JP2006181226A - Pachinko game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce burdens on a main control board by judging and determining even the changeover itself of a normal performance and a special performance on a sub control board in a Pachinko game machine in which the performance of decorative patterns or the like is determined on the sub control board which receives information relating to a drawing result as a command. <P>SOLUTION: In the Pachinko game machine, either one of the normal performance and the special performance is displayed as the performance accompanying the variable display of special patterns indicating a game result in a performance display means 22. The drawing result by a drawing means 64 and its required time are determined on the main control board 50 and transmitted to the sub control board. On the sub control board 100, when continuing the special performance executed in the previous time or when a prescribed condition is satisfied on game control, the special performance data of the matching required time are selected from a special performance table 230, and the special performance is executed according to them. In the other cases, the normal performance data of the matching required time are selected from a normal performance table 220, and the normal performance is executed according to them. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine capable of simultaneously displaying a special symbol indicating a lottery result of a winning lottery and an effect determined depending on the lottery result of a winning lottery. The present invention relates to a bullet ball game machine capable of switching between a state in which the occurrence of an occurrence is difficult and a state in which the occurrence is difficult according to a predetermined game condition.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a ball game machine, a lottery is performed based on winning at a so-called start winning port among winning ports, and a symbol for displaying the result (referred to as “special symbol”) is displayed on a liquid crystal screen or the like. In general, the display is variably displayed. Conventionally, this special symbol is a variable display of symbols consisting of multiple digits (usually three digits), characters, or symbols simulating a reel of a slot machine, and they are displayed in a specific combination (for example, the same symbol for all digits). In general, it would be a big hit if you stopped. And, the design of each digit is usually stopped one by one in order and excitement of expectation to win, especially in the state where the rest is stopped except the last one digit, depending on the last one digit In the case of occurrence of a combination of winning combinations (so-called “reach”), special effects such as implying or notifying the occurrence of the winning combination are often executed.

However, in recent years, special symbols are displayed in relatively simple figures or symbols on a display device (7-segment LED, dot matrix, etc.) provided at a corner of the liquid crystal screen or separately from the liquid crystal screen. In addition, a ball game machine in which a variable display of a multi-digit symbol, which is conventionally handled by a special symbol, is executed with a symbol as an effect (referred to as “decorative symbol”) has also appeared. There exists a thing of the following patent document 1 as an example of such a ball game machine.
That is, when the special symbol starts to be displayed in a variable manner, the decorative symbol is also started to be displayed at a substantially same time, and the decorative symbol is stopped at the same time as the special symbol is stopped. Thereby, the player feels that the result of the game is determined by the combination of the stopped decorative symbols.

In such a ball and ball game machine that displays the decorative symbol as an effect in a variable manner, the reach is not displayed as a special symbol, so the reach is displayed as an effect as a decorative symbol. Then, as a display mode of the effect, for example, a plurality of states having different occurrence frequencies of special modes such as reach are provided, and a “normal effect” with a low occurrence frequency of such modes is usually executed, When conditions are achieved, switching to “special effects” having such a high occurrence frequency has also been performed. When the special effect is being executed, the occurrence frequency of a special mode such as reach is higher than that of the normal effect, so that the player's expectation for the jackpot occurrence is increased.
JP 2004-290371 A

The control of the ball game machine is carried out by a main control board that controls the entire game and a sub-control board that controls the display of images and sounds. As for the decorative symbol variation display as the above-mentioned effect, the information related to the lottery result is transmitted as a command from the main control board to the sub-control board, and the details of the specific variation display are determined by the sub-control board. It is normal. However, the switching between the “normal effect” and the “special effect” has been conventionally controlled by the main control board, but the capacity of the data related to the special effect on the main control board becomes large, and the processing burden is heavy. There were problems such as slow screen processing.
Therefore, in the present invention, information regarding the lottery result is transmitted as a command to the sub-control board, and on the ball game machine in which the effect such as a decorative symbol is determined on the sub-control board, switching between the normal effect and the special effect is performed. The first problem is to reduce the burden on the main control board and enable smooth game processing by determining and determining the sub control board itself.

In addition to the first problem described above, the present invention sets a second problem to realize a changeable game by entrusting the continuation and end of the special performance to a lottery.
Furthermore, in addition to the first or second problem described above, the present invention forcibly changes to a normal effect even if the special effect is supposed to continue depending on the command transmitted from the main control board to the sub-control board. The third problem is to secure the degree of freedom of the production by enabling the return and switching the production led by the main control board in some cases.
In addition to the above first, second or third problems, the present invention increases the player's expectation by increasing the frequency of so-called reach during the special performance, thereby realizing an interesting gameplay. Is a fourth problem.

Furthermore, in addition to the first, second, third, or fourth problem, the present invention has a fifth problem that variations in screen display during special effects can be made abundant.
In addition to the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth problem described above, the sixth object of the present invention is to simplify the configuration of the ball game machine.

(1) 1st invention In order to solve the said 1st subject, the ball game machine PM which concerns on 1st invention among this invention is the following.
(A) Start winning opening 12;
(B) A special symbol display means 20 for displaying a result of a predetermined lottery with a special symbol in accordance with the winning of a game ball at the start winning port 12;
(C) effect display means 22 for displaying an effect according to the lottery result;
(D) a main control board 50 that controls the game;
(E) a sub-control board 100 that controls display of the effect;
With
The main control board 50 includes
(F) lottery means 64 for executing the predetermined lottery;
(G) lottery result data determining means 65 for determining lottery result data representing the lottery result by the lottery means 64;
(H) required time data determining means 66 for determining required time data representing the time required for displaying the lottery result;
(I) A command transmission means 51 for transmitting a variation information command including at least the lottery result data and the required time data to the sub-control board 100 is provided.
In the production,
(J) a special effect that is an effect that may be executed over the display of a plurality of lottery results after a predetermined condition is established in the game control on the main control board 50;
(K) While there is a normal effect which is an effect executed when the special effect is not executed,
The sub-control board 100 includes
(L) Normal effect table 220 in which normal effect data that is data related to the normal effect and includes the required time as a parameter is recorded;
(M) special effect table 230 in which special effect data including data relating to the special effect and including the required time as parameters is recorded;
(N) command receiving means 101 for receiving the variation information command;
(O) Special effect execution determining means 240 for receiving the change information command by the command receiving means 101 and determining whether or not a special effect has been executed at the time of displaying the previous lottery result as the effect; ,
(P) a condition determination unit 250 that determines whether the predetermined condition is successful when the determination result by the special effect execution determination unit 240 is negative;
(Q) If the determination result by the condition determination unit 250 is affirmative, an effect determination unit 260 that determines which of a normal effect and a special effect is executed as an effect accompanying the display of the lottery result;
(R) If the determination result by the special effect execution determination unit 240 is affirmative, an effect continuation determining unit 270 that determines whether or not to continue the special effect;
(S) When the determination result by the condition determining means 250 is negative, when the effect determining means 260 is determined to execute the normal effect, or when the determination by the effect continuation determining means 270 is negative The normal effect execution for selecting one of the normal effect data having the required time corresponding to the required time data in the variation information command from the normal effect table 220 and executing the normal effect based on the normal effect data Means 280;
(T) When it is determined that the special effect is to be executed by the effect determining means 260 or when the determination by the effect continuation determining means 270 is affirmative, the special having a required time that matches the required time of the effect Special effect executing means 290 for selecting one of the effect data from the special effect table 230 and executing the special effect based on the special effect data is provided.

The “start winning opening 12” refers to a winning opening where a predetermined lottery is executed by winning a game ball and a special game (for example, a big hit game) can be executed depending on the result of the lottery.
The “special symbol display means 20” refers to a device that displays the result of the lottery as a special symbol variation display on an image, and can be realized by, for example, a liquid crystal screen, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix, or the like.
The “effect display means 22” is means for enabling the player to recognize the effect according to the result of the lottery by the player's perception, in particular, visually or audibly. For example, an image such as a liquid crystal screen, a 7-segment LED, a dot matrix, etc. This can be realized by any one or more of the display device, the lamp, and the speaker 8. Here, the “production” may be a so-called decorative display variation display, or may be a background or character other than the design.

The “main control board 50” refers to a device that controls the overall game in the ball game machine PM. For example, the main control board 50 is a hardware that includes a CPU using a microcomputer and storage means such as a ROM and a RAM. It can be realized as a control device in which software for performing game operation control is installed. This main control board 50 controls the special symbol display on the special symbol display means 20.
The “sub control board 100” refers to a control board specialized for display of effects by one or both of image display and sound display independently of the main control board 50. For example, a CPU and an image using a microcomputer Software for controlling one or both of image display and sound display is installed in hardware configured to include storage means such as ROM and RAM in which one or both of display information and sound display information is recorded. It can be realized as a control device.

