further, it is determined whether or not the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S575). If it is released (set to OFF) (S575; YES), the process proceeds to S595 as it is. . If it is determined in the process of S575 that the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S575; YES), the normal time flag is canceled (set to OFF), and the process proceeds to S595. As shown in the first modification, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained in the gaming machine that determines the number of rounds based on the jackpot symbol.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, FIG. 29 is used instead of FIG. 7, FIG. 30 and FIG. 31 are used instead of FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, FIG. 32 is used instead of FIG. 33 is different from the first embodiment in that FIG. 33 is used instead of FIG. 34, FIG. 34A is added, and FIG. 35 is used instead of FIG. Other points are the same as in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  First, with reference to FIGS. 29 to 32, the flow of the special symbol variable game and jackpot game in the gaming machine of the second embodiment will be briefly described. Also in the second embodiment, the normal symbol variable game is executed in the same manner as in the first embodiment based on FIG. 6, FIG. 12, and FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 29, in the gaming machine of the second embodiment, the “game flow” up to the processing (S24, S24c) for starting the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is the same as that of the gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment. . However, in the gaming machine of the second embodiment, when the normal time flag is set (set to ON) at the time of performing the process of starting the operation of the accessory continuous operation device, the end counter has a predetermined value. (S27, S27c) after performing the process of setting (8 in the second embodiment), the jackpot game is started based on the execution pattern of the jackpot game set in the processes of S22 and S22c (S28, S28c). Then, when the value of the end counter becomes “zero”, the normal time reduction flag is canceled (set to OFF), and the normal time reduction state ends (S29, S29c). Here, the end counter indicates the number of “variable display of normal symbols” that can be executed while maintaining the normal time short state after the start of the big hit game. The end counter is set to “8” when the big hit game is started in the normal time state. Then, when the value of the end counter becomes “zero”, the normal time reduction state ends, and the normal time normal state is obtained. In other words, after the big hit game is started, when the normal symbol variation display is performed “eight times”, the normal drawing short-time state is ended and the normal drawing normal state is set.

  Also in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, when the result of the first success / failure determination is a big hit, the big hit symbol stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display unit 62a by the random number lottery (distribution lottery) is “ A jackpot symbol indicating the occurrence of the first normal jackpot (normal A), a jackpot symbol indicating the occurrence of the second normal jackpot (normal B), and a jackpot symbol indicating the occurrence of the first positive variation jackpot (probability variation A). And “a jackpot symbol (probability variation B) indicating the occurrence of the second probability variation jackpot”. In addition, as shown in FIG. 31, when the result of the second winning / failing determination is a big hit, the big hit symbol stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display unit 62b by the random number lottery (distribution lottery) is “normal A”. One of “normal B”, “probability variation A”, “probability variation B”, and “big hit symbol (probability variation C) indicating the occurrence of the third probability variation big hit” is determined. Also, for both the first and second determinations, if the result of the determination on the special symbol is a big hit, the probability that the big hit is a probable big hit is “60%”, and the probability that a normal big hit is “ 40% ".

  Further, when the big hit generated in the gaming machine of the second embodiment is the first normal big hit, the second normal big hit, the first positive probability big hit or the second positive probability big hit, when the game ball passes the first start gate 80, When the number of round games is set to “10” and the game ball passes through the second start gate 81, the number of round games is set to “5” or “15” by the round lottery. Further, if the generated big hit is the third probability variation big hit, the number of round games is set to “15” regardless of which of the first start gate 80 and the second start gate 81 is passed.

  Also in the second embodiment, in the case (probability variation case) where the probability variation big hit (first probability variation big hit, second probability variation big hit, and third probability variation big hit) is generated and the big hit game is executed (probability variation case), the big hit game ends. Later, it becomes a “special figure high probability state”. In the probability variation case, the time saving function for the special symbol is activated after the jackpot game is over. The time saving function related to this special symbol is used until the cumulative number of executions of the special symbol variable display executed without generating a big hit after the end of the big hit game reaches “10,000 times” (substantially the next big hit Continue until it occurs). Furthermore, in the probability variation case, the time shortening function related to the normal symbol is activated after the jackpot game is over (the time is reduced to the normal time). The time-saving function related to the normal symbol continues until the next variable symbol display is performed eight times after the next big hit game is started.

  Also in the second embodiment, a normal big hit (first normal big hit, second normal big hit) is generated, and in the case where the start condition is satisfied and the big hit game is executed (normal case), after the big hit game ends, the “special figure low In the “probability state”, the time-shortening function for the special symbol and the time-shortening function for the normal symbol are activated after the jackpot game is finished. Among these, the time saving function related to the special symbol is that the cumulative execution count of the special symbol variable display executed without generating a big hit after the jackpot game is ended is "100 times" or the cumulative execution count is "100 times". It continues until the next big hit occurs before it becomes (until the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed). In addition, the time-saving function related to the normal symbol is a special function that is executed without causing a big hit after the big hit game is finished when the big hit game based on the occurrence of the normal big hit (first normal big hit, second normal big hit) is ended. Until the cumulative execution count of the symbol variation display is “100” or until the next big hit game is started before the cumulative execution count becomes “100”, until the regular symbol variation display is performed eight times. Will continue.

