JP2006175277A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a game player to intuitively and concretely recognize an increase in expectation to the generation of a big prize in a game of a pinball game machine. <P>SOLUTION: A pattern data storage means 51 stores the whole pattern data having the possibility of being stopped and displayed on a pattern display means 60. Some or whole of the pattern data are stored in a reference display data storing means 43. A reference display means 24 displays a reference display pattern on the pattern display means 60 according to the stored reference display data. A pattern exception means 25 selects exception data from the reference display data. The selected exception data is excluded from the reference display data by a reference display data updating means 27. The reference display means 24 anew displays the reference display pattern on the pattern display means 60 according to the updated reference display data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine equipped with a symbol variation device.

Some ball game machines are equipped with a symbol changing device that displays symbols in a variable manner by winning at the start opening. Then, when a predetermined “hit symbol” is displayed on the symbol variation device, for example, a big winning opening that is easier to win and has a larger number of payout balls than the normal winning opening is opened. It is supposed to occur.
The symbol changing device as described above is usually formed so as to variably display a plurality of (in many cases, three) symbols imitating a slot machine reel. This symbol usually stops one by one, but depending on the last symbol, the state that becomes the above jackpot symbol is commonly referred to as “reach”. In this reach state, usually, an ingenious effect is given to make the player have a sense of expectation for the jackpot.

  Further, depending on the probability that a jackpot will occur from the reach state (this will be referred to as “big hit reliability”), different effects may be made. And in conventional ball game machines, the process of increasing jackpot reliability during reach is reported to the player through effects such as changes in the background and character action, thereby improving game playability. There is also.

However, from such a reach production, the level of reliability of the jackpot is vaguely revealed while continuing to play the game. Specifically, with respect to a specific reach production, the reliability of the big hit is higher than when there is no reach production. It is normal not to know how much the degree has risen.
However, a ball game machine has also been provided that displays the jackpot reliability as a percentage, for example, as a specific numerical value on the screen of the symbol variation device. However, the increase in the jackpot reliability indicated by the numerical value is not something that can be intuitively recognized when playing the game.
Therefore, among the present inventions, the invention according to claim 1 makes it possible to display to the player a design that can be stopped and displayed, including a design related to jackpot, and to enable a display to reduce the design. The purpose is to make the player intuitively and specifically recognize the degree of expectation for the occurrence of the jackpot.

Further, in addition to the object of the invention of claim 1, the invention described in claim 2 recognizes the player's expectation for occurrence of jackpot intuitively and specifically when performing so-called symbol re-variable display. The purpose is to let you.
Furthermore, in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the invention described in claim 3 is limited to a so-called reach time that symbols that can be stopped and displayed can be clearly indicated to the player. The purpose is to realize a game with abundant speed.
Further, in the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 2, when performing so-called symbol re-variation display, a symbol that may be temporarily stopped can be clearly indicated to the player. This is limited to so-called reach, and the purpose is to realize a game with abundant speed.

Furthermore, in addition to the object of the invention of claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, the invention described in claim 5 is characterized by the fact that the reduced display of symbols is determined by lottery to determine whether or not execution is performed, thereby providing a game with abundant playability. The purpose is to realize.
In addition, in addition to the object of the invention of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, the invention of claim 6 can also reduce the number of symbols that are displayed in a variable manner, so that the degree of expectation for the occurrence of jackpot The purpose is to make them recognize intuitively and specifically.
Furthermore, in addition to the object of the invention described above, the invention described in claims 7 and 8 is intended to enable an interesting production at the time of symbol reduction.

(Claim 1)
In view of the above problems, the ball game machine 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a symbol display means in which a variable display region 61 and a reference display region 65 for displaying a variable number of symbols are set. 60, stop symbol determining means 21 for determining stop symbols, which are combinations of symbols of a plurality of digits that are stopped and displayed via the variable display in the variable display area 61, by lottery, and stop that is symbol data corresponding to the stop symbols Stop symbol data storage means 41 for storing symbol data, variation display means 23 for sequentially varying and displaying a plurality of types of symbols in each digit of the variation display area 61, and a symbol represented by the stop symbol data after the variation display Stop display means 22 for stopping display, symbol data storage means 51 for storing symbol data corresponding to all kinds of symbols appearing in each digit of the variable display area 61, and the symbol data The reference display data storage means 43 for storing a part or all of the symbol data stored in the data storage means 51 including the stop symbol data as reference display data, and the reference display data storage means 43. The reference display means 24 for displaying the reference display data in the reference display area 65, the symbol exclusion means 25 for selecting a predetermined number of exclusion data by lottery from the reference display data other than the stop symbol data, and the exclusion data Reference display data updating means 27 for storing in the reference display data storage means 43 as new reference display data excluded from the reference display data is provided.

The “symbol display means” refers to a device that can display an image on a screen using a liquid crystal, a cathode ray tube, a dot matrix, or the like. The symbol display means 60 displays on the screen a “variable display area” in which symbols are displayed in a variable manner, imitating a reel of a slot machine, and a “reference display region” in which symbols that may be stopped are displayed. Is done. The display of the reference display area 65 may be performed only in a specific case, for example, in the case of so-called “reach”, and may not be displayed in other cases.
The “stop symbol determining means” means means for determining a “stop symbol” that is a symbol displayed in the variation display area 61 and that is a combination of symbols that finally stops after variation display. Normally, the CPU that controls the ball game machine 10 by executing a predetermined control program functions as the stop symbol determining means 21 when executing a part of the control program. .

  For example, when there is a winning at the start opening related to the start of symbol variation, the stop symbol determination means 21 acquires a random number and refers to the random number in a predetermined determination table to determine the stop symbol. Yes. Here, the “random number” does not mean only a random number in a mathematical sense such as that obtained by, for example, the average sampling method. For example, based on a so-called “software random number” generated by adding a counter each time a software reset of the control program is performed or a signal unrelated to the control program (for example, an oscillation circuit), the signal is added by the counter. As with the so-called “hardware random number” that is generated, the numerical value generation is regular, as in the case of acquiring the numerical value of the counter at the timing when winning at the start opening is detected. Since this timing is random, numerical values that show the same distribution as random numbers as a result are also included in this “random number”.

The “stop symbol data storage means” means means for temporarily storing “stop symbol data” that is data representing the stop symbol. Normally, the RAM in the CPU functions as the stop symbol data storage means 41.
The “variable display means” refers to means for sequentially varying a plurality of types of symbols in the variable display area 61 at high speed. Usually, the CPU functions as the fluctuation display means 23 by executing a part of the control program.
The types of symbols that are variably displayed by the variation display means 23 may be all types of symbols that can be stopped regardless of a decrease in reference display symbols described later. The number may be the same as the number of reference display symbols.

The “stop display means” refers to means for stopping and displaying the stop symbol based on the stop symbol data in the variable display area 61 through the deceleration display. Normally, the CPU functions as the stop display means 22 by executing a part of the control program.
The “symbol data storage means” means means for storing “symbol data” representing each of the symbols that may be stopped and displayed in the variable display area 61 in a nonvolatile manner. That is, the symbol data stored in the symbol data storage means 51 is not changed, added or deleted. Normally, storage means such as a ROM storing game data of the ball game machine 10 functions as the symbol data storage means 51.

The “reference display data storage unit” is a symbol displayed in the reference display area 65, and is a “reference display data” that represents a “reference display symbol” that can be stopped and displayed after the variable display at that time. "Means temporarily stored. That is, the reference display data can be changed or deleted as necessary. Normally, the RAM functions as the reference display data storage means 43.
In the reference display data storage means 43, reference display data is stored at the time of starting the change as necessary. This reference display data is composed of a part or all of the symbol data. Here, it may be determined by lottery whether it will be part or all, and which symbol data will be selected when it becomes part. Note that this lottery may be performed by a “symbol exclusion means” described later. However, in any case, the symbol data related to the stopped symbol is always included in the reference display data.

“Reference display means” means means for displaying the reference display symbol represented by the reference display data stored in the reference display data storage means 43 at the time point in the reference display area 65. Usually, the CPU functions as the reference display means 24 by executing a part of the control program.
The “symbol excluding means” means means for selecting “excluded data” related to symbols excluded from the reference display area 65 from the reference display data stored in the reference display data storage means 43. Normally, the CPU functions as the symbol removal means 25 by executing a part of the control program. The excluded data is selected from reference display data other than the symbol data related to the stopped symbol.