The “lottery means 64” is means for executing a predetermined lottery in accordance with the winning of a game ball to the start winning opening 12, and the main control board 50 receives a winning signal to the start winning opening 12, for example. The lottery means 64 is functioned by executing a process for performing random number extraction, a process for extracting random numbers, and a process for evaluating the extracted random numbers and determining a lottery result.
The “lottery result data determining means 65” is means for determining lottery result data represented by the lottery result, and the main control board 50 extracts, for example, lottery result data corresponding to the lottery result from a predetermined table. By executing this, the lottery result data determining means 65 functions. Here, the “lottery result data” does not mean the type of the special symbol that directly expresses the lottery result. For example, “0” for “losing”, “1” for “normal winning”. ”,“ Probability change ”(“ probability change ”is an abbreviation of so-called“ probability change game ”in which, when a big hit is made under a predetermined condition, the probability of a big win is increased in a normal game after the end of a special game. .) Is represented as a symbol or code corresponding to a predetermined result, such as “2”.

The “required time data determining means 66” is a means for determining “required time data” which is data representing the time (“required time”) required when the lottery result is executed as a variation display of a special symbol. The main control board 50 extracts, for example, one corresponding to the lottery result or independently of the lottery result from a plurality of required times according to a predetermined rule or by lottery. By executing the processing, it functions as the required time data determining means 66.
The “variation information command” is a set of information including at least the lottery result data and the required time data as elements.

The “command transmission means 51” is a means for transmitting the variation information command to the sub-control board 100, and the main control board 50, for example, a process for combining the determined lottery result data and the required time data, By executing the process of transmitting the combined information as an electrical signal to the sub-control board 100, the command transmission means 51 functions.
As described above, the “special effect” can be executed over a plurality of lottery results display (special symbol fluctuation display) when a predetermined condition is established in the game control on the main control board 50 as described above. This is a directing. Here, “possible to be executed” does not necessarily mean that it is executed over a plurality of times, but may mean that it may end up once. This special effect consists of a group of effects, each of which is selected and executed according to a predetermined probability. Further, the effect group as the special effect is not limited to one, and may be selected or determined from two or more effect groups according to a predetermined condition.

The “normal effect” refers to an effect that is executed when the special effect is not executed. In the special effect, the “predetermined probability” is set so that the occurrence frequency of the effect of a specific aspect such as reach is higher than the normal effect.
The “normal performance table 220” is a data table stored in a storage device such as a ROM of the sub-control board 100 and stores data related to the normal performance. The data related to the normal performance includes the required time as a parameter. That is, in this normal effect table 220, a certain required time is used as an index, and the normal effect data corresponding to it is recorded in a searchable format.

The “special effect table 230” is a data table stored in a storage device such as a ROM of the sub-control board 100 and stores data related to the special effect. The data related to this special effect includes the required time as a parameter. That is, in this special effect table 230, a certain required time is used as an index, and the special effect data corresponding to it is recorded in a searchable format.
The “command receiving means 101” is means for receiving the variation information command from the main control board 50. The lottery result determined by the sub control board 100, for example, by translating an electrical signal received from the main board. By executing the processing for obtaining the data and the required time data, the command receiving means 101 functions.

The “special effect execution determination unit 240” is a unit that determines whether or not a special effect has been executed in the previous variation display of the special symbol. For example, when the special effect is executed, the effect execution flag as an internal flag is set, and when the execution of the special effect ends, the effect execution flag is cleared. For example, the sub-control board 100 is realized by executing processing for determining the value with reference to the internal flag.
The “condition determination unit 250” is a unit that determines whether or not a “predetermined condition” that is worth starting to execute the special effect is performed, and the sub-control board 100 determines, for example, the special effect execution determination unit 240. The process of confirming whether the result is negative (that is, whether the special effect was not executed at the time of the change display of the special symbol in the previous time), and when the fact is confirmed, the “predetermined condition” is By executing the process of determining whether or not the condition is established, the condition determination unit 250 functions.

The “predetermined condition” here can be various, and is not limited to a specific one. For example, the fact that the winning has not occurred over a predetermined number of lotteries, the required time data is a specific value, the lottery result data indicates a specific lottery result, and a predetermined time zone Etc. can be set as the predetermined condition.
The “effect determining means 260” is means for determining whether or not to start execution of the special effect, and the sub control board 100 determines whether the determination result by the condition determining means 250 is affirmative (ie, whether or not the special effect is determined) (ie, Processing to confirm whether or not “predetermined conditions” have been established, and which of the normal performance and the special performance to be executed when confirmation is made (for example, by lottery or according to predetermined rules) By performing the determining process, the effect determining means 260 functions.

“Production continuation determining means 270” is a means for determining whether or not to continue the specific performance, and whether or not the sub-control board 100 has a positive determination result by the special performance execution determination means 240, for example (that is, Processing to confirm whether or not the special effect was executed at the time of the special symbol variation display last time), whether or not the special effect is continued when the confirmation is made, that is, the special effect at the time of variation display of the special symbol By executing the process of determining whether or not to execute (for example, by lottery or according to a predetermined rule), the effect continuation determining unit 270 functions.
The “normal effect executing means 280” is a means for executing a normal effect, and the sub-control board 100, for example, (a) a process for confirming whether the determination result by the condition determining means 250 is negative ( (B) A process for confirming whether or not the effect determining means 260 has decided to execute the normal effect; (c) a process for confirming whether or not the determination by the effect continuation determining means 270 is negative; The process of acquiring the required time data in the variation information command when any one of (c) is confirmed, and the normal having the required time that matches the acquired required time data with reference to the normal performance table 220 By executing a process of selecting one of the effect data (for example, by lottery or according to a predetermined rule), the normal effect executing means 280 is obtained. So that the function.

  The “special effect execution means 290” is a means for executing a special effect, and the sub-control board 100 checks whether, for example, (a) the effect determination means 260 has determined that the special effect is to be executed. (A) processing for confirming whether or not the determination by the effect continuation determining means 270 is affirmative, and the time required in the variation information command when any of these (a) and (b) is confirmed A process of acquiring data and a process of selecting one of the special effect data having a required time that matches the acquired required time data with reference to the special effect table 230 (for example, by lottery or according to a predetermined rule) By executing this, the special effect execution means 290 functions.

The ball game machine PM according to the first invention operates as follows.
First, when a game ball wins at the start winning opening 12, a predetermined lottery is performed by the lottery means 64, and lottery result data representing the lottery result is determined by the lottery result data determining means 65. At the same time, a special symbol corresponding to the lottery result is also determined.
Next, the required time data determining means 66 determines the required time data required for displaying the lottery result.
Then, a variation information command combining these lottery result data and required time data is transmitted to the sub-control board 100 by the command transmission means 51.

In the sub-control board 100, when the command receiving unit 101 receives this variation information command, the special effect execution determining unit 240 determines whether or not the special effect has been executed when the previous lottery result is displayed.
When the determination result by the special effect execution determination unit 240 is negative, the condition determination unit 250 determines whether or not a predetermined condition in game control is successful.
When the determination result by the condition determining unit 250 is affirmative, the effect determining unit 260 determines which of the normal effect and the special effect is executed as the effect accompanying the display of the lottery result.

On the other hand, when the determination result by the special effect execution determination unit 240 is affirmative, the effect continuation determining unit 270 determines whether or not to continue the special effect.
When the determination result by the condition determination unit 250 is negative, when the determination to execute the normal effect is made by the effect determination unit 260 or when the determination by the effect continuation determination unit 270 is negative, the normal effect The execution means 280 displays one of the normal effect data having the required time corresponding to the required time data in the received fluctuation information command at the same time that the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display means 20. A normal effect based on the normal effect data selected from the table 220 is executed on the effect display means 22.

On the other hand, when the effect determining means 260 determines that the special effect is to be executed or when the determination by the effect continuation determining means 270 is affirmative, the special effect executing means 290 determines that the special symbol is a special symbol. At the same time as the change display on the display means 20, one of the special effect data having the required time corresponding to the required time data in the received fluctuation information command is selected from the special effect table 230 and the special effect data is selected. A special effect based on the effect display means 22 is executed.
(2) 2nd invention In order to solve the said 2nd subject, 2nd invention among this invention adds the characteristic of the said 1st invention, and the said effect continuation determination means 270 continues a special effect. Whether or not is determined by lottery.