  Next, features of the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 32 shows a case where the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is a short time state of the normal time when the short time function related to the normal symbol is activated (the short time flag of the normal time). 3)). In example 3, the gaming state of the gaming machine is “short time in normal time (short time in normal time flag on)”, “high probability state in special figure (on special figure probability change flag ON)” and “short time in special figure (on short time in special figure) ) ”, The case where the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed is shown, but the gaming state of the gaming machine is“ short state of normal time (short flag of normal time) ON ”and“ low probability of special figure (special figure certain change) The case where the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the case of "Flag OFF)" and "Special Figure Short State (ON)" (hereinafter referred to as Example 4) is also displayed. The timing at which “flag ON)” ends is the same.

  In example 3, when the big hit symbol is stopped and the big hit is generated, the condition device is activated (condition device activation flag ON), the special figure probability state becomes the special figure low probability state (special figure probability variation flag OFF), and The special figure short time state is canceled (the special figure short time flag is OFF). Also in Example 3, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed and the condition device is activated, the special figure short time state is canceled (the special figure short time flag is OFF).

  In Example 3 shown in FIG. 32 and Example 4 (not shown), even if a big hit occurs (even if a special symbol is stopped and displayed by big hit), the accessory continuous operation device does not operate at this stage (continuous accessory operation) Since the device operation flag is OFF), the big hit game is not started, and a period of waiting for the start of the big hit game (standby period) is entered. Further, at this stage, the normal time is shortened state (the normal time short flag ON). Thus, in this embodiment, when the condition device operates, the accessory continuous operation device does not operate based on a series of program processing. When the condition device operates, the accessory continuous operation device does not operate until the start condition is satisfied. It will not work.

  In Example 3 and Example 4, when the game ball passes the start gate (the first start gate 80 and the second start gate 81) during the waiting period, the big hit game based on the stop of the big hit symbol (occurrence of the big hit) is started. Thereafter, when the normal symbol variation display is performed eight times, the normal drawing time short state is canceled (the normal drawing time short flag OFF). For this reason, even if a big hit occurs and the condition device is activated, the game ball passes through the start gate (the first start gate 80, the second start gate 81), and the fluctuation display of the normal symbol is performed a predetermined number of times. In the meantime, the normal time short state (the normal time short flag ON) is maintained.

  Next, the game control process of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The game control process according to the second embodiment is different from the game control process according to the first embodiment (FIG. 11) in that a normal time saving end process (S180) is added. Moreover, the accessory continuous action | operation apparatus operation | movement process (S500) of Example 2 is performed based on FIG. Hereinafter, the normal-time short-time end process (S180) and the accessory continuous action device operation process (S500) of the second embodiment will be described. Here, the normal time shortening process (S180) is a process for ending the normal time short state after the start of the big hit game.

  When the normal time shortening process (S180) is activated, as shown in FIG. 34 (a), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the accessory continuous operation device operation flag is set (set to ON) (S182). Then, when the accessory continuous operation device operation flag is released (set to OFF) (S182; NO), the normal time reduction end process (S180) is ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, when the accessory continuous operation device operation flag is set (set to ON) (S182; YES), it is determined whether or not the normal time flag is set (set to ON). (S184; NO), if released (set to OFF) (S184; NO), the normal time shortening process (S180) is terminated and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. As described above, when the jackpot game is not executed (when determined negative in S182), when the jackpot game is being executed and in the normal state (when determined negatively at S184). ) Does not need to cancel (set to OFF) the normal time flag, so the normal time end process (S180) ends.

  When the CPU 201 determines that the accessory continuous operation device operation flag and the normal time flag are set (set to ON) (S182; YES, S184; YES), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the normal symbol is fixedly displayed ( S186). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol fluctuation display is stopped and whether or not the stop display time has elapsed (whether or not the processing is positively determined in the process of S166 in FIG. 13). If a negative determination is made in the process of S186 (S186; NO), the normal time shortening process (S180) is once terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the normal symbol is confirmed and displayed (S186; YES), after the process of setting the end counter value to “−1” (S188), it is determined whether or not the end counter value becomes “zero”. Judgment is made (S190).

  If the value of the end counter is not “zero” (S190; NO), the normal time shortening process (S180) is terminated. In this case, the short time state of the normal drawing is maintained also in the next “normal symbol fluctuation display”. On the other hand, when the value of the end counter is “zero” (S190; YES), after the normal time flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S192), the normal time shortening process (S180) is performed. finish. In this case, the normal state is shifted from the normal state to the normal state.

  Next, the feature of the accessory continuous operation device operating process (S500) of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Also in the accessory continuous action | operation apparatus operating process (S500) of Example 2, the process to S570 is the same as that of the accessory continuous action | operation apparatus operating process (S500) of Example 1. FIG. In the accessory continuous actuating device operation process (S500) of the second embodiment, if it is determined in the process of S575 that the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S575; YES), a predetermined value ( In the second embodiment, after “8”) is set (S588), the process proceeds to S595. In this case, even if the accessory actuating device operation flag is set (ON) and the big hit game is started, the normal time flag is set (set to ON), and the normal time is kept short.

