JP2005342209A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine which may make a player continue a pinball game by making the player participate positively in the advance of the game for improving expectation for whether a special favor is to be given without complicating the configuration and processing of a pin-ball game machine such as the Pachinko game machine. <P>SOLUTION: According to an operation signal generated from an operation means which can be operated by the player, one of a plurality of pattern stoppage display modes is selected as a selected operation stoppage display mode, and a pattern based on the selected operation stoppage display mode is stopped and displayed on a pattern display means in stead of a pattern based on lottery processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine having a symbol display means for displaying a symbol and an operation means for generating an operation signal based on an operation of a player.

  Conventionally, in a game store in which a pachinko gaming machine is installed, the display mode of the image game performed in the image display device of the pachinko gaming machine is used for determining whether or not a privilege is given in the game store. was there. As a privilege at this game store, for example, there is one that allows a pachinko game to be continued without exchanging prize balls for prizes. Specifically, when the display mode of the image game becomes a specific one, for example, when the symbol in the image game becomes a so-called lucky number, it continues using the award balls that the player has won in the game so far On the other hand, while the game is permitted to be performed, when the display mode of the image game is other than the lucky number, the game is not permitted to be continued.

In order to correspond to such a game store, in the conventional pachinko gaming machine, when a notification means serving as a lucky display portion is provided in the game board and the symbol displayed on the lucky display portion becomes a lucky number, There is one that can give a player a privilege as described above (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent No. 3033418

  However, as described above, in the conventional pachinko gaming machine, it is necessary to provide a lucky display unit separate from the image display device, and the configuration and processing of the pachinko gaming machine have to be complicated. In addition, since such conventional pachinko gaming machines determine the symbols to be displayed on the lucky display unit based on the number of bullets fired on the game board, lottery processing, etc., the determination of the symbol of the lucky display unit There was no room for players to be actively involved.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described points, and the object of the present invention is to actively play a game without complicating the configuration and processing of a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine. It is an object of the present invention to provide a ball game machine in which there is a possibility of allowing a player to continue to play a ball game by increasing the expectation of whether or not a privilege will be given.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention,
One symbol stop display mode is selected as a selection operation stop display mode from a plurality of symbol stop display modes in accordance with an operation signal issued from an operation means that can be operated by the player, and a symbol based on the selected operation stop display mode is The symbol display means stops display instead of the symbol based on the lottery process.

Specifically, the present invention provides:
A ball game machine including a symbol display means for displaying a plurality of types of symbols so as to be visible to a player,
A game board on which a ball game in which the progress of the game is determined based on the flow-down mode of the game ball, and
An operation means for generating an operation signal based on an operation of the player;
Symbol specifying data storage means for storing symbol specifying data for specifying the plurality of types of symbols;
Based on the symbol specifying data read from the symbol specifying data storage means, unit game control means for performing a unit game from the symbol display means to the stop display after the symbols are variably displayed; and
A symbol stop mode storage means in which a plurality of symbol stop display modes are stored as a display mode of the symbol when stopped and displayed in one unit game;
A lottery display mode determination means for determining one symbol stop display mode as the lottery stop display mode from the plurality of symbol stop display modes by lottery processing;
After the symbol is stopped and displayed based on the lottery stop display mode determined by the lottery display mode determining means, one symbol stop is performed from the plurality of symbol stop display modes in response to an operation signal issued from the operating means. Operation display mode selection means for selecting a display mode as a selection operation stop display mode;
And a symbol display control unit that stops and displays a symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode selected by the operation display mode selection unit instead of the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode.

  Since the symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode selected by the operation display mode selection unit is stopped and displayed on the symbol display unit instead of the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode, the player selects a symbol corresponding to a so-called lucky number. The possibility of being able to do arises and the possibility that the privilege in a game store is given arises.

  Further, since the symbol can be selected by the player's operation, the player can be actively involved in the progress of the game, and there is a possibility that the game will continue to be performed without getting bored with the game.

  In addition, recent ball game machines are often provided with operation means for generating an operation signal based on the player's operation, so that the overall configuration and processing of the ball game are not significantly changed. , You can take advantage of the traditional components.

  Here, the symbol display means is not limited as long as it allows the player to visually recognize the symbol during the ball game, and video display means such as a liquid crystal display that electrically displays the image of the symbol. In addition, display means including a mechanically rotating drum or reel is also included. Therefore, not only the image of the symbol displayed on the image display means such as a liquid crystal display but also the symbol that is visibly attached to the drum or reel by being drawn on or attached to the drum or reel. Images are also included.

  In addition, the variable display of the symbols is a display method in which the symbols are displayed in such a manner that the identification information constituting the symbols is sequentially changed, or the symbols are displayed in such a manner that the display position of the symbols is changed. . The time when the symbol variation display is started is when the unit game is started. In the case of a symbol displayed on the image display means, the variable display can be performed by displaying the image of the symbol in a moving manner. In the case of a mechanical display means such as a drum or a reel, the symbol display can be performed. This can be done by controlling the rotation of the drum or reel to which the image is attached.

  The variably displayed symbol is stopped and displayed after a predetermined time has elapsed. The symbol stop display means that certain identification information is displayed at a certain position of the display means. Note that the stop display mode includes a mode in which the image display unit is finely moved or rocked around a certain position, and the player can recognize that the display is stopped with respect to the variable display of the symbols. Anything that can be displayed is acceptable. The stop display can be performed by displaying the image of the symbol in a manner of stopping in the case of a symbol projected on the video display means, and in the case of a mechanical display means such as a drum or a reel. This can be done by stopping and controlling the drum or reel to which the image is attached.

  Furthermore, the symbol specifying data for specifying a plurality of types of symbols is information used for specifying each of the plurality of types of symbols, and is information for specifying the content of the symbol as identification information. This is data that is referred to when the symbols are variably displayed or stopped. For example, when displaying an image of a symbol on an image display means such as a liquid crystal display, image data that defines the form of the symbol is read from the storage means based on the symbol specifying data and displayed at a predetermined display position of the image display means. To do. When a mechanically rotating drum or reel is used, the display position of the symbol on the drum or reel is determined based on the symbol specifying data.

  Furthermore, the “symbol stop display mode” includes not only the symbols of the symbols that are stopped and displayed, but also the display modes of the symbols. For example, the display attributes of the symbols such as the arrangement of a plurality of symbols that are stopped and the size and color of the symbols themselves are also included.

  The “operating means” is not limited as long as it can transmit the player's action and intention to the ball game, and can generate an electrical signal based on the player's action and intention as an operation signal. If it is. In particular, the operation means may be one that detects the movement of the player's limbs, for example, the movement of the hand, or one that detects the voice emitted by the player.

  The “symbol display control means” stops and displays the symbols based on the selection operation stop display mode selected by the operation display mode selection means instead of the symbols based on the lottery stop display mode. That is, when the symbol is stopped and displayed, instead of the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode, the player may be able to recognize that the symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode is displayed, and based on the lottery stop display mode. There is no limitation on the timing of changing from the symbol to the symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode. For example, even if the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode is stopped and displayed first, and then the symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode is stopped and displayed, the symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode is stopped and displayed as a result. It is only necessary that the player can recognize it. In particular, it is preferable that the symbol display control means changes from the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode to the symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode when the symbol is stopped.

  In addition, while the symbols are variably displayed, the symbols based on the lottery stop display mode may be changed to the symbols based on the selection operation stop display mode. In this case, when the symbol is stopped and displayed so that the player can recognize the contents of the symbol, the stop display mode has already been changed, so that the player is surprised or surprised. Can be.

Furthermore, the ball game transition control means capable of shifting the ball game to a special game advantageous to the player based on the display mode when the symbol is stopped and displayed,
During the period from when the ball game is shifted to the special game and ending, the operation display mode selection unit is configured to change from the plurality of symbol stop display modes according to the operation signal issued from the operation unit. The symbol stop display mode is selected as the selection operation stop display mode, and
When the special game ends, the symbol display control means preferably displays the symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode on the symbol display unit instead of the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode.

  Here, “based on the display mode ... can shift to a special game” means not only when the game is shifted directly to the special game based on the display mode when the symbol is stopped and displayed, but also indirectly. This includes cases where the game moves to special games. The case of direct transition means that the display mode when the symbol is stopped and displayed becomes a predetermined one and when the condition for transition is satisfied, the transition to the special game is immediately performed. In the case of indirect transition, after the display mode when the symbol is stopped and displayed becomes a predetermined one, it satisfies the further conditions for transitioning to the special game and finally reaches the special game. Means. It should be noted that the further condition for shifting to the special game is preferably determined based on the movement or movement mode of the ball or determined based on the game result in the symbol display means. The further condition for shifting to the special game may be any one that allows the player to recognize that the game is different from the unit game and the special game described above.

Furthermore, the number of unit games performed after the special game is ended, and the number of times the ball game transition control means determines not to transfer the ball game to the special game is counted as the number of games. Including a game number counting means, and
When the number of games is greater than a predetermined number, the operation display mode selection unit selects one symbol stop display mode from the plurality of symbol stop display modes according to an operation signal issued from the operation unit. What is selected as the stop display mode is more preferable.

The plurality of symbol stop display modes are:
When it is determined by the bullet game transition control means that the bullet ball game is to be transferred to the special game, as a display mode of the symbols to be stopped and displayed in one unit game, one special can be selected. Symbol stop display mode,
When it is determined by the bullet ball game transition control means that the bullet ball game is not to be transferred to the special game, a plurality of general ones that can be selected as a display mode of symbols that are stopped and displayed in one unit game are displayed. A symbol stop display mode, and
The probability of the lottery process for changing the display mode of the symbols that are stopped and displayed in the unit game to the special symbol stop display mode is changed from a predetermined normal probability to a high probability that is set higher than the predetermined normal probability. And a probability variation transition means for transitioning the gaming state of the unit game to the probability variation state, and
The plurality of special symbol stop display modes are not allowed to shift the specific game stop display mode capable of shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the probability variation state and the gaming state of the unit game to the probability variation state. A plurality of non-specific symbol stop display modes, and
The operation display mode selection means includes:
When one of the plurality of specific symbol stop display modes is determined by the lottery display mode determination means, one of the plurality of specific symbol stop display modes is selected,
When one of the plurality of non-specific symbol stop display modes is determined by the lottery display mode determining means, it is desirable to select one of the plurality of non-specific symbol stop display modes.

