JP2008245830A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To avoid monotony of a performance for notifying a lottery result by the movement of game balls. <P>SOLUTION: A lottery result notification device is provided with a specific area and a nonspecific area in its inside, when a lottery result is a win, guides a game ball to the specific area and, when the lottery result is a failure, guides the game ball to a nonspecific area. In the inside of the lottery result notification device, a game ball rolling part rolls game balls to distribute them in either of a plurality of game ball capture parts, detects the results and controls a game ball guide part to guide the game ball to the specific area or the nonspecific area. The plurality of game ball capture parts are provided, the game balls roll on the game ball rolling part till the game ball capture part and, when a game ball is guided to either of the specific area and the nonspecific area, the balls thus can take various routes in the meantime. This constitution can avoid the monotony of the performance for notifying the lottery result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

  A variety of games in which a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as award balls when a game ball is launched on a game board surface provided with a plurality of entrances and the launched game balls enter any of the entrances Is known. Also, in today's ball game machines, computers are installed, and actions such as detecting that a game ball has entered the entrance and paying out a predetermined number of game balls in response to the entrance are not allowed. It is usually controlled by a computer. Furthermore, in order to enhance the interest of the player, various game states with different effects and benefits to the player are provided, and the game state is widely switched when a predetermined condition is established during the game. Yes.

  In the conventional ball game machine, such a game state switching is performed by guiding the game ball to a distribution effect device or the like, and when the game ball enters a specific entrance or passes through a specific area, A method of switching the gaming state was adopted, but in today's ball game machines, utilizing the fact that it is controlled by the computer, the computer performs a lottery internally, and when the lottery is won, the game state is switched Are also widely adopted.

  Here, in today's ball game machines, processing for switching the gaming state is performed by a computer, so the latter method, that is, a method in which a lottery for switching the gaming state is also performed by the computer is used to simplify control. Can be. On the other hand, in the former method, that is, a method in which the game state is switched when the game ball passes a specific entrance or a specific area, the game state is switched by the movement of the game ball, and the movement of the game ball is a game Since the player can directly confirm with his / her own eyes, the player can be interested in the game by paying attention to the movement of the game ball, and can be satisfied with the result even when the game state does not change. As described above, since each method has advantages, bullet ball game machines using the respective methods have been developed even today (Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, as a method having both advantages, whether or not to switch the gaming state is determined by the result of a lottery by the computer, but when switching the gaming state, a gaming ball is placed at a specific entrance or a specific area. There has also been proposed a technique for notifying a player of a lottery result by the movement of a game ball by guiding it.

JP 2003-251019 A JP 2006-181273 A

  However, the method of notifying the player of the result of the lottery by the computer by the movement of the game ball is sufficiently effective even though the game ball notifies the player whether or not the game state is switched. There was a problem that it could not be utilized. This is because if it is attempted to notify the player of the result of the lottery by the computer by the movement of the game ball, it is not necessary for the game ball to move differently from the result of the lottery, so the movement of the game ball is made controllable. It must be a monotonous movement. If the game ball moves only monotonously, it is not possible to excite the player's interests effectively. Also, if the game ball has only controllable movement, if the game state does not change, just because the game ball is notified of the movement, the player can be convinced of the result. Not exclusively. For these reasons, it is difficult to make full use of the advantages even though the game state is notified by the movement of the game ball whether or not the game state is switched.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and it is determined whether or not to switch the gaming state by lottery of the computer, and the result is determined by the movement of the game ball. It is an object of the present invention to provide a ball game machine that can effectively excite a player's interest by informing the player.

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 plays a game by firing a game ball on the game board,
A lottery means for performing a lottery on whether or not to switch a parameter relating to a gaming state when a predetermined condition is established during the game;
A specific area and a non-specific area where a game ball can enter are provided, and if the result of the lottery is a win, the game ball is guided to the specific area in a state that can be visually recognized by the player. A lottery result notifying device for notifying the player of the result of the lottery by guiding the game ball to the non-specific area in a state that is visible to the player when the result of the lottery is not a winner. ,
The lottery result notification device,
A game ball rolling unit in which a game ball supplied from the outside rolls;
A game ball capturing unit that is provided at a plurality of locations adjacent to the game ball rolling unit and that captures the game ball rolling on the game ball rolling unit;
Game ball detecting means for detecting which of the plurality of game ball capturing units has captured the game ball;
The game ball capture unit is provided between the specific region or the non-specific region, and the game ball capture unit, the specific region, and the non-specific region are changed in relative positions with respect to the game ball capture unit, the specific region, and the non-specific region. A game ball guiding unit capable of guiding the game ball captured by the ball capturing unit to either the specific region or the non-specific region;
Changing the relative position of the game ball guiding unit with respect to the game ball capturing unit, the specific region, and the non-specific region while controlling according to a detection result of the captured game ball and a result of the lottery. Thus, the game ball guidance control means for guiding the game ball captured by the game ball capturing unit to the specific area or the non-specific area according to the result of the lottery is provided.

  In the ball game machine of the present invention, when a predetermined condition is satisfied during the game, a lottery is performed regarding whether or not to switch the parameter relating to the game state, and the lottery result is notified by the lottery result notifying device. It has become. Here, the game state may be any game state that can be recognized by the player. For example, a so-called probability change state, a normal game state, or a maximum number of rounds allowed during a big hit. Various game states are included, such as a game state relating to the above, and an effect mode (for example, an effect mode of a sea stage and an effect mode of a mountain stage). Inside the lottery result notification device, there are a specific area and a non-specific area. If the lottery result is a win, the game ball is led to the specific area, and the lottery result is not a win. In this case, the game ball is led to the non-specific area. Further, the player can visually recognize how the game ball is guided, and can notify the player of the lottery result depending on which game ball is guided. Here, inside the lottery result notification device, a game ball rolling unit that is supplied with a game ball and rolls, and a plurality of game ball catching units that catch the game ball rolling the game ball rolling unit In addition, a game ball guiding unit for guiding the game ball from the game ball capturing unit to the specific region or the non-specific region is provided. The game ball guiding unit is provided between the game ball capturing unit and the specific region or the non-specific region, and by changing the relative position with respect to each of the game ball capturing unit, the specific region, and the non-specific region. The game ball captured by the game ball capturing unit can be guided to either the specific area or the non-specific area. Then, when the game ball that was rolling in the game ball rolling unit is captured by the game ball capturing unit, it is detected in which game ball capturing unit, and according to the result and the lottery result, By controlling the game ball guiding unit, the captured game ball is guided to a specific area or a non-specific area corresponding to the result of the lottery.

  In this way, the game ball can be reliably guided to the specific area or the non-specific area according to the result of the lottery. Further, since the game ball rolls on the game ball rolling unit until it is captured by the game ball capturing unit, various paths can be taken until it is captured. In addition, since a plurality of game ball capturing units are also provided, various paths exist for each game ball capturing unit. For this reason, even if the game ball is finally guided to either the specific area or the non-specific area, the game ball can take various routes until then, so that the lottery result is notified. It is possible to avoid the monotonous movement of the game ball.

  Further, in the ball game machine of the present invention, the game ball guiding unit is relative to the game ball capturing unit, the specific region, and the non-specific region before the game ball is supplied to the game ball rolling unit. The position may be changed.

  As described above, when a game ball is supplied to the game ball rolling unit, it is eventually captured by the game ball capturing unit, and the game ball guiding unit is relative to the game ball capturing unit, the specific region, and the non-specific region. By changing the position, the game ball is guided to the specific area or the non-specific area. Therefore, if the relative position of the game ball guiding unit is changed with respect to the game ball capturing unit, the specific region, and the non-specific region before the game ball is supplied to the game ball rolling unit, An impression can be given to the player as if the ball was not guided but accidentally distributed to a specific area or the non-specific area. As a result, the player pays attention to the movement of the game ball unintentionally, and it is possible to stimulate the player's interest in the game.

  Further, in the above-described bullet ball game machine of the present invention, the lottery result notification device may be configured as follows. First, the game ball rolling portion is configured in a substantially annular passage formed so that the game ball can roll, and an annular member that rotates on the inner peripheral side thereof is provided, from the outer peripheral surface side of the annular member A game ball capturing unit that captures a game ball is provided on the inner peripheral surface side. Further, a rotating member having a game ball guiding portion is provided on the inner peripheral side of the annular member provided with the game ball capturing portion. Then, the game ball may be received by the game ball guiding unit from the inner peripheral surface side of the game ball capturing unit provided on the annular member and guided to the specific region or the non-specific region.

  If the rotary motion is rotated in one direction, it will eventually return to its original state. Therefore, if the game ball capturing unit and the game ball guiding unit are rotated, the relative position relationship with each other and the relative position with respect to the specific area or the non-specific area is not noticed by the player. Can be controlled. Therefore, it is possible to easily guide the game ball to either side while making it seem as if the game ball is accidentally distributed to the specific area or the non-specific area. As a result, the player pays attention to the movement of the game ball unintentionally, so that the player's interest can be attracted to the game.

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. Central unit configuration:
A-4. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Overview of control:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Special design game processing:
C-3. Special electric game game processing:
D. Game ball distribution effect processing:
D-1. Probability notification effect processing:
D-2. Principle of guiding the game ball in the distribution effect device:
E. Variation:
E-1. First modification:
E-2. Second modification:
E-3. Third modification:

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 in a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a so that the board surface of the game board 10 arranged 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. Further, a locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper dish part 5 is provided with a dish-shaped concave part and a dish outer edge part 5a formed so as to surround the concave part. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate part 5 and supplied to the launcher unit 12 (see FIG. 6). 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 plate portion 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement is transferred 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 40 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11. As will be described later, the central device 40 is configured by incorporating a distribution effect device that produces an effect of distributing game balls, a display device for various symbols, lamps for effects, and the like, depending on the progress of the game. Thus, an effect using the distribution of game balls is performed, various symbols are variably displayed, or lamps are turned on. The configuration of the central device 40 will be described in detail with reference to another drawing.

  Above the central device 40, 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 are a start port (ordinary electric accessory) switch 17s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passing of the game ball and an ordinary electric accessory (start port) solenoid 17m for operating the wing piece. (See FIG. 6). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, 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. When a game ball enters the start port 17, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls, and in the display device of various symbols provided in the central device 40, the variation display of the symbols is triggered by the entrance. It is supposed to be started.

  Below the central device 40, a special winning opening 31d is provided. The special winning opening 31d is normally closed in a state where gaming balls cannot be entered, but when a predetermined condition to be described later is satisfied, it is in an open state. As a result, the big hit gaming state (sometimes referred to as a special gaming state), which is a gaming state advantageous to the player, is started. In addition, a big prize opening switch 31s (see FIG. 6) is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big prize opening 31d.

  In addition, there are three entrances on the left side of the grand prize winning opening 31d and two on the right side as seen from the player side, and a total of 5 entrances are provided. Then, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls. In the following, in order to distinguish from the starting port 17 described above, when referring to a starting port that is not the starting port 17, it is referred to as a general starting port 19.

  A start port operation gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11 (left side of the central device 40), and a gate switch 36s for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. One ramp windmill 24 is also provided on the diagonally upper left and right sides of the start port 17, and an out port 35 is provided at the lower end of the game area 11. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

A-3. Central unit configuration:
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a rough configuration of the central device 40 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. In the central device 40 of the present embodiment, the frame body 41 is formed of a hard resin, and in the center, from the upper side, the number display device 45, the variable display device 47, the hold number display device 49, the distribution effect unit 50, and the like. Is incorporated. In addition, a special symbol display unit 42 is incorporated in each of the left and right sides of the distribution effect unit 50, and further, there are a total of four places on the left and right sides of the special symbol display unit 42 and the left and right sides of the variable display device 47. An effect lamp 70 is incorporated.