  According to the gaming machine of the second embodiment, when the game state is set to the short normal time state, even if the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the normal symbol win / fail determination executed after the start of the big hit game (presence / absence determination regarding the normal symbol) ), In other words, the normal drawing time short state is maintained (the high frequency state) until the fluctuation display number of normal symbols reaches a predetermined number. Then, after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the big hit game is started by passing the game ball through the start gate (the first start gate 80 or the second start gate 81), and the fluctuation of the normal symbol after the big hit game starts. Based on the fact that the number of times of display (the number of executions of the determination on whether or not the normal symbol is determined) reaches a predetermined number (8 times), the normal state is gradually reached.

  As described above, in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment, even when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the game ball is fired so that the game ball does not pass through the start gate (the first start gate 80 or the second start gate 81). , You can postpone the start of the jackpot game. In addition, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal figure short time state, the normal figure short state is maintained until the number of times of the normal figure winning / failing determination executed after the start of the big hit game reaches a predetermined number. For this reason, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal state, the high-frequency state can be continued for a long time, and as many game balls as possible enter the second start port 17b and are based thereon. It is possible to realize a new game in which a profit (game value such as a prize ball, special condition variation condition is established) is obtained.

  Also in the second embodiment, two special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) are provided and obtained based on the second starting prize rather than the determination random number value obtained based on the first starting prize. The determination random number value is preferentially processed. Moreover, there is a possibility that the jackpot game executed based on the result of the second winning / failing determination becomes a big win over the jackpot game executed based on the result of the first winning / failing determination. high. Then, in the gaming machine 1, the determination disturbance acquired based on the second start winning is obtained by allowing the player to enter the game ball into the second start opening 17b while the normal time reduction state is continued. A numerical value can be acquired and secured. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the determination random number value obtained based on the first start winning is processed immediately after the end of the big hit game.

  Also in the second embodiment, the “normal symbol operation gate 16 and the second start port 17b” and the “start gate (first start gate 80, second start gate 81)” are the central device in the game area 11. Since it is in the opposite position with 20 in between, it is easy to avoid passing the game ball to the first start gate 80 or the second start gate 81 and to enter the second start port 17b. It is. Specifically, the first start gate 80 and the second start gate 81 are provided in the right-handed region 11R, and the normal symbol operation gate 16 and the second start port 17b are provided in the left-handed region 11L. For this reason, after the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the game ball is launched toward the left-handed region 11L for a while to maintain the short state in the normal state while aiming for the game ball to enter the second start port 17b. it can.

  Next, a first modification of the second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as modification 2) will be described. This modification 2 corresponds to the above-described modification 1 (a modification of the first embodiment), and uses FIG. 23 instead of FIG. 2 and uses FIG. 27 instead of FIG. The point which uses FIG. 28 instead of FIG. 18, the point which does not use FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, and the point which does not use FIG. 4 and FIG. 19 differ from Example 2. FIG. Further, in the second modification, the contents of FIG. 25 described above can be applied except that the contents of the “usually shortened time” column are changed to the contents of the “usually shortened time” column of FIG. The contents of FIG. 26 described above can be applied except that the contents of the “common figure short time” column are changed to the contents of the “common figure short time” column of FIG. That is, in the second modification, the contents shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 (the contents of the first modification) can be applied as they are, except that “the final period of the normal time is different”.

  In the second modification, as in the second embodiment, a probability variation big hit (first probability variation big hit, second probability variation big hit, and third probability variation big hit) is generated, and the start condition is satisfied and the big hit game is executed (probability variation case). ), The time-saving function related to the normal symbol is continued until the next variable symbol display is performed eight times after the next big hit game is started. In the case where a normal big hit (first normal big hit, second normal big hit) is generated and the start condition is satisfied and the big hit game is executed (normal case), the time-saving function related to the normal symbol is a big hit after the big hit game ends. Normal symbols after the next jackpot game is started before the cumulative execution count of the special symbol variable display executed without occurrence of “100” or before the cumulative execution count becomes “100” This is continued until the fluctuation display is performed eight times.

  As shown in FIG. 37 (a), the accessory continuous actuating device operation process (S500) of Modification 2 is the same as the accessory continuous actuator operation process (S500) of Modification 1 shown in FIG. It is the same. In the accessory continuous actuating device operation process (S500) of the second modified example, if it is determined in the process of S575 that the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S575; YES), a predetermined value ( In the second modification, after performing the process of setting “8”) (S589), the process proceeds to S595. As shown in the second modification, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained in the gaming machine that determines the number of rounds based on the jackpot symbol.

  Here, in the second embodiment and the second modification, when the big hit game is started in the normal time shortening state, the variable symbol display number (predetermined number of times, which can be executed while maintaining the normal time short state) is ended. Although the example in which the number set to the counter (specified by the value set in the counter) is uniformly set to “8 times” has been exemplified, there is a variation in the variable display count (hereinafter also referred to as “executable count”) of this executable symbol. It may be allowed. Specifically, when performing the process of S588 in FIG. 35 or the process of S589 in FIG. 37A, a random number lottery may be performed to select the executable number (predetermined number) from a plurality of candidates. For example, the possible number of executions (predetermined number) is set to “1 time (selection rate; 10%)”, “2 times (selection rate; 15%)”, “3 times (selection rate; 25%)”, “ “4 times (selection rate; 25%)”, “5 times (selection rate; 25%)”, and “6 times (selection rate; 10%)”. ) May be determined, and a value corresponding to the executable number (predetermined number) may be set in the end counter.

