JP2007089740A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an operating ratio of a game machine by suppressing interruption of a game by a player. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine is provided with: a special game state generation means which generates a special game state advantageous to the player when an identification pattern vary-displayed by entering of a game ball into a starting port is stopped and displayed with a specific pattern; a number of held balls management means which increases the number of held balls by entering of the game ball into the starting port and which reduces the number of held balls by starting of variation of the identification pattern; a game ball shooting detection means for detecting shooting of the game ball to a game board; a game ball shooting management means which increases the number of shot and undetected balls when shooting of the game ball is not detected by the game ball shooting detection means when the identification pattern starts rotating with the reduction of the number of held balls; a game interruption judgment means for judging whether the game is interrupted presently based on the number of shot and undetected balls; and a specific performance means which carries out specific performance across a plurality of times of variation display of the identification pattern when the game machine is judged to be in a game interrupted state by the game interruption judgment means when the number of held balls becomes zero. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a so-called pachinko gaming machine.

Conventionally, a pachinko machine has a big hit if the identification symbol of the variable display device starts to fluctuate due to the ball entering the start opening, and the identification symbol that is stopped and displayed becomes a specific combination (for example, “7, 7, 7”, etc.). Is generated and the special winning opening is opened. During the occurrence of the big hit, the opening and closing of the big prize opening are repeatedly performed, and the opening and closing operations are repeated up to 16 times (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a pachinko gaming machine, it is generally possible to hold up to four when a game ball enters the start port during the identification symbol variation.
JP 2003-290497 A

  When the player wants to end the game, all the remaining game balls are fired, and the identification pattern is changed by performing a pending digestion. In such a case, for example, unless the player wins a big game, the player often stops the game. Alternatively, depending on the player, if a reach performance with high reliability to the big hit occurs, even if the reach is lost, the game may continue for a while. However, since the reach effect ends with a single change in the identification pattern, even if a reach effect with a high level of reliability is generated for the jackpot, most players stop the game when the reach is lost. It is normal. As a result, there is a problem that the operating rate of the gaming machine is reduced.

  In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to prevent a player from interrupting a game and improve the operating rate of the gaming machine.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first feature of the present invention is that variable display means for displaying an identification symbol in a variable manner by entering a game ball into a starting port provided on the game board, and the identification symbol is stopped at a specific symbol. When displayed, special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player, and the number of holdings is increased by entering the game ball into the starting port while the identification symbol is changing, and the change of the identification symbol is started. The number-of-holds management means for reducing the number of holds, the game ball launching detection means for detecting the launch of game balls on the game board, and when the identification symbol starts to fluctuate as the number of holds decreases, or the identification symbol starts to fluctuate Game ball launch management means for increasing the number of undetected launches when no game ball launch is detected by the game ball launch detecting means within a predetermined time, and a game by the player based on the number of undetected launches. Whether it is suspended When the game interruption determination means determines that the game interruption state is in effect when the number of suspensions reaches a predetermined number, a specific effect that spans multiple variations of the identification symbol is performed. It is characterized by comprising a specific production means.

  In this way, when a player's situation at the time of holding digest is determined, and it is determined that the player has interrupted the game when the number of holds reaches a predetermined number, a special symbol that spans multiple variations of special symbols By performing the performance, the player has a higher expectation for the profits obtained by the specific performance. This is an incentive for the player to continue the game across multiple variations of the special symbol, so that the player can be prevented from interrupting the game, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

  The second feature of the present invention is that the game interruption determining means determines that the game by the player is in an interrupted state when the number of undetected launches is plural. When the number of undetected launches is plural, the game ball firing stop state continues for a long time, so that the game interruption state can be accurately determined.

  In addition, the third feature of the present invention is to notify the player of a specific condition related to the display mode of the identification symbol that should be satisfied within a predetermined period in which the specific effect is displayed over a plurality of variation displays of the identification symbol. This is a command effect that activates the special gaming state generating means when a specific condition is satisfied. This gives the player another enjoyment of whether or not a specific condition is met within a predetermined period, in addition to the combination of the stop symbols of the identification symbol, and this gives the player the variation of the special symbol multiple times. It is an incentive to continue the game. Thereby, it can suppress that a player interrupts a game, and the operating rate of a game machine can be improved.

  In addition, the fourth feature of the present invention is that it operates until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied when the identification symbol that is stopped and displayed when the special game state generating means starts operating is a probability variation symbol included in the specific symbol. And a probability variation means for improving the probability that the identification symbol is stopped and displayed with the specific symbol, and notifies the player that the specific effect has entered a special game period that spans multiple variations of the identification symbol. At the same time, when the special gaming state generating device starts operating within the special period, the probability changing effect is to operate the probability varying means after the operation of the special gaming state generating device is completed.

  As a result, for the player, when the special game state generating device starts operating within the special period, it is determined that the probability variation function is activated, so that the expectation for the variation result of the special symbol is increased, and the game is played. Incentive to continue. Thereby, it can suppress that a player interrupts a game, and the operating rate of a game machine can be improved.

  Further, the fifth feature of the present invention is that the game ball launch management means detects the game ball launch by the game ball launch detection means within a predetermined time after the identification symbol starts to fluctuate as the number of holds decreases. If not, increase the number of undetected launches. Accordingly, for example, a winning detection means for detecting that a game ball has entered the prize port on the game board is used as the gaming ball launch detection means, and the game ball is detected by the gaming ball launch detection means after the game ball is actually fired. Even when there is a time lag before the game is detected, the game ball can be detected effectively.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first example showing an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An embodiment in which the gaming machine of the present invention is applied to a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming machine) is shown in FIGS.

  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 includes a main body frame 2, a middle frame 3, a front frame 4, an upper plate portion 5, a lower plate portion 6, a locking device 9, a game board 20, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 20 is omitted. Further, the middle frame 3 is not clearly shown in FIG. 1 because the front frame 4 and the like are arranged on the front side.

  The main body frame 2 is an assembly of wooden plate-like bodies in a substantially rectangular frame shape, and constitutes an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. The middle frame 3 is made of plastic, is fitted inside the main body frame 2, and is pivotally supported at the left end so as to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 2. The middle frame 3 is composed of a frame body portion that occupies about 2/3 of the upper side and a lower plate portion that occupies about 1/3 of the lower side. The game board 20 and the front frame 4 are provided so as to overlap each other on the front side of the frame body part, and the upper plate part 5 and the lower plate part 6 are provided on the front side of the lower plate part.

  The lower plate portion is provided with a launcher unit (not shown) constituting launching means for launching a game ball onto the game board 20, and a ball feeder (not shown) for supplying the game ball to the launcher unit. Furthermore, although not shown in the lower plate portion, a ball feed count switch for detecting a game ball supplied to the launcher unit 10 and a shot ball count switch for detecting a game ball launched from the launcher unit 10 A foul ball detection switch for detecting a game ball that has not reached the surface of the game board 20 among the game balls launched from the launching device unit 10 is provided. Furthermore, the lower plate portion is provided with a speaker 266 (see FIG. 11) that generates a sound effect or the like corresponding to the gaming state. Note that the speaker 266 of the present embodiment is configured to include a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) and a low tone speaker (woofer).

  The front frame 4 is disposed on the front side of the middle frame 3 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The front frame 4 is made of plastic, and a circular opening 4a is formed in order to make the board surface of the game board 20 arranged on the back side visible. A substantially rectangular transparent plate frame (not shown) including a transparent plate such as a glass plate corresponding to the opening 4a is attached to the back surface of the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is provided with a left LED display unit 4b, a right LED display unit 4c, an upper left LED display unit 4d, an upper right LED display unit 4e, and an upper LED display unit 4f as lamps for game effects and the like. . The left LED display portion 4b and the right LED display portion 4c are provided in an arc shape on the right side and the left side around the opening 4a, respectively. The upper left LED display portion 4d is provided at the upper left of the left LED display portion 4a, and the upper right LED display portion 4e is provided at the upper right of the right LED display portion 4c. The upper LED display part 4f is formed in a circular shape, and two are provided between the upper end part of the left LED display part 4b and the upper end part of the right LED display part 4c. These LED display portions 4a to 4f are turned on / off or blinking according to the progress of the game in order to enhance the gaming effect.