The lottery is preferably a random number (a hardware random number or a software random number).
(3) Third Invention In order to solve the third problem, the third invention of the present invention executes a special effect by the effect determining means 260 in addition to the features of the first or second invention. Even when the decision to do so is made or when the decision by the production continuation determining means 270 is affirmative, when the special production data matching the time required for the production is not in the special production table 230, The normal effect executing means 280 selects normal effect data having a required time corresponding to the required time data of the effect from the normal effect table 220, and executes the normal effect based on the normal effect data. .

For example, the normal performance table 220 includes normal performance data having required times of 10, 15, 20, 30 and 60 seconds, and the special performance table 230 has 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds and 30 seconds. If there is special effect data having a required time of 60 seconds, the required time data of the variation information command from the main control board 50 is 60 seconds even when the sub-control board 100 determines that the special effect is to be continued. If so, the effect continuation determining means 270 determines that the special effect is not continued, and the normal effect executing means 280 selects the normal effect pattern of 60 seconds from the normal effect table 220 instead of the special effect executing means 290. To do.
In other words, the so-called full rotation reach (usually a fluctuation pattern with 100% hits, where all digits of the pattern rotate in the middle of the fluctuation, and then stop all at once with all the digits aligned. The special execution condition is satisfied when a special effect that requires a special required time (60 seconds in the above example) that is not included in the special effect is established. Even if it is, the execution of the special effect will be given priority.

(4) 4th invention In order to solve the said 4th subject, in addition to the characteristic of the said 1st, 2nd or 3rd invention among the 4th invention among this invention, the said production is two or more, respectively. The symbols of the type are displayed in a variable manner over N digits (where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2), each digit stops in turn, and a combination of N symbols is displayed.
When the special game is executed, the combination of the N symbols becomes a predetermined combination,
When N-1 digit out of the N digits to be variably displayed is stopped, the reach effect that becomes the predetermined combination depending on the stop symbol of the last one digit,
There is a non-reach effect that does not become the predetermined combination no matter what the last one-digit stop symbol is when the N-1 digit out of the N digits to be variably displayed is stopped,
When the special effect is executed, a reach effect occurs more frequently than when the normal effect is executed.

  In other words, in the fourth aspect of the invention, so-called decorative symbol variation display is performed as an effect. Reach occurs at a predetermined probability both in the normal effect and in the special effect, but the probability in the special effect is set higher than the probability in the normal effect. Thereby, the reach occurrence frequency is increased during the special performance. Here, the “stop” of the N−1 digit until the last one digit stops means the stop until the reach is established, and so-called “revariation” or “full rotation” changes after reach establishment. It is a concept that includes those that resume. Further, the “stop” here does not have to be accompanied by a change in the design, and for example, the so-called “swaying change” in which the display is enlarged or reduced or repeated such that the design is shaken is also included therein. Is included.

(5) Fifth Invention In order to solve the fifth problem, a fifth invention of the present invention is the special effect in addition to the features of the first, second, third or fourth invention. Is characterized in that screen display in a form different from the normal effect is made in the effect display means 22.
Here, “an aspect different from the normal effect” means that, for example, in the case of performing a variable display of decorative symbols in the normal effect, in addition to the variable display of decorative symbols in the special effect, a character different from the decorative symbol Is expressed by qualitatively different from the normal performance so that is displayed as an animation or the background image of the decorative design is changed.

(6) Sixth invention In order to solve the sixth problem, the sixth invention of the present invention is characterized in that in addition to the features of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth invention, The special symbol display means 20 and the effect display means 22 share the same image display device.
For example, when a decorative design as an effect is variably displayed on the liquid crystal screen, the liquid crystal screen can function as the special symbol display means 20 and the effect display means 22 by variably displaying the special symbol at one corner of the same liquid crystal screen. it can. In the sixth invention, the special symbol variation display is controlled by the sub-control board 100.

Since this invention is comprised as mentioned above, there exists an effect described below.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the ball game machine in which information relating to the lottery result is transmitted as a command to the sub-control board and an effect such as a decorative design is determined on the sub-control board based on the information, By switching and determining the special effect itself with the sub-control board, it is possible to reduce the burden on the main control board and enable smooth game processing.
In addition, according to the second invention of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first invention, it is possible to realize changing gameability by entrusting the continuation and end of the special effect to the lottery.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first or second aspect, the special effect is supposed to continue depending on the command transmitted from the main control board to the sub control board. However, by making it possible to forcibly return to the normal production, it is possible to change the production led by the main control board in some cases, and to ensure the degree of freedom of the production.
Further, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first, second or third aspect of the present invention, the player's expectation is increased by increasing the frequency of so-called reach during the special performance. It is possible to realize an interesting gameplay.
Furthermore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first, second, third, or fourth aspects, variations in screen display during special effects can be enriched.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth aspects, the configuration of the ball game machine can be simplified.

(1) First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external appearance of a ball game machine PM according to the present embodiment. 2 to 5 are block diagrams showing functions of the ball game machine PM according to the present embodiment. 6 to 9 are flowcharts showing game processing in the ball and ball game machine PM according to the present embodiment. 10 to 16 schematically show the effect display modes in the effect display means 22 of the ball game machine PM according to the present embodiment.
(1-1) Appearance of the Ball Game Machine PM The ball game machine PM according to the present embodiment has an appearance as shown in FIG.

  The ball game machine PM according to the present embodiment includes an outer frame 1 that forms an outer frame of the ball game machine PM, and a front frame 2 that is pivotally supported by the outer frame 1 so as to be opened and closed. It has become. The front frame 2 has a game board 7 for forming a game area 10 of the ball game machine PM, a glass door 3 in which a plate glass covering the front of the game board 7 is fitted, and a prize ball payout opening 9. An upper upper ball tray 4a and a lower lower ball tray 4b that receive game balls to be paid out, an operation handle 5 for performing a game ball launch operation, and a game board 7 so as to surround the periphery of the game area 10 A pair of fixed rails 6 are provided. A speaker 8 for performing various notifications and effects by voice is also provided on the left side of the area between the upper ball tray 4a and the lower ball tray 4b.

  In the game area 10 of the ball game machine PM, when a game ball wins, a plurality of general winning ports 11 through which a prize ball is paid out to the player, and a prize ball payout to the player by winning the game ball, A start winning opening 12 for starting the symbol variation of the special symbol display means 20 and the effect display means 22 which are planar display portions, a big winning opening 13 which is closed in a normal game, and an out opening 14 for collecting game balls A windmill 15 that affects the falling of the hit ball and a number of game nails (not shown) are provided. In addition, a normal symbol display device 21 (provided below the big winning port 13) composed of a 7-segment LED on which a normal symbol for expanding the opening of the start winning port 12 is displayed, and the normal symbol display device 21. There is also provided a normal symbol operation gate 16 which is a passing gate for a game ball as an opportunity for the operation.

In addition, a lamp device 30 including a plurality of lamps that are turned on or blinked during the game is provided around the game area 10.
The special symbol display means 20 is a planar display unit composed of a dot matrix provided above the effect display means 22 described below, and displays special symbols related to success or failure of the jackpot game corresponding to the special game.
The effect display means 22 is a liquid crystal display device in which a screen for displaying an image is formed in a flat shape, and a decorative symbol composed of three symbols displayed as an effect on the screen as a special symbol is variably displayed. In addition, an image related to display of an end condition at the time of a special game, which will be described later, can be displayed, and is arranged at the approximate center of the game area 10.

A display number display device 23 composed of four lamps is provided above the effect display means 22.
(1-2) Outline of Game In the ball and ball game machine PM having such a configuration, when the player rotates the operation handle 5 in a predetermined direction, one game ball is stored in the upper ball tray 4a. It is sent to a launcher (not shown). The game ball that has reached the launching part is fired from the launching part toward the game area 10 with an intensity according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 5 and falls in the game area 10, and a winning opening 11 and a starting winning opening 12. And any of the outlets 14. Here, when a game ball wins the winning slot 11, ten winning balls are paid out to the upper ball tray 4a.