  It should be noted that not only the first type pachinko gaming machine but also the third type pachinko gaming machine, a so-called right object pachinko gaming machine, without changing any of the above-described configurations of the present invention. Can be used. That is, the above-described configuration of the present invention is used not only when the game is directly shifted to the special game based on the display mode when the symbol is stopped and displayed, but also when the game is indirectly transferred to the special game. Can do.

  Without complicating the configuration and processing of ball and ball game machines such as pachinko machines, players can actively participate in the progress of the game and increase their expectation as to whether or not a privilege will be given. There is a possibility that the player will continue to play the ball game.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<<<< first embodiment >>>>
<< Configuration of front surface of pachinko gaming machine 10 >>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of an example of a pachinko gaming machine that is one embodiment of a ball and ball game machine according to the present invention. The example shown in FIG. 1 is a view showing the front surface of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 12, a front frame 14, and a game board 24.

<Outer frame 12>
The outer frame 12 constitutes an outline of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and has a rectangular shape. In the pachinko hall, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is attached to a support member (not shown) of the game island through the outer frame 12.

<Front frame 14>
The outer frame 12 is provided with a front frame 14 that is pivotally supported so as to be freely opened and closed. The front frame 14 is provided with various members such as a glass door 16, a receiving tray 18 for receiving a game ball, a hitting ball handle 22, and a housing portion for housing the game board 24.

<Game board 24>
A game area 28 defined by rails 26 is formed in the game board 24. An image display device 30 for displaying various images such as images of symbols is provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 28. Furthermore, in the game area 28, a start winning opening 32 that defines conditions for starting display of variation of the symbol image, a special winning opening 34 that opens and closes when the game is a big hit, and normal symbol variation display openings 36 and 38 are displayed. In addition, a plurality of other general winning ports 39a to 39d, windmills 40 and 42 that affect the fall of the game ball, a large number of game nails, and an out port 44 are also provided.

  When the player rotates the hitting ball handle 22 described above, the game balls are supplied one by one from the receiving tray 18 to the hitting ball launching unit (not shown), and the game balls correspond to the turning operation of the hitting ball handle 22. With strength, it is launched as a hit ball into the game area 28 by a hit ball launcher (not shown).

  The hit ball launched into the game area 28 falls while changing the moving direction by repeatedly contacting the windmill and the game nail described above, and flows into the various winning holes 32 to 38 and 39a to 39d and the out hole 44 described above. . “Ballball game” is performed by the game balls flowing down on the game board 24, and the progress of the ball game is determined based on the flow mode of the game balls, and the game balls are used in various winning holes 32 to 38 and 39a. The result of the ball game is determined by flowing into .about.39d and the out port 44.

<Winning detection sensor>
Each of the above-described winning holes 32 to 38 and 39a to 39d is provided with a winning detection sensor (not shown) that emits a detection signal indicating that a hit ball has been won at these winning holes. The winning detection sensor is provided in a flow path formed so that a game ball can pass through the back of these winning openings, and generates a detection signal every time it detects that a game ball has passed through the flow path. In FIG. 3 described later, all of the winning detection sensors provided in each of the winning openings 32 to 38 and 39a to 39d are shown as a winning detection sensor group 70. The winning detection sensor is electrically connected to a main control circuit 50 (shown in FIG. 2) described later by a signal cable. A detection signal generated from the winning detection sensor is transmitted to the main control circuit 50. The main control circuit 50 can obtain that the game ball has won a winning opening among the winning openings 32 to 38 or 39a to 39d by transmitting the detection signal. As will be described later, when a hit ball wins any of the winning openings 32 to 38 and 39a to 39d, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the tray 18 as prize balls. In this embodiment, four winning balls are paid out when winning at the start winning opening 32, and 15 winning balls are paid out when winning at the special winning opening 34. When winning 39a-39d, 13 prize balls are paid out.

<Payout exit>
A payout opening (not shown) for paying out game balls as prize balls is formed on the back side of the tray 18 described above. When the main control circuit 50 (shown in FIG. 2) determines that the hit ball has won any of the above-described winning openings 32 to 38 and 39a to 39d, the main control circuit 50 (shown in FIG. 2) performs payout control. A control command is issued to a circuit (not shown). A payout motor (not shown) is electrically connected to the payout control circuit, and the payout control circuit that has received the control command is based on information indicating the number of prize balls included in the control command. A drive signal is issued to the payout motor. When the payout motor is driven, the prize balls are delivered to the tray 18 while counting the number of prize balls to be paid out.

<Image display device 30>
As described above, the image display device 30 is provided in a substantially central portion of the game area 28. As will be described later, various images such as a pattern image and a character image are displayed as effect images on the image display device 30. In the image display device 30, a game based on a graphic image, that is, a graphic image game simulating a slot game performed in a so-called slot machine is executed.

  The symbol includes identification information for indicating the result of the symbol image game, for example, identification information such as numbers such as “0”, “1” to “9”, and other characters and patterns. The symbol image is an image displayed on the image display device 30 so that this identification information can be visually recognized by the player. The image of the symbol is variably displayed or stopped on the image display device 30 by the image control circuit 52 described later. The variation display of the symbol image is displayed in such a manner that the identification information constituting the symbol image is sequentially changed, or the display position of the symbol image or the size or color of the symbol image is changed. This is a display method in which an image display mode is changed. The time when the symbol image variation display is started is the time when the symbol image game is started. The variably displayed symbol image is stopped and displayed by the image control circuit 52 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The stop display of the symbol image is a display mode that allows the player to visually recognize certain identification information at a certain position of the image display device 30. In particular, among the symbol image games, a period from when the symbol image is variably displayed until it is stopped is referred to as a unit game.

  Further, not only a graphic image but also a character image or background image for enhancing the effect of the graphic image game may be displayed on the image display device 30.

<Starting prize opening 32>
When a hit ball is won at the start winning port 32 of the above-described winning ports 32 to 38 and 39a to 39d, the image of the symbol displayed on the image display device 30 starts to be changed, and a predetermined moving image or symbol is displayed. After the image is displayed for a predetermined time in a changing manner, the design image is stopped and displayed. That is, one unit game is started every time one hit ball wins the start winning opening 32. As will be described later, when a hit is won in the start winning opening 32 when a unit game is being performed in the image display device 30, the predetermined number, for example, four, is held. When the winning to the start winning opening 32 is held, when one unit game is finished, the next unit game is started based on the holding.

  When the symbol image is stopped and displayed, if the symbol image displayed on the image display device 30 has a specific aspect, the symbol image game is a so-called jackpot. For example, if three images of three symbols are displayed on the image display device 30 and all of the three symbols that are stopped and displayed after the variable display become so-called rough eyes, the symbol image game is a big hit. When the symbol image game is a big hit, the ball game is shifted to a special game. When the game is shifted to the special game, a predetermined demo image is displayed on the image display device 30 and the special winning opening 34 is opened to make the game ball easy to win, and the game ball flows into the special winning opening 34. It becomes easy to do. In this way, by winning the symbol image game, the ball game is shifted to a special game advantageous to the player.

  Two movable pieces 33a and 33b are provided in the vicinity of the left and right sides of the start winning opening 32 so as to be operable. When the game ball passes through the above-described normal symbol variation display ports 36 and 38, the normal symbol game is started in the normal symbol display unit 31 provided on the left side of the game board 24. When the game result of the normal symbol game is a win, the two movable pieces 33a and 33b are opened for a predetermined time so that the game ball can easily win the start winning opening 32. The normal symbol display unit 31 shown in FIG. 1 includes two lamps. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol variation display ports 36 and 38, the two lamps start blinking. After that, only one of the lights is turned on after a predetermined time has elapsed, and a normal symbol game is decided or missed by the lighted lamp.

<Special prize opening 34>
As described above, when the symbol image game in the image display device 30 is a big hit, the ball game is shifted to the special game, and the special winning opening 34 is opened to make it easy to win the ball. The easy winning state of the special winning opening 34 is, for example, 30 seconds until a predetermined number of hit balls are won in the special winning opening 34, for example, ten pieces are won, or until a predetermined time elapses after the special winning opening 34 is opened. Continue until it has passed. Thereafter, the special winning opening 34 is closed to make it difficult to win. A special area (not shown) is provided on the back of the special prize opening 34. The condition that the special winning opening 34 is opened again is that the hit ball passes through the specific area while the special winning opening 34 is opened. That is, when a hit ball passes through a specific area while the special winning opening 34 is open, the special winning opening 34 is temporarily closed after a predetermined time, and then opened again to make it easy to win. The operation of opening and closing the special prize opening 34 is repeated a plurality of times, for example, 15 times, and then the special prize opening 34 is closed. A game from when the special winning opening 34 is opened until it is closed next is referred to as a single special game, and the number of times a single special game is played is referred to as the number of rounds.

<Operation button 45 and operation lamp 49>
On the lower left side of the tray 18 described above, an operation button 45 is provided so as to be able to be pushed. The operation button 45 is electrically connected to an image control circuit 52 described later. When the operator pushes the operation button 45, an operation signal is generated and supplied to the image control circuit 52. Further, when the operator releases the operation button 45, the supply of the operation signal to the image control circuit 52 is stopped.

  Further, an operation lamp 49 for illuminating the front surface of the operation button 45 from behind is provided on the back surface of the operation button 45. By illuminating the operation button 45, the player can be clearly notified of the timing of operating the operation button 45.

<< Configuration of the back of the pachinko gaming machine 10 >>
FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the back of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

<Main control circuit 50>
As shown in FIG. 2, a circuit board of the main control circuit 50 is provided at the lower part of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main control circuit 50 performs overall control of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the main control circuit 50 performs control for paying out the number of game balls corresponding to the winning opening as winning balls when winning a winning ball such as the start winning opening 32 or the special winning opening 34.

  The main control circuit 50 includes a CPU (central processing unit) (not shown) that performs operations and the like, a ROM (read only memory) (not shown) that stores a program for controlling the entire pachinko gaming machine 10, And a RAM (random access memory) (not shown) for temporarily storing each data. These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus (not shown) so that various data signals and address signals can be transmitted to the input / output bus.

  In the present embodiment, in the ROM described above, in addition to a program for controlling the entire pachinko gaming machine 10, a program for executing a game ball winning process shown in FIG. 4 and a lottery process shown in FIG. A program for executing the process of transmitting the determination result, a program for executing the jackpot start process shown in FIG. 6, and a program for executing the special winning opening control process shown in FIG. 7 are stored. The RAM also stores variable values used in these programs. Further, as will be described later, normal storage means for storing a random number value and a reserved area are allocated to the RAM.