  In addition, two prize ball LED display portions 4g are provided between the two upper LED display portions 4f. A sector-shaped error LED display unit 4h is provided above the prize ball display LED display unit 4g.

  The upper plate part 5 is provided on the lower side of the front frame 4 and is supported at the left end of the middle frame 3 so as to be opened and closed. The upper plate portion 5 includes a plate outer edge portion 5 a provided with a game ball lending button, a return button, and the like, a discharge port 5 b for discharging the game ball from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and an upper plate portion 5 A ball removal button 5c for discharging the game ball to the lower dish portion 6 is provided.

  Furthermore, a first audio output unit 5d is formed at a substantially central portion of the upper plate portion 5 and has a plurality of long holes and a plurality of small holes formed thereon. The first audio output unit 5d is connected to a middle / high tone speaker (tweeter) of the speakers 266 via a duct, and the sound from the middle / high tone speaker is output via the duct. A volume switch board 267 (see FIG. 11) is provided on the back surface of the upper plate part 5.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided below the upper plate part 5. A discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1 is provided in the approximate center of the lower plate part 6. In addition, a ball hole (not shown) is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate portion 6. The ball removal hole is normally closed, and is opened when the game ball stored in the lower dish portion 6 is discharged.

  A discharge knob 6b that opens and closes the ball removal hole is provided on the substantially center front side of the lower dish portion 6. The discharge knob 6 b constitutes a part of the peripheral edge of the lower plate part 6. The discharge knob 6b is normally in an upright state, and is rotatable so that the upper end is tilted toward the front side with the lower end as a rotation axis. The ball hole is linked to the discharge knob 6b. When the discharge knob 6b is in an upright state, the ball hole is closed, and the ball hole is opened by tilting the discharge knob 6b to the front side.

  A second audio output unit 6c is provided on the lower surface of the right and left sides of the discharge knob 6b in the lower plate part 6. The second audio output unit 6c is connected to a low-frequency speaker (woofer) among the speakers 266 via a duct, and the audio from the low-frequency speaker is output downward.

At the right end of the lower plate part 6, a launching handle 8 is provided for a player to operate a launching device unit (not shown). The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a as contact detection means for detecting that the player is touching.
The touch switch 8a of the present embodiment shows a specific example of the game ball launch detection means of the present invention.

  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. The firing stop switch 8b of this embodiment is provided in the touch switch circuit and is electrically connected in series with the touch switch 8a.

  The locking device 9 is provided at the center of the right end of the middle frame 3 and is used to lock the front frame 4 when it is closed. A prepaid card unit 13 (CR unit) is mounted on the left side of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, the surface structure of the game board 20 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 20. The game board 20 is a substantially rectangular wooden plate-like body that is detachably attached to the middle frame 3 on the front surface side, and its back side is covered by a back mechanism board 102 (see FIG. 4) described later. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular gaming area 21 is formed in the gaming board 20 by an outer rail 22 and an inner rail 23 provided on the surface of the gaming board 20. In the game area 21, the production symbol display device 24, the normal symbol operation gate 26, the normal symbol display device 27, the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28, the special symbol display device 29, and the big prize device (special electric accessory) 33, gaming devices such as a left winning port 34, 35, a right winning port 36, 37, and the like are arranged. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, in the game area | region 21, many obstacle nails are arrange | positioned in consideration of the positional balance with each game device.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the effect symbol display device 24 is disposed at a substantially central portion of the game area 21. The effect symbol display device 24 includes a symbol display unit 25 that can display an arbitrary symbol. In this example, a large liquid crystal display device is used as the effect symbol display device 24. The effect symbol display device 24 shows one specific example of the variable display means of the present invention.

  The normal symbol operation gate 26 is provided on the left side of the effect symbol display device 24. Inside the normal symbol operation gate 26, a normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided. When the predetermined condition that the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 26 is established, the normal symbol display device 27 starts the normal symbol variation display. The normal symbol display device 27 is provided below the normal symbol operation gate 26 on the left side of the game area 21.

  FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the normal symbol display device 27 and the special symbol display device 29. As shown in FIG. 3, the normal symbol display device 27 is located below the special symbol display device 29, and the left normal symbol display area 27a in which the left normal symbol is displayed and the right normal symbol in which the right normal symbol is displayed. And a symbol display area 27b. The left normal symbol display area 27a and the right normal symbol display area 27b are each provided with an LED for displaying a normal symbol, and the left normal symbol display area 27a can be lit in green, and the right normal symbol display area 27b can be lit red.

  The normal symbol display mode displayed on the normal symbol display device 27 is that the left normal symbol and the right normal symbol are lit, the left normal symbol is lit and the right normal symbol is unlit, the left normal symbol is unlit and the right normal symbol is unlit. There are four modes: lighting, left normal symbol and right normal symbol are extinguished. In this embodiment, the combination of the normal symbols in which the left normal symbol is turned off and the right normal symbol is lit is a combination of the normal symbols, and the other combinations are combinations of the normal symbols that are out of the normal symbol. Yes.

  In the present embodiment, a random number for determining whether or not a normal symbol is provided is prepared. When a game ball passes the normal symbol operating gate, whether or not the starting port (normal electric accessory) 28 is to be operated is determined. Used for. A hit value is set in advance for the normal symbol success / failure determination random number, and the normal symbol success / failure random number acquired at the timing when the game ball passes the normal symbol operation gate 26 matches the hit value. It is determined. If the winning symbol is determined, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 27 is determined to be a combination of the winning normal symbols. On the other hand, when it is determined that it is out of place, the normal symbol that is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 27 is determined as one of the combinations of out symbols. Note that the determination of whether or not the normal symbol is correct and the determination of the stop symbol of the normal symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  In the normal symbol display unit 27, the normal symbol starts to change as the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 26, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of winning symbols or a combination of falling symbols. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with a combination of hit symbols set in advance, the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds).

  The start port 28 is provided below the center position of the effect symbol display device 24 as shown in FIG. The start port 28 is a so-called tulip type, and is formed so that a pair of wing pieces are opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 28, there are provided a start port winning detection switch 28s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passage of the game ball and a start port solenoid 28c (see FIG. 7) for operating the wing piece. Yes. When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the game in an open state, and the pair of wing pieces are erected so that the game ball is less likely to enter. .

  When the game ball enters the start port 28, the special symbol starts to change. The special symbol of the present embodiment is composed of the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 29 and the pseudo special symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 24.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the special symbol display device 29 includes a rectangular symbol display region 29a. The symbol display region 28a is provided with a 7-segment display unit 29b and a dot display unit 29c each including seven segments. Yes. This special symbol is configured by combining the display of the 7-segment display unit 29a and the display of the point display unit 29b. In the 7-segment display unit 29a, three types of “A”, “y”, and “-(bar)” are lit up. “A” is displayed in red, green, or orange (referred to as “red A”, “green A”, and “orange A”, respectively), and “y” and “-(bar)” are displayed in green or red, respectively. (Referred to as “green y”, “red y”, “green bar”, and “red bar”), respectively. The point display part 28b is lit and displayed in red, green, or orange.

