JP2006204601A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine with a warp passage permitting the presentation with game balls. <P>SOLUTION: A projecting passage 252 is formed of a material, through which rolling of game balls is visible, almost perpendicular, and projects from a game board 10 toward a player. A game ball falling down on the game board 10, hitting at an obstacle nail 23, etc. set near an intake 251, is guided to the projecting passage 252 after the speed is temporarily reduced. Then, the ball falls down through the projecting passage 252 while rolling with the acceleration obtained from the effect of the gravity. In this way, the projecting passage 252 of the warp passage 25 is formed to project from the game board 10 toward the player in such a way that rolling of the game ball is visible in the projecting passage 252. Furthermore, since the speed of the game ball is gradually increased in the projecting passage 252 of the warp passage 25, such presentation that it looks as if the game ball comes toward the player is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine or an arrangement ball that performs a game using a gaming ball.

  In recent pachinko machines, it is usual that an effect display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device) for variably displaying a plurality of symbols is provided in the approximate center of the game board. Below this effect display device, there is a game ball distribution mechanism that distributes the game balls to the start port or the other, and directs the game balls from the game board via the warp passage, and produces a state in which the game balls are distributed. It is also widely used (Patent Document 1).

JP 2001-149484 A

  However, in such a gaming machine, the player may not notice that the game ball has been taken into the warp passage, and an effective performance by the game ball has not necessarily been performed. That is, the conventional gaming machine is incorporated in the central device (so-called center accessory) with the warp passage half-hidden, and it is difficult for the player to visually recognize it. In addition, the entrance of the warp passage was often located at the top of the central device that was out of the player's view. In addition, even if the entrance of the warp passage is located on the left and right instead of the upper part of the central device and is formed so as to protrude from the game board surface, only the entrance protrudes, and the majority of the warp passage is from the game board surface. It was in a state hidden from the back as seen from the side. In such a conventional warp path, the player may not be aware that the player has entered the warp path. In particular, in a gaming machine equipped with an effect display device that displays an effect of a symbol by variably displaying a plurality of symbols in the approximate center of the game board, the interest of the player is displayed in a pattern that is variably displayed on the effect display device. This tendency was strong because it was suitable.

  The present invention has been made in view of these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of effectively producing with a game ball.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
A gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball on the surface of the game board,
A central device provided with a game ball distribution mechanism for distributing game balls;
A warp passage having an intake port for taking in a game ball falling on the surface of the game board, and a discharge port for discharging the game ball taken from the intake port to the game ball distribution mechanism;
The warp passage is provided with a first passage for accelerating the game ball and a second passage shorter than the first passage,
The second passage decelerates the game ball and discharges it to the game ball distribution mechanism,
The first passage is formed so as to protrude from the game board surface, and is formed so that a player can visually recognize how the game ball rolls.

  In such a gaming machine of the present invention, the first passage for accelerating the game ball can be visually recognized as the game ball rolls, and is formed so as to protrude from the game board surface. For this reason, it is easy for the player to notice that the game ball has been taken into the warp passage, and it is possible to effectively produce the game ball accordingly. In addition, in gaming machines equipped with an effect display device, the player's attention is often directed toward the symbols that are variably displayed on the effect display device, so the player is aware of the game balls that roll in the protruding first passage. When the target of attention is suddenly changed, the player feels that the game ball rolls as if the game ball is coming. As a result, it is possible to exert a large effect. Furthermore, the second passage, which is shorter than the first passage, decelerates the game ball and discharges it to the game ball distribution mechanism, so that the game ball can be discharged toward the game ball distribution mechanism at a suitable speed. It becomes possible. For this reason, it can be prevented that the game ball abuts on the game ball distribution mechanism and the game ball distribution mechanism is damaged or broken.

  In such a gaming machine, the first passage may be provided with a portion where the downward gradient increases in the traveling direction of the game ball.

  In this way, as the game ball rolls, the descending slope changes greatly, so that the game ball gradually gains acceleration. As a result, the speed at which the game ball rolls also changes, making it easier for the player to visually recognize that the game ball has been taken into the warp passage. This is because, as a visual characteristic of human beings, there is a tendency to react sensitively to changes in movement. For this reason, even if the player is paying attention to the effect display device or the like, the player's attention is directed to the game ball taken into the warp passage for a moment. Therefore, the player can recognize that the game ball has been taken into the warp passage by the effect due to the change in the speed of the game ball.

  Further, the change in the downward slope may change stepwise in a part of the first passage, or gradually change in a certain range of the first passage or over the entire first passage. It may be.

  Furthermore, as a method of changing the rolling speed of the game ball, for example, by forming the inner diameter of the warp passage so as to allow the game ball to pass gently so that the friction between the game ball and the warp passage increases. A configuration in which the game ball slowly rolls when passing through the warp passage may be considered. In this way, since the time for the game ball to pass through the first passage becomes long, it is possible to make the player surely recognize that the game ball has been taken into the warp passage.

  Further, in a gaming machine provided with an effect display device that performs an effect of variably displaying a plurality of symbols, the first passage may be formed on a side portion of the effect display device.

  In general, since the human field of view is wider in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction, if the player can visually recognize the rolling state of the game ball on the side of the effect display device, the player can compare the effect display device. Even if the user is paying attention to the game, it is possible to easily recognize that the game ball has been taken into the warp passage. Accordingly, the side portion referred to here includes a portion that falls within the range of the player's field of view even when, for example, the player is gazing at the effect display device. In addition, since the effect display device can direct the player's attention not only to the effect of displaying the symbols in a variable manner, but also to the effect of the game ball, these two effects can further enhance the player's interest. It becomes possible. In addition, if the first passage is provided on the side of the effect display device, the warp passage can be provided almost vertically, so that it is easy to change the rolling speed of the game ball.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Game machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration on the back side of the device:
A-4. Configuration of control circuit:
A-5. Overview of the game:
B. Game machine control details:
B-1. Game control overview:
B-1-1. Watchdog timer reset processing:
B-1-2. Prize ball related processing:
B-1-3. Normal symbol game start judgment processing:
B-1-4. Normal design game processing:
B-1-5. Normal electric game processing:
B-1-6. Special symbol game start decision processing:
B-1-7. Special design game processing:
B-1-8. Special symbol variation pattern setting process:
B-1-9. Special electric game game processing:
C. Example warp passages:
C-1. Warp passage configuration:
C-2. Game ball behavior as it passes through the warp passage:

A. Game machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to a middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to a main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular opening 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect. Furthermore, two prize ball display LED display portions 4g and an error LED display portion 4h are provided on the upper portion of the front frame 4. The error LED display section 4h of the present embodiment lights or blinks in red when a severe error occurs and in orange when a minor error occurs. Here, a severe error is an error when, for example, it is necessary to work with the front frame 4 opened for recovery, or when parts need to be replaced. Is any other error.

  In addition, an upper dish portion 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower dish portion 6 is provided below the upper dish portion 5. Further, a locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into the recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit. The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a ball lending switch 5b for game balls, a return switch, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game balls. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5. Further, two operation switches SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side of the upper plate part 5. The player can intervene in the progress of the game by pressing these operation switches SW1 and SW2, such as selecting a character symbol and game conditions during the game.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. In addition, the lower pan portion 6 is provided with a lower pan full tank switch 6s (not shown) (see FIG. 6). When the lower pan portion 6 is filled with game balls, this is detected and the game balls are paid out. It is supposed to be interrupted. In order to discharge the game balls stored in the lower plate portion 6, a ball hole (not shown) for discharging game balls from the lower plate portion 6 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate portion 6. A discharge knob 6b that opens and closes the ball hole is provided on the substantially center side of the portion 6. The discharge knob 6b is normally in an upright state, but when the lower end is pressed to the back side, the upper end is rotated around the rotation shaft, the ball hole is opened, and the game balls accumulated in the lower dish portion 6 are discharged. It is possible. Moreover, the 2nd speaker 6c is provided in the right and left of the discharge knob 6b.

  An ashtray 7 is provided at the left end of the lower plate portion 6, and a firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the firing handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower plate portion 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement is transmitted to the launching device unit. A launch motor 8m (see FIG. 8) incorporated in the unit rotates to launch a game ball with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed. Note that the firing stop switch 8b of the present embodiment is provided in the touch switch circuit and is electrically connected to the touch switch 8a.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, and a variable prize device 18 is provided in a lower portion of the game area 11. A starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided between the central device 26 and the variable winning device 18. The starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17 are a start port (ordinary electric accessory) switch 17s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passing of the game ball and an ordinary electric accessory (start port) solenoid 17m for operating the wing piece. (See FIG. 6). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the open state. When the pair of wing pieces are upright, the game ball is likely to enter the normal state.

