JP2007236411A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technologies capable of further uplifting the interest of a player without complicating the control of presentation. <P>SOLUTION: When the variable display of symbols executed first after termination of a special game is stopped and jackpot symbols are displayed (hereinafter called "initial variation winning"), a main control part outputs special variation pattern information to a presentation control part, and the presentation control part determines a special variation mode executed only when the special variation pattern information is received according to the special variation pattern information and controls the variable display of symbols in a symbol variable display device. With this structure, the fact that a jackpot is won in such a very rare mode as the initial variation winning is strongly impressed in the player, and as a result, the sense of superiority of the player can be effectively aroused, and the player's interest in the game can be further uplifted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball ball game machine such as a pachinko machine that fires a game ball toward a game board surface and plays a game.

  When a game ball is fired toward the game board surface and the game ball enters the entrance provided on the game board surface, a ball game machine that performs a game in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as a prize ball Widely known. Also, in recent years, when an effect symbol display device is mounted on the game board surface, when a game ball enters a predetermined entrance, the display of the effect symbol is started and stopped when the predetermined symbol is stopped. For example, a ball game machine of a type that switches to a so-called “hit” game state in which the game state is advantageous to the player is widely used.

  In such a ball game machine, in order to enhance the interest of the player, an effect called “reach effect” is also performed. “Reach effect” means that the effect symbols are stopped and displayed one by one in a manner in which a winning symbol can be established from the state where a plurality of effect symbols are variably displayed. It is an effect that determines whether or not it will be a big hit depending on whether to stop at the symbol. In addition, a big hit effect (so-called fanfare effect) is also performed after the big hit is determined in order to increase satisfaction when the big hit is established. Furthermore, a technique has also been proposed aiming to further enhance the interest of the player by storing a plurality of types of reach effects and jackpot effects and making it possible to select an effect pattern to be executed from among them. Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-159413 A

  However, in today's ball game machines, it is already natural to perform reach production and jackpot production. Therefore, even if these effects are performed, it is no longer possible to effectively excite the player's interests, and it is desired to develop a technology that can further enhance the player's interests.

  Nonetheless, in recent ball game machines, the content of the production is complicated, so in view of the current situation that the control burden related to the production is increasing, the content of the control of the production is unnecessarily complicated to increase the interest of the player. It is not preferable to make it.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide a technique that can further enhance the interest of a player without complicating the control of performance. And

In order to solve at least a part of the above-described problems, the bullet ball game machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a ball game machine that launches a game ball on a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances, and when a game ball enters the entrance, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls. ,
In addition to supervising the progress of the game, a lottery will be performed when a game ball has entered the specific entrance of the entrance, and if the lottery is won, the game state will be advantageous to the player. A main control unit that performs control to switch to a special gaming state;
An effect control unit that receives information about the progress of the game from the main control unit and determines the content of the effect based on the information, thereby controlling the effect accompanying the game;
A symbol variation display device that stops and displays a winning symbol or a missing symbol according to a lottery result in the main control unit by performing a symbol variation display and a stop display according to the effect content determined by the effect control unit,
The main control unit
As the information related to the progress of the game, the variation pattern information including at least information regarding the start time of the variation display performed by the symbol variation display device and the duration of the variation display is output to the effect control unit,
When the symbol variation display that is performed first after the end of the special gaming state is stopped and displayed in a winning symbol, special variation pattern information that is predetermined special variation pattern information is output to the effect control unit,
The production control unit
While controlling the variation display of the symbol in the symbol variation display device according to the variation pattern information,
When the special variation pattern information is received, the symbol variation display in the symbol variation display device is controlled in a special variation mode performed only when the special variation pattern information is received.

  In such a ball game machine of the present invention, when the symbol variation display that is first performed after the end of the special gaming state is stopped and displayed in the winning symbol, the main control unit performs predetermined special variation pattern information (special Variation pattern information) is output to the effect control unit, and the effect control unit determines a special variation mode performed only when the special variation pattern information is received according to the special variation pattern information, and the symbol in the symbol variation display device Control the display of fluctuations.

  In this way, if the symbol variation display that is first performed after the end of the special gaming state is stopped and displayed in the winning symbol, if the symbol variation display is performed in a special variation mode, the following reasons Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the interest of the player in the game. First of all, it is very rare that the symbol change display that is performed first after finishing the special game state is stopped and displayed as a winning symbol (hereinafter, such a state is referred to as “first change winning”). In other words, the player who has won the first variation winning can obtain a sense of superiority by winning in a very rare manner together with the satisfaction of winning. Then, if the symbol variation display is performed in a special variation mode that is performed only when the first variation winning is performed in conjunction with the symbol variation display device being stopped and displayed, the player is notified that the first variation winning has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to effectively enhance the player's sense of superiority, and as a result, it is possible to further enhance the interest in the game.

  In addition, in this way, even if the symbol variation display is performed in a special variation mode only at the time of the first variation winning, the effect control unit that controls the symbol variation display in the symbol variation display device has a special variation mode. The timing of performing the fluctuation display is not determined, and the fluctuation display of the symbol is only controlled according to the special fluctuation pattern information output from the main control unit. It is possible to display the variation of symbols in various variation modes.

  In such a ball game machine, after completion of the special gaming state, a short hit mode in which a short time gaming state is generated until a symbol variation display is performed a predetermined number of times, and a symbol variation display that is less than the predetermined number of times is performed. In the case of the short-time hit mode, when the special game state ends, the upper limit number of times of the short-time game state is set to a plurality of times. May set the upper limit number of times of the short-time gaming state to one. Each time the variable display of the symbol is stopped, “1” is subtracted from the continuous upper limit count of the short-time gaming state, and the symbol variable display performed when the continuous upper limit count of the short-time gaming state is “1” is the winning symbol. When the display is stopped, the main control unit may output the special variation pattern information to the effect control unit.

  If this is done, the continuation upper limit number of times of the short-time gaming state is always “1” at the time of the first variable display of the symbol which is performed first after the special gaming state according to the normal hit state, and this state is started. When the symbol variation display is stopped and displayed as a winning symbol, special variation pattern information is output. On the other hand, if the first symbol variation display after the end of the special gaming state is not stopped and displayed in the winning symbol, and the winning symbol is stopped and displayed in the second and subsequent symbol variation displays, the upper limit number of times of the short-time gaming state is “ Since it is “0”, the special variation pattern information is not output. As described above, in the case of the normal winning mode, the special variation pattern information can be obtained only when the first variation winning is generated by setting “1” as the upper limit number of times of the short-time gaming state after the special gaming state is ended. Can be output.

  In addition, since the value of the upper limit number of continuations of the short-time gaming state is used to detect the timing of outputting the special variation pattern information, it is possible to display the variation of the symbol in a special variation mode when the first variation winning is generated. It can be realized easily. That is, if the value of the upper limit number of times of the short-time gaming state monitored by the main control unit is used, the program of the main control unit of the model that generates the short-time gaming state is used as it is, and when the special gaming state ends. Since it is possible to set “1” to the upper limit number of times of the short-time gaming state and to subtract “1”, it is possible to detect an appropriate timing by minimizing the program change of the main control unit. As a result, the present invention can be easily applied.

  Furthermore, when the gaming machine has a spec model having a short-time hit mode and a spec model having no short-time hit mode, various processes for a short-time gaming state performed with a spec having a short-time hit mode (Such as setting the upper limit number of times of short-time gaming state and processing for counting) is not required for specifications that do not have a short-time hit mode, so it is necessary to recreate the game control program of the main control unit according to the specifications. There is. However, at the end of the special gaming state, if “1” is set to the upper limit number of times of the short-time gaming state, various processes (shortening of time) performed for the short-time gaming state even in the specification having no short-time hit mode. The process of setting or counting the upper limit number of continuations of the gaming state) can be used as it is, and it is possible to display the symbol variation in a special effect mode when the first variation winning is generated. As a result, it is possible to share the game control program of the main control unit between the spec having the short-time hit mode and the spec having no short-time hit mode.