  The special symbol of this example includes red A orange point, red A red point, green A red point, green A green point, orange A red point, orange A orange point, green y red point, green y green point, There are 12 types of combinations of red y orange point, red y green point, green bar and red bar. Among these special symbol combinations, red A orange point, red A red point, green A red point, green A green point, orange A red point, orange A orange point, green y red point, green y green point, 10 types of combinations of red y orange points and red y green points are combinations of special symbols for winning the prize winning device (special electric accessory) 33 and the condition device, and other combinations are excluded and special symbols. It is a combination. The combination of these special symbols is selected by the main control unit 200 by random number lottery.

  The condition device is a device that is a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device. Specifically, the condition device is composed mainly of a main control unit 200 to be described later, and starts operating when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a big hit symbol, and activates the accessory continuous activation device. The accessory continuous operation device is a device that is mainly configured by a main control unit 200 to be described later, and continuously operates a large winning device 33 to be described later to continuously open the special winning opening 33a. With the start of the operation of the accessory continuous operation device, a special game state (big hit state) in which the big winning opening 33a is continuously opened is started. The main control unit 200 corresponds to the special game state generating means of the present invention.

  Of the above-mentioned special symbol combinations, five combinations of red A orange point, green A red point, red A red point, green y green point, and red y orange point are the actions of the accessory continuous operation device. It is a combination of time-short symbols that will cause the variable time reduction function to operate after completion.

  The variation time shortening function is performed by the main control unit 200, and includes a normal symbol variation time shortening function for shortening a normal symbol variation time, a special symbol variation time shortening function for shortening a special symbol variation time, and a start port ( A normal electric accessory opening extension function for extending the opening time of the normal electric accessory 28) is included. The variation time shortening function operates until the next condition device is activated after the operation of the accessory continuous activation device or until the number of variations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number (100 in this example).

  Among the above-mentioned special symbol combinations, the combination of five types of symbols, green y red point, red y green point, orange A red point, green A green point, orange A orange point, is the action of the accessory continuous operation device. After completion, the probability variation function is activated and is a combination of probability variation symbols. In the present embodiment, among the combinations of winning special symbols, combinations of symbols other than the above-mentioned short-time symbols are combinations of probability variation symbols.

  The probability variation function is activated until the next time the conditional device is activated or until the number of variations of the special symbol reaches a predetermined number (10000 in this example). Here, the probability variation function is a function of the main control unit 200 that changes (improves) the probability of the special symbol success / failure determination after the completion of the operation of the accessory continuous operating device, that is, the probability that the special symbol stops and displays with the specific symbol. Say. Further, when the probability variation function is activated, the above-described variation time shortening function is also activated.

  In this embodiment, a special symbol success / failure determination random number is prepared. The random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is used is used for determining whether or not the special device is activated when a game ball enters the start port 28. Specifically, in the special symbol success / failure determination random number, a winning value for hit / failure determination is set in advance, and the special symbol success / failure determination random number acquired at the timing when the game ball enters the start port 28, A hit is determined when the hit value matches. If it is determined that the winning symbol is a winning symbol, the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 29 is determined as one of the combinations of the winning special symbols. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol is out, the special symbol that is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 29 is determined as one of the combinations of the above symbols. The determination of whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, the determination of the variation pattern of the special symbol, and the determination of the stop symbol of the special symbol are performed by the main control unit 200 described later.

  In the special symbol display unit 28, the special symbol starts to change when the game ball passes through the start port 27, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a combination of winning symbols or a combination of falling symbols. Then, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed with a combination of winning symbols set in advance, a large winning device (special electric accessory) 33 described later starts to operate.

  Here, the pseudo special symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 24 will be described. Although not shown in the symbol display unit 25 of the effect symbol display device 24 shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of pseudo special symbols (identification symbols) are displayed while changing one after another in a predetermined direction, and then stopped. A pseudo special symbol display area (identification information display area) is provided. Specifically, the left symbol display area for displaying the left symbol, the middle symbol display area for displaying the middle symbol, and the right symbol display area for displaying the right symbol in this order in the arrangement direction set in a substantially horizontal row. It is formed side by side. Each pseudo special symbol display region has a symbol variation direction set in a direction substantially perpendicular to the arrangement direction of these display regions, in this case, in the vertical direction. Each symbol display area can display symbols composed of, for example, “0” to “7”.

  The effect symbol display device 24 starts the variable display of each pseudo special symbol displayed on the symbol display unit 25 when the game ball enters the start opening 28, and stops the display after a predetermined time has elapsed. The pseudo special symbol that is stopped and displayed in the symbol display unit 25 is determined to be a combination of pseudo hit symbols composed of “7, 7 and 7”, for example, when it is determined that the special symbol is determined to be a hit. If it is determined that the game is unsuccessful in the determination, it is determined to be a pseudo miss symbol composed of a combination other than the pseudo hit symbol. It should be noted that the determination of the variation pattern of the pseudo special symbol and the determination of the stop symbol of the pseudo special symbol are performed by the sound lamp control unit 260 described later.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of special symbol variation pattern tables are prepared. The variation pattern table includes a normal pattern table used when the variation time shortening function is not operated and a time reduction pattern table used while the variation time shortening function is operating. Each variation pattern table stores a plurality of variations of special symbols. The variation mode included in the time reduction pattern table is set to have a shorter variation time than the variation mode included in the normal pattern table.

  Each variation mode is configured as a variation mode of a different special symbol. Since the variation mode corresponding to the variation mode of the special symbol is selected as the variation mode of the pseudo special symbol, the variation mode of the pseudo special symbol corresponding to the variation mode of the special symbol is also configured differently.

  The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is configured such that reach display using a pseudo special symbol can be performed on the symbol display unit 25 of the effect symbol display device 24. Reach display is a state in which the pseudo special symbol other than the pseudo special symbol that will be the final stop symbol is stopped while the pseudo special symbol is in a state that matches the combination of the specific symbol that will be the big hit. In addition, it refers to the effect display that is performed in a state where the possibility of jackpot is continuing before the pseudo special symbol is stopped and displayed. For example, when three display symbols arranged in the horizontal direction, such as left symbol, middle symbol, and right symbol, stop in the order of left symbol, right symbol, middle symbol, and all these display symbols are aligned in the same symbol It will be a big hit. At this time, a state where the left symbol and the right symbol other than the middle symbol which is the final stop symbol are stopped in the same symbol is referred to as a reach state. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the reach display by the pseudo special symbol of the symbol display unit 25 is a hit determination in the special symbol success / failure determination (winning reach), and a case in which the reach determination is a special symbol success / failure determination This is performed when it is determined that the reach display is to be performed (outgoing reach).

  A normal symbol hold display unit 30 is provided on the right side of the special symbol display device 29, and a special symbol hold display unit 31 is provided on the left side of the special symbol display device 29. The normal symbol hold display unit 30 and the special symbol hold display unit 31 are display-controlled by the main control unit 200, and the normal symbol hold number and the special symbol hold number are managed by the main control unit 200 as a hold number management means.

  The normal symbol hold display section 30 is composed of four LEDs, and can hold up to four game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26 during normal symbol fluctuations. The number of symbol hold is displayed. Each time the next variable display starts, the number of unstarted times (holding number) is consumed, the LEDs of the normal symbol holding display unit 30 are turned off one by one, and the normal symbol holding number is decreased by one.

  The special symbol hold display unit 31 is composed of four LEDs, and can hold up to four game balls that have entered the start opening 28 during the special symbol change, and one LED for each pass for each entry. Lights up and displays the number of special symbol hold. Each time the next special symbol change starts, the number of unstarted times (the number of holdings) is consumed, the LEDs of the special symbol holding display unit 31 are turned off one by one, and the number of special symbol holdings decreases by one.