  The central device 26 is provided with an effect display device 27. The effect display device 27 is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, and can change and display various effect symbols such as character symbols and background symbols. In addition, a game ball distribution mechanism 32 that distributes game balls to the start port 17 or other places is provided below the central device 26. A warp passage 25 described later is provided on the left side of the central device 26, and a game ball flowing down the game board 10 can be guided to the game ball sorting mechanism 32 through the warp passage 25. Yes.

  Further, a symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. In the symbol display device 28, normal symbols, special symbols, and the like can be displayed in a variable stop state.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11, and a gate switch 36s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A large winning device 31 is provided substantially at the center of the variable winning device 18. The big prize winning device 31 includes a big prize opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing plate (not shown) for opening or closing the big prize winning opening 31d, and a big prize opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the opening / closing plate. (See FIG. 6) and an interlocking rod (not shown). The special winning opening 31d is opened when a predetermined condition is satisfied. When the special winning opening 31d is opened, the game ball enters the ball with a high probability, and a special game that is advantageous for the player is started. Note that a big prize opening switch 31s (see FIG. 6) is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big prize opening 31d.

  An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The packed ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position again. On the other hand, a foul ball prevention member (not shown) is attached to the tip of the inner rail 15, and a return rubber (not shown) is attached to the outer rail 14 on the substantially opposite side of the foul ball prevention member (the right half side of the game board 10). Attached along the fitting.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is mainly composed of a normal symbol display unit 29 and a special symbol display unit 30. The normal symbol display unit 29 includes a left normal symbol display unit 29a and a right normal symbol display unit 29b, and the special symbol display unit 30 includes a left special symbol display unit 30a and a right special symbol display unit 30b. Has been. The two normal symbol display portions 29a and 29b are configured using so-called LEDs (light emitting diodes), the left normal symbol display portion 29a lights red light, and the right normal symbol display portion 29b emits green light. It can be lit. The special symbol display unit 30 uses a so-called 7-segment LED. Of these, the 7-segment portion constitutes the left special symbol display portion 30a, and the comma portion constitutes the right special symbol display portion 30b. Yes. The 7-segment portion and the comma portion can be lit with red, orange, or green light. The symbol display device 28 is also provided with a normal symbol hold display unit 29c and a special symbol hold display unit 30c. Each of these consists of four LEDs.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the effect display device 27 installed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is mainly configured by using a liquid crystal display screen, and on the liquid crystal screen, three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and a background symbol 27d displayed on the background thereof. And are displayed. Among these, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the display of the special symbol 30 shown in FIG. 3 so that a game can be produced.

  The configuration on the front side of the gaming machine 1 has been described above. Finally, the operation of the two operation switches SW1 and SW2 (see FIG. 1) provided at the left front end of the upper plate portion 5 will be described. The operation switches SW <b> 1 and SW <b> 2 have a function of selecting an effect form displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the effect display device 27. That is, when the player operates the operation switches SW1 and SW2 under a predetermined condition, it is possible to change the form of the effect performed on the liquid crystal screen, the background symbol 27d, and the like. Therefore, the player can feel as if he / she is participating in the effect displayed on the effect display device 27.

A-3. Configuration on the back side of the device:
Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. The back mechanism board 102 is provided with a prize ball tank 105, a tank rail 106, and a prize ball payout device 109 from the vicinity of the upper portion of the gaming machine 1 to the vicinity of the center of the right end. The prize ball tank 105 is for storing game balls. The tank rail 106 is for supplying game balls from the prize ball tank 105 to the prize ball payout device 109. The prize ball payout device 109 is for paying out game balls to the player. The payout operation by the prize ball payout device 109 is controlled by a payout control board described later. This payout control board is accommodated in the payout control board case 118. The payout control board case 118 is provided near the lower right portion of the back mechanism board 102.

  In the vicinity of the lower part of the back mechanism panel 102, a launch control board case 130, a power board case 132, a main control board case 112, and the like are provided. Here, the launch board case 130 accommodates the launch board. The launch control board is a control board that controls the launch of the game ball, and is configured to control the launch operation according to the operation of the launch handle 8. Next, the power supply board case 132 accommodates a power supply board. This power supply board is a board that manages power supply to each device in the gaming machine 1. The main control board case 112 accommodates the main control board. The main control board is a control board that controls the progress of the game.

  In the vicinity of the center of the back mechanism board 102, an effect display board case 114, an amplifier board case 115, a decorative drive board case 116, a sub control board case 117, and the like are provided. The effect display substrate case 114 accommodates an effect display substrate that drives the effect display device 27. The amplifier board case 115 houses an amplifier board that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c. The decoration drive board case 116 accommodates a decoration drive board that drives various LEDs and lamps for decoration. The sub-control board case 117 houses a sub-control board that controls the effect display board, the amplifier board, the decoration drive board, and the like. In addition, a ball passage member 126 for a lower plate portion is provided at a substantially central lower end portion of the back mechanism panel 102.

A-4. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards and various boards. However, focusing on the function, it is possible to determine whether the game is related to the basic progress or the winning ball. A main control board 200 for controlling the control, a sub-control board 220 for controlling the production of the game using symbols, lamps and sound effects, a payout control board 240 for controlling the operation of paying out the rented or winning balls, It is composed of a launch control board 260 that controls the game ball launch. These control boards include CPUs 201, 221, 241, and 261 that execute various logical operations and calculation operations, ROMs (not shown) that store various programs and data executed by these CPUs 201 to 261, and execution of programs. At this time, the RAMs 202, 222, 242, and 262 for storing temporary data by the CPUs 201 to 261, a peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with peripheral devices, and a clock for the CPUs 201 to 261 to perform operations are output. Various peripheral LSIs are connected to each other via a bus, such as an oscillator that performs a runaway operation of the CPUs 201 to 261, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) that periodically generates an interrupt signal. The direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. Are determined, various commands are output toward the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 is also connected with a count switch 8s that detects a game ball emitted from the emission device unit. Further, the main control board 200 includes an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided at the start opening 17, a large winning opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning opening 31d, and a normal symbol. These operations are directly controlled by outputting a signal to the symbol display device 28 for displaying the change stop of the special symbol.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, a drive signal is output to the effect display board 224 that drives the effect display apparatus 27 described above, the amplifier board 226 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, and the decoration drive board 228 that drives the various decoration LEDs and lamps. By performing the game. Further, the operation signals from the operation switches SW 1 and SW 2 described above are input to the sub control board 220 via the effect button board 230.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the upper platen 5 described above, this signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 245 to the ball lending device 13. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while exchanging data with the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball. The paid-out prize balls are detected by two payout switches (a front payout switch 109j and a rear payout switch 109k) and input to the payout control board 240. Further, the number of prize balls paid out is also detected by the count switch 8s and counted by the main control board 200.

  Further, the above-mentioned signal from the tank switch 104 provided in the prize ball tank 105 and the signal from the external tank switch 124 provided in an external tank (not shown) in which game balls to be supplied to the prize ball tank 105 are stored are also paid out. Input to the control board 240. For this reason, the payout control board 240 can notify the abnormality by the error LEDs 4g and 4h described above before it becomes impossible to pay out the winning ball due to the ball running out. Further, a signal from a lower pan full switch 6 s provided in the lower pan 6 is also input to the dispensing control board 240. For this reason, even when the lower tray portion 6 is filled with game balls, the payout control board 240 temporarily stops paying out prize balls in response to a signal detected by the lower tray full tank switch 6s. Is possible. In addition, a signal from the front frame switch 4 s that detects that the front frame 4 is open is also input to the payout control board 240. For this reason, when the front frame 4 is opened for some reason, it is possible to stop operations such as paying out a prize ball or lending a game ball. In addition, the payout control board 240 outputs a signal for allowing the game ball to be launched (a launch permission signal) to the launch control board 260 under the control of the main control board 200. In response to the launch permission signal, various controls for launching the game ball are performed.

  Next, the input / output relationship of signals or commands to the sub-control board 220 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the input / output relationship for the sub-control board 220. As shown in the drawing, the sub-control board 220 is connected to various boards such as an effect display board 224, an amplifier board 226, a decoration drive board 228, and an effect button board 230.