  The special symbol display units 42 incorporated on the left and right of the distribution effect unit 50 are each provided with seven LEDs, and various special symbols can be displayed depending on the lighting pattern of each LED. ing. Further, when a game ball enters the start port 17, each LED constituting the special symbol display unit 42 is turned on or blinked to start the special symbol variation display, and any display after a predetermined time has elapsed. The display is stopped in a manner. If a game ball enters the start port 17 during the fluctuation display of the special symbol display unit 42, the ball is stored as a hold and displayed on the hold number display device 49. The number-of-holds display device 49 is provided with four LEDs, and the number of on-holds can be displayed by turning on the LEDs corresponding to the number of entered balls (the number of holds) stored as a hold. It has become. The variable display device 47 incorporates three 7-segment LEDs. These 7-segment LEDs are configured to display the variable display at the same time that the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display unit 42, and stop display together with the special symbol. The number display device 45 incorporates two 7-segment LEDs. The number display device 45 is configured to count the number of variable displays performed by the special symbol display section 42 and the variable display device 47 by displaying a two-digit number.

  Inside the distribution effect unit 50, a distribution effect device configured to allow the player to see how the game balls are distributed, a mechanism for supplying game balls to the distribution effect device, and a game board surface A mechanism for capturing and storing game balls that have been fired is stored.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the distribution effect device 51 employed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of the distribution effect device 51. As shown in the drawing, the distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment has an annular inner peripheral rotating portion 53 and an outer peripheral rotating portion provided around the substantially circular central rotating portion 52 in a double manner on the outer periphery thereof. 54, an annular rolling passage 55 provided on the outer periphery thereof, a supply passage 58 for supplying game balls to the rolling passage 55, and the like. Among these, the rolling passage 55 provided on the outermost periphery is capable of rolling a game ball, and the outer peripheral rotation portion 54 and the inner peripheral rotation portion 53 provided on the inner side can capture the game ball. Various capture grooves are provided at a plurality of locations. In addition, the central rotating portion 52 provided in the center is provided with a specific area 52a and a non-specific area 52b in which a game ball can enter.

  FIG. 4B shows a specific region 52a, a non-specific region 52b, and a plurality of captures in the central rotating unit 52, the inner peripheral rotating unit 53, the outer peripheral rotating unit 54, and the like by viewing the distribution effect device 51 from above. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the groove | channel was provided. In the center of the figure, a fine hatching is added to the central rotating part 52, and “V” shown in the central rotating part 52 represents a specific area 52a, and “X” represents a non-specific area 52b. Represents. It is the inner peripheral rotating part 53 that is displayed with rough hatching on the outside of the central rotating part 52, and the outer peripheral rotating part 54 that is displayed with a little fine hatching on the outer side. In addition, “A” to “G” displayed on the outer periphery rotating portion 54 and the inner periphery rotating portion 53 represent capture grooves for capturing game balls, respectively. As shown in the drawing, in the distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment, the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 is provided with four capture grooves “A” to “D”, and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 has “ Three capture grooves E "through" G "are provided. Further, as indicated by an arrow in the drawing, the central rotating portion 52 is rotating, and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 and the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 are also rotated around the central rotating portion 52. . The central rotating unit 52, the inner peripheral rotating unit 53, and the outer peripheral rotating unit 54 rotate with their rotational positions controlled by dedicated step motors 50m, 50n, 50o (see FIG. 6), respectively. Further, each of the center rotation unit 52, the inner periphery rotation unit 53, and the outer periphery rotation unit 54 can detect the origin position.

  In the distribution effect device 51 of this embodiment having such a configuration, when a game ball is supplied from the supply passage 58, the game ball rolls on the rolling passage 55. Since the bottom surface of the rolling passage 55 is inclined so that the inner side is lowered (see FIG. 4A), the game balls supplied from the supply passage 58 will eventually reach the rolling passage 55. It rolls while coming into contact with the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 provided inside, and is captured by any of the capturing grooves “A” to “D” provided in the outer peripheral rotating portion 54. The capture groove of the outer peripheral rotation part 54 is also provided to be inclined so that the inner side is lowered, but the inner peripheral rotation part 53 is closed inside the capture groove, so that the game ball is captured in the capture groove, It rotates together with the outer periphery rotating part 54. However, since the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 have different rotational speeds, the trapping grooves for capturing the game balls are eventually provided in the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 as “E” to “G”. The game ball moves to the catching groove of the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 in accordance with any of the catching grooves. The catching groove of the inner peripheral rotation part 53 is also inclined and provided so that the inner side is lowered. However, since the inner side of the catching groove is blocked by the central rotation part 52, the game ball is caught by the catching groove. As it is, it rotates with the inner periphery rotation part 53 for a while. However, since the rotational speeds of the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 and the central rotating portion 52 are different, eventually the capturing groove coincides with the specific region 52a or the non-specific region 52b provided in the central rotating portion 52 and is captured. The game ball being placed enters the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b.

  Since the specific area 52a and the non-specific area 52b are rotated together with the central rotating part 52, the center of the central rotating part 52 can be identified so that the player can easily identify which game ball has entered. A decorative member 52p simulating a medal is erected (see FIG. 4A). The medal surface on the specific area 52a side is gold-plated, and the medal surface on the non-specific area 52b side is silver-plated. Therefore, the player can easily recognize whether the area through which the game ball has passed is the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b depending on whether the surface of the medal is gold-plated or silver-plated. Is possible.

  As described above, in the distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment, when a game ball is supplied from the supply passage 58, the game ball rolls on the rolling passage 55 and then rotates from the outer peripheral rotation portion 54 to the inner periphery by the catching groove. It moves to the part and finally enters either the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. Here, since the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 is provided with four catching grooves “A” to “D”, the game ball rolling on the rolling passage 55 can be caught in any catching groove. There is sex. In addition, since the inner circumferential rotating portion 53 is provided with three catching grooves “E” to “G”, the game ball can move from the catching groove of the outer circumferential rotating portion 54 to any of these catching grooves. . And even if it moves to any capture groove provided in the inner periphery rotation part 53, the game ball can enter either the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. That is, in the distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment, regardless of whether the game ball enters the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b, a very large number of routes are required until the game ball finally enters. It comes to be able to take.

  In addition, the distribution effect device 51 of this embodiment is equipped with game ball detection sensors 56 and 57 for detecting a game ball at a position where it is difficult for the player to find, and in which catching groove the game ball is located. Can be detected. As will be described in detail later, by controlling the rotation speeds of the outer peripheral rotation unit 54, the inner peripheral rotation unit 53, and the central rotation unit 52 in accordance with the detection result of the game ball, the game ball is placed in the specific area 52a. Alternatively, it is possible to freely control which of the non-specific areas 52b is entered. For this reason, the result of the lottery performed inside the gaming machine can be notified to the player depending on whether the game ball enters the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b.

  In addition, as described above, regardless of whether the game ball enters the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b, a very large number of paths can be taken until the final entry. The player feels as if the game ball was accidentally distributed to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. As a result, although the fact that the distribution effect device 51 is actually informing only the lottery result using the game ball, the game ball is in the specific area 52a or non-specific. Since it is felt that the progress of the subsequent game is affected by which of the areas 52b is entered, the lively player pays attention to the movement of the game ball, and as a result, the interest in the game is stimulated. It will be. The details of the control performed to make this possible will be described in detail later.

  The distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment corresponds to the “lottery result notification device” of the present invention. Further, the rolling passage 55 of the present embodiment, which is supplied with a game ball and rolls, corresponds to the “game ball rolling portion” in the present invention, and a catching groove “A” in which the rolling game ball is captured. "To" D "correspond to the" game ball catcher "in the present invention. Furthermore, the game ball detection sensors 56 and 57 of the present embodiment correspond to the “game ball detection means” of the present invention, and the inner peripheral rotation portion 53 of the present embodiment is the “game ball guide section” of the present invention. It corresponds to.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration for supplying game balls to the distribution effect device 51. The game ball that has entered the start port 17 is supplied to the game ball storage unit 62 via the discharge passage 60 after the start of the ball is detected by the start port switch 17s. When a predetermined number (5 in the illustrated example) of game balls can be stored in the game ball storage unit 62 and more game balls are supplied to the game ball storage unit 62 Is discharged from the bypass passage 66.

  A game ball supply unit 64 is provided on the lower end side of the game ball storage unit 62, and an impeller-like cam is incorporated in the game ball supply unit 64. When the step motor 64m is driven to rotate the cam by a predetermined angle, the game balls stored in the game ball storage unit 62 are discharged one by one and are supplied to the distribution effect device 51 through the supply passage 58. To be supplied. In the example shown in FIG. 5, since the cam incorporated in the game ball supply unit 64 is provided with four blades, each time the cam is rotated 90 degrees, the game balls are distributed one by one. Will be supplied.

A-4. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the 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. Under the control of the main control board 200 that controls the success / failure involved, the sub control board 220 that controls the effects of the game using symbols, lamps and sound effects, In addition, it controls the production control board 230 that performs specific control of production performed using the variation display device 47, the distribution production unit 50, the production lamp 70, and the like, and the control of the operation of paying out the rented or winning balls. The payout control board 240 and the launch control board 260 for controlling the launch of the game ball are configured. 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. 6 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 6, only the CPU 201 and ROM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 and the CPU 221 and RAM 223 mounted on the sub control board 220 are shown.

  As shown in the figure, the main control board 200 includes a start opening switch 17 s incorporated in the start opening 17, a general entry opening 19 switch s incorporated in the general entry opening 19, and a big prize opening switch. After receiving a game ball detection signal from 31 s, gate switch 36 s, etc., and determining whether or not it is related to the basic progress of the game and the prize ball, the sub control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260 and the like Towards this end, commands for instructing various operations are output. 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 Are connected to a special symbol display unit 42 and a holding number display device 49 incorporated in the central device 40 via a relay terminal board. These various solenoids 17m and 31m, the special symbol display unit 42 and the holding number display are displayed. These operations are also controlled by outputting a signal toward the device 49 or the like.

  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. For example, a command for designating the content of the effect is output to the number display device 45 incorporated in the central device 40, the variation display device 47, the distribution effect unit 50, and the effect control board 230 that controls the effect lamp 70. The game is rendered by outputting drive signals to the amplifier board 224 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c and the decoration drive board 226 that drives the various LEDs and lamps for decoration. Further, the distribution effect device 51 of the distribution effect unit 50 includes a step motor 50m for rotationally driving the central rotation unit 52, a step motor 50n for rotationally driving the inner periphery rotation unit 53, and an outer periphery rotation unit 54. The step motor 50o for rotationally driving is mounted, but these step motors 50m, 50n, 50o are connected to the effect control board 230 and receive the command from the sub control board 220, and the effect control board 230 is controlled. In addition, when a game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensors 56 and 57, the signal is input to the effect control board 230.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when a 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 launch handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launch handle 8.

  When the launched game ball passes through the start port operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the start port 17 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). Next, when a game ball enters the start port 17 that is in an open state, this time, a special symbol variation display is started in the special symbol display unit 42 incorporated in the central device 40. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the special symbol display unit 42 is configured by seven LEDs provided on each of the left and right sides of the central device 40, and any of these 14 LEDs is selected. Various special symbols can be displayed depending on whether they are lit. When a game ball enters the start port 17, the special symbols displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 are switched one after another, and when a predetermined time elapses, the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any symbol state. At this time, when a stop display is made in a predetermined lighting state (winning symbol), a special gaming state that is a gaming state advantageous to the player is started by hitting a so-called special symbol. In the special game state, the game state (round) in which the special winning opening 31d is in an open state is configured to be 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.