  Further, in such a ball game machine, it is possible to provide a probability changing means for making the probability that the lottery result is “winning” higher than the normal time after the special gaming state according to the normal winning mode ends.

  According to such a configuration, it is possible to increase the possibility that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed in the first symbol variation display after the end of the special gaming state, and thereby, there is a special variation mode in the first symbol variation display. The possibility of appearing increases. For this reason, the appearance frequency of the special fluctuation | variation aspect in the first symbol variation display can be raised, and the player's expectation with respect to the first symbol variation display after the end of the special gaming state can be enhanced. In this case, it is difficult for the player to identify whether the probability changing means is operating, in other words, whether the probability that the lottery result is “winning” is high. desirable. Thus, by making it difficult to identify whether or not the probability changing means is operating, it is possible to always keep the player's sense of tension with respect to the game (lottery). In other words, if the player recognizes that the probability variation means is operating, the player will feel secure that he will win the lottery in a short period of time. Lower than when the probability changing means is not operating. A player in such a psychological state will see the first symbol variation display after the end of the special game after recognizing that the probability of the first variation winning is high if the probability variation means is operating. . Therefore, even if the symbol variation display is performed in a special variation mode that is performed only at the time of the first variation winning, the player will feel the appearance of the special variation mode as a matter of course, and the player will be superior I don't feel that much. On the other hand, if it is difficult for the player to identify whether or not the probability changing means is operating as described above, the player's sense of tension with respect to the game (lottery) can be kept constant, It is possible to effectively excite the player's sense of superiority at the time of the first variation winning occurrence (when the special variation mode occurs), and as a result, it is possible to enhance the gaming interest.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Pachinko machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Game machine control details:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-1-1. Special design game processing:
C-1-2. Special electric game game processing:
D. Variation:

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

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular opening 4a is formed at a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a, and the board surface of the game board 10 disposed on the back side can be visually recognized. Further, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f for enhancing the game effect.

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

  The upper dish portion 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge portion 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launching device unit 12 (see FIG. 5). The dish outer edge 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a large number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate part 5. Furthermore, two operation switches SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side (player side) of the upper plate part 5. By pressing this switch, the player can intervene in the progress of the game, such as changing the game conditions during the game.

  The lower plate part 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate part 6. Further, second speakers 6 c are provided on the left and right sides of the lower surface of the lower dish portion 6.

  A firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate portion 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the launching handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower pan 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement of the launching handle 8 is caused to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor (not shown) built in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

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

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, a variable winning device 18 is provided in a lower portion of the gaming area 11, and between the central device 26 and the variable winning device 18. A starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided. The starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17, there are a start port (ordinary electric accessory) switch 17s (see FIG. 5) for detecting the passing of the game ball, and an ordinary electric accessory (start port) solenoid 17m for operating the wing piece. (See FIG. 5). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, an opening state in which the game ball is likely to enter is in an open state, and the pair of wing pieces are upright, and the game ball is in a normal state in which the possibility of entering is small. The starting port 17 constitutes one aspect of the “specific entrance” of the present invention.

  An effect display device 27 is provided substantially in the center of the central device 26. The effect display device 27 is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, and can change and display various effect symbols such as character symbols and background symbols. Various symbols displayed on the screen of the effect display device 27 will be described later.

  A symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. Although the detailed configuration will be described later, the symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols, special symbols, and the like in a variable stop manner.

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

  In the variable winning device 18 provided below the central device 26, a large winning device 31 is provided substantially in the center. This special winning device 31 is composed of a special winning opening 31d that opens substantially in a substantially rectangular shape, a special winning opening solenoid 31m (see FIG. 5) for opening and closing the special winning opening 31d, and the like. The big winning opening 31d is in an open state when a predetermined condition described later is satisfied, and as a result, the game ball enters the big winning opening 31d with a high probability, and is a big hit that is an advantageous gaming state for the player. A gaming state is started. In addition, a big prize opening switch 31s is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big prize opening 31d.

  An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing a game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position.

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

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

A-3. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards, various boards, relay terminal boards, and the like. The main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub control board 220 that controls the control of the game using symbols, lamps, and sound effects, and the details of the effect display device 27 under the control of the sub control board 220 An effect control board 230 that performs general control, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out rental balls and prize balls, a launch control board 260 that controls control related to the launch of game balls, and the like. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logic operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed, and peripheral devices. Peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the CPU, an oscillator that outputs a clock for the CPU to perform operations, a watchdog timer for monitoring the runaway of the CPU, and a CTC (counter that periodically generates an interrupt signal) A variety of peripheral LSIs such as a timer circuit are connected to each other via a bus. Further, the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 5 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 5, only the CPU 201 and RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 are shown, and mounted on other control boards such as ROM, PIO, and sub-control board 220 mounted on the main control board 200. The CPU, RAM, ROM, etc., are not shown.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. Are determined, commands for instructing various operations are output toward the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. Further, the main control board 200 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided at the start port 17, a large prize opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the big prize opening 31d, and The symbol display device 28 for displaying the fluctuation stop of the normal symbol and the special symbol is connected via the relay terminal board, and outputs signals to these various solenoids 17m and 31m and the symbol display device 28. Thus, the operation is also controlled. The main control board 200 controls the progress of the game and, as will be described later, determines whether or not the game is successful (lottery), and starts the special game state if it is a win. 200 constitutes one aspect of the “main control unit” of the present invention.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, a command for designating display contents is output to the effect control board 230 that controls the display of the effect display device 27 described above, the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, various decorative LEDs, A game effect is produced by outputting a drive signal to the decorative drive board 226 that drives the lamp. The sub-control board 220 receives information (various commands) on the progress of the game from the main control board 200, determines the contents of the presentation based on the information, and controls the presentation accompanying the game. The sub control board 220 constitutes one aspect of the “production control unit” of the present invention.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided in the above-described upper plate part 5, this signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 242 to the ball lending device 13 via the relay terminal board. Is done. The ball lending device 13 pays out a ball while exchanging data with the payout control board 240. When the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m to pay out the prize ball.

B. Overview of the game:
Next, an outline of the game performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be briefly described.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate portion 5 and rotates the launch handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate portion 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, The game area 11 is fired as described above with reference to FIG. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launching handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launching handle 8.

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

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. The normal symbol in the variable display can take the four states shown in the figure. First, the state shown in FIG. 6A represents a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned on and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned off. FIG. 6B shows a state where both the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display unit 29b are lit. FIG. 6C shows a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned on. FIG. 6D shows the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display. Each of the portions 29b represents a state where the light is extinguished. During the normal symbol variation display, these four display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, they are stopped and displayed in one of the four display states. At this time, when the display is stopped in a predetermined display state, a so-called normal symbol is hit and the start port 17 is in an open state for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). In the present embodiment, the display state shown in FIG. 6C, that is, the state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is lit is set for the normal symbol. Yes.

  If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passing of the game ball is stored as the number of holdings, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is displayed. Done. Up to four normal symbol holds can be stored, and the stored number of normal symbols is displayed on the normal symbol hold display section 29c (see FIG. 3).

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

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

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

  If a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol fluctuation display, the game ball entry is stored as the number of special symbols held, and after the current special symbol fluctuation display ends, Fluctuation display is performed. It is possible to store up to four special symbols on hold, and the number of stored special symbols is displayed on the special symbol hold display section 30c (see FIG. 3).

  In addition, among the 10 types of combinations that the special symbol shown in FIG. 7 is a winning combination, the 5 types of combinations surrounded by a solid line are so-called “probable variations”. When the game is stopped at any of the combination of probability variation symbols, the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed is higher than that in the normal state from the end of the special game to the start of the next special game. In this way, a gaming state in which the probability of being stopped and displayed with a winning symbol is high is called a probability variation state (or probability variation state).