<Image control circuit 52>
An image display device 30 is provided above the main control circuit 50, and a circuit board of the image control circuit 52 is provided on the back surface of the image display device 30 (the front side of the drawing in FIG. 2). . The image control circuit 52 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 50 by a signal cable (not shown). The image control circuit 52 controls the image display device 30 based on the control signal generated from the main control circuit 50. The image control circuit 52 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown) for performing calculations, a ROM (Read Only Memory) (not shown) in which a program for controlling the image display device 30 is stored, and each A random access memory (RAM) (not shown) for temporarily storing data is included. These CPU, ROM, and RAM are electrically connected by an input / output bus (not shown) so that various data signals and address signals can be transmitted to the input / output bus.

  In the present embodiment, the ROM described above has a program for controlling the display of a pattern image and a character image, for example, an image display processing program as shown in FIG. 8 described later, as shown in FIG. A program for generating a display order of various symbol images, a program for executing the jackpot effect process shown in FIG. 10, a program for executing the game shown in FIG. 11, and a process for selecting the symbol shown in FIG. Program to be stored. Further, the ROM also stores image data of symbol images and character images. The image control circuit 52 reads the image data stored in the ROM, and displays the pattern image and the character image on the image display device 30 in a predetermined display mode.

<< Function in Pachinko machine 10 >>
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of main control functions in the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a control unit 500, a winning detection unit 400, an operation unit 450, and an effect unit 300. The control means 500 is electrically connected to the winning detection means 400, the operating means 450 and the rendering means 300, and the winning detection signal issued from the winning detection means 400 and the operation signal issued from the operating means 450 are controlled. Transmitted to means 500. Further, the control signal issued from the control means 500 is transmitted to the effect means 300.

<Winning detection means 400>
The winning detection means 400 detects whether or not the game ball moving on the game board has won a predetermined winning opening. For example, it is detected whether or not a game ball has won any of the winning openings 32 to 38 and 39a to 39d. The winning detection means 400 includes a winning detection sensor group 70 that generates a detection signal when it detects the passage of a game ball that has won a winning opening. The winning detection sensor group 70 is preferably a winning detection sensor that is provided in the flow path of the game ball formed behind each of the above-described winning ports 32 to 38 and 39a to 39d and detects the passage of the game ball.

<Operating means 450>
The operation means 450 can be operated by the player of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and may be anything that issues an operation signal based on the operation to the control means 500 described later. The operation means 450 may be one that detects the movement of the player's limbs, for example, the movement of the hand, or one that detects the voice uttered by the player. The operation button 45 is most preferable. The operation button 45 may be one that mechanically detects a player's operation or one that is electrically detected.

<Control means 500>
The control unit 500 includes a main control unit 510 and a sub control unit 610. The main control unit 510 and the sub control unit 610 are electrically connected to each other, and a control command issued from the main control unit 510 is sent to the sub control unit 610.

<Main control means 510>
The main control unit 510 includes a lottery unit 512, a random number storage unit 540, a probability variation transfer unit 550, a ball game control unit 520, a winning determination processing unit 530, a unit game start signal transmission unit 560, which will be described later. including. The main control means 510 is preferably composed of the main control circuit 50 described above.

<Lottery means 512>
The lottery means 512 performs a lottery for winning or losing. Whether or not to shift to a special game, which will be described later, is determined by this hit or miss. Further, whether or not to shift to the probability variation state by the probability variation transition means 550 described later is also determined by this lottery process.

  The lottery means 512 is extracted by, for example, a random number generating means (hardware random number, etc.) 514 for winning or losing lottery, a random number extracting means 516 for extracting random numbers generated by the random number generating means, and a random number extracting means 516. Random number determination means 518 for determining the presence / absence of winning based on the random number value.

  The random number generation means 514 of the lottery means 512 generates random numbers within a predetermined positive integer range (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation). The random number extraction unit 516 extracts the random number generated by the random number generation unit at a predetermined timing. The random number determining means 518 determines whether the random value is hit or wrong according to the region to which the random value belongs, by comparing the random value extracted by the random number extracting means 516 with a lottery table (not shown).

  Note that the winning or losing determined by the random number determining means 518 includes information on the winning mode or the losing mode in the above-described symbol image game. For example, in the case of losing, in addition to simply losing the symbol image game, various kinds of information such as information on the process of reaching the detachment, such as when the symbol image game is once reached and then released. Information on the mode of detachment is also included. In addition, in the case of winning, in addition to the normal winning in which the symbol image game is simply a hit, the so-called probable change that shifts to the probability fluctuation state, or the symbol image game is once reached in the reach or super reach, and then wins. As in the case, information on various types of hits such as information on the type of hits and information on the progress of the hitting process is also included.

  The random number generation by the random number generation means 514 described above is executed in step S13 or S17 of FIG. The determination process by the random number determination unit 518 is executed in step S46 of FIG.

<Random number storage means 540>
The random number storage unit 540 includes a normal storage unit 542 and a holding area 544. The random number storage means 540 is preferably composed of the RAM of the main control circuit 50 described above. Both the normal storage unit 542 and the reserved area 544 store the value of the random number generated by the random number generation unit 514 described above.

<Normal storage unit 542>
The normal storage means 542 is a random number when a unit game is not executed in the symbol display means 330 when a game ball is won in the start winning opening 32 and all the reserved areas 544 described later are vacant. The random number value generated by the generating means 514 is stored. In this case, random number value storage processing is executed in step S14 of FIG. 4 described later, and random number value reading processing stored in the normal storage means 542 is executed in step S44 of FIG. 5 described later. The

<Reserved area 544>
The reserved area 544 includes a plurality of, for example, four storage areas. The reserved area 544 is generated by the random number generation means 514 when a unit game is executed in the symbol display means 330 and at least one storage area of the storage area constituting the reserved area 544 is free. Stores the value of a random number. The plurality of storage areas have a predetermined priority, and when the storage area is composed of four storage areas, the first candidate storage area, the second candidate storage area, the third candidate storage area, and It consists of a fourth candidate storage area. The process of storing the random number value is executed in step S18 of FIG. 4 to be described later, and the process of reading the random number value stored in the holding area 544 is executed in step S48 of FIG. 5 to be described later.

  In the process of storing the random number value in the reserved area 544, the storage areas are used in order from the storage area with the highest priority among the plurality of storage areas. When no random number value is stored in any storage area of the reserved area 544, the random number value is stored in the storage area with the highest priority. For example, in the case of four storage areas, if no random number value is stored in any of the four storage areas, the random number value is stored in the first candidate storage area. Further, when the random number value is already stored in the first candidate storage area, the random number value is stored in the second candidate storage area. In this way, random values are sequentially stored up to the fourth candidate storage area.

  In addition, the process of reading the random number value from the reserved area 544 is always read from the storage area with the highest priority regardless of the number of storage areas in which the random number value is stored. In the case of the four storage areas described above, data is always read from the first candidate storage area. After the random number value is read from the storage area with the highest priority, the storage area is cleared. Next, when a random number value is stored in the storage area with the next highest priority, the random number value is stored again in the storage area with the highest priority. In this way, the random number value is re-stored in the storage area having one higher priority until reaching the storage area in which the random number value is not stored.

  For example, when the reserved area 544 includes four storage areas, the random number value in the first candidate storage area is read, and then the first candidate storage area is cleared. Furthermore, when the random number value is stored after the second candidate storage area, the random number value is stored again in the storage area having one higher priority. That is, after the random number value is read from the first candidate storage area, if the random number value is also stored in the second candidate storage area, the random number value stored in the second candidate storage area Are stored again in the first candidate storage area. When the random number value is also stored in the third candidate storage area, the random number value stored in the third candidate storage area is stored again in the second candidate storage area. In the following description, re-storing the random number value in the storage area having one higher priority is referred to as “shift”.

<Probability changing means 550>
Based on the determination result by the random number determination unit 518 described above, the probability variation transition unit 550 shifts the gaming state of the unit game performed in the symbol display unit 330 described later from the normal probability state to the probability variation state. The probability variation state refers to a state in which a unit game is performed with a probability of a lottery process for making a special symbol stop display mode, which will be described later, set to a high probability set higher than a predetermined normal probability from a predetermined normal probability. In other words, the probability change transition means 550 changes the probability of the lottery process for changing the display mode of the symbols that are stopped and displayed in one unit game to the special symbol stop display mode described later from the predetermined normal probability based on the predetermined normal probability. The game state of the unit game is shifted to the probability fluctuation state.

<Ballball game control means 520>
The bullet ball game control means 520 controls the bullet ball game in which the progress and result of the game are determined based on the manner in which the game balls flow down on the game board 24 described above. Mainly, a winning judgment processing means 530 described later judges whether or not the hitting balls 32 to 38 and 39a to 39d have won the winning ball, and when the hitting ball wins, a predetermined number of game balls are given according to the winning hole. Based on the determination result of the random number determination means 518 described above, the ball game is shifted to the special game and the special winning opening 34 is controlled to be opened and closed.

  The processing in this ball game control means 520 is mainly executed in a subroutine shown in FIG.

<Ballball game transfer control means 522>
The bullet ball game transition control means 522 can shift the bullet ball game to a special game advantageous to the player based on the display mode when the symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol display means 330 described later.

  Here, “based on the display mode ... can be shifted to a special game” means not only the case of shifting directly to the special game based on the display mode when the symbol is stopped and displayed, but also indirectly. This includes cases where the game moves to special games. The case of direct transition means that the display mode when the symbol is stopped and displayed becomes a predetermined one and when the condition for transition is satisfied, the transition to the special game is immediately performed. In the case of indirect transition, after the display mode when the symbol is stopped and displayed becomes a predetermined one, it satisfies the further conditions for transitioning to the special game and finally reaches the special game. Means. It should be noted that the further condition for shifting to the special game is preferably determined based on the movement or movement mode of the ball or based on the game result in the symbol display means 330. The further condition for shifting to the special game may be any one that allows the player to recognize that the game is different from the unit game and the special game described above. In addition, the above-mentioned “predetermined thing” of “the display form when the symbol is stopped and displayed” means that the player visually recognizes that the display aspect of the symbol image has become the predetermined one. For example, not only a so-called “2”-“2”-“2” display mode, but also a specific arrangement of symbol images and the color and size of the symbol image The case where the length becomes a predetermined mode is also included.