  In addition, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the normal time and the big hit game is executed, the executable number (predetermined number) may be determined based on the stopped big hit symbol. For example, in Modification 2, as shown in Modification 3 of FIG. 37 (b), the number of executions (predetermined number of times) is determined based on the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed in the normal time reduction state (for example, "5 times" when "normal A", "8 times" when "probability B", etc.). In this case, in the process of S589 in FIG. 37A of the second modification, the reference buffer (S354) shown in FIG. 17 is referred to, and the big hit symbol that is the premise of the current big hit game (current hit symbol) ) To get information about the type. Based on the acquired information, a predetermined value (for example, “7” if the big hit symbol is normal B) is set in the end counter.

  In addition, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the short-time state, and the jackpot game is executed, in addition to the information related to the big hit symbol that is stopped and displayed, other information is taken into consideration to determine the executable number (predetermined number). May be. For example, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34 (b), the number of executions (predetermined number) is set to “the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed in the normal time short state” and “the start gate through which the game ball has passed. May be determined on the basis of “type of” (hereinafter referred to as a modified example 4). In the fourth modification, for example, when the game ball passes through the first start gate 80 or the second start gate 81, the process of storing the type of the passed gate is performed as the accessory continuous operating device operation process (S500) in FIG. Add to. In the process of S588 in FIG. 35, the reference buffer (S354) shown in FIG. 27 is referred to, information on the type of the big hit symbol is acquired, and the acquired information and the type of the passed gate are related. Based on the information, a predetermined value (for example, “11” if the big hit symbol is normal B and the passed gate is the second start gate 81) is set in the end counter. As other information, for example, the number of game balls fired until the current big hit is generated (the greater the number of fired, the larger the end counter is set as a relief, for example).

  These "modes that determine the number of variable displays (predetermined number) of executable ordinary symbols based on random number lottery", "determine the number of variable displays (predetermined number) of executable normal symbols based on the type of jackpot symbol According to the “mode to perform”, “a mode in which the number of display variations (predetermined number) of executable normal symbols is determined based on the type of jackpot symbol and other information”, etc., the game ball enters the second start port 17b. Since “variation” can be generated in a period (predetermined number of times) in which the frequency is maintained high, diversification of games can be achieved. In addition, since the player's benefit varies depending on the number of times of execution (predetermined number) of variable symbols that can be executed, the player's expectation can be enhanced by providing a plurality of predetermined numbers. In particular, when the period (predetermined number of times) in which the game ball enters the second start port 17b is maintained at a high frequency is set based on the type of jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed in the normal time reduction state, The player watches the changes in the display of special symbols while expecting. And if the change display is stopped and displayed with a jackpot symbol, you will be delighted with the type of jackpot symbol, so you can not only diversify the game but also effectively enhance the game entertainment .

  In this manner, in the “mode for determining the variable display count (predetermined number) of executable normal symbols” as described above, the determined variable display count (predetermined number) may be not notified, or may be notified. . For example, data specifying the determined number of times of change display (predetermined number) is transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220), and the sub control unit 220A (sub control board). 220) may perform an effect of notifying the determined number of variable displays (predetermined number) by the effect display device 27 and the speakers SP1 to SP4 based on the received data. For example, “Aim at the second start port 17b until the number of times the normal symbol fluctuates 5 times” or “Chance time 5 times” is displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27, or speakers SP1 to SP4. You may speak with

  Next, still another modified example (hereinafter referred to as modified example 5) of the second embodiment will be described. In this modified example 5, FIG. 38 is used instead of FIG. 2, FIG. 39 is used instead of FIG. 29, and changes shown in FIG. 36 are added to FIGS. Similarly, the point that FIG. 40 is used instead of FIG. 27 is different from the point that the accessory continuous action device operation process (S500) is omitted in the game control process shown in FIG. 33. Similar to the second embodiment. Hereinafter, Modification 5 will be described focusing on differences from the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 38, the game board 10 according to the modified example 5 does not include the sorting device 70, does not include the start gates 80 and 81, and the normal symbol operation gate 16 and the second start port 17b are right-handed. The game board 10 according to the second embodiment is different from the game board 10 according to the second embodiment in that it is arranged in the region 11R and the second start port 17b is different. The second starting port 17b of the modified example 5 is normally disposed below the symbol operating gate 16. The second starting port 17b is a so-called tulip type formed so that a pair of movable wing pieces 17f and 17f are opened and closed on the left and right sides, and an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c for operating the pair of movable wing pieces 17f and 17f (see FIG. 5). In addition, a second start port entrance detection switch 17t for detecting a game ball entering the second start port 17b is disposed inside the second start port 17b (see FIG. 5).