  Furthermore, among the 10 types of combinations that the special symbol shown in FIG. 7 is a winning combination, the five types of combinations surrounded by a broken line are so-called “normal symbols”, and the special symbols that are variably displayed are these combinations. If you stop at one of the combinations of normal symbols, after the special game ends, until the special symbol is variably displayed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment) or until the next special game state is started, The variation time of the special symbol is shortened and the opening time of the start port 17 is set to be slightly longer. Such a gaming state is referred to as a variable time shortening state (or a short time state). In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, such a time-saving function is activated not only when the stop symbol is displayed with the normal symbol but also when it is stopped with the probability variable symbol. Eventually, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the ten types of winning symbols shown in FIG. 7, the time-saving function is always activated after the special gaming state ends.

  In accordance with the above-described change stop display of the special symbol, the effect display device 27 performs various effects using the effect symbols. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three character symbols 27 a, 27 b and 27 c are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen constituting the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started on the symbol display device 28 described above, also on the effect display device 27, these three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, as a character design, a design in which nine numbers from “1” to “9” are designed is prepared.

  FIG. 8 (a) conceptually shows how the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left character symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “1” to “9”, and then the right character symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle character symbol 27b is stopped and displayed.

  The combination of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is configured to be interlocked with the combination of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 described above. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the winning symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. In particular, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the above-described probability variation symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an odd number. On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is out of position and stops at the symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in any combination that does not align with the same symbol. Since the effect display device 27 stops and displays the winning symbol or the missed symbol in accordance with the result of the determination of success or failure, the effect display device 27 of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “symbol fluctuation display device” of the present invention. ing.

  Thus, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other in the display contents, and the respective display symbols are displayed. The timing for confirmation (stop display) is also set to be the same. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more easily noticeable than the symbol display device 28, and the display screen is large and the display content is easy to understand. It is normal to play a game while looking at the screen of the device 27. Therefore, when the left character symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right character symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, it is stopped and displayed last. The player pays attention to the variation of the symbol so that the middle character symbol 27b may stop at the same symbol and enter a so-called jackpot gaming state. In this way, the effect of variably displaying the last symbol with the two character symbols stopped at the same symbol is called a reach effect, and it is possible to increase the interest of the player by performing the reach effect. It has become.

C. Game machine control contents:
Below, in order to implement | achieve the game mentioned above, the control content which the game machine 1 of a present Example is performing is demonstrated in detail.

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 to control the progress of the game. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a prize ball-related process, a normal symbol game process, a normal electric accessory stop process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric accessory game process is repeatedly executed. . The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. During these processes, various commands are transmitted to various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 proceeds. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this processing, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered a switch related to a game ball winning (such as the start opening switch 17s or the big winning opening switch 31s). To detect. When a game ball is detected, the number of prize balls to be paid out is calculated, and then a process for outputting a prize ball number designation command to the payout control board 240 is performed.

  When a prize ball number designation command output from the main control board 200 is received, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command. And according to the result, a drive signal is output to the payout motor 109m mounted in the payout device 109, and the process of actually paying out the winning ball is performed.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball number designation command (S50), this time, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game processing is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation stop display is performed (S100). ). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 36 or whether or not the number of normal symbols held (see FIG. 3) is set. If the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 36 or if the number of normal symbols held is set, it is determined that the normal symbol game processing is performed (S100: yes). It is determined not to be performed (S100: no). In addition, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, an operation of adding until the number of normal symbols held reaches the upper limit “4” is also performed along with this determination.

  If it is determined that the normal symbol game process is to be performed (S100: yes), the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the normal symbol game process (S100: no), the normal symbol game process (S150) is skipped.

  In the normal symbol game process (S150), the following process is performed. First, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol is correct, and it is determined whether the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the winning symbol (see FIG. 6C) or with any other outlier symbol. Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time has elapsed, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed at this time, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started. . In the normal symbol game process, the normal symbol variation stop display is performed as described above, and when the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in the winning symbol, the process of operating the normal electric accessory is performed. When the ordinary electric accessory operates, the pair of blade pieces provided at the start port 17 rotate outward, and the start port 17 is in an open state.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is operating (S190). If it is in operation (S190: yes), a process for stopping the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary electric accessory stopping process) is performed (S200). On the other hand, when the ordinary electric accessory is not operating (S190: no), it is not necessary to perform the ordinary electric accessory stopping process, and the process is skipped.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ordinary electric accessory stopping process. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart. In the ordinary electric accessory stop process, first, it is determined whether or not a predetermined operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has passed (S202). As described above, when the ordinary electric accessory is operated, the start port 17 is in an open state, but when a predetermined time has elapsed, the pair of blade pieces are restored to the normal state in which they are upright again. Therefore, in S202, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory has reached a preset operation time. If it is determined that the operating time has been reached (S202: yes), after stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory (S206), the ordinary electric accessory game process is terminated and the game control shown in FIG. Return to processing. Note that the normal electric accessory operating time (that is, the opening time of the start port 17) is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is about 1.5 when the opening time extending function described later is operated. Extended to seconds.

  On the other hand, when a prescribed number of game balls enter the opening 17, the start port 17 returns to the normal state even when the opening time has not reached the set time. Correspondingly, if the operating time of the ordinary electric accessory has not reached the predetermined time (S202: no), it is determined whether or not a specified number of game balls have entered the ordinary electric accessory ( S204) When it is determined that a specified number of game balls have entered (S204: yes), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is stopped and the ordinary electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 10 is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no prescribed number of balls (S204: no), the ordinary electric game game process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process shown in.

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the ordinary electric accessory stop process, it is determined whether or not to start the special symbol game process (S300). Such a determination is made as to whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17, whether or not a special symbol holding number (see FIG. 3) is set, and whether or not the condition device is operating. Do by detecting. Here, the condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device, and is a device that starts the operation when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in the hit symbol shown in FIG. The condition device operates the accessory continuous operation device, thereby starting the big hit gaming state in which the big winning opening 31d is continuously opened. Then, it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed if the game ball has entered the start port 17 or if the number of special symbols to be held is set and the condition device is not in operation (S300: yes). In other cases, it is determined that the special symbol game process is not performed (S300: no). In addition, when a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol variation display, an operation of adding until the number of special symbols held reaches the upper limit “4” is also performed along with this determination.

  If it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed as a result of the above determination (S300: yes), the special symbol game process described below is performed (S320). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the special symbol game process (S300: no), the special symbol game process (S320) is skipped.

C-1-1. Special design game processing:
11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the flow of the special symbol game process. When the special symbol game process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is changing (S322). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special symbol display unit 30 is provided in the symbol display device 28, and the special symbols can be variably displayed.

  If the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is not changing (S322: no), it is determined whether it is during the display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S324). That is, for a period of time after the special symbol variation display is finished, a stop display time is provided for the player to confirm the stop symbol, so it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time. When it is confirmed that the special symbol is not variably displayed and the stop display time for displaying the special symbol is also elapsed (S324: no), the number of reserved special symbols is “0”. It is determined whether or not (S326). If the number of special symbol reservations is not “0”, in other words, if special symbol reservations remain (S326: no), whether or not the special symbol is appropriate is started.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, prior to determining whether or not a special symbol is appropriate, it is determined whether or not the probability of jackpot occurrence is in a high probability state (probability variation state) (S328). The probability variation state continues until the next special game is started after the special game is ended when the special symbol displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 stops at the “probability variation per symbol” shown in FIG. Is done. Therefore, in S328, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probable change state. If the probable change is in progress (S328: yes), whether or not the special symbol is determined in a state where the probability of jackpot is set high. A determination is made (S330). On the other hand, if the probability change is not in progress (S328: no), whether the special symbol is true or not is determined with the probability of jackpot set to a normal value (S332). As will be described later, when the operation of the probability variation function is started, a probability variation flag indicating that the probability variation is in progress is set to ON, and it is possible to determine whether the probability variation is in progress by referring to this flag. Yes.