  The processing in the bullet ball game transition control means 522 is mainly executed in a subroutine shown in FIGS.

<Winning determination processing means 530>
The winning determination processing means 530 detects the detection signal issued from the winning detection means 400 described above, and determines whether or not a game ball has won any of the winning openings 32 to 38 and 39a to 39d. This determination process is executed in the process of step S11 or S19 of FIG. In accordance with the result of this determination, as described above, a predetermined number of game balls are controlled to be paid out to the tray 18 in accordance with the winning opening. Further, a random number is stored in the normal storage means 542 or the holding area 544 described above according to the timing at which the hit ball has won the start winning opening 32.

<Unit game start signal transmission means 560>
When the winning determination processing means 530 determines that the game ball has won the start winning opening 32, the unit game start signal transmitting means 560 sends the unit game start signal transmitting means 560 as a unit game start signal to the sub-control means 610 described later by the lottery means 512. The determination result is transmitted. This process is executed in step S47 of FIG.

<Sub-control means 610>
The sub-control means 610 described above includes a unit game start signal receiving means 620, a unit game control means 630, a symbol display control means 660, and a game number counting means 720. In particular, the sub-control means 610 is preferably composed of the image control circuit 52 described above.

<Unit game start signal receiving means 620>
The unit game start signal receiving unit 620 receives the unit game start signal issued from the unit game start signal transmitting unit 560 of the main control unit 510 described above. By receiving this signal, a single-stroke game is started. The process of receiving the unit game start signal is executed in step S71 of FIG. The unit game start signal is a signal indicating the content of the determination result by the lottery means 512 as described above.

<Unit game control means 630>
The unit game control means 630 performs a unit game in the symbol display means 330 from the time when the symbols are variably displayed to the time when the symbols are stopped based on the symbol specific data read from the symbol specific data storage means 665 described later. In particular, when the symbol display means 330 is a video display means such as a liquid crystal display, the image data of the symbol image is read out from the symbol image data storage means 675 of the image data storage means 670 described later based on the symbol specifying data, The read image data is variably displayed or stopped on the symbol display means 330 as a symbol image. The time when the symbol image is variably displayed is when the unit game is started, and the time when the symbol image is stopped and displayed at a predetermined timing is when the unit game is ended. Each time the unit game start signal receiving unit 620 receives the unit game start signal received from the main control unit 510, the unit game control unit 630 executes the unit game in the symbol display unit 330. This process is executed in FIG.

  Further, the unit game control means 630 displays not only the image of the symbol but also the image data of the character image from the character image data storage means (not shown) of the image data storage means 670 and the background image data storage means (see FIG. The image data of the background image is read from (not shown), and the read image data is displayed on the symbol display means 330 as a character image or a background image.

<Symbol display control means 660>
The symbol display control means 660 causes the symbol display means 330 to display the symbols in a manner of variably displaying the symbols or a manner of stopping the symbols. When the symbol display means 330 to be described later is a video display means such as a liquid crystal display, the symbol image data read from the image data storage means 670 to be described later is displayed on the symbol display means 330 in a manner of variably displaying or stopping display. Displayed as an effect image. Preferably, the symbol display control means 660 displays on the symbol display means 330 an effect image composed of a plurality of types of symbol images and display images other than the symbol images. The symbol display control means 660 preferably comprises the image control circuit 52 described above.

  Further, as will be described later, the symbol display control unit 660 uses the symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode selected by the operation display mode selection unit 700 based on the lottery stop display mode determined by the lottery display mode determination unit 690. Stop display instead of symbols. In particular, it is preferable to change the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode to the symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode when the symbol is stopped.

  The process of stopping and displaying the symbols based on the selection operation stop display mode instead of the symbols based on the lottery stop display mode is performed by executing the subroutine shown in FIG. 8 and then executing the subroutine shown in FIG. .

  Furthermore, when the special game is finished, the symbol display control unit 660 stops and displays a symbol based on a selection operation stop display mode, which will be described later, on the symbol display unit 330 instead of the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode.

  The symbol display control unit 660 includes a symbol specifying data storage unit 665, an image data storage unit 670, a lottery display mode determination unit 690, an operation display mode selection unit 700, and a display data storage unit 710.

<Design specific data storage means 665>
The symbol specifying data storage unit 665 stores symbol specifying data for specifying a plurality of types of symbols. The symbol specifying data for specifying a plurality of types of symbols is information used for specifying each of the plurality of types of symbols, and is information for specifying the content of the symbol as identification information. This is data that is referred to when the symbols are displayed in a variably or stopped display. For example, when a symbol image is displayed on an image display means such as a liquid crystal display as the symbol display means 330 to be described later, symbol image data storage means to be described later is used to store symbol image data for determining the symbol form based on the symbol specifying data. The data is read from 675 and displayed at a predetermined display position of the video display means. Further, when the symbol display means 330 described later uses a drum or reel that rotates mechanically, the drum or reel is controlled to stop based on the symbol specifying data, and is attached to the drum or reel. Determine the display position of the symbol.

<Image Data Storage Unit 670>
The image data storage unit 670 stores various types of data related to symbols when the symbol display unit 330 described later is a video display unit such as a liquid crystal display.

  The image data storage unit 670 includes a symbol image data storage unit 675 and a symbol stop mode storage unit 680.

<Design image data storage means 675>
The symbol image data storage means 675 stores symbol image data that defines the symbol form. By reading out the symbol image data based on the symbol specifying data described above, the symbol image can be displayed on the symbol display means 330.

<Design stop mode storage means 680>
The symbol stop mode storage unit 680 stores a plurality of symbol stop modes of symbols to be displayed on the symbol display unit 330 as a symbol display mode when a symbol is stopped and displayed in one unit game.

  Here, the display mode of the symbols refers to those that allow the player to visually recognize that they have become a predetermined one. For example, a so-called “2”-“2”-“2” so-called slash This includes not only the specific display mode that has become, but also so-called out-of-display modes such as “5”-“9”-“3”. Furthermore, not only the content of the symbol but also the color and size of the symbol These aspects are also included.

  The symbol stop mode storage unit 680 includes a special symbol stop display mode storage unit 682 and a general symbol stop display mode storage unit 688. Further, the special symbol stop display mode storage unit 682 includes a specific symbol stop display mode storage unit 684 and a non-specific symbol stop display mode storage unit 686.

  The special symbol stop display mode storage unit 682 has one symbol display mode that is stopped and displayed in one unit game when it is determined by the bullet ball game transition control unit 522 that the bullet ball game is to be shifted to the special game. A plurality of special symbol stop display modes that can be selected are stored.

  The general symbol stop display mode storage unit 688 has one symbol display mode that is stopped and displayed in one unit game when it is determined by the ball game transition control unit 522 that the ball game is not shifted to a special game. A plurality of general symbol stop display modes that can be selected are stored.

  The specific symbol stop display mode storage unit 684 stores a plurality of specific symbol stop display modes that can shift the gaming state of the unit game to the probability variation state, and the non-specific symbol stop display mode storage unit 686 stores the gaming state of the unit game. A plurality of non-specific symbol stop display modes that cannot be shifted to the probability variation state are stored.

  Here, the specific symbol stop display mode is not limited as long as the player can recognize the specific display mode. For example, when the identification information itself constituting the symbol is specific, or the symbol image is displayed. Cases such as color and size are included.

<Lottery display mode determination means 690>
Based on the lottery process of the lottery means 512 described above, the lottery display mode determining unit 690 selects one symbol stop display mode from the plurality of symbol stop display modes stored in the symbol stop mode storage unit 680 as the lottery stop display mode. decide. This process is performed mainly by executing the processes of steps S71 and S74 of FIG.

<Operation Display Mode Selection Unit 700>
The operation display mode selection means 700 stores the symbol stop mode according to the operation signal issued from the operation unit 450 after the symbols are stopped and displayed based on the lottery stop display mode determined by the lottery display mode determination unit 690. One symbol stop display mode is selected as a selection operation stop display mode from a plurality of symbol stop display modes stored in the means 680. This process is performed by executing a subroutine shown in FIG.

  In addition, the operation display mode selection unit 700 selects one of the plurality of symbol stop display modes from the plurality of symbol stop display modes according to the operation signal issued from the operation unit 450 during the period from the transition to the special game. The symbol stop display mode is selected as the selection operation stop display mode. This process is performed by calling and executing the subroutine of FIG. 10 in step S83 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 8, and further calling and executing the subroutine of FIG. 12 in step S123 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

  Further, the operation display mode selection unit 700 selects from a plurality of symbol stop display modes in accordance with an operation signal issued from the operation unit 450 when the number of games counted by a game number counting unit 720 described later is larger than a predetermined number. One symbol stop display mode is selected as the selection operation stop display mode. This process is performed by calling and executing the subroutine of FIG. 12 in step S123 when a predetermined condition is satisfied in step S122 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 10 after the subroutine shown in FIG. 9 is executed.

  Furthermore, the operation display mode selection unit 700 selects one of the plurality of specific symbol stop display modes when one of the plurality of specific symbol stop display modes is determined by the lottery display mode determination unit 690, When one of a plurality of non-specific symbol stop display modes is determined by the lottery display mode determination means 690, one of the plurality of non-specific symbol stop display modes is selected. This process is performed by executing a subroutine shown in FIG. 13 instead of the processes in steps S160 to 162 of the subroutine shown in FIG.

<Display Data Storage Unit 710>
The display data storage means 710 is for temporarily storing image data when displaying a symbol image on the symbol display means 330. The symbol image data can be displayed on the symbol display unit 330 by writing the symbol image data in the display data storage unit 710. The writing of the image data to the display data storage unit 710 is executed by the processes of S75 to S77 in FIG.

<Game Counting Unit 720>
The number-of-games counting means 720 is the number of unit games performed after the special game transferred by the above-described ball game transfer control means 522 is completed, and the ball game transfer control means 522 converts the ball game to a special game. The number of times determined not to be transferred to is counted as the number of games.

<< Directing means 300 >>
The effect means 300 is an effect means including a symbol display means 330 described later, and the effect means 300 performs an effect that can be recognized by the player. Specifically, the rendering means 300 includes symbol display means 330, and in each of these, symbols that can be recognized by the player are displayed.