  A first state display unit 32 a is provided below the normal symbol hold display unit 30, and a second state display unit 32 b is provided below the special symbol hold display unit 31. These state display parts 32a and 32b are each comprised from LED. When the probability variation function is activated, the status display sections 32a and 32b repeatedly blink 500 ms on and 500 ms off, and when the variation time reduction function is activated, the status display sections 32a and 32b are 100 ms. Repeats on and 100ms off flashing.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the special winning device 33 is disposed below the start port 31. Here, the special winning device 33 includes a special winning opening 33a opened in a belt shape, an opening / closing plate 33b for opening / closing the special winning opening 33a, and a large winning opening solenoid 33c (for opening / closing the open / close plate 33b). 7) and a winning ball detection switch 33s (see FIG. 7) for detecting a winning ball.

  When the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 29 is a specific symbol, the main control unit 200 generates a special gaming machine state that is relatively advantageous to the player. In the special gaming machine state, by operating the special winning device 33, a profit is given to the player with respect to the entry of the game ball into the special winning opening 33a. The special game state is realized by repeatedly executing a special electric accessory game process (see FIG. 19) described later.

  With the start of the operation of the special winning device 33, the special winning opening 33a is opened and a gaming ball is received. This game ball receiving state is ended when a predetermined end condition is satisfied, and the open big winning opening 33a is closed. As a predetermined end condition, when the opening time of the big winning opening 33a after the start of the game ball receiving state reaches a predetermined opening time (30 seconds in this embodiment) or after the start of the gaming ball receiving state, This may be when the number of game balls entering 33a reaches a predetermined number (10 in this embodiment).

  In the case where one round is from the start to the end of the game ball receiving state, the above-described accessory continuous operation device ends when a predetermined round (16 rounds in this example) ends. In the big winning device 33, after a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has passed since the game ball receiving state is finished, the big winning port 33a is opened to enter the game ball receiving state again, and the next round starts. . The game ball accepting state in which one round is from the start to the end is repeatedly continued until the predetermined maximum number of continuous rounds (16 rounds in this embodiment) is finished and the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is finished. The

  As shown in FIG. 2, a first left winning opening 34 and a second left winning opening 35 are provided obliquely above and to the left of the big winning device 33. Inside these, left winning opening passing detection switches 34s and 35s (see FIG. 7) are respectively provided. A second right winning port 36 and a second right winning port 37 are provided diagonally to the upper right of the big winning device 33. Inside these, right winning opening passing detection switches 36s and 37b (see FIG. 7) are provided.

  Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of the back mechanism board 102 of the gaming machine 1.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the back mechanism board 102 is provided on the opposite surface of the game board 20 in the middle frame 3, and is attached to the middle frame 3 by a pair of hinges 103 so as to be opened and closed. In the upper left part of the back mechanism board 102, a prize ball tank 105 having a tank ball cut detection switch 104 at the bottom is provided. The prize ball tank 105 stores payout game balls supplied from an external supply device. Below the prize ball tank 105, a tank rail 106 connected to the prize ball tank 105 is provided. The tank rail 106 is formed to be inclined from the bottom of the prize ball tank 105 to above the game ball payout device 109. The game balls in the prize ball tank 105 flow down the tank rail 106 from the bottom of the prize ball tank 105.

  A ball removal lever 107 is provided on the right side of the tank rail 106. A game ball payout device 109 is provided on the downstream side of the ball removal lever 107. Further, on the downstream side of the tank rail 106 and above the game ball payout device 109, a case rail for guiding the game ball payout device 109 by changing the traveling direction of the game ball flowing down the tank rail 106 ( A game ball guiding path) 108 is provided.

  Below the tank rail 106, there is a rear case 111 to which the effect symbol display device 24 is attached on the front side and the lamp interface board case 112, the symbol control board case 113, and the sound lamp control board case 114 are respectively attached to the rear side. Is provided. A main control board case 115 is provided below the back case 111, a power supply board case 116 is provided below the main control board case 115, and a payout control board case 118 is provided at the lower right portion of the back mechanism panel 102. Is provided. Various control boards described later are stored in these board cases.

  In the upper right part of the back mechanism board 102, there is provided a frame external terminal board 122 equipped with external connection terminals for gaming machine frames such as jackpot, launcher control, ball break, door opening, prize ball, and rental balls. ing.

  Next, the electronic control device of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the electronic control unit.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the electronic control device includes a main control unit (game control unit) 200 and sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 connected to the main control unit 200. The sub control unit includes a prize ball control unit (payout control unit) 230, a sound lamp control unit 260, and a symbol control unit 280. The main control unit 200 includes a main control board 200a, and the sub-control units 230, 260, and 280 include a payout control board 230a, a sound lamp control board 260a, and a symbol control board 280a as peripheral control boards, respectively.

  The main control unit 200 is responsible for the progress of the game, and transmits a command signal (command data) instructing the processing contents to each of the sub control units 230, 260 and 280, and each of the sub control units 230, 260 and 280 Various controls are performed based on the command signal. The main control unit 200 corresponds to a game ball launch management unit, a game interruption determination unit, and a specific effect unit according to the present invention.

  The main control unit 200 sends commands to the payout control unit 230 such as a prize ball instruction signal for giving a prize ball payout, a game start permission signal for instructing game start permission, and various launch control commands. Various launch control commands include ball feed permission / prohibition, launch permission / prohibition, game start permission, and the like. Also, various lamp control commands and various audio control commands are transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the sound lamp control unit 260.

  The main control unit 200 to the symbol control unit 280 via the sound lamp control unit 260, a normal symbol display control command for instructing display control of a normal symbol, or a special symbol display control command for instructing display control of this special symbol. Various symbol control commands including are transmitted. The sound lamp control unit 260 determines the pseudo special symbol variation mode and the stop symbol based on the special special symbol display control command from the main control unit 200, and instructs the special special symbol display control command to display the pseudo special symbol. Is transmitted to the symbol control unit 280.

  Each control unit 200, 230, 260, and 280 is supplied with power from the power receiving board 128 connected to the main power source 129 via the power board 127 and the power relay board 121. Further, when the power is turned on, a system reset signal is transmitted to each of the control units 200, 230, 260 and 280 via the power supply board 127 and the power supply relay board 121. Note that the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment includes a backup power supply unit (not shown) that supplies an operating voltage to the main control unit 200 and the payout control unit 230 when the power is turned off. 200 and RAM data of the payout control unit 230 are held.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the CPU 400 provided on the main control board 200a of the main control unit 200. As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 400 includes a CPU core 401, a built-in RAM 402 (hereinafter also simply referred to as RAM), a built-in ROM 403 (hereinafter also simply referred to as ROM), a memory control circuit 404, a clock generator 405, an address decoder 406, A watchdog timer 407, a counter / timer 408, a parallel input / output port 409, a reset / interrupt controller 410, an external bus interface 411, and an output control circuit 412 are provided.

  The CPU 400 controls operation of the entire gaming machine 1 (basic progress control of the game) using the RAM 402 as a work area by a control program stored in the ROM 403. In addition, the main control unit 200 constitutes a go / no-go determination unit that performs the go / no-go determination by the go / no-go determination program stored in the ROM 403, with the CPU 400 as a main body. Note that the control cycle of the main control unit 200 of this embodiment is set to 4 ms.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the board external terminal board 201, the start opening winning detection switch 28 s, the normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26 s, the board surface relay board 210, and the game frame relay board 220 are connected to the main control unit 200. The start opening winning detection switch 28 s detects that a game ball has entered the start opening 28. The normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26 s detects that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26.

  Next, the board surface relay board 210 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the board surface relay board 210. The board surface relay board 210 relays switch signals and the like between various switches provided on the game board 20 surface and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 7, to the board relay board 210, a winning opening passing detection switch 34s, 35s, 36s, 37s, a big winning opening entering detection switch 33s, and various solenoids 28c, 33c are connected.