  When the sub control board 220 receives various effect commands from the main control board 200 as described above, the sub control board 220 interprets the contents of the command, and displays the specific display contents on the effect display device 27 described above, the various speakers 5y, The sound effect output at 6c, and the specific mode of lighting or blinking of various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f are determined. Next, the drive signal of the effect display device 27 is output to the effect display substrate 224, and the change stop display of the effect symbols is performed. At this time, data stored in the effect display ROM 27r built in the effect display device 27 or the effect display substrate 224 is used for partial data such as the character symbols and background symbols to be displayed. Also, sound effects are output from the various speakers 5y and 6c by outputting an audio signal to the amplifier board 226 in accordance with the change stop display of the effect symbols. In addition, by supplying a signal to the decorative drive board 228 and outputting drive signals of various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f from the decorative drive board 228, the lighting / flashing operation of the various LEDs and lamps is controlled. Furthermore, as described above, when the player operates the operation switches SW1 and SW2 provided on the front surface side of the upper platen part 5, this operation signal is supplied to the sub-control board 220. Based on the supplied operation signal, the sub control board 220 is configured to be able to reflect the operation result in various effect contents including the effect display device 27 described above.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the input / output relationship for the launch control board 260. As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the launch control board 260 is connected to the payout control board 240, and receives various commands from the payout control board 240, and various operations for launching a game ball, specifically, In addition to driving the launch motor 8m for launching the game ball, the operation of driving the ball feed solenoid 8t for supplying the game balls one by one to the launch position is controlled. Among these, signals relating to the launch of the game ball are input / output via the launch drive board 262. That is, the exchange of signals performed between the firing control board 260 and the firing motor 8m is performed via the firing drive board 262. In addition, a signal from the touch switch 8a that detects that the player is touching the launch handle 8 (see FIG. 1) or the launch stop switch 8b that is operated when the launch of the game ball is temporarily stopped is the launch. It is supplied to the launch control board 260 via the drive board 262. On the other hand, the drive signal for the ball feed solenoid 8t is directly supplied from the launch control board 260 to the ball feed solenoid 8t.

A-5. Overview of the game:
Next, the contents of the control performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. First, as a preparation, an outline of the game will be briefly described.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate part 5 and rotates the firing handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate part 5 are supplied one by one to the launching device unit. 2 is used to fire the game area 11 described above. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8. .

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the symbol display on the symbol display device 28 is started. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display unit 29b. The left normal symbol display unit 29a is configured to be able to light red light, and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is configured to be able to light green light. When the normal symbol variation display is started, the left and right normal symbol display portions 29a and 29b perform blinking display.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. The normal symbol in the variable display can take the four states shown in the figure. First, the state shown in FIG. 9A represents a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned on and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned off. FIG. 9B shows a state where both the left normal symbol display portion 29a and the right normal symbol display portion 29b are lit. FIG. 9C shows a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned on. FIG. 9D shows the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display. Each of the portions 29b represents a state where the light is extinguished. During the normal symbol variation display, these four display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, they are stopped and displayed in one of the four display states. At this time, when the display is stopped in a predetermined display state, a so-called normal symbol is hit and the start port 17 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). In this embodiment, the display state shown in FIG. 9C, that is, the state in which the left normal symbol display portion 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display portion 29b is lit is set for the normal symbol. Yes.

  If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passing of the game ball is stored as the number of holdings, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is displayed. Done. Up to four normal symbol holds can be stored, and the number of stored normal symbol holds is displayed in the normal symbol hold display section 29c shown in FIG.

  Next, when a game ball enters the start port 17 that is in an open state, a special symbol variation display is started. The special symbol is displayed by the special symbol display unit 30 as described with reference to FIG. As described above, the special symbol display unit 30 of this embodiment is composed of the left special symbol display unit 30a composed of 7-segment LEDs and the right special symbol display unit 30b of the comma portion. The symbol display portions 30a and 30b can be lit in red, orange, or green.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which special symbols are variably displayed. During the special symbol variation display, the left special symbol display portion 30a displays any one of “A”, “Y”, and “−”, and the right special symbol display portion 30b always displays a comma “.”. Has been. Further, “A” and “Y” in the left special symbol display unit 30a and the comma “.” In the right special symbol display unit 30b can take three states of red, orange, and green. The “-” in 30a can take either a red or green state. In the special symbol display unit 30 of the present embodiment, these display states can be combined to display twelve types of states shown in FIG. In the figure, the 7-segment LED or the comma portion that is finely hatched indicates that it is lit in a red state. In addition, a little rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in an orange state, and a rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in a green state. . When the special symbol variation display is started, these 12 types of display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, the display is stopped in any state.

  If the symbol displayed in the stop state is “-”, the special symbol will be lost, but if any other combination of symbols is stopped, the special symbol will be a big hit and the gaming state will be advantageous to the player. A special game is started. In other words, there are 10 types of combinations in which the special symbol is a big hit, excluding “−” from the 12 types of symbols shown in FIG. 10. The special game of this embodiment is configured such that the game state (round) in which the special winning opening 31d is opened a predetermined number of times is repeated for a predetermined round. Since the big winning opening 31d is greatly opened, the game ball enters with high probability. As a result, the player can acquire many prize balls while a predetermined number of rounds are repeated.

  If a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol fluctuation display, the game ball entry is stored as the number of special symbols held, and after the current special symbol fluctuation display ends, Fluctuation display is performed. It is possible to store up to four special symbols on hold, and the number of reserved special symbols stored is displayed on the special symbol hold display section 30c shown in FIG.

  In addition, among the 10 types of combinations in which the special symbol shown in FIG. 10 is a big hit, the five types of combinations surrounded by a solid line are so-called “probable variation symbols”, and the special symbols that are variably displayed are When the game is stopped at any of the combination of probability variation symbols, the probability that the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed is higher than that in the normal state from the end of the special game to the start of the next special game. Such a gaming state is called a probability variation state (or probability variation state).

  Furthermore, among the 10 types of combinations in which the special symbol shown in FIG. 10 is a big hit, the five types of combinations surrounded by a broken line are so-called “normal symbols”. If you stop with one of the normal symbol combinations, after the special game is over, the special symbol will be displayed in a variable number of times (in this example, 100 times) or until the next special game starts. The variation time of the symbol is shortened, and the opening time of the start port 17 is set to be slightly longer. Such a gaming state is referred to as a variable time shortening state (or a short time state). In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, such a time-saving function is activated not only when the stop symbol is displayed with the normal symbol but also when it is stopped with the probability variable symbol. After all, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the ten types of jackpot symbols shown in FIG. 10, the time saving function is always activated after the special game is finished.

  In accordance with the above-described change stop display of the special symbol, the effect display device 27 performs various effects using the effect symbols. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three character symbols 27 a, 27 b and 27 c are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen constituting the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started by the symbol display device 28 described above, these three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, as a character design, a design in which 10 numbers from “0” to “9” are designed is prepared.

  FIG. 11 (a) conceptually shows how the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left character symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “0” to “9”, and then the right character symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle character symbol 27b is stopped and displayed.

  The combination of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is configured to be interlocked with the combination of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 described above. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the jackpot symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. In particular, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the above-described probability variation symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an odd number. On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the above-described normal symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an even number. On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is out of position and stops at the symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in an arbitrary combination that is not aligned with the same symbol.

  As described above, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other in the display contents. Since the timing for determining is set to be the same, it is possible to play a game while viewing either display. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more visible than the symbol display device 28, the display screen is larger, and the display content is easier to understand. It is normal to play a game while viewing the screen of the display device 27. Therefore, when the left character symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right character symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, it is stopped and displayed last. The player pays attention to the variation of the symbol so that the middle character symbol 27b may stop at the same symbol and become a so-called big hit state. By performing such reach production, it is possible to enhance the interest of the player. In addition, various presentation modes are also prepared for reach production, and it is possible to enhance the interest of the player even more effectively. In this embodiment, the state in which the two character symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol and the last character symbol is variably displayed is referred to as a “reach state”.

B. Game machine control contents:
Hereinafter, details of the control performed by the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment to realize the above-described game will be described in detail.

B-1. Overview of game control:
The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the game control of the gaming machine 1 when the control preparation start process shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of game control processing executed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a normal symbol game process, a normal electric game game process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric game game process is repeatedly executed. The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec.

  In addition, as described above, the CTC is set to generate an interrupt every about 2 msec. When an interrupt is generated by the CTC, the state of various random number values, various game ball detection switches, and the like is changed. Processing to detect is performed. In the game control shown in FIG. 12, while performing one round of the control, while generating various interrupts and updating various random numbers and detecting the game state, the normal symbol game process, the normal electric accessory game process, Special symbol game processing and special electric equipment game processing are implemented. During these processes, various commands are transmitted to various control boards including the sub-control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. The game control process will be described below according to the flowchart.

B-1-1. Watchdog timer reset processing:
When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process of resetting a watchdog timer mounted on the control board (S40). A signal for initializing the CPU 201 is output from the watchdog timer, and the watchdog timer is reset on the software program before the initialization signal is output from the watchdog timer. In this case, if the CPU 201 runs out of control, the watchdog timer cannot be reset. Therefore, the CPU 201 is initialized by the initialization signal output from the watchdog timer, and can immediately recover from the runaway. . Therefore, the CPU 201 performs a process of resetting the watchdog timer in S40.