<Pattern display means 330>
The symbol display means 330 may be any device that can cause the player to visually recognize the symbol while the player is playing a ball game, such as a liquid crystal display that electrically displays the image of the symbol. In addition to means, a mechanically rotating drum or reel is also included. Therefore, not only the image of the symbol displayed on the image display means such as a liquid crystal display but also the symbol that is visibly attached to the drum or reel by being drawn on or attached to the drum or reel. Images are also included. The symbol display means 330 is preferably composed of the image display device 30 described above.

  The symbol change display in the symbol display means 330 is a display in which symbols are displayed in such a manner that identification information constituting the symbols is sequentially changed, or symbols are displayed in a manner in which the symbol display position is changed. Is the method. The time when the symbol variation display is started is when the unit game is started. In the case of a symbol displayed on the image display means, the variable display can be performed by displaying the image of the symbol in a moving manner. In the case of a mechanical display means such as a drum or a reel, the symbol display can be performed. This can be done by controlling the rotation of the drum or reel to which the image is attached.

<< Control processing >>
Hereinafter, various controls performed in the main control unit 510 and the sub control unit 610 described above will be described. In the following, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is activated in advance, and the above-described main control means 510 and sub-control means 610 have finished the activation processing such as initialization of various variables used for control, and the pachinko gaming machine 10 is assumed to be in steady operation.

  4 to 7 described below show subroutines executed in the main control unit 510, and FIGS. 8 to 13 show subroutines executed in the sub control unit 610. Note that the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 to 13 show only one example for executing the control process in the main control unit 510 or the sub-control unit 610, as long as the same process can be performed. The procedure is not limited to those shown in these flowcharts.

<Winning process>
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a winning process subroutine executed by the main control means 510. The subroutine shown in FIG. 4 is called from a main program (not shown) executed in advance by the main control means 510 at every predetermined timing and repeatedly executed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the game ball moving on the surface of the game board 24 has won the start winning opening 32 (step S11). As described above, the start winning opening 32 is provided with a winning detection sensor (not shown) that detects that a game ball has passed and issues a detection signal to the main control means 510. The process of step S11 is determined based on whether or not the above-described winning determination processing unit 530 has transmitted a detection signal from the winning detection sensor to the main control unit 510.

  When it is determined in step S11 that the game ball has won the start winning opening 32, it is determined whether or not the symbol image is being variably displayed on the symbol display means 330 (step S12). This determination is made based on the time when the time measurement is started with reference to the time when the determination result determined by the random number determination means 518 is transmitted to the sub-control means 610 in step S47 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 8 described later, the sub-control unit 610 starts to display the variation of the symbol image when the determination result is received from the main control unit 510. Furthermore, the time during which the symbol image is variably displayed in the sub-control means 610 is determined according to the determination result determined in the determination process of step S46 of FIG. Therefore, the determination in step S12 described above is based on the determination result determined in step S46 of FIG. 5 and the time when the time measurement is started in step S47, and the symbol image is variably displayed on the symbol display means 330. The main control means 510 can determine whether or not it is in the middle.

  When it is determined in step S12 that the symbol display means 330 is not in the midst of the variable display of the symbol image, the random number generation means 514 obtains a random number (step S13), and the main control means stores the random number. The obtained random number value is stored in the normal storage means 542 previously assigned to the means 540 (step S14). Next, the value of the flag F_flow is set to 1 (step S15). This flag F_flow is a flag indicating whether or not a game ball has won the start winning opening 32 and a symbol image is not variably displayed on the symbol display means 330. The value of the flag F_flow is 1 when a game ball wins the start winning opening 32 and the symbol image is not variably displayed on the symbol display means 330. On the other hand, the value of the flag F_flow is 0 when the game ball has not won the start winning opening 32 or when the symbol display means 330 displays the symbol image in a variable manner. The value of the flag F_flow is determined in step S43 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in the above-described step S12 that the symbol display means 330 is in the middle of the variable display of the symbol image, the reserved area 544 allocated in advance to the random number storage means 540 of the main control means is empty. It is determined whether or not there is (step S16). As described above, the reserved area 544 includes a predetermined plurality, for example, four storage areas. When it is determined in step S16 that the reserved area 544 is empty, a random number is acquired (step S17), and the value of the random number is stored in the empty area of the reserved area 544 (step S18).

  Further, when it is determined in step S16 described above that there is no space in the reserved area 544, or when the process of step S15 or S18 is executed, the process proceeds to step S20 described later.

  By performing the above-described steps S11 to S18, when a game ball is won at the start winning opening 32, if a symbol image is not displayed in a variable manner on the symbol display means 330, a random number is immediately obtained and its value is obtained. Is stored in the normal storage means 542. On the other hand, when the game ball is won at the start winning opening 32 and the symbol image is variably displayed on the symbol display means 330, if there is a vacancy in the reserved area 544, the vacant reserved area 544 is acquired. The random numbers are sequentially stored, and when the reserved area 544 is full, the fact that the game ball has won the start winning opening 32 is ignored.

  When it is determined in step S11 described above that the game ball has not won the start winning opening 32, it is determined whether or not the game ball has won the other winning openings 36, 38, etc. (step S19). When it is determined that no game ball has been won in other winning holes 36, 38, etc., this subroutine is immediately terminated.

  When it is determined in step S19 that a game ball has won in another winning opening 36 or 38, when it is determined in step S16 that there is no free space in the holding area 544, or the processing in step S15 or S18 described above is executed. After that, a process of paying out game balls to the tray 18 by the number corresponding to the type of the winning opening is executed (step S20), and this subroutine is finished.

<Judgment result transmission process>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of determination result transmission processing executed in the main control means 510. The subroutine shown in FIG. 5 is called from a main program (not shown) executed in advance by the main control means 510 at predetermined timings and repeatedly executed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the symbol image is being variably displayed on the symbol display means 330 (step S41). When it is determined that the symbol image is being variably displayed, this subroutine is immediately terminated.

  On the other hand, when the symbol display means 330 determines that the symbol image is not being variably displayed, it is determined whether or not a random number value is stored in the holding area 544 (step S42). When it is determined that the random number value is not stored in the reserved area 544, it is determined whether or not the value of the flag F_flow described above is 1 (step S43). When it is determined that the value of the flag F_flow is not 1, that is, when the symbol image is not variably displayed on the symbol display means 330 and the game ball is not winning at the start winning opening 32, immediately This subroutine ends.

  When it is determined in step S43 described above that the value of the flag F_flow is 1, the random number value stored in the normal storage unit 542 is read (step S44), and the value of the flag F_flow is set to 0 (step S45). Next, the random number determination means 518 executes determination processing based on the random number value acquired in step S13 or S17 described above (step S46). This determination process is a process for determining whether or not the random number determination means 518 determines whether or not it is hit, and as described above, by comparing the value of the random number generated by the random number generation means 514 with a lottery table (not shown), Whether to win or fail is determined according to the area to which the random number value belongs. As described above, when the random number determining means 518 determines or loses as a determination result, various kinds of information relating to the manner of winning or falling of the symbol image game performed by the symbol display means 330, particularly the symbol image game In addition to the normal hit that simply hits, information on the so-called probabilistic hit that shifts to the probability fluctuation state is also included.

  As will be described later, the determination result determined by the determination process in step S46 is transmitted to the sub-control means 610. When the determination result is transmitted from the main control unit 510, the sub control unit 610 starts the symbol image variation display on the symbol display unit 330 and executes the unit game. In particular, when the determination result transmitted from the main control means is a win, the sub-control means 610 wins the unit game when the symbol image is started to change and the symbol image is stopped and displayed. . Thereafter, the sub-control unit 610 executes a jackpot effect process in step S83 of FIG. 8 to be described later, and the main control unit 510 shifts the ball game to the special game.

  In this way, when the determination result is a win, the main control means 510 shifts the ball game to the special game, and the sub-control means 610 performs a big hit effect process in the symbol display means 330. As described above, when the main control means 510 shifts the ball game to the special game, the special game port 34 is opened to make the game ball easy to win, and the game ball is changed to the special game port 34. A special game that facilitates inflow is performed. In this way, the ball game shifts to a special game that is advantageous to the player.

  After executing the determination process of step S46 described above, the determination result determined in the process of step S46 is transmitted to the sub-control means 610 (step S47), and this subroutine is terminated.

  When it is determined in step S42 described above that the random number value is stored in the reserved area 544, the random number value stored in the storage area having the highest priority among the plurality of reserved areas 544 is read ( Step S48). Next, the random number value remaining in the holding area 544 is shifted one by one to the storage area having a higher priority and stored again (step S49). That is, for example, when the reserved area 544 is composed of four storage areas, the random number value stored in the second candidate storage area is shifted to the first candidate storage area and stored in the third candidate storage area. The random number value is shifted to the second candidate storage area, and the random number value stored in the fourth candidate storage area is shifted to the third candidate storage area.

  After executing the process of step S49 described above, the process proceeds to step S46 described above, the same process as described above is executed, and this subroutine is terminated.

<Big jack start processing>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the jackpot start process executed by the main control means 510. The subroutine shown in FIG. 6 is called from a main program (not shown) executed in advance by the main control means 510 at predetermined timings and repeatedly executed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the result of the determination process in step S46 of FIG. 5 is a win (step S51). When it is determined that the determination result is a win, it is determined in the symbol display means 330 whether or not the symbol image is being variably displayed (step S52). When the symbol display means 330 determines that the symbol image is not being variably displayed, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 34 opening / closing control processing has already been executed (step S53). When it is determined that the opening / closing control process for the special winning opening 34 is not executed, the opening / closing control process for the special winning opening 34 is started (step S54), and this subroutine is terminated. By starting the opening / closing control process of the special prize opening 34 in this step S54, the special prize opening control process shown in FIG.

  When it is determined in step S51 that the result of the determination process is not successful, when it is determined in step S52 that the symbol image is variably displayed, or in step S53, the control process for opening / closing the special prize opening 34 has already been executed. If it is determined that it is, the subroutine is immediately terminated.

<Special prize opening control process>
FIG. 7 shows a subroutine of the special prize opening control process which is started in step S54 of FIG. The subroutine shown in FIG. 7 is called at every predetermined timing and repeatedly executed after the processing is started in step S54 in FIG. This special winning opening control process is a process for mainly controlling the opening or closing of the special winning opening 34 described above, and is a process for shifting the ball game to the special game.

  First, information indicating that the main control unit 510 has started the special game is transmitted to the sub-control unit 610 (step S61). Next, the value of the variable round is initialized, for example, set to 0 (step S62). This variable round is the number of rounds described above, and indicates the number of times of opening and closing when the special winning opening 34 is opened and then closed once.