  The winning opening passing detection switches 34 s, 35 s, 36 s, and 37 s are used to detect the entry of game balls into the winning openings 34, 35, 36, and 37. The big winning opening entrance detection switch 33s detects that a game ball has entered the big winning opening 33a. These game ball detection switches can be configured by proximity switches or photo sensors. As the various solenoids 28c and 33c, there are a start opening solenoid 28c for opening and closing the start opening 28, a large winning opening solenoid 33c for opening and closing a large winning opening, and the like.

  Next, the game frame relay board 220 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the game frame relay board 220. The game frame relay board 220 relays switch signals and the like mainly between various switches and the like provided on the middle frame 3 and the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a launch ball count switch 221 and a foul ball detection switch 222 are connected to the frame relay board 220. Further, a ball feed count switch 254 is connected to the frame relay board 220 via a ball feed relay board 251 described later.

  The firing ball count switch 221 detects a game ball launched by the launching device unit. The foul ball detection switch 222 detects a game ball that has returned from the launching unit to the lower plate 6 without reaching the game area 21. The ball feed count switch 254 counts the game balls sent from the upper plate part 5 to the launching device unit.

  Next, returning to FIG. 5, the payout control unit 230 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the frame external terminal board 122, the switch relay terminal board 231, the CR connection board 234, the firing control section 250 and the like are connected to the payout control section 230. The switch relay terminal board 231 is connected to a tank ball cut switch 232 and a lower pan full switch 233. The tank ball cut switch 232 is also connected to the frame external terminal board 122.

  The tank ball cut switch 232 detects that the game ball in the prize ball tank 105 has run out. The ball-out signal of the tank ball-out switch 232 is transmitted to the external replenishing device via the frame external terminal board 122, and the game ball is replenished to the prize ball tank 105 from the replenishing device. The lower tray full tank switch 233 detects that the lower tray 6 has become full. The payout control board 230a of the payout control unit 230 includes a CPU having the same configuration as the CPU 400 of the main control board 200a shown in FIG. The control cycle of the payout control unit 230 of this embodiment is set to 1 ms shorter than that of the main control unit 200.

  The payout control unit 230 will be further described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing signal input / output with respect to the payout control unit 230. As shown in FIG. 9, the prepaid card unit 13 and the CR display board 235 are connected to the payout control unit 230 via the CR connection board 234. A ball rental button 236 and a return button 237 are connected to the CR display board 235. The CR display board 235 is a board for inputting / outputting signals such as a rental ball and the remaining number of cards to / from the CR unit 13.

  The payout control unit 230 is connected with a payout motor 109f and payout sensors 109j and 109k via a payout unit relay terminal plate 239, and a prize ball display LED board 241 and an error display via a status display LED relay terminal plate 240. An LED substrate 242 is connected. The payout sensors 109j and 109k count the number of game balls paid out by the game ball payout device 109. The game balls that are paid out by the game ball payout device 109 include prize balls that are paid out in response to winnings and balls that are lent to players.

  The award ball display LED substrate 241 and the error display LED substrate 242 correspond to the award ball display LED display portion 4g and the error LED display portion 4h (see FIG. 1), respectively. The LED on the prize ball display LED board 241 is turned on or blinked when a prize ball is acquired, and the LED on the error LED board 242 is turned on or blinks when an error occurs. The error display LED substrate 242 includes a plurality of types of LEDs, and the error LED display unit 4h can perform a plurality of types of error notification. In this embodiment, the error LED display section 4h is configured to be lit and blinking in red and orange as error notification.

  Next, the firing control unit 250 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the launch control unit 250. As shown in FIG. 10, the launch control unit 250 is connected to the launch handle 8, the origin sensor 251, the launch motor 252, the ball feed relay terminal plate 253, and the like. A launch start signal from a launch start switch (not shown) indicating whether or not the player has rotated the launch handle 8 by a predetermined amount or more from the launch handle 8 to the launch control unit 250, and the player touches the launch handle 8. A touch signal or the like from the touch switch 8a indicating whether or not there is input.

  The origin sensor 251 detects whether or not the rotation axis of the firing motor 252 is at a predetermined origin position (origin angle). The launch motor 252 operates a spear for driving the game ball sent to the launch position into the game area 21, and operates when the player operates the launch handle 8.

  Connected to the ball feed relay terminal plate 253 are a ball feed solenoid (not shown) and a ball feed count switch 254 for feeding the game balls stored in the upper plate part 5 one by one to the launch position of the launcher unit. Yes. As described above, the signal from the ball feed count switch 254 is transmitted to the main control unit 200 via the game frame relay board 220. The signal from the origin sensor 251 is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 via the firing control unit 250.

  Next, the sound lamp control unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. The sound lamp control board 260a provided in the sound lamp control unit 260 is provided with arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, ROM, RAM, input / output ports and the like and a sound generator (not shown). The input / output port is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 11, various board surface LED boards 263, various game frame LED boards 264, and the like are connected to the sound lamp control unit 260 via a lamp interface board 261. The lamp interface board 261 is provided with drive circuits for various lamps, and is configured as a separate board independent of the sound lamp control board 260a. A game effect LED board or the like is connected to the board surface LED board 263 and the game frame LED board 264. These lamps are turned on / off or blinking in accordance with the progress of the game to enhance the gaming effect.

  Further, an amplifier board 265 is connected to the sound lamp control unit 260. A speaker 266 and a volume switch board 267 are connected to the amplifier board 265. From the speaker 266, various sounds, sounds, and the like are output in accordance with the progress of the game. The volume switch board 267 is for setting the output volume of the speaker 266 in accordance with an operation of a volume switch (not shown). The sound lamp control unit 260 is provided with a mode switch 268. The mode changeover switch 268 is configured as a DIP switch and is operated by a game hall employee when the power is turned on. The mode changeover switch 268 can change the background and the appearing character in the effect symbol display device 24.

  Next, the symbol control unit 280 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing various gaming devices connected to the symbol control unit 280. Arithmetic circuit components (not shown) having a CPU, RAM, ROM, input / output port, VDP (video display processor), etc. are provided on the symbol control board 280a provided in the symbol controller 280. It is connected to the main control unit 200.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the symbol control unit 280 includes an effect symbol display device substrate 281 that operates the effect symbol display device 24, a normal symbol display device 27, a special symbol display device 29, a normal symbol hold display unit 30, and a special symbol display device 30. The symbol hold display unit 31 and the symbol display device substrate 282 for operating the state display unit 32 are connected. In the symbol control unit 280, the CPU performs display control of the effect symbol display device 24, the normal symbol display device 27, and the special symbol display device 29 using the RAM as a work area in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM. Also, special symbol image data and reach display mode image data are stored in the ROM of the symbol control board 280a.

  Next, the operation of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 13 shows an example of a main job executed by the CPU 400 based on a program stored in the ROM of the main control unit 200. The main job shown in FIG. 13 includes a game start process S200, a normal symbol game process S300, a normal electric game game process S400, a special symbol game process S500, a special electric game game process S600, after executing the power-on process S100. Each step of the specific effect process S700 is repeatedly executed every time the timer is reset. In this embodiment, the reset period is set to 2 ms.

  The power-on process S100 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This power-on process is performed when power is turned on and when power is restored after a power failure occurs. First, various settings required when the power is turned on are performed (S101). Specifically, the stack pointer is set to a predetermined address in the RAM, the interrupt mode is set, and access to the RAM is permitted.

  Next, when the RAM clear switch is pressed or when the backup flag (power failure occurrence information) is not set in the RAM, it is determined that the power is turned on and the RAM initialization process is performed. Return (S102, S103, S104). As the RAM initialization processing, initial setting of built-in devices around the CPU is performed, all areas of the RAM are cleared to 0, initial values during normal game are set, and interrupts are permitted. Also, a game start flag is set.