“Reference display data updating means” means means for newly storing reference display data excluding the excluded data in the reference display data storage means 43. Usually, the CPU functions as the reference display data updating means 27 by executing a part of the control program.
The variation control of the symbols in the ball game machine 10 according to the present claims is performed as follows, for example.
When there is a winning at the start opening, the stop symbol determining means 21 determines the stop symbol by lottery. Stop symbol data corresponding to the stop symbol is stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41.

Next, from the symbol data stored in the symbol data storage means 51, a part or all including the stop symbol data is stored in the reference display data storage means 43 as reference display data.
Then, the fluctuation display means 23 starts high-speed fluctuation in the fluctuation display area 61. The reference display means 24 displays reference display symbols based on the reference display data in the reference display area 65.
During this high-speed fluctuation, the symbol exclusion means 25 selects exclusion data from the reference display data other than the symbol data related to the stop symbol. The presence or absence of this selection and the number of excluded data to be selected may be determined by lottery. The selected exclusion data is removed from the reference display data by the reference display data updating means 27.

  The reference display means 24 displays the reference display symbol that has been reduced again according to the updated reference display data. The number of the reference display symbols means a symbol that may be stopped. Therefore, the smaller the number of reference display symbols, the higher the degree of expectation for the jackpot occurrence for the player. For example, if the number of reference display symbols is 12, the expected degree of jackpot occurrence is 1/12 (8.3%). From this point, if the number of reference display symbols is reduced to 4, the expectation for jackpot occurrence will increase to a quarter (25.0%). However, since the presence or absence of jackpot occurrence has already been determined when the stop symbol is determined, the number of reference display symbols and the presence or absence of jackpot occurrence are actually irrelevant.

Then, the stop symbol is stopped and displayed by the stop display means 22 based on the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41. When the stop symbol is a predetermined jackpot symbol, a jackpot is generated, and for example, the big prize opening is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time.
As described above, by reducing the reference display symbols, it is possible to make the player intuitively and specifically recognize the degree of expectation for the occurrence of the jackpot.
(Claim 2)
Further, the ball game machine 10 according to the invention described in claim 2 includes a symbol display means 60 in which a variable display region 61 and a reference display region 65 for variably displaying a plurality of digits of symbols are set, and the variable display region 61. Stop symbol determining means 21 for determining a stop symbol, which is a combination of a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed via variable display, by lottery, and stop symbol data for storing stop symbol data which is symbol data corresponding to the stop symbol Storage means 41, re-variable display determining means 30 for determining the presence or absence of re-variable display of symbols by lottery, and temporary display symbols for temporarily determining temporary display symbols to be temporarily stopped when re-variable display is performed Determination means 31, temporary display symbol data storage means 42 for storing temporary display symbol data that is symbol data corresponding to the temporary display symbol, and a plurality of types of symbols are sequentially changed in each digit of the variable display area 61. A variable display means 23 for displaying, a temporary display means 32 for stopping and displaying the symbol represented by the temporary display symbol data after the variable display by the fluctuation display means 23 when re-variable display is performed, and a stop display of the temporary display symbol. After that, the re-variation display means 33 for sequentially varying and displaying a plurality of types of symbols in each digit of the variation display area 61 again, and when performing re-variation display, after the variation display by the re-variation display means 33, or again When the variable display is not performed, after the variable display by the variable display means 23, the stop display means 22 for stopping and displaying the symbol represented by the stop symbol data, and all symbols appearing in each digit of the variable display area 61 are displayed. Of the symbol data storage means 51 in which the symbol data corresponding to each type is stored and all the symbol data stored in the symbol data storage means 51, the temporary display symbol is displayed when re-variable display is performed. Reference display data storage means 43 for storing a part or all of the data, or a part or all of the stop symbol data when the re-variable display is not performed, as reference display data, and the reference display data storage Reference display means 24 for displaying the reference display data stored in the means 43 in the reference display area 65, and in the case of performing re-variable display, from reference display data other than the temporary display data, or for re-variable display If not, the symbol exclusion means 25 for selecting a predetermined number of excluded data by lottery from the reference display data other than the stopped symbol data, and the reference as the new reference display data by removing the excluded data from the reference display data Reference display data updating means 27 stored in the display data storage means 43 is provided.

The “symbol display means”, “stop symbol determination means”, and “stop symbol data storage means” are the same as those described in the first aspect of the invention.
“Re-change display” means that the change display of the symbol is once stopped, then the change is started again, and the stop symbol is finally stopped and displayed.
“Revariation display determining means” means means for determining whether or not to perform the revariation display. Normally, the CPU that controls the ball game machine 10 executes a part of the control program, thereby functioning as the re-variable display determining means 30. The re-variable display is usually performed only when the stop symbol is a predetermined jackpot symbol.

“Temporary display design determining means” refers to a means for determining a “temporary display design” that is temporarily stopped during re-variable display. Note that this temporary display symbol is usually determined when the stop symbol is a jackpot symbol as described above, so it is normally selected from the jackpot symbol. There is no problem even if it is not. In any case, the temporary display symbol may be a symbol different from the stop symbol or the same symbol.
“Temporary display symbol data storage means” means means for temporarily storing “temporary display symbol data” which is data representing the temporary display symbol. Normally, the RAM in the CPU functions as the temporary display symbol data storage means 42.

The “variation display means” is the same as that described in the first aspect of the present invention.
“Temporary display means” means means for stopping and displaying the temporary display symbols based on the temporary display symbol data in the variable display area 61 through the deceleration display. Usually, the CPU functions as the temporary display means 32 by executing a part of the control program.
The “revariable display means” refers to means for sequentially changing a plurality of types of symbols in the variable display area 61 at a high speed sequentially after displaying the temporary display symbols. Usually, the CPU functions as the re-variation display means 33 by executing a part of the control program. The re-variable display is normally performed only when the stop symbol is a predetermined jackpot symbol. However, the re-variable display may be performed even in the case where it is not.

The “stop display means” and the “symbol data storage means” are the same as described in the first aspect of the invention.
The “reference display data storage unit” is a symbol displayed in the reference display area 65, and is a “reference display data” that represents a “reference display symbol” that can be stopped and displayed after the variable display at that time. "Means temporarily stored. That is, the reference display data can be changed or deleted as necessary. Normally, the RAM functions as the reference display data storage means 43.
In the reference display data storage means 43, reference display data is stored at the time of starting the change as necessary. This reference display data is composed of a part or all of the symbol data. Here, it may be determined by lottery whether it will be part or all, and which symbol data will be selected when it becomes part. Note that this lottery may be performed by a “symbol exclusion means” described later. However, in any case, the symbol data related to the stop symbol (when re-variable display is not performed) or the symbol data regarding the temporary display symbol (when re-variable display is performed) is always included in the reference display data. Yes.

The “reference display means” is the same as that described in the first aspect of the invention.
The “symbol excluding means” means means for selecting “excluded data” related to symbols excluded from the reference display area 65 from the reference display data stored in the reference display data storage means 43. Normally, the CPU functions as the symbol removal means 25 by executing a part of the control program. This excluded data is selected from reference display data other than the symbol data related to the stop symbol (when no revariable display is performed) or the symbol data related to the temporary display symbol (when revariable display is performed).
The “reference display data updating unit” is the same as that described in the first aspect of the present invention.

The variation control of the symbols in the ball game machine 10 according to the present claim is executed as follows, for example.
When there is a winning at the start opening, the stop symbol determining means 21 determines the stop symbol by lottery. Stop symbol data corresponding to the stop symbol is stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41.
Next, when the stop symbol is a jackpot symbol, the re-variation display determination means 30 determines whether or not to perform re-variation display. Here, when it is determined to be performed, the temporary display symbol determination means 31 determines a temporary display symbol from the jackpot symbols by lottery. The temporary display symbol data corresponding to the temporary display symbol is stored in the temporary display symbol data storage means 42.

When re-variable display is performed, a part or all of the temporary display symbol data is stored in the reference display data storage unit 43 as reference display data from the symbol data stored in the symbol data storage unit 51. Is done. On the other hand, when the re-variable display is not performed, a part or all of the stop symbol data including the stop symbol data is stored in the reference display data storage unit 43 as reference display data from the symbol data stored in the symbol data storage unit 51. Is done.
Then, the fluctuation display means 23 starts high-speed fluctuation in the fluctuation display area 61. The reference display means 24 displays reference display symbols based on the reference display data in the reference display area 65.