  Next, the special winning opening 34 is controlled to be opened (step S63). A solenoid (not shown) is connected to the special winning opening 34, and the special winning opening 34 is opened by supplying current to the solenoid. Next, the value of the variable round is increased by 1 (step S64), and the value is transmitted to the sub-control means 610 (step S65).

  Further, it is determined whether or not the condition for closing the special prize opening 34 is satisfied (step S66). Specifically, the conditions for closing the special prize opening 34 are: whether or not a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds has elapsed since the special prize opening 34 was opened, and the number of game balls won in the special prize opening 34 Whether or not has reached 10 or more. When it is determined that the condition for closing the special prize opening 34 is not satisfied, the determination process in step S66 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the condition for closing the special prize opening 34 is satisfied, the special prize opening 34 is closed (step S67). This closing control is performed by cutting off the current supply to the solenoid connected to the special winning opening 34. Next, it is determined whether or not to continue the next round (step S68). Specifically, whether or not to continue the round is determined by whether or not the value of the variable round is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, for example, 15 or greater, and the so-called V zone formed in the special winning opening 34. It is whether or not the game ball has passed through a region called (not shown). If it is determined that the next round will continue, the process returns to step S63 described above.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the next round is not to be continued, information indicating that the special game has ended is transmitted to the sub-control means 610 (step S69), and this subroutine is ended.

<Image display processing>
FIG. 8 shows a subroutine of image display processing executed in the sub-control means 610 described above. The subroutine shown in FIG. 8 is called from a main program (not shown) previously executed by the sub-control means 610 at every predetermined timing and repeatedly executed.

  First, the determination result issued from the main control means 510 is received (step S71). This process is a process corresponding to the process of step S47 of FIG.

  Next, a subroutine for the number counting process shown in FIG. 9 described later is called and executed (step S72). This number-of-times counting process is a process of counting the number of times that a ball game has won a jackpot or the number of times that a ball game has not been a jackpot. These counted times are used in the jackpot effect process shown in FIG.

  Next, the image data is read from the image data storage unit 670, and the display position on the symbol display unit 330 is determined (step S74). The image data is design image data, character image data, and background image data. The design image data is read from the design image data storage means 675, and the character image data is character image data storage means (see FIG. The background image data is read from the background image data storage means (not shown).

  Next, the read design image data is written into the display data storage means 710 of the design display control means 660, the design image is displayed on the design display means 330 (step S75), and the read background image data is shown in the design display control. The display image storage means 710 of the means 660 writes the background image on the symbol display means 330 (step S76), and the character image data read in step S74 is the display data storage means 710 of the symbol display control means 660. The character image is displayed on the symbol display means 330 (step S77). By repeatedly executing the processes of steps S74 to S77 described above, the symbol display means 330 displays a variation of the symbol image and also displays an image of the character performing a predetermined action.

  After executing the process of step S77, it is determined whether or not it is time to stop and display the symbol image (step S79). When it is determined that it is time to stop and display the symbol image, one symbol image of the three symbol images is stopped and displayed (step S80).

  In step S79 described above, when it is determined that it is not the timing to stop and display the symbol image, or when the processing of step S80 is executed, it is determined whether or not all the symbol images have been stopped and displayed (step S81). When it is determined that all the symbol images are not stopped and displayed, the process returns to step S74 described above.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the images of all symbols have been stopped and displayed, it is determined whether or not the jackpot effect is to be given in the symbol display means 330 based on the determination result received in step S71 (step S82). When it is determined that the jackpot effect is to be made in the symbol display means 330, the jackpot effect process shown in FIG. 10 described later is called and executed (step S83). When it is determined in the symbol display means 330 that the jackpot effect will not be given, or after the processing of step S83 is executed, this subroutine is finished.

  By executing the process of step S71 described above and executing the processes of steps S74, S75, and S80, “the lottery process determines one symbol stop display mode as the lottery stop display mode from the plurality of symbol stop display modes. "The symbol can be stopped and displayed based on the lottery stop display mode determined by the lottery display mode determining means".

  Thereafter, a subroutine shown in FIG. 10 described later is called and executed in step S83, and the subroutine shown in FIG. 12 is called and executed in step S123 of the subroutine shown in FIG. After the symbol is stopped and displayed based on the stop display mode, one symbol stop display mode is selected as the selection operation stop display mode from the plurality of symbol stop display modes according to the operation signal issued from the operation means. "The symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode selected by the operation display mode selection means can be stopped and displayed instead of the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode".

<Number counting process>
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the number counting process called and executed in step S72 of FIG. 8 described above.

  First, it is determined whether or not the determination result received in step S71 of FIG. 8 indicates a win (step S91). When it is determined that the determination result is a win, the value of the variable C_fail is initialized, for example, set to 0 (step S92). This variable C_fail means that while the unit game is being played multiple times, the ball game will be a big hit as a result of the unit game, and after that big hit, the ball game will not continue to win It is a variable indicating the number of unit games, and indicates the degree of so-called “falling”. If the ball game is a big hit even once, it is not in a state where the ball game has not been a big win, so when it is determined that the determination result is a win, the variable C_fail is set in step S92 described above. The value of is initialized.

  Next, 1 is added to the value of the variable C_win (step S93). This variable C_win indicates the number of times that the ball game has been a big hit, and is incremented by 1 each time the ball game has a big hit. Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable C_win is greater than a predetermined number, for example, 20 (step S94). When it is determined that the value of the variable C_win is greater than the predetermined number of times, the value of the flag F_exe is set to 1 (step S95). When it is determined that the value of the variable C_win is equal to or less than the predetermined number of times, the value of the flag F_exe is set to 0. (Step S96). This flag F_exe is a flag indicating whether or not a game process to be described later is executed and whether or not a symbol selection process is executed. When the value of the flag F_exe is 1, the game process and the symbol selection process are performed. When the value of the flag F_exe is 0, the game process and the symbol selection process are not executed.

  After executing the process of step S95, the value of the variable C_win described above is initialized, for example, set to 0 (step S97), and this subroutine is terminated.

  By executing the processing of steps S94 to S97 described above, the value of the variable C_win is initialized every time the number of times that the ball game has been a big hit becomes a predetermined number, for example, 20 times.

  When it is determined that the determination result received in step S91 described above is not a hit, 1 is added to the value of the variable C_fail (step S98). As described above, the variable C_fail indicates that the unit ball game is a big hit as a result of the unit game while the unit game is performed a plurality of times, and the ball game continues after the jackpot. Since this is a variable indicating the number of unit games that did not win, it indicates the level of so-called “falling”, and is incremented by 1 each time it is determined that the received determination result is not a hit.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable C_fail is greater than a predetermined number of times, for example, more than 1000 times (step S99). When it is determined that the value of the variable C_fail is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times, for example, more than 1000 times, the value of the flag F_exe is set to 1 (step S100), and when it is determined that the value of the variable C_fail is less than or equal to the predetermined number of times The value of F_exe is set to 0 (step S101). As described above, the flag F_exe is a flag indicating whether or not a game process to be described later is executed and whether or not a symbol selection process is executed.

  After executing the process of step S100, the value of the above-described variable C_fail is initialized, for example, set to 0 (step S102). That is, the value of the variable C_fail is initialized every time the number of times that the ball game is not a big hit becomes a predetermined number, for example, 1000 times.

  After executing the processing of step S101 or S102 described above, this subroutine is terminated.

<Big jackpot processing>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of jackpot effect processing that is called and executed in step S83 of FIG. 8 described above.

  First, the round value of the special game when the ball game is a big hit is received from the main control means 510 (step S111). This receiving process corresponds to step S65 of FIG. 7 described above. In the following, it is assumed that the received round value is stored in the variable round, and the value of the variable round indicates the value of the round. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the round has a value of 1 to 15.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable round is 1 or more and 4 or less (step S112). When it is determined that the value of the variable round is 1 or more and 4 or less, a predetermined effect image such as a demo image (not shown) is displayed on the symbol display means 330 (step S113).

  When it is determined that the value of the variable round is not greater than 1 and not greater than 4, or when the process of step S113 is executed, it is determined whether the value of the variable round is 5 (step S114). When it is determined that the value of the variable round is 5, the value of the flag F_game is set to 1 (step S115). This flag F_game is a flag indicating whether or not to execute a game performed in the symbol display means 330 described later. When the value of the flag F_game is 1, the game is executed and the value of the flag F_game is 0. Sometimes the game is not run. By setting the value of the flag F_game to 1 in step S115, a subroutine for executing the game shown in FIG. 11 is called in step S121, which will be described later, and the game is played.

  When it is determined that the value of the variable round is not 5, or when the process of step S115 is executed, it is determined whether the value of the variable round is 6 or more and the value of the flag F_win is 0 (step S115). S116). This flag F_win is a flag indicating whether the game is won or lost in the subroutine shown in FIG. 11 described later. When the game is won, the value of F_win is 1, and when it is lost, the value of F_win is 0. . When it is determined in step S116 that the value of the variable round is 6 or more and the value of the flag F_win is 0, that is, a special game with a round of 6 to 15 is being performed in the ball game. When losing the game executed in the subroutine shown in FIG. 11, a predetermined effect image, for example, a demo image (not shown), for example, is displayed on the symbol display means 330 as in step S113 described above (step S117).

  When it is determined in step S116 that the value of the variable round is less than 6, or when it is determined that the value of the flag F_win is not 0, or when the process of step S117 is executed, the value of the variable round is 6 or more. Further, it is determined whether or not the value of the flag F_win is 1 (step S118). When it is determined that the value of the variable round is 6 or more and the value of the flag F_win is 1, that is, a special game with a round of 6 to 15 is being performed in the ball game, and the subroutine of FIG. When the game is won, the value of the flag F_select is set to 1 (step S119). This flag F_select is a flag indicating whether or not to execute a process of selecting a symbol in a subroutine of FIG. 12 described later. When the value of the flag F_select is 1, a process of selecting a symbol is executed, and the flag F_select When the value of is 0, the symbol selecting process is not executed.

  When it is determined in step S118 that the value of the variable round is less than 6, or when it is determined that the value of the flag F_win is not 1, or when the process of step S119 is executed, the value of the flag F_game is 1, and It is determined whether or not the value of the flag F_exe is 1 (step S120). When it is determined that the value of the flag F_game is 1 and the value of the flag F_exe is 1, that is, when it is determined that the subroutine game shown in FIG. 11 is to be executed, processing for executing the game shown in FIG. Is called and executed (step S121).