  The special symbol determination is performed by referring to the following determination table and winning mode determination table. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a success / failure determination table referred to for determining whether or not a special symbol is successful in the special symbol game process of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the success / failure determination table includes a probability change table shown in FIG. 13 (b) and a non-probability change table shown in FIG. 13 (a). A special symbol success / failure determination random number is stored in association with a success / failure determination result of “win” or “out”. As is clear from comparison between FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the probability change success / failure determination table has a higher probability of winning than the non-probability change success / failure determination table. Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number that is acquired when a game ball enters the start port 17 and stored in the RAM 202 on the main control board 200. The special symbol is determined whether or not the special symbol is determined by subtracting the special symbol determination random number from the random number for determining whether or not the special symbol is determined. The hit mode is determined.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a hit mode determination table that is referred to in order to determine a hit mode when the determination result of the special symbol is a win. As shown in the figure, the hit mode determination table stores a hit mode of “normal hit” or “probability hit” in association with the hit mode determination random number. Here, the random number for determining the winning mode is a random number acquired when the determination result of the special symbol is “winning”.

  In S328 to S332 of the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the probability change is in progress prior to the determination of whether or not the special symbol is correct. If the probability change is in progress, the success / failure determination table shown in FIG. Whether or not the special symbol is determined with reference to the hit state determination table of FIG. 14 and if the probability change is not in progress, whether or not the special symbol is determined with reference to the hit state determination table of FIG. 13 (a) and the hit state determination table of FIG. Judgment is made. As described above, when it is determined whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, a process for setting a variation pattern of the special symbol is performed (S338).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (special symbol variation pattern setting processing) for setting a variation pattern of a special symbol in the special symbol game process. Here, the special symbol variation pattern defines a variation time of the special symbol in the symbol display device 28. The variation pattern of the special symbol is determined by referring to a later-described variation pattern table, and the sub-control board 220 determines the effect mode on the effect display device 27 based on the determined variation pattern. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a plurality of types of variation pattern tables are prepared depending on whether or not the probability is changing or the time is short. In the special symbol variation pattern setting process, a special symbol variation pattern is set by referring to an appropriate variation pattern table from among the plurality of types of variation pattern tables. Hereinafter, a description will be given according to the flowchart of FIG.

  When starting the special symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the special effect flag is set to ON (S3382). Here, as will be described later, the special effect flag is a flag that is set to ON when the special game state ends, and is turned OFF when the first special symbol variable display is stopped. When the special effect flag is set to ON, that is, when it is the first special symbol variation pattern setting process performed after the special game is over (S3381: yes), a plurality of types of variation pattern tables are prepared. A special variation pattern table is selected from among them (S3383).

  On the other hand, when the special effect flag is set to OFF, that is, when it is not the first special symbol variation pattern setting process performed after the end of the special game (S3381: no), this time, the current game state is definitely changed. Judgment is made as to whether or not the time is short or short (S3385). As mentioned above, the time-shortening function is activated during certain changes or time reductions, and the variation time of special symbols is shorter than normal, so a variation pattern is set so that the variation time of special symbols is much longer. I can't do it. Therefore, prior to selecting the variation pattern table, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is in the probability change or in the time limit. If the probability change or in the time limit is in effect (S3385: yes), the probability change or The time variation pattern table (time variation pattern table) is selected (S3387). On the other hand, when neither the probability variation nor the time variation is present (S3385: no), the normal variation pattern table (normal variation pattern table). Is selected (S3389). As will be described later, the time reduction flag is set to ON when the operation of the time reduction function is started. By referring to this flag, it is possible to determine whether or not the current gaming state is in the probability change or the probability change. ing.

  When an appropriate variation pattern table is selected as described above, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subsequently determines whether or not the special symbol determination result is “winning” (S3391). As described above, whether or not the special symbol is already determined has been determined (S328 to S332 in FIG. 11), and here, it is possible to determine whether or not it is “winning” simply by reading the determination result. If the determination result of the special symbol is “winning” (S3391: yes), the winning stop symbol is determined by lottery (S3393). The winning stop symbol is determined according to the hitting mode (“probable hit”, “normal hit”) (see FIG. 7).

  When the winning stop symbol is determined, the winning special symbol variation pattern is determined by referring to the selected variation pattern table (S3383, 3387, 3389) (S3395). In determining the variation pattern, first, a special symbol variation random number is generated, and then a variation pattern corresponding to the special symbol variation random number is selected with reference to the variation pattern table selected. In the variation pattern table, the correspondence between the special symbol variation random number and the variation pattern of the special symbol is set, and when the special symbol variation random number is determined, the variation pattern can be determined immediately.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram exemplifying a normal time variation pattern table that is selected when the probability change or the time is not short (S3385: no in FIG. 15). As shown in the figure, the fluctuation pattern table for normal times is divided into cases where the determination result of special symbol is “win” or “out” and the reach production is “Yes” or “No”. The correspondence relationship between the value of the special symbol variation random number and the variation pattern is set. Therefore, based on the determination result of the special symbol and the presence / absence of reach production, it is determined which case corresponds, and if the special symbol variation random number is determined, the variation pattern set in association is immediately selected. It is possible. For example, if the determination result of the special symbol is “hit” and the generated special symbol variation random number is “40”, the variation pattern “pattern special 3” is selected. As described above, in S3395, referring to the variation pattern table selected in advance, a variation pattern set in association with the special symbol variation random number when the determination result is “win” is performed. .

  FIG. 16 also shows the variation time of the special symbol corresponding to the variation pattern. As described above with reference to FIG. 8, when the reach effect is “present”, the variation time of the effect symbol in the effect display device 27 is longer than that of “none”, so the variation time of the special symbol is also longer. A variation pattern is set. Further, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in addition to the normal time fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. Details will be described later.

  On the other hand, in S3391, if the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct is “out” (S3391: no), after determining the outage stop symbol by lottery (S3397), the presence / absence of reach effect is determined (S3399). ). When the determination result is “disappear”, there are a case where the result is after the reach effect and a case where the result is not the reach effect. As described above, since the variation time of the special symbol varies greatly depending on the presence or absence of the reach effect, it is first determined whether or not to perform the reach effect by lottery before determining the variation pattern. The presence / absence of the reach effect can be determined by, for example, generating a reach random number. When the special variation pattern table is selected, it is determined without a reach effect.

  After the presence / absence of the reach effect is thus determined (S3399), when the reach effect is performed (S3401: yes), the determination result is determined with reference to the previously selected variation pattern table (S3383, 3387, 3389). Is a variation pattern that is set in association with a special symbol variation random number when the reach effect is “Yes” (S3403). Conversely, when the reach effect is not performed (S3401: no), referring to the selected change pattern table, the special symbol change when the determination result is “Out” and the reach effect is “None”. A variation pattern set in association with a random number is selected (S3405).

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory view exemplifying a time variation pattern table selected when the probability variation or time variation is being performed (S3385: yes in FIG. 15). Similar to the normal time variation pattern table described above, in the short time variation pattern table, whether the special symbol is determined to be “win” or “out”, and the reach effect is “present” or “none”. In this case, a variation pattern corresponding to the value of the special symbol variation random number is set, but the variation is different from the normal variation pattern table. As described above, during the time of probability change or time reduction, since the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened compared with the normal time, as is clear when comparing FIG. 16 and FIG. In the pattern table (FIG. 17), a variation pattern is set such that the variation time of the special symbol is shorter than that of the normal variation pattern table (FIG. 16).

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a special variation pattern table. The special variation pattern table is a table that is selected when the special effect flag is set to ON (3381: yes in FIG. 15), and the gaming state at this time is the first special symbol during probability change or short time. Since it is at the start of fluctuation, it has a special setting. In other words, in the first special symbol variation after the end of the special game, if the special variation pattern appears, the reach effect is not performed in order to realize the effect of “winning determination”. The setting contents of the success / failure determination result “failure” are the same as the setting contents of the determination results “failure” and “no reach effect” in the time variation pattern table. On the other hand, there is only one type of variation pattern set in association with the case of the success / failure determination result “win” in the special variation pattern table. The variation pattern is selected. This variation pattern “pattern special 11” is selected only when the winning determination of the special symbol performed first after the end of the special game is “winning”, and does not include the reach effect. For example, a special variation pattern such as a full rotation effect).