When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 16, the normal symbol starts to change on the normal symbol display device 21. When the predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed, the start winning opening 12 is enlarged by 0.5 seconds, and the possibility of winning in the starting winning opening 12 increases during that time.
When there is a winning at the start winning opening 12, in addition to paying out five prize balls to the player from the prize ball payout exit 9, special symbols ("0" to "9") are displayed on the special symbol display means 20. 10 kinds of numbers up to 10) are started, and the decoration display (10 numbers from “0” to “9” as the production in the production display means 22 is 3 digits consisting of left, middle and right. Display) is started. If there is a winning at the start winning opening 12 during the special symbol variation display, the right to display the special symbol variation display related to the winning is reserved, and the display count display device 23 displays the right. Lights up. Since this lighting can be performed up to 4 times, the right to change and display special symbols can be held up to 4 times. As a result of this variable display, when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display means 20 is of a predetermined type (in this embodiment, it is an odd number), a special game (so-called jackpot game) occurs. . On the other hand, when the special symbol to be stopped is not the above-mentioned predetermined type (in this embodiment, it is an even number), no special game is generated, but even one display number display device 23 is lit. In this case, after the number of lighting is reduced by 1, the special symbol variation display is started again.

When the special symbol is the above-mentioned predetermined type, the same combination of numbers (for example, “222”, “777”, etc.) for all three digits of the decorative symbol is stopped and displayed through the variable display. ing.
In this special game, the large winning opening 13 that is closed during the normal game is opened. When there is a prize at the big prize opening 13, 15 prize balls are paid out to the player from the prize ball payout exit 9. The large winning opening 13 is temporarily closed when a condition of either 10 balls has been won or 30 seconds have elapsed since opening is fulfilled.
In addition, although the general area 17 and the specific area 18 as the flow path of the game ball are provided inside the big prize opening 13, while the big prize opening 13 is open, to the specific area 18 of these. If there is a prize, the big prize opening 13 is once closed and then opened again. Thereby, the opening of the special winning opening 13 can be continued up to 15 times. Note that the specific area 18 may not be provided in the special winning opening 13. In this case, the special winning opening 13 is always opened up to the maximum number (in this case, 15 times). In addition, when the special winning opening 13 has been opened 15 times, or when there is no winning in the specific area 18 while the special winning opening 13 is open, the special game ends. When a special game is generated with a specific special symbol (“3” or “7” in the present embodiment), the probability of occurrence of the special game is high in the normal game after the special game ends. In other words, a so-called “stochastic game” is to occur.

(1-3) Functional Block Next, the schematic configuration of the ball game machine PM according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the functional block diagrams of FIGS.
(1-3-1) Main control board 50
The ball game machine PM according to the present embodiment includes a main control board 50 as a main control device for controlling the above-described production operation, game operation, and the like. The main control board 50 is a control device in which software for performing presentation operation control and game operation control is installed in hardware configured to include a CPU using a microcomputer and storage means such as ROM and RAM. .

As shown in FIG. 2, the main control board 50 has a normal symbol operation gate passage detector 16a provided inside the normal symbol operation gate 16 as a signal transmission source for sending a predetermined signal to the main control board 50. A start winning port winning detector 12 a provided in the start winning port 12, a general winning port winning detector 11 a provided in the general winning port 11, and a general area 17 in the large winning port 13. The general area passage detector 17a provided in the special area and the specific area passage detector 18a provided in the specific area 18 inside the special winning opening 13 are electrically connected via an I / O interface.
The main control board 50 has a prize ball payout device 45 for paying out a prize ball, a display number display device 23, a normal symbol display device 21, a special symbol display means 20, and a special prize as devices directly controlled. A large winning opening driving means 13m for opening and closing the opening 13 and a starting winning opening driving means 12m for expanding the starting winning opening 12 are electrically connected via an I / O interface. Further, the sub control board 100 that controls the effect display means 22, the speaker 8, and the lamp device 30 is also electrically connected to the main control board 50 via an I / O interface.

The main control board 50 has a normal game control means 60 for controlling its operation for executing a normal game, a special game control means 70 for controlling its operation for executing a special game, and a prize. A payout control means 90 for controlling the operation of the ball payout device 45 and a command transmission means 51 for transmitting a control command for controlling the effect display means 22, the speaker 8 and the lamp device 30 to the sub-control board 100 are provided. ing.
(1-3-2) Normal game control means 60
The normal game control means 60 is a means for controlling a normal game as described above, and is subdivided into the following sub means as shown in FIG.

(1-3-2-1) Normal symbol determining means 61
The normal symbol determining means 61 determines a normal symbol variably displayed on the normal symbol display device 21 by lottery by passing the game ball to the normal symbol operating gate 16.
(1-3-2-2) Normal symbol control means 62
The normal symbol control means 62 causes the normal symbol display device 21 to display the normal symbol determined by the normal symbol determination means 61.
(1-3-2-2-3) Start winning opening control means 63
When the normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display device 21 is a predetermined symbol, the start winning port control unit 63 drives the start winning port driving unit 12m to enlarge the start winning port 12.

(1-3-2-4) Lottery means 64
The lottery means 64 performs a lottery with hardware random numbers based on the winning of a game ball in the start winning opening 12, and determines the result. In this embodiment, there are three lottery results: per chance change (percent probability change game occurs after the end of the special game), normal hit (percentage when the probability change game does not occur after the end of the special game), and lose. is there.
(1-3-2-5) Lottery result data determination means 65
The lottery result data determination unit 65 determines lottery result data representing the lottery result by the lottery unit 64 as data according to the lottery result. In the present embodiment, “2” is determined for the probability variation, “1” for the normal variation, and “0” for the loss.

(1-3-2-6) Time required data determination means 66
The required time data determination means 66 determines the required time data, which is the time required for the special symbol variation display (also the time required for the decorative symbol variation display), by lottery. In this embodiment, it is either 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds or 60 seconds. The required time data determined here is incorporated into the variation information command together with the lottery result data by the command transmission means 51 and transmitted to the sub-control board 100.
(1-3-2-7) Special symbol determining means 67
The special symbol determining unit 67 determines the type of the special symbol corresponding to the lottery result of the lottery unit 64. In the present embodiment, “3” or “7” is a probability per hit, “1”, “5” or “9” is a normal hit, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” or “0” is determined by a predetermined lottery.

(1-3-2-8) Special symbol control means 68
The special symbol control means 68 causes the special symbol display means 20 to display the special symbol determined by the special symbol determination means 67 in accordance with the required time determined by the required time data determination means 66.
(1-3-3) Special game control means 70
The special game control means 70 is a means for controlling the special game as described above, and is subdivided into the following sub means as shown in FIG.
(1-3-3-1) Winning counting means 71
The winning counting means 71 counts the game balls that have passed through either the general area 17 or the specific area 18 while the special winning opening 13 is opened.

(1-3-3-2) Operating time counting means 72
The operating time counting means 72 sets the opening start time of the special winning opening 13 to zero, and measures the time during which the opening continues from that time.
(1-3-3-3) End determination means 73
The end judging means 73 ends the end of each round by first achieving whether the predetermined number is counted by the winning counting means 71 or the predetermined time is counted by the operating time measuring means 72. Determine.
(1-3-3-4) Open / close drive control means 74
The opening / closing drive control means 74 operates the special prize opening drive means 13m to open the special prize opening 13 and, if there is an end determination by the end determination means 73, terminates the operation of the special prize opening drive means 13m. The winning opening 13 is closed.

(1-3-3-5) Continuation determining means 75
The continuation determination means 75 determines whether or not to continue to the next round depending on whether or not a game ball has passed to the specific area 18 while the special winning opening 13 is open at the end of each round.
(1-3-4) Sub-control board 100
The sub-control board 100 is a control board specialized for control of image display and sound display independently of the main control board 50, and stores a CPU using a microcomputer and image display information and sound display information. This is a control device in which software for controlling image display and sound display is installed in hardware configured to include storage means such as a ROM and a RAM. As shown in FIG. 2, the sub-control board 100 is provided with the following units.

(1-3-4-1) Command receiving means 101
The command receiving means 101 receives the fluctuation information command transmitted from the previous command transmitting means 51, acquires lottery result data and required time data therefrom, and passes them to the following effect execution means 200.
(1-3-4-2) Production execution means 200
The effect execution means 200 controls the execution of the effect by the decorative symbol according to the lottery result data and the required time data. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, it is subdivided into the following sub means.

(1-3-4-3) Production random number acquisition means 210
The effect random number acquisition means 210 acquires an effect random number that is a software random number that takes a numerical value from 0 to 255. This effect random number is used to determine the type of normal effect and special effect.
(1-3-4-4) Normal production table 220
As shown in Table 1 below, the normal effect table 220 is a data table having a data structure in which effect data is specified by the required time, lottery result data, and the value of the effect random number.