  When it is determined in step S120 that the value of the flag F_game is not 1, or when it is determined that the value of the flag F_exe is not 1, or when the process of step S121 is executed, the value of the flag F_select is 1 and the flag F_exe It is determined whether the value of 1 is 1 (step S122). When it is determined that the value of the flag F_select is 1 and the value of the flag F_exe is 1, that is, when it is determined that the process of selecting a symbol is to be executed, a subroutine for the process of selecting a symbol shown in FIG. Is called and executed (step S123).

  Whether or not the value of the variable round is less than 15 when it is determined in step S122 that the value of the flag F_select is not 1, or when the value of the flag F_exe is not 1 or when the process of step S123 is executed Is determined (step S124). When it is determined that the value of the variable round is less than 15, the process returns to step S111 described above, and when it is determined that the value of the variable round is 15 or more, this subroutine is terminated.

<Game execution process>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution process that is called and executed in step S121 of FIG. 10 described above.

  First, three box images and a message are displayed on the symbol display means 330 (step S131). For example, as shown in FIG. 14 (a), one box image is displayed on each of the left, center and right of the screen, and the message “Please select a box by pressing the input button” on the upper side of the screen. Is displayed. Next, a random number is generated and a lottery process is performed to set whether each of the displayed three boxes is “win” or “out” (step S132). In this case, all of the three boxes may be determined as winning or all may be determined as out. Also, in this game, if the player selects the “win” box, this game is won, and if the player selects the “out” box, the player loses this game. It will be.

  Next, the value of the variable position is initialized, for example, set to 1 (step S133). This variable position is a variable indicating any one of the three boxes described above. When the value of the variable position is 1, it indicates the left box, and when the value of the variable position is 2, This indicates that the box is in the center. When the value of the variable position is 3, it indicates that the box is on the right.

  Next, an arrow image serving as a cursor on the screen of the symbol display means 330 is displayed at a position corresponding to the value of the variable position (step S134). For example, immediately after initializing the value of the variable position in step S133 described above, the value of the variable position is 1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14A, a white arrow is displayed below the left box. An image is displayed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed to execute this game (step S135). As described above, the game performed by the subroutine in FIG. 11 is performed in the symbol display means 330 as an effect when the ball game is shifted to the special game, so when the special game ends, This game must have ended. For this reason, the predetermined time for executing the game is a time that is appropriately determined according to the time at which the special game ends.

  When it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed for executing the game, it is determined whether or not an operation signal is issued from the operation button 45 (step S136). When it is determined that an operation signal is issued from the operation button 45, it is determined whether the box corresponding to the value of the variable position is “win” or “out” (step S137). When it is determined that the box corresponding to the value of the variable position is “hit”, the symbol display means 330 is displayed (step S138), and the value of the flag F_win is set to 1 (step S138). S139). On the other hand, when it is determined that the box corresponding to the value of the variable position is “out”, the symbol display means 330 displays that it is out (step S140), and sets the value of the flag F_win to 0. (Step S141).

  FIG. 14B shows an example in which the symbol display means 330 is displayed in the process of step S138 described above. In the example shown in FIG. 14B, the right box is a “hit”, the arrow image is located below the right box, and the player selects the right box. is there. As shown in FIG. 14B, by executing the process of step S138, the lid of the right box is opened, and an image in which a character of “win” appears from the box is displayed. Show the player that he has won. As described above, the flag F_win whose value is set in step S139 or S141 is a flag indicating whether the game has been won or lost. When the game is won, the value of F_win is 1, and when it is lost, The value of F_win is 0.

  After executing the process of step S139 or S141 described above, this subroutine is terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S135 described above that a predetermined time has elapsed for executing the game, the process of step S141 described above is executed, and this subroutine is terminated. In this case, it means that the player has finished the game after a predetermined time has passed to execute the game without operating the operation button 45 at all.

  If it is determined in step S136 that the operation button 45 has not been operated, it is determined whether the display standby time has elapsed (step S142). This display standby time is a time that is determined in advance as a sufficient time for the player to determine whether or not to select the box indicated by the above-described white arrow image.

  When it is determined that the display standby time has elapsed, 1 is added to the value of the variable position (step S143), and it is determined whether or not the value of the variable position is greater than 3 (step S144). When it is determined that the value of the variable position is greater than 3, the value of the variable position is set to 1 (step S145).

  When it is determined in step S144 that the value of the variable position is 3 or less, or when the process of step S145 is executed, the process returns to step S134 described above.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S142 described above that the display standby time has not elapsed, the process immediately returns to step S135.

  By executing the processing of steps S142 to S145 described above, an image of an arrow that serves as a cursor is displayed every time the waiting time elapses, left box → center box → right box → left box →. It can be moved and displayed sequentially like Further, for the box indicated by the arrow image, it is possible to give the player time for determining whether or not to select the box until the standby time has elapsed.

<Design selection process>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing for selecting a symbol that is called and executed in step S123 of FIG. 10 described above.

  First, a predetermined number of, for example, 10 symbol images and messages are displayed on the symbol display means 330 (step S151). For example, as shown in FIG. 16A, ten symbol images from a symbol “1” to a symbol “10” are displayed from left to right on the screen of the symbol display means 330. At the same time, the message “Press the input button to select a symbol” is displayed at the top of the screen. In addition, it is preferable that the symbols displayed here are all the symbols that are displayed in a variable manner in the unit game. Further, as described above, since this subroutine is executed when the ball game is shifted to the special game, the number of rounds of the special game may be displayed on the screen. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 16A, “7R” is displayed at the lower right of the screen, and it is possible to clearly indicate to the player that the special game is currently in the seventh round.

  In the unit game performed immediately after the above-described processing of step S151 is executed and immediately before the ball game is shifted to the special game, an image of the symbol winning the unit game is displayed in the right frame of the screen ( Step S152). By displaying in this way, it is possible to clearly indicate to the player the symbol that was a big hit in the unit game immediately before the transition to the special game. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 (a), when a unit game is a big hit at “2”-“2”-“2” in a unit game performed immediately before a ball game shifts to a special game, As shown in FIG. 16A, an image of the symbol “2” is displayed in the right frame of the screen.

  Next, the value of the variable number is initialized (step S153). This variable number is a variable for specifying a predetermined number of symbols displayed on the symbol display means 330 in step S151 described above. For example, when the value of the variable number is 3, it means that the symbol “3” is currently determined, and when the value of the variable number is 8, it means that the symbol “8” is currently determined. To do.

  Next, an arrow image serving as a cursor on the screen of the symbol display means 330 is displayed at a position corresponding to the value of the variable number (step S154).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed to select a symbol (step S155). As described above, the symbol selection process performed by the subroutine in FIG. 12 is performed in the symbol display means 330 as an effect when the ball game is shifted to the special game, as in FIG. Therefore, when the special game ends, the symbol selection process must also end. For this reason, the predetermined time for selecting a symbol is a time that is appropriately determined according to the time at which the special game ends.

  When it is determined that a predetermined time for selecting a symbol has elapsed, this subroutine is immediately terminated.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that a predetermined time for selecting a symbol has not elapsed, it is determined whether or not an operation signal is issued from the operation button 45 (step S156). When it is determined that an operation signal is issued from the operation button 45, a symbol corresponding to the value of the variable number is selected (step S157), and the selected symbol is displayed in the right frame of the symbol display means 330 (step S158). . For example, as shown in FIG. 16B, when the player operates the operation button 45 when the image of the arrow serving as the cursor points to the symbol “8”, the symbol “8” is selected. As a result, the image of the selected symbol “8” is displayed in the right frame of the symbol display means 330.

  When it is determined in step S156 that an operation signal is not issued from the operation button 45, or when the process of step S158 is executed, it is determined whether or not the display standby time has elapsed (step S159). The display standby time is a time that is appropriately determined in advance as a time sufficient for the player to determine whether or not to select the symbol indicated by the above outlined arrow image.

  When it is determined that the display standby time has elapsed, 1 is added to the value of the variable number (step S160), and it is determined whether or not the value of the variable number is greater than a predetermined number (step S161). When it is determined that the value of the variable number is greater than the predetermined number, the value of the variable number is set to 1 (step S162).

  When it is determined in step S161 that the value of the variable number is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number, or when the process of step S162 is executed, the process returns to step S154 described above.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S159 described above that the display standby time has not elapsed, the process immediately returns to step S155.

  By executing the processing of steps S155 to S162 described above, the symbol “1” → “2” → “3” →. "→" 1 "→ ... can be moved and displayed sequentially. Further, for the symbol indicated by the arrow image, it is possible to give the player time for determining whether or not to select the symbol until the standby time has elapsed. Further, even if the operation button 45 is once operated, the player can re-select the symbol as many times as necessary until a predetermined time has elapsed for selecting the symbol in step S155.

  By executing the symbol selection subroutine shown in FIG. 12, a symbol indicating that the unit game is a big hit is displayed in a unit game stopped immediately before the ball game is shifted to the special game. The player can select a symbol different from the symbol, and the symbol selected by the player can be displayed on the symbol display means 330 as a symbol indicating that the unit game immediately before the special game is a big hit. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 (a), a unit game performed immediately before a ball game shifts to a special game is hit with a symbol “2”-“2”-“2” and shifts to a special game. When this subroutine is executed and the player selects the symbol “8”, as shown in FIG. 15B, the unit game played immediately before the transition to the special game after the special game is completed. Is displayed on the symbol display means 330 as a big hit with symbols “8”-“8”-“8”.

  The subroutine shown in FIG. 12 described above shows a case in which all the symbols that are variably displayed in the unit game are displayed, and the player can select any one symbol from all the symbols. The symbols that are variably displayed or stopped in the unit game are the so-called probability variation symbol that may cause the unit game to transition to the probability variation state, and the symbol that is referred to as a normal symbol other than the probability variation symbol. Consists of. For example, the probability variation symbol is defined as a symbol composed of odd numbers, and the normal symbol is defined as a symbol composed of even numbers.