  When the special symbol stop symbol and the variation pattern are determined by performing the processing as described above, the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 15 is terminated and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns from the special symbol variation pattern setting process, after starting the variation display of the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 (S340), the CPU 201 performs a process of subtracting 1 from the special symbol reservation number (S342). ). As described above, the symbol display device 28 of this embodiment can display the twelve kinds of special symbols shown in FIG. 7, and performs variable display by switching the display of these symbols one after another. Also, when the special symbol variation display is started, the number of special symbols held is decremented by 1, so 1 is subtracted from the data of the number of special symbols held stored in the RAM on the main control board 200. It is.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 subtracts 1 from the number of special symbol reservations, it outputs a variation pattern designation command to the sub-control board 220 (S344), and then outputs a special symbol stop information designation command (S346). Here, the variation pattern designation command starts the variation display of the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c on the effect display device 27, and the special symbol variation pattern (special pattern determined by the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. This is a command for variably displaying the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c according to the symbol variation time). In addition, the special symbol stop information designation command indicates that the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 displays the stop symbols of the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c according to the special symbol stop symbol determined in the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. It is a command to decide. Since the variation pattern designation command includes information on the variation start timing of the character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c performed on the effect display device 27 and the duration of the variation display, the variation pattern designation of this embodiment is performed. The command corresponds to “variation pattern information” in the present invention, and the variation pattern designation command in which the special variation pattern is designated corresponds to “special variation pattern information” in the present invention.

  When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command, the presentation mode (the variation display time of the character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c, the presence / absence of reach production, etc.) Type of reach production, production after the big hit is determined, etc.). And while outputting the control command which instruct | indicates the determined effect aspect to the effect control board 230, the effect using various lamps and sound effects is performed. In addition, the effect control board 230 that has received the command from the sub-control board 220 performs various effect displays using the effect display device 27 according to the instructed effect mode. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, based on the various commands output from the main control board 200 as described above, specific presentation contents are determined by the sub control board 220, and various presentations are performed. Yes.

  As described above, when the special game is finished and the first special symbol determination is “winning”, a special variation pattern is selected in the special symbol variation pattern setting process (FIG. 15). S3383, S3395). When receiving the variation pattern designation command in which the special variation pattern is designated, the sub control board 220 determines a special effect mode based on the special variation pattern, and the effect display device 27 performs a special effect display. The effect that is performed when the special variation pattern is received is a special effect that is performed only when the special game is ended and the first success / failure determination is “winning”.

  The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop symbol of the special symbol as described above, and outputs the variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command to the sub-control board 220. Then, the special symbol game process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 30 is fluctuating in the process of S322 immediately after the special symbol game process is started (S322: yes), the fluctuation pattern of the special symbol and the stop are already stopped. This corresponds to the case where the symbol is determined and the change of the special symbol is started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S348). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S348: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S348: yes), a symbol stop command for the character symbol that is variably displayed on the effect display device 27 is output toward the sub-control board 220 (S350). ) And the special symbol display unit 30 of the symbol display device 28 stops displaying the special symbol variation (S352). Then, after setting a display time for stopping and displaying the special symbol on the symbol display device 28 (S354), it is determined whether or not the special effect flag is set to ON (S355), and the special effect flag is set to ON. If yes (S355: yes), since the first special symbol variation display after the end of the special game is stopped, the special effect flag is turned off (S356). On the other hand, when the special effect flag is OFF (S355: no), it is determined whether or not the display time set in S354 has elapsed with the special effect flag set to OFF (S357). If the display time has not elapsed (S357: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the stop display time of the special symbol has passed (S357: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped and displayed is a symbol that will activate the condition device (S358 in FIG. 12). Here, the symbol that activates the condition device is a symbol (ie, a winning symbol) of the normal winning symbol or the probability changing winning symbol shown in FIG. In S358 of FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the symbols stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 30 of the symbol display device 28 are those winning symbols.

  If the symbol that is stopped and displayed is a symbol that activates the condition device (S358: yes), the opening time of the big prize opening (large winning port opening time), and the continuous operation of the accessory continuous action device The number of times is set (S359). In this embodiment, the opening time of the big winning opening (large winning opening opening time) is set to about 26 seconds, and the continuous operation number is set to 15 times.

  Thus, after setting the opening time of the special winning opening and the number of continuous operations, the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated (S360). Here, the condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device to be described later, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed in either of the above-mentioned “probable hit symbol” or “normal hit symbol”. And the device that starts the operation and places the special winning opening 31d in an open state. In addition, the accessory continuous operation device is a device that reopens the once closed special winning opening 31d. As will be described in detail later, by operating the condition device and the accessory continuous action device in this way, when the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process of FIG. The state will be started.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability changing function and the time shortening function do not work when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated. As will be described later, the probability variation flag is set to ON when the probability variation function starts operating, and the time reduction flag is set to ON along with the operation of the time shortening function. The time reduction function is a function for shortening the time for which the symbols are variably displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the effect display device 27. Therefore, when the condition device and the accessory continuous action device are operated in S360 of FIG. 12, it is determined by referring to the probability change flag whether or not the current gaming state is in the probability change state (S362). If the probability change is in progress (S362: yes), since the probability change function and the time reduction function are activated, these functions are stopped, and the probability change flag and the time reduction flag are also turned OFF (S364, S365). On the other hand, when the current gaming state is not in a certain change (S362: no), it is checked whether the time is short by referring to the time flag (S368), and when the time is short (S368: yes) The time reduction function is stopped and the time reduction flag is reset to OFF (S365). Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the time reduction function is activated, the function of extending the opening time of the start port 17 (ordinary electric accessory) is also working. If stopped, the function for extending the ordinary electric accessory opening time is also stopped (S366), and then the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 9 is resumed. On the other hand, if the game state when the condition device and the accessory continuous action device are operated in S360 is neither probabilistic nor time-saving (S368: no), the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process is resumed. .

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

  First, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is short of time (S374). If it is determined that the time is short (S374: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol during the time reduction (S376), it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number (S378). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the time-short state is started after the end of the special game in either case of “probable hit” or “normal hit”, and the next big hit game state occurs, or It is set to continue until the special symbol is rotated a predetermined number of times. Further, as described later, when the operation of the time reduction function is started, the time reduction flag is set to ON, and the predetermined number of fluctuations of the special symbol that is performed before the operation of the time reduction function is stopped is set in the time reduction counter. Therefore, when it is determined that the time is shorter with reference to the time reduction flag (S374: yes), the change of the special symbol is stopped (S352 in FIG. 11), and the number of changes during the time reduction is digested once. After subtracting “1” from the time reduction counter and counting the number of fluctuations (S376), it is determined whether or not the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number, in other words, whether or not the time reduction counter has reached “0”. (S378). If the predetermined number of times has been reached (S378: yes), the time reduction function is stopped and the time reduction flag is reset to OFF (S380), and then the function for extending the normal electric accessory opening time is also stopped ( S366), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is exited, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG. On the other hand, if the number of fluctuations of the special symbol has not yet reached the predetermined number (S378: no), the special symbol game process is exited while maintaining the short-time state, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

C-1-2. Special electric game game processing:
As shown in FIG. 9, in the game control process, when returning from the special symbol game process, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S390). As described above, the condition device is a device that starts the special game state by operating the accessory continuous operation device. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process described below if the condition device is operating (S400). On the other hand, if the condition device is not in operation (S390: no), the special electric accessory game process (S400) is skipped, the process returns to the top of the game control process, and a series of the above-described prize ball related process (S50) and subsequent steps. Repeat the process.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a part of the special electric accessory game process. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the remaining flow of the special electric accessory game process. A so-called special game state is generated by executing the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, but the contents of the game called a special game state will be briefly described as preparation.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a special winning opening 31d is provided below the game board, and the special winning opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is opened. The “special electric accessory” referred to in the present specification is a device that opens the special winning opening 31d. Since the big winning opening 31d is opened larger than the other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is in an open state, the game ball enters with high probability. The opened large winning opening 31d is once closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or a predetermined number of game balls enter, but is again opened when a predetermined closing time elapses. The “container continuous operation device” referred to in this specification is a device that reopens the special winning opening 31d. A game from when the special winning opening 31d is opened until it is closed is called “round”. When these rounds are repeated and a predetermined number of rounds are consumed, the special gaming state is completed.