  Further, in the winning symbols displayed on the special symbol display unit 42, “normal winning symbols” and “probable winning symbols” are provided. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed as “ordinary winning symbol”, after the special game is over, the special symbol is displayed for a predetermined number of times (in this example, 100 times) or the next special game state is started. In the meantime, the variation time of the special symbol is shortened and the opening time of the start port 17 is lengthened. Such a gaming state is referred to as a variable time shortening state (or a short time state).

  On the other hand, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed with a “probable change per symbol”, it will be stopped and displayed at any of the winning symbols from the end of the special game until the start of the next special game. Probability is higher than normal. 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 gaming state (or simply a probability variation state). In addition, after the special game due to the “probability change symbol” being stopped and displayed, until the next special game is started (during the probability change state), the special symbol is displayed in the same manner as the above-mentioned short-time state. As the fluctuation time becomes shorter, the opening time of the start port 17 becomes longer.

  As described above, whether the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 is “winning symbol” or not, and in the case of “winning symbol”, it depends on whether it is “normal winning symbol” or “probable variation winning symbol”. The progress of subsequent games is greatly affected. However, the special symbol display unit 42 is not provided in a manner that is easily noticeable to the player, and in addition, the symbols that are stopped and displayed are not displayed in a manner that is easy for the player to understand. Therefore, in accordance with the variation display of the special symbol performed in the special symbol display unit 42, the variation display device 47 starts the variation display of the three 7-segment LEDs, and the special symbol is “normal hit symbol” or “probable variation hit symbol”. ”Is stopped and displayed when the 7-segment LED is“ 7 ”, and when the special symbol is“ stopped ”, three 7-segment LEDs are displayed. Are stopped and displayed with different numbers. In other words, as long as the player sees the stop pattern of the variable display device 47, the player knows whether it is a hit or miss, but in the case of a hit, it does not know whether the hit mode is a normal hit or a probable hit. There is no such thing. And the notification of a hit mode is performed using the distribution production | presentation part 50 as follows.

  First, when the big hit game ends, a number is displayed on the number display device 45. Then, each time the variable display device 47 performs variable display, the number of the number display device 45 counts down one by one. When the number of the number display device 45 becomes “0”, the distribution effecting unit 50 Only one game ball is supplied to the distribution effect device 51 incorporated therein. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the game ball is captured from the rolling passage 55 by any one of the capturing grooves provided in the outer peripheral rotating portion 54, and then in any of the capturing grooves of the inner peripheral rotating portion 53. Finally, the ball enters either the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b provided in the central rotation unit 52. When the game ball enters the specific area 52a, the effect lamp 70 produces an effect that the hit mode is “probable hit”. On the other hand, when the game ball enters the non-specific area 52b, an effect that the hit mode is “normal hit” is performed.

  Actually, whether the hit mode is “normal hit” or “probable hit” is already determined at the stage when the big hit occurs. When the hit mode is “normal hit”, the game ball enters the non-specific area 52b. Conversely, when the hit mode is “probable hit”, the game ball enters the specific area 52a. The rotation of the outer peripheral rotating unit 54, the inner peripheral rotating unit 53, and the central rotating unit 52 is controlled so as to enter the ball. As described above, the ball enters the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. Until then, the game ball can take various routes, so that the player feels that the game ball has accidentally entered the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. For this reason, when a game ball is accidentally distributed to either the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b and is distributed to the specific area 52a, a game state that is likely to hit again becomes a probability variation mode. It will feel like it starts. As a result, the player pays great attention to the movement of the game ball, and can greatly arouse the interest in the game. On the other hand, in actuality, the hit mode is already determined at the stage where the big hit occurs, and the hit mode is determined depending on whether the game ball has entered the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. is not. For this reason, it is not necessary to perform complicated control such as detecting the distribution result or switching the gaming state according to the detected result, and the structure and control of the gaming machine 1 can be kept simple. .

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. 7 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 for controlling 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 electric player game process, a normal electric player stop process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric player game process is repeatedly executed. ing. 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. Then, during these processes, various commands are transmitted from the main control board 200 to the various control boards including the sub control board 220. By doing so, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 progresses, and the sub control board 220 controls the effect according to the progress of the game. 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 the game ball as a prize ball (S50). In this process, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, the game ball winning switch (such as the start opening switch 17s, the general entrance opening switch 19s, and the big winning opening switch 31s) is related to the game ball. Detect whether or not the ball has entered. If 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 the payout control board 240 receives the award ball number designation command output from the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command, and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m mounted on the payout device 109 according to the result. Thus, the process of actually paying out the prize 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 to perform the ordinary electric accessory game process (S100). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the ordinary electric accessory is in operation, in other words, whether or not the starting port 17 is open. If the ordinary electric accessory is not operating, it is determined that the ordinary electric accessory game process is performed (S100: yes), and if the ordinary electric accessory is operating, it is determined that the ordinary electric accessory game process is not performed. (S100: no). When it is determined that the ordinary electric game product process is to be performed (S100: yes), the ordinary electric game process described below is performed (S150). On the other hand, when it is determined not to perform the ordinary electric accessory game process (S100: no), the ordinary electric accessory game process (S150) is skipped.

  In the ordinary electric accessory game process (S150), it is determined whether or not the game ball has passed through the start opening operation gate 36, that is, whether or not the gate switch 36s has detected the game ball, and the game ball is operated in the start opening operation. When it is determined that the gate 36 has been passed (the gate switch 36s has detected a game ball), the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is started. When the ordinary electric accessory is operated in this way, 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 ordinary electric accessory game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the ordinary 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. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of the ordinary electric accessory stopping process. As shown in the drawing, when the ordinary electric accessory stopping process is started, first, it is determined whether or not a predetermined operation 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 (S206), and the ordinary electric accessory stopping process shown in FIG. 8 is performed. finish. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no predetermined number of balls (S204: no), the ordinary electric accessory stopping process shown in FIG. Return to the game control process shown in.

  In the game control process, when returning from the ordinary electric accessory stop process, the process related to the special symbol is started. In this process, after determining whether or not a predetermined condition for performing a special symbol game process, which will be described later, is satisfied, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the special symbol game process is started.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing (special symbol game start determination processing) performed to determine whether or not to start the special symbol game processing. In determining whether or not to start the special symbol game process, first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the start port 17 (S252). As described above, the start port 17 s that detects the entrance of a game ball is provided inside the start port 17, and can detect that a game ball has entered.

  When the game ball is in the start opening 17 (S252: yes), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved special symbols has reached the upper limit (“4” in this embodiment) (S254). As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the number of reserved special symbols can be stored up to four, and is displayed by turning on an LED provided on the number-of-holds display device 49. If the reserved number of special symbols has not reached the upper limit (S254: no), a special symbol success / failure determination random number, a special symbol determination random number, and a special symbol variation pattern determination random number are acquired (S256). Here, the special symbol success / failure determination random number is a random number used to determine whether or not the special symbol is variably displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 of the central device 40, and the special symbol determination random number of the special symbol is It is a random number for determining a special symbol to be stopped and displayed according to the determination result, and the special symbol variation pattern determination random number is a random number used for determining a special symbol variation pattern described later. As described above, when the number of reserved special symbols has not reached “4” (S254: no), after obtaining various random numbers (S256), “1” is added to the number of reserved special symbols (S258). . On the other hand, when the number of reserved special symbols has reached “4” (S254: no), these various random numbers are not acquired.

  Next, in order to determine whether or not to perform special symbol game processing, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is currently being performed (S260). The special symbol game process to be described later is a process for starting the big hit game, which is a special game advantageous to the player, when the special symbol is displayed in a variably displayed state and the winning symbol is stopped and displayed. If a big hit game is currently being played, there is no need to repeatedly start a big hit game. Therefore, when the processing related to the special symbol hold described above is completed, it is determined whether or not a big hit game is being played (S260). It is determined that the process is to be started (that is, S250: yes). On the other hand, if the game is already in the big hit game (S278: yes), it is determined that the special symbol game process is not started (that is, S250: no).

  As described above, when it is determined that the special symbol game process is to be performed (S250: 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 (S250: no), the special symbol game process (S300) is skipped.

C-2. Special design game processing:
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a part of the special symbol game process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the remaining part 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 42 is provided in the central device 40 so that the special symbols can be variably displayed.

  If the special symbol on the special symbol display unit 42 is not changing (S322: no), it is determined whether or not it is during the stop display time for displaying the special symbol stop symbol (S324). That is, for a period of time after the change display of the special symbol is finished, a stop display time is provided for the player to confirm which symbol the special symbol is stopped and displayed. It is judged whether it is in the middle. 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 special symbols on hold is “0”. It is determined whether or not (S326). If the number of special symbols held is “0” (S326: yes), 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 the number of reserved special symbols is not “0”, in other words, if the number of reserved special symbols remains (S326: no), a process for determining whether or not the special symbol is successful (special symbol success / failure determination process) is performed. Start (S330).

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for determining whether or not a special symbol is appropriate. As shown in the figure, when the special symbol success / failure determination process is started, first, a special symbol success / failure determination random number is read (S3300). In the special symbol game start determination process described above with reference to FIG. 9, the special symbol success / failure determination random number indicates that the number of reserved special symbols is four when it is determined that a game ball has entered the start port 17. It is a random number acquired up to 4 until it reaches. In the special symbol success / failure determination processing shown in FIG. 12, first, a process of reading one special symbol success / failure determination random number stored in advance is performed.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a probability variation state (S3302). If it is a probability variation state (S3302: yes), a probability determination table for probability variation is selected (S3304), and if it is not a probability variation state (S3302). : No), the validity determination table for uncertain change is selected (S3306). Here, the success / failure determination table is a table in which the determination result of the special symbol is determined in association with the random determination random number of the special symbol, and is stored in advance in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory view illustrating a special symbol determination table stored in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 13A shows a non-probability change determination table, and FIG. 13B shows a probability change determination table. As shown in the drawing, in the success / failure determination table, the success / failure determination result of the special symbol “win” or “out” is set in association with the random determination random number of the special symbol. Further, as is clear from a comparison between FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, the probability change success / failure determination table shown in FIG. 13B is used for the non-probability change shown in FIG. “Win” determination result is set to a larger number of random numbers than the determination table.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the determination result of the special symbol is “winning” by referring to the selected determination table based on the previously read special symbol determination random number (S3308 in FIG. 12). As described above, the probability change success / failure determination table referred to in the probability variation state is more likely to win a lot of special symbol success / failure determination random numbers than the non-probability variation success / failure determination table referred to when the probability variation state is not. Since the success / failure determination result is set, the success / failure determination result of “winning” is generated with a higher probability during the probability change than during the non-accuracy change.

  If it is determined that the determination result of the special symbol is a win (S3308: yes), after reading the symbol determination random number for the special symbol (S3310), a process for determining the special symbol jackpot symbol is performed (S3312). ). Here, the symbol determination random number of the special symbol is a random number acquired together with the special symbol success / failure determination random number in the special symbol game start determination process shown in FIG. 9 when a game ball enters the start opening. The ROM 202 of the main control board 200 stores a special symbol winning symbol in advance in association with the special symbol determining random number, and the winning symbol can be easily determined based on the symbol determining random number. Further, according to the determined winning symbol, the hit mode of “normal hit” or “probable hit” is also determined.

  On the other hand, if the determination result of the other symbol is “miss” (S3308: no), the symbol determination random number is read out in the same manner as in the case of “winning” (S3314), and then the symbol that is out of the special symbol is determined. Processing is performed (S3316). The process of determining the off symbol is also performed based on the symbol random number.