  If power is not supplied to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17c, the pair of movable wing pieces 17f and 17f are in a standing state (see the solid line in FIG. 31), and one game is played between the pair of movable wing pieces 17f and 17f. A gaming ball receiving port having a size allowing passage of the ball is provided, and the first entering state (first mode) is entered, in which the possibility of entering the gaming ball into the second starting port 17b is low. On the other hand, when the normal electric accessory solenoid 17c is energized, the pair of movable wing pieces 17f and 17f are tilted so as to increase the distance between the upper ends with the lower end side as a fulcrum (see the broken line in FIG. 31). Reference), a second entering state (second mode) in which the possibility of entering the game ball is increased. In the modified example 5, when the opening extension function is activated, the time for the second start port 17b to be in the second entering state (second mode) becomes longer (for example, “5 seconds”), and the opening extension function is not activated. When it is in the state, the time for the second start port 17b to be in the second entering state (second mode) is shortened (for example, “0.2 seconds”).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 39, the features of the special symbol variable game of the modified example 5 will be described. Also in the gaming machine of Modification 5, based on the game ball entering the start port (first start port 17a or second start port 17b) (S10), the special symbol variation display is started (S12). ). Then, the result of the determination on whether or not the first special symbol is executed based on the “first start winning” is displayed by the stop mode in the variable display related to the first special symbol, and the second special symbol is displayed on the second special symbol. The result of the determination on whether or not the second special symbol is executed based on the “second start winning” is displayed by the stop mode in the variable display. In the modified example 5 as well, when the special figure probability state is the special figure low probability state, the probability that the determination result indicating the big hit is derived in both the first win determination and the second win determination (the big hit probability). ) Is “1/315”, and in the case of the special figure probability state, the probability that the determination result indicating the big hit is derived in both the first hit determination and the second hit determination (the jackpot probability) is “ 1 / 31.5 ".

  When the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is removed and displayed in a stopped state in the special symbol variation display (S14c), the removal is determined (S16c). On the other hand, when the special symbol (the first special symbol or the second special symbol) is stopped and displayed as the big hit symbol, the condition device is activated (S14), and then the accessory continuous activation device is activated (S24). . In the fifth modification, when the result of the determination of whether or not the special symbol is a big hit, the big hit symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit (62a or 62b) is determined by random lottery. The planned number of rounds of jackpot game is specified. If the normal time flag is set (ON setting), after a process (S27e) of setting a predetermined value (for example, 8) to the end counter (set to ON) (S27e), the big hit game is started. (S28). Then, after the big hit game is started, if the normal symbol change display is performed “eight times”, the normal time flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S30e).

  Also, in the fifth modification, the items shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26 described above are applied as they are, except for the items related to “the end of the normal state (short period) (continuation period)” (see FIG. 38). The contents of the item (see FIG. 36) regarding “the end of the short-time state (continuation period)” (see FIG. 36) are the same as in the second modification.

  As shown in FIG. 40, the special symbol game process (S300) of the modified example 5 performs the process of S353d following the process of S353, does not perform the process of S356 (see FIG. 27), and S388 and The point that the process of S390 is added is different from the special symbol game process (S300) of the second embodiment. Specifically, when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed (S352; YES), the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON) (S353), and the accessory continuous operation device operation flag is set (ON). (Setting) is performed (S353d), and the start condition for the big hit game is established.

  When the processing of S353d is performed, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 sets (stores) information indicating the current game progress in a buffer to be referred to at the end of a “big hit game” described later (S354). . Then, the process which sets the opening / closing pattern of the big winning device 31 according to the kind of jackpot to generate is performed (S370). Then, it is determined whether or not the special figure certain change flag is set (set to ON) (S380). If it is not set (S380; NO), the process proceeds to S384 as it is. On the other hand, in the process of S380, when it is determined that the special figure certain change flag is set (set to ON) (S380; YES), after the special figure certain change flag is released (set to OFF) (S382), The process proceeds to S384.

  In the process of S384, it is determined whether or not the special symbol time reduction flag is set (set to ON). If it is not set (S384; NO), the special symbol game process (S300) is terminated as it is. On the other hand, in the process of S384, if it is determined that the special figure time reduction flag is set (set to ON) (S384; YES), after setting a predetermined value (for example, “8”) in the end counter ( S390), the special symbol game process (S300) is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  According to the gaming machine of the modified example 5, when the special symbol is set to the short state, even if the special symbol is stopped and displayed, until the normal symbol is changed a predetermined number of times (eight times in the modified example 5). The normal state is kept short. In this way, even in a gaming machine that does not include a start gate, after the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed and the condition device is activated, as many game balls as possible enter the second start port 17b, and profits based thereon It is possible to realize a new game that obtains a game value such as a prize ball or the like, establishment of a variation condition of a special symbol, and the like.

  In addition, the gaming machine of Modification 5 also includes two special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol), and is based on the second starting prize rather than the determination random number value obtained based on the first starting prize. The random number for determination obtained in this way is processed preferentially. Moreover, there is a possibility that the jackpot game executed based on the result of the second winning / failing determination becomes a big win over the jackpot game executed based on the result of the first winning / failing determination. high. And in this gaming machine 1, the random number value for determination acquired based on the second start winning prize is acquired by causing the game ball to enter the second start port 17b while the normal time is kept short. Can be secured. Thereby, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the determination random number value obtained based on the first start winning is processed immediately after the end of the big hit game.