  As described above, by executing the subroutine shown in FIG. 12, the symbol selected by the player is displayed on the symbol display means 330 as a symbol indicating that the unit game immediately before the special game is a big hit. . For this reason, when any one of the symbols variably displayed in the unit game can be selected, the determination result determined in step S46 in FIG. Regardless, there are cases where the probability variation symbol is selected and displayed by the player, or the normal symbol is selected and displayed by the player even though the determination result is a probability variation. In order to prevent a contradiction between the determination result and the display of the unit game symbol, it is preferable to perform the following processing.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for preventing inconsistency between the determination result and the display of the unit game symbol. Note that the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is obtained by replacing the processing of steps S160 to S162 shown in FIG. In the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, the so-called probability variation symbol is defined as an odd number symbol, and the normal symbol is defined as an even number symbol. . Further, when the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is executed, in step S151 in FIG. 12, if the determination result is a probability variation, only odd symbols are displayed as shown in FIG. When the determination result is normal, only even symbols are displayed as shown in FIG. Further, in the initialization process in step S153 in FIG. 12, when the determination result is a probability variation, the value of the variable number is set to 1, and when the determination result is a normal variation, the variable number The value of is set to 2.

  In the process of step S159 in FIG. 12, when it is determined that the display standby time has elapsed, 2 is added to the value of the variable number (step S171).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the symbol stopped and displayed in the unit game performed immediately before the bullet ball game shifts to the special game is a so-called probability variation symbol (step S172). When it is determined that the symbol stopped and displayed in the unit game immediately before the special game is a so-called probability variation symbol, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable number is greater than a predetermined number, for example, ten (step S173). When it is determined that the value of the variable number is greater than the predetermined number, the value of the variable number is set to 1 (step S174). When it is determined in step S173 that the value of the variable number is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number, or when the process of step S174 is executed, the process returns to step S154.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S172 that the symbol stopped and displayed in the unit game immediately before the special game is a so-called normal symbol, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable number is greater than a predetermined number, for example, ten (step S172). S175). When it is determined that the value of the variable number is greater than the predetermined number, the value of the variable number is set to 2 (step S176). When it is determined in step S175 that the value of the variable number is equal to or smaller than the predetermined number, or when the process of step S176 is executed, the process returns to step S154.

  If the determination result is a probable hit by executing the processing of steps S171 to S176 described above instead of the processing of steps S160 to S162 shown in FIG. 12, the player as shown in FIG. Can select only the probability variation symbol, and when the determination result is normal hit, the player can select only the regular symbol as shown in FIG. By adopting such a process, the contradiction between the determination result and the display of the symbol of the unit game can be resolved.

<<< Second Embodiment >>>
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image display means 330 is mainly a video display means such as a liquid crystal display that electrically displays the image of the design is shown as an example. However, the design display means 330 is not limited to this and is mechanical. Also, those using a rotating drum or reel are included. When such a drum or reel is used, it is possible to display the symbol so that the player can see it by attaching the symbol to the surface.

  In the case where such display means comprising a mechanically rotating drum or reel is used as the symbol display means 330, an image display means for displaying an image separately from the display means comprising a drum or reel. (Not shown) is provided, and by executing the subroutine shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 in this image display means, a game can be played or the player can select a symbol.

<<< Third Embodiment >>>
In the first embodiment or the second embodiment described above, image display means such as a liquid crystal display that electrically displays a design image is provided, and the subroutine shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is executed. However, instead of providing such a video display means, a display means composed of a drum or a reel may be used as the symbol display means 330.

In the case of such a configuration, the game played by the subroutine shown in FIG. 11 can be dealt with by using a game using symbols instead of the box shown in FIG.
Also, the symbol selection process performed by the subroutine shown in FIG. 12 can be handled as follows. In the example shown below, it is assumed that three drums and reels are provided as the symbol display means 330.

  In a unit game in the symbol display means 330 made up of drums, reels, etc., the symbols that are stopped and displayed are in a specific stop mode, for example, a mode in which three symbols are arranged in a uniform pattern, and the ball game is special When transitioning to a game, processing corresponding to FIG. 12 is performed.

  Next, while maintaining the state where the three symbols are aligned, the three drums are simultaneously rotated by the same angle, and when the three symbols are completely displayed, the drum is stopped for a predetermined time. . The three drums are simultaneously rotated by the same angle until the three symbols are completely displayed again after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  By doing in this way, “1”-“1”-“1” → “2”-“2”-“2” → “3”-“3”-“3” →. Two symbols can be displayed sequentially. It is assumed that a symbol is selected when the player operates the operation button before the predetermined time elapses after the three symbols are stopped and displayed. If the player does not operate the operation button before the predetermined time has elapsed after the three symbols are stopped, the symbol is not selected and three symbols are displayed to display the next symbol. Rotate the drum by the same angle at the same time. If the operation button is not operated, the drum is rotated as many times as necessary until the special game is completed. In this way, processing corresponding to the subroutine shown in FIG. 12 can be executed, and the player can select a symbol.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 13, when a unit game immediately before the transition to a special game is a big hit with a so-called probability variation symbol, only the probability variation symbol can be selected by the player, It is preferable that the player can select only the non-probable variation when the symbol is a big hit. In this case, when the three drums are simultaneously rotated by the same angle, “1”-“1”-“1” → “3”-“3”-“3” → “5”- "5"-"5" → ..., "2"-"2"-"2" → "4"-"4"-"4" → "6"-"6"-"6" → It can be performed by stopping the three drums only when the three symbols become odd or even, as shown in FIG.

It is a front view showing the outline of an example of the pachinko gaming machine which is one embodiment of the ball game machine concerning the present invention. It is a rear view which shows the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of main control functions in the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a winning process executed in main control means 510. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing for transmitting a determination result executed in main control means 510 to sub control means 610. 5 is a flowchart showing a sub-routine of a jackpot start process executed in main control means 510. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the special winning opening control process which a process is started in step S54 of FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of image display processing executed in sub-control means 610. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the frequency | count count process called and performed by step S72 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the jackpot presentation process called and performed by step S83 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the game execution process called and performed by step S121 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the process which selects the symbol called and performed by step S123 of FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an alternative process of steps S160 to S162 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 12 in order to prevent inconsistency between the determination result and the display of the unit game symbol. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the image display device 30 when the game execution process subroutine shown in FIG. 11 is executed. The figure which shows the example of the symbol in the unit game performed immediately before a bullet ball game transfers to a special game, and the figure which shows the example of the symbol immediately after complete | finishing a special game (b). It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the image displayed on the image display apparatus 30, when the subroutine of the symbol selection process shown in FIG. 12 is performed. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the image displayed on the image display apparatus 30, when the subroutine of the symbol selection process shown in FIG. 12 is performed. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a third example of an image displayed on the image display device 30 when the symbol selection process subroutine shown in FIG. 12 is executed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Ball game machine 24 Game board 30 Image display apparatus 45 Operation button 330 Symbol display means 450 Operation means 510 Main control means 512 Lottery means 520 Ball game control means 522 Ball game transition control means 550 Probability fluctuation transfer means 610 Sub control Means 630 Unit game control means 660 Symbol display control means 665 Symbol specific data storage means 670 Image data storage means 680 Symbol stop mode storage means 690 Lottery display mode determination means 700 Operation display mode selection means 710 Display data storage means 720 Game count means

Claims (5)

A ball game machine including a symbol display means for displaying a plurality of types of symbols so as to be visible to a player,
A game board on which a ball game in which the progress of the game is determined based on the flow-down mode of the game ball, and
An operation means for generating an operation signal based on an operation of the player;
Symbol specifying data storage means for storing symbol specifying data for specifying the plurality of types of symbols;
Based on the symbol specifying data read from the symbol specifying data storage means, unit game control means for performing a unit game from the symbol display means to the stop display after the symbols are variably displayed; and
A symbol stop mode storage means in which a plurality of symbol stop display modes are stored as a display mode of the symbol when stopped and displayed in one unit game;
A lottery display mode determination means for determining one symbol stop display mode as the lottery stop display mode from the plurality of symbol stop display modes by lottery processing;
After the symbol is stopped and displayed based on the lottery stop display mode determined by the lottery display mode determining means, one symbol stop is performed from the plurality of symbol stop display modes in response to an operation signal issued from the operating means. Operation display mode selection means for selecting a display mode as a selection operation stop display mode;
A bullet ball game, comprising: a symbol display control means for stopping and displaying a symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode selected by the operation display mode selecting means, instead of a symbol based on the lottery stop display mode. Machine.   The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the symbol display control means changes the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode from the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode to the symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode when the symbol is stopped. Including a ball game transition control means capable of shifting the ball game to a special game advantageous to the player based on a display mode when the symbol is stopped and displayed;
During the period from when the ball game is shifted to the special game and ending, the operation display mode selection unit is configured to change from the plurality of symbol stop display modes according to the operation signal issued from the operation unit. The symbol stop display mode is selected as the selection operation stop display mode, and
The symbol display control means stops and displays the symbol based on the selection operation stop display mode on the symbol display means instead of the symbol based on the lottery stop display mode when the special game ends. The bullet ball game machine described. Number of times that the number of unit games performed after the end of the special game, and the number of times that the ball game transition control means determines that the ball game is not transferred to the special game is counted as the number of games. Including counting means, and
When the number of games is greater than a predetermined number, the operation display mode selection unit selects one symbol stop display mode from the plurality of symbol stop display modes according to an operation signal issued from the operation unit. 4. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 3, which is selected as a stop display mode. The plurality of symbol stop display modes are:
When it is determined by the bullet game transition control means that the bullet ball game is to be transferred to the special game, as a display mode of the symbols to be stopped and displayed in one unit game, one special can be selected. Symbol stop display mode,
When it is determined by the bullet ball game transition control means that the bullet ball game is not to be transferred to the special game, a plurality of general ones that can be selected as a display mode of symbols that are stopped and displayed in one unit game are displayed. A symbol stop display mode, and
The probability of the lottery process for changing the display mode of the symbols that are stopped and displayed in the unit game to the special symbol stop display mode is changed from a predetermined normal probability to a high probability that is set higher than the predetermined normal probability. And a probability variation transition means for transitioning the gaming state of the unit game to the probability variation state, and
The plurality of special symbol stop display modes are not allowed to shift the specific game stop display mode capable of shifting the gaming state of the unit game to the probability variation state and the gaming state of the unit game to the probability variation state. A plurality of non-specific symbol stop display modes, and
The operation display mode selection means includes:
When one of the plurality of specific symbol stop display modes is determined by the lottery display mode determination means, one of the plurality of specific symbol stop display modes is selected,
The bullet according to claim 3 or 4, wherein when one of the plurality of non-specific symbol stop display modes is determined by the lottery display mode determination means, one of the plurality of non-specific symbol stop display modes is selected. Ball game machine.

Images