  As described above, in the special symbol success / failure determination process shown in FIG. 12, the special symbol success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number previously acquired are read to determine whether the special symbol is successful or not Depending on the result, a process of determining a special symbol jackpot or missing symbol is performed (S3312 or S3316). When the big win symbol or the off symbol is determined, the special symbol success / failure determination process is terminated, and the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG.

  In addition, as described above, when it is determined that a special game is started, that is, when the determination result is a win, whether the hit mode is “normal hit” or “probable hit”. The lottery is performed when the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 executes a special symbol success / failure determination process. Therefore, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 of this embodiment corresponds to the “lottery means” in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the special symbol game process, after returning from the special symbol success / failure determination process (S330), the process for setting the variation pattern of the special symbol is subsequently started (S338).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing for setting a variation pattern of a special symbol (special symbol variation pattern setting processing) in the special symbol game process. This process is also a process executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 as in the special symbol game process.

  When starting the special symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 first determines whether or not the special symbol win / fail determination result is a win (S3380). The special symbol success / failure determination has already been performed in the special symbol success / failure determination processing described above with reference to FIG. It can be immediately determined whether or not. If the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct is a win (S3380: yes), it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a short time (ie, the short time function is operating) (S3382). If it is medium (S3382: yes), a variation pattern table (variation pattern table for hit / shortening) to be used when the determination result is successful and the time is short is selected (S3384). On the other hand, when the time is not short (S3382: no), a variation pattern table (a variation pattern table for hit / non-time shortening) to be used when the determination result is true and the time is not short is selected (S3386). . These variation pattern tables are set in advance in the ROM 202 mounted on the main control board 200. The term “short time” refers to a state in which the variable time shortening function (short time function) is in operation, and includes “probability change game”.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a variation pattern table for hitting / shortening time set in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. As shown in the drawing, a variation pattern of a special symbol is set in the variation pattern table in association with the value of the variation pattern determination random number. Here, the variation pattern determination random number is a random number used for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol, and is acquired together with the special symbol success / failure determination random number and the symbol determination random number when the game ball enters the start port 17. It is a random number. Each variation pattern is preset with a variation time of a special symbol. For example, a variation pattern “pattern special 3” is set for a value in the range where the variation pattern determination random number is “0 to 85”, and the variation pattern has a variation time of 25.1 seconds for the special symbol. Is set to be a fluctuation pattern. Similarly, for random values in the range of “86 to 172”, a variation pattern “pattern special 3” is set, and this variation pattern is set to indicate that the variation time of the special symbol is 35.2 seconds. Has been.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a variation pattern table for hit / non-time reduction. Similar to the variation pattern table for hit / short time shown in FIG. 15, the variation pattern table for special symbol is also set in association with the variation pattern determination random number for the variation pattern table for hit / non-time reduction. ing. Note that the variation pattern table in FIG. 15 is a table for time reduction, and the variation pattern table in FIG. 16 is a table for non-time reduction. A pattern having a shorter variation time than the set variation pattern is set.

  As described above, when it is determined that the determination result of the special symbol is a win (S3380: yes in FIG. 14), the variation pattern table for the hit / short time depends on whether the time is short or not. Alternatively, when one of the variation pattern tables for hit / non-time reduction is selected, a variation pattern determination random number is subsequently read (S3388). Then, by referring to the variation pattern table based on the read variation pattern determination random number, the variation pattern of the special symbol when the determination result is “win” is determined (S3390).

  As described above, the processing for determining the variation pattern of the special symbol is described when the determination result of the special symbol is successful (S3380: yes). In this way, the variation pattern of the special symbol is determined.

  When it is determined that the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S3380: no), it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is short in time (S3392), as in the case where it is determined that the game is successful. If the time is short (S3392: yes). A variation pattern table (variation pattern table for out-of-hours / temporal reduction) used when the result of the determination is incorrect and the time is short is selected (S3394). On the other hand, if the time is not short (S3392: no), A variation pattern table (displacement / non-temporal variation pattern table) to be used when it is out of place and not in time reduction is selected (S3396). The variation pattern table used in the case of these deviations is also set in the ROM 222 mounted on the main control board 200, similarly to the variation pattern table in the case of winning.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a variation pattern table for disconnection / shortening time set in the ROM 202 of the main control board 200. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a variation pattern table for detachment / non-time reduction. As shown in the figure, the variation pattern and variation time of the special symbol are also set in association with the variation pattern determination random number in the variation pattern table in the case where the determination result is wrong.

  As described above, even when the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is correct (S3380: no), depending on whether the time is short or not, the variation pattern table for out / time reduction or the variation pattern table for out / non-time reduction is displayed. Select one. Subsequently, after reading the variation pattern determination random number (S3398), the variation pattern of the special symbol when the determination result is “out” is determined by referring to the selected variation pattern table (S3400).

  In the special symbol variation pattern setting process shown in FIG. 14, after determining the variation pattern of the special symbol according to the determination result of the special symbol as described above, the process returns to the special symbol game process of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, after returning from the special symbol variation pattern setting process, the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special symbol variation display on the special symbol display unit 42 (S340), and then holds the special symbol. A process of subtracting 1 from the number is performed (S342). Further, when the special symbol variation display is started, the number of special symbols held is decremented by one, so that the number of special symbols held is subtracted by one. Then, after outputting the command (special symbol variation pattern designation command) for designating the previously determined special symbol variation pattern to the sub-control board 220 (S344), the special symbol stop symbol is designated. A command (special symbol stop information designation command) is also output toward the sub-control board 220 (S346).

  The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the special symbol variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command in this manner, thereby changing the special symbol variation time displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 and the special symbol. You can know information about the stop symbol. Then, after determining the effect mode to be performed by the variable display device 47, the frequency display device 45, the distribution effect unit 50, or the like according to these pieces of information, a control command for instructing the determined effect mode is sent to the effect control board 230. Output toward. By doing so, various effects are also performed in the variation display device 47, the number display device 45, the distribution effect unit 50, etc. in accordance with the variation display and stop display of the special symbols performed in the special symbol display unit 42. It will be.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 determines the variation pattern and 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, The special symbol game process shown in FIG. 10 is terminated and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  The detailed process performed in the special symbol game process when the special symbol is not variably displayed (that is, in the case of S322: no in FIG. 10) has been described above. On the other hand, when the special symbol game process of FIG. 10 is started while the special symbol is changing, it is determined that the special symbol is changing in the determination of S322 performed first (S322: yes). This case corresponds to the case where the special symbol variation pattern and the stop symbol have already been determined and the special symbol variation has started. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the special symbol variation time has elapsed (S348). That is, since the variation time of the special symbol is determined in advance according to the variation pattern, it is determined whether a predetermined variation time has elapsed by setting the timer at the same time as the variation of the special symbol is started. If the variation time has not yet elapsed (S348: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the variation time has elapsed (S348: yes), a command (design stop command) indicating that the special symbol is stopped and displayed is output to the sub-control board 220 (S350). At the same time, the special symbol that is variably displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 is stopped and displayed with the symbol set in advance (S352). Next, after setting a time for stopping and displaying the special symbol (stop display time) (S354), it is determined whether or not the set display time has passed (S356). If the display time has not elapsed (S356: no), the special symbol game process is terminated as it is, and the process returns to the game control process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the special symbol stop display time has elapsed (S356: yes), it is determined whether or not the special symbol that has been stopped is a symbol that will activate the condition device (S358 in FIG. 11). Here, the symbol for operating the condition device is the hit symbol described above. In S358 of FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the special symbols stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 are the 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 is a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device described later. When the special symbol is stopped and displayed on the symbol, the operation is started and the special winning opening 31d is opened. It is a device to do. In addition, the accessory continuous operation device is a device that reopens the closed prize winning opening 31d. Each of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is mainly configured by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200. As will be described in detail later, when the condition device and the accessory continuous action device are operated in this way, when the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process of FIG. 7 is resumed, the special electric accessory game process is started, and the special game 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. The time saving function is a function for shortening the time for which the special symbol display unit 42 and the variable display device 47 display the symbols in a variable manner. Therefore, when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated in S360 of FIG. 11, it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is being changed (S362). If the probability change is in progress (S362: yes), since the probability change function and the time reduction function are activated, these functions are stopped (S364, S366). On the other hand, if the current gaming state is not in a probable change (S362: no), then it is checked whether the time is short (S368), and if it is short (S368: yes) Is stopped (S366). 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, so when the time reduction function is stopped (S366) ) After stopping the function of extending the ordinary electric accessory opening time (S368), the special symbol game process shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 is exited, and the game control process shown in FIG. 7 is resumed. On the other hand, if the game state when the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device are operated is neither probabilistic nor short (S368: no), the special symbol game process is exited and the game control process is resumed.

  In the above, the processing when the special symbol stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 42 is the symbol that activates the condition device has been described (S358: yes). If it is not the symbol that activates (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 and the next big hit gaming state is generated in any hit mode of “probable hit” or “normal hit”. Or it is set to continue until the special symbol fluctuates a predetermined number of times. Therefore, when it is determined that the current gaming state is short of time (S374: yes), after counting the number of fluctuations of the special symbol (S376), it is determined whether or not the count value of the number of fluctuations has reached a predetermined number. To do. Then, if the predetermined number of times has been reached (S378: yes), the time reduction function is stopped (S380), and then the function for extending the ordinary electric accessory opening time is also stopped (S368), and then FIG. 10 and FIG. The special symbol game process shown in FIG. 7 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 game control process of FIG. 7 is resumed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, 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 in operation (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.

C-3. Special electric game game processing:
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special electric accessory game process. A so-called special game state is generated by executing the special electric accessory game process. Hereinafter, the special electric accessory game process will be described with reference to FIG. 19, but as a preparation, the contents of a game called a so-called special game state will be briefly described.

  As described above with reference to FIG. 2, a special winning opening 31d is provided below the game board, and the special winning opening 31d is closed in a normal gaming state. However, when the special game is started, the special winning opening 31d is opened. Since the big winning opening 31d is opened larger than the other winning openings, when the big winning opening 31d is in the open state, the game ball can be entered with a 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. 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 ends. Hereinafter, a special electric accessory game process performed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 in order to execute the special game described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 starts the special electric accessory game process (S400), it is first determined 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 the special gaming state occurs, the special electric accessory operates a predetermined number of times, and a predetermined number of rounds are repeated. ing. In response to this, when the special winning opening 31d is closed (S402: no), it is determined 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. 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, and therefore it is naturally determined that the closing time of the special winning opening 31d has elapsed (S406: yes), and the special winning entry 31d is opened. After the opening (S408), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. 19 is temporarily terminated 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. 7, after performing a series of various processes after the prize ball related process (S50), the special electric game 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. 7 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 utility game process is executed for the first time, the special winning opening 31d is opened in S408 as described above, and the process is ended as it is, but after about 4 msec, the process ends. In the case of performing the round process, 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. 7 is resumed while the special winning opening 31d is kept open.

  While the game control process of FIG. 7 is repeatedly executed, whether the opening time of the special winning opening 31d reaches a predetermined time (S410: yes), or a prescribed number of gaming balls are in the special winning opening 31d. A ball is entered (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, when it is determined in S404 that the predetermined number of rounds have ended (S404: yes), the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous action device is stopped to end the special game state (S416).