  On the other hand, if the backup flag is set in the RAM, it is determined that the power is restored when the power is turned off, and a checksum is calculated from the contents of the RAM protected when the power is turned off (S105). (S106). If these checksums do not match, it is determined that the contents of the RAM are broken, and the RAM initialization process of S104 is performed. When the contents of the RAM are backed up normally, the following power recovery process is performed.

  First, the stack pointer immediately before power-off is restored and the backup flag is cleared. Next, a return setting is made to return to the gaming state when the power is turned off, the CPU peripheral device is initialized, and the register is returned to the state immediately before the power is turned off. Thereafter, the program is resumed by returning to the program execution position immediately before the power is turned off.

  Next, the game start process S200 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, all the switches other than the RAM clear switch connected to the main control unit 200 are read (S201), the respective switch states are determined, and the detection information is stored (S202).

  Next, various random numbers such as a random number for determination of success / failure and a random number for symbol display are updated (S203). Specifically, the value of the random number counter set in the above-described RAM is incremented by 1 between an initial value (for example, 0) and a predetermined value (for example, 255). When the value of the random number counter exceeds a predetermined value, the initial value is restored.

  Next, prize ball control in S204 to S207 is performed. First, each winning mouth is checked by a winning mouth switch, and when a game ball wins a winning mouth, winning detection information is stored in the RAM (S204, S205). Next, when there is saved prize ball detection information, a prize ball number designation command corresponding to the acquired game ball is transmitted to the payout control unit 230 (S206, S207).

  Next, the normal symbol game process S300 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined by the normal symbol operation gate detection switch 26s whether or not the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 26 (S301). As a result, when it is determined that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 26 (S301: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of pending operation of the normal symbol display device 27 is less than 4 (S302). If the number of normal symbols held is less than 4 (S302: YES), a random number for determining whether or not normal symbols are stored is stored (S303).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is in operation (S304). If it is determined that the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is in operation (S304: YES) ), The process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is not operating (S304: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is changing (S305). As a result, when it is determined that the normal symbol is not changing (S305: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is in the stop display time (S306), and it is determined that the normal symbol is in the normal symbol display time. If this is the case (S306: NO), the process proceeds to S314, which will be described later. If it is determined that the normal symbol display time is not being reached (S306: YES), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol hold count is zero (S306: NO). S307).

  As a result, when it is determined that the number of normal symbol hold is zero (S307: YES), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the number of normal symbol hold is not zero (S307: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is appropriate. (S308) and the normal symbol variation time is set (S309). When the symbol variation time reduction function is active, set the normal symbol variation time when the symbol variation time reduction function is activated. When the symbol variation time reduction function is not active, it is normal when the symbol variation time reduction function is not activated. Set symbol variation time. Then, the variation of the normal symbol is started (S310).

  When it is determined in S305 that the normal symbol is changing (S305: YES), it is determined whether or not the normal symbol change time has passed (S311), and the normal symbol change time has passed. If it is determined that there is not (S311: NO), the process directly returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the normal symbol change time has elapsed (S311: YES), the normal symbol change is stopped (S312), and the normal symbol stop display interval is set (S313).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the interval between the normal symbols has been stopped (S314). If it is determined that the interval between the normal symbols has not been stopped (S314: NO), the process returns as it is. If it is determined that the normal symbol stop display has elapsed (S314: YES), is the normal symbol stop symbol a combination of winning symbols that will actuate the start port (normal electric accessory) 28? It is determined whether or not (S315). As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the normal symbol is not a winning symbol combination (S315: NO), the process returns as it is.

  When it is determined that the stop symbol of the normal symbol is a combination of the winning symbols (S315: YES), the operating time of the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is set (S316). When the normal electric accessory release extension function is activated, set the normal electric accessory activation time when the normal electric accessory release extension function is activated, and the normal electric accessory release extension function is not activated. Sets the operation time of the ordinary electric accessory when the normal electric accessory release extension function is not activated. Then, the operation of the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is started (S317).

  Next, the ordinary electric accessory game process S400 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is in operation (S401). If it is determined that the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is not in operation (S401: NO) ), Return as it is. On the other hand, when it is determined that the starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is in operation (S401: YES), it is determined whether or not the operating time of the starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 has elapsed. (S402), when it is determined that the operating time of the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 has not elapsed (S402: NO), it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory has won a predetermined number of winnings. (S403).

  As a result, when it is determined that there is no regular prize winning for the ordinary electric accessory (S403: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the regular electric bonus has been awarded for the prescribed prize ( If it is determined that the operation time of the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 has elapsed (S402: YES), the operation of the start port (ordinary electric accessory) 28 is stopped (S403: YES). S404).

  Next, the special symbol game process S500 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the start opening 28 has been won (S501), and if it is determined that the start opening 28 has been won (S501: YES), the number of pending operation of the special symbol display device 29 is less than 4. It is determined whether or not there is (S502). As a result, when it is determined that the number of special symbol hold is less than 4 (S502: YES), a random number for determining whether or not special symbol is determined is stored (S503).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S504). If it is determined that the condition device is in operation (S504: YES), the process returns as it is and the condition device is not in operation. (S504: NO), it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S505). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol is changing (S505: YES), the process proceeds to S513 described later, and when it is determined that the special symbol is not changing (S505: NO). Then, it is determined whether or not it is during the special symbol stop display time (S506). If it is determined that it is during the special symbol stop display time (S506: YES), the process proceeds to S516 described later, and if it is determined that it is not during the special symbol stop display time (S506: NO). ), It is determined whether or not the number of special symbol hold is zero (S507).

  As a result, when it is determined that the number of special symbol hold is zero (S507: YES), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the number of special symbol hold is not zero (S507: NO), the probability variation It is determined whether or not the function is operating (S508). As a result, when it is determined that the probability variation function is in operation (S508: YES), whether or not the probability variation function is correct is determined (S509), and when it is determined that the probability variation function is not in operation. (S508: NO), it is determined whether or not there is a non-probability change (S510). Next, a special symbol variation pattern is determined (S511), and the special symbol variation is started (S512).

  If it is determined in S505 that the special symbol is changing (S505: YES), it is determined whether or not the special symbol change time has elapsed (S513). As a result, when it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol has not elapsed (S513: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the variation time of the special symbol has elapsed (S513: YES), the special symbol variation is stopped (S514), and the special symbol stop symbol display time is set (S515).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed (S516). As a result, when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has not elapsed (S516: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the special symbol stop symbol display time has elapsed. (S516: YES), it is determined whether or not the stop symbol of the special symbol is a combination of hit symbols that will activate the condition device (S517).

  As a result, when it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is a winning symbol combination (S517: YES), the operation of the condition device is started (S518), and the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is started (S518). S519).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the probability variation function is in operation (S520). If it is determined that the probability variation function is in operation (S520: YES), the probability variation function is deactivated (S521). ), The symbol variation time shortening function is deactivated (S522), and the ordinary electric accessory opening extension function is deactivated (S523).

  If it is determined in S517 that the special symbol stop symbol is not a winning symbol combination (S517: NO), it is determined whether or not the symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (S524). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol variation time shortening function is not operating (S524: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the symbol variation time shortening function is operating (S524: YES), the special symbol. The number of fluctuations is counted (S525), and it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached a preset number of fluctuations (100 in this example) (S526). As a result, when it is determined that the number of fluctuations has not reached the preset number of fluctuations (S526: NO), the process returns as it is and it is determined that the number of fluctuations has reached the preset number of fluctuations. In the case (S526: YES), the symbol variation time shortening function is deactivated (S522), and the ordinary electric accessory opening extension function is deactivated (S523).