  The special game described above is realized by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performing the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. Hereinafter, detailed processing contents will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20.

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

  As a matter of course, immediately after the special game is started, the number of times of operation of the special electric accessory has not reached the predetermined number (S404: no), so it is determined whether or not the closing time of the special winning opening has elapsed. (S406). The closing time of the big prize opening is the time during which the big prize opening 31d is in a closed state between rounds. Immediately after the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is in a closed state, so it is naturally determined that the closing time of the special winning opening has passed (S406: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is opened. After having been made (S408), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 19 is once ended, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 returns to the game control process, as shown in FIG. 9, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball-related process (S50), the special electric equipment game process (S400) again. To start. As described above, the time required for the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 to execute the game control process shown in FIG. 9 once is about 4 msec. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 19 is also executed about every 4 msec. Then, when the special game is started and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 19 is executed for the first time, as described above, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S408, and the process is ended as it is. When the second round of processing is performed after 4 msec, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is being opened (S402: yes).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time (S410). As described above, in the special game, the special winning opening 31d is in an open state, but is closed when the opening time reaches a predetermined time or when a predetermined number of game balls enter the special winning opening 31d. In response to this, in S410, it is determined whether or not the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has reached a predetermined time. If the opening time has reached the predetermined time (S410: yes), after closing the special winning opening 31d (S414), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 19 is exited, and the game control of FIG. Return to processing. On the other hand, if the opening time has not reached the predetermined time (S410: no), it is determined whether or not the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d has reached a specified number (S412). When the number of game balls reaches the specified number (S412: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). On the other hand, when the prescribed number has not been reached (S412: no), the opening time of the special winning opening 31d has not yet reached the predetermined time, and the number of game balls that have entered the special winning opening 31d is also the prescribed number. Therefore, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 19 is exited and the game control process of FIG. 9 is resumed while the special winning opening 31d is kept open.

  While the game control process of FIG. 9 is repeatedly executed, whether the opening time of the special prize opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S410: yes in FIG. 19) or a predetermined number of games in the special prize opening 31d. The ball enters (S412: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is closed (S414). Thus, one round of game is completed. Then, when the special electric accessory game process is executed next, it is determined in S402 that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), and it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of rounds have ended (S404). If all the rounds have not been completed (S404: no), after confirming that the closing time of the big prize opening has reached a predetermined time (S406: yes), the new prize opening 31d is opened again and a new one is opened. A round is started (S408).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S404 that the predetermined number of rounds have been completed (S404: yes), after stopping the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device to end the special game state (S416). Then, the special effect flag is set to ON (S417). As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the special effect flag is set to “ON” at the end of the special game, and when the variable display of the first special symbol is stopped, it is returned to “OFF”. The special variation pattern table can be selected only in the case of the first special symbol variation pattern setting process (S338 in FIG. 11) performed after the game is over (S3381, S3383 in FIG. 15).

  When the special game is completed as described above, it is determined whether the special symbol for operating the condition device is the “probable hit symbol” or the “normal hit symbol” (S418 in FIG. 20). If it is based on the “probability change symbol” (S418: yes), after starting the operation of the probability change function (S420), start the operation of the time reduction function and the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory. (S428, S430), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is terminated. When starting the operation of the probability variation function, set the probability variation flag indicating that the probability variation is being performed, and when the operation of the time reduction function is initiated, set the time reduction flag indicating that the time variation is in progress to ON. In addition to setting, a predetermined number of times are set in the hour / hour counter. The predetermined number of times set here is an upper limit value of the number of times the special symbol is changed before the operation of the time reduction function is stopped. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the probability variation state is continued until the next special game state is started, and the time-shortening function is continued during that time, so that the time-shortage counter is set to “10000” here. In practice, the time-saving function is continued until the next special game is started.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the special symbol that causes the condition device to operate is not the “probable per symbol” (S418: no), the conditional device is operated according to the “normal symbol”, so the time is shortened. The operation of the function is started (S428), and then the operation of the normal electric accessory opening time extension function is also started (S430). As described above, the time-saving state due to “normal hit” is set to continue until the special symbol is variably displayed a predetermined number of times (100 times in the present embodiment) or the next special gaming state is started. When the operation of the time reduction function is started, the time reduction flag is set to ON and “100” is set to the time reduction counter. Thereafter, the special electric accessory game process shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process of FIG.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game of the gaming machine 1 by repeatedly performing the game control process as described above. In the special symbol game process during the game control process, whether or not the special symbol is determined is determined (S328 to S332 in FIG. 11), and if the determination result is “win”, the condition device and the accessory The continuous operating device is activated (S360 in FIG. 12), and the special gaming state is started. Also, in the special electric accessory game process (FIGS. 19 and 20) performed during the game control process, a special game is performed in a predetermined mode, and after the special game is finished, a probability changing function, Processing to activate the opening time extension function and the time reduction function of the ordinary electric accessory is performed.

  As described above, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 advances the game by repeatedly performing the game control process shown in FIG. 9, and determines whether the special symbol is correct or not in the game control process. 11 (S328 to S332 in FIG. 11), and after determining the variation pattern of the special symbol based on the determination result and the current gaming state (S338 in FIG. 11), the variation pattern designation command is directed to the sub-control board 220. It outputs (S344). Further, the sub control board 220 determines a specific effect mode in the effect display device 27 based on the received variation pattern, and then outputs the determined effect mode to the effect control board 230 to use the effect display device 27. Various effects are displayed. Further, when the special game state is ended and the first special symbol determination is “winning”, a special variation pattern is selected (S3383, S3395 in FIG. 15), and based on this special variation pattern. The sub control board 220 determines a special effect form, and the effect display device 27 performs a special effect.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the special gaming state is ended and the first special symbol determination is “winning” (hereinafter referred to as “first variation big hit”), a special effect is provided. Is supposed to do. For this reason, it is possible to raise the sense of superiority of the player who has won the first consecutive big hit and to further enhance the interest in the game. That is, since it is very rare that the first fluctuation jackpot occurs, when the first fluctuation jackpot occurs, the player feels superior with a great satisfaction. At this time, by performing a special performance that is performed only at the time of the first fluctuation big hit, it is possible to strongly impress the player that something very rare has happened, so the player's sense of superiority is effective As a result, it is possible to further enhance the interest in games.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a special effect is performed only when the first fluctuation big hit occurs, but as described above, the timing for performing the special effect is a fluctuation output from the main control board 200. It is specified by the pattern specification command. Therefore, the sub control board 220 can perform a special effect on the effect display device 27 only by determining an effect mode according to the specified special variation pattern, as in the case of a normal effect. In general, the sub-control board 220 controls various effects using lamps, sound effects, and symbols, and therefore tends to be subject to a lot of control load. In this regard, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to perform a special effect for enhancing the interest of the player without increasing the control load related to the effect.

D. Modified example:
In the embodiment described above, a special effect flag is provided and set to ON at the end of the special game state (S417 in FIG. 19), and the special effect flag is referred to (3381 in FIG. 15). By recognizing that this is the "first" process that is performed after the game is over, a special performance is performed only when the first fluctuation big hit occurs. However, instead of providing a special effect flag, it is also possible to recognize that this is the “first” process after the end of the special game, based on the movement of the counter that counts the number of times the special symbol has changed. Below, the modification which performs special production only at the time of the occurrence of the first fluctuation big hit using the time reduction counter will be described.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a partial flow of the special electric accessory game process in the modified example. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of the remaining portion of the special electric accessory game process according to the modification. Similarly to the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, also in the special electric utility game process of the modified example, when the process is started, first, it is determined whether or not the special winning opening 31d is open ( S500 in FIG. 21). Then, when the special winning opening 31d is opened (S500: yes), it is confirmed whether the opening time of the special winning opening has passed (S502: yes) or that a prescribed number of game balls have won ( S504: yes), the special winning opening 31d is closed (S506). On the other hand, when it is determined that the special winning opening 31d is closed (S500: no), it is determined whether or not the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory has reached a predetermined number (S508), and the predetermined number has been reached. If not (S508: no), it is confirmed that the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed (S510: yes), and the special winning opening 31d is opened again (S512). On the other hand, when the number of continuous operations of the special electric accessory reaches a predetermined number (S508: yes), the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped (S514). Note that, in the special electric accessory game process of the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 19, the special effect flag is set to ON after the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped (S417 in FIG. 19). In the special electric accessory game process of the modification shown in FIG. 21, the special effect flag is not used, and naturally, the process of setting the special effect flag is not performed.