ここで、「リーチなし」は、装飾図柄の変動表示においてリーチが発生しない演出データを意味する。また、「リーチＡ」、「リーチＢ」及び「リーチＣ」はそれぞれ装飾図柄の変動表示においてリーチが発生する演出データを意味するが、個々の詳細については後述する。
（１−３−４−５）特別演出テーブル２３０
特別演出テーブル２３０は、下記の表２に示すように、所要時間と抽選結果データと演出乱数の値とにより演出データが特定されるデータ構造を有するデータテーブルである。

Here, “no reach” means effect data in which reach does not occur in the decorative display variation display. Further, “reach A”, “reach B”, and “reach C” mean effect data in which reach occurs in the variable display of decorative symbols, but details of each will be described later.
(1-3-4-5) Special performance table 230
As shown in Table 2 below, the special effect table 230 is a data table having a data structure in which the effect data is specified by the required time, the lottery result data, and the value of the effect random number.

なお、「リーチなし」並びに「リーチＡ」及び「リーチＢ」の意義については上記（１−３−４−４）と同様である。
上述の通り、特別演出テーブル２３０においては、通常演出テーブル２２０よりも抽選結果データが「０」の場合（すなわち、ハズレの場合）におけるリーチの発生確率が高くなっている。
（１−３−４−６）特別演出実行判定手段２４０
特別演出実行判定手段２４０は、前回の特別図柄の変動表示の際に、特別演出が実行されたかどうかを判定する。具体的には、ＲＡＭに記憶されるパラメータの１つである「演出実行フラグ」の値が０の場合には通常演出が実行されたことになり、一方１の場合には特別演出が実行されたことになる。

The meanings of “no reach” and “reach A” and “reach B” are the same as in (1-3-4-4) above.
As described above, in the special effect table 230, the probability of reach in the case where the lottery result data is “0” (that is, in the case of a loss) is higher than that in the normal effect table 220.
(1-3-4-6) Special effect execution determination means 240
The special effect execution determination unit 240 determines whether or not the special effect has been executed at the time of the previous variation display of the special symbol. Specifically, when the value of the “production execution flag”, which is one of the parameters stored in the RAM, is 0, the normal production is executed, whereas when the value is 1, the special production is executed. That's right.

(1-3-4-7) Condition determining means 250
The condition determination means 250 determines the progress of the game when the determination result by the special effect execution determination means 240 is negative (that is, when the normal effect is executed at the time of the last special symbol variation display). It is determined whether a predetermined condition is achieved. In the present embodiment, the predetermined condition is that the required time data represents the required time of 25 seconds.
(1-3-4-8) Production determining means 260
If the determination result by the condition determination unit 250 is affirmative (that is, if the “predetermined condition” is achieved), the effect determining unit 260 executes the special effect or the normal effect. Is determined by a predetermined lottery. The probability of this lottery may always be constant, but may be changed as appropriate depending on the game situation.

(1-3-4-9) Production continuation determining means 270
The effect continuation determining means 270 gives the special effect when the result of the determination by the special effect execution determining means 240 is affirmative (that is, when the special effect has been executed at the time of the previous special symbol variation display). Whether to continue or not is determined by a predetermined lottery. The probability of this lottery may always be constant, but may be changed as appropriate depending on the game situation (for example, the special performance is normally continued with a probability of 60%, but a certain condition is satisfied) May be continued with a probability of 100%).
(1-3-4-10) Normal effect execution means 280
When the determination result by the condition determining unit 250 is negative (that is, when the “predetermined condition” is not achieved), the normal effect executing unit 280 is determined to execute the normal effect by the effect determining unit 260. If the determination by the effect continuation determining means 270 is negative (that is, when the special effect is not continued), one of the normal effect data having the required time corresponding to the required time data is stored in the normal effect table. 220 is selected based on the lottery result data and the value of the effect random number, and the effect display means 22 is caused to execute the normal effect based on the normal effect data.

(1-3-4-11) Special effect execution means 290
The special effect executing means 290 is required when the effect determining means 260 determines to execute the special effect or when the determination by the effect continuation determining means 270 is affirmative (that is, when the special effect is continued). One of the special effect data having a required time that matches the time data is selected from the special effect table 230 based on the lottery result data and the value of the effect random number, and the effect display is performed based on the special effect data. The means 22 is made to execute. Note that when the special effect data having the required time corresponding to the required time data is not in the special effect table 230 (in this embodiment, “60 seconds”), the above (1-3-4-10) The normal effect is selected and executed by the normal effect executing means 280 (details will be described later).

(1-3-4-12) Decorative design determining means 295
The decorative symbol determination means 295 determines the type of decorative symbol based on the lottery result data (and the type of effect data in the case of loss). In the present embodiment, when the lottery result data is “2”, “777” or “333” is the decorative symbol. In addition, when the lottery result data is “1”, “000”, “111”, “222”, “444”, “555”, “666”, “888”, or “999” is the decorative symbol. (Including “333” and “777”, it is referred to as a “decoration pattern”). Further, when the lottery result data is “0”, when “reach A” or “reach B” is selected as effect data, the left digit and the right digit match, and the middle digit is a different number. When a combination (for example, “787”, “292”, “414”, etc., referred to as “reach decoration design”) becomes a decoration design, and “no reach” is selected as effect data, A combination other than the “reach decorative symbol” (for example, “123”, “667”, “099”, etc., referred to as “losing decorative symbol”) becomes the decorative symbol.

(1-4) Game Control Next, the game control according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. In the following description, the display mode schematic diagrams of the effect display means 22 from FIGS. 10 to 16 will be referred to as appropriate.
(1-4-1) Normal Game During normal game, the normal game control means 60 of the main control board 50 performs normal symbol processing and (1-4) shown in (1-4-1-1) below. The special symbol process shown in -1-2) is executed in parallel.

(1-4-1-1) Normal symbol processing In the normal symbol processing, first, at the stage shown in S100 of FIG. 6, the normal symbol determining means 61 causes the normal symbol operation gate passage detector 16a to pass the game ball. Whether or not is input is determined. If it is determined that the input has been made, the process proceeds to the step shown in S110. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the input has been made, the process returns to the step shown in S100 again.
In the stage shown in S110, the normal symbol is determined by the normal symbol determining means 61. Then, the normal symbol control means 62 starts the normal symbol variation display on the normal symbol display device 21 and stops the display after 30 seconds. And it progresses to the step shown to S120.

If the normal symbol stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 21 is the predetermined winning symbol at the step shown in S120, the process proceeds to the step shown in S130. On the other hand, if it is not the winning symbol, the process returns to the step shown in S100.
In the stage shown in S130, the start winning opening control means 63 drives the starting winning opening driving means 12m, and thereby the start winning opening 12 is expanded for 0.5 seconds (3 seconds during the probability variation game). Then, the process returns to the step shown in S100.
(1-4-1-2) Special symbol processing In the special symbol processing, first, at the stage shown in S140, whether or not a winning signal of a game ball is input from the start winning opening prize detector 12a by the lottery means 64. Is judged. If it is determined that the input has been made, the lottery process shown in S145 is executed, and the process proceeds to the stage shown in S200 of FIG. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the input has been made, the process returns to the step shown in S140.

In the stage shown in S200 of FIG. 7, the winning determination random number is extracted by the lottery means 64. And it progresses to the step shown to S210.
In the stage shown in S210, the lottery means 64 determines any one of probability variation, normal winning, or loss as the lottery result. And it progresses to the step shown to S220.
In the stage shown in S220, the lottery result data determination means 65 gives lottery result data according to the lottery result. That is, “2” for probability variation, “1” for normal winning, and “0” for loss are the lottery result data. And it progresses to the step shown to S230.

In the stage shown in S230, the required time data determining means 66 determines the required time data indicating any one of 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 25 seconds or 60 seconds. However, when the lottery result data is “0”, 60 seconds is not determined as the required time data. And it progresses to the step shown to S250.
In the stage shown in S250, the command transmission means 51 incorporates the lottery result data and the required time data into the variation information command. And it progresses to the step shown to S150 of FIG.
In the stage shown in S150 of FIG. 6, the special symbol determining means 67 determines the special symbol according to the lottery result data. At the same time, the decorative design determining means 295 determines the type of decorative design by considering the type of effect data as required according to the lottery result data. Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S155.

In the stage shown in S155, the variation information command created in the stage shown in S250 of FIG. 7 is transmitted to the sub-control board 100 together with the information regarding the type of decorative design determined in the stage shown in S150. As a result, the decorative symbol variation display is executed by the sub-control board 100 by a process as shown in (1-4-1-3) described later. On the other hand, in the processing on the main control board 50, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S160.
In the stage shown in S160, the special symbol control means 68 displays the special symbols determined in the stage shown in S155 in a variable manner on the special symbol display means 20. Here, the variation display of the special symbol ends at the required time indicated by the required time data, and the variation display of the decorative symbol follows the effect data of the required time indicated by the required time data. That is, since the time required for the variable display of the special symbol and the decorative symbol is the same, as a result, both of the variable displays are ended at the same time, and the process proceeds to step S180. An example of the special symbol variable display will be described together with an example of the decorative symbol variable display in (1-4-1-3) described later.