  If it is determined in S520 that the probability variation function is not in operation (S520: NO), it is determined whether or not the symbol variation time reduction function is in operation (S527). As a result, when it is determined that the symbol variation time reduction function is not operating (S527: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the symbol variation time reduction function is operating (S527: YES), the symbol variation is performed. The time reduction function is deactivated (S522), and the ordinary electric accessory opening extension function is deactivated (S523).

  Next, the special symbol electric game game process S600 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the accessory continuous operation device is in operation (S601). If it is determined that the accessory continuous operation device is not in operation (S601: NO), the process returns as it is. If it is determined that the continuous operating device is operating (S601: YES), it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 33a is open (S602). As a result, when it is determined that the special winning opening 33a is being opened (S602: YES), it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S603), and the special winning opening 33a is determined. If it is determined that the opening time has not elapsed (S603: NO), it is determined whether or not the maximum number of winnings has been won in the special winning opening 33a (S604).

  As a result, when it is determined that the maximum number of winnings has not been won in the big winning opening 33a (S604: NO), the process returns as it is and it is determined that the maximum winning number has been won in the large winning opening 33a. In the case (S604: YES), if it is determined that the opening time of the big prize opening 33a has passed (S603: YES), the big prize opening 33a is closed (S605).

  When it is determined in S602 that the special winning opening 33a is not being opened (S602: NO), it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory is less than a predetermined number of times set in advance ( S606). As a result, when it is determined that the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory is less than the predetermined number (S606: YES), it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed (S607). When it is determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has not elapsed (S607: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 33a has elapsed ( (S607: YES), the special winning opening 33a is opened (S608).

  If it is determined in S606 that the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory has reached the predetermined number (S606: NO), the operation of the accessory continuous operation device is stopped (S609), and the condition device is activated. Is stopped (S610). Then, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol of the special symbol that triggered the condition device operation is a combination of probability variation symbols that activates the probability variation function (S611), and it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is not a specific symbol (S611: NO), the process returns as it is, and when it is determined that the stop symbol of the special symbol is a specific symbol (S611: YES), the probability variation function is activated (S612), and the symbol variation time The shortening function is activated (S613), and the normal electric accessory opening extension function is activated (S614).

  Next, the specific effect process S700 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. First, it is determined whether or not the number of special symbol reservations has been digested (S701). That is, it is determined whether or not the special symbol starts to fluctuate and the number of special symbol reservations has decreased by one. As a result, if it is determined that the number of special symbol reservations has not been digested (S701: NO), the process directly returns. On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of special symbol reservations has been consumed (S701: YES), it is determined whether or not a game ball has been fired when the special symbol starts to change (S702).

  In this embodiment, when the special symbol starts to fluctuate, it is determined whether or not the game ball is fired by detecting whether or not the player touches the firing handle 8 with the touch switch 8a. That is, when the player is touching the launch handle 8, it is determined that the game ball is being fired. When the player is not touching the launch handle 8, it is determined that the game ball is not being fired. To do.

  As a result, when it is determined that the game ball is being fired when the special symbol starts to change (S702: YES), the process proceeds to S704. On the other hand, when it is determined that the game ball is not being fired when the special symbol starts to change (S702: NO), the number of undetected fires is increased by 1 (S703). The number of undetected launches is for counting the number of times that a launch of a game ball cannot be detected at the start of a special symbol change associated with suspended digestion, and the initial value is zero.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the number of undetected firings is equal to or greater than a predetermined number of undetected (S704). This “predetermined undetected number” is a value for determining whether or not the player has interrupted the game, and can be set arbitrarily. The longer the time that the player suspends the game, the larger the predetermined undetected number. Therefore, setting the predetermined undetected number larger can increase the accuracy of the game interruption determination. In this embodiment, the predetermined undetected number is set to 2, and it is determined that the player has interrupted the game when the game ball launch cannot be detected more than once during the on-hold digestion.

  If it is determined in the determination process of S704 that the number of undetected fires is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of undetected (S704: YES), it is determined whether or not the number of special symbol hold reaches the predetermined hold number (S705). . This “predetermined number of holds” is a value for determining the start time of a specific effect described later, and can be arbitrarily set. In the present embodiment, when the number of special symbol reservations becomes zero, that is, when the special symbol variation display related to the last reservation is performed, the specific effect is performed, so the predetermined number of reservations is set to zero.

  If it is determined in S705 that the number of special symbol hold is zero (S705: YES), a game interruption flag is set (S706).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the number of undetected fires is not equal to or greater than a predetermined value (S704: NO), or when it is determined that the number of special symbol reservations does not become zero (S705: NO), the condition for performing a specific effect is set. Since it is not satisfied, the game interruption flag is cleared (S707).

  Next, it is determined whether or not a game interruption flag is set (S708). As a result, when it is determined that the game interruption flag is set (S708: YES), a specific effect is performed (S709), and the game interruption flag and the number of undetected firings are cleared (S710). On the other hand, when it is determined that the game interruption flag is not set (S708: NO), the specific effect is not performed.

  Here, the specific effect will be described. The specific effect is an effect performed over a predetermined period in which the special symbol fluctuates a plurality of times. . The contents of the specific performance performed in the specific performance can be arbitrarily set. In this embodiment, a command effect (mission effect) is performed as a specific effect.

  In the command effect, an effect of notifying the player of the command content to be executed within a predetermined period is performed. This command content corresponds to the “specific condition regarding the display mode of the identification symbol” of the present invention. The predetermined period is set to a period in which the number of changes in the special symbol spans a plurality of times. Then, when the command content is executed within a predetermined period (when the specific condition is satisfied), the special symbol is hit and displayed with the special symbol, and a special gaming state is generated. However, it is known in advance that the main control unit 200 does not generate a special game state on the condition that the command content is executed, but determines whether or not the game is successful and the special symbol is a hit and the special symbol is stopped and displayed. In such a case, an effect is given as if the command contents were executed.

  Examples of the command contents of the command effect include an effect mode in which the effect symbol display device 24 displays “output 4 to the left within 10 revolutions”, “output reach 2 times within 2 minutes”, or the like. When the command content is “put 4 to the left within 10 revolutions”, “4” is displayed on the left symbol in the pseudo special symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 24 within the period when the special symbol fluctuates 10 times. A special gaming state occurs when displayed. In addition, when the instruction content is “Take out reach twice within 2 minutes”, the special game state is reached when reach display is performed twice with the pseudo special symbol displayed on the effect symbol display device 24 within 2 minutes. Will occur.

  Normally, a special game state occurs when the pseudo special symbols displayed on the effect symbol display device 24 are arranged in the same three-digit symbols, whereas the command effect of this embodiment is special when the command contents are satisfied. The occurrence of the gaming state is confirmed. For this reason, in addition to the combination of pseudo special symbols, the player can obtain another enjoyment of whether or not the command content is realized within a predetermined period.

  Next, the power interruption occurrence processing S800 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This power cut-off generation process is performed when a non-maskable interrupt occurs due to a power cut due to a power failure or the like.

  First, the used register is saved in the RAM, and the value of the stack pointer is saved (S801, S802). Next, the payout motor is stopped (S803), a checksum is calculated and stored (S804), and a backup flag is set (S805). Next, access to the RAM is prohibited (S806), an infinite loop process is performed until a system reset occurs, and the watchdog is reset repeatedly (S807). The RAM data is compensated by a backup power supply unit (not shown). If a system reset occurs, the process proceeds to the power-on process S100.

  As described above, when the player's situation at the time of holding is determined, and it is determined that the player has interrupted the game when the number of holds becomes zero, the special symbol that spans multiple variations of special symbols By performing the performance, the player has a higher expectation for the profits obtained by the specific performance. This is an incentive for the player to continue the game across multiple variations of the special symbol, so that the player can be prevented from interrupting the game, and the operating rate of the gaming machine can be improved.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the content of the specific effect.