B-1-2. Prize ball related processing:
Next, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a prize ball-related process for the CPU 201 to make a series of preparations related to payout of a prize ball. When the prize ball-related processing is started, the CPU 201 firstly starts various switches connected to the main control board 200 (start port switch 17s, large winning port switches 31s and 31t, gate switch 36s, etc., except for the RAM clear switch). .)), The presence / absence of an abnormality such as disconnection or failure is detected, and if there is an abnormal switch, the information is stored (S52).

  Subsequently, the values of various random numbers (normal symbol success / failure determination random number, special symbol success / failure determination random number, special symbol random number, special symbol variation random number, reach determination random number, etc.) are updated (S54). The random number for updating may be generated in software by a program for generating random numbers, or may be generated in hardware using a dedicated IC for generating random numbers. More simply, pseudo-random numbers generated in hardware by combining an oscillator and a counter may be used.

  When the various random numbers are updated, the presence / absence of a winning game ball is detected (S56). That is, it is detected whether or not a game ball has entered a switch related to winning a game ball, such as the start port switch 17s and the big winning port switches 31s and 31t, from among various switches confirmed to be normal. . If a switch in which a game ball has entered is detected (S56: yes), information (winning information) indicating which switch has detected the game ball is stored (S58). The winning information is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. On the other hand, when the switch into which the game ball has entered is not detected (S56: no), the operation for storing the winning information is skipped.

  Next, the presence / absence of stored winning information is determined (S60). If there is winning information (S60: yes), one winning information is selected, and a prize ball number designation command corresponding to the selected winning information is output to the payout control board 240 (S62). That is, the winning information is information indicating a winning opening or a starting opening where a game ball has been won, and the number of game balls to be paid out as a winning ball is determined in advance according to the winning opening where the game ball has won. Accordingly, if one piece of winning information is selected, the number of winning balls can be determined according to which winning opening or starting port the winning information represents, so a command for specifying the determined number of winning balls Output.

  When the CPU 241 mounted on the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command, the CPU 241 interprets the content of the command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109 m mounted on the payout device 109 to pay out the prize ball. Since the payout device 109 is provided with two payout switches (a front payout switch 109j and a rear payout switch 109k) for detecting the payout game balls, the game balls are detected one by one with these switches. Then, a process of paying out the number of prize balls designated by the prize ball number designation command is performed.

  When the winning ball number designation command is output as described above, the winning information selected for outputting the command is deleted (S64), and the winning ball related processing shown in FIG. 13 is terminated. Thus, in the prize ball-related process, only one prize ball number designation command can be output in one process. For this reason, when a plurality of game balls are detected (S56) and a plurality of winning information is stored (S58), only one winning information is processed, and the remaining winning information is the next time. Will be done in the process. If it is determined that no winning information remains (S60: no), the operation for outputting the winning ball number designation command (S62) and the operation for deleting the winning information (S64) are omitted, and the winning ball is immediately received. The related process is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

B-1-3. Normal symbol game start judgment processing:
As shown in FIG. 12, in the game control process, after returning from the prize ball-related process (S50), a process for determining whether or not to perform the normal symbol game process, that is, a normal symbol game start determination process is performed (S100). FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing (normal symbol game start determination processing) performed by the CPU 201 to determine whether or not to start the normal symbol game processing. In determining whether or not to start the normal symbol game process, first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 36 (S102). The normal symbol operation gate 36 incorporates a gate switch 36s, and the CPU 201 can detect the passage of a game ball based on a signal from the gate switch 36s.

  If the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 36 (S102: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of normal symbols held has reached "4" (S104). In the predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200, the data of the number of reserved symbols is normally written. In S104, the data set at this address is read, and this value reaches “4”. Judge whether or not. If the number of reservations does not reach “4” (S104: no), a random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is appropriate is acquired, and this random number value is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 202, and the value of the normal symbol reservation number is set. One is added (S106). As will be described in detail later, whether or not a normal symbol is determined is determined using the normal symbol determination random number stored in this way. Further, the normal symbol holding number is stored at a predetermined address in the RAM 202 as described above. Note that, as described above, the random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is correct is determined at the same time as other random numbers in the prize ball related process shown in FIG. 13 each time the game control process shown in FIG. 12 is executed once. Has been updated.

  On the other hand, when the number of pending has reached “4” in S104 (S104: yes), the random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is appropriate is not acquired. In other words, it is possible to store up to four random numbers for determining whether or not a normal symbol is accepted, and in response to this, up to four holds can be displayed on the normal symbol hold display portion 29c. (See FIG. 3).

  Finally, an LED drive signal is output in order to display the number of normal symbols on the normal symbol hold display unit 29c of the symbol display device 28 (S108). That is, if the number of normal symbol hold is 4, all four LEDs provided on the normal symbol hold display portion 29c are turned on. In addition, if the number of normal symbol holdings is 3, three LEDs are lit, if the number of normal symbol holdings is 2, two LEDs are lit, and if the number of normal symbol holdings is 1, one LED is lit. . If the number of normal symbols is 0, all four LEDs are turned off.

  As described above, when the symbol display device 28 is driven and the normal symbol hold display section 29c is lit with the number of normal symbol holds, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is in operation (S110). An ordinary electric accessory is an accessory that operates as a result of performing a normal symbol game. Therefore, if the normal electric accessory is in operation (S110: yes), it is not necessary to start the normal symbol game again, so it is determined that the normal symbol game does not start (that is, S100: no). On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory is not operating (S110: no), it is determined that the ordinary symbol game is started (that is, S100: yes).

  In step S100 of the game control process shown in FIG. 12, whether or not to start the normal symbol game is determined as described above. When it is determined that the normal symbol game is started (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is started (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal symbol game is not started (S100: no), the normal symbol game process is skipped.

B-1-4. Normal design game processing:
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of normal symbol game processing. When the normal symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol on the normal symbol display unit 29 is changing (S152). As described above with reference to FIG. 2, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the normal symbol display unit 29, and the normal symbol can be variably displayed in the manner shown in FIG. It has become. When the normal symbol game process shown in FIG. 15 is started, first, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is being variably displayed.

  If the normal symbol is not fluctuating (S152: no), it is considered that either the normal symbol has not yet fluctuated, or has been stopped and displayed as a stop symbol after the fluctuating display. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the current state is during the normal symbol stop display time (S154). Here, the stop display time of the normal symbol is a time set in advance to stop and display the normal symbol so that the player can confirm the stop symbol. As will be described later, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 controls the start and stop of the fluctuation display of the normal symbol. Therefore, the CPU 201 can easily determine whether or not the current state is the normal symbol stop display time based on the internal control state.

  If it is determined that it is not during the normal symbol stop display time (S154: no), the normal symbol variation display has already ended (S152: no), and the player has stopped the normal symbol stop symbol. It is considered that the stop display time set so as to be confirmed has also ended (S154: no). Therefore, in such a case, it is determined whether or not the number of ordinary symbols held is “0” (S156). If the number of normal symbols is not “0”, in other words, if there is any remaining normal symbols (S156: no), whether or not the normal symbols are retained is determined (S158). Whether or not a normal symbol is determined is determined by determining whether or not the random number value for determining whether or not the symbol is stored at the time of holding the normal symbol matches a predetermined hit value. That is, if the random value stored in S106 of FIG. 14 described above matches the predetermined hit value, it is determined that the normal symbol is hit, and if it does not match, it is determined that the normal symbol is off.

  After determining whether or not the normal symbol is correct, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts normal symbol variation display on the normal symbol display unit 29 shown in FIG. 3 (S160). Next, when 1 is subtracted from the normal symbol holding number (S162), the normal symbol game process shown in FIG. 15 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if “yes” is determined in S 156, that is, if the normal symbol is not being displayed and is not in the normal symbol stop display time, but the normal symbol hold count is “0”, S 158. Without performing the process of S162, the normal symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  In S152, when it is determined that the normal symbol is changing (S152: yes), it is considered that the normal symbol change display has been started in the normal symbol game process already performed. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol variation time has elapsed (S164). The fluctuation display time of the normal symbol is determined in advance when the fluctuation display is started, and the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines whether or not a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed.