In the stage shown in S180 of FIG. 6, when the predetermined type is stopped and displayed as a special symbol on the special symbol display means 20 as a result of the lottery in the lottery process shown in S145, the process proceeds to S190, which will be described later (1 The special game process described in 4-2) is executed, and after the completion, the process returns to the step shown in S140. On the other hand, if not, the process returns to S140 again.
(1-4-1-3) Decorative Symbol Fluctuation Display In the sub-control board 100, decorative symbol variation display is processed as follows. First, at the stage shown in S300 of FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the command receiving means 101 has received a variation information command. If it is determined that it has not been received, this stage is repeated until it is determined that it has been received. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has been received, the process proceeds to the step shown in S310.

In the step shown in S310, the command receiving means 101 acquires lottery result data and required time data from the received variation information command. And it progresses to the step shown to S320.
In the stage shown in S320, the effect random number acquisition means 210 acquires the effect random number. And it progresses to the step shown to S330.
In the stage shown in S330, the current performance execution flag is referred to by the performance execution determination means, and it is determined whether or not the value is 0 (that is, whether the normal performance has been executed in the previous variation display). If it is 0, the process proceeds to the step shown in S340. On the other hand, if it is not 0 (that is, 1), the process proceeds to the stage shown in S360.

In the step shown in S340, the required time data is referred to by the condition determining means 250, and it is determined whether or not the content indicates the required time of 25 seconds. If it is 25 seconds, the process proceeds to the step shown in S350. On the other hand, if it is not 25 seconds, the special effect is not executed and the process proceeds to the stage shown in S390, and the normal effect is executed.
In the stage shown in S350, whether or not the special effect is executed is determined by lottery by the effect determining means 260. When the special effect is executed, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S355. On the other hand, when the special effect is not executed, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S390, and the normal effect is executed.

At the stage shown in S355, the effect execution flag is set to 1. And it progresses to the step shown to S370.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the effect execution flag is 1 in the step shown in S330, that is, if the special effect is executed in the previous variation display, the effect continuation determining means 270 in the step shown in S360. Thus, whether to continue the special performance is determined by lottery. When continuing, it progresses to the step shown to S370. On the other hand, if it is not continued, the normal effect is executed, and the process proceeds to the stage shown in S375.
In the stage shown in S370, the special effect execution means 290 determines whether or not the special effect table 230 has a special effect having a required time that matches the required time data. In some cases, a special effect is executed, and the process proceeds to the stage shown in S380. On the other hand, when there is no (specifically, when the required time data is “60 seconds”), the special effect is not executed and the normal effect is executed, and the process proceeds to the step shown in S375.

In the stage shown in S375, since the normal effect is executed, the effect execution flag is cleared to zero. And it progresses to the step shown to S390.
As a result, when the special effect is executed, special effect data is selected from the special effect table 230 by the special effect executing means 290 in the stage shown in S380. That is, special effect data that matches the required time data, the lottery result data, and the effect random number values acquired in the stage shown in S320 are selected (see Table 2). Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S385, and after the execution of the image effect described in (1-4-1-3-5) described later is determined, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S395.

On the other hand, when the normal effect is executed as a result, the normal effect data is selected from the normal effect table 220 by the normal effect executing means 280 in the stage shown in S390. In other words, normal effect data in which the required time data, the lottery result data, and the effect random number values acquired in the stage shown in S320 all match is selected (see Table 1). Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S395.
In the stage shown in S395, the decorative design determined in the stage shown in S150 of FIG. 6 is variably displayed on the effect display means 22 by the normal effect executing means 280 or the special effect executing means 290. Here, the example of the fluctuation display by the difference in effect data is demonstrated below.

(1-4-1-3-1) In the case of “no reach” Before the start of change, the special symbol display means 20 displays “2” which is the previous special symbol, and the effect display means. 22, “345”, which is the previous decoration symbol, is displayed (FIG. 10A). From this state, the variable symbol display is started simultaneously by the special symbol display means 20 and the effect display means 22 (FIG. 10B).
First, the symbol “7” is stopped and displayed at the left digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit and the right digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20 (FIG. 10 (C)).

Next, the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed at the right digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20 (FIG. 10D). )).
Finally, the symbol “8” is stopped and displayed at the middle digit of the effect display means 22, and the decorative symbol “786” is stopped and displayed as a whole. At the same time, the special symbol display means 20 also stops and displays the special symbol “4” (FIG. 10E). As a result, the game result is lost.
In the case of “no reach”, the lottery result data is “0”, that is, it is selected only in the case of a loss, so that neither a probability variation nor a normal hit will occur as a result. Further, the occurrence frequency of “no reach” is as follows from Tables 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.

In the case of the required time of 10 seconds, the normal production is 60.9% (156/256), and the special production is 21.9% (56/256).
In the case of the required time of 15 seconds, the normal production is 53.5% (137/256) and the special production is 14.1% (36/256).
In the case of the required time of 20 seconds, the normal effect is 39.1% (100/256), and the special effect is 19.5% (50/256).
In the case of the required time of 25 seconds, it is 39.1% (100/256) for the normal effect and 0% (0/256) for the special effect.

Incidentally, in the case of the required time of 60 seconds, “no reach” does not occur in either the normal effect or the special effect.
That is, in any required time (except for 60 seconds), the normal production is set so that the occurrence frequency of “no reach” is higher than the special production.
(1-4-1-3-2) In the case of “reach A” Before the start of change, the special symbol display means 20 displays “2” which is the previous special symbol, and the effect display means. 22, “345”, which is the previous decoration symbol, is displayed (FIG. 11A). From this state, the variable symbol display is started simultaneously on the special symbol display means 20 and the effect display means 22 (FIG. 11B).

First, the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed at the left digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit and the right digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20 (FIG. 11 (C)).
Next, the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed at the right digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20 (FIG. 11D). )). As a result, reach has occurred. Then, the characters “REACH!” Are displayed on the screen (FIG. 11E).
Finally, the symbol “7” is stopped and displayed at the middle digit of the effect display means 22 and the decorative symbol “676” is stopped and displayed as a whole. At the same time, the special symbol display means 20 also stops the special symbol “8” (FIG. 11F). As a result, the game result is lost.

In the case of this “reach A”, there is a possibility that not only the case of loss, but also the case of normal hit, or the case of probability change, and therefore the probability change or normal hit may occur as a result. is there. Further, the occurrence frequency of this “reach A” is as follows from Tables 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.
When the required time is 10 seconds, 19.5% (50/256) is the normal performance and 39.1% (100/256) is the special performance when lost, and either the normal performance or the special performance. Is also 50% (128/256).
When the required time is 15 seconds, 23.4% (60/256) is the normal production and 43.0% (110/256) is the special production when lost, and either the normal production or the special production. Is also 50% (128/256).

In the case of the required time of 20 seconds, when lost, both the normal and special effects are 39.1% (100/256), and when hit, both the normal and special effects are 66.8% (171 / 256).
In the case of the required time of 25 seconds, when lost, both the normal production and the special production are 39.1% (100/256), and when winning, both the normal production and the special production are 66.8% (171 / 256).
Incidentally, in the case of the required time of 60 seconds, “reach A” does not occur in either the normal effect or the special effect.

That is, in any required time, the occurrence frequency of the “reach A” in the special effect is set not to be lower than that in the normal effect.
(1-4-1-3-3) In the case of “reach B” Before the start of fluctuation, the special symbol display means 20 displays “2” which is the previous special symbol, and the effect display means. 22, “345”, which is the previous decoration symbol, is displayed (FIG. 12A). From this state, the variable symbol display is started simultaneously on the special symbol display means 20 and the effect display means 22 (FIG. 12B).
First, the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed at the left digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit and the right digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20 (FIG. 12 (C)).

Next, the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed at the right digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20 (FIG. 12D). )). As a result, reach has occurred. Then, the characters “REACH!” Are displayed on the screen (FIG. 12E).
Then, in the middle digit of the effect display means 22, from the symbol “4” that is two symbols before the symbol that finally stops (FIG. 12 (F)), the symbol “5” that is one symbol before (FIG. 13). (A)) is sequentially displayed at a low speed, and finally the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed, and the decorative symbol “666” is stopped and displayed as a whole. At the same time, the special symbol display means 20 also stops the special symbol “1” (FIG. 13B). As a result, the game result is a normal hit, and the text “Big hit!” Is displayed on the screen (FIG. 13E).