The reference display data other than the symbol data related to the temporary display symbol (when the re-variable display is performed) or the symbol data related to the stop symbol (when the re-variable display is not performed) is performed by the symbol exclusion means 25 during the high-speed fluctuation. Select excluded data from the list. The presence or absence of this selection and the number of excluded data to be selected may be determined by lottery. The selected exclusion data is removed from the reference display data by the reference display data updating means 27.
The reference display means 24 displays the reference display symbol that has been reduced again according to the updated reference display data. Since the number of reference display symbols means symbols that may stop, the smaller the number, the higher the degree of expectation for the jackpot occurrence for the player, as in the case of the invention of claim 1 above. It is. However, since the presence or absence of jackpot occurrence has already been determined when the stop symbol is determined, the number of reference display symbols and the presence or absence of jackpot occurrence are actually irrelevant.

When the re-variation display is not performed, the stop display means 22 stops and displays the stop symbol based on the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41. When the stop symbol is a predetermined jackpot symbol, a jackpot is generated, and for example, the big prize opening is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time.
On the other hand, when performing re-variable display, the temporary display means 32 stops and displays the temporary display symbols based on the temporary display symbol data stored in the temporary display symbol data storage means 42.
Next, after the symbol re-variation display by the re-variation display means 33, the stop display means 22 stops and displays the stop symbol based on the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41. Since the stop symbol should be a jackpot symbol, a jackpot occurs, and for example, the big prize opening is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time.

As described above, by reducing the reference display symbols, it is possible to make the player intuitively and specifically recognize the degree of expectation for the occurrence of the jackpot.
(Claim 3)
Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in addition to the features of the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the stop display means 22 stops and displays the stop symbols one by one in each digit of the variable display area 61. The symbol exclusion means 25 is capable of executing the selection of the exclusion data only when the symbol variation display is performed at the digit of the variation display region 61 where the stop symbol is stopped and displayed last. .

That is, the symbols displayed for reference decrease when the last one-digit symbol of the stopped symbols is fluctuating. Specifically, it is assumed that the symbol is in a so-called “reach” state. . Thereby, the game nature which is rich and slow is realized.
(Claim 4)
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the second aspect, the temporary display means 32 stops and displays the temporary display symbols one by one in each digit of the variable display area 61. The symbol exclusion means 25 can execute the selection of the exclusion data only when the symbol variation display is performed at the digit of the variation display area 61 where the temporary display symbol is stopped and displayed last. .

In other words, the symbols that are displayed for reference decrease when the last one-digit symbol of the temporary display symbol is fluctuating. Specifically, it is assumed that it is in a so-called “reach” state. Yes. Thereby, the game nature which is rich and slow is realized.
(Claim 5)
Further, the invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in addition to the object of the invention according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, the symbol exclusion means 25 determines whether or not the exclusion data is selected by lottery. To do.
That is, the selection of excluded data is not executed every time, and even when executed, the number of excluded data is determined by lottery. Thereby, the game nature which is rich and slow is realized.

(Claim 6)
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the object of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspect, the variation display means 23 is stored in the reference display data storage means 43. According to the display data, the symbols are variably displayed in the variability display area 61.
That is, it is possible to reduce not only the reference display symbol but also the symbol that is actually variably displayed in the variation display area 61. This makes it possible for the player to intuitively and specifically recognize the degree of expectation for the occurrence of the jackpot.
(Claim 7)
Furthermore, in the invention described in claim 7, in addition to the object of the invention described in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, the symbol related to the exclusion data selected by the symbol exclusion means 25 is changed to the variation. In the display area 61, a removal effect means 26 for performing a removal effect is provided.

The “removal effect means” refers to a means for executing an effect such that the symbol related to the excluded data is removed in the variable display area 61. Usually, the CPU functions as the removal effect means 26 by executing a part of the control program.
As an example of the removal effect, it is possible to display such that the symbol related to the removal effect pops out and disappears from the screen from the fluctuation display area 61 where the symbol is variably displayed at high speed.
As described above, it is possible to produce an interesting production in the event of symbol reduction.
(Claim 8)
According to an eighth aspect of the invention, in addition to the object of the seventh aspect of the invention, the removal effect means 26 displays the symbol related to the exclusion data selected by the symbol exclusion means 25 in the reference display area 65. It is also possible to provide a removal effect.

That is, the removal effect is possible not only in the variable display area 61 but also in the reference display area 65.
As an example of the removal effect, there is a display in which a symbol related to the removal effect pops out from the reference display area 65 and disappears from the screen.
As described above, it is possible to produce an interesting production in the event of symbol reduction.

Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exists an effect described below.
That is, according to the description of the invention described in claim 1 of the present invention, it is possible to clearly indicate to the player the symbols that may be stopped and displayed, including symbols related to jackpots, and to reduce the number of symbols. By doing so, it is possible to make the player intuitively and specifically recognize the degree of expectation for the occurrence of the jackpot.
Further, according to the description of the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, when the so-called symbol re-variable display is performed, the player's expectation for the occurrence of the jackpot is intuitively and concretely specified. Recognition.

Further, according to the description of the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the symbols that may be stopped and displayed can be clearly shown to the player only during the so-called reach. As a result, it becomes possible to realize a game with abundant and rapid play.
Further, according to the description of the invention described in claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 2, when performing so-called symbol re-variation display, a symbol that may be temporarily stopped is displayed to the player. By limiting to only so-called reach time, it is possible to realize a game with abundant and rapidity.
Further, according to the description of the invention described in claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, the symbol reduction display is abundantly abruptly determined by the presence or absence of execution by lottery. It becomes possible to achieve game play.

Further, according to the explanation of the invention of claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, the degree of expectation for the occurrence of jackpots can be reduced by reducing the number of symbols displayed in a variable manner Can be recognized intuitively and specifically by the player.
Furthermore, according to the description of the inventions of claims 7 and 8, in addition to the effects of the above-mentioned invention, it is possible to make an interesting production at the time of symbol reduction.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(1) Appearance of the ball game machine FIG. 16 is an upper left perspective view showing the appearance of the ball game machine 10 according to the present embodiment.
This bullet ball game machine 10 includes a symbol display means 60 for variably displaying a three-digit symbol on the liquid crystal screen, a bullet ball handle 12 for bulleting the game ball on the board, A starting port 14, winning ports 15, 15, a large winning port 16, an out port 13, and a winning ball payout port 18 for receiving a winning ball are provided. Note that nails, windmills, and the like provided on the board surface and a glass plate covering the board surface are omitted in the drawing.

The outline of the game in the ball game machine 10 is as follows.
First, a game ball is bulleted on the board surface by twisting the bullet ball handle 12 clockwise. The game ball falls on the board surface while contacting a nail or a windmill (not shown). Then, when a prize is entered in the winning openings 15 and 15 in the process of falling, five prize balls are paid out to the player from the prize ball payout exit 18.
In addition, when a winning is made at the start port 14, in addition to paying out five prize balls from the prize ball payout opening 18 to the player, the symbol display means 60 is activated, and the variation of the symbol is started. As a result of this change, if the combination of the displayed symbols is related to the same symbol in all three digits (referred to as a “big hit symbol”), it becomes a “big hit game” and is normally closed. Will be released. When there is a prize at the big prize opening 16, 15 prize balls are paid out to the player from the prize ball outlet 18. The large winning opening 16 is temporarily closed when either 30 seconds have elapsed after opening or there is a winning of 10 balls. If there is a prize in a specific area (not shown) provided inside the big prize opening 16 while the big prize opening 16 is open, the big prize opening 16 is closed and then opened again. ing. Thereby, the opening of the special winning opening 16 can be continued up to 16 times. In addition, when the special winning opening 16 is opened 16 times or when the special winning area 16 is not opened while the special winning opening 16 is opened, the big hit game is ended.

(2) Functional Block of Ball Game Machine FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram schematically showing a part having a function related to symbol variation control in the ball game machine 10 according to the present invention. The ball game machine 10 includes a CPU 20 that controls the entire game in the ball game machine 10, a ROM 50 that stores a control program related to game control and various data required during the game, There is provided a symbol display means 60 for displaying various videos according to the progress of the game.
(2-1) ROM
The ROM 50 stores various game data necessary for a game including a control program for controlling the ball game machine 10 and various image data. This image data includes 12 types of symbols (9 numbers from “1” to “9” and 3 alphabetic characters “X”, “Y”, and “Z”) displayed on the symbol display means 60. "Symbol data" representing each of the above.