  If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S164: no), the normal symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (S164: yes), the normal symbol that is variably displayed on the normal symbol display unit 28 is stopped and displayed (S166). The stop symbol at this time is stopped and displayed with a symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol determination. That is, prior to starting the normal symbol variation display in S160, whether or not the normal symbol is already determined has been determined (S158), and if the determination result is correct, the combination of symbols shown in FIG. 9C is stopped. If the result of the determination is wrong, the display is stopped with other combinations of symbols. Further, the display time of the stop symbol is set so that the player can confirm the symbol displayed to be stopped (S168).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the display time of the stop symbol has passed (S170). If the set stop time has not passed (S170: no), the normal symbol game processing is ended as it is and FIG. Return to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the display time of the stop symbol has elapsed (S170: yes), the symbol that causes the stop-displayed symbol to operate the ordinary electric accessory (in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9C). It is determined whether or not it is the indicated symbol (S172). When the stop-displayed normal symbol is not a symbol for operating the normal electric accessory (S172: no), the normal symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the game control process shown in FIG. 12 is resumed. On the other hand, when the stopped normal symbol is the operation symbol of the ordinary electric accessory (S172: yes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is started (S174). Returning to the game control process shown in FIG. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the ordinary electric accessory is operated, the ordinary electric accessory solenoid (starting solenoid) 17m provided inside the starting opening 17 is driven, and the wing piece of the starting opening is rotated outward. As a result, the start port 17 is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the game control process, when returning from the normal symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is in operation (S190). The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 can easily detect the normal electric accessory based on the internal control state if it is in operation. If the ordinary electric combination is not in operation (S190: no), the ordinary electric combination game process (S200) is skipped. The ordinary electric accessory game process is started (S200).

B-1-5. Normal electric game game processing:
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ordinary electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart. In the ordinary electric accessory game process, first, it is determined whether or not the predetermined operating time has elapsed for the ordinary electric accessory (S202). As described above, when the ordinary electric accessory is activated, the pair of blade pieces provided in the start port 17 rotate outwardly, and the start port 17 is in an open state. The pair of blade pieces again returns to the normal state where they are upright. Therefore, in S202, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory has reached a preset operation time. If it is determined that the operating time has been reached (S202: yes), after stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory (S206), the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated and the game control shown in FIG. Return to processing.

  On the other hand, if a prescribed number of game balls enter the opening 17 during opening, the opening 17 returns to the normal state even if the opening time has not reached the set time. Correspondingly, if the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has not reached the predetermined time (S202: no), it is determined whether or not a specified number of game balls have entered the ordinary electric accessory ( S204) When it is determined that a specified number of game balls have entered (S204: yes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is stopped, and the ordinary electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16 is terminated. On the contrary, when it is determined that there is no predetermined number of balls (S204: no), the ordinary electric game game process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the game control process, when returning from the ordinary electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 16, it is determined whether or not to start the special symbol game process (S300). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (S300: no), the special symbol game process (S350) is skipped, and conversely, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is started. (S300: yes), a special symbol game process (S350) is performed.

B-1-6. Special symbol game start decision processing:
As shown in FIG. 12, in the game control process, after returning from the ordinary electric accessory game process (S200), a process for determining whether or not to perform a special symbol game process, that is, a special symbol game start determination process is performed (S300). ). FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for determining whether or not to perform a special symbol game. As in the case of determining whether or not to start the normal symbol game process described above with reference to FIG. 14, even when determining whether or not to start the special symbol game process, first, it relates to the number of reserved special symbols. Process. Specifically, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17 (S302). As described above, the start port 17 includes a start port switch 17 s for detecting the passage of the game ball, and the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 has entered the start port 17 with the game ball. Can be detected.

  If a game ball is in the starting port 17 (S302: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols is 4 or more (S304). The special symbol hold count data is written in a predetermined address of the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. In S304, the data set in this address is read, and the special symbol hold count is 4 or more. Judge whether or not. If the number of special symbol reservations has not reached 4 (S304: no), a random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is acquired, and this random number value is stored in a predetermined address of the RAM 202, and the number of special symbol reservations is set to 1. (S306). Similarly to the above-described determination of whether or not the normal symbol is determined, whether or not the special symbol is determined is determined based on the stored determination random number. On the other hand, when the number of reserved special symbols has reached 4 (S304: yes), the acquisition of a new random number for determination of success / failure is not performed. Note that the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is determined is updated together with the other random numbers in the award ball-related processing performed earlier, like the random number for determining whether or not the normal symbol is determined.

  Finally, an LED drive signal is output to display the number of reserved special symbols on the symbol display device 28 (S308). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special symbol hold display unit 30c is provided with four LEDs. If the number of special symbol hold is four, all the LEDs are turned on. Also, if the number of special symbol reservations is 3, three LEDs are lit. If the number of special symbol reservations is two, two LEDs are lit. If the number of special symbol reservations is one, one LED is lit. . If the number of reserved special symbols is zero, all four LEDs are turned off.

  When the process related to the special symbol suspension is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S310). The condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device, and is a device that starts the operation when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the jackpot symbol shown in FIG. The condition device operates the accessory continuous operation device, thereby starting a game (so-called special game) in which the special winning opening 31d is continuously opened. In S310, if it is determined that the condition device is in operation (S310: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game will not be started (ie, S300: no) in order to avoid starting the special game again. On the other hand, when the condition device is not in operation (S310: no), it is determined that the special symbol game is started (S300: yes).

  In step S300 of the game control process shown in FIG. 12, whether or not to start a special symbol game is determined as described above. If it is determined that the special symbol game is to be started (S300: yes), the special symbol game process described below is started (S320).

B-1-7. Special design game processing:
18 and 19 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S322). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbols can be variably displayed.

  If the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S322: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S324). That is, since the display time for the player to confirm the stop symbol is provided for a while after the change display of the special symbol is finished, it is determined whether or not the display time is during the display time. When it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol has passed (S324: no), the number of special symbols held is “0”. Is determined (S326). The number of special symbol reservations is stored at a predetermined address in the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. In S326, it is determined whether or not the special symbol hold count data stored at this address is “0”. If the number of special symbol reservations is not “0”, in other words, if special symbol reservations remain (S326: no), whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is started.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, prior to determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation state (probability variation state) (S328). As described above, the probability variation state refers to a gaming state in which the probability that the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol (that is, the probability that a special gaming state will occur) is higher than the normal probability. . The probability change state is the next after the special game is over when the combination of symbols displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. 3 is stopped by any combination of symbols surrounded by a solid line in FIG. Will continue until the special game starts. From this, S32
In 8, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probable change state. If the probable change is in progress (S <b> 328: yes), whether or not the special symbol is determined is determined with the probability of jackpot being set high ( S330). On the other hand, if the probability change is not in progress (S328: no), whether the special symbol is true or not is determined with the probability of jackpot set to a normal value (S332).

  The special symbol determination is performed by referring to the following determination table. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a success / failure determination table referred to for determining whether or not a special symbol is successful in the special symbol game process of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the success / failure determination table includes a probability change table shown in FIG. 20 (b) and a non-probability change table shown in FIG. 20 (a). The determination result is stored in association with the special symbol determination random number. Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number that is acquired when a game ball enters the start port 17 and is stored in the RAM 202 on the main control board 200 (see S306 in FIG. 17). thing). In S328 to S332 of the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 18, it is determined whether or not the probability change is in progress prior to the determination of whether or not the special symbol is correct. With reference to whether or not the special symbol is determined, if the probability change is not underway, the special symbol is determined with reference to the determination table of FIG.

  As described above, when it is determined whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, a process for setting a variation pattern of the special symbol is performed (S338). Although detailed processing contents will be described later, in S338, first, after determining a symbol for stopping and displaying the special symbol, a process for determining a variation pattern of the special symbol is performed according to the determined stopped symbol.

  When the special symbol variation pattern is set, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special symbol variation display on the symbol display device 28 (S340), and then performs a process of subtracting 1 from the special symbol reservation number (S342). . As described above, the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment can display the twelve kinds of special symbols shown in FIG. 10, and performs variable display by switching the display of these symbols one after another. Also, when the special symbol variation display is started, the number of special symbols held is consumed, so 1 is subtracted from the data of the number of special symbols stored in the RAM on the main control board 200. It is. Note that the number of special symbol reservations subtracted in this way is determined by the processing of S308 when the special symbol game start process of FIG. 17 is executed in the next loop of the repeatedly executed game control process. It will be reflected in the display content of the display part 30c.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subtracts 1 from the number of special symbol reservations, after outputting a change pattern designation command to the sub-control board 220 (S344), it outputs a special symbol stop information designation command (S346). . The variation pattern designation command output here is a command for designating the variation pattern set in the special symbol variation pattern setting process of S340. The special symbol stop information designation command is a command for designating a special symbol stop symbol determined together with the variation pattern.