  When the special game ends as described above, it is determined whether or not the mode of the winning symbol for operating the condition device is “probable hit” (S418). Then, when it is determined that the probability variation has occurred (S418: yes), the operation of the probability variation function is started (S420). When the operation of the probability variation function is started in this way, a so-called probability variation state is reached, and in the determination of whether or not the left special symbol or the right special symbol is performed next time or later, the hit determination is generated with a higher probability than the normal state. High probability state. On the other hand, when it is determined that the pattern of the winning symbol for operating the condition device is not “probable variation” (S418: no), the processing for activating the probability variation function (S420) is not performed.

  Next, the operation of the time shortening function is started (S422), and further, after the operation of the opening time extension function of the ordinary electric accessory is started (S424), the special electric accessory game process shown in FIG. Returning to the game control process of FIG. The so-called jackpot game (special game) is performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 executing the special electric accessory game process as described above.

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 repeatedly performs the game control process as described above. As a result, when a game ball enters the start port 17, whether or not the special symbol is successful is determined, and when the determination result is a hit, either "normal hit" or "probable hit" is determined. At the same time, a so-called jackpot game is started. Then, after the big hit game is over, the game in the short-time state or the probability variation state is started according to the winning mode. The CPU 201 of the main control board 200 repeatedly executes such processing. On the other hand, in the sub control board 220, although the effect of notifying the occurrence of the big hit using the variable display device 47 is performed, the hitting mode is the specific area 52a in the distribution effect device 51 after the big hit game is finished. Or the effect which alert | reports by making a game ball enter any of the non-specific area | region 52b is performed. Actually, the hit mode has already been determined in the special symbol success / failure determination process described above with reference to FIG. 12, and a game ball is placed in the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b according to the determined hit mode. However, the player can take various paths until the game ball enters the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b, so that the player may accidentally hit the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52a. It is distributed to the specific area 52b, and it is felt that the hit mode of “probable hit” or “normal hit” is determined according to the result. As a result, attention is drawn unintentionally to the movement of the game ball in the distribution effect device 51, and the interest in the game is stimulated. Such effects are performed mainly on the sub-control board 220. Below, the effect control process performed by the sub control board | substrate 220 is demonstrated.

D. Production control process:
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect control process executed by the sub control board 220 of this embodiment based on the command from the main control board 200. As shown in the drawing, in the production control process, first, it is determined whether or not a special symbol variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S1002). When a ball entering the start port 17 is detected, the special symbol variation pattern is determined in the special symbol variation pattern setting process described above with reference to FIG. 14, and is transferred from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 220. Is output. If it is determined that the sub-control board 220 has not yet received the variation pattern designation command (S1002: no in FIG. 20), the sub-control board 220 enters a standby state while monitoring the command. Then, while the game is continued, a game ball enters the start port 17 and a variation pattern designation command is output from the main control board 200. When the sub control board 220 receives this command (S1002: yes) Subsequently, it is determined whether a special symbol stop information designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S1004). In the special symbol game process described above with reference to FIG. 10, when the main control board 200 outputs the special symbol variation pattern designation command (S344 in FIG. 10), it immediately outputs the special symbol stop information designation command ( S346) When the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 receives the special symbol variation pattern designation command, it can also receive the special symbol stop information designation command.

  Thus, when the special symbol variation pattern designation command and the special symbol stop information designation command are received (S1004: yes), the variation display of the three 7-segment LEDs incorporated in the variation display device 47 is started according to the received variation pattern. (S1006). As shown in FIGS. 15 to 18, the variation time of the special symbol is determined according to the variation pattern, and the 7-segment LED in the variation display device 47 also displays the variation only for the time corresponding to the variation pattern. Yes.

  When the variable display of the seven-segment LED of the variable display device 47 is started, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether or not a symbol stop command has been received from the main control board 200 (S1008). As described with reference to FIG. 10, in the special symbol game process performed on the main control board 200, when the variation time determined according to the variation pattern elapses after the special symbol variation display is started, the sub-control substrate 220. A symbol stop command is output toward (S350). Therefore, in the effect control process performed on the sub control board 220, when the fluctuation display on the fluctuation display device 47 is started (S1006 in FIG. 20), it is confirmed whether or not a symbol stop command has been sent from the main control board 200 ( In S1008), if it has not been sent yet (S1008: no), it is in a standby state as it is.

  Then, when the reception of the symbol stop command is confirmed (S1008: yes), the 7-segment LED being variably displayed on the variation display device 47 is stopped and displayed with the symbol designated by the special symbol stop information designation command received previously. (S1010). That is, if the symbol specified by the special symbol stop information designation command is a winning symbol, the symbol is a normal winning symbol, but it is incorporated into the variable display device 47 regardless of whether it is a probability variable winning symbol. All three 7-segment LEDs are stopped and displayed at “7”. On the other hand, when the symbol designated by the special symbol stop information designation command is not a winning symbol, all the seven 7-segment LEDs are stopped and displayed with different numbers.

  After the variable display device 47 is stopped and displayed in this way, it is determined whether or not the displayed symbol is a winning symbol (that is, a 7th place) (S1012), and if it is a winning symbol (S1012: yes), As the big hit game is started on the control board 200, the big hit game is also produced on the sub-control board 220 (S1014). On the other hand, when the symbol stopped and displayed on the variation display device 47 is not a winning symbol (S1012: no), the effect associated with the big hit game is not performed. If the symbol that is stopped and displayed is a winning symbol (S1012: yes), after the effect of the big hit game, if the symbol that is stopped and displayed is a winning symbol (S1012: no), After the stop, processing for the probability change notification effect is performed (S2000). Then, when the probability change notification effect process is completed, the process returns to the head of the effect control process again to monitor whether or not a variation pattern designation command is received from the main control board 200 (S1002). S1002: yes), the above-described series of processing is performed.

  As described above, in the effect performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, when the big hit occurs, the notification of whether the hit mode is “normal hit” or “probable hit” is not performed, and the positive change is made after the big hit game ends. A notification effect process is performed to notify the winning mode. The notification mode is not a simple mode using the symbol variation display by the variation display device 47, but depending on whether the game ball enters the specific region 52a or the non-specific region 52b in the distribution effect device 51. We are reporting. In the following, according to the processing content for performing such a notification effect and whether the hit mode is “normal hit” or “probable hit”, the distribution effect device 51 designates the game ball as a specific area 52a or non-specific. A state of leading to the region 52b will be described.

D-1. Probability notification effect processing:
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the flow of the probability change notification effect process performed in order for the sub control board 220 of this embodiment to perform the effect of the probability change notification. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the distribution effect device 51 reports whether or not the game ball is distributed in the manner that the game ball is distributed, and this effect is described below. This is realized by executing the probability change notification processing described below.

  When the probability change notification effect process is started, it is first determined whether or not the jackpot game is over (S2002). That is, as described in the effect control process of FIG. 20, if the symbol stopped and displayed on the variation display device 47 is a winning symbol, the probability change notification effect processing is started after the end of the big hit game associated therewith. If the symbol stopped and displayed by the variable display device 47 is not a winning symbol, the symbol is immediately displayed after the symbol is stopped. Therefore, when the probability change notification effect process is started, it is determined in which state the process is started.

  When the probability change notification effect process is started after the end of the big hit game (S2002: yes), an initial value of the number of revolutions displayed on the number-of-times display device 45 is determined (S2004). As described above, the number display device 45 incorporates two 7-segment LEDs and can display a two-digit number. Then, each time the variable display device 47 performs variable display, the numerical value displayed on the number display device 45 is counted down one by one, and when the numerical value becomes “0”, it is notified whether or not it is in a probable variation state. It has become. In S2004, the number to be displayed on the number display device 45 as an initial value is determined by lottery.

  Next, an effect of displaying the determined initial value on the number display device 45 is performed (S2006). After playing the big hit game, the player wants to know quickly whether or not the game state is in a probable change state (that is, a state where the big hit is likely to occur again), and the number display device 45 If the initial value displayed on the screen is small, it is possible to quickly know whether or not the gaming state is a probable change state, so the player wishes that the number display device 45 will have the smallest possible value after the big hit Note the initial value set in the number display device 45. Therefore, in S2006, after the two 7-segment LEDs incorporated in the number display device 45 are variably displayed to attract the player's attention, the initial value numbers determined by lottery are displayed. .

  When the initial value of the number display device 45 is set in this way, the probability variation notification flag is set to ON (S2008). Here, the probability change notification flag is a flag indicating that when the value of the number display device 45 reaches “0”, a notification effect is performed to determine whether or not the gaming state at that time is a probability change state. The probability change notification flag is set by writing “1” to a predetermined address of the RAM 223 mounted on the sub-control board 220.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the winning mode in which the big hit game is to be played first is “probable hit” (S2010). As described above with reference to FIG. 20, since the special symbol stop information designation command is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220, it is easy to determine whether or not the hit mode is a positive hit based on the command. It is possible to judge. If the winning mode is a probability variation (S2010: yes), the probability variation flag is set to ON (S2012). Here, the probability change flag is a flag indicating that the hit mode in which the previously won big hit game is generated is the probability change hit, and therefore the current game state is the probability change state. The probability variation flag is also assigned to a predetermined address of the RAM 223 mounted on the sub-control board 220, and can be set by writing “1” at that address. On the other hand, if the winning mode that generated the big hit game is not the probability variation (S2010: no), the probability variation flag is set to OFF (S2014). The CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 sets the probability variation flag to OFF by writing “0” at a predetermined address in the RAM 223.

  As described above, when the probability change notification effect processing is started after the end of the big hit game, the initial value is set in the number-of-times display device 45 (S2004, S2006), and the probability change notification flag is set to ON (S2008). ) Depending on the winning mode in which the big hit game is generated (in other words, whether or not the current gaming state is the probability variation state), the probability variation flag is set to either on or off (S2012, S2014), The probability change notification effect process shown in FIG. 21 is once ended, and the process returns to the effect control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the probability variation notification effect processing is started after the off symbol is stopped and displayed on the variation display device 47 (S2002: no), it is determined whether or not the probability variation notification flag is set to ON. (S2016). As described above, the probability change notification flag is a flag that is turned on together with the initial value setting of the number display device 45 when the probability change notification effect processing is started after the end of the big hit game, and the probability change notification flag is turned on. Means that the number display device 45 is counting down. Therefore, when the probability change notification processing is started at a timing not after the end of the big hit game (S2002: no), the probability change notification flag is turned on to know whether the count display device 45 is currently counting down. It is determined whether or not it is set. As a result, if the probability change notification flag is not set to ON (S2016: no), it is determined that there is no need to perform the probability change notification, so the probability change notification effect processing shown in FIG. Returning to the effect control process of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the probability change notification flag is set to ON (S2016: yes), it can be determined that the count display device 45 is currently counting down, so the numerical value displayed on the count display device 45 is subtracted by one. (S2018). Then, it is determined whether or not the numerical value displayed on the number display device 45 has become “0” (S2020). As a result, when the value displayed on the number display device 45 has not reached “0” (S2020: no), the probability change notification effect process shown in FIG. Return.

  While it is determined that the display value of the number display device 45 has become “0” while repeating such processing (S2020: yes), it is finally time to start a promising notification effect using a game ball. Only one game ball is supplied to the distribution effect device 51 (S2022). As described above with reference to FIG. 5, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game balls are supplied one by one by rotating the cam provided inside the game ball supply unit 64 by a predetermined angle. It is possible. The game balls supplied from the game ball supply unit 64 are supplied to the rolling passage 55 via the supply passage 58 and roll in the rolling passage 55.

  When the game balls are supplied to the distribution effect device 51 in this manner, it is subsequently determined whether or not the probability variation flag is set to ON (S2024). As described above, the probability change flag is a flag indicating whether or not the current game state is a probability change state. If the probability change flag is set to ON (S2024: yes), the current game state is a probability change state. It shows that there is.