  In the present embodiment, a certain change effect is performed as the specific effect. In the probability variation effect, the player is notified that the special probability variation period has been entered. The “special probability change period” corresponds to the “game special period” of the present invention. The length of the “special probability variation period” is a predetermined period that spans multiple variations of the special symbol. When the special symbol hits during the special probability changing period and stops and displays with a combination of special symbols, the probability variation function is always activated. That is, in the special probability variation period, when a special symbol is stopped and displayed in a combination of a special symbol, the combination of the special symbol is always a combination of a certain probability variation.

  However, the main control unit 200 does not always stop and display the special symbol with a combination of the probable variation symbols when the determination of success or failure based on the game ball entering the start port 29 is a hit. That is, the main control unit 200 performs an effect of stopping and displaying the special symbol with the probability variation symbol when the determination of success or failure is a hit during the special probability variation period and the special symbol stop symbol is determined as the combination of the probability variation symbol. On the other hand, the main control unit 200 determines whether or not the special symbol is changed during the special probability variation period, and when the special symbol stop symbol is determined to be a combination other than the probability variation symbol, the main control unit 200 ends the special probability variation period and then changes the special symbol. Stop display with combinations other than symbols.

  As a result, during the special probability variation period, the special symbol will stop and display with a combination other than the probability variation symbol and no big hit will occur, and if a big hit occurs, the special symbol will always stop and display with a combination of the probability variation symbol. Become. For this reason, if a big hit occurs in the special probability change period, it is determined that the probability change function is activated for the player, so that a sense of expectation for the change result of the special symbol is increased, which is an incentive to continue the game. Thereby, it can suppress that a player interrupts a game, and the operating rate of a game machine can be improved.

  In this embodiment, when a special symbol hits within a special probability change period and stops and displays with a combination of special symbols, the special symbol is configured to be a combination of probability variations. Even when the stop display is made with any combination of hit special symbols, the probability variation function may be activated.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, the touch switch 8a is used as the game ball launch detection means for detecting the launch of the game ball. When the player touches the touch sensor 8a, it is determined that the game ball is being fired. The game ball launch detection means may be any means that can determine that the player is playing a game, and other means can be used.

  For example, it is possible to directly detect the launch of a game ball with a launch ball count switch 221 that detects a game ball launched by the launcher unit. Further, the foul ball detection switch 222 is used as a game ball launch detection means, and when it is detected, it can be determined that the game ball has been launched. Further, various winning detection switches such as a start opening winning detection switch 28s, a large winning opening detection switch 33s, a winning opening passing detection switches 34s, 35s, 36s, and 37s are used as the game ball launch detection means. When a game ball is detected by 28s, 33s, 34s, 35s, 36s, and 37s, it can be determined that the game ball is being fired.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the main control unit 200 as the game ball launch management means does not fire when the special symbol starts to fluctuate in accordance with the decrease in the number of holds, and no game ball launch is detected. Although the number of detections is increased, not limited to this, it is configured to increase the number of undetected firings when a game ball launch is not detected within a predetermined time from the start of fluctuation of the special symbol accompanying the decrease in the number of pending May be.

  For example, when the winning detection switch is used as the game ball launch detection means as described above, there is a time lag from when the game ball is actually launched until the game ball is detected by the game ball launch detection means. For this reason, in the game ball launch management means, it is effective to increase the number of undetected launches when a game ball launch is not detected within a predetermined time from the start of fluctuation of the special symbol accompanying the decrease in the number of holds. The “predetermined time” can be arbitrarily set, and can be set to 10 seconds, for example.

  Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the predetermined undetected number for determining the game interruption is set to 2 in the determination process S704 of the undetected number of shots in FIG. The game interruption flag may be set when the number of undetected launches is one at the time of the on-hold digestion. In other words, if the game ball launch detection means cannot detect the game ball launch when the number of special symbol holds becomes zero, it is determined that the player has suspended the game, and the game suspension flag is set. In this case, since the game interruption is determined by one detection of the game ball emission by the game ball emission detection means, it is possible to simply determine the game interruption state.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, in the number-of-holds determination process 705 of FIG. 20, the predetermined number of holds is set to zero, and the game suspension flag setting process S706 is performed when the number of special symbol holds becomes zero. May be 1 or more. In this case, the game interruption flag is set at the stage where the number of special symbol reservations remains, and the specific effect S709 is performed.

  In addition, the specific effect of the present invention may be an effect that spans multiple variations of special symbols (identification symbols), and is limited to the command effect of the first embodiment and the probability change effect of the second embodiment. is not.

It is a front view which shows the game machine of each Example. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the game board of each Example. It is a front view of the normal symbol display apparatus and special symbol display apparatus of each Example. It is a front view of the back mechanism board of the gaming machine of each embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the electronic control apparatus of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of CPU of the main control part of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the board surface relay board | substrate of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the game frame relay board | substrate of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the payout control board of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the launch control board of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the sound lamp control board of each Example. It is a block diagram which shows the various game devices connected to the symbol control board of each Example. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the main job of each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the power-on process of each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the game start process of each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the normal symbol game process of each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the normal electric accessory game process of each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the special symbol game process of each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the special electric accessory game process of each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the specific effect process of each Example. It is a flowchart which shows the power failure generation | occurrence | production process of each Example.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 8a ... Touch switch (game ball discharge | release detection means), 20 ... Game board, 21 ... Game area | region, 24 ... Production | presentation symbol display device (variable display means), 25 ... Symbol display part, 27 ... Normal symbol display Device, 28 ... Special symbol display device, 31 ... Start port (ordinary electric accessory), 33 ... Grand prize device, 33a ... Grand prize port, 34, 35, 36, 37 ... Prize port, 200 ... Main controller Determination means, special game state generation means, number-of-holds management means, game ball launch management means, game interruption judgment means, specific effect means), 230 ... payout control section, 250 ... launch control section, 260 ... sound lamp control section, 280 ... Design control unit.

Claims (5)

Variable display means for displaying the identification symbol in a variable manner by entering the game ball into the starting port provided on the game board;
Special gaming state generating means for generating a special gaming state advantageous to a player when the identification symbol is stopped and displayed with a specific symbol;
A number-of-holds management means for increasing the number of holds by entering a game ball into the start port during the change of the identification symbol, and reducing the number of holds by starting the change of the identification symbol;
Game ball launch detection means for detecting game ball launch to the game board;
When the identification symbol starts to fluctuate in accordance with the decrease in the number of holdings, if a game ball launch is not detected by the game ball launch detection unit, a game ball launch management unit that increases the number of undetected launches;
Game interruption determination means for determining whether or not the game by the player is in an interrupted state based on the number of undetected firings;
A specific effect unit that performs a specific effect across a plurality of variable displays of the identification symbol when the game interruption determination unit determines that the number of suspensions is a predetermined number, when the game interruption state is determined. A gaming machine characterized by that. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game interruption determining means determines that the game by the player is in an interrupted state when the number of undetected launches is plural. The specific effect notifies the player of a specific condition related to a display mode of the identification symbol that should be satisfied within a predetermined period spanning a plurality of variations of the identification symbol, and the specific condition is satisfied within the predetermined period. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a command effect that activates the special gaming state generating means when played. When the special game state generating means starts operating and the identification symbol stopped and displayed is a probability variation symbol included in the specific symbol, it operates until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, and the identification symbol is the specific symbol Probability variation means to improve the probability of stopping display with symbols,
The specific effect notifies the player that the game has entered a special period spanning multiple variations of the identification symbol, and when the special game state generating device starts operating within the special period. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is a probability variation effect that activates the probability changing means after the operation of the special game state generating device is completed. The game ball launch management means detects no launch when no game ball launch is detected by the game ball launch detection means within a predetermined time after the identification symbol starts to fluctuate with a decrease in the number of holds. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the number is increased.

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