  Next, a gaming machine according to the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, FIG. 41 is used instead of FIG. 23, FIG. 42 is used instead of FIG. 24, FIG. 43 is used instead of FIG. 27, and FIG. 44 is used instead of FIG. This is different from Modification 1. Other points are the same as in the first modification. Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described focusing on differences from the first modification.

  As shown in FIG. 41, the gaming board 10 of the third embodiment is different from the gaming board 10 of the first modification in that the normal symbol operating gate 16 and the second starting port 17b are arranged in the right-handed region 11R. Further, the lateral width of the part through which the game ball passes in the start gate 86 is made larger than the lateral width of the part through which the game ball passes in the normal symbol operating gate 16 (for example, twice the size), and the game ball enters the right hit area 11R. , The game ball passes through the start gate 86 with a high probability. In addition, the 2nd starting port 17b of Example 3 is the same as the 2nd starting port 17b of the above-mentioned modification 5. FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 42, the features of the special symbol variable game of the third embodiment will be described. Also in the gaming machine of the third embodiment, the processing up to S15 is the same as that of the first modification. In the third embodiment, when the big hit game is in a standby state (S15), the time when the start gate switch 86s is activated is set (S15d). When the time for this activation comes, a gate valid period during which the detection of the game ball by the start gate switch 86s is activated occurs. When the game ball passes through the start gate 86 within the gate valid period (S21), processing for starting the operation of the accessory continuous operation device (S24) is performed. If the normal time flag is set (ON), the process of releasing the normal time flag (set to OFF) is performed (S26), and then the big hit game is started (S28).

  As shown in FIG. 43, the special symbol game process (S300) of the third embodiment is additionally provided with a process (S360) for setting the timing for activating the start gate switch 86s. Different from the game process (S300). Specifically, the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed (S352; YES), the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON) (S353), and when the process of S354 is further performed, the start gate switch is activated. Is set (S360). In other words, in the third embodiment, when the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON), the start gate switch 86 is not immediately enabled, but after the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON), The start gate switch 86 is activated when time (eg, 20 seconds) has passed. For this reason, even if the game ball passes the start gate switch 86 before the predetermined time has elapsed after the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON), the detection by the start gate switch 86 is invalidated, and the big hit game Will never start. The processes after S370 are the same as the special symbol game process of the first modification.

  As shown in FIG. 44, the accessory continuous operation device actuating process (S500) of the third embodiment is modified in that a process (S513) for determining whether or not the start gate switch is activated is added. This is different from the one accessory continuous operation device operation process (S500). That is, in the accessory continuous actuating device operation process (S500) of the third embodiment, if a positive determination is made in the process of S510 (S510; YES), it is determined whether or not the start gate switch 86s is enabled. (S513). If the start gate switch 86s is enabled (S513; YES), the process proceeds to S516. If the start gate switch 86s is not enabled (S513; NO), the accessory continuous operation device is temporarily used. The operation process (S500) is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In this case, if the start gate switch 86s is activated while the game control process is repeatedly executed (S513; YES), the process proceeds to S516.

  In the process of S516, it is determined whether or not the activated start gate switch 86s has detected a game ball (whether or not the game ball has passed through the activated start gate 85). When a negative determination is made (S516; NO), the accessory continuous action device operation process (S500) is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made (S516; YES), a process (S566) for setting the accessory actuating device operation flag (set to ON) and a process for invalidating the start gate switch 86s (S570) are performed. Then, it is determined whether or not the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S575). If it is determined that the normal time flag is released (set to OFF) (S575; NO), the process proceeds to S595 as it is. If it is determined that the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S575; YES), the normal time flag is canceled (set to OFF) (S590), and then the process proceeds to S595.

According to the third embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first modification, the following effects can be obtained. That is, in the third embodiment, even if the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the start gate switch 86s is not immediately activated, but is activated when a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds) passes. For this reason, the start of the big hit game can be delayed without firing the game ball so as to avoid the passage of the game ball to the start gate 86 after the stop display of the big hit symbol. The “normal symbol operating gate 16 and the second start port 17b” and the “start gate 86” may be concentrated on the right-handed region 11R (or may be concentrated on the left-handed region 11L), there is no possibility that the detection of immediately start gate switch 86s that by the game ball is activated. For this reason, even if the start gate switch 86s (start region) is provided in the vicinity of the second start port 17b (variable start port), until the detection by the start gate switch 86s becomes valid, It is possible to aim at entering the second start port 17b (variable start port) without worrying about passing through the start gate switch 86s (start region). Therefore, it is not necessary to change the firing mode of the game ball from the stop display of the big hit symbol to the end of the big hit game (if the right hit is continued from the stop display of the big hit symbol to the end of the big hit game) Good).