  Therefore, when the probability variation flag is set to ON, by appropriately controlling the rotation speed of the outer peripheral rotation unit 54, the inner peripheral rotation unit 53, and the central rotation unit 52, the central rotation unit of the distribution effect device 51 is controlled. The game ball is guided to a specific area 52a (so-called V area) provided in 52 (S2026). On the other hand, when the probability variation flag is not set to ON (S2024: no), the outer peripheral rotating unit 54 or the inner rotation unit 54 is guided so that the game ball is guided to the non-specific region 52b (here, the X region). The rotational speeds of the circumferential rotation unit 53 and the central rotation unit 52 are appropriately controlled (S2032). As will be described in detail later, in the distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment, the game balls are placed in the specific area 52a by controlling the rotation speeds of the outer peripheral rotation unit 54, the inner peripheral rotation unit 53, and the central rotation unit 52. Alternatively, it can be freely guided to any of the non-specific areas 52b.

  Then, when the game ball is guided to the specific area 52a (so-called V winning), the effect lamp 70 provided in the central device 40 displays that the current game state is a probable change state. (S2028), the probability change notification flag is set to OFF (S2030). That is, the probability variation notification flag is a flag that is set to store the notification effect using the game ball, and therefore, when the effect of guiding the game ball to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b is executed. The probability variation notification flag is turned off. On the other hand, when the game ball is guided to the non-specific region 52b, the probability variation notification flag is set to OFF without displaying the probability variation state (S2030), and the probability variation notification effect processing shown in FIG. 21 is performed. The process returns to the effect control process of FIG.

  Then, when the game ball is guided to the specific area 52a (so-called V winning), the effect lamp 70 provided in the central device 40 displays that the current game state is a probable change state. (S2028), the probability change notification flag is set to OFF (S2030). That is, the probability variation notification flag is a flag that is set to store the notification effect using the game ball, and therefore, when the effect of guiding the game ball to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b is executed. The probability variation notification flag is turned off. On the other hand, when the game ball is guided to the non-specific region 52b, the probability variation notification flag is set to OFF without displaying the probability variation state (S2030), and the probability variation notification effect processing shown in FIG. 21 is performed. The process returns to the effect control process of FIG.

  In the probability change notification processing described above, when the game state is the probability change state, the game ball is guided to the specific region 52a, and when the game state is not the probability change state, the effect of guiding to the non-specific region 52b is performed. As described above, regardless of whether the game ball is guided to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b, a great many paths can be taken until the game ball is finally guided. For this reason, in the distribution effect device 51, it can be avoided that the effect of the notification performed using the game ball becomes monotonous.

  In addition, as will be described in detail later, the manner in which the game ball is guided to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b is determined by whether the game ball is accidentally distributed to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. It is supposed to feel like this. As a result, in practice, whether or not to notify the probability change state is determined in advance, and despite only guiding the game ball to the side corresponding to the determined content, If the game ball is distributed to the specific area 52a, it will be in a probable state, and if it is distributed to the non-specific area 52b, it will feel that it will not be in a probable state. become.

  In order to be able to do this, it is possible to freely guide the game ball to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b according to the current gaming state, and the player happens to be in the specific area 52a. Or it is important to make it feel as if it was distributed to the non-specific region 52b. Therefore, in the following, in the distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment, the game balls are placed in the specific area 52a or the non-specific area by controlling the rotation speeds of the outer peripheral rotating section 54, the inner peripheral rotating section 53, and the central rotating section 52. The principle that can be freely guided to 52b will be described.

D-2. Principle of guiding the game ball in the distribution effect device:
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the first half of the state in which the distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment guides the game ball to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment is provided with the central rotation unit 52, the inner periphery rotation unit 53, and the outer periphery rotation unit 54. It can be rotated at the rotation speed. Further, the specific area 52a and the non-specific area 52b are provided in the central rotating portion 52, and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 and the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 are provided with a catching groove for capturing a game ball. In a normal state, the central rotating unit 52, the inner peripheral rotating unit 53, and the outer peripheral rotating unit 54 rotate at their own speeds. In particular, if the outer periphery rotating part 54 that rotates on the outside and the inner periphery rotating part 53 that rotates on the inside of the inner periphery rotating part 53 are considered to continue for a period in which one of them overtakes the other, the period of rotating at the same speed will continue for a while. Various states are repeated such that the period during which one is overtaken by the other continues. In addition, about the inner periphery rotation part 53 and the center rotation part 52, you may make it rotate in the same aspect, and the state where one side overtakes the other gradually or conversely is gradually overtaken. You may make it repeat.

  The distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment is in such a state until the game ball is supplied from the supply passage 58, and as a result, the outer periphery rotation portion 54, the inner periphery rotation portion 53, and the center rotation portion. 52, the relative positional relationship with each other changes to various states. In FIG. 22A, until the game ball is supplied from the supply passage 58, the outer peripheral rotation unit 54, the inner peripheral rotation unit 53, and the central rotation unit 52 have various relative positional relationships. A state of rotating while changing is conceptually shown.

  As described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the central rotating unit 52, the inner peripheral rotating unit 53, and the outer peripheral rotating unit 54 provided in the distribution effect device 51 are respectively provided with dedicated step motors 50 m and 50 n. , 50o, and these step motors are controlled by an effect control board 230. Therefore, the control of rotating the central rotating unit 52, the inner peripheral rotating unit 53, and the outer peripheral rotating unit 54 while controlling the positional relationship between them is performed by the effect control board 230. This is realized by controlling the driving of the step motors 50m, 50n, 50o while detecting the origin position of the rotating unit 54. Therefore, the effect control board 230 of this embodiment corresponds to the “game ball guidance control means” in the present invention.

  When the game ball is supplied from the supply passage 58, the outer peripheral rotating part 54 that rotates on the outside and the inner peripheral rotating part 53 that rotates on the inner side thereof are in a state where the positions of the capture grooves provided to each other do not coincide with each other. Rotate while maintaining the state of. FIG. 22B conceptually shows that the outer peripheral rotating part 54 and the inner peripheral rotating part 53 rotate in a state where none of the capturing grooves provided in each of them coincides. Note that it is sufficient that the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 are rotated so that their catching grooves do not coincide with each other, and therefore the positional relationship shown in FIG. 22B is maintained. They may be rotated at the same speed, or may be rotated while changing the positional relationship by changing the rotational speed within a range where the mutual capture grooves do not coincide. Further, at the time when the game ball is supplied, any one of the capture grooves “A” to “D” provided in the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 and “E” to “G” provided in the inner peripheral rotating portion 53. If any of the catching grooves happens to coincide with each other, the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 promptly change their relative positions until the positions of the catching grooves are not matched. After changing to, it rotates in that state.

  On the other hand, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, the game ball supplied from the supply passage 58 rolls on the rolling passage 55 for a while, but eventually is provided in the outer peripheral rotation portion 54. It is trapped in any of the trapping grooves A ”to“ D ”. As described above, the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 are rotating in a state where the mutual capturing grooves do not coincide with each other, so that the game balls captured in the capturing grooves of the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 are not changed. It rotates with the outer periphery rotation part 54 in a state, and is detected by the game ball detection sensors 56 and 57. FIG. 22C conceptually shows a state in which the game ball captured in the capture groove “A” of the outer peripheral rotation unit 54 is detected by the game ball detection sensor 56.

  As described above, after the game ball is supplied from the supply passage 58, the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 rotate while maintaining a state in which the positions of the mutual capture grooves do not match. Although a slight change in the relative position is allowed, it basically rotates while maintaining the same positional relationship. Further, when the game ball is supplied, if the position of the catching groove of the outer peripheral rotating part 54 coincides with the position of the catching groove of the inner peripheral rotating part 53, the catching groove is shifted. The relative position of the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 changes, and thereafter, the rotation is basically performed while maintaining substantially the same positional relationship. As described above, the outer periphery rotating portion 54 and the inner periphery rotating portion 53 perform unique movements until the game ball is detected by any of the game ball detection sensors 56 and 57 after the game ball is supplied. However, before the game ball is supplied, if it seems that one of the outer peripheral rotation unit 54 and the inner peripheral rotation unit 53 continues to pass the other, the period of rotation at the same speed continues for a while. Rotating while repeating various states such that the period of time overtaken by the other continues. For this reason, after the game ball is supplied, even if the outer peripheral rotation unit 54 and the inner peripheral rotation unit 53 rotate while maintaining substantially the same positional relationship, or immediately after the game ball is supplied, Even if the positional relationship between the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 changes so that the two do not match, the player feels that the movement before the game ball is supplied continues. For this reason, when a game ball is supplied, the player is prevented from realizing that the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 are performing unique movements.

  Further, after the game ball is supplied, the catching groove of the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 and the catching groove of the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 are kept in a state of not matching each other. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 22 (c), the capture groove of the outer peripheral rotation part 54 capturing the game ball is always sandwiched between the capture grooves provided in the inner peripheral rotation part 53. It has become. In the example shown in FIG. 22 (c), the catching groove “A” catching the game ball is sandwiched between the catching groove “E” and the catching groove “F” of the inner peripheral rotating part 53. In addition, since the movements of the outer periphery rotation unit 54, the inner periphery rotation unit 53, and the center rotation unit 52 are controlled by the effect control board 230, the effect control board 230 detects the game balls by the game ball detection sensors 56 and 57. And which capture groove of the outer peripheral rotation part 54 is captured by the game ball, and which capture groove provided in the inner peripheral rotation part 53 is positioned between the capture grooves. It is possible to recognize.

  Then, on the basis of the recognition result, the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 and the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 are driven with a relative rotational speed difference so as to be captured in the capturing groove “A” of the outer peripheral rotating portion 54. The game ball can be moved to either the catching groove “E” or the catching groove “F” provided in the inner peripheral rotating portion 53. For example, if the game ball is moved to the catching groove “E”, the rotational speed of the outer peripheral rotating part 54 is increased or the rotational speed of the inner peripheral rotating part 53 is decreased. In this way, the catching groove “A” catching the game ball eventually coincides with the catching groove “E”, so that the game ball can be moved to the catching groove “E”. On the contrary, if the game ball is moved to the catching groove “F”, the rotational speed of the outer peripheral rotating part 54 may be decreased or the rotational speed of the inner peripheral rotating part 53 may be increased.

  Also, in the relationship between the inner peripheral rotation part 53 and the central rotation part 52, the game balls captured in any of the catch grooves of the inner peripheral rotation part 53 are provided in the central rotation part 52 by the same principle. It is possible to lead to either the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. In other words, the effect control board 230 knows which capture groove of the inner peripheral rotation unit 53 the game ball captured by the outer peripheral rotation unit 54 moves, and further, the inner peripheral rotation unit 53 and the central rotation unit. The rotational position of 52 is also grasped. Accordingly, after the game ball is moved to the catching groove of the inner peripheral rotation portion 53, the relative positional relationship between the inner peripheral rotation portion 53 and the central rotation portion 52 is determined in order to guide the game ball to the specific area 52a. How to control, or how to control the relative positional relationship between the inner peripheral rotation part 53 and the central rotation part 52 in order to guide the game ball to the non-specific area 52b It is possible to grasp easily. From this, when a game ball is detected as shown in FIG. 22 (c), depending on whether the game ball should be led to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b, The game ball is moved to the capture groove that can more easily guide the game ball in the capture groove “E” or the capture groove “F”, and the specific region 52 a or 52 a is moved from the moved capture groove. What is necessary is just to guide a game ball to the non-specific area 52b. This point will be explained more specifically.