The symbol data storage means 51 is a part of the storage block of the ROM 50 and means a portion in which the 12 types of symbol data are stored. These symbol data are to be read by the CPU 20 as necessary.
(2-2) Symbol Display Unit The symbol display unit 60 is configured with a liquid crystal screen as described above.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 to 15, the symbol display means 60 is vertically divided into two. The upper part of the two parts is called a standby display area 66 (see FIG. 6A). The lower part is referred to as a variable display area 61 (see FIG. 6A). In the fluctuation display area 61, the symbol is stopped and displayed through high-speed fluctuation. This variable display area 61 is further divided into three in the left-right direction corresponding to the three-digit symbols to be displayed, and these are divided into left display area 62, middle display area 63 and right display area 64 from the left (see FIG. 6A). Called.

  In the fluctuation display area 61, when a winning is made at the start port 14, the symbols of each digit start to fluctuate. This variation stops in the order of the left display area 62, the right display area 64, and the middle display area 63. Here, if the left display area 62 and the right display area 64 stop at the same symbol, a big hit will occur depending on the symbol that stops at the middle display area 63. This state is referred to as “reach”. When reach occurs, as a result of a predetermined lottery, all types of symbols that may be stopped and displayed may be displayed in the left display area 62 and the right display area 64. The left display area 62 and the right display area 64 in this case are referred to as a reference display area 65 (see FIG. 7E). That is, the reference display area 65 can appear only in the case of reach. When the reference display area 65 appears, the symbols stopped and displayed in the left display area 62 and the right display area 64 move to the standby display area 66 while the variable display is performed in the middle display area 63. (See FIG. 7E).

(2-3) CPU
The CPU 20 is provided with a RAM 40 for temporarily storing a part of the control program stored in the ROM 50 and a part of the game data. Then, according to the control program and game data stored in the RAM 40, the game in the ball game machine 10 is controlled. That is, the CPU 20 functions as the following units by executing predetermined portions of the control program.
The stop symbol determination means 21 obtains a random number in response to a winning at the start port 14, and compares this with a predetermined determination table (which constitutes a part of game data stored in the ROM 50) to stop This is means for determining a “stop symbol” that is a symbol to be displayed. Here, the stop symbol determination means 21 is a means for cumulatively adding a count every time the software reset of the control program (returns to the minimum value again when reaching the maximum value), and to the start port 14 A means for acquiring this count value as a random number when a winning is detected, and a determination table in which the acquired count value is recorded in the ROM 50 (consisting of each count value and a combination of symbols corresponding thereto) Game data) and means for determining a combination of the corresponding symbols with reference to the game data.

The stop symbol data storage means 41 is means for temporarily storing the symbol data related to the stop symbol as stop symbol data. Here, the RAM 40 of the CPU 20 temporarily stores stop symbol data as the stop symbol data storage means 41.
The fluctuation display means 23 is a means for displaying the symbols in the fluctuation display area 61 so as to be changed at high speed from top to bottom like a reel of a slot machine. Note that “high-speed fluctuation” means a fluctuation speed in which the display time of one symbol is about 36 msec.
The stop display means 22 is means for acquiring the stop symbol data stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41 and stopping and displaying the symbol represented by the stop symbol data in the fluctuation display area 61 through deceleration fluctuation. The “deceleration fluctuation” refers to a fluctuation that gradually decreases the fluctuation speed from the speed of the high-speed fluctuation. Further, “stop display” means that the display is stopped without changing the symbol. Here, “stop” includes a display in which a symbol moves, other than a variation display, such as a so-called “swing fluctuation” in which the symbol is displayed so as to shake.

Here, the symbols related to the high-speed fluctuation, the deceleration fluctuation, and the stop display are all the above-mentioned twelve kinds of symbols in this embodiment, and “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 , 7, 8, 9, X, Y, Z ”.
The re-variable display determining means 30 means means for determining whether or not to perform “re-variable display” in which the symbol once stopped is changed again and then stopped again. Here, the re-variable display determining means 30 determines that the re-variable display is performed only when the stop symbols determined by the stop symbol determining means 21 are all “hit symbols” by a combination of the same symbols. It is possible to do.

  The temporary display symbol determining means 31 is a means for determining a “temporary display symbol” that is a symbol that is temporarily stopped when it is determined that the re-variable display is performed. The temporary display symbol determination means 31 is a means for cumulatively adding a count at each software reset of the control program (returning to the minimum value again when the maximum value is reached), It comprises means for acquiring the count value at the time of detection as a random number, and means for determining the combination of the corresponding symbols by referring to the determination table recorded in the ROM 50 for the acquired count value. . Of the above, the means for adding the count may be shared with the means related to the stop symbol determining means 21. Here, the temporary display symbol is a combination of symbols that will always be a jackpot symbol, but it may be a combination of symbols that are the same as the symbol that is finally stopped and displayed, or a combination of symbols that are different, Either is possible.

The temporary display symbol data storage means 42 is means for temporarily storing the symbol data related to the temporary display symbol as a temporary display symbol. Here, the RAM 40 of the CPU 20 temporarily stores temporary display symbol data as the temporary display symbol data storage means 42.
The temporary display means 32 is means for acquiring the temporary display symbol data stored in the temporary display symbol data storage means 42 and stopping and displaying the symbol represented by the temporary display symbol data in the variable display area 61 through the deceleration fluctuation. Say.
The re-variation display means 33 refers to means for causing high-speed fluctuation again from the stop display state by the temporary display means 32. This high-speed fluctuation, like the high-speed fluctuation by the fluctuation display means 23, circulates and changes all the 12 kinds of symbols in each digit.

The reference display data storage means 43 is a part or all of the symbol data including the stopped symbols (or temporary display symbols if re-variable display is performed) from the symbol data storage means 51 (referred to as “reference display data”). And when the excluded data is selected, the reference display data excluding the excluded data is stored again by the reference display data updating means 27 described later. Here, the RAM 40 of the CPU 20 temporarily stores reference display data as the reference display data storage means 43.
The reference display means 24 means means for displaying all the symbols (referred to as “reference display symbols”) indicated by the reference display data stored in the reference display data storage means 43 in the reference display area 65.

The symbol excluding means 25 is “excluded data” which is symbol data relating to symbols not displayed in the reference display area 65 from symbols other than the stop symbol (in the case of performing re-variable display, symbols other than temporary display symbols). Means to select. The selected exclusion data is deleted from the reference display data storage unit 43 by the reference display data update unit 27 described later. In addition, when re-variable display is performed, symbol data related to the same symbol as the stop symbol (only when the stop symbol and the temporary display symbol are different) may be excluded data.
The removal effect means 26 displays on the symbol display means 60 an image in which the symbol related to the exclusion data is removed from the variable display area 61 or the reference display area 65 according to predetermined image data stored in the ROM 50 ( Means "removal effect").

The reference display data updating unit 27 is a unit that overwrites and saves the new symbol data, excluding excluded data, from the reference display data stored in the reference display data storage unit 43 in the reference display data storage unit 43.
(3) Symbol Fluctuation Control Hereinafter, the procedure of symbol variation control in the ball game machine 10 according to the present invention will be described according to the flowcharts of FIGS.
(3-1) Resetting each parameter In the stage shown in S100 of FIG. 2, each parameter is reset and its value becomes “0”.

Here, I is a re-variable display parameter, and takes two values, “1” indicating that re-variable display is performed and “0” indicating that re-variable display is not performed. Note that the resetting display parameter is reset by the resetting display determination means 30 at this stage.
J is a reference display parameter, and takes two values, “1” indicating that reference display is performed and “0” indicating that reference display is not performed. Note that the reference display parameter 24 is reset by the reference display means 24 at this stage.
Further, K is a symbol reduction parameter, and takes two values, “1” indicating that the reference display symbol is decreased and “0” indicating that the reference display symbol is not decreased. Note that the symbol reduction parameter 25 is reset by the symbol exclusion means 25 at this stage.

In addition, L is a decrease number parameter and indicates the number of symbol data selected as excluded data, that is, the number of reference display symbols that have been decreased. This decrease number parameter takes an integer value from “0” to “11”. Here, the maximum value of the decrease number parameter is 11, the number of symbol data is 12, and the last one is symbol data related to the stop symbol (temporary display symbol when re-variable display is performed). It is for showing. Note that the symbol exclusion means 25 resets the decrease number parameter at this stage.
Then, the process proceeds to the step shown in S110.
(3-2) Determination of stop pattern
In the stage shown in S110, the stop symbol is determined by the stop symbol determining means 21. That is, after the random number is acquired, the random number is compared with the determination table to determine a corresponding symbol combination. The symbol data relating to the determined stop symbol is stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41. Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S120.

(3-3) Determination of re-variable display
In the stage shown in S120, the re-variation display determination means 30 determines whether or not to perform re-variation display.
If it is determined at this stage that re-variable display is not performed, the re-variable display parameter remains as it is (I = 0), and the process proceeds to the stage shown in S200 of FIG.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S120 that re-variable display is performed, the process proceeds to step S130.
In the stage shown in S130, the re-variation display determination means 30 sets a re-variation display parameter (I = 1). Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S150.