  Here, in the third embodiment, the timing at which the start gate switch 86s is activated is set to a predetermined timing (for example, after 20 seconds have elapsed since the big hit symbol is stopped), but the start gate switch 86s is activated. It is possible to have variations at the time of being. For example, as shown in the modified example 6 of FIG. 45A, in the process of setting the time (the elapsed time from the start of the big hit game) when the start gate switch 86s is activated (see the process of S360 in FIG. 43). A random number lottery may be performed to select the time from a plurality of candidates. In addition, as shown in the modified example 7 of FIG. 45 (b), in the process of setting the time when the start gate switch 86s is activated (see the process of S360 in FIG. 43), the type of the jackpot symbol that is stopped and displayed The time may be determined based on the above. In this case, for example, the time when the start gate switch 86s is activated may be set to a different period depending on the type of jackpot symbol (for example, if the jackpot symbol is usually A, “6 seconds after the jackpot game starts”). If it is probability variation B, “10 seconds after the start of the big hit game”). In this case, the game can be further diversified, and it is easier to improve the game interest.

  In addition, in the modification 6 and the modification 7, when the time when the start gate switch 86s is validated is determined, the time may be not notified, or may be notified. For example, data specifying the determined time is transmitted from the main control unit 200A (main control board 200) to the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220), and the sub control unit 220A (sub control board 220) receives the data. Based on the obtained data, the effect display device 27 and the speakers SP1 to SP4 may perform an effect of notifying the determined time. For example, it may be displayed on the display screen 27a of the effect display device 27 such as “Aim at the second start port 17b for 5 seconds” or “Chance time 5 seconds”, or may be uttered by the speakers SP1 to SP4.

  Further, the third embodiment, the sixth modification, and the seventh modification may be modified examples of the first, second, or second modification. For example, also in the first and second embodiments, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the timing for enabling the first start gate 80 and the second start gate 81 may be set. Also, in the second modification, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the timing for enabling the start gate 85 may be set.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is limited to the description for specifying the present invention in the scope of the claims unless departing from the scope of the present invention. However, it is possible to appropriately add an improvement based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has, and to the extent that a person skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  That is, in Example 1 to Example 3, a start gate (start area) is provided in the game area 11, and the game ball passes through the start gate (start area) as a start condition for the big hit game (specific game). . However, in the first to third embodiments and the first to fourth, sixth, and seventh modifications, similarly to the fifth modification, a game board that does not include a start gate (start area) may be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 46, the control processing shown in the first to third embodiments may be performed with “finishing the fanfare effect” as a start condition of the big hit game (specific game). This point will be described as a modified example 8.

  Here, in the gaming machine of the modified example 8, the CPU 201 transmits a fanfare start command to the sub-control board 220 at the timing when the condition device operation flag is set (set to ON). On the other hand, the CPU 220a of the sub control board 220 that has received the fanfare start command starts a fanfare effect (effect that excites the occurrence of a big hit) in the effect display device 27, the speakers SP1 to SP4, and the like. Then, the CPU 201 transmits a “fanfare end command” to the sub-control board 220 at the timing when the fanfare period (for example, 15 seconds) ends. Upon receiving this fanfare end command, 220a of the sub-control board 220 ends the fanfare effect (effect that increases the occurrence of the big hit). Then, the CPU 201 activates the accessory continuous operation device at the timing of transmitting the fanfare end command, starts the big hit game, and starts the first round game.

  In the modified example 8, the start gate 85 is excluded from FIG. 23, the process of enabling the start gate switch (S356) is excluded from FIG. The difference is that S500) is performed based on FIG. 46, but the other points are the same as in the first modification. As shown in FIG. 46, in the accessory continuous action device actuating process (S500) of the modified example 8, when a positive determination is obtained in the processes of S505 and S510 (S505; YES, S510; YES), the fanfare effect ends. It is determined whether it is timing (S514). And when judged affirmatively (S514; YES), it transfers to the process of S565, and when judged negatively (S514; NO), once an accessory continuous action | operation apparatus action | operation process (S500) Is finished, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. In the latter case, while the game control process is repeatedly performed, if a positive determination is made in the process of S514 (S514; YES), the process proceeds to S565.

  In the process of S565, a process for setting the accessory actuating device operation flag (set to ON) is performed (S565). Then, it is determined whether or not the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S575). If it is released (set to OFF) (S575; YES), the process proceeds to S595 as it is. . If it is determined in the process of S575 that the normal time flag is set (set to ON) (S575; YES), the normal time flag is canceled (set to OFF), and the process proceeds to S595. In the process of S595, the CPU 201 transmits a jackpot start command to the sub-control board sub-control board 220. This jackpot start command also functions as a “fanfare end command”. In this modified example 8, the game machine and control can be simplified by removing the start gate (start region) from the game board 10.