  The variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command are output toward the sub-control board 220. The CPU 221 on the sub control board 220 side receives these commands and analyzes the contents of the commands. As will be described in detail later, the variation pattern is determined in consideration of various conditions such as whether or not a reach effect is performed, and whether or not a symbol for stopping and displaying a special symbol is a probability variation symbol or a normal symbol. If it is known, it is possible to determine the time during which the special symbol is variably displayed. Further, by analyzing the special symbol stop information designation command, it is possible to know whether the special symbol stops at the probability variation symbol, stops at the normal symbol, or further stops at the off symbol. The CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 determines the effect mode on the effect display device 27 based on these pieces of information, and then performs the change / stop display of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed with the probability variation symbol, the symbol symbols corresponding to the probability variation big hits (for example, the same symbol designed as an odd number) are also used for the stop symbols of the three character symbols 27a, 27b and 27c. If the symbol is selected or the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a normal symbol, the symbol of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c is also selected as a symbol corresponding to the normal jackpot (for example, the same symbol designed as an even number). . Further, based on the variation time of the special symbol, it is also determined whether or not to perform a so-called reach effect on the effect display device 27, and what kind of reach effect is to be used. The sub-control board 220 controls the effect display board 224, the amplifier board 226, the decoration drive board 228, and the like according to the contents of the effect thus determined, thereby performing the effect of the determined contents.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol and the special symbol stop symbol as described above, and outputs the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command corresponding to these, The special symbol game process shown in FIG. 18 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is fluctuating in the process of S322 immediately after the special symbol game process is started (S322: yes), the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol and the stop are already stopped. It is considered that the symbol has been determined and the change in the special symbol has started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S348). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S348: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. On the other hand, if it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S348: yes), a symbol stop command of the character symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 27 is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S350), The special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 that is variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 is stopped and displayed (S352). Then, after setting a display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 (S354), it is determined whether or not the set display time has passed (S356). If the display time has not elapsed (S356: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S356: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is a symbol that will activate the condition device (S358 in FIG. 19). Here, the symbol that activates the condition device is the normal symbol shown in FIG. 10 (the symbol enclosed by a thick dashed rectangle in the diagram) or the probability variation symbol (enclosed by a thick solid rectangle). Design). In S358 of FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not the symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 of the symbol display device 28 is one of these normal symbols or probability variation symbols.

  When the stop-displayed symbol is a symbol that activates the condition device (S358: yes), the condition device and the accessory continuous activation device are activated (S360). Here, the condition device is a device that is a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device, which will be described later. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the above-described probability variation symbol or normal symbol, the operation is started and a big prize opening. It is a device that opens 31d. In addition, the accessory continuous operation device is a device that reopens the once closed special winning opening 31d. Although details will be described with reference to another drawing, when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated in this way, when the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process of FIG. It will be started and special games will be started. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the probability changing function and the time-shortening function do not work when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated. Therefore, when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated in S360 of FIG. 19, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S362). If the probability change is in progress (S362: yes), since the probability change function and the time reduction function are operating, these functions are stopped (S364). On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not in a certain change (S362: no), it is checked whether the time is short (S368), and if it is short (S368: yes), the time reduction function is stopped. (S370). Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the function of extending the opening time of the ordinary electric accessory also works. Therefore, if the time reduction function is stopped in S364 or S370, the normal electric After the function release time extending function is also stopped (S366), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 12 is resumed. On the other hand, if the game state when the condition device and the accessory continuous action device are operated in S360 is neither probabilistic nor time-saving (S368: no), the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process is resumed. .

  As described above, the processing when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is a symbol that activates the condition device (S358: yes) has been described. If it is not the symbol to be activated (S358: no), the following processing is performed.

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S372). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability variation state is set to continue until the next special gaming state occurs. Therefore, if it is determined that the current game state is a probability change state (S372: yes), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. Return to control processing.

  If it is determined in S372 that the current gaming state is not being changed (S372: no), it is determined whether or not the time is short (S374). If it is determined that the time is short (S374: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction (S376), it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number (S378). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time-saving state is set to continue until the next special gaming state occurs or the special symbol rotates a predetermined number of times (here, 100 times). . Therefore, if the current gaming state is short (S374: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of changes in the special symbol has reached a predetermined number (S378). If the predetermined number of times has been reached (S378: yes), the time reduction function is stopped (S380), and then the function for extending the normal electric accessory release time is also stopped (S366), and then FIG. 18 and FIG. The special symbol game process shown in FIG. 12 is exited and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the predetermined number (S378: no), the special symbol game process is exited while maintaining the short-time state, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

B-1-8. Special symbol variation pattern setting process:
Here, the detailed contents of the process (special symbol variation pattern setting process) performed to set the variation pattern of the special symbol in S340 of the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 18 will be described. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol variation pattern setting process. The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by referring to a pattern table to be described later, and the pattern table includes a plurality of tables depending on whether the special symbol is determined to be correct or not, whether the probability is changing, or whether the time is short or not. It is prepared. In the special symbol variation pattern setting process, a variation pattern is set by referring to an appropriate table among the plurality of tables. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  When starting the special symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the special symbol win / fail determination result is a big hit (S3402). As described above, whether or not a special symbol is determined has already been determined based on a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol is received (S330 or S332 in FIG. 18). it can.

  Next, a process of determining which symbol the special symbol is to be stopped and displayed based on the special symbol random number is performed (S3404, S3410). Here, the special symbol random number is a random number used for determining the stop symbol of the special symbol, and in this embodiment, whether or not the normal symbol or the special symbol is determined in the prize ball related processing shown in FIG. It is updated in advance together with other random numbers such as a random number for use.

  The stop symbol of the special symbol is determined by a combination of the success / failure determination result determined by the randomness for determination of success / failure and the special symbol random number. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing how a special symbol stop symbol is determined according to a combination of a special symbol success / failure determination result and a special symbol random number. As shown in the drawing, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol random number can take a value of “0” to “9”. A stop symbol in the case of detachment is set. The left side of the figure shows the stop symbol that is displayed when the success / failure determination result is a big hit, and the right side of the figure shows the stop symbol that is displayed when the success / failure determination result is a big hit. Yes. In S3402 of the variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 21, when the result of the determination is a big hit (S3402: yes), the stop symbol corresponding to the special symbol random number is shown in the correspondence shown on the left side of FIG. Is determined based on (S3404). On the contrary, when it is determined that the result of the determination is wrong (S3402: no), a process of determining based on the correspondence shown on the right side of FIG. 22 is performed (S3410).

  As described above, when the stop symbol when the determination result is a big hit is determined (S3404), the pattern table A is selected as a table for setting the fluctuation pattern at the big hit (S3406). As will be described later, in the pattern table, the correspondence between the special symbol variation random number and the variation pattern of the special symbol is set, and the variation pattern can be determined by referring to the pattern table. . In S3406, the pattern table A set for the case where the determination result is a big hit is selected from a plurality of types of pattern tables.

  Next, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by referring to the selected pattern table A (S3408). When making a decision, first, a special symbol variation random number is generated. The special symbol variation random number is a random number used to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol, and can be generated in the same manner as other random number values. Next, the variation pattern set in association with the random number value is selected from the pattern table selected previously.

  On the other hand, if the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S3402: no), after determining the special symbol stop symbol as described with reference to FIG. 22 (S3410), the current gaming state is It is determined whether the probability is changing or the time is short (S3412). Here, in order to set a variation pattern in the case where the determination is wrong, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in the probability change or in a short time for the following reason. Various variations of the special symbol variation time are set from short to long, and these are predetermined in association with the variation pattern of the special symbol. However, as described above, since the variation time of the special symbol is shortened during the probability change or the time reduction, it is not possible to select a variation pattern in which the variation time of the symbol becomes too long. Therefore, when setting the variation pattern, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in a probable change or in a short time.

  If the determination result is wrong (S3402: no) and it is determined that the probability change or the time is short (S3422: yes), the pattern table B is selected (S3414). The pattern table B is a table set for the case where the result of the determination is wrong and the probability is changing or the time is short. If it is determined that the time is not short (S3412: no), the pattern table C is selected (S3416). The pattern table C is a table that is set for the case where the result of the determination is not good, and is not surely changing or time-saving, that is, normal time.

  In this way, when the result of the determination is wrong, if one of the pattern table B and the pattern table C is selected according to whether the probability change or the time is short, the presence / absence of reach effect is determined. Determine (S3418). As described above with reference to FIG. 11, the reach effect is that two character symbols out of the three character symbols displayed on the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol, and the last character symbol is variably displayed. The production of the state being done. Depending on whether or not such a reach effect is performed, the variation time of the design symbol varies greatly, and in conjunction with this, the variation time of the special symbol displayed on the symbol display device 28 also varies greatly, so refer to the pattern table. Before determining the variation pattern, it is determined whether or not the reach effect is to be performed.