In the stage shown in S150, the temporary display design determining means 31 determines the temporary display design. That is, after the random number is acquired, the random number is compared with the determination table to determine a corresponding symbol combination. The symbol data related to the determined temporary display symbol is stored in the temporary display symbol data storage means 42. And it progresses to the step shown to S200 of FIG.
(3-4) Determination of presence / absence of reference display In the stage shown in S200 of FIG. 3, the reference display means 24 determines whether or not to perform reference display by lottery using random numbers.
If it is determined that the reference display is not performed at this stage, the reference display parameter remains unchanged (J = 0), and the process proceeds to the stage shown in S220 of FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S200 that reference display is performed, the process proceeds to step S201.
In the step shown in S201, the reference display parameter is set by the reference display means 24 (J = 1). Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S205.
(3-5) Determination of the presence or absence of reference display symbol reduction
In the stage shown in S205, the symbol removal means 25 determines whether or not to reduce the reference display symbol. If it is determined not to decrease, the symbol decrease parameter remains unchanged (K = 0), and the process proceeds to the step shown in S212. On the other hand, if it is determined to decrease, the process proceeds to the step shown in S210.

In the stage shown in S210, the symbol removal means 25 sets a symbol reduction parameter (K = 1). Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S211.
In the step shown in S211, the symbol removal means 25 determines whether or not to reduce the reference display symbol from the beginning. In the case of decreasing, the process proceeds to the step shown in S215. On the other hand, when not decreasing, it progresses to the step shown to S212.
In the stage shown in S212, all symbol data stored in the symbol data storage means 51 is stored in the reference display data storage means 43 as reference display data. And it progresses to the step shown to S220 of FIG.

In the stage shown in S215, the exclusion data is determined by the symbol exclusion means 25. Here, the exclusion data is determined from symbol data other than stop symbol data (temporary display symbol data when re-variable display is performed). The number is determined by lottery. Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S216.
In the stage shown in S216, the number of exclusion data determined in S215 is input to the decrease number parameter by the symbol exclusion means 25. Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S217.
In the stage shown in S217, the data obtained by removing the exclusion data determined in S215 from all the symbol data stored in the symbol data storage means 51 is stored in the reference display data storage means 43 as reference display data. And it progresses to the step shown to S220 of FIG.

(3-6) Symbol Fluctuation Display In the stage shown in S220 of FIG. 4, the symbol starts high-speed fluctuation in each digit of the fluctuation display area 61. Then, when the left display area 62 and then the right display area 64 are stopped, the process proceeds to the step shown in S221.
(3-7) Reference display
In the step shown in S221, the reference display parameter is checked by the reference display means 24.
(3-7-1) When Reference Display is Not Performed Here, when reference display is not performed (J = 0), the process proceeds to the step shown in S300 of FIG.

(3-7-2) Reference Display On the other hand, in the step shown in S221, when the reference display is made (J = 1), the process proceeds to the step shown in S225.
(3-7-2-1) Decrease in reference display design
In the step shown in S225, the symbol reduction unit 25 checks the symbol reduction parameter.
(3-7-2-1-1) When the reference display symbol is not decreased When the reference display symbol is not decreased (K = 0), the process proceeds to the step shown in S226.

In the step shown in S226, the reference display means 24 displays the reference display symbols (12 in this stage) in the reference display area 65 in accordance with all reference display data stored in the reference display data storage means 43. To do. And it progresses to the step shown to S300 of FIG.
(3-7-2-1-2) When reducing the reference display symbol On the other hand, when decreasing the reference display symbol at the stage shown in S225 (K = 1), the process proceeds to the stage shown in S230.
At the stage shown in S230, the reference display means 24 is the reference display data storage means 43 stored in the reference display data storage means 43 at this stage (the reference display data update means 27 has not been updated at the stage shown in S270). For example, in accordance with the updated all reference display data), the reference display pattern is referred to and displayed in the reference display area 65. Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S235.

At the stage shown in S235, the symbol removal means 25 adds 1 to the decrease number parameter. Then, the process proceeds to the step shown in S240.
In the step shown in S240, the symbol exclusion means 25 determines whether or not the decrease number parameter is 1. Here, the case where the decrease number parameter is 1 means that the reference display symbol is not decreased until this stage. In this case, the process proceeds to the step shown in S250. On the other hand, the case where the reduction number parameter is not 1 means that at least one reference display symbol has been reduced up to this stage. In this case, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S245.
In the stage shown in S245, whether or not to further reduce the reference display symbols is determined by lottery by the symbol exclusion means 25. If it is determined that the reference display symbol is not reduced any more, the process proceeds to the step shown in S300 of FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined to further reduce the reference display symbol, the process proceeds to the step shown in S250. If L = 12, there should be only one reference display data. In this case, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S300 of FIG. 5 unconditionally.

In the stage shown in S250, the exclusion data is determined by the symbol exclusion means 25. This exclusion data is determined from symbol data other than the stop symbol (a temporary display symbol when re-variable display is performed). Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S260.
In the stage shown in S260, the removal effect means 26 performs a removal effect on the symbol related to the exclusion data determined in S250. This removal effect may be performed in the variable display area 61 or in the reference display area 65. Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S270.
At the stage shown in S270, the reference display data updating means 27 removes the excluded data determined in S250 from the reference display data, and new reference display data is stored in the reference display data storage means 43. Then, the process proceeds again to the step shown in S230.

Thereafter, the determination of exclusion data (S250), the removal effect (S260), and the update of reference display data (S270) are repeated until it is determined in step S245 that reduction of the reference display symbol is not continued.
(3-8) Re-variation display In the stage shown in S300 of FIG. 5, the re-variation display determining means 30 determines whether or not the re-variation display parameter is 1.
(3-8-1) When the re-variation display is not performed Here, the case where the re-variation display parameter is not 1 means the case where the re-variation display is not performed. In this case, the process proceeds to step S330.

  At the stage shown in S330, the high-speed fluctuation by the fluctuation display means 23 is terminated, and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed in the middle display area 63 by the stop display means 22. If the combination of symbols displayed in each digit of the variable display area 61 is a jackpot symbol, the game proceeds to jackpot game. During the jackpot game, the special winning opening 16 (see FIG. 16) is opened as described above. During this time, a special video for jackpot game is displayed on the symbol display means 60. On the other hand, if the symbol combination displayed in each digit of the variable display area 61 is not a jackpot symbol, the symbol combination continues to be stopped and displayed in the variable display area 61 until the start port 14 is next won.

(3-8-2) When performing re-variation display On the other hand, the case where the re-variation display parameter is 1 at the stage shown in S300 refers to the case where re-variation display is performed. In this case, the process proceeds to the step shown in S310.
At the stage shown in S310, the high-speed fluctuation by the fluctuation display means 23 ends, and the temporary display symbol is stopped and displayed in the middle display area 63 by the temporary display means 32. Then, the process proceeds to the step shown in S320.
At the stage shown in S320, the high-speed fluctuation is started again in each digit of the fluctuation display area 61 by the re-variation display means 33. This high-speed fluctuation, like the high-speed fluctuation by the fluctuation display means 23, circulates and displays 12 types of symbols. Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S330.

At the stage shown in S330, the high-speed fluctuation by the re-variation display means 33 ends, and the stop symbol is stopped and displayed in the middle display area 63 by the stop display means 22. In this case, since the combination of symbols displayed in each digit of the variable display area 61 should be a jackpot symbol, the game proceeds to a jackpot game. The jackpot game is the same as the case where the re-variable display is not performed.
(4) Example of Symbol Display Hereinafter, an example of symbol display will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the downward arrow in FIGS. 6 to 15 represents a state in which the symbol fluctuates at high speed. In the following description, a combination of symbols other than the jackpot symbol, in which only the left display area 62 and the right display area 64 match, is referred to as a “reach symbol”. Furthermore, a combination of symbols other than the jackpot symbol and the reach symbol is referred to as a “offset symbol”.

(4-1) In case of no reference display (4-1-1) In the case of an off symbol The symbol display means 60 displays the previous change display as shown in FIG. 6A until a winning is made at the starting port 14. A stop-displayed symbol (for example, “529”) is displayed.
When there is a winning at the start port 14, the stop symbol is determined by the stop symbol determination means 21 as described above (S110 in FIG. 2). Here, it is assumed that the off symbol “Z57” is determined. The symbol data relating to the off symbol is stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41.
In this case, re-variation display is not performed ("N" in S120 of FIG. 2), and reference display is not performed ("N" in S200 of FIG. 3).