  When the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped in this way (S514), it is subsequently determined whether the special symbol that has caused the condition device to operate is “probable per symbol” or “normal per symbol”. (S516 in FIG. 22). If it is based on the “probable variation symbol” (S516: yes), the probability variation function is started and the probability variation flag is set to ON (S518). ”Or“ second probability variation hit ”is determined (S520). In the gaming machine 1 of the modified example, in the probability variation mode, when the special game is finished, the probability variation function and the time reduction function are activated until the next special game starts, and the probability variation function operates until the next special game start. The short-time function is provided with a “second positive variation hit” that operates until the special symbol fluctuation display is performed once. If the special symbol success / failure determination process determines “win”, These hit modes have also been determined. Therefore, when the hit mode for operating the condition device is a probable variation hit (S516: yes), it is determined whether or not the probable variation mode is a "first positive probable hit". If it is “first positive variation hit” (S520: yes), “10000” is set in the hour / hour counter (S522). Here, “10000” set in the time reduction counter represents the upper limit value of the number of special symbol fluctuations to be made before the time reduction function is stopped, and in effect the time reduction state until the next special game is started. Is set to continue. When the hour / hour counter is set in this manner, the hour / hour flag is turned ON, the operation of the hour / hour function and the normal electric accessory opening time extension function is started (S524, S526), and the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 22 is ended.

  On the other hand, if the probability variation mode is not “first probability variation”, that is, “second probability variation” (S520: no), “1” is set in the time reduction counter (S528). Also, when the operation of the condition device is based on “normal hit” (S516: no), “1” is set to the hour / hour counter (S528).

  As described above, when the winning mode of the probability variation is “second probability variation”, the time shortening function is operated until the special symbol change display and the stop display are performed once after the special game state ends. It is said. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the modified example, even when the hit mode is “normal hit”, the time reduction function is activated until the special symbol change display and stop display are performed once. In other words, after the end of the special game related to “2nd probable change” or “normal win”, the first (first) special symbol change display has the effect of the time-shortening function (the special symbol and the normal symbol change time shortening and the starting point 17), the action of the time-shortening function is not reflected in the second and subsequent special symbol fluctuation displays. Here, the special game is continuously performed over a predetermined number of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) for a long period of time, and during this time, the game ball is placed not only at the winning prize opening 31d but also at the start opening 17. Have some balls. Therefore, during the special game, the special symbol is reserved, and when the special game is finished, the special symbol is displayed at least once as soon as the special game ends. When the first special symbol variation display is finished (stopped display), the time-shortening function ends its operation, so it is unlikely that the opening time of the start port 17 will be extended. Even if a game ball launched by a person enters the start port 17, the action of the time-shortening function is not reflected in the change display of the special symbol resulting from the entry. Therefore, in this modified example, even if a special game related to “second positive variation” or “normal winning” occurs and the time-shortening function is activated after the special game is finished, the time-shortening function is terminated in a short period of time. Therefore, the player cannot substantially enjoy the benefits (operation of shortening the variation time of the special symbol and the normal symbol and the operation of extending the opening time of the start port 17) by the operation of the time shortening function. From the above, in the second variation, the “second probability variation hit” or “normal hit” does not activate the time-saving function after the special game ends, in other words, does not change the gaming state after the special game to the time-saving state. Is substantially the same.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the modified example, in the case of the “second positive variation hit” or “normal hit”, the process of setting “1” to the hour / hour counter even though the hour / hour function is not substantially activated. I do. Corresponding to the setting of “1” in the hour / hour counter, the hour / hour flag is set to ON and the operation of the hour / hour function is started (S524). Start (S526). Thereafter, the special electric accessory game process of FIG. 22 is terminated, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG. Here, the reason why the hourly counter is set to “1” is to make it possible to recognize that this is the first special symbol variation pattern setting process performed after the special game ends. This point will be described in detail later. In addition, the time reduction function of the modification corresponds to the “time reduction game” of the present invention, and since the time reduction function is activated when the special game is terminated, the first probability change of the modification example is The “second positive hit” and “normal hit” of the modified examples corresponding to the “short-time hit mode” of the invention and substantially not operating the time-shortening function correspond to the “normal hit mode” of the present invention. To do. Furthermore, the numerical value set in the time reduction counter of the modified example corresponds to the “time limit game continuous upper limit number” of the present invention, and “10000” or “1” is set in the time reduction counter to start the operation of the time reduction function. The main control board 200 according to this modification constitutes one aspect of the “time-short game executing means” and the “normal game executing means” of the present invention.

  As described above, after the special gaming state is ended, the probability changing function, the time-shortening function, and the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory are started according to the winning mode, and the time-counting counter is set to “10000” or “1”. Is set. And in the game machine 1 of a modification, the fluctuation pattern of a special symbol is determined according to the count value set to the time-saving counter. Below, the special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process in a modification is demonstrated.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a flow of special symbol variation pattern setting processing in the modification. Similarly to the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 15, in the special symbol variation pattern setting process of the modified example, an appropriate variation pattern table is selected from a plurality of types of variation pattern tables (FIGS. 16 to 18). With reference to, the process which determines a special symbol fluctuation pattern is performed. When such processing is started, first, it is determined whether or not the time reduction flag is set to ON (S5001 in FIG. 23). If the time reduction flag is set to OFF (S5001: no), the time reduction function is not activated, and the normal time variation pattern table shown in FIG. 16 is selected (S5003).

  On the other hand, if the time reduction flag is ON (S5001: yes), it is then determined whether or not the time reduction counter is “1” (S5005). If the hour / hour counter is “1” (S5005: yes), it is recognized that this is the first special symbol variation pattern setting process after the special game of “second positive variation” or “normal winning” is finished. Therefore, the special variation pattern table (FIG. 18) including the special variation pattern is selected (S5007). On the other hand, if the hour / hour counter is not “1” (S5005: no), the hour / hour variation pattern table (FIG. 17) set for the operation of the hour / hour function is selected (S5009). In addition, when the special game by the “first positive variation” is finished, the time-short counter set to “10000” is subtracted every time the special symbol is displayed and changed to “1”. Is selected. However, in order for this to happen, the time counter set to “10000” must be “off” 9999 times in succession determination, that is, it cannot occur stochastically until it is determined whether or not it is correct. .