In the case of “reach B”, it is an effect that boosts the expectation of hitting than “reach A”, and it is selected in the case of normal hit and probable hit, but is also selected in the case of loss. there is a possibility. Further, the occurrence frequency of this “reach B” is as follows from Tables 1 and 2 in the present embodiment.
When the required time is 10 seconds, 19.5% (50/256) is the normal performance and 39.1% (100/256) is the special performance when lost, and either the normal performance or the special performance. Is also 50% (128/256).
When the required time is 15 seconds, 23.4% (60/256) is the normal production and 43.0% (110/256) is the special production when lost, and either the normal production or the special production. Is also 50% (128/256).

When the required time is 20 seconds, the loss rate is 21.9% (56/256) for the normal performance and 41.4% (106/256) for the special performance. Is also 33.2 (85/256).
In the case of the required time of 25 seconds, 29.9% (56/256) is the normal production when lost, 60.9% (156/256) is the special production, and 33.2 (156/256) is the normal production when winning. 85/256), 60.9% (156/256) for special effects.
Incidentally, in the case where the required time is 60 seconds, “reach B” does not occur in either the normal effect or the special effect.

That is, in any required time, the occurrence frequency of “reach B” in the special effect is set not to be lower than that in the normal effect.
(1-4-1-3-4) In the case of “reach C” Before the start of change, the special symbol display means 20 displays “2” which is the previous special symbol, and the effect display means. 22, “345”, which is the previous decoration symbol, is displayed (FIG. 14A). From this state, the variable symbol display is started simultaneously by the special symbol display means 20 and the effect display means 22 (FIG. 14B).
First, the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed at the left digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit and the right digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20 (FIG. 14 (C)).

Next, the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed at the right digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20 (FIG. 14D). )). As a result, reach has occurred. Then, the characters “REACH!” Are displayed on the screen (FIG. 14E).
Here, all the digits of the effect display means 22 start to display the change again (FIG. 14F).
Then, in all the digits of the effect display means 22, from “555” which is the symbol two symbols before the symbol to be finally stopped (FIG. 15A), “666” which is the symbol one symbol before (FIG. 15). Up to (B)) are sequentially displayed at a low speed, and finally, the decorative symbol “777” is stopped and displayed as a whole. At the same time, the special symbol display means 20 also stops and displays the special symbol “7” (FIG. 15C). As a result, the game result is a probable hit, and the text “Big hit!” Is displayed on the screen (FIG. 15D).

  This “reach C” is classified as a normal performance in terms of setting, but it is a performance that boosts the expectation of hitting more than “reach A” and “reach B”, and is also the chance per probability change or normal hit In some cases, it is exclusively selected, and in the case of loss, it is not selected (see Table 1 and Table 2). The occurrence frequency of “reach C” is selected 100% when the required time data is 60 seconds (see Table 1). In other words, when the effect that the probability variation is confirmed is intended, the time data of 60 seconds is determined on the main control board 50, and the effect data of this “reach C” is always selected. What should I do?

(1-4-1-3-5) Image Production in Special Production As for the production data common to the normal production table 220 and the special production table 230, as described above, the variation pattern of the decorative design itself matches, In the case of an effect, the normal effect is an image effect that changes the background color of the decorative symbol variation. As a result, it is possible to execute an effect that makes the player aware of the difference from the normal effect, thereby increasing the expectation of winning.
For example, in the case of a normal production, when the production data of “reach A” is selected, the variable display on the production display means 22 is executed as in (1-4-1-3-2). However (see FIG. 11), in the case of a special effect, when the effect data of “reach A” is selected, the variable display on the effect display means 22 may be executed as shown in FIG. .

That is, before the start of variation, the special symbol display means 20 displays “2” as the previous special symbol, and the effect display means 22 displays “345” as the previous decorative symbol. (FIG. 16A). From this state, variable display is started simultaneously on the special symbol display means 20 and the effect display means 22. At this stage, an image effect in which the background color changes is executed, thereby creating an atmosphere different from the normal effect (FIG. 16B).
First, the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed at the left digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit and the right digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20. Image production is also ongoing. (Fig. 16 (C))
Then, the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed at the right digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20, and the background color has changed. It remains (FIG. 16D). As a result, reach has occurred. Then, the characters “REACH!” Are displayed on the screen, and the image production is still ongoing (FIG. 16E).

Finally, the symbol “7” is stopped and displayed at the middle digit of the effect display means 22 and the decorative symbol “676” is stopped and displayed as a whole. At the same time, the special symbol display means 20 also stops and displays the special symbol “8” (FIG. 16F). As a result, the game result is lost. At this point in time, the image production is still ongoing.
Thereafter, when the next decorative symbol variation display is made, the effect continuation determining means 270 determines that the special effect is to be continued (see S360 in FIG. 8), and the required time data is not 60 seconds (FIG. 8). At the first time point of the next variation display (state in FIG. 16A), the image effect is continuing and will continue thereafter. On the other hand, at the time of the next variation display of the decorative symbol, when the effect continuation determining unit 270 does not determine that the special effect is to be continued (see S360 in FIG. 8), or is determined to be continued. When the required time data is 60 seconds (see S370 in FIG. 8), the image effect is continued at the first time point of the next variable display (the state of FIG. 16A), but the variable display is After the start (after FIG. 16 (B)), the image effect ends and the background color returns to the original as shown in FIG. 11 (B).

Of course, the background color change as described above can be adopted in other types of effect data, and can be naturally adopted not only in the case of loss, but also in the case of probability change or normal hit.
Moreover, it is good also as making the character which does not appear not only by the change of a background color but a normal production appear.
(1-4-2) Special Game In the special game process shown in S190 of FIG. 6, first, a predetermined jackpot demo screen is displayed on the effect display means 22 in the stage shown in S400 of FIG. And it progresses to the step shown to S405.

At the stage shown in S405, various parameters are cleared, the number of winning balls, which is the number of winning balls to the big winning opening 13, becomes 0, and the number of rounds becomes 1. And it progresses to the step shown to S410.
In the step shown in S410, the specific area flag which is a flag indicating whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific area 18 is turned off. And it progresses to the step shown to S415.
In the stage shown in S415, the opening / closing drive control means 74 activates the special winning opening driving means 13m, so that the opening of the special winning prize opening 13 in the round is started and the operation time is measured by the operation time measuring means 72. Is also started. And it progresses to the step shown to S420.

In the stage shown in S420, it is determined whether or not a game ball passing signal is input from the specific area passing detector 18a. If it is determined that the input has been made, the process proceeds to the step shown in S425. On the other hand, if it is determined that no input has been made, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S435.
In the stage shown in S425, since the game ball has passed the specific area 18, the condition for proceeding to the next round is satisfied. This is indicated by the specific area flag being turned on. And it progresses to the step shown to S430.
In the stage shown in S430, the winning counting means 71 adds the number of game balls that have passed through the specific area 18 to the winning number. And it progresses to the step shown to S435.

In the step shown in S435, it is determined whether or not a game ball passing signal is input from the general area passing detector 17a. If it is determined that the input has been made, the process proceeds to the step shown in S440. On the other hand, if it is determined that no input has been made, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S445.
In the step shown in S440, the winning counting means 71 adds the number of game balls that have passed through the general area 17 to the winning number. And it progresses to the step shown to S445.
In the stage shown in S445, the end determination means 73 determines whether or not the number of winnings counted by the winning counting means 71 is 10 or more. If it is determined that the number is 10 or more, the process proceeds to the step shown in S465. On the other hand, if it is determined that it has not reached 10, the process proceeds to the step shown in S450.

In the step shown in S450, the end determination means 73 determines whether or not the operation time counted by the operation time counting means 72 has passed 30 seconds. If 30 seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S465. On the other hand, if 30 seconds have not yet elapsed, the special winning opening 13 is kept open and the process returns to the step shown in S420.
In the stage shown in S465, the opening / closing drive control means 74 ends the operation of the special winning opening driving means 13m, and the special winning opening 13 of the round is closed. And it progresses to the step shown to S475.
In the stage shown in S475, the winning number is set to 0 by the winning counting means 71. And it progresses to the step shown to S480.