  FIG. 23 shows the latter half of the state in which the distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment guides the game ball to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b (that is, the specific area 52a or non-specific after detecting the game ball). It is explanatory drawing which showed until it guide | induces to the area | region 52b. As an example, FIG. 23A shows a case where a game ball is guided to the non-specific area 52b indicated by “X” in the drawing. As shown in the drawing, at the timing when the game ball in the catching groove “A” of the outer peripheral rotating part 54 is detected, the catching groove “A” is separated from the catching groove “E” provided in the inner peripheral rotating part 53 and the catching groove. It is sandwiched between “F”. Of these two catching grooves, the catching groove “E” is closer to the non-specific region 52b where the game ball is to be guided, so the game ball in the catching groove “A” is moved to the catching groove “E”. I will decide. In order to move the game ball in the catching groove “A” to the catching groove “E”, the outer peripheral rotation part 54 provided with the catching groove “A” is rotated to the inner circumference rotation provided with the catching groove “E”. What is necessary is just to control the rotational speed of the outer periphery rotation part 54 and the inner periphery rotation part 53 so that the part 53 may overtake. In actual control, the rotation speed of the outer periphery rotation part 54 may be decreased, or the rotation speed of the inner periphery rotation part 53 may be increased.

  Further, while the game ball is moved from the catching groove “A” to the catching groove “E” in this way, the central rotating unit 52 is controlled as follows. Since the non-specific region 52b that finally leads the game ball is immediately in front of the catching groove “E”, the central rotating portion 52 is also substantially the same as the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 so that this relationship is maintained. Rotate at speed. At this time, if the distance between the capture groove “E” and the non-specific region 52b is too short, the central rotating portion 52 may be rotated somewhat faster to secure the distance. Control is performed so that the circumferential rotation portion 53 does not rotate faster and the capture groove “E” does not coincide with the non-specific region 52b.

  When the game ball moves to the catching groove “E”, this time, the inner circumference rotating portion 53 and the center turning portion 52 so that the inner circumference rotating portion 53 provided with the catching groove “E” overtakes the center rotating portion 52. To control the rotation speed. Again, in actual control, the rotation speed of the inner peripheral rotation section 53 may be increased, or the rotation speed of the central rotation section 52 may be decreased. Regardless of which method is used, if the inner peripheral rotation portion 53 is rotated at a faster speed than the central rotation portion 52, the game ball in the catching groove “E” can be reliably guided to the non-specific region 52b. It becomes. In FIG. 23 (a), the game ball captured in the capture groove “A” as described above is moved to the capture groove “E” and then guided to the non-specific region 52b. It is represented by

  On the other hand, FIG. 23B shows a case where a game ball is guided to the specific area 52a indicated by “V” in the drawing. As described above, at the timing when the game ball in the catching groove “A” of the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 is detected, the catching groove “A” is captured by the catching grooves “E” and “F” provided in the inner peripheral rotating portion 53. However, since the capture groove “F” is slightly closer to the target specific area 52a, the game ball in the capture groove “A” is moved to the capture groove “F”. In order to move the game ball in the catching groove “A” to the catching groove “F”, the rotational speeds of the outer peripheral rotating part 54 and the inner peripheral rotating part 53 are such that the outer peripheral rotating part 54 is overtaken by the inner peripheral rotating part 53. Can be controlled. In addition, since the capture groove “F” and the final target specific area 52a are considerably separated, the capture groove “F” is moved while the game ball is moved from the capture groove “A” to the capture groove “F”. The rotational speed of the central rotation unit 52 is controlled so that the distance between the center region 52a and the specific region 52a is slightly closer. Even in this case, control is performed so that the capture groove “F” does not coincide with the specific region 52a.

  When the game ball is moved to the catching groove “F” in this way, this time, the inner circumference rotating portion 53 and the center rotating portion are provided so that the inner circumference rotating portion 53 provided with the catching groove “F” overtakes the center rotating portion 52. The rotational speed of the unit 52 is controlled. Again, in actual control, the rotation speed of the inner peripheral rotation section 53 may be increased, or the rotation speed of the central rotation section 52 may be decreased. By doing so, the catching groove “F” eventually coincides with the specific area 52a, so that it is possible to reliably guide the game ball from the catching groove “F” to the specific area 52a. In FIG. 23 (b), the game ball captured in the capture groove “A” as described above is moved to the capture groove “F” and then guided to the specific area 52a by a broken arrow. It is represented.

  As described above, in the distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment, the game ball supplied from the supply passage 58 rolls on the rolling passage 55 and is then captured by the four outer peripheral rotation portions 54. Captured in any of the grooves. At this time, which capture groove is captured is determined by chance, but which capture groove can be detected by the game ball detection sensors 56 and 57. Yes. In addition, the game ball captured in the capture groove of the outer peripheral rotation portion 54 moves to the capture groove provided in the inner peripheral rotation portion 53 on the inner side, and then, from the capture groove, the specific rotation provided in the central rotation portion 52 A ball enters either the region 52a or the non-specific region 52b. The rotation of the outer periphery rotation unit 54, the inner periphery rotation unit 53, and the center rotation unit 52 is controlled by the effect control board 230. Actually, it is detected in which catching groove of the outer peripheral rotating portion 54 the game ball is captured, and based on the result, the outer peripheral rotating portion 54, the inner peripheral rotating portion 53, and the central rotating portion 52 rotate. By controlling the above, the game ball is transported to the target side of the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b, but the outer periphery rotation part 54, the inner periphery rotation part 53, and the center rotation part 52 Since the balls have been rotated while changing their relative positions before being supplied, the player does not have the game ball transported to the target side of the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b, You will feel as if you were assigned.

  In addition, the game balls supplied to the distribution effect device 51 are initially caught in the catching grooves of the outer peripheral rotating part 54 after rolling on the rolling passage 55, and therefore, a plurality of game balls provided in the outer peripheral rotating part 54. Which of the capture grooves is captured is determined by chance. Thereafter, the position of the game ball is detected and transported to the target side of the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b, but since the position where the game ball is first captured is determined by chance, After that, it seems that the route of the game ball is determined by chance, so it seems to the player that the game ball is accidentally distributed to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. I can only see it.

  In addition, since the game ball detection sensors 56 and 57 are provided in places where it is difficult for the player to see, the player does not notice that the position of the game ball is detected. Therefore, based on the result of detecting the position of the game ball, by controlling the rotation speed of the outer peripheral rotation unit 54, the inner peripheral rotation unit 53, and the central rotation unit 52, the game ball is conveyed to the target side. It is never realized by the player.

  In the distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment, for the reason described above, it is possible for the player to appear as if the game balls are distributed to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b by chance, but still. The game ball can surely enter the predetermined area 52a or the non-specific area 52b on the predetermined side.

E. Modified example:
In the above-described distribution effect device 51 of the present embodiment, game balls are initially allocated by chance, and the result is detected to convey the game balls, thereby realizing that the game balls are conveyed to the player. Therefore, it can be transported to the target side (in the example described above, the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b). However, the mode of transporting the game ball in this way is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be realized in various modes. Hereinafter, these modified examples will be described.

E-1. First modification:
In the embodiment described above, the game ball captured in the capture groove of the outer peripheral rotation unit 54 is detected, and thereafter, the game ball is guided to the central rotation unit 52 via the inner peripheral rotation unit 53. That is, the distribution until the position of the game ball is detected is a one-stage distribution, and the transport to the target side after the detection of the position of the game ball is once performed in the catching groove of the inner peripheral rotation part 53. After that, it was transported in multiple stages. However, the distribution up to the detection of the position of the game ball may be performed in multiple stages, and the transport after the detection of the position of the game ball is performed as a one-stage transport and is transported immediately to the target side. May be.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing how the game ball is guided in the distribution effect device 51 of the first modification. FIG. 24A shows a state in which the outer peripheral rotating unit 54, the inner peripheral rotating unit 53, and the central rotating unit 52 are rotated before the game ball is supplied. In the first modification, the outer peripheral rotating part 54 and the inner peripheral rotating part 53 can be rotated at a completely free rotational speed. However, in the relationship between the inner peripheral rotation part 53 and the central rotation part 52, if it seems that the period during which one overtakes the other continues, the period during which the rotation rotates at the same speed continues for a while, and then the period during which one overtakes the other. Various states such as continuing are repeated.

  Next, when a game ball is supplied from the supply passage 58, any of the catching groove “E” or the catching groove “G” provided in the inner peripheral rotation part 53 is either the specific area 52a provided in the central rotation part 52 or The non-specific region 52b does not coincide with the non-specific region 52b, and rotates while maintaining such a positional relationship. FIG. 24B shows a state in which the inner periphery rotation unit 53 and the center rotation unit 52 rotate in the same direction while maintaining such a positional relationship. The outer periphery rotating portion 54 rotates at an arbitrary speed even after the game ball is supplied. Further, the supplied game ball initially rolls in the rolling passage 55, but is eventually caught in any catching groove provided in the outer peripheral rotating portion 54. And since the outer periphery rotation part 54 is rotating at an arbitrary speed with respect to the inner periphery rotation part 53, it moves to one of the catching grooves provided in the inner periphery rotation part 53 before long. At this time, which capture groove the game ball moves to is determined by chance.

  In the first modification, when the game ball moves to the catching groove of the inner peripheral rotation portion 53 in this way, the catching groove is detected by the game ball detection sensors 56 and 57. FIG. 24C shows a state in which the position of the game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensor 56. In the first modified example, after the game ball is supplied, any of the catch grooves provided in the inner peripheral rotation unit 53 is rotated in the center until the game ball is detected by the game ball detection sensors 56 and 57. It rotates, maintaining the state which does not correspond with the specific area | region 52a provided in the part 52, or the non-specific area | region 52b. For this reason, when a game ball is detected, the catching groove in which the game ball is caught is always sandwiched between the specific area 52a and the non-specific area 52b provided in the central rotating portion 52. ing. In the example shown in FIG. 24C, the game ball is captured in the capture groove “E”, and a non-specific region 52b exists in front of the capture groove and a specific region 52a exists in the rear. Therefore, if the game ball is guided to the specific area 52a, if the rotational speeds of the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 and the central rotating portion 52 are controlled so that the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 is overtaken by the central rotating portion 52, The game ball can surely enter the specific area 52a. On the other hand, if guiding to the non-specific region 52b, the rotational speeds of the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 and the central rotating portion 52 may be controlled so that the inner peripheral rotating portion 53 overtakes the central rotating portion 52.

  Even in this case, the player can reliably guide the game ball to the predetermined side while making it seem that the game ball is accidentally distributed to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. Is possible.

E-2. Second modification:
In the embodiment described above, the inner periphery rotation portion 53 and the outer periphery rotation portion 54 rotate around the central rotation portion 52 provided with the specific area 52a and the non-specific area 52b, and the game ball is stored in the central rotation section 52. It has been described that it is guided to either the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b while rotating around the area. However, the mode of guiding the game ball to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b is not limited to rotational movement, and can be guided in various modes. For example, the game ball may be guided to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b while swinging.

  FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a distribution effect device 51 of a second modified example in which a game ball is guided to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b while swinging left and right. In the illustrated example, the game ball is first supplied to the rolling part, and then supplied to the final distribution part provided with the specific area 52a and the non-specific area 52b via the swinging part. Yes. The game ball rolls on the rolling part for a while and is then discharged from the discharge port. A swing part is provided below the discharge port, and the swing part constantly swings in the left-right direction with respect to the discharge port. Further, the inside of the swing part is composed of two upper and lower plates, and the upper plate 59a is provided with three catching holes “A” to “C” capable of catching game balls, and the lower plate 59b. In addition, two catching holes “D” and “E” capable of catching the game ball are provided. The upper plate 59a is fixed to the main body of the swing part, and the three catching holes “A” to “C” provided in the upper plate 59a have game ball detection sensors 56a, 56b, 56c is provided. The lower plate 59b is configured to be swingable in the left-right direction with respect to the upper plate 59a. For this reason, the game ball discharged from the rolling part is captured in one of the three capture holes “A” to “C” provided in the upper plate 59a, and then the capture hole provided in the lower plate 59b. Via “D” or “E”, it is supplied to the final sorting section below. In addition, since the specific area 52a and the non-specific area 52b are provided in the final distribution part, and the final distribution part is also swinging in the left-right direction, the game ball is in the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. Any of them can be supplied.

  As described above, also in the distribution effect device 51 of the second modified example, the game balls are distributed to any one of the three catching holes “A” to “C” provided in the upper plate 59a by chance. . The distribution result is detected by the game ball detection sensors 56a, 56b, and 56c, and in response to the result, the entire swinging unit, the lower plate 59b incorporated in the swinging unit, and the final sorting unit are respectively controlled. By controlling the movement, it is possible to guide the game ball to the target side of the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b while making the player feel as if it was a coincidence. In the following, this situation will be briefly described.

  FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a first half of a state in which the game ball is guided to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b in the distribution effect device 51 of the second modified example. FIG. 26A shows a state before game balls are supplied. Before the game ball is supplied, the swinging part swings in the left-right direction with respect to the rolling part, and the lower plate 59b incorporated in the swinging part also moves in the left-right direction with respect to the upper plate 59a. Is swinging. Further, the state in which the lower plate 59b swings is a state in which the swinging period of the upper plate 59a continues for a while if the period of swinging with respect to the upper plate 59a continues. Oscillating while repeating irregularly. Further, the final allocating portion also swings in the left-right direction with respect to the rolling portion.

  Next, when the game ball is supplied, the swinging unit and the final distributing unit continue to swing in the left-right direction, but the lower plate 59b incorporated in the swinging unit swings relative to the upper plate 59a. Stop moving. At this time, the position where the lower plate 59b stops stops at a position where any of the catch holes provided in the lower plate 59b does not coincide with the catch holes of the upper plate 59a. FIG. 26B shows a state in which the lower plate 59b provided in the swinging portion stops swinging with respect to the upper plate 59a in response to the game ball being supplied to the rolling portion. Yes. As described with reference to FIG. 26 (a), the lower plate 59b swings or stops swinging with respect to the upper plate 59a before the game ball is supplied. However, even if the swinging of the upper plate 59a is stopped, the player does not feel uncomfortable. In addition, even if the lower plate 59b is stopped with respect to the upper plate 59a, the entire swinging portion still swings in the left-right direction, so that the lower plate 59b is stopped with respect to the upper plate 59a. In particular, the player will not notice.

  In such a state, the game ball that has been rolling at the rolling part is discharged to the place where the entire swinging part is swinging, and is then inserted into one of the three catch holes provided on the upper plate 59a. Sorted. At this time, the lower plate 59b is kept at a position so as to block any of the catch holes provided in the upper plate 59a, so that the game ball is caught in the catch hole of the upper plate 59a. In addition, it is detected by the game ball detection sensors 56a, 56b, and 56c provided in the upper plate 59a whether the game ball is captured in which capture hole. FIG. 26C illustrates a state in which the game ball discharged from the rolling part is captured in the capture hole “A” provided in the upper plate 59a.

  If it is desired to guide the game ball toward the specific area 52a, when the specific area 52a comes below the capture hole "A" where the game ball is captured, the capture hole "D" of the lower plate 59b. "Is matched with the catching hole" A "where the game ball is caught, and the game ball may be dropped. Conversely, if it is desired to guide the game ball to the non-specific region 52b side, when the non-specific region 52b comes below the capture hole "A" where the game ball is captured, the capture hole of the lower plate 59b “D” may be matched with the capture hole “A”.

  FIG. 27 shows the second half of the state in which the distribution effect device 51 of the second modification guides the game ball to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b (that is, after detecting the game ball, the specific area 52a or It is explanatory drawing which showed until it guide | induces to the non-specific area | region 52b. FIG. 27A shows a case where a game ball is guided to the specific area 52a, and FIG. 27B shows a case where a game ball is guided to the non-specific area 52b. Since it is detected in which catch hole provided in the upper plate 59a that the game ball is captured, if the swing position of the swing part and the final sort part can be detected (or controlled), By moving the lower plate 59b at an appropriate timing and matching the positions of the catch holes, it is possible to guide the game ball to either the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b.

  As described above, also in the distribution effect device 51 of the second modified example, the game balls supplied to the distribution effect device 51 are completely accidentally captured by the capture holes “A” to “C”. It is captured by either. Then, by detecting the capture hole where the game ball is captured and controlling the movement of the lower plate 59b in response to the result, the game ball is actually guided to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. However, since it appears to the player that the swinging part and the final sorting part are swinging before the game ball is supplied, the game ball accidentally happens to be in the specific area 52a or not. It is possible to make it feel as if it has been distributed to the specific area 52b.

  In addition, it is determined completely by chance whether the game ball rolled in the rolling part is captured in the upper plate 59a, and the result is detected. However, since the player does not know, it seems that the subsequent movement of the game ball is determined by chance. For this reason, even in the distribution effect device 51 of the second modified example, the player can only see the game balls as if they were distributed to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b by chance. Nevertheless, it is possible to reliably guide the game ball to the predetermined side of the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b.

  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 distribution effect device 51 of the above-described embodiment, the game ball initially moves on the outer periphery, but gradually moves inward, and finally, the specific area 52a provided in the center or non-specific It has been described as being guided to the region 52b. However, the specific area 52a and the non-specific area 52b are provided on the outermost periphery, and at first, gradually move outward while going around the center, and finally lead to the specific area 52a or the non-specific area 52b. Also good.

  In the various embodiments described above, it is assumed that the player is notified of whether or not the hit mode is a positive change using the movement of the game ball by the distribution effect device 51. However, if the result determined by the lottery is notified, the notified content is not limited to the hit mode, and the notification effect by the distribution effect device 51 can be used to notify various contents. For example, the number of rounds during the big hit may be determined by lottery, and the result may be notified to the player by using the distribution effect device 51, or the number of continuations of the short-time game to be performed after the big hit game ends And the result may be notified to the player.

  Further, in the various embodiments described above, the description has been made focusing on the fact that the probability change notification effect processing is performed after the end of the big hit game. However, not only after the jackpot game ends, but after the symbol indicating the jackpot stops, the probability change notification effect processing may be performed immediately before the jackpot game is started. Furthermore, the probability change notification processing may be performed during the big hit round.

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 rough structure of the central apparatus mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the distribution production apparatus employ | adopted with the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure for taking in and storing a game ball and supplying a game ball to a distribution production | presentation apparatus. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control process which CPU mounted in the 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 the flow of the special symbol game start judgment process performed in order to judge whether the special symbol game process is started. It is the flowchart which showed a part of special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the remaining part of the special symbol game process. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the process which performs the decision | availability determination of a special symbol. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the success determination table of the special symbol memorize | stored in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol variation pattern setting process which sets the variation pattern of a special symbol in a special symbol game process. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the fluctuation pattern table for a contact time reduction set in ROM of the main control board. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the fluctuation pattern table for hitting / non-time reduction set to ROM of the main control board. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally and the fluctuation pattern table for time reduction set to ROM of the main control board. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally and the fluctuation pattern table for non-time-shortening set to ROM of the main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a special electric accessory game process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the presentation control process which the sub control board of a present Example performs based on the command from the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the flow of the probability change notification effect process performed in order for the sub control board of a present Example to perform the effect of probability change notification. It is explanatory drawing which showed the first half part of a mode that the distribution production | presentation apparatus of a present Example guide | induces a game ball to a specific area or a non-specific area. It is explanatory drawing which showed the second half part of a mode that the distribution production | presentation apparatus of a present Example guide | induces a game ball to a specific area or a non-specific area. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that a game ball is guide | induced in the distribution production apparatus of a 1st modification. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the distribution production | presentation apparatus of the 2nd modification which guides to a specific area or a non-specific area, swinging a game ball to the left and right. It is explanatory drawing which showed the first half part of a mode that the distribution production | presentation apparatus of a 2nd modification guides a game ball to a specific area or a non-specific area. It is explanatory drawing which showed the second half part of a mode that the distribution production | presentation apparatus of a 2nd modification guides a game ball to a specific area or a non-specific area.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Game machine, 17 ... Starting port, 40 ... Central apparatus, 47 ... Fluctuation display apparatus,
50: Distribution effect section 51: Distribution effect device (lottery result notification device),
52 ... Central rotating part, 52a ... Specific area, 52b ... Non-specific area,
53 ... Inner peripheral rotating part (game ball guiding part), 54 ... Outer peripheral rotating part,
55 ... Rolling passage (game ball rolling part),
56, 57 ... game ball detection sensor (game ball detection means),
56a, 56b, 56c ... gaming ball detection sensor, 58 ... supply passage,
59a ... upper plate, 59b ... lower plate, 60 ... discharge passage,
62 ... Game ball storage unit, 64 ... Game ball supply unit, 200 ... Main control board,
201 ... CPU (lottery means), 220 ... sub control board,
230 ... Production control board (game ball guidance control means),
A, B, C, D ... catching groove (game ball catching part)

Claims (3)

In a ball game machine that plays a game by firing a game ball on the game board,
A lottery means for performing a lottery on whether or not to switch a parameter relating to a gaming state when a predetermined condition is established during the game;
A specific area and a non-specific area where a game ball can enter are provided, and if the result of the lottery is a win, the game ball is guided to the specific area in a state that can be visually recognized by the player. A lottery result notifying device for notifying the player of the result of the lottery by guiding the game ball to the non-specific area in a state that is visible to the player when the result of the lottery is not a winner. ,
The lottery result notification device,
A game ball rolling section that is supplied with a game ball and rolls;
A game ball capturing unit that is provided at a plurality of locations adjacent to the game ball rolling unit and that captures the game ball rolling on the game ball rolling unit;
Game ball detecting means for detecting which of the plurality of game ball capturing units has captured the game ball;
The game ball capture unit is provided between the specific region or the non-specific region, and the game ball capture unit, the specific region, and the non-specific region are changed in relative positions with respect to the game ball capture unit, the specific region, and the non-specific region. A game ball guiding unit capable of guiding the game ball captured by the ball capturing unit to either the specific region or the non-specific region;
Changing the relative position of the game ball guiding unit with respect to the game ball capturing unit, the specific region, and the non-specific region while controlling according to a detection result of the captured game ball and a result of the lottery. And a game ball guidance control means for guiding the game ball captured by the game ball capturing unit to the specific region or the non-specific region in accordance with the result of the lottery. Gaming machine. In the ball game machine according to claim 1,
The game ball guiding unit has changed in relative position with respect to the plurality of game ball capturing units, the specific region, and the non-specific region before the game ball is supplied to the game ball rolling unit. A ball game machine characterized by that. In the bullet ball game machine according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The gaming ball rolling portion is a substantially annular passage formed so that the gaming ball can roll,
The game ball capturing part is provided on an annular member that rotates on the inner peripheral side of the game ball rolling part, and is a capture part provided from the outer peripheral surface side to the inner peripheral surface side of the annular member,
The game ball guiding portion is provided on a rotating member that rotates on the inner peripheral side of the annular member provided with the game ball capturing portion, receives the game ball from the inner peripheral surface side of the annular member, and A bullet ball game machine characterized by being guided to a specific area or the non-specific area.

Images