When the stop symbol is determined, the fluctuation display means 23 starts high-speed fluctuation at each digit of the fluctuation display area 61 (FIG. 6B, S220 in FIG. 4).
Then, the stop display means 22 refers to the stop symbol data storage means 41 and stops displaying “Z” in the left display area 62 (FIG. 6C), and then stops displaying “7” in the right display area 64 ( FIG. 6D). In this case, as described above, the reference display is not performed (“N” in S221 of FIG. 4), and the re-variation display is not performed (“N” in S300 of FIG. 5). Finally, the stop display means 22 refers to the stop symbol data storage means 41 and stops displaying “5” in the middle display area 63 (FIG. 6E, S330 in FIG. 5).

(4-1-2) In the case of a reach symbol or a jackpot symbol In addition, when the stop symbol determined by the stop symbol determination means 21 is a reach symbol or a jackpot symbol, the same display mode as in FIG. 6 may be shown. .
(4-2) Reference Display Until the winning opening 14 is won, the symbol display means 60 stops the symbol that has been stopped by the previous variation display as shown in FIG. ]) Is displayed.
When there is a winning at the start port 14, the stop symbol is determined by the stop symbol determination means 21 as described above (S110 in FIG. 2). Here, it is assumed that the jackpot symbol “777” is determined. The symbol data relating to the jackpot symbol is stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41.

  In this case, the re-variation display determining means 30 determines whether or not to perform re-variation display. Here, it is assumed that it is determined that the re-variable display is not performed (“N” in S120 of FIG. 2). Next, the reference display means 24 determines whether or not to perform reference display. Here, it is assumed that the reference display is determined (“Y” in S200 of FIG. 3). Next, whether or not to reduce the reference display symbol is determined by the symbol exclusion means 25. Here, it is assumed that the decision to decrease the reference display symbol is made (“Y” in S205 of FIG. 3). Next, it is determined whether or not to reduce the reference display symbol from the beginning. Here, it is assumed that the reference display symbol is not decreased from the beginning (“N” in S211 of FIG. 3). Therefore, all the symbol data from “1” to “Z” is stored in the reference display data storage means 43 (S212 in FIG. 3).

When the stop symbol is determined, the fluctuation display means 23 starts high-speed fluctuation at each digit of the fluctuation display area 61 (FIG. 7B, S220 in FIG. 4).
Then, the stop display means 22 refers to the stop symbol data storage means 41, stops displaying “7” in the left display area 62 (FIG. 7C), and then stops displaying “7” in the right display area 64 (FIG. 7). 7D). Here, as described above, since it is determined that the reference display is performed (“Y” in S221 in FIG. 4), it is determined that the reference display symbol is decreased (in S225 in FIG. 4). “Y”), “7” in the left display area 62 and the right display area 64 move to the standby display area 66 above the symbol display means 60, respectively, and the original area serves as the reference display area 65 and the reference display data storage means Reference display according to the reference display data stored in 43 is performed. That is, in this case, all reference display symbols from “1” to “Z” are displayed (FIG. 7E, S230 in FIG. 4). At this stage, the probability that a jackpot is expected to occur (hereinafter referred to as “expected degree of jackpot occurrence”) viewed from the player is 1/12 (8.3%).

  Next, since the reference display symbol is decreased for the first time (“Y” in S240 in FIG. 4), the symbol exclusion means 25 determines the exclusion data. Here, it is assumed that “4” is determined as excluded data (S250 in FIG. 4). Then, the effect of removing the symbol “4” is performed by the removal effect means 26 (FIG. 7F, S260 of FIG. 4). Here, there is an effect in which the symbol is removed from the variable display area 61. A state in which the removal effect is being performed in the variable display area 61 is indicated by an upward arrow (see FIG. 7F; the same applies to the following description). At the same time, the reference display data updating means 27 removes the symbol data “4” from the reference display data (S270 in FIG. 4), and the updated 11 reference display symbols are displayed in the reference display area 65 by the reference display means 24. (S230 in FIG. 7F and FIG. 4). At this stage, the expectation of jackpot occurrence is 1/11 (9.1%).

  Next, when the symbol exclusion means 25 determines that the second reference display symbol reduction is to be performed (“Y” in S245 of FIG. 4), the exclusion data is determined again. Here, it is assumed that “9” is determined as excluded data (S250 in FIG. 4). Then, the effect of removing the symbol “9” is performed by the removal effect means 26 (FIG. 8A, S260 in FIG. 4). Here, an effect removed from the reference display area 65 is provided. In addition, a state where the removal effect is being performed in the reference display area 65 is indicated by “x” (see FIG. 8A, the same in the following description). Whether the symbol removal effect is made in the variable display area 61 or the reference display area 65 is determined by lottery by the removal effect means 26 each time. At the same time, the reference display data update means 27 removes the symbol data “9” from the reference display data (S270 in FIG. 4), and the updated ten reference display symbols are displayed in the reference display area 65 by the reference display means 24. (S230 in FIG. 8B and FIG. 4). At this stage, the expectation of jackpot occurrence is 1/10 (10.0%).

Thereafter, as long as it is determined by the symbol exclusion means 25 to continue the reduction of the reference display symbol (“Y” in S245 of FIG. 4), the symbol removal effect and the reference display excluding the removed symbol are repeated. . Here, “2” (FIG. 8C), “X” (FIG. 8D), “6” (FIG. 8E), “Z” (FIG. 8F), “Y” (FIG. 9A), “8” (FIG. 9B). ) And “3” (FIG. 9C) are sequentially removed. During this time, the symbol data related to the stop symbol “7” is not excluded data.
When the symbol excluding unit 25 determines that the reduction of the reference display symbol is to be finished (“N” in S245 of FIG. 4), the reference display area 65 has “1”, “5” and “7”. Only the three reference display symbols are displayed. That is, it is displayed to the player that the symbol that stops as the middle display area 63 is one of these three symbols. At this stage, the expectation of jackpot occurrence is one third (33.3%).

Here, since the re-variation display is not performed ("N" in S300 of FIG. 5), the stop display means 22 undergoes the deceleration fluctuation (FIG. 9D) and refers to the stop symbol data storage means 41. Then, the stop symbol “7” is stopped and displayed (S330 in FIG. 9E and FIG. 5). Then, the jackpot symbol “777” is displayed in the standby display area 66 (FIG. 9F), and the jackpot game will be generated thereafter.
Even when the reach symbol “717” is determined as the stop symbol, the state shown in FIG. 9C may be reached. However, in this case, the stop display means 22 undergoes deceleration fluctuation (FIG. 10A), and stops and displays the stop symbol “1” with reference to the stop symbol data storage means 41 (FIG. 10B, S330 in FIG. 5). ). Then, the reach symbol “717” is displayed in the standby display area 66 (FIG. 10C), but thereafter, the display is returned to the normal display area 61 (FIG. 10D).

(4-3) When reducing the reference display symbol from the beginning Until the winning opening 14 is awarded, as shown in FIG. 11A, the symbol display means 60 stops the symbol (example) "529") is displayed.
When there is a winning at the start port 14, the stop symbol is determined by the stop symbol determination means 21 as described above (S110 in FIG. 2). Here, it is assumed that the jackpot symbol “777” is determined. The symbol data relating to the jackpot symbol is stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41.
In this case, the re-variation display determining means 30 determines whether or not to perform re-variation display. Here, it is assumed that it is determined that the re-variable display is not performed (“N” in S120 of FIG. 2). Next, the reference display means 24 determines whether or not to perform reference display. Here, it is assumed that the reference display is determined (“Y” in S200 of FIG. 3). Next, whether or not to reduce the reference display symbol is determined by the symbol exclusion means 25. Here, it is assumed that it is determined to reduce the reference display symbol (“Y” in S205 of FIG. 3). Next, it is determined whether or not to reduce the reference display symbol from the beginning. Here, it is assumed that the reference display symbol is reduced from the beginning (“Y” in S211 of FIG. 3). Then, the symbols excluded from the reference display symbols from the beginning are determined by the symbol exclusion means 25. Here, it is assumed that three symbols “2”, “3”, and “Y” have been determined. Therefore, the reference display data storage means 43 stores nine symbols from all the symbol data from “1” to “Z” except for the above three (S217 in FIG. 3).