  In the first and second embodiments and each modification, the start gate is provided on the board surface (game area 11) of the game board. However, the start gate is provided at a place other than the board face (game area 11) of the game board. It can also be provided. For example, on the path through which a game ball entering the second starting port 17b shown in the modified example of FIG. 45C (hereinafter referred to as modified example 9) passes (the device itself constituting the second starting port 17b, the first (2) A start gate switch 86s may be provided in a passage member into which a game ball entering the start port 17b flows, and the start gate may be excluded from the board surface (game area 11) of the game board. In this modified example 9, when a game ball enters the second start port 17b, the game ball always passes through the start gate switch 86s. In this case, in order to start the big hit game, one determination random value for the second special symbol is always acquired. For this reason, since the jackpot game can be started in a state where the random number value for determination relating to the second special symbol has been acquired, the random number value for determination relating to the first special symbol is immediately processed (whether it is determined or not) and immediately after the jackpot game is finished. Etc.) can be reliably prevented.

  In the first embodiment, when the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the advantageous state related to the normal symbol (the short state in the normal time), an example of maintaining the advantageous state until the start of the big hit game is illustrated, and in the second embodiment, the advantage related to the normal symbol is shown. When the big hit symbol is stopped and displayed in the state (short state in normal time), the mode is illustrated in which the advantageous state is maintained until the normal symbol variation display after the big hit game is executed a predetermined number of times. The short state is illustrated as this advantageous state. In this short time state, the normal symbol variation display execution time (variation time) is shortened compared to the normal (normal state normal state), and the probability of winning or failing for normal symbols is increased. Although the opening extension function of the second start port 17b is activated, the “advantageous state relating to the normal symbol” is not limited to the normal time reduction state shown in each embodiment. For example, shortening the execution time (variation time) of the normal symbol variation display, increasing the probability of winning in the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is true, and operating the opening extension function of the second start port 17b. 1 or 2 may be realized, and the “advantageous state regarding the normal symbol” may be obtained. For example, the probability of winning in the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is hit is increased, but the execution time (variation time) of the normal symbol variation display is shortened and the opening extension function of the second start port 17b is activated. It may be an “advantageous state related to normal symbol” that does not perform the operation, or the open extension function of the second start port 17b is activated, but the probability of hitting in the determination of whether or not it relates to the normal symbol is increased. Further, it may be an “advantageous state regarding a normal symbol” in which the execution time (variation time) of the normal symbol variation display is not shortened.

  In each embodiment, an example of application to a gaming machine having a first special symbol and a second special symbol has been shown. However, the present invention can also be suitably applied to a gaming machine having one special symbol. After a big hit symbol stops, if you set a period when the frequency of entering the variable entrance (second starter 17b) is high (normal state, short state), the big hit game will end even on a single special symbol game machine. This is because it is possible to prevent a situation in which there is no determination random value immediately after the image is displayed and the special symbol variation display cannot be started immediately. In particular, if a special symbol high probability state starts after a big hit game, if the special symbol variation display cannot be started immediately, it will stress the player, so that the situation can be prevented, The present invention has great significance.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the game balls supplied from the island facilities of the game hall are used as “rental balls” or “prize balls”, and various winning holes (first start) provided on the game board are used. Games that give the player a profit (game value) as a result of the game by paying out a predetermined number of prize balls in response to the entry of game balls into the mouth, the second start opening, the big prize opening, etc. Although the example in which the present invention is applied to the machine 1 has been described, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine of a type that gives a gaming profit (game value) in a form different from “payout of prize balls”. it can. As such a type of gaming machine, when a game ball is entered into various winning openings, data indicating the amount of profit (the magnitude of the game value) corresponding to the winning ball is given to the main control unit or the payout By storing it in the RAM of the control unit, it is possible to exemplify a gaming machine that gives a game profit (game value) to a player. In this case, the same effect as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

  As a type of gaming machine in which gaming profit (game value) is converted into data and given to the player, a gaming machine that circulates and uses a plurality of gaming balls built in the gaming machine, specifically, Examples of the game machine (so-called enclosed game machine) configured to return the game ball discharged to the back surface of the game board through various winning holes or out holes to the launch position and launch it again. In this type of game machine (so-called enclosed game machine), for example, every time a game ball enters a winning opening, for example, data indicating a prize ball amount determined for each winning opening is stored. Thus, the game value as a result of the game can be given to the player.

  The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing and selling gaming machines.

1; gaming machine,
17a; first start port,
17b; second start port (variable start port),
80, 81, 85, 86; start gate (start region),
80s, 81s, 85s, 86s; start gate switch (detection means),
200: Main control unit (determination means, probability setting means, high-frequency state generation means).

Claims (1)

After the identification information that is variably displayed based on the game ball entering the starting port is stopped and displayed in a specific manner, the specific game is detected based on the detection means detecting the game ball passing through a predetermined start area. A gaming machine to be started,
As the starting port, it has a variable starting port that can be changed between a first mode and a second mode in which a game ball is more likely to enter than the first mode,
Determination means for determining whether or not the variable start port is the second mode;
A probability setting means for setting a determination probability at which a result indicating the second aspect is obtained as a result of the determination to a predetermined probability or a probability higher than the predetermined probability;
With
Based on the fact that the detection means detects a game ball after a predetermined time has elapsed since the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner in a state where the determination probability is set higher than the predetermined probability, The determination probability is set to the predetermined probability ,
The predetermined time is set to one time selected from a plurality of predetermined times,
A plurality of the specific modes are provided, and when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode, the predetermined time corresponding to the type of the specific mode stopped and displayed is set .

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