In the step shown in S480, the continuation determination means 75 determines whether or not the specific area flag is on. If it is determined that it is on, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S485. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the game is on, the special game ends with the round, and the process returns to the step shown in S140 of FIG.
In the step shown in S485, the continuation determination means 75 turns off the specific area flag. And it progresses to the step shown to S490.
In the stage shown in S490, the continuation determination means 75 adds 1 to the number of rounds. Then, the process proceeds to the stage shown in S495.

In the stage shown in S495, the continuation determination means 75 determines whether or not 15 rounds have ended. If 15 rounds have not been completed yet, the process returns to the step shown in S415 and the next round is started. On the other hand, when the 15th round is over, the special game is over, and the process returns to the stage shown in S140 of FIG.
(2) Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 17 is a front view showing the appearance of the ball game machine PM according to the present embodiment. FIG. 18 schematically shows an aspect of effect display in the effect display means 22 of the ball and ball game machine PM according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, the difference between the present embodiment and the first embodiment is that the special symbol display means 20 is a liquid crystal display device, not an independent planar display section. It is formed as a part of 22. Others are the same as in the first embodiment.
In other words, the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner at a part of the lower left corner of the liquid crystal display device, and the decorative symbol is displayed in the other areas. In the second embodiment, the special symbol variation display is controlled by the sub-control board 100.
In the effect display means 22 in the present embodiment, the effect is displayed as shown in FIG.

Before the start of the change, the effect display means 22 displays “345”, which is the previous decoration symbol, and the special symbol display means 20 displayed in the lower left corner of the effect display means 22 A special symbol “2” is displayed (FIG. 18A). From this state, the variable symbol display is started simultaneously by the special symbol display means 20 and the effect display means 22 (FIG. 18B).
First, the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed at the left digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit and the right digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20 (FIG. 18 (C)).
Next, the symbol “6” is stopped and displayed at the right digit of the effect display means 22, but the variable display is continued at the middle digit, and the variable display is also continued at the special symbol display means 20 (FIG. 18D). )). As a result, reach has occurred. Then, the characters “REACH!” Are displayed on the screen (FIG. 18E).

  Finally, the symbol “7” is stopped and displayed at the middle digit of the effect display means 22 and the decorative symbol “676” is stopped and displayed as a whole. At the same time, the special symbol display means 20 also stops the special symbol “8” (FIG. 18F). As a result, the game result is lost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The external appearance of the ball game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is shown with a front view. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of functions of a bullet ball gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Of the functions of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, an outline of the normal game control means is shown in a block diagram. Of the functions of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the outline of the special game control means is shown in a block diagram. Of the functions of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, an outline of the effect execution means is shown in a block diagram. The outline | summary of the game process in the ball game machine which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is shown with a flowchart. An outline of the lottery process is shown in a flowchart among the game processes in the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Of the game processes in the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, an outline of the effect selection process is shown in a flowchart. Of the game processes in the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, an outline of the special game process is shown in a flowchart. Of the effect displays in the effect display means of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mode of “no reach” effect is schematically shown. Of the effect displays in the effect display means of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mode of “reach A” effect is schematically shown. Of the effect displays in the effect display means of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mode of “reach B” effect is schematically shown. Of the effect displays in the effect display means of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mode of “reach B” effect is schematically shown. Of the effect displays in the effect display means of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mode of “reach C” effect is schematically shown. Of the effect displays in the effect display means of the ball game machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the mode of “reach C” effect is schematically shown. An example of the aspect of a special effect is typically shown among the effect displays in the effect display means of the bullet ball game machine concerning the 1st embodiment of the present invention. The external appearance of the ball game machine which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown with a front view. The aspect of the effect display in the effect display means of the ball game machine which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention is shown typically.

Explanation of symbols

PM Ball Game Machine 1 Outer Frame 2 Front Frame 3 Glass Door 4a Upper Ball Dish 4b Lower Ball Dish 5 Operation Handle 6 Rail 7 Game Board 8 Speaker 9 Prize Ball Discharge Exit 10 Game Area 11 General Prize Entrance 11a General Prize Entrance Prize Detection Device 12 Start winning port 12a Start winning port winning detector 12m Start winning port driving means 13 Large winning port 13m Large winning port driving means 14 Out port 15 Windmill 16 Normal symbol operating gate 16a Normal symbol operating gate passage detector 17 General region 17a General region passage detector 18 Specific region 18a Specific region passage detector 20 Special symbol display means 21 Normal symbol display device 22 Production display means 23 Display count display device 30 Lamp device 45 Prize ball payout device 50 Main control board 51 Command transmission means 60 Normal game control means 61 Normal symbol determination means 62 Normal symbol control means 63 Start winning prize control means 64 Lottery means 65 Lottery result data determination means 66 Required time data determination means 67 Special symbol determination means 68 Special symbol control means 70 Special game control means 71 Winning counting means 72 Operating time counting means 73 Termination determination means 74 Opening / closing drive control means 75 Continuation Determination means 90 Dispensing control means 100 Sub-control board 101 Command receiving means 200 Effect execution means 210 Effect random number acquisition means 220 Normal effect table 230 Special effect table 240 Special effect execution determination means 250 Condition determination means 260 Effect determination means 270 Effect continuation determination means 280 Normal effect executing means 290 Special effect executing means 295 Decorative design determining means

Claims (6)

(A) Start prize opening,
(B) Special symbol display means for displaying a result of a predetermined lottery with a special symbol in accordance with the winning of a game ball at the start winning port;
(C) effect display means for displaying an effect according to the lottery result;
(D) a main control board that controls the game;
(E) a sub-control board that controls display of the effect;
With
The main control board includes
(F) lottery means for executing the predetermined lottery;
(G) lottery result data determining means for determining lottery result data representing the lottery result by the lottery means;
(H) required time data determining means for determining required time data representing the time required for displaying the lottery result;
(I) A command transmission means for transmitting a variation information command including at least the lottery result data and the required time data to the sub-control board is provided,
In the production,
(J) a special effect that is an effect that may be executed over a plurality of lottery results displayed when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the game control on the main control board;
(K) While there is a normal effect which is an effect executed when the special effect is not executed,
The sub-control board includes
(L) data relating to the normal performance, a normal performance table in which normal performance data including the required time as a parameter is recorded;
(M) special effect table in which special effect data including data relating to the special effect and the required time is recorded as a parameter;
(N) command receiving means for receiving the variation information command;
(O) Special effect execution determination means for determining whether or not a special effect has been executed at the time of displaying the previous lottery result as the effect upon receipt of the variation information command by the command receiving means;
(P) Condition determination means for determining success or failure of the predetermined condition when the determination result by the special effect execution determination means is negative;
(Q) If the determination result by the condition determination unit is affirmative, an effect determination unit that determines which of a normal effect and a special effect is executed as an effect accompanying the display of the lottery result;
(R) If the determination result by the special effect execution determination means is affirmative, effect continuation determining means for determining whether or not to continue the special effect;
(S) When the determination result by the condition determination unit is negative, when the determination to execute the normal effect is made by the effect determination unit or when the determination by the effect continuation determination unit is negative Normal effect executing means for selecting one of the normal effect data having the required time corresponding to the required time data in the information command from the normal effect table and executing the normal effect based on the normal effect data;
(T) Special effect data having a required time corresponding to the required time of the effect when the effect determining means determines that the special effect is to be executed or when the effect by the effect continuation determining means is affirmative And a special effect execution means for selecting one of the special effect tables from the special effect table and executing a special effect based on the special effect data.   2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the effect continuation determining means determines by lottery whether or not to continue the special effect.   Even if it is determined that the special effect is to be executed by the effect determining means or the determination by the effect continuation determining means is affirmative, the special effect data matching the required time data of the effect is the special effect data. When it is not in the effect table, the normal effect execution means selects normal effect data having a required time corresponding to the required time data of the effect from the normal effect table, and executes the normal effect based on the normal effect data. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. In the production, a plurality of kinds of symbols are displayed in a variable manner over N digits (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 2), and each digit is stopped in order to display a combination of N symbols.
When the special game is executed, the combination of the N symbols becomes a predetermined combination,
When N-1 digit out of the N digits to be variably displayed is stopped, the reach effect that becomes the predetermined combination depending on the stop symbol of the last one digit,
There is a non-reach effect that does not become the predetermined combination no matter what the last one-digit stop symbol is when the N-1 digit out of the N digits to be variably displayed is stopped,
4. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein a reach effect occurs more frequently when the special effect is executed than when the normal effect is executed.   5. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the special effect is displayed on the effect display means in a form different from the normal effect.   6. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the special symbol display means and the effect display means share the same image display device.

Images