When the stop symbol is determined, the fluctuation display means 23 starts high-speed fluctuation at each digit of the fluctuation display area 61 (FIG. 11B, S220 in FIG. 4).
Then, the stop display means 22 refers to the stop symbol data storage means 41 and stops displaying “7” in the left display area 62 (FIG. 11C), and then stops displaying “7” in the right display area 64 ( FIG. 11D). Here, as described above, since it is determined that the reference display is performed (“Y” in S221 in FIG. 4), it is determined that the reference display symbol is decreased (in S225 in FIG. 4). “Y”), “7” in the left display area 62 and the right display area 64 move to the standby display area 66 above the symbol display means 60, respectively, and the original area serves as the reference display area 65 and the reference display data storage means Reference display according to the reference display data stored in 43 is performed. That is, in this case, the nine reference display symbols are displayed (S230 in FIG. 11E and FIG. 4). At this stage, the expectation of jackpot occurrence is 1/9 (11.1%).

  Next, since the reference display symbol is decreased for the fourth time (“N” in S240 of FIG. 4), the symbol exclusion means 25 determines whether or not to further decrease the reference display symbol. At this stage, it may be determined that the reference display symbol is not reduced by lottery. In this case, the process proceeds to S300 in FIG. However, it is assumed here that exclusion data is further determined. Here, it is assumed that “4” is determined as excluded data (S250 in FIG. 4). Then, the effect of removing the symbol “4” is performed by the removal effect means 26 (FIG. 11F, S260 of FIG. 4). Here, there is an effect in which the symbol is removed from the variable display area 61. At the same time, the reference display data updating means 27 removes the symbol data “4” from the reference display data (S270 in FIG. 4), and the updated eight reference display symbols are displayed in the reference display area 65 by the reference display means 24. (S230 in FIG. 11F and FIG. 4). At this stage, the expectation of jackpot occurrence is 1/8 (12.5%).

Thereafter, the same procedure as in the above (4-2) is executed.
(4-4) When reference display is performed but the reference display pattern is not reduced Until the winning opening 14 is received, the symbol display means 60 is stopped and displayed with the previous variation display as shown in FIG. 7A. The symbol (“529” as an example) is displayed.
When there is a winning at the start port 14, the stop symbol is determined by the stop symbol determination means 21 as described above (S110 in FIG. 2). Here, it is assumed that the reach symbol “717” is determined. The symbol data related to the reach symbol is stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41.
In this case, the re-variation display determining means 30 determines whether or not to perform re-variation display. Here, it is assumed that it is determined that the re-variable display is not performed (“N” in S120 of FIG. 2). Next, the reference display means 24 determines whether or not to perform reference display. Here, it is assumed that the reference display is determined (“Y” in S200 of FIG. 3). Next, whether or not to reduce the reference display symbol is determined by the symbol exclusion means 25. Here, it is assumed that the reference display symbol is determined not to be decreased (“N” in S205 of FIG. 3). Therefore, all the symbol data from “1” to “Z” is stored in the reference display data storage means 43 (S212 in FIG. 3).

When the stop symbol is determined, the fluctuation display means 23 starts high-speed fluctuation at each digit of the fluctuation display area 61 (FIG. 7B, S220 in FIG. 4).
Then, the stop display means 22 refers to the stop symbol data storage means 41, stops displaying “7” in the left display area 62 (FIG. 7C), and then stops displaying “7” in the right display area 64 (FIG. 7). 7D). The process up to this point is the same as in the case of (4-2). Here, as described above, it is determined that the reference display is performed (“Y” in S221 of FIG. 4), but it is determined that the reference display symbol is not reduced (in S225 of FIG. 4). “N”), “7” in the left display area 62 and the right display area 64 move to the standby display area 66 above the symbol display means 60, respectively, and the original area serves as the reference display area 65 and the reference display data storage means Reference display according to the reference display data stored in 43 is performed. That is, in this case, all the reference display symbols from “1” to “Z” are displayed (S226 in FIG. 12A and FIG. 4). At this stage, the expectation of jackpot occurrence will be 1/12 (8.3%).

Next, the stop display means 22 undergoes deceleration fluctuation (FIG. 12B), and stops and displays “1” as a stop symbol with reference to the stop symbol data storage means 41 (FIG. 12C, S330 in FIG. 5). Then, the reach symbol “717” is displayed in the standby display area 66 (FIG. 12D), but thereafter, the display is returned to the normal variation display area 61 (FIG. 12E).
(4-5) When re-variation display is performed Until the start opening 14 receives a prize, as shown in FIG. 13A, the symbol display means 60 stops and displays the symbol (for example, “ 529 ") is displayed.
When there is a winning at the start port 14, the stop symbol is determined by the stop symbol determination means 21 as described above (S110 in FIG. 2). Here, it is assumed that the jackpot symbol “777” is determined. The symbol data relating to the jackpot symbol is stored in the stop symbol data storage means 41.

  In this case, the re-variation display determining means 30 determines whether or not to perform re-variation display. Here, it is assumed that the re-variation display is determined (“Y” in S120 of FIG. 2). Therefore, the temporary display symbol determination means 31 determines a temporary variation symbol from the jackpot symbols (S150 in FIG. 2). Here, it is assumed that “222” is determined as the temporary display symbol. The symbol data related to the temporary display symbol is stored in the temporary display symbol data storage means. Next, the reference display means 24 determines whether or not to perform reference display. Here, it is assumed that the reference display is determined (“Y” in S200 of FIG. 3). Next, whether or not to reduce the reference display symbol is determined by the symbol exclusion means 25. Here, it is assumed that it is determined to reduce the reference display symbol (“Y” in S205 of FIG. 3). Next, it is determined whether or not to reduce the reference display symbol from the beginning. Here, it is assumed that the reference display symbol is not decreased from the beginning (“N” in S211 of FIG. 3). Therefore, all the symbol data from “1” to “Z” is stored in the reference display data storage means 43 (S212 in FIG. 3).

When the stop symbol is determined, the fluctuation display means 23 starts high-speed fluctuation at each digit of the fluctuation display area 61 (FIG. 13B, S220 in FIG. 4).
Then, the temporary display means 32 refers to the temporary display symbol data storage means 42, stops displaying “2” in the left display area 62 (FIG. 13C), and then stops displaying “2” in the right display area 64 ( FIG. 13D). Here, as described above, since it is determined that the reference display is performed (“Y” in S221 in FIG. 4), it is determined that the reference display symbol is decreased (in S225 in FIG. 4). “Y”), “2” in the left display area 62 and the right display area 64 respectively move to the standby display area 66 above the symbol display means 60, and the original area serves as the reference display area 65, and the reference display data storage means Reference display according to the reference display data stored in 43 is performed. That is, in this case, all the reference display symbols from “1” to “Z” are displayed (FIG. 13E, S230 in FIG. 4). At this stage, the expectation of jackpot occurrence will be 1/12 (8.3%).

  Next, since the reference display symbol is decreased for the first time here (“Y” in S240 of FIG. 4), the symbol exclusion means 25 determines the exclusion data. Here, it is assumed that “X” is determined as exclusion data (S250 in FIG. 4). Then, the effect of removing the symbol “X” is performed by the removal effect means 26 (FIG. 13F, S260 in FIG. 4). Here, there is an effect in which the symbol is removed from the variable display area 61. At the same time, the symbol data “X” is removed from the reference display data by the reference display data updating means 27 (S270 in FIG. 4), and the updated 11 reference display symbols are displayed in the reference display area 65 by the reference display means 24. (S230 in FIG. 13F and FIG. 4). At this stage, the expectation of jackpot occurrence is 1/11 (9.1%).

  Next, when the symbol exclusion means 25 determines that the second reference display symbol reduction is to be performed (“Y” in S245 of FIG. 4), the exclusion data is determined again. Here, it is assumed that “7” is determined as excluded data (S250 in FIG. 4). Since “7” is a stop symbol but not a temporary display symbol, “7” of the stop symbol may be excluded data in this way when re-variable display is performed. Then, the effect of removing the symbol “7” is performed by the removal effect means 26 (FIG. 14A, S260 in FIG. 4). Here, an effect removed from the reference display area 65 is provided. Whether the symbol removal effect is made in the variable display area 61 or the reference display area 65 is determined by lottery by the removal effect means 26 each time. At the same time, the symbol data “7” is removed from the reference display data by the reference display data updating means 27 (S270 in FIG. 4), and the updated ten reference display symbols are displayed in the reference display area 65 by the reference display means 24. (S230 in FIG. 14B and FIG. 4). At this stage, the expectation of jackpot occurrence is 1/10 (10.0%).