  When an appropriate variation pattern is selected in this way, it is subsequently determined whether or not the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is “hit” (S5011). If it is “hit” (S5011: yes), the win is stopped. The symbol is determined by lottery (S5013). In the gaming machine 1 of the modified example, when it is determined as “winning” in the special symbol success / failure determination process that is performed prior to the special symbol variation pattern setting process, there are also three types of hitting modes (first probability variation). Since winning is determined by lottery from winning, second probability variation, and normal winning), the “hit” stop symbol is determined according to the winning mode. After that, a special symbol fluctuation random number is generated, and a fluctuation set in association with the special symbol fluctuation random number in the case of “winning” with reference to a fluctuation pattern table (S5003, 5007, 5009) selected in advance. A pattern is selected (S5015). In particular, when the special variation pattern table shown in FIG. 16 is selected (S5007), a special variation pattern “pattern special 11” is selected. When the “win” variation pattern is selected in this way, the special symbol variation pattern setting process of FIG. 22 is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the special symbol is “displacement” (S5011: no), the “designated” stop symbol is determined (S5017), and then the presence or absence of reach effect is determined (S5019). When the special variation pattern table is selected, it is determined without a reach effect. After that, a special symbol variable random number is generated, and by referring to the selected variation pattern table (S5003, 5007, 5009), the special symbol variable random number is determined for each case where the determination result is “out” and presence / absence of reach effect. The variation pattern set in association with is selected (S5023, S5025), and the special symbol variation pattern setting process of FIG. 22 is terminated.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the modified example, when the special gaming state by the “second probability variation hit” or “normal hit” is ended, “1” is set in the hourly time counter (S528 in FIG. 22). ) When the time counter is “1” and the special symbol win / fail determination is “win”, a special variation pattern is selected (S5007, S5015 in FIG. 22), and the special variation is selected from the main control board 200. A command for designating a pattern is output to the sub-control board 220 (S344 in FIG. 11). Then, a special effect is performed by the sub control board 220 performing effect control based on the special variation pattern.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the modified example, in the case of a predetermined hit mode (second positive hit, normal hit), it is originally set so that the time-saving function is not activated after the end of the special game state. First, “1” is set in the hour / hour counter (S528 in FIG. 22). Therefore, it is possible to detect the “first” special symbol variation after finishing the special game, and as a result, it is possible to select the special variation pattern only when the first variation big hit occurs. That is, when performing the first special symbol variation pattern setting process after the special game according to the predetermined hit mode, the hour / hour counter is always set to “1”. If it is a big hit), a special variation pattern is selected. On the other hand, if the initial success / failure determination is “out”, the process of subtracting 1 from the time-saving counter is performed when the first special symbol variation display is stopped without selecting the special variation pattern. It becomes “0” (S376 in FIG. 12). In the second and subsequent special symbol variation pattern setting processes, since the hour / hour counter is “0”, the special variation pattern is not selected even if the determination is “win”. In addition, “10000” is set in the hour / hour counter by “first positive variation”, and 1 is subtracted every time the fluctuation display of the special symbol is stopped. As a matter of course, the hour / hour counter is different from “1”. If it is a numerical value, the special variation pattern is not selected, and as described above, it does not become “1” stochastically. Therefore, it is possible to select a special variation pattern only at the time of the first variation big hit. Since the main control board 200 performs a process of subtracting 1 from the hour / counter counter each time the special symbol variation display is stopped, the main control board 200 of the present modified example has the “time / time duration upper limit” of the present invention. It constitutes one aspect of the “number subtraction means”.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the modification example, the time counter is used to recognize the timing for selecting the special variation pattern, so that a basic program related to game control executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 is greatly increased. It is possible to perform a special effect at an appropriate timing without changing. That is, in order to perform a special performance at a specific timing, it is necessary to add a process for determining the timing, and the game control basic program must also be changed. However, the time reduction function is set in many gaming machines, and if a specific timing is determined using an existing time reduction counter, a program is set to set a predetermined number of times in the time reduction counter or to subtract from the time reduction counter. Can be used as they are, so that program changes accompanying the realization of special effects can be minimized. Therefore, it is possible to easily realize a special effect for the first fluctuation big hit.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the modified example, the probability variation function is activated after the end of the special game by the “second probability variation hit”, and the probability of “winning” in the first (first) special symbol determination is high. Therefore, it is possible to increase the frequency of appearance of a special effect for the first fluctuation big hit. As a result, it is possible to enhance the player's expectation that a special effect will appear in the first symbol variation display after the end of the special game. In addition, the probability variation function is not activated after the special game with “normal hit” is finished, so that the player cannot recognize whether the hit mode is “second positive hit” or “normal hit”. By doing so, it is possible for the player to make it difficult to identify whether or not the probability changing function is operating after the special game is over. For this reason, the player does not know whether the next big hit will occur soon or will not occur for a while, and can maintain a constant sense of tension for the game. Can be effectively increased. Since the main control board 200 operates the probability changing function after the end of the special game, the modified main control board 200 constitutes one aspect of the “probability changing means” of the present invention.

  Furthermore, when setting a model (spec) that does not activate the time-saving function at all, the time-saving counter becomes unnecessary, and an unused counter exists. From the viewpoint of preventing fraud, it is not preferable that there is a counter that is not used. To eliminate this counter, the basic program of the model that activates the time reduction function must be changed. However, if the hourly counter is set to “1” after the special gaming state is finished, it is possible to effectively use the hourly counter that is not originally used and perform a special performance at the time of the first fluctuation big hit. Moreover, the basic program of the model that activates the time reduction function can be used as it is.

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

  For example, in the above-described embodiment and modification, all the variation patterns corresponding to the success / failure determination result “displacement” set in the special variation pattern table are set to “no reach effect”. “With reach effect” may be set as a variation pattern corresponding to the determination result “displacement”. Also, the variation pattern (special variation pattern) corresponding to the success / failure determination result “hit” set in the special variation pattern table was also set to “no reach effect”, but a special variation pattern of “with reach effect” was set. Also good.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the screen structure of the effect display apparatus mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol is variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notably the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control process which a main control board performs in order to control progress of a game. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a normal electric accessory stop process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the success / failure determination table referred in order to perform the determination of the special symbol's success / failure. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the hit mode determination table referred in order to determine a hit mode when the determination result of the special symbol is a win. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the normal time fluctuation pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the time change pattern table. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the special variation pattern table. It is a flowchart which shows a part of special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the remaining part of a special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows a part of special electric accessory game process in the game machine of a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the remaining part of the special electric accessory game process in the game machine of a modification. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol fluctuation pattern setting process in the game machine of a modification.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... pachinko machine, 27 ... production display device (design variation display device),
200 ... main control board (main control unit, short time game execution means, normal game execution means, short time duration upper limit number subtraction means, probability variation means),
220 ... Sub control board (production control unit)

Claims (3)

In a ball game machine that launches a game ball on a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances, and when a game ball enters the entrance, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls. ,
In addition to managing the progress of the game, when a game ball enters the specific entrance of the entrance, a lottery is performed, and if the lottery is won, the game state is advantageous to the player. A main control unit that performs control to switch to a special gaming state;
An effect control unit that receives information about the progress of the game from the main control unit and determines the content of the effect based on the information, thereby controlling the effect accompanying the game;
A symbol variation display device that stops and displays a winning symbol or a missing symbol according to a lottery result in the main control unit by performing a symbol variation display and a stop display according to the effect content determined by the effect control unit,
The main control unit
As the information related to the progress of the game, the variation pattern information including at least information regarding the start time of the variation display performed by the symbol variation display device and the duration of the variation display is output to the effect control unit,
When the symbol variation display that is performed first after the end of the special gaming state is stopped and displayed in a winning symbol, special variation pattern information that is predetermined special variation pattern information is output to the effect control unit,
The production control unit
While controlling the variation display of the symbol in the symbol variation display device according to the variation pattern information,
When the special variation pattern information is received, the symbol variation display in the symbol variation display device is controlled to a special variation mode performed only when the special variation pattern information is received. Ball game machine. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The winning mode of the lottery includes a short-time hit mode in which a short-time gaming state in which the symbol variation display time is shortened after the special gaming state is completed until the symbol variation display is performed a predetermined number of times, and the symbol A normal hit mode for generating the short-time gaming state until the change display is performed less than the predetermined number of times,
The main control unit
In the time saving mode, when the special gaming state ends, the time saving gaming execution means for starting the time saving gaming state after setting the upper limit number of times of the time saving gaming state to a plurality of times,
In the case of the normal hit mode, after the special gaming state is ended, after setting the upper limit number of times of the short-time gaming state to 1, the normal game executing means for starting the short-time gaming state;
A time duration upper limit number subtraction means for subtracting 1 from the time duration upper limit number of times of the short-time gaming state every time a symbol is stopped and displayed according to the result of the lottery,
When the change display of the symbol that is performed when the continuous upper limit number of times of the short-time gaming state is 1 is stopped and displayed as a winning symbol, the special variation pattern information is output to the effect control unit. Characteristic ball game machine. The gaming machine according to claim 2,
A bullet ball game machine comprising: probability changing means for increasing a probability that the result of the lottery performed after the end of the special gaming state resulting from the normal hit state is the hit mode.

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