  The determination of whether or not to perform reach production is performed by generating a random number for reach determination. The reach determination random number can be generated in the same manner as other random numbers. In the process of S3418, if the reach determination random number generated in this way is a predetermined value, it is determined that the reach effect is to be performed, and otherwise, it is determined that the reach effect is not to be performed. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which whether or not to perform a reach effect is set according to the value of the reach determination random number.

  Next, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by referring to the selected pattern table (S3420). When making a decision, first, a special symbol variation random number is generated. The special symbol variation random number is a random number used to determine the variation pattern of the special symbol, and can be generated in the same manner as other random number values. Next, the variation pattern set in association with the random number value is selected from the pattern table selected previously.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a variation pattern for jackpot set in the pattern table A. As shown in the figure, in the pattern table A, a variation pattern corresponding to the value of the special symbol variation random number is set for the case where the reach effect is present. For example, if the obtained special symbol variation random number is “20”, the variation pattern “pattern special 2” is selected. FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying the pattern table B that is selected when the determination result is wrong (S3402: no in FIG. 21) and the probability is changing or the time is short (S3412: yes). Also for the pattern table B, the variation pattern for the special symbol variation random number is set for the case where there is no reach effect and the case where it is present, but the variation content is different from that for the pattern table A. .

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying the pattern table C that is selected when the result of the determination is wrong (S3402: no in FIG. 21) and is not in the process of changing probability or being short (S3412: no). Similarly to the pattern table B, a special symbol variation pattern is set for the pattern table C for each of the case where there is no reach effect and the case where there is a reach effect. In S3420 of FIG. 21, by referring to the pattern table previously selected from the various pattern tables as described above, each case of the presence or absence of the reach effect is associated with the special symbol variation random number. Determine the variation pattern.

  Note that, as illustrated in FIGS. 24 to 26, if the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined, the variation time of the special symbol is also determined. The variation time takes various values if the variation pattern is different, but the variation time when the reach effect is performed is longer than the variation time when the reach effect is not performed. For this reason, if the variation pattern is determined, it is possible to determine whether the variation pattern is a pattern with a reach effect or a pattern without a reach effect based on the corresponding variation time.

  When the variation pattern of the special symbol is set as described above, the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 21 is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG. In S340 in FIG. 18 described above, the stop symbol and the variation pattern of the special symbol are determined by performing the above processing.

B-1-9. Special electric game game processing:
As shown in FIG. 12, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S390). As described above, the condition device is a device that starts a so-called special game by operating the accessory continuous operation device. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process described below if the condition device is operating (S400). On the other hand, if the condition device is not in operation (S390: no), the special electric accessory game process (S400) is skipped.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory game process. A so-called special game state is generated by executing the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 26, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a so-called special game state will be briefly described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a special winning opening 31d is provided below the game board, and the special winning opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is opened. The “special electric accessory” referred to in the present specification is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d. Since the big winning opening 31d is opened larger than the other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is opened, the game ball enters with high probability. The opened large winning opening 31d is once closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or when a predetermined number of game balls enter, but becomes open again when a predetermined closing time elapses. The “container continuous operation device” referred to in this specification is a device that reopens the special winning opening 31d. A game from when the special winning opening 31d is opened until it is closed is called “round”. When these rounds are repeated and a predetermined number of rounds are consumed, the special game ends. Such a gaming state is realized by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performing the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the detailed processing content will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the special electric accessory game process is started, the CPU 201 first determines whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open (S402). The special winning opening 31d is closed in the normal gaming state, and therefore, the special winning opening 31d is closed immediately after the start of the special game. Therefore, it is determined that the special winning opening is not open (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number (S404). As described above, the special electric accessory is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d, and when a special gaming state occurs, the special electric accessory operates a predetermined number of times, and a predetermined number of rounds are repeated. ing. Corresponding to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), whether or not the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number, in other words, a predetermined number of rounds is determined. It is determined whether or not the processing has been completed (S404).

  As a matter of course, immediately after the special game is started, the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has not reached the predetermined number (S404: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed. (S406). The closing time of the big prize opening is the time during which the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. Immediately after the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the special winning opening has passed (S406: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is opened. After having been made (S408), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 27 is once ended and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 201 returns to the watchdog timer reset process (S40), and after performing the following series of processes, the special electric game game again The process (S400) is started. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 12 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 27 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the special game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 27 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S406 and the process is ended as it is. When the second round of processing is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is open.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S410). As described above, in the special game, the special winning opening 31d is opened, but is closed when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the special winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S410, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. If the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S410: yes), after closing the special winning opening 31d (S414), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 27 is exited, and the game control of FIG. Return to processing. On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S410: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached the specified number (S412). When the number of game balls reaches the specified number (S412: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S412: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined time, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d is also the prescribed number. 27, the special winning combination game process of FIG. 27 is exited while the special winning opening 31d is opened, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  While the game control process of FIG. 12 is repeatedly executed, whether the opening time of the special winning opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S410: yes in FIG. 27) or a predetermined number of games in the special winning opening 31d. The ball enters (S412: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). Thus, one round of game is completed. Then, when the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of rounds have ended (S404). If all rounds have not ended (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the big prize opening has reached a predetermined time (S406: yes), the big prize opening 31d is opened again and a new one is opened. A round is started (S408).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in S404 that the predetermined number of rounds have been completed (S404: yes), the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped to end the special game (S416).

  Subsequently, it is determined whether the stop symbol of the special symbol for which the condition device is activated and the special game is started is the probability variation symbol or the normal symbol (S418). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when a special game is started with the probability variation symbol, the probability variation state is continued until the next special game state is generated even after the special game is finished. It is set. Here, the probability variation state is a gaming state in which the probability that the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 is the jackpot symbol shown in FIG. 10 is set higher than the normal state. Accordingly, when the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped in S416 and the special game is terminated, it is determined whether or not the operation of the condition device is due to a probabilistic symbol (S418). If it is based on the probability variation design (S418: yes), the operation of the probability variation function is started (S420), and after the operation of the time shortening function and the normal electric accessory opening time extension function is started (S422, S424). Returning to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is not due to the probability variation symbol (S418: no), the operation of the time reduction function is immediately started without activating the probability variation function (S422). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, after the special game is over, until the next special game state occurs or until the number of fluctuations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number (100 in this embodiment). The time-shortening function is set to operate. In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the opening time of the start port 17 is set to be slightly longer during the time reduction. Therefore, when the time-shortening function is activated in S422, the operation of the function for extending the normal electric accessory release time is started (S424), and then the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. Returning to the game control process of FIG. Eventually, if a special game starts with a probabilistic design, after the special game is over, the probabilistic function, the time shortening function, and the normal electric utility opening time extension function will be activated, while the special game has a probabilistic design. If it starts with a symbol that is not (i.e., a normal symbol), after the special game is over, the time-shortening function and the normal electric accessory opening time extension function are activated.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 can advance the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above.

C. Example warp passage:
In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment described above, the warp passage 25 is provided on the left side of the central device 26 in order to enhance the interest of the player. Hereinafter, the configuration of the warp passage 25 and the operation of the game ball when passing through the warp passage 25 will be described.

C-1. Warp passage configuration:
First, the configuration of the warp passage 25 provided in the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the warp passage 25 provided in the central device 26. In FIG. 28, the part drawn with a solid line is a part protruding from the game board 10, and the part drawn with a broken line shows a part immersed in the game board 10. The warp passage 25 has passed through an inlet (warp inlet) 251 for taking in a game ball on the game board 10, a protruding passage 252 for guiding the gaming ball taken in from the inlet 251 downward, and the protruding passage 252. A communication path 253 that moves the game ball in the horizontal direction, an immersion path 254 that guides the game ball that has passed through the communication path 253 downward, and a discharge port (warp outlet) 255 that discharges the game ball that has passed through the immersion path 254 And. In addition, the protrusion channel | path 252 of a present Example comprises the one aspect | mode of the 1st channel | path of this invention. Further, the communication passage 253 and the immersion passage 254 of the present embodiment constitute one aspect of the second passage of the present invention.

  The protruding passage 252 is formed of a plastic material (for example, a transparent plastic material) in which the rolling of the game ball can be visually recognized, and is provided substantially vertically. Further, the protruding passage 252 is formed so as to protrude from the game board 10 toward the player, and the immersion passage 254 is formed so as to be immersed deeper from the player than the protruding passage 252. The immersion passage 254 is extended toward the game ball distribution mechanism 32 that distributes the game balls to the start port 17 or the other.

  FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a game ball is guided from the outside of the central device 26 to the game ball sorting mechanism 32 through the warp passage 25. As will be described in detail later, the game ball on the game board 10 is taken in from an intake port 251 of a protruding passage 252 formed so as to protrude from the game board 10. The game balls that have passed through the protruding passage 252 are guided to the immersion passage 254 that is more immersed than the game board 10 through the communication passage 253, and after being passed through the immersion passage 254, are guided to the game ball distribution mechanism 32. It is burned.

  FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of the warp passage viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 29 (the direction parallel to the game board 10). In FIG. 30, the two-dot chain line indicates the surface of the game board 10, and the left side of FIG. 30 is the game area. As shown in FIG. 30, a guide rib 256 for smoothly guiding the game ball to the communication passage 253 is provided at the lower end of the protruding passage 252. In addition, a guide rib 257 is provided at the upper end of the immersion passage 254 so as to guide the game ball smoothly to the discharge port 255.

C-2. Action of the game ball when passing through the warp passage:
FIG. 31 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the game ball rolls in the protruding passage 252 when viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 29 (the direction perpendicular to the game board 10). The white circles shown in the figure represent game balls, and the white arrows represent the movement of the game balls passing through the protruding passage 252. In addition, the length of the rectangle constituting the axis of the arrow represents the rolling speed of the game ball, and the longer the rectangle, the higher the rolling speed of the game ball.

  As shown in FIG. 31, the intake 251 of the warp passage 25 has a predetermined angle θ (specifically, 30 degrees to 90 degrees, preferably 45 degrees to the direction in which the game ball falls (that is, the vertical direction). It is tilted by 75 degrees). Therefore, the game ball falling on the game board 10 hits the obstacle nail 23 provided in the vicinity of the intake 251 or the inner wall of the warp passage 25 of the intake 251, and after the speed of the game ball has once decreased, the protruding passage 252 Will be led to. At this time, from the viewpoint of the player, it may appear as if the game ball has stopped for a moment.

  In the vicinity of the entrance of the intake 251, the game ball passes slowly, but as the game ball passes through the protruding passage 252, it gradually accelerates due to the action of gravity. As described above, the warp passage 25 is configured so as to be visible in a manner in which the warp passage 25 rolls in the protruding passage 252. In addition, the protruding passage 252 is formed to protrude toward the player. In FIG. 2, the vertical dimension L1 of the effect display device 27 is about 120 mm, whereas the vertical dimension L2 of the protruding passage 252 is about 50 mm. That is, the length of the protruding passage sufficient for the player to visually recognize is ensured. For this reason, the movement of the game ball is easily caught by the player's eyes. Since the rolling speed of the game ball changes when the game ball passes through the protruding passage 252 formed in this way, the player's attention can be more reliably attracted to the game ball. . Therefore, it is possible to effectively produce that the game ball is taken into the warp passage.

  As shown in FIG. 30, the game ball that has passed through the protruding passage 252 in this manner abuts on the guide rib 256 and is smoothly guided to the communication passage 253. At this time, the game ball abuts against the guide rib 256, and part of the kinetic energy of the game ball changes to heat when passing through the communication passage 253 for moving the game ball in the horizontal direction. The speed is reduced. As described above, since the warp passage 25 is formed of a plastic material in which the rolling of the game ball can be visually recognized, the player rolls the game ball from the front side to the back side of the game board 10. Can be confirmed.

  Furthermore, when the game ball that has passed through the communication passage 253 reaches the upper end of the immersion passage 254, it abuts on the guide rib 257 and is smoothly guided to the immersion passage 254. At this time, the game ball comes into contact with the guide rib 257, and part of the kinetic energy of the game ball changes to heat, so that the speed of the game ball is reduced. As described above, the game balls come into contact with the guide ribs 256 and 257 and the speed of the game balls is reduced. Therefore, the length of the communication passage 253 and the immersion passage 254 can be made shorter than the length of the protruding passage 252. As a result, the game ball that has passed through the immersion passage 254 has a speed that is slower than the speed after passing through the protruding passage 252. Then, the game balls that have passed through the immersion passage 254 are discharged from the discharge port 255 toward the game ball distribution mechanism 32. At this time, since the game ball is discharged toward the game ball distribution mechanism 32 at a suitable speed, the game ball contacts the game ball distribution mechanism and the game ball distribution mechanism is damaged or broken. Can be prevented.

  Then, the game balls that have reached the game ball distribution mechanism 32 are distributed to any one of the left route, the central route, and the right route, and then return to the game board 10 to win the start opening 17 and the big winning opening 31d. Or, it is guided to the out port 48.

  As described above, the protruding passage 252 of the warp passage 25 is formed of a plastic material in which the rolling of the game ball can be visually recognized, and the protruding passage 252 is formed to protrude toward the player side. . In the protruding passage 252, the game ball gradually increases in speed due to the action of gravity, so that the game ball is directed toward the player. For this reason, it is easy for the player to notice that the game ball has been taken into the warp passage 25, and it is possible to effectively produce the game ball accordingly.

  Moreover, since the protruding passage 252 is provided on the side of the effect display device 27, it is easy for the game ball to be taken into the warp passage 25 even if the player is gazing at the effect display device 27 or the like. Can be visually recognized.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim unless it departs from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  In the present embodiment, the obstacle nail 23 provided in the vicinity of the intake 251 or the inner wall of the warp passage 25 of the intake 251 hits the inner wall of the warp passage 25, and the speed of the game ball is once reduced and then guided to the protruding passage 252. However, instead of this, a structure in which the game ball rolls slowly may be provided in the protruding passage 252.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 32 (a) and 32 (b), the distance L at which the game ball slowly rolls has a predetermined length (specifically, a length corresponding to several game balls). The protruding passage 252 may be used. In this way, the game ball rolls slowly over a certain distance of the protruding passage 252 and then drops while rapidly accelerating due to the action of gravity. Eyes tend to stop. As a result, it is possible to clearly see how the game ball is accelerating, and it is possible to produce the game ball.

  In particular, as shown in FIG. 32 (b), the greater the curvature R of the portion where the game ball rolls due to the action of gravity and falls, the more the game ball rolls over a relatively long distance L and gradually accelerates. , Falling while accelerating by the action of gravity. Therefore, even if it does in this way, it is easy to visually recognize how the game ball accelerates because the period of acceleration gradually increases and the player's eyes are likely to stop with respect to the game ball whose speed changes. It is possible to play with game balls.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the effect display apparatus mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the back surface structure of the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the input / output relationship about a sub control board. It is the block diagram which showed the input / output relationship about a launch control board. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol is variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the rough flow of the game control process which CPU mounted in the main control board performs. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the prize ball related processing. It is the flowchart which showed the normal symbol game start judgment process performed in order to judge whether the normal symbol game process is started. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the normal symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a normal electric accessory game process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process which judges whether a special symbol game is performed. It is the flowchart which showed a part flow of the special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the remaining part of a special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the success / failure determination table referred in order to perform the determination of the success / failure of a special symbol in a special symbol game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the stop symbol of a special symbol was determined according to the combination of the special symbol determination result and the special symbol random number. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that it was set whether to perform reach production according to the value of the random number for reach determination. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the pattern table A in which the variation pattern for big hits is set. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the pattern table B in which the fluctuation pattern for the deviation | shift at the time shortening and the probability change is set. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the pattern table C in which the fluctuation pattern for the deviation | shift in the normal time was set. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special electric accessory game process. It is a perspective view which shows the warp channel | path provided in the central apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows a mode that a game ball is guide | induced to the game ball distribution mechanism from the exterior of a center apparatus via a warp channel | path. FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of a warp passage viewed from a direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 29. It is a conceptual diagram which shows a mode that a game ball rolls in a protrusion path | route seeing from the direction shown by the arrow B in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the protrusion channel | path of the warp channel | path in a modification.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine 10 ... Game board 25 ... Warp passage 26 ... Central apparatus 27 ... Production display device 32 ... Game ball distribution mechanism 251 ... Intake 252 ... Projection passage (1st passage)
253 ... Communication passage (second passage)
254 ... Immersion passage (second passage)
255 ... discharge port

Claims (3)

A gaming machine that plays a game by firing a game ball on the surface of the game board,
A central device provided with a game ball distribution mechanism for distributing game balls;
A warp passage having an intake port for taking in a game ball falling on the surface of the game board, and a discharge port for discharging the game ball taken from the intake port to the game ball distribution mechanism;
The warp passage is provided with a first passage for accelerating the game ball and a second passage shorter than the first passage,
The second passage decelerates the game ball and discharges it to the game ball distribution mechanism,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the first passage is formed so as to protrude from the surface of the game board and the player can visually recognize how the game ball rolls. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
A gaming machine characterized in that the first passage is provided with a portion having a descending slope that increases in the traveling direction of the game ball. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
Provided with an effect display device that produces an effect of variably displaying a plurality of symbols,
The gaming machine, wherein the first passage is formed in a side portion of the effect display device.

Images