Thereafter, as long as it is determined by the symbol exclusion means 25 to continue the reduction of the reference display symbol (“Y” in S245 of FIG. 4), the symbol removal effect and the reference display excluding the removed symbol are repeated. . Here, “1”, “3”, “4”, “5”, and “Z” (in no particular order) are removed. During this time, the symbol data related to “2”, which is the temporary display symbol, is not excluded data.
When the symbol excluding means 25 determines that the reduction of the reference display symbol is to be finished (“N” in S245 of FIG. 4), the reference display area 65 has “2”, “6”, “8”. , “9” and “Y” only five reference display symbols are displayed. That is, it is displayed to the player that the symbol that stops as the middle display area 63 is one of these five symbols. At this stage, the expectation of jackpot occurrence will be 1/5 (20.0%).

Here, since the re-variation display is to be performed (“Y” in S300 of FIG. 5), the temporary display means 32 undergoes the deceleration fluctuation (FIG. 14C) and refers to the temporary display symbol data storage means 42. Then, the temporary display symbol “2” is stopped and displayed (S310 in FIG. 14D and FIG. 5). Then, the jackpot symbol “222” is displayed in the standby display area 66 (FIG. 14E).
Next, the display is once returned to the normal fluctuation display area 61 by the re-variation display means 33 (FIG. 15A), and then high-speed fluctuation is started again (FIG. 15B). Then, the stop display means 22 refers to the stop symbol data storage means 41 and stops displaying “7” as a stop symbol in each digit of the variable display area 61. Finally, the jackpot symbol “777” is displayed in the standby display area 66, and the jackpot game is generated thereafter.

(5) Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, all 12 symbols related to high-speed fluctuation, deceleration fluctuation, and stop display are always displayed regardless of whether or not the reference display pattern is reduced. However, in other embodiments, the symbols related to the high-speed fluctuation by the fluctuation display means 23 and the deceleration fluctuation and the stop display by the stop display means 22 are based on the symbol data stored in the reference display data storage means 43. It may be displayed. In other words, by reducing the number of symbols that are actually displayed at high speed fluctuation, deceleration fluctuation, and stop by the symbol exclusion means 25, the number of symbols that may actually stop is reduced, and the player has a sense of expectation for winning. It is possible to hold them.

  In the above embodiment, when re-variable display is performed, the temporary display symbol is once displayed in the standby display area 66 and then returned to the variable display area 61 again to be subjected to high-speed fluctuation again. . However, in another embodiment, when re-variable display is performed, high-speed fluctuation may be performed in the standby display area 66.

In the bullet ball game machine according to the present invention, functional blocks of portions related to symbol variation control are schematically shown. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the fluctuation | variation control of the symbol in the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the fluctuation | variation control of the symbol in the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the fluctuation | variation control of the symbol in the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart which shows a part of procedure of the fluctuation | variation control of the symbol in the ball game machine which concerns on this invention. An example of the fluctuation | variation of the symbol in the symbol display means of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention is shown typically. An example of the fluctuation | variation of the symbol in the symbol display means of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention is shown typically. An example of the fluctuation | variation of the symbol in the symbol display means of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention is shown typically. An example of the fluctuation | variation of the symbol in the symbol display means of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention is shown typically. An example of the fluctuation | variation of the symbol in the symbol display means of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention is shown typically. An example of the fluctuation | variation of the symbol in the symbol display means of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention is shown typically. An example of the fluctuation | variation of the symbol in the symbol display means of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention is shown typically. An example of the fluctuation | variation of the symbol in the symbol display means of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention is shown typically. An example of the fluctuation | variation of the symbol in the symbol display means of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention is shown typically. An example of the fluctuation | variation of the symbol in the symbol display means of the ball game machine which concerns on this invention is shown typically. It is a left upper perspective view showing the appearance of a ball game machine according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Ball game machine
12 Bullet handle 13 Out port
14 Starting port 15 Winning port
16 Grand Prize Exit 18 Award Ball Exit
20 CPU
21 Stop symbol determination means 22 Stop display means
23 Fluctuation display means 24 Reference display means
25 Symbol exclusion means 26 Removal effect means
27 Reference display data update means
30 Re-variable display determining means 31 Temporary display symbol determining means
32 Temporary display means 33 Re-variation display means
40 RAM
41 Stop symbol data storage means
42 Temporary display symbol data storage means
43 Reference display data storage means
50 ROM
51 Symbol data storage means
60 Symbol display means
61 Fluctuation display area 62 Left display area
63 Middle display area 64 Right display area
65 Reference display area 66 Standby display area

Claims (8)

A symbol display means in which a variable display region and a reference display region for variably displaying a multi-digit symbol are set;
Stop symbol determination means for determining a stop symbol which is a combination of symbols of a plurality of digits to be stopped and displayed via a variable display in the variable display area by lottery;
Stop symbol data storage means for storing stop symbol data which is symbol data corresponding to the stop symbol;
Variation display means for sequentially varying and displaying a plurality of types of symbols in each digit of the variation display area;
Stop display means for stopping and displaying the symbol represented by the stop symbol data after the variable display;
Symbol data storage means for storing symbol data corresponding to each of all types of symbols appearing in each digit of the variable display area;
Reference display data storage means for storing, as reference display data, a part or all including the stop symbol data among all the symbol data stored in the symbol data storage means,
Reference display means for displaying the reference display data stored in the reference display data storage means in the reference display area;
A symbol exclusion means for selecting a predetermined number of exclusion data by lottery from reference display data other than the stop symbol data;
A bullet ball game machine comprising reference display data updating means for removing the exclusion data from the reference display data and storing it as new reference display data in the reference display data storage means. A symbol display means in which a variable display region and a reference display region for variably displaying a multi-digit symbol are set;
Stop symbol determining means for determining a stop symbol, which is a combination of a plurality of symbols to be stopped and displayed via a variable display in the variable display area, by lottery;
Stop symbol data storage means for storing stop symbol data which is symbol data corresponding to the stop symbol;
Re-variable display determining means for determining the presence or absence of re-variable display of the symbol by lottery;
A temporary display design determining means for determining a temporary display design to be temporarily stopped when performing re-variable display by lottery;
Temporary display symbol data storage means for storing temporary display symbol data which is symbol data corresponding to the temporary display symbol;
Variation display means for sequentially varying and displaying a plurality of types of symbols in each digit of the variation display area;
Temporary display means for stopping and displaying the symbol represented by the temporary display symbol data after the variation display by the variation display means when performing re-variation display;
Re-variation display means for sequentially varying and displaying a plurality of types of symbols in each digit of the variation display area again after the temporary display symbol is stopped and displayed;
When the re-variation display is performed, after the variation display by the re-variation display unit, or when the re-variation display is not performed, after the variation display by the variation display unit, the symbol represented by the stop symbol data is stopped and displayed. Stop display means to
Symbol data storage means for storing symbol data corresponding to each of all types of symbols appearing in each digit of the variable display area;
Of all the symbol data stored in the symbol data storage means, part or all including the temporary display symbol data is displayed when re-variable display is performed, or the stop is performed when re-variable display is not performed. Reference display data storage means for storing a part or all of the pattern data including reference data as reference display data;
Reference display means for displaying the reference display data stored in the reference display data storage means in the reference display area;
Select a predetermined number of exclusion data by lottery from reference display data other than the temporary display data when performing re-variable display, or from reference display data other than the stop symbol data when not performing re-variable display. A symbol exclusion means to perform,
A bullet ball game machine comprising reference display data updating means for removing the exclusion data from the reference display data and storing it as new reference display data in the reference display data storage means. The stop display means stops and displays the stop symbols one by one in each digit of the variable display area,
2. The symbol exclusion means can perform selection of the exclusion data only when a symbol variation display is performed at a digit of a variation display area where a stop symbol is stopped and displayed last. Or the ball game machine of 2 description. The temporary display means stops and displays the temporary display symbols one by one in each digit of the variable display area,
The symbol exclusion means is capable of executing the selection of the exclusion data only when the symbol variation display is performed at the digit of the variation display area where the temporary display symbol is stopped and displayed last. 2. The ball game machine described in 2.   5. The ball game machine according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein the symbol exclusion means determines whether or not the exclusion data is selected by lottery.   6. The variable display means displays a symbol in the variable display area in accordance with the reference display data stored in the reference display data storage means. Ball game machine.   The removal effect means which removes the symbol which concerns on the said exclusion data selected by the said symbol exclusion means in the said fluctuation | variation display area | region is provided, The 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 characterized by the above-mentioned. A ball game machine.   8. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 7, wherein the removal effect means is capable of removing the symbol related to the exclusion data selected by the symbol exclusion means even in the reference display area.

Images